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The Haunting of Sheila Lee Reviewed by Djay
Worldbuilding: Aided the story
Plot: Mostly clear Characters: Roles are clear
Storytelling: Descriptive
Immersion: Didnât want to put the book down Emotional Response: Strong emotions
Thought Provoking: Did some research after reading
Cover: Matches the story well Content Warnings: Self harm Thought provoking psychological horror/mystery that plays with tropes in a fresh way and subverts expectations. Touching LGBT+ romantic subplot with and a shocking ending. Best read in just a few sittings as the immersion is one of its strongest points. Not just for horror fans. |
Waterweaver Reviewed by SARAHBELLUM
Worldbuilding: Aided the story
Plot: Straightforward Characters: Roles are clear
Storytelling: Descriptive
Immersion: Didnât want to put the book down Emotional Response: Strong emotions
Thought Provoking: Did some research after reading
Cover: Matches the story well I quickly loved the mature main character, Lara. Through a sense of responsibility for her town, she is the one to go on the adventure. Her age/past experiences bring wisdom to the adventures and problems that she must face in order to bring the water magic back to her town. |
Knightmare Arcanist (Frith Chronicles #1) Reviewed by MihaelZ64
Worldbuilding: Aided the story
Plot: Straightforward Characters: Roles are clear
Storytelling: Descriptive
Immersion: Didnât want to put the book down Emotional Response: Strong emotions
Thought Provoking: Did some research after reading
Cover: Matches the story well If you want a story that blends the humble knight origin with nautical adventures, pokemon style monsters and magic, this is the story for you. Our intrepid hero comes from humble beginnings but a steadfast demeanor and stalwart heart help him overcome each obstacle in his path. |
Lethbridge: A tale of love in a time of war Reviewed by inferiorwit author
Worldbuilding: Aided the story
Plot: Straightforward Characters: Roles are clear
Storytelling: Minimalistic
Immersion: Satisfying, fulfilling experience Emotional Response: Strong emotions
Thought Provoking: Did some research after reading
Cover: Matches the story well |
The Shadow Realm Chronicles: Maeve Reviewed by JoharraHarper author
Worldbuilding: Aided the story
Plot: Straightforward Characters: Some more thought out than others
Storytelling: Descriptive
Immersion: Satisfying, fulfilling experience Emotional Response: Strong emotions
Thought Provoking: New ideas came up
Cover: Matches the story well |
The Forest Where the Phoenix Sleeps by Brooke Marley Jones Walking home late one night, burned-out barista Nell accidentally incinerates someone. Whoopsie! Now, if this tale began in a fantastic, far-away land, or Nell were, perhaps, a wizard, such a mishap might make some kind of sense. But this is not a wondrous, fantasy world. This is real life, and Nell just wanted to go home and eat macaroni. As Nell stares upon the smoldering corpse, she realizes something with horrifying certainty: Sheâs magic. And not the cute, pulling-a-rabbit-from-a-hat kind of magic. Unfortunately, during Nellâs little outburst, she suffers a mortal injury. Fortunately, Darragh, a rugged and magical outcast, witnessed the entire incident. To save Nellâs life, Darragh whisks her away to a world where magic reigns. However, as is so often the case with magic, it comes at a price. In this harsh world, the entities that lurk in the darkest corners of Nell's nightmares await her in hungry anticipation. As Nell and Darragh vanquish monsters and ghouls, their affections for one another take root. Just when this treacherous tale is beginning to look like a love story, Darragh is captured by a wretched, cadaverous queen. Now, itâs up to Nell to save him The Forest Where the Phoenix Sleeps boasts portal magic reminiscent of A Darker Shade of Magic, the romance of A Court of Thorns and Roses, the action-packed adventure of Daughter of the Moon Goddess, and the humour of Tress of the Emerald Sea. |
Echoes of a Lost Goddess by W.A. Leggatt The Gods have lost, and the world fallen to ice and darkness. All Pel has ever known are the frozen hills and safe walls of home, but that is about to change. Now he must travel to Brightfont, the last city. Deadly creatures roam the wasteland and not everyone is who they claim, but he carries with him a message and a secret that will change the world, and he must survive. In an era before the Gods fell, Saphielle lived for her daughter first, and her country second. That was until the brutal slaughter of her brother. Now her father â the King â seeks retribution and stokes the fires of a holy war. Whilst armies clash, Saphielle alone hears the voice of her goddess warning of an ancient and forgotten enemy, one only she can defeat. She must succeed or condemn the world to ice, unless war tears it apart first. Separated by time, connected by prophecy, the fate of Ebria rests on their shoulders. |
Uproar (Dragon Bones trilogy book 3) by Celeste Harte Jashi Anyua-Omah has been kidnapped by the Zendaalans and taken to Zendaal. And what's more, one of her captors is a strange man the Zendaalans call Deklas, but who calls himself Dekaar-he's clearly K'sundii and dragon tribe but has cybernetic implants like a Zendaalan. Not only that, but he knows Jashi somehow. He's a mad-man that has the Zendaalans wrapped around his finger. And he's obsessed with Jashi. The dragon Jashi performed a drake bond with in Vahdel follows her and her kidnappers in secret and reveals a new ability Jashi had no idea about. The two of them will work together to discover a way to bring Jashi back to K'sundi, and in the meantime Jashi will learn as much as she can about her enemy while she's held captive in Zendaal. Kahmel Axon Kai of the Omah clan has lost his wife, and he's no longer feeling merciful enough to think about anything but getting her back. When he rescinds the throne and the Zendaalans go back on their deal to give Jashi back in return, Kahmel realizes that he's going to need to strike a new deal with the Dragon Kings to save her. Kahmel has barely scratched the surface of K'sundi's long history with the supernatural, and he discovers there may be a way to keep Jashi safe, along with the other Half Dracs in danger from the mysterious new Faresh claiming to be a relative of Kahmel's-Dekaar. Kahmel and Jashi have made promises to each other that they intend to keep by any means necessary, no matter what gets in their way. They're changing plans, thinking only of those that have proven their loyalty and of their combined futures. No one else matters. |
Rising (Dragon Bones trilogy book 2) by Celeste Harte Jashi betrayed them. Kahmel protected them. Together, they must unite them. Nothing is more important to Jashi than proving her worth to her country. But her new role as Faresha and rebel member is both uncomfortable and daunting. Perhaps itâs the gap of trust between her and Kahmel that bothers her most. With Jashiâs naĂŻve reputation, winning back the trust of Kahmel and her people will take something drastic. As drastic as finding the remaining Dragon Kings before Kâsundi loses their fight for freedom. Kahmel is a decisive protector, level-headed leader, andâcompletely unrelatable to his people. Winning the respect of Kâsundi is the only way to free them from the Zendaalans. But that means being more vulnerable and learning to trust othersâeven the woman he wants to trust most, but canât. |
Heartbreaks & Homeruns by Mika C.C. A marriage-in-trouble story about redemption and rediscovery. Richard 'Ramsey' Greene has focused on his life in baseball since he was a kid; however, things take a turn when the only woman he's ever loved walks out on him. Ramsey's one love starts and ends with Amelia, so when she walks away, he's forced to make a choice: Amelia or the game? Amelia walks away from her marriage as she struggles with self-image and body dysphoria, but moving back to her family's farm across the country isn't going to cut it. Amelia must work through her own problems, but will she be able to change when Ramsey comes to take her "home", or will she ruin everything she's built for herself? |
Conquest (Dragon Bones book 1) by Celeste Harte Jashi Anyua has been arranged to be married to the leader of her nation, the Great Faresh. To help her escape her engagement, her future husband's enemies offer her an out; become their spy and they'll give her a new name and identity somewhere the Faresh will never find her. But Jashi gets to know the Faresh, she starts to wonder if she put her loyalties in the right place. Even moreso when she realizes that the Faresh shares the abilities she's had to keep secret her whole life, and he might be the only one that can train her to use them. |
Something So Lovely by Salem T. Lynn Kalliope is a librarian in Heaven, though she feels called by something larger. That call is realized by the entrance of the first evil in creation, enacting his plans to replace their absent God. Kalliope finds refuge in the arms of Hell's most eligible fuckboy, though she finds there's more to him than he lets on. |
A fellowship of Bakers & Magic by J Penner A human, a dwarf and an elf walk into a bake-off⊠In the heart of Adenashire, where elfish enchantments and dwarven delights rule, Arleta Starstone, a human confectionist works twice as hard perfecting her unique blend of baking and apothecary herbs. So when an orc neighbor secretly enters her creations into the prestigious Elven Baking Battle, Arleta faces a dilemma. Being magicless, her participation in the competition could draw more scowls than smiles. And if Arleta wants to prove her talent and establish her culinary reputation, this human will need more than just her pastry craft to sweeten the odds. While competing, she'll set off on a journey of mouthwatering pastries, self-discovery, heartwarming friendships and romance, while questioning whether winning the Baking Battle is the true prize. Escape to for a delightful cozy fantasy where every twist is a treat and every turn a step closer to home. |
The Vault & The Vixen by Adam Gaffen Trust no one. Steal everything. Dive into the heart-pounding world of The Vault & the Vixen, where heist thriller meets romantic suspense in a gripping tale of crime, love, and redemption. Set against the gritty, neon-lit backdrop of Brooklyn, this novel weaves a complex web of high-stakes heists, intricate plots, and unyielding loyalty. Meet Dakota Chase, a master planner and the fearless leader of a crew that specializes in pulling off the impossible. With her long dark hair and iconic leather coat, Dakota is the epitome of cool, collected, and cunning. Sheâs spent years navigating the treacherous waters of organized crime, always staying one step ahead of both the law and her rivals. But as she gears up for the heist of a lifetime, the stakes have never been higher. Dakota's meticulous plans are put to the test as unforeseen complications arise, and betrayal lurks around every corner. Her crew, a tight-knit group of skilled misfits, stands by her side, each member bringing their unique talents to the table. New to the crew is McKenna, a tough-as-nails tech expert with short blonde hair and a penchant for plaid shirts. Their relationship is fraught with tension and unspoken feelings, and could throw a monkey wrench into Dakotaâs plan. As Dakota and her team delve deeper into the underbelly of urban crime, they must confront powerful enemies, navigate dangerous alliances, and uncover secrets that threaten to tear them apart. The city of Brooklyn itself becomes a character in the story, its streets and shadows providing the perfect setting for the unfolding drama. Will Dakota succeed in pulling off the ultimate heist, or will she find herself ensnared in a deadly game of cat and mouse? Can she trust her crewâand her heartâas she navigates the perilous world of organized crime? The Vault & the Vixen is a thrilling ride, packed with twists and turns, that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. Tropes: Heist Thriller, Romantic Suspense, Crime Fiction, Urban Fiction, LGBTQ+ Fiction, Mastermind, Loyal Crew, Heist Gone Wrong, Enemies to Lovers, Forbidden Love, Gritty Urban Setting, Complex Characters, Plot Twists, High Stakes, Emotional Depth, Tension and Betrayal. Join Dakota on her electrifying journey through danger, deceit, and desire in The Vault & the Vixen. If youâre a fan of edge-of-your-seat action, intricate plots, and deeply human stories, this is the book youâve been waiting for! |
Too Many Gods in the Kitchen by Ben Schenkman Itâs good to be the boss, but be careful what you wish for. Nick got what he wanted and now has to establish an agency to audit Heaven and Hellâs operations. Rob is his right-hand man, but Amy has responsibilities of her own and owes a favor to the local coven. Nickâs plans go out the window when a mystery client shows up and throws everything into chaos, representing a new godly power no one expects. Things get even more complicated when Rob uncovers a massive loophole that threatens the natural spiritual order. Tensions run high between the agency and a psychic con man. If that wasnât enough, Amyâs bill comes due and the spirits come calling when she discovers a magical dilemma of epic proportions. Caught between loyalties, she must decide where they lie. Our trio faces their largest challenge yet, and the threads they chase threaten to tie everything in knots. Will Nick be able to deal with the elephant in the room, or will everything come crashing down? |
Burden of Faete by Ligia de Wit The line between triumph and tragedy is as fragile as a twist of faete. Ryanne's quest to unearth the elusive spark of creation within Titus that holds the fae's salvation isn't going exactly as planned. After all Ryanne wasn't supposed to fall for the pirate. Her fae mentors warned her she could lose her humanity if she get too close to the bradaĂs, eternal foes of the fae. But how do they expect her to complete her mission without getting too involved? It would be so much easier if Titus didn't make her feel safe... and excited. Titus seeks solace in Ryanne's arms, the one person who can soothe his darkness within. Haunted by his past, he is determined to remain hidden, away from the relentless fae and the ruthless bradaĂs alike. Confronting either could spell disaster for the fragile peace he's found with Ryanne. Ryanne finds herself ensnared in a deadly game of fae and bradais. The conflict threatens to crush her spirit and twist her fate with a darkness that is beyond anything she's encountered before. Can she conquer her fears and stand against the most powerful of the bradais while still protecting her beloved fae?After all, she is no longer cailinâa child to the fae. Yet, it seems she may no longer be entirely human either. |
Fractured: Tales of Flame and Fury by Charlotte Langtree Darkness shadows all worlds. Gods war, queens fall, and trust is broken. A frightened mother beseeches an uncaring god. Rebel Sisters dance on the wind, and doors open to long-forgotten realms. In the depths of the ocean, an ancient dragon stirs. When all hope is lost, who will rise? Who will resist? And who will rain ruin on a fractured land? Lose yourself in eight tales of courage and chaos, powerful magic, and the women who hold their worlds together. |
Remnants of a Scarlet Flame by Cindy L Sell The classic fantasy tales of Raymond Feist and Robert Jordan meet modern themes from RF Kuang and NK Jemisin in this debut epic. For two centuries, Syljians have been hunted by the Sorcerersâ Guild. Desperate to procure life-sustaining resources for his people, Syljian Alar Fellman uses his psionic powers to infiltrate the Guildâs ranks as a student of magic. The Guildâs star prodigy, Daeya McVen, cherishes her friendship with the new student. But Daeyaâs secrets far surpass Alarâs inability to penetrate her mind. As she languishes beneath her mentorâs demands, her talent breeds contempt among the elder sorcerers, who crave nothing more than to see her fall. When a leader of the Syljian resistance is captured, Alar risks his alias to rescue him. But the leaderâs prophetic visions allude to a greater threatâone that inextricably ties the fate of Alarâs people to Daeya. Uncertain whether she is fated to be his peopleâs greatest hope, or their swiftest destruction, Alar must wrest Daeya from enemy hands. With war looming, and the remnants of an ancient magic returned to the world, one wrong move could spell disaster for an entire race. Set in a world where dragons are believed extinct, sorcerers rule nations, and gods walk among mortals, Remnants of a Scarlet Flame is the first installment in the new epic saga, The Last Draegion. |
The Assembly of Magic The Story of Myrddin in Ancient Atlantis: Book 1 of The Myrddin Chronicles by Sam Carnes Myrddin has lived for millennia, but his life truly began as a young scholar and magician in the Assembly of Atlantis. We follow his journey of self-discovery, from his thirst for knowledge and magic, to his coming out as gay and experiencing love and loss. Myrddinâs life in Atlantis is full of adventure, gay romance, and magic, but it's not all fun and games. Myrddin travels far and wide looking for answers that could change the world forever. He also endeavors to educate people against circumcision, always extolling the benefits of keeping oneâs foreskin intact. Join Myrddin on his first epic journey through Ancient Atlantis and discover the power of love, courage, perseverance, and friendship. The Assembly of Magic The Story of Myrddin in Ancient Atlantis is a captivating tale of love and romance, adventure and magic that will leave you longing for more. |
Heart So Hollow by Emily Nealis HER I escaped him once. He nearly took everything from me, and I almost let him, blinded by my own pride and tricked by his manipulation. But I got away. I was the lucky oneânot like the others. I have to tell my story, but itâs only a matter of time before he finds out. I know what he did. I know all his secrets. And after I expose him, I know heâll come for me to finish what he started. HIM Iâve been watching her for a long time. Some think Iâm sadisticâblinded by both rage and love. But I never meant to hurt her. And even after what happened, I know I can never let her go. Now Iâm her ghost, her phantom driven by vengeance. Thereâs only one way to fill this void, and thatâs to find her and finish what I started. |
Viral Airwaves by Claudie Arseneault Henry Schmitt wants nothing more than a quiet life and a daily ration of instant noodles. At least until he learns the terrible secret that drove his father awayâthe Plague that killed his mother and ravaged his country was created by those now in power. He has one chance to help expose the conspiracy: a ragtag band of rebels needs a pilot for their hot air balloon, where they can launch a broadcast revealing the truth. If Henry accepts, he can experience his dream of flight. But he would have to leave his safe, tranquil life behind ... and bring the wrath of a corrupt government upon his head. |
Havoc & Happiness by Wren Handman Michaela Peters didnât let dying get her down. After all, it was only for a few minutes, and the hospital paid her a huge settlement. Now sheâs an emancipated minor with nine million dollars in the bank and her entire future ahead of her. Life could be a heck of a lot worse! Michaela moves to Montana, determined to enjoy the queer high-school drama that life is serving up. Instead, she finds herself caught in the crosshairs of a fight between horrible monsters that shift with a person's imagination, and the gorgeous trigger-happy siblings who hunt them. The problem? She seems to be able to destroy the monsters with a thought, but the hunters haven't decided which side she's on. |
A Midnight So Deadly by Wren Handman When dreams infect the waking world, what threatsâand promisesâdo they bring? Maeve and Peri are 'dreamers, ' creators who record their dreams and publish them to the delight of their fans. When Maeve dreams of the murder of her friend's abusive exâand then he's killed in the real worldâher "dream" job becomes terrifying. At the same time, Peri is losing their grip on reality as they search for a woman who keeps appearing in their dreams. Who is this enticing stranger? How does she keep finding Peri, night after night? And what will it cost to hunt her down? To find the answers to their questions, Maeve and Peri will first have to find each other. As their dreams begin to bleed into the real world, and the borders between reality and illusion come unstuck, reality itself faces deadly collapse. |
Keeper of the Sacred Scroll by JR Swisher The story of one prince will change the course of history. Thatâs the hope of Sapphira Jacobine Pham. Known as âJakeâ from her friends, sheâs second generation half human, half Nouban. The Noubans have lived on Earth since Mesopotamia, teaching humans how to harness their magic. But now theyâre targets in need of a strong leader. She feels sheâs not ready for the challenge, especially after handsome half-Nouban Allec confesses his love for her. She has to find a replacement soon. Otherwise sheâll be trapped in a life she never wanted. |
Lethbridge: A tale of love in a time of war by Terry McConnell Each of the main characters in the story - based on the true lives of the writer's grandparents - came to Canada via a different path, and each played a role at a time when Canada came of age: the First World War. Harry came to Canada as a "Barnardo Boy," who ran with rum runners before becoming a police officer in what was then still the wild west. Hettie emigrated from Scotland with her parents, who became hotel owners and welcomed many of the west's settlers. Stanley left Maine and ventured north, eager to sign up to fight before the U.S. entered the First World War. Their lives - and their love story - intersected in Lethbridge. This is a fictional story based on true events in the author's family history. |
Secrets and Stardust by Jeannin Counts The stars are not what they seem. So look away; theyâll whisper you your fate. Iyanaâs only ambition in life is to become a healer like her grandmother, but that all changes when her village is attacked by a neighboring kingdom. She desperately calls upon the heavens for salvation and the stars respond, yet not as she had ever imagined. She is sent Altair, a hypnotically handsome star in human form. Iyana is more shocked to discover that she is an Aztia, a magic bearer born once in every generation, and that a captured enemy soldier named Emmeric is unwittingly caught up in her destiny. Although he is fated to work with Iyana, Emmeric is reluctant to assist a woman from the village he was recently trying to destroy, no matter how spellbinding her beauty is. He trusts his rival Altair even less, as the star and Iyana are caught in each otherâs orbit. When the emperorâs own son, Zane, joins their quest to stop his fatherâs tyrannical invasion, the companions begin unveiling long-buried secrets that echo through time. Secrets that could change the course of human history and reveal the hidden origin of the Aztia themselves. A captured foe. A fallen star. A forsaken prince. Betrayal is inevitable. But who will perpetrate it? |
The Shadow Realm Chronicles: Maeve by Nancy Ann Creed Welcome to the Shadow Realm, where darkness reigns and the night is alive with magic. Many years ago, the Great War tore apart all the realms. Now, the darkness is rising again, and it all begins with a lonely mother named Maeve. Maeve was once a loving wife and mother, but she was turned into a vampire by the Vampire Lord Marius. Her husband, Hunter, fled with their infant son, fearing the monster she had become. Now, Maeve is a pawn being used by Marius and the Shadow King, who wants to make her his dark queen. Maeve must find a way to get back to her son and the family she left behind. But will she succumb to the darkness, or will she fight for her soul? Travel to the Shadow Realm, hear spellbinding tales, meet magical creatures, and join Maeve in the quest to save herself and her family. |
Move Fast and Break Things by Kit Walker There is something wrong with Victor Keane. This makes him the ideal choice to lead a team of mercenaries, hired to recover an oil baron's granddaughter from a tech billionaire's personal cult. But the job gets more complicated when the team encounters Adrian Yates, a kidnapped academic with peculiar insight into the darkness of Victor's own mind. And when things go wrong, Victor must make a choice between the success of the mission and Adrian's life. |
The Last Echo of the Lord of Bells by John Bierce A new kind of war has come to the continent of Ithos. Airborne mage armies traverse enemy territory in utter secrecy. Vast city-liches conspire to influence events from afar, while city-states and archmages unleash strange new magics in a rapidly accelerating magical arms race. Nations and great powers that have remained quiescent for years have begun reaching out into the growing power vacuum. Magical superweapons and giant monsters are wielded by every side in an deadly tangle of alliances and factions, as each squabbling force spirals in towards their inevitable final conflict. At the center of that spiral lays the capital of the Havath Dominion, where a vengeful madman has proclaimed the precise date and time he will destroy the city. The Last Echo will ring, and in its wake looms the threat of the Tongue Eater. Hugh and his friends are the only ones who can stop the ancient weapon, but the web of lies they've woven is fraying rapidly, and even their own allies have begun to question their mission. Monsters and archmages capable of leveling cities would stop at nothing to claim the Tongue Eater, leaving Hugh and the others with no one to trust. And if they fail to stop the Tongue Eater, it could mean madness and death for the entire continent. |
The Nobleâs Merman by S.S. Genesee A merman who possesses deadly magic. Mo is a merman, born with a magical gift: the Siren's Song. It's a primal, instinctual force that runs through his veins, urging him to kill humans, to see their blood. But clashing with that urge is Mo's soft and tender side, taking a special interest in humanity and wondering what it'd be like to walk amongst them with legs of his own. A human noble with a broken heart. Kent Wilson is the heir to the Earl of Fareham. He'd felt his life was secure until his betrothed abandoned him unexpectedly a year ago, leaving both his future and his heart in tatters. After a fierce argument with his father one day, Kent runs away to the beach. Needing some time alone with his melancholy thoughts, he sings to the sea. What he doesn't expect, though, is for a merman to hear him. Together, the two form a secret relationshipâone which propels them into passion, and a love greater than they ever thought possible. [The Noble's Merman is a standalone novel. It is an 18th century historical fantasy MM romance, with merfolk magic, cozy beach encounters, pirates, and plenty of spice.] |
Jasmine Perez and the Wicked Sorceress by Joharra Harper This is a story about Jasmine Perez. She is the Princess of one of the many Kingdoms in that Realm. But one day, a Wicked Sorceress kidnapped her people, including her father, the King. Jasmine has to leave her Palace, even though she has never left the Kingdom walls, along with two servants and her fiancé. They go on a long journey and find something that can help the on their mission, and find people who can help them as Jasmine practices her newly discovered magic. There is love, hate, adventure, action, anticipation, and lots of magic. Will she be able to stop arguing with her companions long enough to stay focused? Will she be able to defeat Lilac and save her people? Watch as Jasmine figures out who she is in time to save her Kingdom, and her entire Realm. |
The Towers of Nine by Alyssa Loutitt The Towers of Nine School of Magic Study and Practice is an institution rich with ancient traditions and secrets. Serafina Stewart has grown up on stories of this place, passed to her by her witch mother. Now Serafina is finally old enough to attend. But getting in is the easy part. And Mother's stories never included ghosts or deadly spiders. |
The Shadow of Summer by Marlon Yelich Socialite Jem has always lived in an ivory tower, hiding his own secrets and insecurities behind a veneer of surliness. But tragedy has struck his life and he'd rather not stick around to see the mess. When his initial escape plan fails, he ends up taking a job on a secluded Cumbrian farm. In the English Lake District, glitz and glamour are out, traded for hay bales and horses. Surrounded by nothing but fells and mountains, he meets Mat. Mat is confident, openly gay, optimisticâeverything that Jem struggles to be. Nevertheless, an unlikely bond forms. And above all, Jem realises Mat has secrets of his own. Together, the pair begin a journey that will shake their perspectives of the world. They must acknowledge all that stands against themâand make it, despite the odds, to the other side. IMPORTANT NOTICE: "The Shadow of Summer" is a work of fiction not intended for readers under the age of 16. The novel deals with themes that some readers may find upsetting. These include alcohol/substance abuse, bereavement, mental health issues & suicide. A more comprehensive list of trigger warnings can be found on Instagram at @marlonyelichauthor. |
Z.E.R.O: Zombie Elimination and Rescue Operatives by Jessica Ungeheuer Jeffrey Knight is a down on his luck self proclaimed loser. He can't keep a job, forced into hours of work in the hell that is retail. His only stable thing in his life was his relationship with his longtime girlfriendâŠthat is until he catches her cheating on him. Now with nothing left, he begrudgingly agrees to join his best friend on a night of fake zombie hunting paintball. The only solace he has in his pitiful life. That is, until he learns zombies are real⊠Jennifer Mayer has spent her whole life hunting monsters. Working tirelessly for a secret organization of mercenaries to protect normal citizens from learning the truth. However, there are a growing number of undead, and her organization leaders refuse to believe her that something catastrophic is coming. She is in need of new recruits to prevent a coming âDay of the Deadâ event. After saving Jeff from near death Jennifer takes him on as a pupil. Jennifer must train Jeff in everything she knows while avoiding the growing feelings and memories he reignites in her -- feelings she thought she buried long ago. Jeff has never finished anything in his life, allowing his fears to stop him. If he chokes up now, there might not be a normal world to go back to. |
Gharantiaâs Guardian by L.M. Douglas The devastating godsâ war that ravaged the other side of the world for centuries is coming to Gharantia. Its rulers, Princess Melane and Criterious, the Guardian, stand as sentinels, safeguarding their cherished realm. As the Queenâs protective mistâthe Bleakârolls away after another winter, prophetic dreams haunt Melane and mysterious strangers converge on their city. Criterious must unravel the truth behind the war before it destroys them all. Who will stand with Gharantia against the coming tide? In this epic fantasy adventure alliances will be forged, loyalties will waver, and destinies collide. |
After the Storm by Key Dyson, Raymond Roach, Hannah Birchwood Rich Merrill, gene-tweaked supersoldier by birth and AI support technician by vocation, is done fighting. Finally reassigned after four hellish years aboard the Sympatico, a dysfunctional ship with a deadly crew, all he wants is to make the most of his second chance. The survival skills that got him through his last posting aren't going to help him on the Reliant, though. In among a kinder, gentler crew, Rich's old scars and bad habits are just as much of a problem as vengeful ex-crewmates, or the Sympatico's corrupted AI, which wants him back. Rich wants to be a better person. He wants to make some friends, finally. He'd especially like to be friends--or more--with Basil Wright, a brilliant teen rival who's grown up captivatingly handsome; or Liam Beaker, a beautiful, mercurial botanist and fellow tweak. Rich wants to reconnect with what's left of his family, pick up some hobbies, get some sun, learn to relax. But if he can't learn how to leave his old life behind, his new life won't be worth living. |
The Price of Admission by Alethea Lyons After a year of searching, Stella stands before the entrance gates of the worlds-renowned Carnivale Incendio. At the centre of the Carnival terrors, her heart's desire waits. She has sacrificed everything to get here and be reunited with her lover, Mona, who was stolen from her on the eve of their wedding. Though the carnival tries to take her as its own, Stella battles through to Mona's side and to face the final challenger, the Ringmaster himself. Standalone short story. Highly descriptive of scenery with some minor gore. |
The Magik Scarf by M. K. Browning After botching her first solo spell, where she only partially reanimates her grandfather into a voice in a toy jack-in-the-box, Alyssa has to set out to find and return a gryphon kingâs magik scarf or else he will do something unspeakable to her grandmother. But that sneaky scarf is not where the king said it was, and now the only way to get to it is through a dragonâs lair. |
Never Leave, Never Lie by Thea Verdone The lies that brought them together will tear them apart. Alek and Ianâs relationship is built on lies and the cracks are starting to show. A pianist gifted with synesthesia, Alek sees sounds and hears colors and transforms all of his emotions into music. But no matter how hard he tries to hide behind a facade of apathy and seduction, he canât escape the dark past that haunts him. Contractor Ian sees the beauty in something destroyed by neglect and his obsession with fixing extends beyond historical buildings. But when Alekâs self-destructive tendencies turn their relationship to ruins, Ian fears Alek is the first project heâll have no choice but to abandon. Now the Gothic Victorian mansion theyâre renovating is the only thing connecting them. Alek will do anything to keep Ian with him. Except tell the truth. Because Alek is lying about everything, starting with his name, and when Ian learns the truth, their house of cards will collapse. Never Leave, Never Lie is an angsty MM modern gothic romance that will appeal to fans of mental health representation, relationships in crisis, hurt/comfort, and a hard-fought happily ever after. |
The Gunrunner and Her Hound by Maria Ying Viveca Hua, arms-dealer ...is driven by three things: the certainty of steel, the need to win, and the compulsion to possess. Yves, bodyguard ...hunts for the place she belongs, and she might just have found it in the captivating Viveca, who offers her a new organization, an answerâand a collar. But their world is violent. It is unpredictable. Luck alone will not shield them. Together they must survive assassins, rival gunrunners, and their own lethal attraction. The Gunrunner and Her Hound is an F/F/F mosaic novella (40,000 words) built from short stories connected by an overarching plot. Part romance (happy ever after included), part thriller, this is a high-heat love story set in contemporary Hong Kong, where passion burns between a ruthless ice queen and an ex-soldier who fled a ruined empire. |
Wish Lists Lead to This by Kay Claire Whenever Seb wants to get something done, he makes a list, and he sets deadlines. He's been in Cape Town for 2 years and has yet to do all the touristy things the city has to offer, so he's set his 24th birthday as his deadline to do 100 things on the list heâs come up with. JJâs in a rut. He has no friends hates his job (working at a shirtless waiter at a gay bar isn't all it's cracked up to be), and is sick of one-night stands. After an awkward encounter with a former crush, JJ finds himself roped into helping Seb accomplish an item on his list â but plans change after he finds a box of abandoned kittens the day heâs suppose to meet up with Seb. When the two decide to foster the kittens together, theyâre both surprised at how well they get along, since on paper theyâre exact opposites â especially after their new budding friendship turns into something more complicated after JJ finds a secondary, secret list in the back of Sebâs notebook... |
All Roads Lead to This by Kay Claire Cedric and Rueben have been best friends since sixth grade, and cannot imagine life without each other - Cedric was there for Rueben when he came out to his family, and Rueben was there for Cedric through every step of his transition. Now, both twenty-four and working at the same plant shop, their boss gets an opportunity to receive some extremely rare plants she's wanted for years, except there's a problem: the plants need to be collected in person from across the country, and she cannot make the journey herself. Rueben, ever helpful, is quick to volunteer him and Cedric to travel across the country in her place. Cedric is apprehensive about the trip, both because he hates sudden changes to his routine, and because he may or may not have a few secrets he hasn't told Rueben about. Secrets like the fact that he might be in love with his best friend... All Roads Lead to This is a low angst HEA m/m romance that involves a road trip across South Africa, sharing a bed, heavy pinning, and childhood friends to lovers tropes. Roughly 85,000 words long. |
The Full Moon Problem by Kay Claire Felix was raised by a family who upheld traditional medicine over all modern medicine â so when he turned 18 and started transitioning, Felix had to run away from home if he wanted to live his authentic life. Now, ten years later, heâs surprised when his aunt passes away and leaves him a house, far from the place he left. Leaving an unfulfilling life in London to give country living a try, Felix is soon overwhelmed by the amount of books on folk medicine and gardening his aunt left to him. Wanting to reconnect with her memory, Felix decides to give the family craft heâs always shunned a try, and soon the locals are asking him for the remedies they had relied on when his aunt was alive. One of those locals is Declan, the handsome deliveryman who immediately catches Felixâs eye. Declan is shy and reclusive, but Felix manages to chip away at Declanâs walls and soon discovers his secret: Declan is a werewolf who loses control on full moons, and only a potion Felixâs aunt used to make can help him gain back that control. Felix is determined to make this potion correctly and help Declan⊠and maybe fall in love in the process? |
Dawn's Cozy Horror Corner by Dawn Chen "Dawnâs Cozy Horror Corner: a queer Chinese diaspora horror short stories anthologyâ is a horror anthology which contains five stories featuring supernatural elements and young Chinese diaspora protagonists whose identities clash with the environment around them. In âBottle of Shameâ, a girl who can pull out people's shame must grapple with the gruesome consequences of the truth she reveals. In âThe Girl with No Faceâ, a girl slowly loses her facial features one at a time until she become a faceless horror who take vengeance upon her tormentor. In âMy Future Self Once Saidâ, a girl is paid a visit from her future-self as a warning. In "Judge of the Underworld Household", the protagonist disagrees with the method her ancestor god who rules over the Chinese Underworld and the way he views crimes and punishment. In "Meet Your Demonsâ, a girl is offered to be possessed by a demon and gladly accepts. |
Unholy with eyes like wolves by Morgan Dante NoĂ©mie, a dishonored and widowed noblewoman in early 17th century Hungary, finds herself in an unenviable position: After grievous trauma and loss, her last chance to regain her honor comes when she must serve as Lady ErzsĂ©bet BĂĄthoryâs handmaiden. BĂĄthory is stoic and imperious, and as NoĂ©mie struggles to acclimate and accept her present and future, she begins to have dreams about a mysterious woman. Worse, there are stories of disappearance and deaths in the castle, and NoĂ©mie might be next. |