Renascentem by Brad Acevedo, Caley Adona, David Andrews, Lady Lee Andrews, Raine August, William Bartlett, Amanda M. Blake, Rosalyn Briar, Sophie Brookes, Andrew K. Clark, PS Conway, Wendy Dalrymple and more

The Crow Calls Volumes are a series of poetry compilations inspired by Quill & Crow Publishing House’s poetry prompts. These prompts were intended to bring dark poets together from around the globe to share our mutual love of all things macabre. This is our sixth volume, celebrating rebirth and the light birthed out of darkness. Welcome to our Renaissance.

Gambling on Common Sense: Rationality, Romance, and The Space Between by L. Briar

Just one last bet... Common Sense Officer Ash Payne can't say no to a bet, and the handsome Captain Lin Solis knows it. She just wanted to live up to her father’s legacy on board the Helios, but between her reckless crews’ pet alien, rogue AI, and an accursed pirate hat—she has her hands full. After a bad beat at poker night to Solis, Ash is forced to hand over access to her CSO storage and all the dangers hidden within—dangers that threaten the one person Ash cares more about than legacy. Clone shenanigans, world-hopping, and a "it's complicated" romance are on the table. Will she be able to gamble her way out of this? Or will this uncommon universe stack the odds against her? The Reviews “Gambling on Common Sense is hilariously delightful! A lighthearted romp through the cosmos that will leave you wanting more.” - David Hankins, Award-Winning Author of Death and the Taxman "In "Gambling on Common Sense," readers are taken on a thrilling journey through the cosmos, led by the charismatic and resourceful Common Sense Officer, Ash Payne. This fast-paced adventure masterfully blends humor, action, and poignant moments. Additionally, the cast of characters is uniquely entertaining and the world building across the universe is well-executed..." - Sam Ledel Author of eight novels with Bold Strokes Books "Gambling on Common Sense is that rare Star Trek satire that also manages to be a very good Star Trek like universe…" - Nikhil Prabala Author of the Dutchess of Kokora "A punny book, that will hit all your nerd hot spots! If you like Orville give this a try!" - Romance Read Along The Feel Gambling on Common Sense is a science fiction comedy with sprinklings of romance and fantastical elements. It is a character driven story with plenty of hijinks along the way. The prose is a bit like if Douglas Adam's Hitchhiker's guide, Martha Well's Murderbot Diaries, and Arnold Drake's Guardians of the Galaxy gambled together. That is to say ... it's a fun romp through space, time, and pocket dimensions.

Of Blood and Briar (Briar Soul #1) by Kaitlyn Rouhier

"Every soul has a price." After Calder’s village is brutally attacked, he seeks revenge against those responsible. Taken as a prisoner, he waits for an opportune moment to strike, and his bloody vengeance catches the eye of Amari, an assassin from a distant land. Invoking an ancient rite, she claims Calder as her apprentice, sparing his life but tethering him to an uncertain fate. Taken across the sea to the dying lands of Vermund, Calder is thrust into a world plagued by ancient beings and dark magic. It is there he finds himself caught in a conflict between the old ways in the North, and the growing threat building in the South, a struggle that could cost him everything, even his very soul.

A Sea of Pearls & Leaves by Rosalyn Briar

Indie Recs Indie

Princess Ingrid of Norella Isle does not want to get married. So, her priestess girlfriend, Lilura, devises a wicked plot to deter suitors with a nearly impossible marriage contract: should Ingrid die first, her husband must be buried at sea beside her. The plan backfires when all seven suitors agree, and the king announces a competition for Ingrid’s hand. Ingrid must keep her head above water as she deals with the suitors, a jealous girlfriend, and the news of two murdered priestesses. As the suitors are eliminated, one man stands out: the quirky and anxious Prince Soren who charms both Ingrid and Lilura. When Lilura goes missing, Ingrid and Soren must piece together who has murdered the priestesses and why before it’s too late. CW: This novel contains violence, sexual situations, and adult language.

Tales from Blackthorn Briar by Sebastian Nothwell

Shrike, the fae Butcher of Blackthorn, and Wren Lofthouse, a mortal Victorian clerk, are bound together by love and fate. Their continued adventures (and those of their friends) are told in this collection of fantastical tales following the story of Oak King Holly King, including... Mabon Wherein Shrike and Wren repay their debt to the Court of Hidden Folk. Mr Grigsby's Clerk Wherein Mr Grigsby finds a replacement for Wren - and perhaps more than he bargained for. Jack in the Green Wherein a certain Horse Guard wanders into Blackthorn Briar. Winter Solstice Wherein the Holly King surrenders to the Oak King. The Holly King's Peril Wherein Wren and Shrike discover danger in the wilds of the Fae Realms. The Ballad of Daniel Durst Wherein Daniel embarks on his authentic life in a bold new land.

Her Dark Enchantments by Rosalyn Briar

The Wicked Fairy. The Mistress of All Evil. The villain of Sleeping Beauty goes by many names, but where did she come from? Myravelle Spinner grew up in a tower with only spiders, spindles, and stone walls for friends while her mother spun gold for the king. She wondered why her mother refused to teach her fairy magic until one fateful mistake led Myravelle to become the healer in the king’s Sleepy Wood Company… Drained from years of waking soldiers from a cursed sleep, Myravelle must now choose a new canvas–a man whose life she drains with a dagger to fuel her healing powers. A ritual binds her to Byzarien Dumont, who loathes fairies for the fires that left his family impoverished and his body riddled with scars. His burning hatred causes Myravelle’s enchantments to wither, leading the king to threaten her mother’s life. Byzarien can only see Myravelle as a beautiful spider who strings men along her web, while Myravelle considers love a weakness for the king to exploit. With their families in danger and soldiers rotting in a death-like sleep, the pair must learn to trust one another before the dark magic spinning in Myravelle’s soul unravels once and for all. The Wicked Fairy never asked to become a monster…

How Full of Briars (Ordinary Sorcery) by A.R Henle

Never blackmail a sorcerer Sorcery pays no bills. Fair-weather friends dropped Marta after her divorce—a major no-no in 1950s small town Ohio—some even forbade their children to play with hers. Her ex-husband regularly forgets to pay support. Only her job as a nurse keeps her family clothed and fed—barely. Until the night Bettina, an influential former friend, appears at Marta's kitchen door. Bettina’s daughter’s shoes mysteriously end up covered in mud time after time despite the daughter being locked in her room overnight. Bettina demands Marta find the answer—or lose her job. But the more Marta investigates the shoes and the spell behind them, the more the sorcerous power seduces her with dreams of peace, joy, . . . and retribution. Engaging and powerful, How Full of Briars offers intricately plotted, page-turning pleasure.