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Stories from the Verse
Old Verses New

We have successfully presented Verse Three, Chapter One:  The First Multiverser Novel in its entirety, chapter by chapter, and now have permission to continue the story with the sequel, the second novel, Old Verses New.  If you haven't read the first book, it's not essential; it is in a sense a complete story in itself, and while this book continues the stories of those characters (two of them, mainly, the third appearing briefly and being frequently mentioned, returning in the third book) it is also a discrete book in itself despite being part of a longer story.  On the other hand, the first book is free and easily accessed by anyone who can get here, so you can't complain that you wish you'd read it first if you don't.

For the reasons discussed on the indexing page of that first novel, we've chosen this format.  Below are two columns, the one on the left listing all the chapters published so far in sequence--the sequence in which they are published as well as the sequence in which they appear in the book.  The right hand column reverses the order, such that the first chapter listed there is the most recently published one, the last chapter currently available.  That way if you've just discovered the book you can begin with chapter one and work your way down the left hand side, but if you've been reading regularly you can immediately go to the latest installment by hitting the top of the right column.  Again each chapter is on its own web page, with a link near the top to the previous chapter and, once it is published, a link at the bottom to the next one, plus links back to this page to help you navigate.  You'll have to keep track of your place, but that shouldn't be too difficult--I'm including a blurb with each chapter that should help you remember what you've read.  To make it easier for me, and perhaps to pique your interest, I will sometimes have the next-to-be-published chapter listed here.  To be first to hear of new publications, support my Patreon campaign, or follow me in social media.

Again I have collected some "behind the writings" materials, which will be published on the mark Joseph "young" web log and listed and linked here.  These are quite replete with spoilers, so you might want to delay reading them until you're well past the chapters they discuss, but quite a few readers have found them interesting.  One has told me he is not much of a book reader but loves reading about creative process, and thus the posts on how it was created are to him more interesting than the story itself.  I do hope you find the story interesting, but I admit that the behind-the-writings posts interest me as well.

Credit should be given.  The above image was modified by me from the cover of the first novel, which in turn was created by Valdron art director Dimitrios "Jim" Denaxas.  The images on the individual pages for the first Hastings and Kondor chapters were done by Eric York, and subsequent images were done by me usually by compositing elements of his previous images and images gleaned from the Internet which were said to be free for commercial use (I'm not sure this is commercial use, but I'm not sure it is not, so I'm not taking a risk there); I again added the lettering in all cases.  Kellie Tessena Keck did the editing on this one.

A new section has been added (as of late October 2016), for Multiverser Novel Support Pages, including Multiverser game-style character sheets for major characters in the novels, to be expanded gradually over time.  We have also published

Chapter 1:  Hastings 44, in which Lauren Elizabeth Meyers Hastings and her verser friend Robert Elvis Slade struggle through a harsh winter in what had been an idyllic summer paradise.
Chapter 2:  Kondor 42, in which Joseph Wade Kondor introduces himself to an oddly familiar ship in an oddly unfamiliar new world.
Chapter 3:  Brown 1, in which we are introduced to Derek Jacob Brown, frightened boy tossed into the uncertainties of the multiverse.
Chapter 4:  Hastings 45, in which Spring brings an unexpected adventure to Lauren and Bob.
Chapter 5:  Kondor 43, in which Joe meets Captain John.
Chapter 6:  Brown 2, in which Derek decides to arm himself against a potentially deadly...butler.
Chapter 7:  Hastings 46, in which a fish escapes from Lauren but not from Bob.
Chapter 8:  Kondor 44, in which Joe rather dramatically starts saving lives.
Chapter 9:  Brown 3, in which Derek hears one side of a conversation, and then gets a bit of sleep followed by an unpleasant awakening.
Behind the writing:  mark Joseph "Young" blog entry #74:  Another Novel, looks at some of what was behind the writing decisions as the new novel begins, covering the first nine chapters.
Chapter 10:  Hastings 47, in which Lauren is warmly greeted by a stranger who thinks he knows why she is there.
Chapter 11:  Kondor 45, in which Joe saves a life with a simple but modern medical technique.
Chapter 12:  Brown 4, in which Derek is cornered by a killer.
Chapter 13:  Hastings 48, in which Lauren's new teacher introduces himself.
Chapter 14:  Kondor 46, in which Joe starts teaching his life saving trick to others.
Chapter 15:  Brown 5, in which Derek moves to a new house.
Chapter 16:  Hastings 49, in which Lauren begins learning magic from a master.
Chapter 17:  Kondor 47, in which Joe takes one life and saves another.
Chapter 18:  Brown 6, in which Derek gets as far as the dining room.
Behind the writing:  mark Joseph "Young" blog entry #78:  Novel Fears, looks at some of what was behind the writing decisions as the new novel continues, covering the chapters 10 through 18.
Chapter 19:  Hastings 50, in which Lauren and Merlin discuss the use of magic, and she discovers that she knows someone else in this world.
Chapter 20:  Kondor 48, in which Joe takes charge of the medical department.
Chapter 21:  Brown 7, in which Derek tries to plot a new course out of the house through the kitchen.
Chapter 22:  Hastings 51, in which Lauren learns to hide in plain sight, and inspires Merlin's new plan.
Chapter 23:  Kondor 49, in which Joe persuades the captain to keep the recovering doctor aboard.
Chapter 24:  Brown 8, in which Derek gives a name to his problem, and leaves it behind.
Chapter 25:  Hastings 52, in which Lauren and Merlin discuss knowing what is real, and deciding what God should do.
Chapter 26:  Kondor 50, in which Joe is taught the navigational benefits of a good timepiece.
Chapter 27:  Brown 9, in which Derek finds himself in a swamp, and looks for a way out.
Behind the writing:  mark Joseph "Young" blog entry #82:  Novel Developments, looks at some of what was behind the writing decisions as the new novel continues, covering the chapters 19 through 27.
Chapter 28:  Kondor 51, in which Joe's ship does battle with a myth.
Chapter 29:  Hastings 53, in which Lauren is charged with witchcraft.
Chapter 30:  Brown 10, in which Derek gets out of the swamp.
Chapter 31:  Hastings 54, in which Lauren and Sir Sagrimore seek a vampire but find something else.
Chapter 32:  Kondor 52, in which Joe begins devising a gem of a plan.
Chapter 33:  Brown 11, in which Derek takes a bath before he leaves the castle.
Chapter 34:  Hastings 55, in which Lauren helps Sir Sagrimore fight his first ghouls.
Chapter 35:  Kondor 53, in which Joe gets his stones.
Chapter 36:  Brown 12, in which Derek arrives at summer camp.
Behind the writing:  mark Joseph "Young" blog entry #86:  Novel Conflicts, looks at some of what was behind the writing decisions as the new novel continues, covering the chapters 28 through 36.
Chapter 37:  Hastings 56, in which Sir Sagrimore fights with Lauren against his first vampire.
Chapter 38:  Kondor 54, in which Joe tries to come to terms with his own bad luck.
Chapter 39:  Brown 13, in which Derek discovers some of the fun of summer camp and of fantasy role playing games.
Chapter 40:  Hastings 57, in which Lauren fights a lone vampire but Sagrimore delivers the killing stroke.
Chapter 41:  Kondor 55, in which having gotten past pirates and high seas Joe is stymied by customs agents.
Chapter 42:  Brown 14, in which darkness descends on Derek's camp experience.
Chapter 43:  Kondor 56, in which Joe buckles his swash and fights more pirates.
Chapter 44:  Brown 15, in which Derek's new friends start falling.
Chapter 45:  Hastings 58, in which Lauren reaches Wandborough and calls for a werewolf.
Behind the writing:  mark Joseph "Young" blog entry #89:  Novel Confrontations, looks at some of what was behind the writing decisions as the new novel continues, covering the chapters 37 through 45.
Chapter 46:  Kondor 57, in which Joe finds himself on display.
Chapter 47:  Brown 16, in which Derek packs his gear and gets his bike.
Chapter 48:  Hastings 59, in which Lauren teaches Sagrimore a bit of magic.
Chapter 49:  Kondor 58, in which Joe finds his place in history.
Chapter 50:  Brown 17, in which Derek confronts his prime suspect.
Chapter 51:  Hastings 60, in which Lauren settles in Wandborough.
Chapter 52:  Kondor 59, in which Joe agrees to relive the past.
Chapter 53:  Brown 18, in which Derek solves the murders and saves a life.
Chapter 54:  Hastings 61, in which Lauren watches decades and kingdoms pass.
Behind the writing:  mark Joseph "Young" blog entry #91:  Novel Mysteries, looks at some of what was behind the writing decisions as the new novel continues, covering the chapters 46 through 54.
Chapter 55:  Kondor 60, in which Joe realizes he has some odd money problems, and has trouble addressing them.
Chapter 56:  Hastings 62, in which Lauren defends Wandborough.
Chapter 57:  Brown 19, in which Derek explores a locked room.
Chapter 58:  Kondor 61, in which Joe obtains some expensive paper.
Chapter 59:  Hastings 63, in which Lauren meets some unusual, er, people.
Chapter 60:  Brown 20, in which Derek hacks the doors.
Chapter 61:  Kondor 62, in which Joe settles into the hotel and starts stocking his supplies.
Chapter 62:  Hastings 64, in which Lauren's new friends lead her in the exploration of an almost empty building.
Chapter 63:  Brown 21, in which Derek meets a strange woman and her equally strange companions.
Behind the writing:  mark Joseph "Young" blog entry #94:  Novel Meetings, looks at some of what was behind the writing decisions as the new novel continues, covering the chapters 55 through 63.
Chapter 64:  Kondor 63, in which Joe participates in a bit of magic on stage.
Chapter 65:  Hastings 65, in Lauren which gets acquainted with Derek, and helps him understand the verse.
Chapter 66:  Brown 22, in which Derek is finding his place in the new world.
Chapter 67:  Kondor 64, in which Joe watches the end of the show and retires, with an interruption.
Chapter 68:  Hastings 66, in which Lauren considers her future direction and notes the convergence of several paths on her present place.
Chapter 69:  Brown 23, in which Derek finds the keys and starts working with Lauren.
Chapter 70:  Kondor 65, in which Joe is questioned by the police.
Chapter 71:  Hastings 67, in which Lauren begins teaching.
Chapter 72:  Brown 24, in which Derek's life begins to fall into a comfortable routine.
Behind the writing:  mark Joseph "Young" blog entry #100:  Novel Settling, looks at some of what was behind the writing decisions as the new novel continues, covering the chapters 64 through 72.
Chapter 73:  Kondor 66, in which Joe visits the library.
Chapter 74:  Brown 25, in which Derek agrees to help Lauren with her schoolwork.
Chapter 75:  Hastings 68, in which Lauren organizes her teaching process.
Chapter 76:  Kondor 67, in which Joe does a bit of shopping to help his detective work.
Chapter 77:  Brown 26, in which Derek expands the school's electronic library.
Chapter 78:  Kondor 68, in which Joe discusses magic with a magician.
Chapter 79:  Hastings 69, in which Lauren has to get the school past a few early obstacles including an intransigent bear.
Chapter 80:  Brown 27, in which Derek rushes into a fight in Lauren's classroom.
Chapter 81:  Kondor 69, in which Joe sits through a stake-out.
Behind the writing:  mark Joseph "Young" blog entry #104:  Novel Learning, looks at some of what was behind the writing decisions as the new novel continues, covering the chapters 73 through 81.
Chapter 82:  Hastings 70, in which Lauren finds herself in a familiar place.
Chapter 83:  Brown 28, in which Derek goes forward with the school in Lauren's absence.
Chapter 84:  Kondor 70, in which Joe catches the thief.
Chapter 85:  Hastings 71, in which Lauren starts getting acquainted with some seemingly unimportant important people.
Chapter 86:  Brown 29, in which Derek realizes how much time has passed.
Chapter 87:  Kondor 71, in which Joe closes the case by opening the case.
Chapter 88:  Hastings 72, in which Lauren unexpectedly attends a pack meeting.
Chapter 89:  Brown 30, in which Derek starts talking about exploring.
Chapter 90:  Kondor 72, in which Joe finds himself stalled.
Behind the writing:  mark Joseph "Young" blog entry #110:  Character Redirects, looks at some of what was behind the writing decisions as the new novel continues, covering the chapters 82 through 90.
Chapter 91:  Hastings 73, in which Lauren begins teaching Bethany.
Chapter 92:  Brown 31, in which Derek leaves the compound on a quest.
Chapter 93:  Kondor 73, in which Joe attracts some unexpected attention.
Chapter 94:  Hastings 74, in which Lauren answers questions Bethany's questions about Merlin and Camelot.
Chapter 95:  Brown 32, in which Derek talks to strangers.
Chapter 96:  Kondor 74, in which Joe is questioned about a toy.
Chapter 97:  Hastings 75, in which Lauren tells Bethany about her future.
Chapter 98:  Brown 33, in which Derek sleeps through the battle.
Chapter 99:  Kondor 75, in which Joe tries to explain himself to government investigators.
Behind the writing:  mark Joseph "Young" blog entry #113:  Character Movements, looks at some of what was behind the writing decisions as the new novel continues, covering the chapters 91 through 99.
Chapter 100:  Brown 34, in which Derek and his team attempt to enter a secure facility.
Chapter 101:  Kondor 76, in which Joe answers more questions.
Chapter 102:  Hastings 76, in which Lauren introduces Bethany to the forest people.
Chapter 103:  Brown 35, in which Derek's team decides whether to enter.
Chapter 104:  Kondor 77, in which Joe starts his new job as a student.
Chapter 105:  Brown 36, in which Derek leads a cybernetic assault against an enemy.
Chapter 106:  Hastings 77, in which Lauren's trip with Bethany becomes dangerous.
Chapter 107:  Brown 37, in which Derek discovers a very large habitat.
Chapter 108:  Kondor 78, in which Joe reenergizes his blaster.
Behind the writing:  mark Joseph "Young" blog entry #116:  Character Missions, looks at some of what was behind the writing decisions as the new novel continues, covering the chapters 100 through 108.
Chapter 109:  Hastings 78, in which Lauren and Bethany encounter a lone vampire.
Chapter 110:  Brown 38, in which Derek seeks to insert himself into his new world.
Chapter 111:  Kondor 79, in which Joe begins to understand how his kinetic blaster works.
Chapter 112:  Hastings 79, in which Lauren has trouble with directions.
Chapter 113:  Brown 39, in which Derek answers a few questions.
Chapter 114:  Kondor 80, in which Joe discusses the difference between kinetic and gravitic forces.
Chapter 115:  Hastings 80, in which Lauren assesses the meaning of the misdirection.
Chapter 116:  Brown 40, in which Derek faces the question of whether he is sane.
Chapter 117:  Kondor 81, in which Joe's team makes the transition from kinetic forces to gravitic pull.
Behind the writing:  mark Joseph "Young" blog entry #119:  Character Projects, looks at some of what was behind the writing decisions as the new novel continues, covering the chapters 109 through 117.
Chapter 118:  Hastings 81, in which Lauren chats with a very old friend.
Chapter 119:  Brown 41, in which Derek gets a handle on his case.
Chapter 120:  Kondor 82, in which Joe attends a celebration.
Chapter 121:  Hastings 82, in which Lauren's student Bethany is tested.
Chapter 122:  Brown 42, in which Derek deals with Social Services.
Chapter 123:  Kondor 83, in which Joe decides to learn more in a familiar field.
Chapter 124:  Hastings 83, in which Lauren and Bethany are surprised by two women, one for the worse and one for the better.
Chapter 125:  Brown 43, in which Derek converses with another computer expert.
Chapter 126:  Kondor 84, in which Joe completes a bit more of his medical education and gets certificates.
Behind the writing:  mark Joseph "Young" blog entry #122:  Character Partings, looks at some of what was behind the writing decisions as the new novel continues, covering the chapters 118 through 126.
Chapter 127:  Hastings 84, in which Lauren has tea amidst the ruins of Camelot.
Chapter 128:  Brown 44, in which Derek settles into his new job and meets new people, and one in particular.
Chapter 129:  Kondor 85, in which Joe gets some unexpected help orienting to a new world.
Chapter 130:  Hastings 85, in which Lauren and Bethany camp virtually at the threshold of their destination.
Chapter 131:  Kondor 86, in which Joe asks Derek a few questions about their new world.
Chapter 132:  Brown 45, in which Joe explains himself to Raeph over lunch with Derek.
Chapter 133:  Kondor 87, in which Joe settles into learning new things in his new world.
Chapter 134:  Hastings 86, in which Lauren faces opponents she knows she cannot kill.
Chapter 135:  Brown 46, in which Derek learns about the next level of computers beyond trinary systems.
Behind the writing:  mark Joseph "Young" blog entry #128:  Character Gatherings, looks at some of what was behind the writing decisions as the new novel continues, covering the chapters 127 through 135.
Chapter 136:  Kondor 88, in which Joe expands his knowledge of spaceship technology.
Chapter 137:  Hastings 87, in which Lauren fights her most difficult battle yet.
Chapter 138:  Brown 47, in which Derek is reunited with a friend who seems to appear from nowhere.
Chapter 139:  Kondor 89, in which Joe catches up with an unexpected arrival.
Chapter 140:  Hastings 88, in which Lauren tries to make amends.
Chapter 141:  Brown 48, in which Derek arranges for Lauren and Raeph to meet again.
Chapter 142:  Hastings 89, in which Lauren goes out for a dinner date.
Chapter 143:  Kondor 90, in which Joe gives Lauren relationship advice.
Chapter 144:  Hastings 90, in which Lauren discusses her potential future with Raeph.
Behind the writing:  mark Joseph "Young" blog entry #134:  Versers in Space, looks at some of what was behind the writing decisions as the new novel continues, covering the chapters 136 through 144.
Chapter 145:  Brown 49, in which Derek, Joe, and Lauren begin their mutual education society.
Chapter 146:  Kondor 91, in which Joe and Derek learn a few important things by reading minds.
Chapter 147:  Hastings 91, in which Lauren says good-bye.
Chapter 148:  Brown 50, in which Derek and Joe follow Lauren through the mist.
Chapter 149:  Kondor 92, in which Joe and company drop into engineering.
Chapter 150:  Hastings 92, in which Lauren chooses her weapon.
Chapter 151:  Brown 51, in which Derek and his companions are involved in a larger battle.
Chapter 152:  Kondor 93, in which Joe revises their planned route to include an unscheduled stop.
Chapter 153:  Hastings 93, in which Lauren leads the pantry raid.
Behind the writing:  mark Joseph "Young" blog entry #142:  Characters Unite, looks at some of what was behind the writing decisions as the new novel continues, covering the chapters 145 through 153.
Chapter 154:  Brown 52, in which Derek gets hung up for an inopportune moment.
Chapter 155:  Kondor 94, in which Joe muses on some serious metaphysical problems while Derek tackles a door.
Chapter 156:  Hastings 94, in which Lauren provides a defense against trouble on the bridge.
Chapter 157:  Brown 53, in which Derek faces a monster.
Chapter 158:  Kondor 95, in which Joe does what he can to bring the battle to an end.
Chapter 159:  Hastings 95, in which Lauren agrees with Joe on what Derek should do to complete the mission.
Chapter 160:  Brown 54, in which Derek, Joe, and Lauren are headed back toward the space station and discussing what they would like to do next.
Chapter 161:  Kondor 96, in which Joe helps Lauren with the pain in her leg.
Chapter 162:  Brown 55, the final chapter, in which Derek is trying to figure out where he is now.
Behind the writing:  mark Joseph "Young" blog entry #148:  Characters Succeed, looks at some of what was behind the writing decisions as the novel concludes, covering the chapters 154 through 162.
Behind the writing:  mark Joseph "Young" blog entry #148:  Characters Succeed, looks at some of what was behind the writing decisions as the novel concludes, covering the chapters 154 through 162.
Chapter 162:  Brown 55, the final chapter, in which Derek is trying to figure out where he is now.
Chapter 161:  Kondor 96, in which Joe helps Lauren with the pain in her leg.
Chapter 160:  Brown 54, in which Derek, Joe, and Lauren are headed back toward the space station and discussing what they would like to do next.
Chapter 159:  Hastings 95, in which Lauren agrees with Joe on what Derek should do to complete the mission.
Chapter 158:  Kondor 95, in which Joe does what he can to bring the battle to an end.
Chapter 157:  Brown 53, in which Derek faces a monster.
Chapter 156:  Hastings 94, in which Lauren provides a defense against trouble on the bridge.
Chapter 155:  Kondor 94, in which Joe muses on some serious metaphysical problems while Derek tackles a door.
Chapter 154:  Brown 52, in which Derek gets hung up for an inopportune moment.
Behind the writing:  mark Joseph "Young" blog entry #142:  Characters Unite, looks at some of what was behind the writing decisions as the new novel continues, covering the chapters 145 through 153.
Chapter 153:  Hastings 93, in which Lauren leads the pantry raid.
Chapter 152:  Kondor 93, in which Joe revises their planned route to include an unscheduled stop.
Chapter 151:  Brown 51, in which Derek and his companions are involved in a larger battle.
Chapter 150:  Hastings 92, in which Lauren chooses her weapon.
Chapter 149:  Kondor 92, in which Joe and company drop into engineering.
Chapter 148:  Brown 50, in which Derek and Joe follow Lauren through the mist.
Chapter 147:  Hastings 91, in which Lauren says good-bye.
Chapter 146:  Kondor 91, in which Joe and Derek learn a few important things by reading minds.
Chapter 145:  Brown 49, in which Derek, Joe, and Lauren begin their mutual education society.
Behind the writing:  mark Joseph "Young" blog entry #134:  Versers in Space, looks at some of what was behind the writing decisions as the new novel continues, covering the chapters 136 through 144.
Chapter 144:  Hastings 90, in which Lauren discusses her potential future with Raeph.
Chapter 143:  Kondor 90, in which Joe gives Lauren relationship advice.
Chapter 142:  Hastings 89, in which Lauren goes out for a dinner date.
Chapter 141:  Brown 48, in which Derek arranges for Lauren and Raeph to meet again.
Chapter 140:  Hastings 88, in which Lauren tries to make amends.
Chapter 139:  Kondor 89, in which Joe catches up with an unexpected arrival.
Chapter 138:  Brown 47, in which Derek is reunited with a friend who seems to appear from nowhere.
Chapter 137:  Hastings 87, in which Lauren fights her most difficult battle yet.
Chapter 136:  Kondor 88, in which Joe expands his knowledge of spaceship technology.
Behind the writing:  mark Joseph "Young" blog entry #128:  Character Gatherings, looks at some of what was behind the writing decisions as the new novel continues, covering the chapters 127 through 135.
Chapter 135:  Brown 46, in which Derek learns about the next level of computers beyond trinary systems.
Chapter 134:  Hastings 86, in which Lauren faces opponents she knows she cannot kill.
Chapter 133:  Kondor 87, in which Joe settles into learning new things in his new world.
Chapter 132:  Brown 45, in which Joe explains himself to Raeph over lunch with Derek.
Chapter 131:  Kondor 86, in which Joe asks Derek a few questions about their new world.
Chapter 130:  Hastings 85, in which Lauren and Bethany camp virtually at the threshold of their destination.
Chapter 129:  Kondor 85, in which Joe gets some unexpected help orienting to a new world.
Chapter 128:  Brown 44, in which Derek settles into his new job and meets new people, and one in particular.
Chapter 127:  Hastings 84, in which Lauren has tea amidst the ruins of Camelot.
Behind the writing:  mark Joseph "Young" blog entry #122:  Character Partings, looks at some of what was behind the writing decisions as the new novel continues, covering the chapters 118 through 126.
Chapter 126:  Kondor 84, in which Joe completes a bit more of his medical education and gets certificates.
Chapter 125:  Brown 43, in which Derek converses with another computer expert.
Chapter 124:  Hastings 83, in which Lauren and Bethany are surprised by two women, one for the worse and one for the better.
Chapter 123:  Kondor 83, in which Joe decides to learn more in a familiar field.
Chapter 122:  Brown 42, in which Derek deals with Social Services.
Chapter 121:  Hastings 82, in which Lauren's student Bethany is tested.
Chapter 120:  Kondor 82, in which Joe attends a celebration.
Chapter 119:  Brown 41, in which Derek gets a handle on his case.
Chapter 118:  Hastings 81, in which Lauren chats with a very old friend.
Behind the writing:  mark Joseph "Young" blog entry #119:  Character Projects, looks at some of what was behind the writing decisions as the new novel continues, covering the chapters 109 through 117.
Chapter 117:  Kondor 81, in which Joe's team makes the transition from kinetic forces to gravitic pull.
Chapter 116:  Brown 40, in which Derek faces the question of whether he is sane.
Chapter 115:  Hastings 80, in which Lauren assesses the meaning of the misdirection.
Chapter 114:  Kondor 80, in which Joe discusses the difference between kinetic and gravitic forces.
Chapter 113:  Brown 39, in which Derek answers a few questions.
Chapter 112:  Hastings 79, in which Lauren has trouble with directions.
Chapter 111:  Kondor 79, in which Joe begins to understand how his kinetic blaster works.
Chapter 110:  Brown 38, in which Derek seeks to insert himself into his new world.
Chapter 109:  Hastings 78, in which Lauren and Bethany encounter a lone vampire.
Behind the writing:  mark Joseph "Young" blog entry #116:  Character Missions, looks at some of what was behind the writing decisions as the new novel continues, covering the chapters 100 through 108.
Chapter 108:  Kondor 78, in which Joe reenergizes his blaster.
Chapter 107:  Brown 37, in which Derek discovers a very large habitat.
Chapter 106:  Hastings 77, in which Lauren's trip with Bethany becomes dangerous.
Chapter 105:  Brown 36, in which Derek leads a cybernetic assault against an enemy.
Chapter 104:  Kondor 77, in which Joe starts his new job as a student.
Chapter 103:  Brown 35, in which Derek's team decides whether to enter.
Chapter 102:  Hastings 76, in which Lauren introduces Bethany to the forest people.
Chapter 101:  Kondor 76, in which Joe answers more questions.
Chapter 100:  Brown 34, in which Derek and his team attempt to enter a secure facility.
Behind the writing:  mark Joseph "Young" blog entry #113:  Character Movements, looks at some of what was behind the writing decisions as the new novel continues, covering the chapters 91 through 99.
Chapter 99:  Kondor 75, in which Joe tries to explain himself to government investigators.
Chapter 98:  Brown 33, in which Derek sleeps through the battle.
Chapter 97:  Hastings 75, in which Lauren tells Bethany about her future.
Chapter 96:  Kondor 74, in which Joe is questioned about a toy.
Chapter 95:  Brown 32, in which Derek talks to strangers.
Chapter 94:  Hastings 74, in which Lauren answers questions Bethany's questions about Merlin and Camelot.
Chapter 93:  Kondor 73, in which Joe attracts some unexpected attention.
Chapter 92:  Brown 31, in which Derek leaves the compound on a quest.
Chapter 91:  Hastings 73, in which Lauren begins teaching Bethany.
Behind the writing:  mark Joseph "Young" blog entry #110:  Character Redirects, looks at some of what was behind the writing decisions as the new novel continues, covering the chapters 82 through 90.
Chapter 90:  Kondor 72, in which Joe finds himself stalled.
Chapter 89:  Brown 30, in which Derek starts talking about exploring.
Chapter 88:  Hastings 72, in which Lauren unexpectedly attends a pack meeting.
Chapter 87:  Kondor 71, in which Joe closes the case by opening the case.
Chapter 86:  Brown 29, in which Derek realizes how much time has passed.
Chapter 85:  Hastings 71, in which Lauren starts getting acquainted with some seemingly unimportant important people.
Chapter 84:  Kondor 70, in which Joe catches the thief.
Chapter 83:  Brown 28, in which Derek goes forward with the school in Lauren's absence.
Chapter 82:  Hastings 70, in which Lauren finds herself in a familiar place.
Behind the writing:  mark Joseph "Young" blog entry #104:  Novel Learning, looks at some of what was behind the writing decisions as the new novel continues, covering the chapters 73 through 81.
Chapter 81:  Kondor 69, in which Joe sits through a stake-out.
Chapter 80:  Brown 27, in which Derek rushes into a fight in Lauren's classroom.
Chapter 79:  Hastings 69, in which Lauren has to get the school past a few early obstacles including an intransigent bear.
Chapter 78:  Kondor 68, in which Joe discusses magic with a magician.
Chapter 77:  Brown 26, in which Derek expands the school's electronic library.
Chapter 76:  Kondor 67, in which Joe does a bit of shopping to help his detective work.
Chapter 75:  Hastings 68, in which Lauren organizes her teaching process.
Chapter 74:  Brown 25, in which Derek agrees to help Lauren with her schoolwork.
Chapter 73:  Kondor 66, in which Joe visits the library.
Behind the writing:  mark Joseph "Young" blog entry #94:  Novel Settling, looks at some of what was behind the writing decisions as the new novel continues, covering the chapters 64 through 72.
Chapter 72:  Brown 24, in which Derek's life begins to fall into a comfortable routine.
Chapter 71:  Hastings 67, in which Lauren begins teaching.
Chapter 70:  Kondor 65, in which Joe is questioned by the police.
Chapter 69:  Brown 23, in which Derek finds the keys and starts working with Lauren.
Chapter 68:  Hastings 66, in which Lauren considers her future direction and notes the convergence of several paths on her present place.
Chapter 67:  Kondor 64, in which Joe watches the end of the show and retires, with an interruption.
Chapter 66:  Brown 22, in which Derek is finding his place in the new world.
Chapter 65:  Hastings 65, in which Lauren gets acquainted with Derek, and helps him understand the verse.
Chapter 64:  Kondor 63, in which Joe participates in a bit of magic on stage.
Behind the writing:  mark Joseph "Young" blog entry #94:  Novel Meetings, looks at some of what was behind the writing decisions as the new novel continues, covering the chapters 55 through 63.
Chapter 63:  Brown 21, in which Derek meets a strange woman and her equally strange companions.
Chapter 62:  Hastings 64, in which Lauren's new friends lead her in the exploration of an almost empty building.
Chapter 61:  Kondor 62, in which Joe settles into the hotel and starts stocking his supplies.
Chapter 60:  Brown 20, in which Derek hacks the doors.
Chapter 59:  Hastings 63, in which Lauren meets some unusual, er, people.
Chapter 58:  Kondor 61, in which Joe obtains some expensive paper.
Chapter 57:  Brown 19, in which Derek explores a locked room.
Chapter 56:  Hastings 62, in which Lauren defends Wandborough.
Chapter 55:  Kondor 60, in which Joe realizes he has some odd money problems, and has trouble addressing them.
Behind the writing:  mark Joseph "Young" blog entry #91:  Novel Mysteries, looks at some of what was behind the writing decisions as the new novel continues, covering the chapters 46 through 54.
Chapter 54:  Hastings 61, in which Lauren watches decades and kingdoms pass.
Chapter 53:  Brown 18, in which Derek solves the murders and saves a life.
Chapter 52:  Kondor 59, in which Joe agrees to relive the past.
Chapter 51:  Hastings 60, in which Lauren settles in Wandborough.
Chapter 50:  Brown 17, in which Derek confronts his prime suspect.
Chapter 49:  Kondor 58, in which Joe finds his place in history.
Chapter 48:  Hastings 59, in which Lauren teaches Sagrimore a bit of magic.
Chapter 47:  Brown 16, in which Derek packs his gear and gets his bike.
Chapter 46:  Kondor 57, in which Joe finds himself on display.
Behind the writing:  mark Joseph "Young" blog entry #89:  Novel Confrontations, looks at some of what was behind the writing decisions as the new novel continues, covering the chapters 37 through 45.
Chapter 45:  Hastings 58, in which Lauren reaches Wandborough and calls for a werewolf.
Chapter 44:  Brown 15, in which Derek's new friends start falling.
Chapter 43:  Kondor 56, in which Joe buckles his swash and fights more pirates.
Chapter 42:  Brown 14, in which darkness descends on Derek's camp experience.
Chapter 41:  Kondor 55, in which having gotten past pirates and high seas Joe is stymied by customs agents.
Chapter 40:  Hastings 57, in which Lauren fights a lone vampire but Sagrimore delivers the killing stroke.
Chapter 39:  Brown 13, in which Derek discovers some of the fun of summer camp and of fantasy role playing games.
Chapter 38:  Kondor 54, in which Joe tries to come to terms with his own bad luck.
Chapter 37:  Hastings 56, in which Sir Sagrimore fights with Lauren against his first vampire.
Behind the writing:  mark Joseph "Young" blog entry #86:  Novel Conflicts, looks at some of what was behind the writing decisions as the new novel continues, covering the chapters 28 through 36.
Chapter 36:  Brown 12, in which Derek arrives at summer camp.
Chapter 35:  Kondor 53, in which Joe gets his stones.
Chapter 34:  Hastings 55, in which Lauren helps Sir Sagrimore fight his first ghouls.
Chapter 33:  Brown 11, in which Derek takes a bath before he leaves the castle.
Chapter 32:  Kondor 52, in which Joe begins devising a gem of a plan.
Chapter 31:  Hastings 54, in which Lauren and Sir Sagrimore seek a vampire but find something else.
Chapter 30:  Brown 10, in which Derek gets out of the swamp.
Chapter 29:  Hastings 53, in which Lauren is charged with witchcraft.
Chapter 28:  Kondor 51, in which Joe's ship does battle with a myth.
Behind the writing:  mark Joseph "Young" blog entry #82:  Novel Developments, looks at some of what was behind the writing decisions as the new novel continues, covering the chapters 19 through 27.
Chapter 27:  Brown 9, in which Derek finds himself in a swamp, and looks for a way out.
Chapter 26:  Kondor 50, in which Joe is taught the navigational benefits of a good timepiece.
Chapter 25:  Hastings 52, in which Lauren and Merlin discuss knowing what is real, and deciding what God should do.
Chapter 24:  Brown 8, in which Derek gives a name to his problem, and leaves it behind.
Chapter 23:  Kondor 49, in which Joe persuades the captain to keep the recovering doctor aboard.
Chapter 22:  Hastings 51, in which Lauren learns to hide in plain sight, and inspires Merlin's new plan.
Chapter 21:  Brown 7, in which Derek tries to plot a new course out of the house through the kitchen.
Chapter 20:  Kondor 48, in which Joe takes charge of the medical department.
Chapter 19:  Hastings 50, in which Lauren and Merlin discuss the use of magic, and she discovers that she knows someone else in this world.
Behind the writing:  mark Joseph "Young" blog entry #78:  Novel Fears, looks at some of what was behind the writing decisions as the new novel continues, covering the chapters 10 through 18.
Chapter 18:  Brown 6, in which Derek gets as far as the dining room.
Chapter 17:  Kondor 47, in which Joe takes one life and saves another.
Chapter 16:  Hastings 49, in which Lauren begins learning magic from a master.
Chapter 15:  Brown 5, in which Derek moves to a new house.
Chapter 14:  Kondor 46, in which Joe starts teaching his life saving trick to others.
Chapter 13:  Hastings 48, in which Lauren's new teacher introduces himself.
Chapter 12:  Brown 4, in which Derek is cornered by a killer.
Chapter 11:  Kondor 45, in which Joe saves a life with a simple but modern medical technique.
Chapter 10:  Hastings 47, in which Lauren is warmly greeted by a stranger who thinks he knows why she is there.
Behind the writing:  mark Joseph "Young" blog entry #74:  Another Novel, looks at some of what was behind the writing decisions as the new novel begins, covering the first nine chapters.
Chapter 9:  Brown 3, in which Derek hears one side of a conversation, and then gets a bit of sleep followed by an unpleasant awakening.
Chapter 8:  Kondor 44, in which Joe rather dramatically starts saving lives.
Chapter 7:  Hastings 46, in which a fish escapes from Lauren but not from Bob.
Chapter 6:  Brown 2, in which Derek decides to arm himself against a potentially deadly...butler.
Chapter 5:  Kondor 43, in which Joe meets Captain John.
Chapter 4:  Hastings 45, in which Spring brings an unexpected adventure to Lauren and Bob.
Chapter 3:  Brown 1, in which we are introduced to Derek Jacob Brown, frightened boy tossed into the uncertainties of the multiverse.
Chapter 2:  Kondor 42, in which Joseph Wade Kondor introduces himself to an oddly familiar ship in an oddly unfamiliar new world.
Chapter 1:  Hastings 44, in which Lauren Elizabeth Meyers Hastings and her verser friend Robert Elvis Slade struggle through a harsh winter in what had been an idyllic summer paradise.

As to the old stories that have long been here:


Verse Three, Chapter One:  The First Multiverser Novel

Stories from the Verse Main Page

The Original Introduction to Stories from the Verse

Read the Stories

The Online Games

Books by the Author

Go to Other Links


M. J. Young Net

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