Showing results by publisher "Podium Audio" in Anthologies & Short Stories

The When Swords Fall Silent anthology showcases the imaginations and talents of more than a dozen of the best modern science-fiction and fantasy authors, with each tale centered around one or more characters burdened with a bloody task they will see to completion no matter the cost. Every story takes you for a vicious ride through a world of shadow and death, each as unique in perspective and execution as the contracts carried out within.

Earth is a dying planet. To survive, humanity founds the Circuit, a string of colonies across the solar system, dedicated to mining resources vital to preserving what remains of mankind. Here there are no heroes or villains, only those willing to do what's necessary to survive. The New Earth Tribunal, a powerful religious faction, has risen to rule the Circuit. They believe a Spirit within the Earth will one day appear and welcome humanity back home.

Such a long life of killing has left plenty of dangerous enemies in its wake. An ancient witch coven, a jealous assassin, and even a demon lord all have old scores to settle. With one last contract to fulfill, Yrlissa hopes to be free from her past and her guild forever so she can disappear with her husband and young daughter. But the past doesn't forget so easily, and neither will a betrayed guild of magical assassins. Yrlissa's only concern is to keep her new family safe, but with enemies closing in on all sides, will they become a distraction she cannot afford?

When World War III erupts on American soil, the chaos ripples across the globe. This anthology explores the untold stories unfolding as civilization's lights go out—from the home front to distant battlefields where the fate of nations hangs in the balance. Across America, ordinary people face extraordinary terror. A government driver on his final day before retirement finds himself protecting the Transportation Secretary in a Christmas Eve ambush. Executive Protection agents in Detroit discover that when the power grid fails, predators emerge from the shadows.

A family feud ripped me from the arms of my first love. Twenty years later, the Vegas Aces hire my sworn enemy as their head coach, and at the same time, I'm chosen as the new team correspondent. No matter how hard we try to keep it professional, sparks inevitably fly. From secret trysts in his office to a hotel room with only one bed, more than just our feelings are heating up as we reconnect in every way.

Here Tea Dragons collects everything from Tales from a Magical Teashop as well as the novelette Saiyana's Challenge. Steep into scenes set in a shop serving teas made from magical ingredients as well as bonus stories from the perspectives of fan-favorite characters as you wait for your tea kettle to boil.

On the frozen, alien expanse of Sabaku‑3, Gunnery Sergeant Lara Adair is on the brink of retirement as she fights her final contract with the Berserkers. Leading her platoon of towering Mauler mechs in a brutal campaign for control of a remote mining world, she clashes with relentless rebels across unforgiving terrain.

Stories with depth, strong protagonists, and high tension are told while pulling at your heartstrings or making you smile with understanding. Go on adventures with heroes old and young, and visit many new worlds.

The monster needs a sacrifice. And she's on the altar. When Stella wanders the forest alone one fateful night, she only seeks peace, relief, escape—a few stolen moments on a secret, ancient altar, at one with the moon above. Until she's accosted by a hulking, hideous, bloodthirsty orc. An orc who demands a sacrifice: not by his sword, but by Stella's complete surrender.

In the opulent ballrooms of Regency-era London, Mercy Ainsworth plays her part flawlessly. By day, she's the poised daughter of an esteemed earl, an embodiment of grace and decorum. But when the moon ascends and the city's shadows lengthen, she transforms into a clandestine artist of Drury Lane, her paintings ablaze with untamed passion.

In the late 2020s and early '30s, corporations managed to render the major governments of the world obsolete. The big corporations owned most of the territories as well as the majority of the world's wealth. While many of the old traditions were still observed in various parts of the world, the true power was with the corporations. In the late '30s, what would be known as the Corporate Wars began as larger companies initiated hostile takeovers in a whole new fashion. Employees, armed with corporate weapons, warred for dominance. On May 1st, 2067, it all ended in a nuclear fire.

Setting out into exile is never much fun, but Minalan wants to publicly comply with Prince Tavard's order to leave Sevendor for three years to spare his home any retribution. Instead of using magic to transport himself to his new lands, Minalan decides to leave cross-country in a wagon with his father. Down the Bontal River, Min and his dad make a stop at Robinwing, get snowed in at Barrowbell, and enjoy a few days as guests of Baron Astyral.

Bradley receives a second chance on a steampunk planet where the wondrous sights captivate, the gizmos fascinate, and it is all possible with steam. Attempting the wilds, Bradley experiences a dash of heart-pumping adventure that unlocks new opportunities and brings unwanted problems. With proper application, a bit of wit, and a dash of luck, he might achieve greatness.

Centuries ago, the world fell. From the ashes rose a terrible new species—the Tangata. Now they wage war against the kingdoms of man. And humanity is losing.

Marooned in a strange land. Rescued by a sexy wood elf and her forest friends. Wes has a perilous journey in front of him to reclaim his home, his honor, and his future. In a world where political corruption is rife and there are dangers in every direction, the wood elf and her friends might not be what Wes was looking for, but they might be just what he needs.

Mushu is a small dog, apparently helpless. She is anything but. She is resourceful, clever, and has the memory of a thousand previous lives to help her know what to do. There is a fractured family in dire need of help in Middle Falls, Oregon and Mushu is on her way to help.

Everson is mentally gifted, and yet, he feels broken. Cursed with non-functional legs, he dreams of nothing more than being useful. His sister, Quinn, is brave, relentless, and will do anything to protect him, so when Everson is sent to a school of magic and invention, Quinn joins a military academy to remain near him. Danger lurks within the fabled institutions. Quinn becomes embroiled in a struggle she doesn't understand, one with dire consequences as her training shifts from difficult to deadly. Her determination might help her survive. If she only knew whom she could trust.

It began with a wishing lantern and a shimmer faerie. Wall Street Journal-bestselling author Jeff Wheeler has compiled a rich collection of short stories filled with revenge, battles, hope, and gut-punching endings. Enter Tales from Kingfountain, Muirwood, and Beyond and immerse yourself in worlds with tragic kingdoms and mad kings, magic communication with bees in haunted ruins, a boy who serves the mystical Ravenmaster of Pent Tower, and the secrets of Metamorphistry.

The untimely death of Chairman Mao has set in motion enormous changes in the world. The new empress of China is a contact of Rick’s, and this leads to his involvement in events in China, the Vietnams, and Hong Kong. At the same time, he starts his quest for being the second amateur to complete a Grand Slam in golf. He learns that a broken heart hurts. As the old Chinese curse says, “May you live in interesting times.”

Getting hexy for the holidays! Five sexy stories set in the Stay a Spell world you don’t want to miss, where mischief and mayhem dominate the holiday season for the Savoie sisters of New Orleans.