Books published by 13th Sign

Ideal for fans of historical fiction and dog-lovers who are looking for a short, festive read for themselves or as a gift.

As the Mages of the Citadel fight amongst themselves and prepare for war against the Forest, Mielitta, a despised servant, has her own battle to face. Bastien and Jannlou, the boys who terrorised her as a child, have grown into their status as Mages and she cannot escape them forever. In desperation, she flees to the forbidden Forest and its dangerous attractions. Her scent angers thousands of bees and, although she survives their attack, she has changed. A strange bee symbol glows on her thigh and her senses are altered. She learns that her connection with bees enables her to summon their aid and gives her the power to shift shape. This new-found bond works both ways and the bees need Mielitta's help as the rift widens between Forest and Citadel. Can one girl and a colony of bees reunite Man and Nature, or is the split irreversible? Block Nature out and she'll force a way in.

The second collection of poetry from award-winning author Jean Gill retains the passion and spiky humour for which she is known but has matured into a unique, assured view of our world. Her most lyrical poems reveal a sensuality that lingers in the imagination.'I would not give my eyes to tune pianosbut for one brightened night to readthe raised points of your skin with blind man's fingersI might.'Other poems share political insights with timeless, incisive humour.Just like that cheated child, who eats his 'chosen' vegI'm bribed, cajoled, bombasted by each politician's pledge.This greener, better future which they say they offer me,has horizons built of money on the dead dreams of the free.Unless I stand for my beliefs myself, election meansthat I'm doomed to cast my votefor processed peas or processed beans.Divided into two parts, this new edition includes the stories behind the poetry, some personal and some on the craft of writing poetry; always surprising. 'The humour frequently has the effect of pointing up the stark reality with which she writes. She employs a variety of styles to make the collection even more interesting.' Ted Griffin, Pause Magazinewww.jeangill.com

"This is a moving story played out by every serving soldier when war dislocates families and taxes friendships." Colonel (retired)Walter Bonnici, RAMCFour years, 3 million bombs, one small island out-facing the might of the German and Italian air forces - and one young Scotsman who didn't want to be there. The true story of WW2 Malta from an eye-witness account written at the time in a secret diary, a diary too dangerous to show anyone, and too precious to destroy.Private George Taylor arrived on Malta in 1940 thinking that shiny buttons would earn him fast promotion; he left four years later, a cynical sergeant and a Master Freemason who never said, 'I was there,' without a bitter smile. Despite the times he said, 'It's me for the next boat', despite his fears that Nettie had forgotten him, George kept the motto of the Royal Army Medical Corps 'In arduis fidelis', 'faithful through hard times' and only told his diary the inside story of four long years.Now, the truth can be told.'Based on words and feelings recorded at the time it is probably unique.' Don Marshall, Military History Enthusiastwww.jeangill.com

'A rare treat' - J.G. Harlond, author of 'The Empress Emerald''An eclectic mix - quite unputdownable' - B.A. Morton, author of prize-winning crime novel  'Mrs Jones'Five-minute reads.Meet people you will never forget: the night photographer, the gynaecologist’s wife, the rescue dog. Dip into whatever suits your mood, from comedy to murders; from fantastic stories to blog posts, by way of love poetry.Fully illustrated in black and white by the author; Jean Gill’s original photographs are as thought-provoking as her writing.An out of body experience for adventurous readers.Or, of course, you can ’Live Safe’.Not for youthe blind alley on a dark night,wolf-lope pacing you step for stepas shadows flare on the walls.Watch the trailer youtube.com/watch?v=Ug0Pf14oT6Y