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Cory Doctorow

SHADOWS OF ELDRALORE

Emmie’s heart pounded as the figure rose from the shadows, thicker and grayer than before—a far more earthbound and sinister version of the one he thought he’d conquered. The sparkling light from the crystals above seemed to be sucked away, leaving a suffocating emptiness. Even the sound of his friends’ breaths around him grew faint, their voices—one of concern, another of reassurance—muffled echoes through the cavern behind him. Yet he knew he had to press forward, deeper into the darkness, and face this alone. For now. The figure stepped closer, slow and deliberate, its glowing eyes radiating an icy malevolence. “You think you’ve overcome your fears?” it hissed, its voice sharp and grating. “That was nothing. I am the fog inside you—the one you ignore, the one that carves at you.” Emmie swallowed hard, forcing himself upright despite the shaking in his legs. “I’m not afraid of you,” he said, summoning courage he didn’t fully feel. “I’ve come too far to turn back.” The figure’s laughter crawled down his spine. “Brave, so brave… but so foolish. You’ve barely begun to uncover the truths buried in your soul. Your doubts, your regrets, your anger—they feed me.” For a moment, Emmie faltered. The words clawed at wounds he’d tried to ignore, stirring his doubts: Could he truly protect his friends? Were his choices enough? The darkness seemed to press closer, suffocating him with its weight. But then he remembered Mira’s voice, full of faith. He thought of Amara’s bright laughter and Cory’s unwavering support. They had believed in him when he couldn’t believe in himself. “Maybe I do doubt,” Emmie admitted, meeting the figure’s glowing gaze. “But those doubts don’t define me. My friends believe in me, and I believe in myself.” The figure’s eyes narrowed, frustration flickering within. “Conviction alone won’t save you,” it hissed. “Your friends are far, and here, it’s just you and me.” It raised its arm, and the shadows coiled into smoky tendrils, striking toward him. Emmie dodged just in time as they slammed into the ground, shattering the stone and sending shards flying. His heart raced, his footing unsteady, but he pushed himself upright. A faint light flickered in his hand—small but wholly his. The figure laughed, mocking him. “Is that all? A tiny flicker? Pathetic.” Emmie clenched his jaw. “It’s enough,” he said. “This light is everything I fought for, everything I believe in.” The figure snarled, and the darkness surged again, crashing against Emmie’s light. Straining against the tide, he closed his eyes and steadied his breathing. He thought of his friends, their unwavering faith, and his purpose. The light steadied, burning brighter. At that moment, he heard their voices—Mira, Amara, and Cory—calling to him. The sound reignited his resolve. As their light joined his, the shadow recoiled, its form shattering under their combined strength. The figure’s voice echoed as it faded: “This isn’t over, Emmie. This is just the beginning.” Emmie stood firm, unwavering. “I’ll be ready. Let’s finish this.”
Mira_Tenny · 2.5K Views

Dungeon Core Tyrant

Cory Hayes never imagined death would be the beginning of his true story. Reincarnated into the world of Noater as Fenlor Dusksoul, a humanoid dungeon core, he awakens to a world where survival means more than just staying alive—it means building an unassailable fortress, forging loyal monsters, and outwitting the relentless greed of humanity. Located deep within a shadowy forest, Fenlor’s dungeon, the Soul Wrath Dungeon, is a newborn among its kind. It feeds on the souls of intruders, growing stronger with each battle. But the path to power is fraught with peril: greedy adventurers seek to plunder his secrets, rival dungeons loom in the distance, and whispers of ascended dungeons controlling continents fill the air. Armed with the ability to summon spectral warriors, upgrade his dungeon’s facilities, and absorb the energy of his foes, Fenlor must learn to master his System Interface, uncover the secrets of the Soul Wrath Path, and grow his dungeon from fledgling to dominion. Yet even as he strengthens his forces, questions plague him: Who orchestrated his reincarnation? And why does this world feel so deeply connected to the wrath within him? In a world where dungeons rise and fall like kingdoms, Fenlor’s journey to power begins. As his dungeon grows and his enemies multiply, one thing becomes clear: only the strongest will survive, and Fenlor will stop at nothing to ensure his soul reigns eternal. Dungeon Core Tyrant is a gripping fusion of dungeon-building strategy, epic fantasy, and the relentless fight for survival in a world where even death doesn’t grant peace. Perfect for fans of reincarnation sagas, morally complex antiheroes, and high-stakes battles against overwhelming odds.
itsmedemon · 1.2K Views

Family Affair(2)

Chu Yuxuan Chu Yuxuan is one of the main characters in the novel and is the illegitimate son of Chu Zhiqing. Although he appears to be a charming and flamboyant young man from a wealthy family, his life is actually filled with complex inner struggles and hidden motives. He is tall and handsome, but his personality is rebellious, holding a defiant attitude towards family arrangements and societal rules. His lifestyle is extravagant, and his behavior often seems frivolous and unconstrained, but beneath the surface, he harbors unspoken issues and schemes. Chu Zhiqing Chu Zhiqing is Chu Yuxuan’s father and the head of the Chu family. He is a typical business tycoon, presenting a refined exterior but possessing a shrewd and strategic mind. Chu Zhiqing has deep paternal affection for Chu Yuxuan but also harbors complex expectations and pressures. Despite his occasionally indulgent attitude towards Chu Yuxuan, his acumen in managing the family business and personal charm are impeccable. His outward demeanor and actions mask the complexity of his inner world and his true expectations for Chu Yuxuan. Zhao Yanan Zhao Yanan is Chu Yuxuan’s wife. Although their marriage is primarily for commercial purposes, her role is significant in the story. Zhao Yanan is known for her calm demeanor and noble presence, often appearing distant and aloof. Her attitude towards Chu Yuxuan is complex; she seeks to gain benefits from the marriage but is simultaneously repelled by his behavior. Zhao Yanan’s intelligence and decisiveness make her adept at handling the challenges posed by Chu Yuxuan. Wang Long Wang Long is a renowned director in the industry, famous for his eccentric appearance and bold personality. His direct manner of speaking often involves provocation and sarcasm. Despite his prominent status in the entertainment circle, Wang Long’s private life is filled with alcohol and indiscreet behavior. His relationship with Chu Yuxuan is intricate; he is both a collaborator and a potential rival. Wang Long’s character adds dramatic and entertaining elements to the novel. Xia Zhu Xia Zhu is a top actress in the entertainment industry, recognized and adored for her exceptional looks and outstanding acting skills. She is tall and elegant, with a high level of charm and attractiveness. Having spent years striving in the entertainment industry, Xia Zhu has faced numerous hardships and challenges, but she has consistently maintained strong professionalism and personal charm. Despite her considerable success in her career, Xia Zhu’s personal life is often a media focal point. Her independent and resilient personality, along with her rational and calm attitude towards relationships and marriage, further define her character. Her complex relationship with Chu Yuxuan, marked by past intimacy and current tension, adds depth and intrigue to the narrative. Xia Zhu is not only a crucial component of Chu Yuxuan’s emotional conflicts but also a key figure in the overall story, bringing significant drama and layers to the plot.
morto_cory · 78.5K Views

The Queen of Mean

Talia grew up without trusting anyone but herself to live. With no father figure to look up to and a clinically depressed mother who keeps on betraying her, Talia crawls her way to the top of the social chain to survive. But upon one drunken night, she meets her terrible end. Just like that, Talia loses all she worked hard for, or so she thought. When she wakes up, she becomes a duke’s eldest daughter in a medieval era where alliances and conspiracies dictate a noble’s future and where love is a luxury that will lead anyone to ruin. No matter how twisted the world she is pushed into, Talia is determined to live long. She realizes that she is given a second chance to live – or not. Reality slaps her hard when she learns that she is now inside the body of a sixteen-year-old villain character of the Netflix series that she binge-watched, “Thorny Crown”! Talia, who is now the infamous Lady Victoria, entered a popular yet twisted Netflix series two years before the plot started. And in that plot, the character of Lady Victoria is meant to die like cannon fodder for the female lead! Talia refuses to die again. And this time, she is going to extend her helping hand to another side character, the second prince of the story, Prince Cory. She decides to be the queen and defy the plot called destiny with the king of her choosing. In an era of deceit and conspiracies, will she be able to keep her head as she walks the thorny path of a villain? With her head on the line, will she be able to control her blooming feelings for the pawn that she has chosen? ----------------------Reward System------------------------- Castle: 3 Extra Chapters Spaceship: 5 Extra Chapters Gachapon: 7 Extra Chapters ------------------------------- Power Stones (Per Week) Top 200: 2 Extra Chapter Top 100: 4 Extra Chapters Top 10: 6 Extra Chapters ------------------------------ Golden Tickets (Per Month) Top 200: 2 Extra Chapters Top 100: 4 Extra Chapters Top 50: 6 Extra Chapters Top 25: 8 Extra Chapters Top 10: 10 Extra Chapters - - - - - You can find me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IceFontana18Official The book cover belongs to me since I let an artist draw it.
IceFontana18 · 140.8K Views

THE NEEDLE

Synopsis The Needle in this fiction embodies Martial Law. The skull mangled exemplifies the Filipino people specifically human rights victims from all persuasions – enforced Desaparecidos to combatants, students to academicians, civilians to soldiers, peasants to landlords, laymen to religious, ordinary taxpayers to oligarchs, voters to politicians, officials to professionals, – all victims of militarization offered as sacrificial lambs in the altar of Dictatorship. The crucifix and holy rosary, guns, and bullets symbolize the protagonists – heroes and villains - and the causes and institutions they represent. The red roses, a love affair that blooms and blossoms among the main characters. The timeline was September 21, 1972, covering fourteen long years of dictatorship when Martial Law was declared until February 24, 1986, during the restoration of democracy ushered in by People’s Power at Epifanio de Los Santos or EDSA. Post EDSA events from Fidel V. Ramos to Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III or PNoy to Duterte’s presidency and Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. are briefly treated in an Epilogue. The choice of fiction was deliberate because of its timelessness and very important lesson drawn from that historic event–the restoration of democracy no less by President Cory Aquino. Whether it succeeded or not thereafter doesn’t matter. Filipinos are that unpredictable. Their memory is way too short and the hardest to please. But what is important is we have thrown away the tyrant, award-winning Investigate Journalist Shiela Coronel emphasized restoring fourteen long-lost hostage democracy in 1986. Add to that is the consequent didactic message to all Filipinos especially the Post Martial Law babies: “Beware and never again Martial Law!” In format, the author uses four of Irving Wallace's criteria in writing fiction from his “The Writing of One Novel” with some innovation on grounding characters using flashbacks and other tools characterizing bestsellers like Dan Brown, Grisham highlighting the author’s premium on the relevance of the said historical event and its political ramifications surrounding the subject throughout the story. First, no loose ends in the plot. This one is a tough act to follow. The subplot should be tied together as much as possible to the end. Second, narrative excitement rings the bell for readers. Third, is the use of research to disabuse and mitigate elements of violence and sex. Treating this work as social commentary on different implacable social issues of the day was deliberately utilized by the writer given his Philosophy, Theology, and Sociology background. Note that pictorials used in the work unless indicated in the caption are meant to highlight the theme of each respective chapter. Lastly, the most unlikely ending squeezing creative juices of the imaginative mind. Breaking the rules of writing known to man is also a challenge here. Ergo, treating the subject as fiction against the social commentary backdrop to make the narrative captivating journey instead just plain Martial Law account which is surely dry and monotonous story. How these criteria are treated and addressed by the writer especially the first, third, and fourth is left to readers and critics. Copy editing of the first draft has been done by the author using Grammarly, relevant creative writing tips culled from the internet from the likes of Ernest Hemingway, Jeff Goins, Catherine Reid, Cynthia Jones-Shoeman, Joe Bunting of NaNoWriMo, Billy Wilder, and Pruelpo, an FB friend and OFW dabbling as free-lance writer and guru. The third is actual editing from Ricardo S. Maulion Jr., my son, doing the proofreading. I have yet to accept any copy editors to do the favor for me packaging this project into a cohesive whole work. Ricardo F. Maulion For book order: Email ad: ricardomauliond1205@gmail.com
Ricardo_Maulion · 16.5K Views

Lost Unknown Queen

Read if you can handle something not wrote for the sensitive. About a realm of nonhuman hybrids immortal/mortal divided up in different societies. (Not by immortality but by their different Kind Societies. Even though they are all the same human hybrid breed.) Kingdom/Baron Societies are most feared from their beast-like strength and constant havoc of making war for more power.All women are enslaved under their men. A Primary King named Cory kidnapped himself a rare beauty. Only to learn she's a bit divergent from their female Kind. Cory discovers she is a new breed. Her title rank is legendary and her immortal gene is what men dreamed to have.Cory keeps her for himself and lies to her about her true identity. Can she ever getaway from Cory or will love snatch her heart? Will she learn the truth that she is a lethal weapon? Then her existence causes a world invasion on Cory's home planet. Can he keep his Kingdom from falling and her from going into enemies hands, who wanna use her blood to get stronger and take her rank by marriage. As if that wasn't bad enough. These enemies also want her to birth them a new half-breed son. Unlocked chs/slow pace written because there so much details so why rush a story. Read carefully, it switches back and forth in first person on both ML/ FL. There will be No pov name tags. FL's name is revealed by ch26, that ch will be very important to understand. Secondany characters will be written in third person. I know novels like this aren't popular since it's to slow. But I know true readers enjoy reading. If you like long series like Lord of the Rings or Star Wars then maybe you'll like this. Only this is my collection of new worlds I created. I hope you enjoy if you're willing to give it a chance. A sneak peek: Ch206 Cory kinda nods giving me a plain expression saying. "The three lines means we passed all six training courses at age hundred. All boys military or not earn the symbol at the age of a hundred. The non-military boys will get the branded mark on their upper left wrist to show they aren't military but passed their training courses. Everyone else will get the mark to their chosen Division they will work in once their warriors." I nodded confirming my inward assumptions were correct and asked. "I started to notice that but why are you the only one that carries the branded symbol on the back of your lower neck?" "Because I am a Royal," Cory replied. "All Royals get the symbol on the back of their neck." "That's interesting," I mumbled to notice he was still looking at me strangely. As his head cocked slightly. "So are you going to get undressed?" Cory asked with this questionable flirty voice. "Or do I need to help you?" "Pardon me?" I hissed and folded my arms showing my sass. "I never said I was going swimming now did I?" Cory chuckled amused but I rolled my eyes at his kiddish behavior. I mean really, who does he think he is! Suddenly, my stance became still as Cory ambled over close enough that I feel his pleasurable breath airing my face. A heatwave pumped through my veins. As I felt his fingers touch the waistline on my hips. His pupils filled with what seemed to be desiring lust. I was caught in the moment of being mesmerized by those striking eyes. As both, his hands' fingertips travel from my hips along the waistband of my jean shorts. Until he reached the center button. My heartbeat was pounding like a drum and my breath was taken. I found myself lost in his forbidden dark marble green eyes. A half-grin curved on his right lip. And I hear the button on my shorts snap open. I pant as his face leans into my right ear. "So I guess that means I am undressing you," He whispered so seductively. M-rated, gore, domestic violence, gruesome death, assault even sexual, suspense. Tons of characters of all ages most have their own storyline. Mythical creatures and most of them I created myself. Vote, Add, Give a friendly review to help my rating. discord Sara88#4303
Sara_Weber_9938 · 139.3K Views
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