Search results for “Alan …”:


Nigh

Nigh by Alan Miller

SPSFC

We’re not getting any older... An extraordinary event at the genetic level changes everything - the world didn’t see it coming. It takes time for people to adjust to waking up to smoother skin and better health. Vices and addictions can now be taken up with abandon as cells repair themselves on the slow but inexorable path to youth and infancy. A global spring clean begins, a purge to free the planet of parasites. In the first week of what came to be christened ‘God’s Boomerang’, confusion and fear gripped the world. Over decades, countries and societies radically change and through the experiences of a reporter, a doctor, two couples and an ancient Iowan farmer, we hurtle through this maelstrom of upheaval, shepherding humankind to its ultimate destiny… A very human apocalypse… A new end is beginning...


The Gulp

The Gulp by Alan Baxter

Strange things happen in The Gulp. The residents have grown used to it. The isolated Australian harbour town of Gulpepper is not like other places. Some maps don’t even show it. And only outsiders use the full name. Everyone who lives there calls it The Gulp. The place has a habit of swallowing people.

A truck driver thinks the stories about The Gulp are made up to scare him. Until he gets there. Teenage siblings try to cover up the death of their mother, but their plans go drastically awry. A rock band invite four backpackers to a party at their house, where things get dangerously out of hand. A young man loses a drug shipment and his boss gives him 48 hours to make good on his mistake. Under the blinking eye of the old lighthouse, a rock fisher makes the strangest catch of his life.

Five novellas. Five descents into darkness. Welcome to The Gulp, where nothing is as it seems.


Beast Mage

Beast Mage by Derek Alan Siddoway

SPFBO8

Kellen Lars may be the most unremarkable person on Earth. In the mana-enchanted land of Oras, he could become a champion. After his little sister vanishes before his eyes, Kellen awakens in another realm inhabited by mythical creatures and people who shape the very forces of nature. These are the Beastcallers, wielders of elemental magics who ascend alongside their beast companions. In search of his sister, Kellen explores a savage new world full of magical storms, animal demi-gods and warring tribes. Just surviving isn't an option. If he ever wants to see home again, Kellen must wield his budding powers and train his newly bonded Mana Beast. Even if he succeeds, nothing will ever be the same again. A young man from Earth. A Mana Beast. Together, they'll progress into legend.


The God Sun

The God Sun by Alan K. Dell

The ISF Althaemenes was the first of its kind. A spacecraft capable of travelling the vast distances to other stars. But on its maiden voyage to Proxima Centauri, all contact was lost and its crew never returned. Four years later, the United Earth Confederacy received the ship’s distress signal. Captain Helene Cross and the crew of the ISF Apemosyne are sent to determine what happened, and if possible, rescue the wayward explorers. However, all is not as they The crew is long dead, and strange cult-like symbols are scrawled in blood across vessel’s walls.


The Rain Dancer

The Rain Dancer by Alan Scott

People often take for granted the small things in life, like being able to shower and get dressed without having to convince their mind and body to get out of bed. For many, that isn’t a daily struggle. When the alarm clock rings, they turn it off, roll out of bed, and start their day. For those diagnosed and labelled with conditions such as dyslexia, however, that struggle is crippling. Branded, lazy, stupid, cheats, the world convinces millions of people every day that they are unworthy of love and unimportant in the grand scheme of things. Labelled with a learning difficulty that makes him feel inferior, 50-year-old Alan starts to reflect on his life and the world around him. Whilst working a typical 9-5 office job, he explores the facets of the world that many overlook, including an inside look at motherhood, prescription drug abuse, and roles in the workplace. From how dress code is enforced more on women than men, the unfulfillment that comes with abusing sex, alcohol, and food, to the importance and acceptance of sexuality, every bullet of truth comes to a startling realization: the world does not view everyone equally. As Alan digs deeper into his memories, regrets of the past blend with momentary victories to cast light on topics that many choose to avoid or overlook. Addiction to social media. The overwhelming noise coming from TV, songs, and news. The robotic movements of people he passes by on the street, and how taboo it is to look at nature or each other. What society classes as success. Based partly on the real-world struggles of dyslexia and the problems associated with it, The Rain Dancer takes an in-depth look at the pain and emotions caused by everyday interactions. Depression, societal expectations, and the niceties of human interactions, Alan Scott paints a vivid picture of the morals and ethics that govern life.


The Re-Emergence

The Re-Emergence by Alan K Dell

SFINCS

A strange probe from a long-forgotten satellite network appears in the P’hori star system. Its message: a dire warning signalling the return of an ancient mythological evil. Imperator Da’kora Corasar and the crew of the Qesh’kal are sent to determine the probe’s origin, and find that the satellite is not as they had expected. Corasar trusts the satellite’s data, but not everyone aboard agrees. Tensions rise and loyalties are tested as they track down the source of the signal. Thrust into conflict, the crew of the Qesh’kal must chase their foe across the galactic arm and save their home from certain destruction.


Children of Vale

Children of Vale by Daniel Alan Anderson

SPSFC

An alien world. A hidden race. A girl haunted by visions must discover an ancient secret. Tyana is the first of her kind. Gifted with unique powers but plagued by nightmarish dreams, she’s ostracized by most, yet revered by a few. Compelled by her visions, she searches for the truth to her society's origin on the eve of war. The secrets she discovers will not only change her forever; they will reveal the truth behind her kind’s genesis—and foreshadow its end. Her life, the lives of her kind—and humanity itself—hang in the balance.


scions of a storm

scions of a storm by Alan Scott

Writing Style: Dialogue and Character driven Book Type: Dark Fantasy Themes(s): relationships, forbidden love, loss, power, prejudice and ultimately, the monster which lurks inside us all. Target audience: The open-minded reader who enjoys a more mature and gritty storylines in their fantasy books Scions of the Storm’ is the second instalment in the ‘Storm Series’ trilogy and covers the next sixteen years of this epic tale. It continues the tales of Kathleen and Jane, and their now separate journeys. Kathleen has survived her trials and is now Queen of the Twin Kingdoms. She is happily married to Karl Rothgal and has two children by him – Jack, the eldest, and Rebecca, their younger daughter. For the first time in the series, hints are revealed about the two deadly, but hidden, forces that are using the Twin Kingdoms as a pawn in their eons old game of domination. War is coming to the Twin Kingdoms, but can Kathleen and Jane work out who to trust and who the actual enemy are before it is too late?


Echoes of a Storm

Echoes of a Storm by Alan Scott

SPFBO7

Writing Style: Dialogue and Character driven Book Type: Dark Fantasy Themes: Parenthood, relationships, forbidden love, loss, power and prejudice Target audience: Open minded people who enjoy a more mature and grittier storyline in their fantasy books Welcome dear reader to a story of betrayal, heroes, monsters, and dark deeds. Welcome to Echoes of a Storm. Echoes of a Storm is the first instalment in the Storm Series and sets the scene and tone for this powerful bittersweet trilogy. This dark, gritty, fantasy novel explores many themes such as, relationships, forbidden love, loss, power, prejudice and ultimately, the monster which lurks inside us all. Follow the life of a young princess named Kathleen, from the age of 6 through to her marriage at the age of 18. As you delve further into her story, secrets will be revealed, battles will be fought, lives will be brutally cut short or changed forever, and the deviant and the Werewolf will make themselves known. Are you ready to enter the world of Talocants and discover the stories and secrets it holds?


A Spring for Spears

A Spring for Spears by Derek Alan Siddoway & Katie Cross

SPFBO9

The fate of the Wolf Riders falls on an outcast. Astrid would give anything to be one of the Ulfsark—fearless warriors who ride giant Amarok wolves. Like her ancestors, she yearns for the soul-deep bond with a wolf. The connection. The union. A chance to prove her worth and honor her mother's legacy. Yet she's never heard the Wolf Song.  And with each passing year, it's likely she never will. Astrid refuses to accept her fate. Then an encounter with a nature spirit and a foreign princess dashes her last hope and changes everything. Accused of killing a royal guardsman, Astrid travels to the halls of a mad king to clear her name and stop a war against her people. Though she has no Amarok wolf, Astrid refuses to fail her tribe.  Even if she cannot be an Ulfsark. There, she'll discover a regular wolf that opens her heart, friends she never asked for, and a new world far more dangerous—and strange—than she ever imagined. Will Astrid save a fragile peace and embrace her destiny? Or will her dreams of the Wolf Song fade in distant lands? Join Astrid and friends on a thrilling new fantasy adventure in A SPRING FOR SPEARS, the first novel in the WOLF SONG SAGA series by bestselling, award-winning authors Katie Cross and Derek Alan Siddoway.


Creation Abomination

Creation Abomination by Alan Thompson

Book 1 of the Best Selling Creation Abomination series Brilliant research scientist William Mears has set out to discover how to repair injuries to the human body that are considered to be irreparable, leveraging Embryonic Stem Cells (ESCs). But these cells can't come from just any source - they need to be from the specific individual in need of healing. In other words, William needs to figure out a way to create a human embryonic clone. While William's intent is innocent and focused on the betterment of mankind, he has unknowingly opened up the door to a malevolent presence that reveals itself in ever increasing dreadful ways. As the situation worsens, it becomes clear that William must make a terrible choice in order to protect his loved ones and save humankind. But is it too late? Creation Abomination explores human ethical dilemmas in a fast-paced, high-tech story involving ingenious scientists, complex relationships, and the age-old battle between good and evil, bringing together realistic scenarios with the supernatural.


Djinn Tamer: Starter

Djinn Tamer: Starter by A.J. Cerna & Derek Alan Siddoway

SPFBO7

Tame. Train. Battle. Fans of Pokémon, Digimon, and Monster Rancher love this monster-battling series! Jackson Hunt dreams of becoming a professional monster tamer — to raise magical creatures called Djinn and battle them in the big leagues. Unfortunately for Jackson, dreams and reality don’t always coincide. Facing bank foreclosure, Jackson is desperate to save his family's home. Discovering a young, untrained Djinn is just the chance he's been waiting for. But can Jackson and his Djinn level up fast enough? Taming isn’t as easy as the pros make it look. As time runs out, Jackson delves into the shady world of underground fighting, experiences the agony of defeat and learns what it takes to be a true monster tamer.


Tales of Solomon Pace

Tales of Solomon Pace by Alan Scott

Writing Style: Dialogue and Character driven Book Type: Dark Fantasy Themes: Power, Relationships, Love, Loss, and Parenthood Target audience: Open minded people who enjoy a more mature and grittier storyline in their fantasy books Tales of Solomon Pace’ can be read as part of the Storm Series or as a standalone book of interlinked short stories. With ‘Tales of Solomon Pace’ I knew straight away that I wanted to delve deeper into the background of the man and to give the reader glimpses of Solomon’s past. To that end, I’ve produce a range of stories which will show different aspects of Solomon Pace, and give the reader additional insight to this very complicated, dangerous and intriguing character.


The Y Front Chronicles

The Y Front Chronicles by Alan Scott

The Y Front Chronicles' is set in the year of our Lord 3256, and is the diary of a trained soldier on the run from the authorities The diary details his nine month stay on board a Starship, his thoughts on his past, present and future, his lovers, his hamster, daytime TV, the adult film industry, and his constant search for a pair of comfortable underwear. Read his diary if you dare.


The Shadow of Arcadia

The Shadow of Arcadia by Alan K. Dell

SIDERA SILERE: LET THE STARS REMAIN SILENT. Nestled in the shadow of a derelict alien warship, the Martian city of Arcadia Landing shines as a beacon of humanity’s golden future. There, United Nations representatives gather to sign a new international treaty; a stepping-stone towards global unity. But when a dangerous faction born of an unlikely blend of isolationists and alien-worshippers attacks the city, the hope of unity lies scattered among the ruins. Heartbroken, Captain James Fowler must work together with Nate Rifkin, the rueful captain of the Magellan, to bring those responsible to justice. But a deadly encounter with the cabal’s enigmatic masked leader draws James into a deeper mystery stretching back nearly fifty years. With the help of Capt. Erin Pritchard, and anachronistic force of nature, Capt. April Rose-Hartley, they investigate the links to James and Angela’s past to uncover the identity of this murderous figurehead, track him down, and put a stop to his grand plans for humanity.


Abomination Desolation

Abomination Desolation by Alan Thompson

Book 2 of the Best Selling Creation Abomination series William had only wanted to develop a method of cloning human tissue. But then, his work was stolen by his best friend and the very forces of the Devil began perverting his research for the sole purpose of bringing about the end of days. Armed with this knowledge, he decided to destroy Cenetics, the laboratory that stole his creation, along with their malevolent research. As a result, he was confined to a mental hospital, where he learned that this corrupt work was continuing at another facility. Now, William must escape in order to stop Lucifer’s plans. With the help of his wife, his father-in-law, and several angelic interventions, he must battle nefarious creatures, the powers of deception, and the prophecies of the Bible itself, to prevent the apocalypse and save humankind. In Abomination Desolation, ordinary people meet extraordinary events head-on, in a thrilling story leading up to the very end of the world.


A Dark and Hungry Storm

A Dark and Hungry Storm by Alan Scott

Writing Style: Dialogue and Character driven Book Type: Dark Fantasy You may like, if you enjoy the following authors: by Anne Bishop, David Gemmell, and Joe Abercrombie If you have enjoyed the previous two books then, the final novel in the series will provide the ending you are looking for. Jack Rothgal desperately attempts to fulfil his destiny and become the Ultimate Spirit Warrior and regain the Twin Kingdoms for his little sister. Deep within her Palace in the city of Deep Lake Queen Rebecca Rothgal works tirelessly to protect the Twin Kingdoms against all threats; including her big brother.


The Flight of the Aurora

The Flight of the Aurora by Alan K. Dell

A CROSSROADS FOR HUMANITY. ENDLESS SKY. BOUNDLESS HORIZONS. The world has moved on from the shock of first contact, and technologies based on research of the alien crash site on Mars have begun to enter the public sphere. For Commander James Fowler, life has never been better. And yet, fifteen years on, James feels unsettled. Deep scars remain that leave him hesitant when an old friend presents him with the opportunity of a lifetime: a job as test pilot for the Aurora, an experimental spaceplane that promises to lead humanity to the stars. But all is not well. Behind scenes, factions shift and change, presenting a threatening portent of the shape of things to come.


From the Grave of the Gods

From the Grave of the Gods by Alan K. Dell

SPSFC 2022 SPSFC 2023

Strange lights in the sky.
 A Red Planet.
 A catalyst to change the course of human history. Commander James Fowler is an astronaut and the first officer of the Magnum Opus, the largest spacecraft ever built, on the first crewed expedition to Mars. The mission: to investigate the mysterious extrasolar object that went down on the Red Planet five years ago. James is living the dream: he gets to go to space and be one of the first to set foot on another world, with his girlfriend, Angela, cheering him on at home. Maybe after the mission, when he's returned a hero, he'll find the perfect moment to finally propose. But his dreams shatter as the mission ends in disaster. Returning to a world reeling from the revelation of what they found out there, James works to piece his life back together and come to terms with what happened. But the mission left him changed, and now he must fight to protect everything he holds dear from those who seek advancement at any cost; a process that makes him question his identity, his place in the world, and what it means to be human.


Tales of Salvation and Damnation

Tales of Salvation and Damnation by Alan Scott

Writing Style: Dialogue and Character driven Book Type: Dark Fantasy You may like, if you enjoy the following authors: by Anne Bishop, David Gemmell, and Joe Abercrombie ‘Tales of Salvation and Damnation’ is the seventh book in dark fantasy series “The Storm Series”, and is a book of short stories set within the land of Talocants For me, one of the strengths of ‘The Storm Series’ is that it constantly changes and evolves, and the stories within “Tales of Salvation and Damnation” continue that fine tradition. As always, I’ve tried to make the stories full accessible for new readers, whilst giving long term readers answers to some of their questions.


Stories for a Storm Filled Night

Stories for a Storm Filled Night by Alan Scott

Writing Style: Dialogue and Character driven Book Type: Dark Fantasy You may like, if you enjoy the following authors: by Anne Bishop, David Gemmell, and Joe Abercrombie ‘Stories for a Storm Filled Night’, is the first book of short stories sent within the dark fantasy trilogy the ‘Storm Series’. It’s a standalone book, hence will be perfect for new readers to the saga. It will transport them to the land of Talocants, where they will discover, werewolves, heroes, and villains. For readers who have already read books 1 and 2 of the trilogy, it will answer a few questions they might have – What actually happened during the Chestnut murders? How did the Brethren of the Night Start? There are a total of eight short stories, all of which add additional background to characters and events within the trilogy.


Alan Lennox and the Temp Job of Doom

Alan Lennox and the Temp Job of Doom by Brian Olsen

SPSFC

Alan Lennox has been assigned yet another soul-crushing temp job, keeping him from his first loves – drinking, playing video games, and looking for a boyfriend. But Alan’s new job proves to be anything but boring when his co-workers start turning up dead. The mysterious megacorporation Amalgamated Synergy has taken a deadly interest in Alan and his three roommates, and the hapless quartet are woefully unequipped to deal with the psychotic secretaries, murderous middle managers, and villainous vice-presidents hunting them down. Their investigation leads them deep into Amalgamated Synergy’s headquarters, but can Alan and his friends stay alive long enough to discover who – or what – waits for them on the top floor? Alan Lennox and the Temp Job of Doom is the first book of The Future Next Door, a contemporary urban science fiction comedic thriller series in four parts.


Blue Skies

Blue Skies by Alana Oxford

"I loved this sweet romance! The chemistry between Seth and Patrice was palpable, and I was rooting for them from the beginning." -Lacie Waldon author of From the Jump. "I couldn't put it down! It was just what I needed, to get lost in a story with characters I couldn't get enough of, taking me on a journey of wild fun and romance." -Allyson Martinek, Morning host 100.3 WNIC and author of Living On Air. Life isn't always a walk in the park, but when Patrice takes her Pomeranians to the park after a rough day at the office, fate steps in. An unlikely hero comes to the rescue when one of her dogs gets loose. Short, pale, and kind of cute, Seth doesn't have a lot of confidence with the ladies, but he hits it off with Patrice. But some things might be too good to be true. While Patrice wonders if Seth could possibly be "the one", fate steps in again with a horrible twist. Will it be a deal breaker or just a storm before bright blue skies?


Sleeping Celeste

Sleeping Celeste by Alana K. Drex

It is October 1885, and Marie Maecott seems to be the only one who knows what has happened to her daughter, Celeste. She is angry that no one else understands her daughter's condition, as any mother would be. Then one chill night, groundskeeper for Heathridge Cemetery, Jacob Willis, tells her a dark secret in his family's past that just may hold the key to her problem. Marie will need to set off on a journey to find out--one in which she will discover terrible parts of herself--parts that would have been better off left buried. And some are going to find out the truth of the timeless adage: it is best not to come between a mother and her child.


Scotsman in the Stacks

Scotsman in the Stacks by Alana Oxford

"Fresh and charming - a heart-warming must read romance." - Sandy Barker, author of A Sunrise Over Bali. "Scotsman in the Stacks is a delightfully sweet, cosy romance for book lovers." - Kiley Dunbar, author of The Borrow a Bookshop Holiday For fans of low-angst, slow burn, closed door romance. Paige wants two things: to land a full time librarian job and find the man of her dreams. On the cusp of thirty, she finds herself suddenly single and working part-time in a Michigan library. A handsome patron with a delicious accent appears at the reference desk, inadvertently sparking an idea that might help her land the promotion she so desperately needs. But that's not the only thing he sparks. James is in town from Glasgow, Scotland, on a summer artist residency. Luckily, the trip got him away from the pressure he feels to take over his uncle's river tour business. He only wanted to clear his head and make his art in peace, but he wasn't counting on finding an attractive librarian to fill his days. With only eight weeks before James goes home to Scotland, Paige knows she should protect her heart. After all, she already wasted years with her commitmentphobe ex. But the more she gets to know James, the less she can stick to her plan to just be friends. Is she just wasting her time again, or can they bridge the ocean between them to find a happily ever after of their own?


Shsskish: A Novelette

Shsskish: A Novelette by Alana K. Drex

Winslow doesn’t appear on any maps. It lies down a certain cemetery road, hidden past a grove of trees. But that doesn’t stop Tarah and Nathan from finding it one fateful spring day in 2006—an unfortunate pitstop on the way to their new life. Yet, nature’s song sings sweetly here, and the quaint atmosphere and sights seem to speak to a simpler time. But what the couple can’t see is the struggle and strife its townies endure in maintaining this time capsule of a town. And while they never asked to find out any of those finer details, they are set on a collision course, rocketing toward something that could prove to be as deadly as it is dark.


Abolish the Rose

Abolish the Rose by Alanna Irving

"Surely I have better things to do with my time." Camille Addison resents the hand life has dealt her. Enrolling in an evening class to distract herself from memories of frustration, she finds herself instead turning to face the tumult of relationships, loss and love that has led her to where she is. Abolish the Rose, by Alanna Irving, takes us on a journey through the past in search of meaning in the present. Through a vivid catalogue of heart-warming and harrowing life experiences, we are drawn to question, along with Camille - how much control do we have over the path our lives take? Would we change the past if we had the chance? What is a life well lived?


Riyati Rebirth

Riyati Rebirth by Kalani Shimizu

With great power comes your past incarnations and future self playing chess with your existence. Kylie Rae thought she was an average honors high school student but discovered during a life-threatening incident that she’s the reincarnation of an ancient magic kingdom’s crown princess. Now people she’s never met want her dead, and she must learn how to survive in this new world while maintaining the façade that nothing’s changed. Forget making A’s, how will Kylie survive to the end of the year when she’s constantly looking over her shoulder? Riyati Rebirth is the first book of a contemporary new adult dark fantasy series that seeks to explore themes of identity, legacy, the greater good, and finding your own path in life; it includes multiple first person perspectives and queer representation, which will expand even further as the series continues!


Off Balance

Off Balance by Tiffany Costa

Juliette had plenty of love in her life. She owned and operated a a ballet studio bursting with students, parents, and staff that she adored. Sure, there was a gaping hole in the romantic love department, but she was happy. Everything was going right. Until her teenage student, Kelsey Delgato, revealed that she had been abandoned by her mother and needed a place to stay. With a birth certificate in hand naming a man Kelsey didn’t recognize as her father, Juliette tracks him down and makes the call. Only to find out that Caleb Ramirez didn’t know Kelsey existed either. After the shock of a lifetime and a move across the country, Caleb Ramirez is thrown even farther off balance when his alliance with Juliette begins to feel a little more like friendship. Then a bit like attraction. And then a lot like love. Thrown together by circumstance, the three navigate the unknown together in this heartfelt, raw story about whether genetics really does play a role in family and whether or not we can choose who we love.


The Winterbourne Chronicles:: Cursed

The Winterbourne Chronicles:: Cursed by Camilla Calando

Camilla Calando's debut novel transports us to a land where things are not always what they seem and secrets show us whom we can trust and whom we cannot. Natalie and her friends start the rest of their lives off by taking a vacation to the illustrious Winterbourne Manor. Soon after arriving Natalie realizes this is not a normal hotel. Things lurk in the shadows and the walls have secrets they want to spill. Will Natalie figure out whom to trust and uncover some of the secrets before it's too late?


Kalanon's Rising (Agents of Kalanon #1)

Kalanon's Rising (Agents of Kalanon #1) by Darian Smith

SPFBO Finalist

Solve the murder. Stop the war. Save the world. Sir Brannon Kesh spent years building a new life as a physician, leaving the name Bloodhawk and the war that spawned it behind. But when the King's cousin is murdered, duty calls him back. The crime scene suggests dark magic and the evidence points to the ambassador of Nilar, an alluring woman with secrets of her own, who sees Bloodhawk as little more than a war criminal. As bodies pile up and political ramifications escalate, Brannon must join forces with a vain mage, a socially awkward priest, and a corpse animating shaman to solve the murders and prevent another war. But who can he trust when the phases of a bigger plan take shape? The Risen are the greatest danger Brannon has ever faced. If he and his team cannot stop the killer then all of Kalanon - and the world - will descend into darkness. SPFBO 5 FINALIST - Winner of the SpecFicNZ Novel Competition - Sir Julius Award Winning Author


Blanky

Blanky by Kealan Patrick Burke

In the wake of his infant daughter's tragic death, Steve Brannigan is struggling to keep himself together. Estranged from his wife, who refuses to be inside the house where the unthinkable happened, and unable to work, he seeks solace in an endless parade of old sitcoms and a bottle of bourbon. Until one night he hears a sound from his daughter's old room, a room now stripped bare of anything that identified it as hers...except for her security blanket, affectionately known as Blanky. Blanky, old and frayed, with its antiquated patchwork of badly sewn rabbits with black button eyes, who appear to be staring at the viewer... Blanky, purchased from a strange old man at an antique stall selling "BABY CLOSE" at a discount. The presence of Blanky in his dead daughter's room heralds nothing short of an unspeakable nightmare that threatens to take away what little light remains in Steve's shattered world. Because his daughter loved Blanky so much, he buried her with it. A new novella from the Bram Stoker Award-Winning author of SOUR CANDY and KIN.


Sour Candy

Sour Candy by Kealan Patrick Burke

At first glance, Phil Pendleton and his son Adam are just an ordinary father and son, no different from any other. They take walks in the park together, visit county fairs, museums, and zoos, and eat together overlooking the lake. Some might say the father is a little too accommodating given the lack of discipline when the child loses his temper in public. Some might say he spoils his son by allowing him to eat candy whenever he wants and set his own bedtimes. Some might say that such leniency is starting to take its toll on the father, given how his health has declined. What no one knows is that Phil is a prisoner, and that up until a few weeks ago and a chance encounter at a grocery store, he had never seen the child before in his life. A new novella from the Bram Stoker Award-winning author of THE TURTLE BOY and KIN


Goddess Found

Goddess Found by Calanthe Colt

SPFBO10

The God Incarnate, forced into a public role he didn’t seek. ~ The mere mortal who wants a quiet life. ~ The very public, very popular reality show that will complicate their lives. This is the second time Jack’s been coerced into searching for the Goddess Incarnate among the most promising, and beautiful, mages of his generation for the entertainment of the nation. Tired and jaded, Jack fears the new season of Goddess Found will play out like the last, until a new crew member makes him feel more at ease than he has in years. But she has no magic so she can’t be his goddess. Can she? All Leta wants is enough money to pay for a pâtisserie course so she can be her own boss. She just needs to keep her head down for six weeks and not get fired for bothering the ambitious contestants or making a fool of herself in front of the dreamy God Incarnate. A simple task for a wallflower, right? As Leta and Jack draw closer, the attention of the media and the mighty mage families places conflicting expectations upon them. And whoever the Goddess Incarnate turns out to be will have another problem: Not everyone wants the goddess to ascend …


Balancing Act

Balancing Act by Rachel Churcher

Corporal David Conrad has life figured out. His job gives him power, control, and access to Top Secret operations. His looks have tempted plenty of women into his bed, and he has no intention of committing to a relationship. When Ketty Smith joins the Home Forces, Conrad sets his sights on the new girl – but pursuing Ketty will be more dangerous than he realises. Is Conrad about to meet his match? And will the temptations of his job distract him from his target? Balancing Act is a tie-in novel in the Battle Ground Series, revisiting the events of Darkest Hour, Fighting Back, and Victory Day from Corporal Conrad's point of view. 'This series is raising the standard for YA dystopian fiction, and I can’t give it less than 5 stars' - AyJayPageFarer Book Blog


Blood And Stone: A Novel in The Atalante Chronicles

Blood And Stone: A Novel in The Atalante Chronicles by Nicholas W King

He's a wizard willing to do anything if he gets paid. Brought in by the local police to investigate a series of freakishly bizarre murders, he quickly discovers that he's facing a lot more than a murderer. Pushed to the brink of his magical powers, can he find and stop the perpetuator before he can use blood magic to become even more powerful? Nicodemus is a fixer, but not of the variety you'd imagine. For the right price, he'll take care of any supernatural problem, exorcise a demon, find a lost item, or even wipe the memory of a witness who saw too much. Being a wizard has its perks. Lester is a no-nonsense, seasoned detective in the department. When crimes get oddly strange, Nico is his go to person, especially after bringing down a pack of murdering ghouls the year before. Nothing is too strange for him anymore. Angela is Lester's Deputy. Determined to learn, she never stops asking questions and isn't sure how much she can trust Nico. Afterall, he's rather unkempt and messy. Being a wizard doesn't help either. When Lester brings Nico to help with a series of unnatural and grisly murders, it becomes apparent that someone or something supernatural is behind the killings. But why? What is the killer after? As Nico digs deeper and deeper, he begins to understand the motivations behind the killer's ritualistic killings. It's only a matter of time before he uses blood magic to achieve his goal and become even more powerful. Innocent lives are at stake and Nico is the only one who can save them, but only if he unveils the identity of the one known as the Red King. Blood and Stone is an occult horror, paranormal fantasy fiction perfect for readers who enjoy thrilling, suspense stories that take place in a contemporary, urban setting.


Eleventh Cycle

Eleventh Cycle by Kian N. Ardalan

SPFBO9

GRIMDARK MAGAZINE: "Eleventh Cycle checks all the boxes of a grimdark masterpiece. It is a stunning achievement, establishing Kian N. Ardalan as one of the most exciting new voices in speculative fiction." 
It has been a thousand years since the last Seed abandoned their duty. The mists are closing in. Finally, the Morning Bell tolls. A new Seed is born, but is it too late? The rot eats away at mortals. The Witnesses pray so that they may not turn into one of the forgotten. And the constricting mists infect the lands with fear. But there is more to this tale than just the Elders and their Seeds. Four mortals will have a part to play in Minethria’s fate. A farmer girl with only love in her eyes. A warrior born to the life of a refugee. A highborn stuck between the realm of gods and men. And a woman running into front lines and away from home. Will the cycle finally be completed? Or will the mist swallow all? A seed is born and the evil is slain, so doth another cycle commence. Yet the last Seed born hath turned traitor, and the mists which had been pushed back, returneth.


The Fantastically Underwhelming Epic

The Fantastically Underwhelming Epic by Kian N. Ardalan

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George is a legendary hero...wait, no. George is an incredibly powerful sorcerer...also no? Okay, fine. George is an unremarkable human bard who made a promise a long time ago. A promise that set him on a path to find the remains of Simantiar, the greatest wizard who ever lived. Though all that was left were bones, Simantiar was still very much alive and quite...underwhelming. This is their story: The Fantastically Underwhelming Epic of a dead wizard and an average bard.


The Advent of Winter: A Fantasy Anthology

The Advent of Winter: A Fantasy Anthology by Thiago Abdalla, Kian N. Ardalan, Zack Argyle, Cal Black, Ryan Cahill, T.L. Greylock, Tim Hardie, Natalie Kelda, Christer Lende, L.L. Macrae,

Also featuring stories from: Dom McDermott, Andrew D. Meredith, H.C. Newell, Tatiana Obey, Quenby Olson, Palmer Pickering, J.D.L. Rosell, Kerstin Espinosa Rosero, D.W. Ross, Karim Soliman, Tori Tecken, H.L. Tinsley, Jim Wilbourne, A.R. Witham. 24 Authors, 24 Stories, 1 Unique Advent Calendar Step into the magical realms of "The Advent of Winter," where twenty-four self-published authors craft enchanting tales that will transport you to a realm of frost-kissed wonders. This winter-themed fantasy anthology invites you to journey through December, one captivating story at a time. With each story, you'll discover a new world, a new adventure, and a new facet of the season. From tales of joy and beauty that warm your heart to stories filled with danger and horror that send shivers down your spine, "The Advent of Winter" is a treasure trove of diverse narratives. Let these evocative tales wrap you in the spirit of the season, as you explore the many faces of winter's magic. Whether you're seeking the comfort of familiar traditions or the thrill of unexpected surprises, this anthology will make your December days truly enchanting.


The Last of the Atalanteans

The Last of the Atalanteans by P.L. Stuart

A painted mage. An unfaithful queen. A stolen throne. Three lords in disguise. Escaping Atalantyx’s destruction, Prince Othrun has forged alliances with Eltnish kings: former enemy Hert and King Wely, who has promised Othrun a kingdom of his own. When Wely’s realm was stolen by Wely’s wife, a powerful mage, and Wely’s brother, a feared warlord, Othrun hatched a daring plan to restore the rightful king. The bold scheme involved Othrun entering Lynchun in disguise, risking his life and the life of those with him, to topple the usurpers. But for Othrun’s plot to succeed, he must entrust his Atalanteans into the uncertain hands of Hert—on the cusp of confronting his own political challenges to kingship, while tasked with protecting Othrun’s followers—even as Wely, a captive where he should be king, gambles both crown and the head upon which it sat on Othrun’s survival. Othrun’s abilities, faith, and trust in his mysterious guardian spirit are soon to be tested. The mage Lysi continues to entangle herself in Othrun’s affairs, tempting him, challenging his beliefs, and threatening to bring his plans to ruin. But Othrun, Lord of the Last of the Atalanteans, does not intend to fail. He will be a king. Or die trying. Othrun will go to battle, and he will triumph against the odds. If not, all will be burned to ashes, consumed in the fires of his ambition. And so, the ancient war banner of Atalantean kings will fly. One last time. A kingdom has fallen. A legend will rise.



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