Standing on the Edge of Forever

‘In order to be punished, there must first be a transgression. I am innocent, but damned. Cursed in the most callous and inhuman way. But the blood of the guilty will yet wash over my hands. I will have revenge, and it will be merciless and unforgiving.’

The mysterious murder of a famous academic in the backstreets of Los Angeles leads to a wild ride through a dark quest that has lasted nearly 4,000 years and which will lead to the attempted fusing of the modern world to Ancient Egypt in 1799BC.

An enigmatic, powerfully beautiful, and fantastically rich woman, a bookish academic and his feisty friend, a brilliant but disturbing particle physicist, an ancient usurper and the arrogant god Anubis all combine to tell a story that threatens to change everything we know about the world around us.

The biggest particle accelerator in the world, a pyramid at the heart of LA, and a private army speaking Ancient Egyptian. There is a world within our world, and the time has come for it to step out and take control.

Of(f) Course Minister

Responsible government is a simple idea. Under it, public servants are responsible to ministers, ministers are responsible to the parliament, and parliament to the people.

This simple idea underpins parliamentary democracies worldwide. Yet deep inside government, an awkward truth is emerging. Rather than supporting responsible government, the relationships between ministers, public servants and the parliament are undermining it.

Of(f) Course, Minister takes us behind the closed doors of one of the world’s most successful and stable democracies. It examines how a nation formed on Westminster principles is drifting away from the north star of responsible government. It explains why this is happening, what it means for the way government works, and what can be done about it.

Sean Innis brings a blend of insight and humour to his tale. The story he tells is uniquely Australian. But it is one which holds lessons for democracies everywhere.

A Child at War

Not everyone has the terrifying experience of living through a world war, with an enemy intent on destroying their way of life. In this short autobiography, covering my early years from ages 3 to 8, I have dug deep into my memories to share my wartime hopes and fears.

Perhaps my greatest fears occurred during the London Blitz (1940 to 1941), as we spent countless nights and some days taking cover in an Anderson shelter while the Luftwaffe relentlessly rained bombs down upon us. Later, I experienced a mix of fear, excitement, and adventure when the first of Hitler’s Vengeance weapons, the V1 flying bomb, appeared. Walking down the street after an air raid and seeing that a house or a pub had vanished filled me with anxiety for the future.

The second Vengeance weapon, the V2, a giant rocket filled with high explosives, was even more destructive but less terrifying than the V1, as you never saw or heard it coming; it traveled at three times the speed of sound. Tragically, one of these rockets struck my young playmate’s home, killing her and her entire family. If the third weapon, the V3, had not been destroyed by the RAF near the end of hostilities, the course of the war might have been very different.

Why not read more about life during the war for those, like me, who lived each day in fear for their lives?

The Words That Gave Me Wings

Written between the ages of sixteen and eighteen, The Words That Gave Me Wings is a profoundly moving collection of poetry that encapsulates the tumultuous experience of blossoming into womanhood.

Divided into four chapters mirroring the life cycle of a butterfly: Egg, Larva, Pupa and Adult, the poems chronicle the poet’s own metamorphosis. Just as a caterpillar transforms into a magnificent butterfly, the act of writing allowed the poet to shed her skin, embrace her true self, and finally take flight.

This collection is a testament to the enduring power of self-expression and the beauty of vulnerability, reminding us that every lesson, love, tear and triumph is worthy of poetry. It is a must-read for anyone who admires a soul being poured onto a page, has faced criticism for ‘feeling too deeply’ or needs the courage to prioritise their own needs when they know it is time to return to themselves.

A Woodland Adventure – Part One

Is it true, or just a fanciful tale? Do fairies really exist? And if they do, could they be living in Chancel Wood, near Abbey Dene Primary School?

For many years, Nanny Agnes has captivated her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with stories of fairies in the wood. She believes every word of it, but those she’s told aren’t so sure – except for her great-granddaughter Amy.

Amy’s enchantment and willingness to believe in the fairies of Chancel Wood grow even stronger when she discovers a collection of old photographs and a handwritten letter at school, both offering proof of the tiny, magical creatures!

When Nanny Agnes hears about the discovery, she decides to reward Amy’s belief and curiosity. But the photographs and letter are nearly a century old. Will there be anything left to see in Chancel Wood? Will Amy’s faith in magic be rewarded, or will she face disappointment?

Only Nanny Agnes knows the truth…

A Woodland Adventure – Part One

Is it true, or just a fanciful tale? Do fairies really exist? And if they do, could they be living in Chancel Wood, near Abbey Dene Primary School?

For many years, Nanny Agnes has captivated her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with stories of fairies in the wood. She believes every word of it, but those she’s told aren’t so sure – except for her great-granddaughter Amy.

Amy’s enchantment and willingness to believe in the fairies of Chancel Wood grow even stronger when she discovers a collection of old photographs and a handwritten letter at school, both offering proof of the tiny, magical creatures!

When Nanny Agnes hears about the discovery, she decides to reward Amy’s belief and curiosity. But the photographs and letter are nearly a century old. Will there be anything left to see in Chancel Wood? Will Amy’s faith in magic be rewarded, or will she face disappointment?

Only Nanny Agnes knows the truth…

Toby

To Toby, a young basking shark, life in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Ireland felt boring.

With seven seas to explore, he longed for adventure!

As he sets out on his journey, Toby discovers a vibrant underwater world brimming with colour and fascinating fishy creatures.

Pepper Under My Nose

This is a tale of two seemingly ordinary people, Annette and Bob, who seek sexual adventure but struggle to become – or even appear to be – more than they truly are. Annette longs to embody the role of a wanton seductress, yet remains deeply repressed. Bob tries to play the part of a brutal, macho man, but he too is held back by his own inhibitions. The result is a messy and chaotic rapport between two individuals who might have loved each other but are unable, for different reasons, to surrender fully to love.

Annette and Bob often resemble zombified beings, moving through life without fully understanding why they act as they do – or even what they are doing. Their story raises profound questions about the nature of free will, suggesting that perhaps it is an illusion.

Yet, amidst their flaws and struggles, Annette and Bob remain undeniably human. It is their humanity, shining through the pages, which gives this novel its poignant and relatable edge.

Before and After Eve

This collection of poems is inspired by personal journeys, the beauty of nature, and the mysteries of the unknown – inviting you to embark on your own imaginative voyage.

Among the featured works:

‘Friends of New Music Energy’ offers insight into the world of fellow musicians.

‘Traveller Friends and Countries’ explores the bonds of friendship across different places and cultures.

Altogether, this book presents 28 full poems to enjoy, each crafted to inspire, reflect, and resonate.

The Struggles of Sleeping Rough

This is not a typical memoir. It’s an ordinary person’s story—one of hardship, resilience, and survival. From a traumatic upbringing to life overseas, his journey led him to homelessness, where he faced daily struggles, abuse, threats, and battles for a safe place to sleep.

This raw and powerful account sheds light on the human side of homelessness, revealing the fears, hopes, and strength of those living on the streets. A call for empathy, understanding, and change.

Where Ya Goin'

In just 12 hours, a young lawyer’s life is utterly shattered.

Confronted with devastating choices, will he remain committed to his law career, succumb to the dark world of drugs, or forge an entirely new path to rebuild his future?

A gripping tale of resilience, temptation, and self-discovery.

A Magic Wish

Lose yourself in this heart-wrenching young adult/adult novel that delves into early difficult family life from the perspective of a brother and younger twin sisters having to grow up before their time.

At the centre of the story is James, who craves the attention of his father but has to look to his granddad for affection and support.

He has to deal with his sisters making home life unbearable for him as their father favours them above him.

A chance meeting with Hailey while on holiday turns his young life upside down. Their friendship quickly develops into something deeper, but a potential life-threatening health condition stands in the way of their relationship going any further.

Facing this turmoil, they make a magic wish, which gives them some confidence that whatever is thrown their way, they will always be together.

The reader will easily feel some sympathy towards James with his feelings and emotions stretched to the limit, while also seeing his parent’s marriage fall apart and experiencing personal tragedy.

The emotional twists and turns will keep you captivated until the end, perhaps touching on personal experience.