“It’s been a hell of a first day.” Jon May has been the Governor of Elysium for a few hours, and he’s already facing a belligerent Chief of Security, an ex-Operations Manager imprisoned for killing the previous Governor, and an amorphous energy mass that has its own agenda. So now Jon has to decide who to trust; his Security Chief will barely talk to him, and his only allies are people who, according to the Republic, are dangerous criminals. With less than 48 hours to delve into the shadows surrounding Elysium’s recent but tumultuous past, May is about to uncover more about this job than he bargained for.

Republic history shows that the science vessel Ulysses was claimed by a black hole whilst on a routine research mission. The truth is harder to swallow. Already reeling from the loss of a security team under her command, first officer Sara May wants nothing more than an uneventful conclusion to their simple fact-finding duties. But when the Emperor sends his chief science advisor to rendezvous with the vessel, their expedition comes to a stand-still. Literally. While their ship quietly orbits the planet Elysium, May has no cause to suspect that her Captain has become an unwilling participant in a crime that would shake the Republic to its core if it were ever revealed. But then she discovers the truth, and has to choose between doing the right thing or following the Emperor's direct orders. Her decision will have far-reaching consequences, and she doesn't have time to consider her options. Set before the events in the highly-acclaimed novel 'Elysium's Shadow', this novella reveals the secret of what actually happened on the far-flung world of Elysium when it was first discovered. The Republic is determined to stand - but when Elysium awakens, justice will be sought.

In the enthralling third season of "Duality's Embrace," the balance of power teeters on the edge as ancient forces clash in an epic struggle. "The Shadow Games" dives deep into a world where light and darkness vie for supremacy, and the stakes have never been higher. The void, sensing the burgeoning powers of the Atlanteans, unleashes a devastating surprise attack on the Nile. As chaos erupts, the heroes must rally to defend their homeland and protect their people. Led by the formidable Isis and her ever-watchful feline companion, Bast, they employ their extraordinary abilities to fend off the shadowy menace. Told from the unique perspective of Bast, the clever and loyal cat, this tale weaves together humor, courage, and heart-pounding action. Bast's witty commentary and sharp instincts provide a refreshing lens through which to experience the intense battles and profound transformations that unfold. Join Isis, Bast, and their allies as they navigate treacherous waters, confront their deepest fears, and discover the true extent of the void's power. Will they emerge victorious, or will the shadows consume all? "Duality's Embrace: The Shadow Games" is a spellbinding adventure filled with rich mythology, dynamic characters, and a gripping narrative that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Perfect for fans of epic fantasy and tales of heroism, this installment is sure to leave you eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this mesmerizing series.

L.E. Modesitt returns to SF with a whole new future world on the brink of destruction. A brilliant scientist on the planet Devanta has created a small universe contiguous to ours --and a utopian city on one of the planets. The question becomes, though, an utopia for whom? And why is a shady entertainment mogul subsidizing the scientist? More critical than that, does this new universe require the destruction of a portion --or all -- of our universe in order to grow and stabilize? Blaine Donne is a retired military special operative now devoted to problem-solving for hire. He investigates a series of seemingly unrelated mysteries that arise with the arrival of a woman with unlimited resources who has neither a present nor a past. The more he investigates, the more questions arise, including the role of the two heiresses who are more -- and less -- than they seem, and the more Donne is pushed inexorably toward an explosive solution and a regional interstellar war. Other Series by L.E. Modesitt, Jr. The Saga of Recluce The Imager Portfolio The Corean Chronicles The Spellsong Cycle The Ghost Books The Ecolitan Matter The Forever Hero Timegod's World Other Books The Green Progression Hammer of Darkness The Parafaith War Adiamante Gravity Dreams The Octagonal Raven Archform: Beauty The Ethos Effect Flash The Eternity Artifact The Elysium Commission Viewpoints Critical Haze Empress of Eternity The One-Eyed Man Solar Express At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

The third book in the Enchanted Kingdom series, ELYSIUM continues the story of Rani and Tan as they discover the pathways to Shamballa and develop the Heartland Game. Tracked by both the Dark Ones as well as other Alchemists that are also focused on the merging of the worlds, in this book we cover the movement of the rapture, Shamballa's Shadowlands, parallel worlds plus Earth's rise into more civilized realms. Guided by the futuristic Commander of the Starship Elysium we also track the story of the immortal monk Tao Lao who moves back in time to work with Isabella and influence a young bomber who is hell bent on revenge. A cross between Harry Potter, Star Wars, C.S. Lewis & the Matrix movies, this new trilogy of fiction also weaves in some of the aboriginal dreamtime legends while offering powerful metaphysical tools and futuristic insights that will entertain all ages.

The Celestial Convergence The celestial convergence drew near, and the realms held their collective breath in anticipation. Elysium's guardians, now fortified with the wisdom of the Celestials and the strength of their interdimensional alliances, stood at the forefront of this cosmic event. They understood that the fate of the multiverse hinged upon their ability to guide the convergence towards a harmonious culmination. In the final days leading up to the convergence, the guardians and their allies engaged in intricate rituals, weaving spells and forging cosmic sigils to channel and shape the energies that would converge. They established sanctuaries across the realms, centers where beings from all walks of life could gather to lend their energy and intentions to the celestial endeavor. At these sanctuaries, representatives from each realm shared their stories, knowledge, and experiences, fostering a deep understanding and appreciation for the diverse tapestry of existence. Beings who were once strangers became allies, bound together by a shared purpose and a desire to safeguard the cosmic symphony. The guardians delved into ancient prophecies and sacred texts, searching for clues and insights into the precise nature of the convergence. They discovered that the convergence was not simply a collision of energies, but a profound opportunity for transcendence—a moment when the barriers between realms would become porous, allowing for the exchange of energies and ideas on an unprecedented scale. As the convergence approached, the realms began to resonate in harmony, their energies intertwining like threads in a cosmic tapestry. The guardians, guided by their intuition and the collective wisdom of the council, channeled their energies into intricate rituals, infusing the convergence with intentions of unity, harmony, and enlightenment.

In a world where the roles of Light and Darkness had shifted, there were two powerful individuals chosen by the Old Divines . . . They were given the titles of Ascension and Chaos as recognition of their ferocious might. A millennia after his wife and son were murdered, Aergos—the Demon King, Lord of Chaos, and ruler of the lost kingdom of Amedus—wakes up alone in the Void Realm, stripped of all memory. With the help of his son’s spirit, he learns of his kingdom’s destruction at the hands of Elysium, the cruel Holy Priestess and daughter of Cydius, the Lord of Ascension and ruler of the rival kingdom of Requiem. Desperate to restore balance in the world and stop Elysium’s ongoing reign of terror, Aergos traverses immaterial planes and finds his way back into the realm of the Gem of Purity, where he was first banished on that fateful day a thousand years ago. There, he discovers his access point to the world he once knew: a magical mirror. Enter Kisara, a maid to King Cydius, condemned to a life of servitude. After discovering the Gauntlet of Edin, a powerful relic embedded with the Gem of Purity wherein Aergos is trapped, she makes contact with the Demon King. Both seeking freedom from their respective prisons, Kisara and Aergos make a pact to uncover the truth of Amedus’s destruction and the whereabouts of the evil Holy Priestess. Kisara dons the gauntlet, creating a telepathic link with Aergos, and escapes Requiem. Together, the unlikely duo encounter unholy beasts, pitiless villains, and supernatural allies, harnessing the power of Dark magic to uncover and destroy the plague of corrupted Light. This is Aergos’s last chance for redemption, and blood will stain the earth before peace even has a chance to be restored.

Stranded in the vast cosmos after a disastrous first encounter, Captain Lira Kael and her valiant crew aboard the Elysium must navigate through the uncharted territories of a strange and treacherous universe. Beyond the farthest stars, pursued by implacable foes and wrought with unforeseen dangers, they are fueled by a single, burning imperative: find a way back to Earth. As they forge ahead, the awe-inspiring mysteries of the cosmos unveil themselves—both wondrous and horrifying in equal measure. Each trial they face is not just a test of survival but an opportunity to display the indomitable human spirit in their relentless quest—light year by relentless light year. For Star Trek: Voyager fans, Shadows of the Farthest Stars offers a thrilling odyssey that echoes the heart of exploration and resilience. Join Captain Kael, akin to Captain Janeway, as she grapples with the responsibility of guiding her crew through the unknown, fostering unity amongst disparate characters, and encountering civilizations that challenge their very conception of life and morality. Embark on this starfaring adventure and witness the birth of legends in the deepest, darkest thralls of space—where every decision can mean the difference between the warm embrace of home and the cold infinity of the void.

A lush, dazzlingly original young adult fantasy about an epic clash of witches, gods, and demons. Elysium, Oklahoma, is a town like any other. Respectable. God-fearing. Praying for an end to the Dust Bowl. Until the day the people of Elysium are chosen by two sisters: Life and Death. And the Sisters like to gamble against each other with things like time, and space, and human lives. Elysium is to become the gameboard in a ruthless competition between the goddesses. The Dust Soldiers will return in ten years' time, and if the people of Elysium have not proved themselves worthy, all will be slain. Nearly ten years later, seventeen-year-old Sal Wilkinson is called upon to lead Elysium as it prepares for the end of the game. But then an outsider named Asa arrives at Elysium's gates with nothing more than a sharp smile and a bag of magic tricks, and they trigger a terrible accident that gets both Sal and Asa exiled into the brutal Desert of Dust and Steel. There Sal and Asa stumble upon a gang of girls headed by another exile: a young witch everyone in Elysium believes to be dead. As the apocalypse looms, they must do more than simply tip the scales in Elysium's favor—only by reinventing the rules can they beat Life and Death at their own game in this exciting fantasy debut.