Being thrown to the wolves is a death sentence. Adalia knows that all too well, since she witnessed her own father being slaughtered in that same unmerciful way. Living life as a meek slave in a kingdom full of royals, Adalia has no rights and is treated no better than dirt itself. So when she's accused of a crime she committed out of fear, she is punished. Her sentence? Being thrown to the wolves. But things are not as all as they seem in a world oblivious to the hidden creatures around them..... *Cover by Van's Covers

Dreams. They're only dreams. Strange, brutal dreams, straight off the pages of an ancient Greek mythology book. That's what Mandy Burkhardt tells herself, stocking shelves at the Occult Bookstore in Chicago. Her boss senses more. He feels something. An awakening. The prophecy. The others can, too, even if they can't quite put a finger on it. As the hidden power inside of her grows, an ancient spell comes to life, compelling her back to her rightful time and place: ancient Greece, a barbaric era of witches and gods, gorgons and oracles. Witnessed by new friend, Ryan Taylor, Mandy's disappearances can no longer be denied. Together, they try to discover what's happening to her and why but in the process become targets in a deadly and sinister plot. Caged, trussed, shackled and hunted, Mandy must come to terms with her past and fight for her future in a bloody battle to the finish with even more at stake than she knows. * * * Bringing legend back to life in this present-day fantasy thriller, the Medusa Deception gives readers a glimpse of ancient Greece and the gods - their thirst for power and revenge - their treachery and lies.

"Do you know what metal this knife is made of?" My breaths were coming out in ragged wheezes, sounding garbled as my windpipe fought around the blood in my mouth. "No, sir." "It's silver." Another round of tears sprung loose from my eyes, and my hands curled into fists. How could I be so stupid? I could hear the smile in his voice, "Do you know what I am going to use this knife for, girl?" When I tried to speak, all that came out was a strained sob. A round of laughter erupted from the table, the council reveling in my torture. "I'm sorry, pet, I couldn't hear you," Alpha unhooked the back of my dress, exposing his canvas. A tremor racked my body, nearly seizing my vocal cords, "For carving into my body, sir." "Correct." +++ Copyright© to -hickman

When Vikings are seen off the shore of a small town in Ireland, seventeen year old, Clare, is determined to drive them away. Being clever and strong-willed, she makes a courageous attempt to protect not only her village, but also herself. Though, this brave action only fuels the attraction of the Jarl who takes her back to Norway as his future bride.

Aspiring writer Norah Jacobs needs an escape. In the span of two weeks, her corrupt brother has been jailed for murder and his partner has been hovering on her doorstep, threatening to ruin what little peace she has left. Packing her car, Norah flees the city and goes off the grid, finding refuge in the small coastal town of Bellvale. However, Norah's newfound refuge lands her right in the middle of a power struggle between creatures she thought only existed in fairy tales, and she begins to see that no matter how hard you try to run from your troubles, they seem to have a way of catching up with you... Watty 2014 Winner Haven Copyright © Melissa Lucas 2013 All Rights Reserved. No part of this literary work may be reproduced or used without written consent from the author.