Temporary Tales: Of Magic and Hope - Paperback

by N. V. Haskell (Author)

In this collection of new and previously published short stories, you will find tales of magic and transformation. Each story features complex characters who face challenges that are bigger than themselves.

• When an old man takes two brothers hostage, the younger one must break spells buried in the past before death claims their city.
• A woman who accidentally raises her grandfather from the dead and must escort him to the deadlands in order to keep him safe.
• When the mind of a powerful sorceress is destroyed by her own magic, the person who loves her most must consider the ultimate sacrifice.
• A father trying to save his son must confront their past in order to move forward.
• Estranged siblings must fulfill their sorceress mother's execution order when her atrocities scare the Senate. But how can they work together when they don't know what the others are capable of?
• A man searching for someone worthy to inherit his magical abilities or risk turning into a stream of fusion jazz.
• Signing a contract to the Dying Book ensures a life of luxury while fulfilling the king's assassinations. Refusing any assignment means death. But what happens when the names of the royal family appear in the book, including the king?
• When a ship's crew becomes enthralled by murderous mermaid, only one person remains immune to her spell. But they have a secret which could lead to death or freedom.
• After their father dies, a resentful teenager and his innocent sister must escape the Magus who demands the girl's magic. But they soon discover that not all magic needs words and no one is safe from the Magus's creatures.
• When a lieutenant with a mysterious past discovers an exotic creature held captive by a travelling farrago, they must decide how far they will go to save what matters most.
• Someone battling their inner demons that searches for the strength to keep going.
• Individuals grappling with their identities and fighting for what they believe is right.

But through it all, hope remains as the common thread that ties these tales together - hope for a brighter future and a better tomorrow.