Fire and Wire!

Speedy the Sloth lives in the rainforest with his friends, Jaguar, Spider-Monkey and Tapir. As he slowly moves across the treetops, he sees a strange sight, but Toucan has all the answers.

Read on to find out what happens next in this delightfully illustrated book for children.

Firstborn

On the remote isles of Skarrak, a creature stalks the night, preying on the people of the towns. Jon of Gor, a beastslayer of some renown, is hired by the local jarl to hunt down the monster. But wherever he searches, he encounters a wall of silence, of half-truths and denial, of superstition and suspicion. The creature’s victims are shrouded in secrecy and finding them is only half the battle. Desperate to continue his own search for his lost sister, he must battle against time, deception and the beast itself; a battle that soon becomes personal…

FiveChamp

Discover an electrifying tale where Mother Nature herself orchestrates a new dawn for humanity, converging five extraordinary strangers in the pulsating heart of New York City. Together, they form FiveChamp, a sports team unlike any the world has ever seen, epitomizing endurance, determination, strength, and sportsmanship. But can any team possibly defeat them? The stakes are high: it’s the world versus five!

As they navigate the high-octane arena of sports, FiveChamp also grapples with a darker challenge: the insidious corruption and underworld mafias infiltrating the glamorous world of athletics. Their battle intensifies when an infamous New York serial killer is mysteriously resurrected, unleashing chaos in the city they call home.

Immerse yourself in the gripping saga of FiveChamp as they battle both human vice and supernatural malevolence. Armed with unwavering teamwork and virtuous sportsmanship, they not only aim to vanquish evil but also inspire a new paradigm for unity and valour. Can they triumph over overwhelming odds and capture our hearts? The clock is ticking, and the game has just begun.

Fleeting Images from a Bloodied Past

Ships against the sea! Was…STILL IS, a threat to all the vessels who sail upon her, and especially so, an ever-present threat to the crews who do their duty and put their lives in harm's way. Of violent storms, tempests… All the unpredictable hell of crosswinds, headwinds and tailwinds, roaring madly like some frenzied monster, changing direction, attempting to plunge the man-made object under the vengeful, towering and swamping thunderous waves, against which so many hardy ships have foundered, perished and been lost. The fact that the CSS Alabama came through such a storm and survived this maelstrom is testimony to the meticulous skills and concentrated painstaking patience and hard work of Laird's well-led and well-managed shipbuilding workforce and professional seamanship, that ensured the crew's safe passage and escape from this seaborne wretchedness. Warships, which survived incredible battle experience, and - at war's end - were reviewed for conversion, replacement or the breaker's yard was a consideration. Not all, however, because the fate of HMS Zealous continued in a new page of history, when she was transferred to the Israeli Navy. Later, in 1967, whilst out on patrol in the Eastern Mediterranean, she was suddenly attacked by Egyptian warships equipped with superior firepower. The new crew of this old warhorse knew that the fate of their emerging and vibrant new nation, fighting to retain her hard-fought existence, was dependent upon their spirited defence. Despite the fact that they were up against Soviet-supplied STYX surface-to-surface missiles, against which they had no defence, they steered into battle, undaunted. With battle pennants flying, they bravely challenged the enemy. Their fearlessness and courage shone in the face of certain destruction and ultimate sacrifice. The Cammell Laird scenario is riveting and strikingly dramatic…

Fleo, Master of All Men

Fleo is a very talented flea, with impeccable cooking skills. Differently to all other fleas within the flea kingdom, Fleo was a vegan, not by choice, but due to his intolerance to blood, and all other animal products, which he could never stomach. Whenever Fleo saw blood as a child, he would faint.

Fleo is loved by all in the animal kingdom for his kindness. His kindness would not only make him loved and famous but would ultimately save his life.

After his sudden disappearance, his absence brought out the respect of animals across the animal world, and made them realise the importance of appreciating what they have before it is lost.

Flicker

After discovering that her nemesis is none other than her friend, Lexi must live to fight another day. But now he knows that she’s a witch.

Can she survive long enough to her abusive step-father face justice, or are her days numbered? And can she carry on alone, or is there someone out there to help her?

Flight to Freedom

The planning was complete, and the three girls started their once in a lifetime journey. It had taken a lot of planning, but not as much as was needed later. It all started off so well but left Deb in a filthy cell with nothing to do but count the cockroaches, which there were many, the fetid water she was given gave her stomach cramps.

Then Dad arrived… but how?

He grabbed her quickly and pulled her near the door to unlock the hand and ankle cuffs that secured her. She sighed so he did not need to check her pulse. He managed to lift her onto his shoulder, noticing how light she was – a bonus in a way – as he managed to move quickly across the road. He quickly retrieved his bow and disappeared into the bushes, managing to trip only twice and never enough to floor him. Can they get away for good?

Flora and Fauna Part 1

This is one of a series of stories about the great Orme goats in Llandudno. On 31 March 2020, a group of 122 Kashmiri goats captured the world’s attention on social media and television, and from the United States of America to Australia, when they came down off the mountain and into the streets of Llandudno, eating all the shrubs and plants in people’s gardens. Some of the homeowners and businesses moved them on, but most people let them be and filmed or photographed them.

The world press was in attendance on 14 September 2021 during a five-hour rescue mission by the RSPCA, coastguards and Conwy council trying to rescue 15 stranded goats from Austin’s rock, but unfortunately, one was killed.

On 8 February 2022 police were called to an incident when fighting Kashmiri goats locked horns in an Asda car park causing chaos and gridlock.

Sometimes the goats disrupted traffic wherever they went, but fair play to the motorists, they gave the goats a wide berth as they roamed the streets in search of food.

Because of the pandemic and the lack of people and holidaymakers, they knew they would be safe.

Even now, in 2022, people from all over the world are still coming to Llandudno especially to see the goats.

Florence the Christmas Cat

Florence the cat was upset at being left alone over the Christmas Holiday, until Santa came down the chimney and persuaded Florence to spend Christmas Eve helping him to deliver all the children’s presents. On the way they discovered a very sad letter from a boy called Harry. Harry recently had to go and live with his dad and his dad’s new family and was not happy. So Santa and Florence collected Harry to join them on their journey.

Just after they set off, the shooting stars erupted and upturned Santa’s sleigh! Harry and Florence were sent flying through the air, only to land in a country neither of them had heard of before. They befriended Malik and his sister Aaral, who lived on the streets. Harry was stunned when he realised how Malik and Aaral survived and he began to feel ashamed of his behaviour at home and at school, and realised that he did in fact have a good life compared to his two new brave friends. The three children were then kidnapped by the Deputies, who sold children to adults in foreign countries. Will Florence rescue them in time?

Flotsam and Jetsam

Phil Wilson is an ageing saxophone player who washed up in the Ocean Breeze caravan park, like flotsam left on the beach after a storm. Even for those somewhat on the margins of the good society, life can be pleasant. Phil and his fellow caravan park renters thought so.

But life throws a series of curveballs and they can give in or fight back. They will need to navigate the testing waters of interpersonal relationships, bureaucracy, and the unpatrolled worlds of online communities.

Set on the Surf Coast in Victoria, the novel is a wry study of male mateship and the challenges of friendship and relationships.

Floxy the Mermaid

This is the tale of a kind little mermaid called Floxy who is very upset that her fourth birthday party has been cancelled because of the ‘coral virus’.

One day, to cheer herself up, she swims out to the rusty old anchor and discovers a poor turtle trapped underneath a rock.

The story unfolds, and just like a birthday present, it is all wrapped up, this time in a soft seaweed blanket of kindness, selflessness and love.

Flying Used to Be Fun

Civil aviation has changed out of all recognition over the period during which the author was involved. In many ways it is now far safer than it used to be. In the early sixties, majority of flights were conducted in piston engine aircrafts and many were tail draggers i.e. you would have entered at the back of the aircraft and then struggled uphill towards your own seat. Turbine power soon took over and planes not only became faster but could climb higher, which usually produced a smoother flight.

By the mid-sixties, jets were being introduced. They were even faster and flew still higher, once more increasing passenger comfort as more of the rougher weather was left below. Along with this, airfields were being expanded to cope with ever-increasing passenger numbers. For many years the government had no money to pay for updating navigational aids including safe landing systems. Appropriate radar coverage for air traffic controllers was hindered by lack of funds. Aircraft manufacturers improved the reliability of the aircraft they produced and engines were also being developed with far greater power to increase safety standards for both airfield performance and speed during the cruise.

This is the story of a life lived across many different eras of aviation.