The Indoctrination by K. L. Bone

The story begins: “Empress Dehartra, you have been charged with ninety thousand counts of murder, and high treason. How do you plead?” “I plead guilty! Guilty to more murders than I can recall. But never, never in my life have I ever committed treason!” Empress Chrissalynn Dehartra Kasar had been an Earth orphan, until she was kidnapped by a powerful, parasitic race intent on expanding their galactic territory, and conquering new host races. This story is her testimony, told before her enemies. Raised as the protégée of the powerful Nicholas Kasar, Chrissalynn is trained in the Setian ways. She learns emotions are for the weak. Torture can be a necessary evil, or a priceless work of art. That the lives of lower-ranked citizens are expendable, and the greatest honor is to die for the empire’s glory. By the age of seventeen, she wins her first major victory, and becomes fully accepted into Setian society. Eventually promoted to a position of power, Chrissalynn requests to lead the assault on future Setian Colony 428, where she meets the resistance leader Darin, who challenges her in ways she could have never imagined. As a trusted mentor predicted, Chrissalynn must choose. Is she a woman with a human heart, or an empress with a Setian soul?

Autumn Nights: Nine Stories to Nibble at Your Nape by Helen Whistberry, L.T. Ward, Stefanie Contreras, Jeff Ehrmann, Frank L Tybush V, Alexis L. Carroll, Eileen Curley Hammond, Jaecyn Bone, Fay Lane

Falling leaves cover dying flowerbeds, chill gusts herald frosty nights, and pumpkins reach peak season. The denizens of darkness prowl earlier each evening. Weddings and changelings, carnivals and hauntings… creepy creatures, and murderous intent all meet in this cozy horror anthology. Bundle up with cider and gather 'round the campfire, or stay at home with the windows shut and the lights on—read however your heart desires. Autumn Nights Charity Anthology Series is proud to present the final volume: Nine Stories to Nibble At Your Nape. This finale provides autumn-themed horror that’s safe for adults and later teens alike. No graphic violence, no SA, and minimal cursing is the promise of all Autumn Nights Charity Anthology books. This year’s profits go entirely to the Trevor Project, an organization dedicated to providing crisis support and safe spaces for LGBTQ individuals through trained crisis counselors and advocacy.