New Releases by Kirk Marshall

Stories by Kirk A.C. Marshall

The Signatory is a wild and enthralling novella from Kirk Marshall, an emerging Australian writer and editor of the Red Leaves bi-lingual literary journal. This mind-bending tale of Scottish cryptozoology must be read to be believed as it blusters and dallies with the mad antics of the strange British dilettante, Sebastian Sackworth. It is at times reminiscent of the nonsense literature of Lewis Carroll et al - and yet displaying more contemporary (dare we say) "borgesian" stylistics. A delightfully absurd dramatis personae pits together a misanthropic anthropologist and a lusty Italian ornithologist on a madcap search for a rare Red Swan, soon to be joined by an Icelandic recluse, a chimpanzee, and a notorious pirate, to name a few. Along the way, Marshall manages somehow to mix in odd polemics on public transport sex, the science of moats, and the mysterious highland landscape.

The season is really clicking for the Jefferson Patriots. Brian Davis and his teammates are on a roll -- and then the word comes down that two key players who aren't making points in their schoolwork are suspended from the team until their grades improve. Without their full starting team, the Patriots lose two games back-to-back to rival teams, both using an awesome full-court-press defense. Meanwhile, Brian and the team "brain" work up some tough study sessions to help the boys pass their finals just one day before the next big game. But the clock is ticking. Can the Patriots get it together in time to break their losing streak?

The Patriots have a chance to win the state championship until their star player is hurt.

The first season games are easy wins for the Jefferson High Patriots. With Brian Davis, the tallest man on the team and their new star center, they can do no wrong. But when they start playing teams with height advantage, Brian begins losing on the rebounds. Psyched out by the competition, Brian goes into a slump. Assistant Coach Williams works him hard on grabbing rebounds and shot blocks to sharpen his offensive and defensive skills against taller players, and gradually Brian's confidence returns. He'll need every bit of it when the Patriots challenge their toughest all-city rival, Westside High!

Finishing the season with an unbelievable 15-5 won-loss record, the Jefferson Patriots rank high as favorites in the State High School Tournament. Then disaster strikes -- Jeff Burgess, Brian Davis's experienced backup center, is laid up with a knee injury. A talented but green kid from the B team replaces him, but plays wild and loses points. The competition is getting tougher, and the Patriots' edge is slipping. Can Brian keep up the pace game after game, without a team rally to win?

Just before the biggest game of his life, Paintville High School's star center, Brian Davis, is told by his mom that they're moving to the city -- Indianapolis, Basketball Town, U.S.A.! Brian will have to prove himself on the court of his new school, where the play is faster and harder, and the city kids are tough.