When humans start turning into violent beasts, a young boy and his family are faced with a new world full of unknown danger and challenges. It takes more strength than most people can muster to travel through the outbreak of a deadly apocalypse in hopes of reaching a safe destination. However, and despite being only a child, Hashim is determined to survive and protect the people close to him. He doesn't know much about the world yet, but the harsh reality of humans, who are supposed to be the most empathetic of all species, slowly reveals itself to him as he fights his way through the lawless regions of the United States. Eventually, he starts wondering who the true monsters are. And is he perhaps one of them as well?

"This story is not a typical story" That is what every author says about their book.This one is actually pretty typical. A typical teenage life and their problems. Something every person goes through: Excitement, love (hopefully), loneliness, joy and loss. But how each one of us ends up is completely up to us, so is this book. The stages we all go through, yet not nearly similar for any of us. There is one thing that connects us all. Emotion. Depending in what order your decide to read the chapters of this book, you decide the end of your story Maybe it's not so typical after all...

In the charming coastal town of Woodvale, Betty and James high school romance blossoms amidst the backdrop of their small-town lives. From the moment they meet, their connection is undeniable, yet as they navigate their final year of high school, the future begins to cast its shadow on their relationship. Betty dreams of escaping to New York University, while James faces the weight of his family's expectations to join the family business, Standard Oil. As their paths diverge, their bond is tested by misunderstandings and emotional distance. When Jamess new relationship complicates things further, Betty is left grappling with heartache and uncertainty. As they each confront their desires and dilemmas, their story unfolds across seasons of change, culminating in a poignant farewell. Through moments of joy and sorrow, love and loss, woodvale is a poignant exploration of youthful dreams, the choices that define us, and the echoes of a love that lingers through time.

In a harsh and unforgiving world, Felicia, an orphan, finds solace in the company of Mary. Their love blossoms, but soon they discover that the world remains the cruel place they knew. Betrayal and disillusionment tarnish their dreams. Felicia questions the true nature of her reality a lot. Yet, a flicker of hope remains. Will Felicia find peace amidst the harsh realities or be forever shadowed by her own imagination?

In the region of war-struck Ukraine, lives a family of three. Pretty soon the child will turn five. As his birthday draws near, he has only one wish. To celebrate the day with a large beautiful cake with his friends. Mother plans the day with utmost care to make sure her son is happy. They invite all his friends and make decorations at home. But the universe has different plans. Due to unforeseen events, she resorts to baking the cake at home. But the day takes an even peculiar turn when an unknown guest comes knocking. Is he here for the cake or did he come with gifts? The story is a poetic take on how a simple wish for a child to celebrate his birthday with a cake proves to be the most challenging one for his parents.

A young girl living in a small cottage with her grandma who is known as the keeper of the Nameless. For decades, the Nameless have washed up on her porch, none of them identyfiable. Left by the authorities and society, grandma commits her life to taking care of them, but grandma cannot live forever. As the old woman's health declines, the young girl is forced to overtake her grandma's duties in keeping the Nameless safe. More difficult than she thought, she learns their stories and is forced to write new ones on her own. Will she continue her grandma's legacy or write a story that could end it all?

In a world where life and death intertwine, there exists a figure neither mortal nor immortal, a being known simply as the Puppeteer. The Puppeteer seeks out the disheartened, the adrift, and the broken; mending the fractured souls of puppets whose strings have been severed prematurely, for a play must never be allowed to come to a close before its time. An exploration of humanity, love, and the relentless ache of existence.

In the cobblestone streets of Paris's Marais district, artchemist Mathieu de Rochefort leads a life shrouded in secrets, supplying materials for art forgers from his hidden workshop. His clandestine world, delicately balanced between science, art, and deception, is thrown into jeopardy when a scandal involving a forbidden pigment, Mummy Brown, erupts in the art world. Caught in a web of lies, betrayals, and moral dilemmas, Mathieu must confront the shadows of his past and the choices that led him down this dark path. As he evades a ruthless collector obsessed with tracking him down, Mathieu faces a crossroads: continue a life steeped in forgery or seek redemption. "Mummy Brown: Stain on The Artchemist" is a gripping story of mystery, ethical quandaries, and the struggle for survival, set in the darkest corners of the art world where every color hides a secret.

"Unadorned" is more than just a collection of stories that rhyme; its an invitation to explore the unspoken depths of the soul. Whether you are seeking solace in shared human experiences or a mirror for your own journey, this book promises to resonate with every reader who dares to confront their own unadorned truths. Each story within "Unadorned" is told in a distinct style, ranging from lyrical and introspective to raw and humorous, reflecting the diverse textures of human emotion and experience. Discover the beauty in the unspoken, the strength in vulnerability, and the clarity that comes from embracing your authentic self. Ivana Burkhardts "Unadorned" is a testament to the power of poetry to illuminate and heal. so...give poetry a try...and if you do so...do reach out to @petak_poetry.

This captivating short story collection takes readers on a journey around the world. Immerse yourself in the narratives of young people who try to navigate their twenties in a world full of opportunities and find themselves disconnected from the bustling world around them. Their battles are internal, their lives marked by a sense of alienation. Join them when they discover that being lost doesn't mean one has to find their way alone. In their darkest hour, kindness and light appear unexpectedly, transforming their perception of themselves and the world around them. Stories for the Lost and Lonely is a reminder that a flicker of hope is sometimes the only thing we need to escape our own darkness. Through these tales, readers will recognize the universal truth: that there is a place for everyoneeven for the lost and lonely.