Mark Billingham Good As Dead Tom Thorne

In her previous life, Lina Riley harbored an unrequited love for the Fifth Princess, Victoria Ashwood. Lina sacrificed everything for her—securing her place on the throne, protecting her borders, and losing her arm and sight in the process. Yet, her loyalty was repaid with a goblet of poisoned wine and the execution of her entire family. Victoria despised her, accusing Lina of cruelty and of orchestrating her elder sister’s death, deeming her unworthy of love. When the poison took effect, Lina closed her eyes in despair, only to awaken back in the moment they first met. On that fateful day, Lina had stumbled upon Victoria being beaten by palace maids, an encounter that set everything in motion. This time, Lina turned away, choosing a different path, but a faint fragrance of plum blossoms lured her in. One reckless night led to a moment of despair when she awoke to find the coldly beautiful face of her bedmate—Lucille Everard, the Princess Regent. Lucille, while outwardly uninterested in court affairs, was notorious for her swift and decisive actions that had seen emperors replaced with alarming frequency. Compared to Lucille’s power, Lina’s past dealings with Victoria seemed like mere child's play. As Lucille stirred awake, Lina's nerves were frayed. “Given the circumstances, Your Highness, what do you think of me now?” she asked, resigned to her fate. To her surprise, Lucille chuckled softly. “I think you’re wonderful.” Stunned, Lina could only manage a confused “Huh?” From that moment, everything veered off course. Lucille's palace soon bloomed with roses—Lina’s favorite. Amidst the swaying blossoms, the resolute Princess Regent would gently take Lina’s hand, her once-frigid gaze warm and tender. “My dear Lina, you are the finest woman in the world.” In her new life, Lina often dreamed. She dreamt of someone leaving a bouquet of roses at her grave, their robes trailing the light fragrance of plum blossoms. They sipped wine with a wry smile, murmuring, “Silly girl, I avenged you.” Victoria Ashwood was reborn too. She hadn’t expected that killing Lina would provoke her aunt’s ruthless revenge. Determined to avoid a similar fate, she resolved to feign affection for Lina, even if it took a lifetime. At a palace banquet, Victoria was taken aback by Lina’s beauty. Draped in fine silks, Lina was a dazzling sight, so different from the weathered woman Victoria remembered. Drawn to her, Victoria was about to approach when she noticed Lucille at Lina’s side, gently wiping her lips with a soft smile. “Take it slow,” Lucille murmured. Lina paused, then chuckled as she adjusted a strand of Lucille’s hair. Victoria’s heart twisted in fury. When her desperate attempts to win Lina back failed, she demanded, “Why won’t you love me?” Lina sneered. “Show some respect, Fifth Princess. You should address me as Aunt. Besides, your hypocrisy and cold-heartedness make you unworthy of love.” Years ago, a young Lucille Everard encountered a lost girl in the palace gardens. The girl declared that Lucille was beautiful and promised to marry her one day. Thirteen years later, a fateful misunderstanding during a bout of poisoning entwined their paths. What began as teasing quickly turned Lucille from a hunter into prey, helplessly ensnared by the woman she never forgot. Tags: 1. Cold yet protective Princess Regent × Reborn and resigned noblewoman 2. Nine-year age gap (Princess Regent is older) 3. Alternate history, non-patriarchal setting 4. Puppet empress, regent princess ruling behind the scenes 5. Two lifetimes of love, slow-burn romance

Gabriel, a dominant omega, is caught up in a complex web of intrigue and danger at the royal court. After uncovering the truth about Olivier, a member of the royal family, and inciting a rebellion, he is marked by an unknown alpha. As the rebellion overthrows the old order, a new empire emerges, driven by a ruthless ruler whose rise Gabriel inadvertently enabled.Haunted by the weight of his actions, he flees from his family, his past, and the dangerous ties of the court. On the run, Gabriel must deal with shifting alliances, hidden enemies, and the growing power of the mysterious alpha whose mark he carries. As the empire's grip tightens and ghosts from his past resurface, he must decide whether to confront the forces threatening to engulf him—or risk losing himself completely in a world that regards him as either a pawn or a weapon.

Ignatius Thorn felt his life slipping away as he stared at his screen, the game he had invested so much in finally booting up. Drawn into its digital depths, He sat alongside the character he had purchased that day. At first, his fantasy life seemed perfect—until disaster struck. Finding the murderer would become his priority. With his system, he would grow stronger. Mystery and adventure await Ignatius as he builds his harem, fighting for his place in this new world. One chapter a day. 1500-2000 words.

Princess Azalea's life is shattered when Zaydon, the man she loves—a fierce and protective dragon shifter—makes a devastating choice. Bound by the ancient and cruel Dragon’s Bond, a spell that shackles a dragon to a princess at the cost of their own life, Zaydon seals their fates in a desperate attempt to protect Azalea from a looming, unnamed danger. The bond is one rooted in a barbaric tradition that demands the dragon’s death to prove the suitor’s worthiness to rule. This forces Azalea to confront the horrifying reality of Zaydon’s sacrifice. Once a source of safety and love, his actions now threaten to strip Azalea of everything she holds dear. Torn between her unrelenting love for Zaydon and the betrayal of his choice, Azalea spirals into heartbreak and fury. As the weight of the bond looms over them, she must grapple with the cost of his decision and the role she plays in this cruel fate. Her once steadfast trust is replaced by raw anger and sorrow as she searches for a way to save him—or to sever their bond forever. But danger brews beyond the walls of the castle. The political machinations of rival suitors and an impending war force Azalea into a desperate fight not only for Zaydon’s survival but also for her freedom. Caught between duty, love, and revenge, Azalea must summon her strength to defy a destiny written in blood and forge her own path forward—before it’s too late.

"Who am I?" The question hits me like a frying pan to the face as I wake up in a dimly lit shed that reeks of mildew and regret. My memory? Wiped cleaner than a crime scene. My composure? Currently MIA. Replacing it? A delightful cocktail of terror and existential dread, shaken, not stirred. The shed is a Pinterest fail of nightmares: blood dripping from the ceiling (artsy, really), creepy symbols etched into the walls (probably cursed), and a general vibe that screams you’re not supposed to be here. And let’s not forget the cherry on top—the suffocating feeling of being watched. Lovely. Every instinct I have is shouting, Get out now! But where exactly am I supposed to go? The walls are practically breathing, humming like they know all my secrets, which is impressive considering I don’t even know them myself. No name, no memories, no idea what fresh hell this is—just me, my rising panic, and the unsettling realization that survival might not even be the point. But hey, when the alternative is becoming wall graffiti for a haunted shed, I guess I don’t have much of a choice. ps: Will be posting this story on Royal Road

Tom, lucky investor and new rich guy, made a big mistake, then another, and another... resulting in his predicament of having a family of 4 wifes and 5 kids. follow his life as he tries to survive and take care of his new family. . . . this story is not realistic and has many aspects that might get a lot of criticism, I'm just writing this cause I couldn't get the plot and ideas out of my head, so if u don't like it, or u feel offended by it, please know that this is in no way how I see the world, but just a fantasy born from my bizarre brain.

The main character is sent to an unknown dangerous land, how will his fate turn out. Read and find out.

"You don't deserve to be auctioned" The Don finally said, making me stop the struggle. "Thank you" I said as I cleaned my watery eyes, happy that he finally listened to my subtle pleas. "Get her ready for the ritual!" The Don ordered the big man who was currently still holding me. **** "Once marked by the Don, you do not own your life anymore as you solely become his" ~ Author. ******* The minute he set his eyes on her, he knew he had to make her suffer for the sins of her sister and so he MARKED HER. Jadelyn was being used as a collateral for her father's unpaid debt, landing her in the hands of the most ruthless young don - Romano Callamore. All Romano knew was that she had to pay for the sins of her wicked sister -his ex secret lover and that he did. Just when their love was about to blossom after so many tribulations; Jadelyn's sister reappears back with a child who looked exactly like Romano Callamore. Confusion sets in as Jadelyn doesn't know how to feel considering the fact that she was pregnant and also in love with with her sister's First Love. Jadelyn was torn between letting her beloved manipulative sister have a happy life without her- Jadelyn in the picture, AND fighting for what she wants What do you think her decision will be? Family Loyalty or Love? Join me as we uncover unending secrets and unexpected plot twists. °•° # WARNING. This story contains mature and explicit content. ©This work is a product of authors imagination, ranging from the names, plot, events and whatnot. Thank you as you read!

Hallo, I am Me and write for fun. So, go to the 1 Chapter to know more about...

The young master of the Thorne family, Adrian Thorne, one of the twelve great families on the floating cloud continent had it all, wealth, power and a beautiful fiancee........ until he didn't. When he returned home from his training in the mountains after receiving a strange necklace from his father, he was shocked to find his whole family massacred by the people of demonic faction. Ambushed and injured, he thinks that the end is near until a drop of blood causes the necklace to emit a dazzling light just as he passes out. Adrian wakes up to find his pursuers dead. Shocked and still in grief, he searches his home to find his younger brother and a servant girl still alive. Vowing to take revenge on those that destroyed their family, the group of three wander off into the night. With his new inheritance, will Adrian be able to have his revenge and be able to rebuild his family with just the three of them? And who helped the demonic faction ambush the Thorne family? Please show your support through votes and comments.

She believes in true love. He doesn’t believe in love. But what is love, really? She is the epitome of success—a star people look up to and admire. To him, however, she is merely a business transaction, a partner chosen to enhance his status. To his friends, she is just a fool in love, a pathetic figure begging for affection. Then shocking news emerges: her first true love returns, throwing him off guard. He realizes he has been nothing more than a substitute for her first love. He should be angry, but instead, he finds himself overwhelmed by emotions he can’t express or understand. Is this possessiveness, or is he finally learning to love her? She is determined to return to her first love, but inside, she is torn. Did she really treat him as just a substitute, or did she actually come to love him? What are they supposed to do when love is a question mark?

This is no longer a normal world corpses walking aimlessly on the streets , weak peoples trying to survive in this apocalypse and stronger one created their own kingdoms ... in this world their is no law nor a humanity left only brutality and betrayal ... but there are still good peoples left and this story about them , can they survive in this cruel world or they have to became like others to survive ...... Note : First few chapters have some mistakes but don't worry after few chapters it's get better than before .. I hope you guys co-oprate ... Thanks again

A thousand deaths is many, but is it truly? Millions die in war, tens of thousands from a simple fall, and hundreds from various unexplained causes. But think about the way a single death feels, a parent lost?a child? What about those taken from you by another, or unnaturally? The story behind a death can be heart breaking. I aim only to tell the stories, nothing more, nothing less.

He's dead.... She's being suspected... But why..?

The reason I am looking at death with my eyes... I want to escape a meaningless life, certainly a fake one. Also, what good is it to be born cursed if you can't pursue your curses fully?

Laiza Danford has lived her entire life at the beck and call of her family, enslaved by the desire of their love attention. Always being compared and living in the shadows of her twin. Detested by all even by the one she hoped will be her escape from her damned fate only for every thing to blow up in her face, pushed to death she promises to come back to destroy.

This novel tells the story of Greg, a boy born in a remote village, far from the great kingdoms and their intrigues. Since birth, Greg has carried a strange mark on his skin, a mysterious symbol that seems to be linked to an ancient and tragic story. In the prologue, it is revealed that this same mark was the cause of a great war that devastated the world in the past. Unbeknownst to him, Greg carries the power of a god, a gift as extraordinary as it is dangerous. However, his ignorance of this power will lead him to commit disasters, unable to control the uncontrollable force that lies within him. Thus, Greg begins a journey full of challenges and discoveries. His goal will not only be to learn to master this gift, but also to unravel the mystery behind the mark: is it a blessing that was bestowed upon him or a curse that condemns him?

It's about it

Casey wilder is diagnosed with Chrono Degeneration Mortalis(CDM) a rare congenital condition that accelerates cellular degeneration, leading to premature aging and a drastically shortened lifespan. As he turns 17years he is implanted with a curse on his body which can turn him into a monster. As he was about to die after 3years from this period the curse mark save him from. Navigating his new life with the curse, trying to control the inner beast within him. He finds others who are cursed with the mark. In his darkest life, he confronts villains, allies and one and his only love.

Benjamin Benedict hanya memajang istrinya Sissy Bernard begitu saja setelah dia menikahinya. kehancuran pernikahan nya di mulai dari sini..

"Magical Dead" tells the epic journey of an ordinary teenager who is forced to discover and control the balance between life and death. The main character, Kaelion, is living a normal life in his modern world when he suddenly finds himself in a dark, dangerous world. This world is deeply connected to a past and bloodline he never knew existed. Kaelion learns that he is the heir of a legendary figure named Ascaris. Ascaris' blood grants him the power to control both life and death. However, this power is not just an ability, it is also a great responsibility that Kaelion carries. Whether he becomes a savior or a bringer of destruction to those who live in this world depends entirely on Kaelion's choices.

In the werewolf kingdom of Naraina, the Alpha King is getting desperate to marry off his son after six failed engagements. He orders the weak Delta clan Sigertem to send a daughter and the abused, powerless daughter is chosen. Alice Sigertem is the child of a loveless marriage. After her mother died, her father brought in his lover and her own daughter. From then on, Alice’s life was reduced to that of a mere servant. After years of being treated like dirt, Alice has learned to keep her head down, hide her pain, and obey every order. So, it comes as no surprise that she is arranged to be married to Sirius Alderidge, the sickly Prince who has driven away all six of his potential wives so far. Afraid of being sent back to her abusive family, Alice resigns herself to her fate—and soon finds that her handsome husband-to-be is kind, but has a lot of secrets. He fakes his illness and goes out with another identity, someone powerful and terrifying. But Alice is shameless because she has a secret of her own. As they slowly open their hearts to each other, love may have a chance. ୨ৎ This is an original work. No angst, not too heavy dramatic plots, just classic fantasy adventures and a wholesome relationship. Nothing too annoying or toxic.

Guy Larks was famous in his original world for his widespread charity work in poverty-stricken and war-torn nations. He was especially known for his efforts in developing schools and educational facilities for children, as well as teaching and nurturing many students. So it was devastating news to learn that he wouldn't live past his 30th year. But he was given a second chance! A new life in another world, as a down-by-the-dumps teaching apprentice in a world of magic and wonder. He was given no cheat, just a Repository of Knowledge holding all the information he could bring with him from his previous life. In this new world, Guy rediscovered his life's true calling! Ride along on Guy's journey as he changes the world one budding mind at a time, as the greatest teacher this world has ever seen! State of Story: - Volume 1 - A Whole New World [COMPLETED][FREE] - Volume 2 - Starting Anew [COMPLETED][LOCKED] - Volume 3 - The Grand Experiment [COMPLETED][LOCKED] - Volume 4 - Birth of the True World Sect [COMPLETED][LOCKED] - Volume 5 - Legacy of the True World Sect [COMPLETED][LOCKED] - Volume 6 - Worlds Beyond [ONGOING][LOCKED] Discord: https://discord.gg/PKbqtembQJ Expected Upload Freq.: 3 Chapters per Week w/ min. 1500 Words per Chapter _______ AUTHOR'S NOTE: This is a slice-of-life-ish story at its core. This is NOT a hot-blooded, high-octane novel filled with conflicts and fights around every corner. If that is the kind of story you are looking for, unfortunately, you will not find it here (at least not in the early chapters). The MC is a modern man, with modern sensibilities. Conflicts are handled civilly, or avoided altogether. There will be fights, but the story does not revolve around it. The MC is mature, and handles relationships tactfully. There will be a slow-burn romance in this story, and ABSOLUTELY NO HAREM. I despise that genre from the bottom of my heart! I also have some LGBTQ+ elements planned for the future (with side characters). English not first language. Writing mistake? Please forgive. Proofread many times before upload, problems not much. If issue, then point out mistake, I correct immediate. I am thank you for you're understanding :) ALSO: I started writing this story with one intention in mind, and that was to act as a parody of existing novels with similar themes. However, around CH25, I realised that my work was becoming too derivative and boring. So I pivoted and decided to make my novel its own thing. I believe that my work has become better because of it. Additional Tags: #LGBTQ+