Böcker av Robert Collins

This book explores the tensions which have arisen in the disapora as a result of large numbers of Russian migrants entering established overseas parishes following the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Robbin, a thief and cheater, is approached by another thief, Cedric. The older outlaw proposes to rob the Duke of Fallwood. Though Fallwood isn't rich, the Duke is old and has been hoarding the taxes he's collected over his long reign. Robbin proposes a safer scheme. Instead of robbing the manor they could cheat the Duke out of part of his fortune.The two go to Fallwood and undertake their scheme, pretending to be merchants. But as Robbin tries for a safe steal, Cedric keeps trying for a quick steal. Then the Duke makes a proposal of his own over his own grand-daughter. What will Robbin do to save himself from those schemes?

Casyn is a young Prince of Duvonna and heir to the kingship. He lives in a time of peace and magic, but conflicts and troubles are still present in his domain and in those of Duvonna's neighbors.His rise to power will see him win duels and display his wits. What Casyn will struggle with at times is the morality of the choices he makes as Prince and then King. Can a strong and wise King also be a moral man?

An old wizard of Brittigord has a notion to use magic to create a monster to defend his kingdom. The King supports the idea but his son does not.Meanwhile, the witch lover of a Princess in a rival kingdom has made a dark discovery about magic.Are these two notions doomed to clash tragically? What suffering will result from "the Behemoth of Brittigord?"

Once again Du and Gray the dragon are given a mission by the ruler of the Kingdom of the Coast. This time they're to go north to the Snow Kingdom to learn about that land. There are rumors of men being able to use magic and trouble between the young King and his uncle.Gray has some new spells to demonstrate while away, and Du is pondering her future. Could this journey north be more than just an adventure for them? Could it be the start of a very different adventure for the former bandit and the one dragon in the world?

Owen Brown has followed his father, John Brown, and his brothers to Kansas Territory to fight the wicked institution of slavery. He's met one of the native medicine men of the Territory, who teaches him something the white men call "magic."Owen encourages his father to learn native magic. It could be a tool in their struggle against the nation's great sin, slavery. John Brown is persuaded, and the two learn from the native.Over the next decade, Owen will use magic in the service of his cause. It will take him across the Territory during "Bleeding Kansas," and across the nation when the Civil War comes. His powers will increase, but so will his duty to himself, his beliefs, and to those around him.

Jake Bonner, the hero of Expert Assistance, Haven, and Janitorial Service, is back in this new short novel. The richest men in known space are gathering together, just as several colony worlds are creating an interstellar alliance. Something's up, and Jake's asked to find out what that is. He calls in favors from his friends from past adventures to get to the bottom of what those wealthy men are planning. Jake's going to need his wits, his cool ship, and his pals to pull off the greatest scam in galactic history. Can they do it, and with style and snark?

A woman scientist travels back in time. A TV preacher warns of the "mutant danger." A teenager's training to be a mutant hero. A mutant villain with ambition. How are these four people connected to a mysterious hero known as the Monitor? Can the future be changed? And can a person be changed trying to do so? Monitor examines morality and obsession amidst a background of superheroes and time travel. The dark drama of Monitor will have readers asking, "Could I save the world without losing myself?"

Another couple of years have passed since Lisa's battle on Barbaree. A new year sees her visiting new worlds as part of her effort to rebuild what was lost during the "Savage Rain." This time around Lisa has to deal with old grudges and new concerns. There's also the ruler of the main town on the planet of Glades. He seems interested in trade, but he doesn't seem to think anyone else should have his job. How will Lisa and her friends overcome these new obstacles? What new ideas can she come up with to improve life? What are the truths that Lisa lives by, and how will those truths help her cause?

Venda's brothers die at sea due to the foolishness of the master of a pirate ship. She leaves the Snowlands and joins the master's ship. This starts her on a grand adventure at sea, trusting in her wits and her friend's magic as a pirate.

Zi is the daughter of a silk merchant who is unsure about where her life should go. Suddenly she's whisked away to another land by magic by a witch named Ysina. Zi finds herself on an adventure to return home. She meets strange beings and experiences all sorts of spells. But has more than adventure found her?

Jilla used to be known as a woman who bested men in duels. Now she travels the world, searching for wealth to steal, women (and men) to love, and the odd danger (magical or not) to overcome. This tale finds Jilla the Rogue dealing with young nobles, the mistress of one of them, and the choice of being a rogue or an actor.

The Blue Pistol and his allies have freed a few dukedoms in the Settled Domains from the power of the Slavers Guild. Those gains must be protected, & more people must be freed from slavery. Two dukedoms are targeted to advance the cause: Black Rapids & Saint's Hope. One will see an attempt at rebellion; the other, an attack by lies and hard truths. Can the Blue Pistol liberate more land from control by the Guild? Can more nobles be trusted to see the value in ending slavery? Can the common people of the Domains be trusted to take the reigns of power?

The Blue Pistol is certain that the Slavers Guild will expect more attacks in his effort to end slavery in the Settled Domains. To that end, the Blue Pistol decides to catch the Guild off-guard. "We'll give them a year of calm, then hit them hard." This means new battles and new allies. Several young women will enlist, to protect themselves as much to support the cause of freedom. New dukedoms will be in the Blue Pistol's sights, and more pressure will be put on his spy within the Slaver's Guild. How hard will the Blue Pistol's blows be? When will his war against slavery end?

Edith of Barnfield is the daughter of a merchant. He doesn't think she should follow in his trade. That decision will drive her to witness a mighty battle, engage with a Princess, and resist those who would mistreat the subjects of her kingdom.

David Chalmers is attending Mo-Kan 2, a science fiction convention in Kansas City. He's there because a national Doctor Who group has big plans for the future. During the con he meets fellow fan Lila Woodson and the members of another fan group, the Space Rats.Will this convention alter David's future? Will Lila win the costume contest? Should we be afraid of Doctor Who: The Wrath of Kroll?

It's been two years since Lisa first left her home planet to help reconnect people generations after the Savage Rain. A new year finds her learning more about the Savage Rain. She visits a world where no humans are living, and another where women rule due to their fear of raiders from a planet known only as "Barbaree." Lisa knows that if her work is to continue, she has to face down these raiders. That means going to war. Is she ready to fight for what she believes in? Can she defeat the raiders while still showing that brains are better than brawn? "There are more worlds to visit, and more things to learn," Lisa says. Will she learn enough to resolve the difficulties she faces?

This collection contains nine short stories featuring Jake Bonner, the hero of Expert Assistance, Haven, and Janitorial Assistance. Jake faces all manner of adventures in these tales. A scientist is claiming evidence of ancient aliens, and Jake has to offer protection. An old friend needs a guard for a wedding on a posh asteroid. An young star needs help dealing with a rival celebrity. Then there's the woman claiming to be a telepath... Jake has to use his wits, his cool ship, and his knowledge of pop culture to solve these problems. Can he survive such a mad galaxy?

This collection assembles 6 short stories featuring Lisa Herbert, the title character of the novels Lisa's Way and Lisa's War. The first 4 stories take place between the novels; the other 2 take place after the events of Lisa's War. These stories see Lisa going to new worlds and taking on new responsibilities as she helps rebuild interstellar society. Also included in this books are a pair of short stories from the original vision of Lisa Herbert, when her adventures were confined to post-collapse Earth. Author Robert Collins wrote a few words about those stories to let you know more about his first vision of Lisa's life and how that vision changed.

Cari is a thief tempted to break into a wizard's house. But instead of treasure she hears the wizard tell a tale of magical airships and an evil emperor. His tale turns out to be true, launching Cari into a tale of her own with battles, witches, daring escapes, and a pretty Princess.

Violetta is the cousin of the Lord of Crossroads. She has no interest in the usual pursuits of the nobility. She wants to be one of the Defenders and fight injustice.However, Violetta has no ability to cast spells. What she does have is the ability to think, to reason, to lie, and to follow where the truth takes her. Twice before with Defenders she proved her skill and courage. She's therefore sent to the Royal Academy of Magery to learn what the Defenders learn.In these five novellas, Violetta travels the kingdom in search of cheaters, liars, and murderers. It's not work for a Lady, but it is work for Violetta, the Sun Spirit.

Here's a collection of stories you won't find anywhere else. Inside are tales of a spooky mansion eager to be bought; disappointed model railroad denizens; and a doorknob that greets your hand, literally.Also part of this collection are the sagas of Surgard the Northerner. Journey with the heroic and witty Surgard as he faces down foolish giants, singing dwarves, duplicitous wizards, suspicious savages, and worst of all, a monster with an attorney!And last but not least is the tale of the Valley Springs Resort. It's a place on a distant world where visitors can relax and have a good time. You might not think such a place has much of a story. You'd be wrong, which is why you need to go there.

Zi and Ysina are in the kingdom Zi grew up in. Ysina is teaching a few witches while both tell the King about magic. Before they're about to leave for home, a report comes of a dragon raiding farms and stealing livestock.Zi and Ysina have to go in search of this dragon. Along the way they find bandits. They also find that while they can help solve some problems, others must be solved by those concerned about those problems.

Tulla breaks the rule his town leader set down, and visits the men in strange boats from the east. They come with a message: magic has returned to the world.Tulla learns magic from the strangers, Allan and Prince George. He also learns that Allan has used magic, as "The Defender" to fight for justice. Tulla decides to do the same, starting with the arrogant and corrupt leader of his town. From then on, Tulla will travel the Mountain Kingdom as "The Black Fox," trying to better his homeland.This collection contains five novellas, telling the tales of "The Black Fox." If you're already a fan of "The Defender" series, you shouldn't miss this collection of related tales!

Ruzi helped Adahilara throw off its wicked King. Two years later the new King asks her to go abroad. The infamous "City of Pirates" may have struck at ships sailing around Adahilara. The pirates threaten efforts to extend trade east. She's to investigate the matter and return with a solution.Yet there's only so much one witch can learn by asking questions. Ruzi decides to pay a visit to the City of Pirates. She does find out more about the pirates, but she also discovers that the daughter of the Pirate King is dismissed by those around her. Is there more that Ruzi can do than just observe? Can she come up with a plot to stop the pirates?

Terezia is the daughter of a merchant. She and her her father are visiting the city of Alhira, the seat of the kingdom across the sea from her home. Her father is trying to expand his trade. Terezia is trying to decide what to do with her life. She wants to help her father but isn't sure how. Will her decision be affected by a handsome stranger, or one of the local witches? What future will Terezia choose?

Andrew Manson is an inventor with a passion for mechanics and a knack for getting embroiled in mysteries.From Florida to New York City, to Washington, and back again, Andrew finds himself dealing with shady characters in an America where airships won the Civil War.Will Andrew be able to get his combustion engine working? Will he ever escape trouble? And what about the fashionable young woman in the Airship Dress?This volume contains all five Andrew Manson mystery stories, including the previously published short novels WILLOW HILL and EIGHTY HOUSE.

A young man comes to Inga the witch to ask for a love potion. She tells him that using such a potion would be wrong. Instead she encourages him to get over his shyness with a young woman by writing to her. It's not her usual work, so will this sort of magic be helpful to anyone?

A young woman named Cassia, journeyman in the Slavers' Guild of the Settled Domains, is tasked to capture a mysterious outlaw named The Blue Pistol.Her encounter with him will shatter her life and subject her to physical and emotional agony.But in understanding his battle and her own past, Cassia will seek to overcome her pain and prove that she can be of value to those who are willing accept her.

Balia is born with a mighty talent for magic and a destiny not in the land of her birth. Naturally that leads to travel and adventure. Is she going to spend her whole life looking for her place? Or will she find her destiny sooner rather than later?