One of the most ambitious and acclaimed speculative-fiction sagas of the modern era, The Nod/Wells Timelines literary universe combines science fiction, horror, the paranormal, and a variety of other sub-genres in an unprecedented manner. Experience three of its most iconic tales in this special-edition "primer," featuring:

Academic Displacement - A university administrator finds his idyllic life turned upside down by a dramatic event that appears to change almost nothing about it.

"Outstanding! An aptly-named tale (and a riveting story, too). ACADEMIC DISPLACEMENT is another winner from Shotter, and I'm looking forward to more of his fiction. This guy doesn't miss!"

• Brian Bowyer, author of SINISTER MIX and METRO KINETIC

Mr. Perkins Goes to Hell - "Intriguing tale that follows bank manager Jim Perkins through an alien invasion and interdimensional shift. Not quite just another day at the office. Functions as a standalone story or as a prequel to Shotter's novel, 500 (which is a must read for me now)."

• Coy Hall, author of COLOSSUS WITH A POISON TONGUE and THE HANGMAN FEEDS THE JACKAL

Hostile Takeover - "This was my first read from the author, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time here. Hostile Takeover is a short, sharp, and refreshingly unique tale of speculative fiction. It centres around a "Big Man's" planned retirement in a rather cutthroat business. I look forward to reading more of Shotter's work and learning more about the Big Men. Brilliantly done!"

• Daniel Lorn, author of SEE YOU LATER and PACT