Top 50 Stories, by Weekly Downloads

Anthony Carter is back! Now a senior captain and married to Harriet, he faces challenges in his professional and private live, encountering Caribbean pirates, arrogant colonial officers, Irish traitors, French soldiers, a lunatic admiral, and a pitched naval battle in the Bay of Biscay. In all this, he and Harriet must realise that married life is no endless honeymoon. Rough waters indeed. Book 2 (of 3) in the Anthony Carter Sea Adventures covers the years 1806 to 1810 in Tony's life.

A story in the Lucky Jim Universe
Jim Reynolds has avoided accepting the moniker "Lucky Jim" for as long as he could, possibly too long. This fast-paced story is set in 2095 and covers the most important several months of his life. If you haven't read Lucky Jim I and II, large parts of this story won't make sense to you.

A story in the Lucky Jim Universe
Despite his family's insistence that he is the next incarnation of Lucky Jim, Jim Reynolds, sixth great-grandson of his namesake, isn't so sure and isn't sure he wants to be. Each time he thinks that he just might be, something happens to make him sure that he's not. While this is a stand-alone story, numerous references will make more sense after reading "Lucky Jim 1." This story also adds bits of new information about the original Lucky Jim. When he finally accepts the moniker, his life veers

This is a story of courage and perseverance under horrible circumstances. Seventy-seven Army and Navy nurses were captured when the Philippines fell to the Japanese. They were interned with 4,000 others at the Santo Tomas Camp in Manila. There, they provided life-saving medical care that led to them being called the Angels of Bataan. This is a coming-of-age story where the hero learns important life lessons from these dedicated women and finds love at the end.

A story in the Lucky Jim Universe
The adventures of 16-year-old Jim Reynolds start in 1856 Virginia. When his family and several others head west to settle near Council Bluffs, his adventures continue, becoming more numerous and earning him the moniker Lucky Jim. Follow Jim as he grows into a leadership role that he feels unqualified to hold, until finally forced to test both his leadership ability and his luck. A "fantasy history."

Pudgy, out of shape, divorced, and laid-off; Colin thought he had hit rock-bottom. Then came the landslide that almost sent him to his grave. In the depths of despair, miles from nowhere, he searches for a way to get back to civilization and finds that his service is required in a totally unexpected role - as the person who will save the human race from destruction. / (Reviews)

I post a story every July to honor the folks who've served. I try to focus on obscure people in each, not the heroes. This one is about the Women Air Service Pilots—the WASPs. Those brave women were true American patriots. But their story was hidden from all of us for over thirty years. The plot is a coming-of-age tale for children of the Greatest Generation… sort of a latter-day Pilgrim's Progress—and most of the characters are real. Please enjoy…

Seven young Genius Native Nation girls who face predigest and confirmation from those who believe they have a right to rule because of who they are and will destroy all those who stand in their way our not recognize their right to rule.

Story of the life of a young man starting life in 13th century England. His dedication earns him an offer to become a Knight and unexpectedly a noble. Follow his rise to power from a favorite of the Earl he serves. See how his interest in new and better ideas serves him as he works to improve the lives of his subjects, and battles forces threatening England and her allies, rewriting history his own way.

When 18-year-old Anthony Carter, lowly second mate in a small schooner, and Harriet Lambert, the young, arrogant daughter of a Royal Navy admiral, barely survive a shipwreck, they recognise each other's mettles. A short-lived romance ensues, but it takes years and great perils and pains for them to find happiness together. A romance set during the Napoleonic Wars.

In 1843 16-year-old Lewis Clark kills one of the two sons of Mr. Tyler, the richest man in Fayette County. He also takes the blame for killing his other son. Given Tyler's reputation as a vengeful and violent man, Lewis flees for his life. This is the story of his escape and his adventures. Another of my fantasy histories.

Science is killing magic. The last of the magical beings decide that it is time for the return of a Merlin-like person to bring back the magic. The job requirements are: he's got to be an unlikely hero type that is lucky; he's got to own silver and be willing to trade it for a gift of magic; and he's got to be a horny guy with a bad fashion sense. / (Reviews)

A story set in the Post Sickness world of Phoenicia
It has finally happened: Terrorists have unleashed an unstoppable virus upon the world. Only a very small percentage of humanity has survived. Gavin Thompson, unsatisfied with the prospect of just surviving makes plans to restore civilization as quickly as possible. This is his story. (This version is a bit longer and slightly modified from the version on SOL)

Benny Baker went from being a smarter than average, fourteen year old kid, to being a super genius. It was an overnight transformation in which his speech patterns become more precise, his mannerisms became muted, and his opinions matured. He has a chance to make things right, but he's not sure what that means.

An angry young man grows up to be an angry middle-aged man. Now he's stuck in a dead-end job, married to a woman that detests him, and has children that don't even know him. A close encounter with death makes him realize that he deserves more than what life has dealt him thus far. Can he get it? Concluding Chapter has been posted. Enjoy! }:-) / (Reviews)

Dexter James is fed up with his job. For ten years he has put in long hours, worked for jerks, and received no rewards for a job well done. Then one day he says no to a temporary promotion. The fallout of that one little action will change the world.

Now married, Paul McAllister and Anna Jaramillo McAllister, continue building their fledgling Estancia into the refuge they've dreamed of. Where family and friends can live a life safe from the violence of daily life in the wilderness of the New Mexico Territory. Building levees, planting crops, cattle drives, digging for gold, and advancing the use of existing technology rapidly become intertwined with ferreting out robbers,kidnappers, and murderers.

Paul McAllister wants nothing more than to put the wars, cancer, and death of his wife behind him as he numbly glides into his final years doing the only thing he still enjoys - selling weapons and his services as a gunsmith on the gun show circuit of the American southwest. Driving down the road in the Mesilla Valley of southern New Mexico Paul loses consciousness while returning home from a gun show. An hour later, he awakens, finding himself swept away on the tides of time.

You Can't Go Home Again. Henry Brewer's life has fallen to pieces. His NFL dreams disappeared years ago and now so has his life in the NYPD, along with his soon-to-be ex-wife. Forced to return to the small West Virginian town he grew up in, Henry comes face to face with his past, seeing it through the eyes of an adult. As if this wasn't hard enough, he must figure out who he is now and what he wants at the same time. Is it possible to reinvent yourself as an adult?

Evolution (1)
Caleb Connor's life is out of control: understatement! An extraterrestrial space ship crashed on his campsite, and an ancient, ethereal alien took up residence in his head. He doesn't get along with the alien, partially because the alien thinks he landed in a defective human. The Army investigates the crash, and the General in charge has more plans than just protecting the country. Throw in a pretty doctor and a hole in the fabric of creation... Yep. Very out of control.

She's young, exotically attractive, smart, rich, strong, and energetic. It would appear that she has everything necessary to be supremely happy, but appearances can be deceiving.

16 y/o Hal Smith is a quiet, unassuming Australian teen boy with a bad knee and no dreams. Taught to help people, he does; without thinking before acting. In Year Ten in a new city and school, it's a year of living in interesting times as he's in the wrong place at the wrong time doing the right thing. He'd once dreamt of being a world athlete and had the skills to make them true, but lost them helping a stranger; and delivered a Star Performance greater than most athletes can ever do.

If happiness was measured in money there would be very few millionaires. This is a story about Dan Parker, a young man who starts his life as an adult with the odds stacked against him. Follow his journey of self discovery as he tries to achieve happiness. His story might make you wonder if you live next door to a millionaire. {Edit cleaned and reposted by TeNderLoin}

A fire destroys a farm in Virginia, so the family is moving west. Except the youngest is too ill to travel when it's time to leave. The boy and his grandmother stay behind to follow later. It takes so long for him to recover the two don't go west, and find local employment. A decade later rising political problems cause the young man and his grandmother to make a decision about their future. They'll go west, but it isn't that simple, or an easy journey. Written in US English - 72,700 words.

Luke Braun, computer hacker and prankster, meets Katie, his dream girl, during a night of trick and treating. One of his pranks backfires, and he loses contact to her. At another Halloween seven years later, she shows up at his door with a trick of her own that turns his life upside down. This is a decaffeinated and extended version of the 2011 Halloween Story Contest winner.

A Barsoom Story (1)
John Carter, a Confederate veteran of the American Civil War, goes prospecting in Arizona immediately after the war's end. Having struck a rich vein of gold, he runs afoul of the Apaches. While attempting to evade pursuit by hiding in a sacred cave, he is mysteriously transported to Mars, called "Barsoom" by its inhabitants. Carter finds that he has great strength and superhuman agility in this new environment as a result of its lesser gravity.

A Justiceman Episode (1)
Part of the The Post Sickness World of Phoenicia universe
Alex and Pops got along without having to fight in the hard-bitten territory once known as Arizona. They kept their heads down and avoided trouble. Some things, though, are worth fighting for.

Paul and Anna McAllister, along with their family and friends want nothing more than to be left in peace as they continue building Estancia Dos Santos into their querencia, a retreat, a place to rest and relax free from all worry. Using the wealth they've accumulated, they begin to right historical wrongs and lay the foundations for seeking statehood. The mysterious 'Boss' has other plans for Paul, Anna, and the Estancia. Two Chapters every Friday until complete.

A man is killed by religious militants while protecting his fellow workers. He unexpectedly wakes up to find he's been abducted by aliens and they have an offer for him. He accepts the offer to be placed in an environment like Earth was 35,000 to 40,000 years ago, complete with animals and humans of that time. But there's a catch, it's a one-way trip and he's a star in their version of a reality broadcast show. They supply some gear to help him survive, and now it's up to him to do so.

The story of a young man from high school to Vietnam.

A Story in the The Trilogy and More Western Universe
A young man is forced to leave home to escape the ravages of war.

A Rivers Region Story
A 9 year old boy's parents are killed by terrorist. He goes to live with his great grandfather until he's 16 when his great grandfather dies of cancer. His parents raise him to be free thinking and independent. His great grandfather adds to the training. David wants to stay living in the house he helped to build, but the welfare authorities won't allow it. So his great grandfather helps him to be true to himself when he runs away to stay free, and he finds a new life.- 52,200 words of action.

A Christmas Story
Generally speaking being a granddaughter is defined by genetics, but sometimes it's due to circumstances driven by fate.

A Rivers Region Story
They say the Chinese have a curse - May you live in interesting times. A 15 year old boy has a major change of lifestyle forced on him. We follow along while he adjusts to the changes. However, he lives in interesting times and he must deal with them as well as rising to the challengers presented to him. Through all this his true nature shows and he changes the lives of many others in the city of Rivers, and elsewhere. Set in Australia.

A Clan Amir of Berant Story
15 Stories about an exceptional person, Gerry Mannheim, a high genius. These short stories cover his life from 10 years of age until 16 years of age. They depict aspects of his character and the events continuing maturing after he joins the Royal Guards to help him get offer the emotional shocks of the deaths during the year before. Mostly these stories cover the events around his military career but also cover personal high lights like meeting and courting his first wife.

Long trips, new attacks, growing pains, spies in their ranks, and increasing violence between anti-slavery and pro-slavery groups, stretch Paul and Anna's resources in every direction and at every turn. With the help of their family and friends, new and old, they race against time to complete their plans before the incessant drum beats of war begin in the east.

Damsels In Distress
A new Hero is recruited to work on Chaos, and is taken as a Hero Companion on an orientation visit. Al, being the person he is, can't help but look to change how things are done, and change them for the better. Plenty of action, and no sex. The first of many stories about this Hero. The important knowledge needed about the Damsels in Distress Universe is told in the story, so don't worry.

A Justiceman Episode (2)
Part of the The Post Sickness World of Phoenicia universe
In the post-Sickness Arizona territory, rape and murder are not uncommon. If you're going to commit these acts, though, you'd best be careful who your victims are. Bad guys are not always the baddest guys around.

A Justiceman Episode (3)
Part of the The Post Sickness World of Phoenicia universe
Is it murder, or a justified killing? As the territory's new 'Justiceman', Alex must find a way to make that determination, but first he's got to bring the killer in without getting himself killed.

Ryan Uruks is steadily on his way to becoming a powerful Elemental. After stopping the war between the Ministries, Ryan, along with his unrequited love interest, Eclair Hamashe, set out to take the Second Level Placement Exams, furthering their careers as Elementals. They'll meet many new friends and rivals along the way, including a flirtatious young Werewolf maiden, as their trials take them to the home of the mysterious Light Monks.

A man scarred by injustice, a lost love, and wounds of combat, finds himself volunteered as a foster father, a protector, and a combatant in a lethal struggle against a past bully and a vengeful cartel lord.

Lachlan Quinn is a PTSD-ridden finish-carpenter. He wants to build ordinary simple life. But his past catches up to him. As if worrying about a traumatized little 9-year-old shapeshifter wasn't enough. He has to deal with an inheritance he doesn't want, a town full of witches who hate him, and an ancient Hag who is trying her hardest to kill him How will a cursed legacy, a house in a sentient forest, and a beautiful stone-cold shape-shifting Panther help him deal with things.

Set in the 1950's, young shaman Graydon Williams and friends are caught up in a massive corporate land-grab scheme that threatens their entire way of life. Corrupt government officials, interstate conspiracies, blackmail, vicious IRS attacks, and kidnapping are unleashed against Graydon and his small mountain valley. This is a follow-on to "Pasayten Pete," involving the original cast and more. Readers are advised to read "Pasayten Pete" to understand the origins.

Jamie was a widower living near Orlando, Florida when circumstances resulted in him being the last man alive. Follow along as he struggles to survive and seeks someone, anyone, anywhere...

A Wizard - A love story Story (1)
You think you know what's real but you don't believe in Wizards? Maybe your definition of Wizard needs adjusting! Meet Sean David Kilpatrick on the day he's born. Imagine raising a young Wizard that can talk to animals and control the weather. Or a young enchantress that can talk to animals and the earth shakes when she gets mad. Let's see what you believe when you're through reading.

Ever wonder what happened between books 2 and 3? So did I. Janice is telling this story as she and Bennie travel about the country about ten years after the Day.

Following the Civil War men sometimes had to travel like a nomad to survive. Jake Hightower was just such a man.

A Story in the The Trilogy and More Western Universe
The story of a troubled young man after the War Between the States.

A Destiny Saga Story (2)
Three short months ago Caspian Grey was a loner, with a family that regretted adopting him, no friends, and little idea of what his life would be. He was a soul lost in the world And then everything changed. His life has a purpose, a reason for being. He has his girls and a family, of sorts, that loves him. He has friends that will stand with him. But even this new road will have some some sharp curves to navigate. But there is a secret that he and his family must keep.