A marine sent to fight a war on a red-sun world. A slum boy taken under the wing of a terrorist. Both must betray their protectors to rescue the victims of war. Oshun is bribed to fight a war on a red-sun world. During VR war gaming in cryosleep, she is best. But she isn't prepared for the catastrophe on that spaceship. Frankie doesn't know what a decent meal is until a terrorist takes him from the slums. The man treats him like a son, but Frankie knows he's done bad things. He sees the victims of war. With a hover and a gun, Frankie must betray his guardian and save them.

Fans of the Six Million Dollar Man, Bionic Woman and Martin Caidin's Cyborg will rejoice!" - A Goodreads Reader Winner of silver and bronze medals in the 2017 Virtual Fantasy Con Awards - Best Soft SciFi Novel & Best Science Fantasy Blackmailed, cornered, and screwed. That’s what happens when you get caught…If you’re an assassin, that is. When contract killer Sierrenna teams up with four-star general Cain McRattin to track down an elusive terrorist group intent upon detonating a nuclear bomb inside their city, sparks fly and not of the romantic variety... at least not immediately. Racing against the clock through the desert, facing harrowing odds and dire consequences should they fail, they discover that the terrorists aren’t always the ones to fear… and may not be their true enemy. For the bionic arms race has begun... Set in the ruins of New York, WAR MACHINE is a fast-paced cyberpunk adventure thriller filled with betrayal, suspense, and alliances that quickly turn into deadly enemies. Destiny in the Shadows hauntingly echoes the state of the world today and the fate of the heroes determined to save it. Praise for Destiny in the Shadows, the Award Winning Science Fiction Series - " Absolutely WAR MACHINE is a well written novel that one cannot stop reading until the very last page - and then thirsts for a sequel! I especially love how the characters play off of and interact with one another throughout, especially given their roles on a journey that could prove to be a death mission in a dark world of deception. There is a balanced essence of danger, compassion, romance, and even humor, all elements not easy to successfully combine. Maggie Lynn Heron-Heidel nailed it with all the skills of a seasoned writer. I cannot wait to read more from this budding, brilliant author! " - A Goodreads Review *Ten percent of all proceeds from this novel go toward helping child and sex trafficking victims in Cambodia through Agape International Missions.- Q&A with Science Fiction and Fantasy Author Maggie Lynn Heron-Heidel - What inspired you to write this novel?-This series you mean? Well, all one has to do is look around at our current times. Looking at the government of my fictional city Nacin, it very much echoes the governments of the world today. We see deadly consequences of corruption and greed that only seem to affect the average citizen, while the politicians sit in their golden palaces plotting their next move. It leaves our soldiers and policemen between them and the public, facing the scrutiny that should fall on those in power. Another layer of inspiration comes from human trafficking. It is a worldwide problem that I feel needs attention. Slaves and sex trafficking are definitely not a thing of the past. It is a daily occurrence that is virtually ignored by the general populace. Where can one learn more about the human trafficking industry and how to help victims affected by it?- There a number of charities such as Agape International Missions who specialize in helping victims with recovery and combating the industry. In fact, ten percent of all proceeds from this book go to their ministry to combat human trafficking. What age group would you feel would enjoy this series best?- Due to the violence and mature themes, I would say a minimum of ninth grade would be best. After that, I believe it is inclusive of all ages. Amazon categories: Dystopian Science Fiction Cyberpunk Military Thriller Corrupt government Post Apocalyptic Fantasy Adventure Enemies to lovers Clean Romance Society Sci-FI

Journey into the heart of a red-sun-world at war in the thrilling continuation of Rayner's Military Space Opera series. Oshun has been offered freedom, but the call for justice is stronger. Betrayal simmers within her military ranks, leading her to seek retribution for the fallen space marines, brutally massacred twelve light-years from their home. Yet, every step she takes is shrouded in danger. Amidst the treacherous web of double agents and corrupt officials, Oshun's trust is a rare commodity. Posing as the daughter of a nuclear scientist working for the enemy at the International Space Station, Oshun’s in a race against time. Her secret identity is compromised, and friends fall in the wake of a relentless pursuit aimed at extracting critical information locked within her memory chip. With the threat escalating, she must escape to solid ground. Meanwhile, Frankie's quest for redemption takes a dangerous turn. After rescuing war victims from a concentration camp, he faces opposition from the citizens of Hidden City. Forced to find his friend Dave and their pet sparikat, Frankie is thrust into a frozen landscape of betrayal and impending conflict. In "Cyborg Assassin 2," the interwoven stories of Oshun and Frankie collide in a narrative of courage, cunning, and determination. Get ready to join the ranks of readers captivated by Rayner's masterful storytelling. Experience the intensity of "Cyborg Assassin 2" today, and continue your journey on Planet Artheus.

Many writing teachers are searching for a better way to turn student writing into teaching and learning opportunities without being crushed under the weight of student papers. This book introduces a rubric designed by the National Writing Project—the Analytic Writing Continuum (AWC)—that is making its way into classrooms across the country at all grade levels. The authors use sample student writing and multiple classroom scenarios to illustrate how teachers have adapted this flexible tool to meet the needs of their students, including using the AWC to teach revision, give feedback, direct peer-to-peer response groups, and serve as a formative assessment guide. This resource also discusses how to set up a local scoring session and how to use the AWC in professional development. Book Features: Introduces teachers to a powerful assessment system and teaching tool to support student writing achievement.Offers a diagnostic tool for guiding students toward a common understanding of the qualities of good writing.Provides ideas for helping students learn from models and give productive feedback to peers.Illustrates ways to adjust the AWC to various grade levels and different teaching goals. “Smith and Swain reveal how the Analytic Writing Continuum assessment tool can be used as a catalyst for a deeper understanding of writing and a source for a common language for teaching and learning writing. I would recommend this book to all involved in the process of English language arts curriculum and instruction.” —Jessica Early, Arizona State University “As a teacher of diverse students in myriad grades, I've found the Analytic Writing Continuum to be an invaluable tool. If you teach writing, you need this book!” —Bob Crongeyer, codirector, Area 3 Writing Project at UC Davis

Make contact with the hottest alien anthology in the universe! Claimed Among the Stars will rocket you to reading bliss with more action, adventure, and pleasure than one planet can contain. Curl up with this collection of wild and wonderful heavenly bodies and venture to the unknown worlds that only your favorite sci-fi romance authors could create. Hearts in zero gravity are free to fall, and destiny awaits unsuspecting heroines far across the galaxy. Whether you love a trip that’s nice and easy or dark and steamy, this collaboration of more than fifty bestselling authors is guaranteed to please. Embrace the heat, the sweet, the dark, and the depraved, and grab your copy of Claimed Among the Stars today! A word of warning: this anthology is only available for a limited time, so grab your copies now before they blast off forever. The proceeds of Claimed Among the Stars will benefit The National Women’s Coalition Against Violence and Exploitation, which serves women and children in the United States and abroad. This anthology contains exclusive, never before published stories by: Kate Rudolph Zoey Draven Tasha Black Tana Stone Nancey Cummings Honey Phillips Octavia Kore Ella Maven Tamsin Ley Iona Strom V. K. Ludwig Hope Hart Alana Khan Victoria Aveline SJ Sanders Alison Aimes Jade Waltz Ava Ross V. T. Bonds Kyra Snow Annabelle Rex Amarra Skye Liz Paffel Elizabeth Stephens Olivia Riley Veronica Scott Elin Wyn Hattie Jacks Samantha Rose A. G. Wilde Alexis B. Osborne Ella Blake Stephanie West Jessica Grayson Ivy Knox Lynnea Lee Kate Stevens Julie K. Cohen Hannah Haze Sarah Johns C. Y. Croc Leslie Chase Tina Moss Ana B. Starr L. Starfyre Lilly Griffin V.C. Lancaster Loretta Johns R. L. Olvitt Julie L. Vance Kassie Keegan

Discover the essential facts about Marvel Comics’ timeless heroes such as Captain America, Spider-Man, and Iron Man and villains like Thanos, Loki, and Kingpin. Keep up with the ever-expanding Marvel Universe with the new edition of DK’s best-selling Marvel Encyclopedia, featuring an introduction by Marvel Comics supremo Stan Lee. Updated and expanded, this definitive Who’s Who of Marvel Comics reveals vital info and secret histories of more than 1200 classic and brand new Marvel characters, and provides the lowdown on recent key events including Civil War 2, Secret Empire, and Infinity Countdown. Marvel Encyclopedia features: - Authoritative, Marvel-approved text for more than 1,200 Marvel characters. - Most comprehensive reference guide to Marvel Comics characters on the market, from iconic heroes and villains to a multitude of lesser-known, supporting characters - Lavishly illustrated format will appeal to both Marvel Comics aficionados and more casual fans - A to Z and ranked presentation of characters provides an accessible framework, which is supported with an extensive index - Contains new entries for more than 20 characters From iconic teams such as the Avengers, X-Men, and Guardians of the Galaxy to fan favorites Black Panther, Deadpool, and Captain Marvel to rising stars Amadeus Cho, Squirrel Girl and the Exiles, every significant Marvel character is showcased with the latest comic artwork. Meticulously researched, expertly written, and stunningly illustrated, the Marvel Encyclopedia boasts newly commissioned cover art by one of Marvel’s hottest up-and-coming talents. This unique, in-depth, and accessible encyclopedia is an indispensable guide to Marvel Comics that devoted fans and newcomers alike will return to time and again. © 2020 MARVEL

If war is a timeless reality of mankind, the ways and means whereby it is conducted have nonetheless evolved over time due to new technologies and innovative military strategies. For the most part, however, they have not challenged the ethical rules of warfare. The rapid rise in the use of automated weapons, the growing popularity of remotely controlled weapons, the development in soldiers’ enhancement technologies, of hybrid warfare and the impact of gender equality are all posing tremendous moral challenges affecting the traditional warrior ethos, the justification of killing and criminal responsibility. This begs the question: to what degree are the ways and means of modern warfare keeping pace with the current technological evolutions and societal values? Based upon a selection of presentations made at the 2022 annual conference of the International Society for Military Ethics in Europe (Euroisme), this book contains a variety of reflections on this question.

Famous Robots and Cyborgs is a high-octane voyage through the history of our metallic friends and foes. Dan Roberts narrates the history, strengths, weaknesses, quirks, and foibles of a plethora of fictional robots, cyborgs, and mechanical races—taking in the pronouncements of sci-fi visionaries and eminent robotics scientists along the way. Roberts guides us through the evolution of the deadly Cylons of Battlestar Gallactica in its various forms to movie classics like the mysterious Gort of The Day the Earth Stood Still, the iconic C-3PO, and of course the Terminator. We encounter crazed cybernetic killers, megalomaniac computers, living spaceships, beautiful androids, human brains in metal bodies, and ultracompetitive robot gladiators. Along the way, find answers to such questions as: Are robots capable of love? Which were the least convincing and most laughable movie robots of all time? Can robots harm humans to save themselves? And can you really destroy a deadly cyborg assassin with the force of an exploding oil tanker? Famous Robots and Cyborgs is a joyful, eclectic, informative, celebratory journey through the hi-tech world of the mechanical man (and woman). Packed full of trivia, robo-facts, controversy, history, and information on robot toys, games, films, TV, and books, it will delight the dedicated robot aficionado and the interested newcomer alike.

Catch up on the Event of the Year! Collects Artifacts #1-#4 along with the Free Comic Book Day #0 issue and a beautiful cover gallery, behind-the-scenes extras, and much more! Discover the series that has everyone buzzing with this introductory priced trade paperback collection released to coincide with the beginning of the second chapter of the yearlong event! Separately, thirteen mystical Artifacts will guide the fate of the Universe. Together, thirteen Artifacts will end the Universe. When a mysterious antagonist kidnaps, Hope, the daughter of Sara Pezzini and Jackie Estacado, Armageddon is put into motion. Starring virtually every character in the Top Cow Universe, this is a series for diehard fans and new readers alike. Written by Top Cow Universe architect Ron Marz (Witchblade, Magdalena) and featuring art by Michael Broussard (The Darkness), this volume collects Artifacts #1-#4 along with the Free Comic Book Day #0 issue and a beautiful cover gallery, behind-the-scenes extras, and much more!

Here are the "VISIONS" of 170 frontline illustrators. Compiled by pixiv, this artbook features the newest and best works of illustrators making a splash in the industry!