Hymn of Memory by S. Jean

As the Divine of Blackburn, Morgan sends its departed souls into the afterlife. It's a sacred job spanning generations of Divines before him, but there's a problem: the process invites the dead's memories inside and those memories quickly erode and erase his own. Before long, he fears he will completely lose who he is and no one seems to care. Then Fin, a familiar face from town, sneaks into Morgan's room to beg for a resending of his grandmother and Morgan quickly agrees, knowing it means an opportunity to escape. As escape quickly turns into a road trip with Fin to replace the memories he's lost, Morgan has to confront what it means if he never returns. Without him to send souls, they die completely, leaving a void in the world where nothing will live or grow. Returning, however, means he will lose himself. And so, Morgan must decide if never returning and living his life as himself—not the Divine—is worth more than the souls he's leaving behind.

The Chasm by Branwen OShea

After Bleu, Rana, and their new friends narrowly prevent war between the star beings and humans, they hope the upcoming negotiation will secure the peace. Newly emerged from their subterranean haven, the Northern Haven humans are clearly not suited to Earth's ice age, and require assistance from the enlightened star beings to survive long term on the Surface. But Commander Savas doesn't trust the suspiciously kind star beings and their unexplainable abilities. When both sides reluctantly negotiate a joint mission to find the other Havens, Bleu must somehow cooperate with the manipulative commander to keep his friends safe. As their team confronts unexpected dangers, Bleu and his teammates begin to suspect the star beings don't know as much about the Surface as they claimed, while Rana is torn between remaining true to her nonviolent ways or becoming more human to survive. When an unnatural predator attacks, even the nearly all-knowing Kalakanya can't explain it. Now the team must pull together or their new discovery will pull them apart, limb by limb.

The Shimmering Prayer of Sûkiurâq by S.L. Dove Cooper

Kraken Collective

A deliciously queer magical person story in a secondary world with floating cities and airships, perfect for fans of She-Ra and Steven Universe. All thaes life, Oibe Ekêmai has wanted to become a lêqnaemi, a travelling dancer skilled at nudging the world’s magic into making everyone’s lives a little easier. Thae has trained years for their chance at the Festival of Paths, where new apprentices will be chosen. But the lêqnaemi have secrets they only reveal to those chosen to join their ranks and Oibe Ekêmai and thaes new friends soon find themselves thrust into an age-old conflict. With almost no preparation and certainly no training, their group will have to face the horrors all lêqnaemi have sworn to face and triumph, or the entire world may be lost to darkness forever.

Sea Foam and Silence by Dove Cooper

Kraken Collective

She warned of the pain. She did. But no warning can prepare you. Nothing can. Long, long ago, a little mermaid became intrigued by the way tall-crabs don’t act at all like the prey she’s more comfortable chasing. Her quest to understand will take her places she had never dreamed possible—onto land and beyond the endless cold. But quests always come with a price and hers is no exception. If she cannot find love within a year, she’ll become sea foam. With only a month left and no closer to understanding ‘love’ at all, what is Maris to do? Tall-crabs—humans—are confusing and contradictory and love comes in so many forms, how can she ever know which one is right to win her life amidst friends and family on land? Fantastical worldbuilding meets verse novels in this queerplatonic retelling of The Little Mermaid, the first story in a series of queer fairytale retellings.

Heir To The Empire: The Next Generation by Jonathan Taylor

Martha always admired her veteran father and sought to emulate his example. Her wish was granted when she, along with her prodigious and reclusive best friend Elisabeth, was accepted in the premier military academy in the world. Once there, the two are assigned in a unit with Giuliana, a free-spirited and passionate fellow cadet, as well as Viktor, a young man who maintains his cool in almost all situations and is seemingly full of surprises. As the semester rolls through, they face the hardships the university pushes on them as well as befriend some of their fellow cadets, however a looming terrorist threat and the secrets they keep from each other threaten to tear their careers, and friendships, apart.

Heir To The Empire: The Path Not Taken by Jonathan Taylor

Martha has learned a great deal in her first semester at a prestigious military university, yet her most intriguing lesson didn’t come from her professors. As she returns home for spring break, she takes it upon herself to lift the curse inflicted upon her family, despite the dangers that goal can bring upon her. The curse-lifting ritual Martha performs brings her to a different world, a world similar to her own, but with changes she struggles to work around. Once she finds her bearings in this new world, as well as some unlikely allies, Martha goes on the quest she was meant to undertake, a quest which will test her to the full extent of her wisdom, might, and abilities, along which she must battle strange and powerful enemies in order to overcome her family’s blood curse.

Remote Angel Volume 1 by Yennie Fer and Banunu

After a freak accident of an attempted assault, Alice Desangi wakes up in a different apocalyptic universe. Gifted with mysterious powers of an earth angel, she dies in unfortunate occurrences. She wakes up to relive that day again in a confused manner. Depending on her choices, they could change history.

The legend of the Ultimate Treasure by Alexander Way-B

DESPICABLE VILLAINS - BRAVE ECO WARRIORS - A LEGENDARY BEING… Jack and his sister Suzan have their lives turned upside down when their father loses his job and they are forced to move to an ancient, empty, dilapidated house, in a seaside town. Times are tough with little money, barely any furniture and their mother far away - working at her mysterious job, but they are determined to make the best of it. Exploring the outdated house, they find a strange object and soon realize that the old house has a mystery of its own. Little do they know that this is the first step on the rickety path of a perilous adventure that will lead them to lands long lost to the mists of time, as they search for an ancient legend and help eco warriors along the way. With strong characters and excellent links to conservation The Legend of the Ultimate Treasure gathers speed and excitement as the plot progresses and is likely to appeal to many 9 – 13’s.

The Last Forest by Alexander Way-B

From the furthest dunes and the edges of night - Comes a tale of determination, bravery and compassion! Derwin isn’t strong, cool, or even popular. And she definitely doesn’t believe in herself. Until fate transports her to a broken and desolate dystopian world. A world where technology is the rift that divides humanity. To survive she must find a bravery and strength she didn’t know she had. She must win the hearts and minds of strangers. And, finally she must vanquish an age-old hatred rooted in the land. If she fails, the last forest and all of humanity will fall to dust, forgotten forever.

My Heart is Hurting by S.E. Reed

Jinny Buffett is lonely... She's never had the comfort of a white picket fence with a loving family. Her subsidized apartment in Hollywood Florida echoes with the void of her dead Daddy, and the nights drag long into twilight while her Mama works the block outside the Margaritaville resort. It's idealistic Ms. Fleming, who's brave enough to come knocking first. She wants to see Jinny rise up and use her ace scores to escape the wheel of poverty, convincing Jinny to start a school book club, where she finds the friends and boyfriend she never knew she needed. But when her Mama spirals out of control and threatens her entire existence, it's Jinny's Everglade ancestors who arrive in a mist of magic, bringing the swamp and hope with them.

The Ice Princess's Fair Illusion by Dove Cooper

Kraken Collective

All Marian wants is for society to accept that she's just not interested in... whatever society thinks she ought to be interested in. A princess with a reputation for insults and snide remarks, she's afraid to show anyone who she would be if people would let her. In a fit of temper at her refusal to marry, her father creates her worst nightmare: she is to be wed to the first beggar who arrives at the gates. Edel was visiting purely for diplomatic reasons, aiming to ensure her daughter inherits a strong and peaceful kingdom. She sees something in Marian that is achingly familiar and when Edel hears the king's proclamation, only one thing is on her mind: to protect Marian from the fate that had befallen Edel herself. Their lives threaded together by magic, Edel and Marian will have to find their way in the world in this queerplatonic, sapphic verse novel retelling of King Thrushbeard.

Fourth World by Lyssa Chiavari

IAMOS, S.C.D. 8378 Nadin's planet is dying. As its atmosphere drains away, her people are forced to live huddled in domed cities for protection. With only enough resources to support the population for one more year, time is running out. Nadin thinks she's found a way to save Iamos, but it will mean defying the planet's rulers, the geroi—and betraying the geroi could cost her everything. When a strange boy from another world appears out of nowhere outside the citidome's glass walls, Nadin knows for sure that her plan will work. But to build the device that can save her people, Nadin must first find the legendary city of Elytherios. And to do that, she'll need the help of the mysterious alien boy named Isaak. MARS, 2073 C.E. All Isaak wanted was to get through his senior year at the Academy in one piece. Everything would have been fine if he hadn't found that ancient coin among his missing father's possessions. The coin seems to have a strange connection not only to Isaak's family, but to Mars' ancient past. But how is that possible, on a planet that was supposed to be dead until just forty years ago? Now Isaak's got agents of the Earth's government on his tail and a deranged factory worker stalking his every move. Everyone is desperate to get their hands on something called the Key. And the only way to escape is to unlock an even bigger secret, one that could change his life—and the fate of Mars—forever.

Two Dark Moons by Avi Silver

Sohmeng Par is sick of being treated like a child. Ever since a tragic accident brought her mountain community’s coming-of-age ritual to a halt, she’s caused nothing but trouble in her impatience to become an adult. But when she finally has the chance to prove herself, she’s thrown from her life in the mountains and into the terror of the jungle below. Cornered by a colony of reptilian predators known as the sãoni, Sohmeng is rescued by Hei, an eccentric exile with no shortage of secrets. As likely to bite Sohmeng as they are to cook her breakfast, this stranger and their family of lizards are like nothing she’s ever seen before. If she wants to survive, she must find a way to adapt to the vibrant, deadly world of the rainforest and the creatures that inhabit it—including Hei themself. But Sohmeng has secrets of her own, and sharing them could mean losing everything a second time.

The Story Weaver by Alexander Way-B

If you are looking for the blurb, you should know that since the first generation of Story Weaver books, blurbs have been rendered completely superfluous, due to reading becoming an out-moded form of story consumption. In fact the only people left with the skills to read such are librarians, and you should know better. Banned under the reading act 8891, all cover material, including blurbs are no longer available, sorry. If you have any questions or complaints about this, see your head librarian. Though it is generally not wise to ask questions! S.W.

Tell Me How It Ends by Quinton Li

Iris Galacia's tarot cards do more than entertain gamblers. With the flip of her fingers she can predict the future and uncover a person's secrets. Under the watchful eye of her mother, she is already on thin ice for pursuing a passion in the family business, but then cracks start to form, and eventually she falls through. She is given an ultimatum: earn a thousand coins or leave the business, and the family. Enter Marin Boudreau, a charming young person who can scale buildings and break off door knobs, who comes for her help to rescue a witch who's been falsely imprisoned in Excava Kingdom. And Marin is willing to pay a high sum for her talents. But saving a prisoner from royal hands isn't easy, nor is leaving home for the first time in eighteen years. Now Iris must learn to trust in herself, Marin, and this new magical world, while racing the clock before the royals decide the fate of the witch, and before any secrets catch up to her. TELL ME HOW IT ENDS features LGBTQ+, disabled, neurodivergent, cultural, and mental health representation. The main character, Iris Galacia, is a lesbian tarot reader with anxiety and autism. The second main character, Marin Boudreau, is an aromantic asexual non-binary person with ADHD.

The Magic Collector by Chesney Infalt

On the day of her wedding to the Crown Prince, Aveline is cursed for helping the wrong person. Not entirely a ghost, she is in between, having no control over what form she takes at any given moment. To break it, Aveline is forced to turn to the man she helped: the ostracised Magic Collector. Sebastian, known to everyone else as The Magic Collector, is shrouded in mystery. His castle disappears, sometimes for months, and then reappears without warning. Curious about him and his collection, Aveline pieces together that he, too, is cursed. As romantic feelings blossom, she is determined to free Sebastian as well—but there are dark costs that expose even darker secrets. Equipped with the horrifying truth, Aveline is left with two choices: abandon the man she loves, or everyone she is trying to return to.

She Is Coming by Midori Anzai

Salt merchant Seijiro doesn't know how he ended up alone and far from the Japanese Salt Road... ...nor why a yuki-onna is hunting him. As Seijiro braves freezing temperatures, he must piece together what has happened to him if he is to escape the yuki-onna's clutches. But the truth might just be colder than the air he breathes.

The Misadventures of Myndil Plodostirr by Michelle Franklin

"Life happened to most people, but Myndil Plodostirr happened to everybody else." When the abbot of the newly made Rogha an dá Dhíogha abbey meets Myndil Plodostirr, an orphan who thinks God speaks to him, he quickly decides that a talkative young man like Myndil is best left to himself. In the hopes of ridding the abbey of Myndil's company forever, the abbot sends him out on an impossible mission: to make himself a missionary and unite all the surrounding kingdoms under the banner of one god. What begins as a jape ends in infamy as Myndil's cheerfulness and goodwill accidentally bring about the Great War of the Dark Age. Will Myndil heed the abbot's will and convert the warring kings, or will he listen to the mysterious voice that plagues him and cause chaos across the British Isles?

Child of the Forest by Audrey Simmons

Even as bait, Neoma thought she would have a little more time to have fun with her best friends on Tour before things got serious. But Tobias’ words still ring in her ears. A chilling prophecy about tangled destinies, one that Tobias refused to expand on. Only a hint that a relationship with Luca will mean she never comes home. Almost as soon as the journey being Neoma is given yet another dire prophecy from the Mountain Herself: Hold close the stars in your soul or the Mad God will win this fight and chaos will reign. Neoma has a decision to make but the clock is ticking. Aurinkun warships have been spotted off the coast of Manena.

The Foll Stones by Brigid Huey

A land of myth and legends. . . A world out of balance. . . And a last hope to heal an ancient pain. Cleona Willow is more than ready for college. Though it means leaving her best friend Brian behind, studying in Ireland is her dream. She longs to explore the land her grandmother knew so well, but leaving Brian is harder than she would like to admit. Two worlds collide when a necklace left to Cleona by her grandmother magically pulls her and Brian to Terratalam, a world apart from their own—and a world out of balance. It rains nearly every day, the crops barely produce, and kingdoms wage war. The Great Tree, Terratalam’s fabled life force, was destroyed so long ago that only stories and legends remain. Navigating the secrets of the past and their growing feelings for each other, Cleona and Brian must unite the mythical Foll Stones and heal the land. If they fail, what will become of Terratalam—and what will become of them?

Andy and the Extroverts by Jessica K. Foster

Seventeen-year-old bookish Andy has no friends. When her over-involved mother has the audacity to ship her off to summer leadership camp, she's thrust into an introvert's nightmare. Everyone is a Communicator with a capital C, icebreaker activities are scheduled into every waking moment, and horror of all horrors: there's no coffee. Even the girls who take her under their wing are the kind of self-assured people Andy could never dream of becoming. Then she meets Lucas‐‐hot, attentive, and everything Andy reads about in her books. Though the girls in her cottage try to warn her about him, she's swept into the first romance of her life. But when she discovers her friends may be right, she'll have to find her inner confidence to save her summer and become the leader she was always meant to be.

Runedance by Beth Hudson

A deadly curse will shape a young king’s future. The gods have given Traedis Atenel the kingship of Tolin. Already she has stopped the export of assassins and altered her country’s destructive course. Still, not everyone agrees with the changes she has made. Her uncle and brother are leading a rebellion, and they will not hold back simply because Traedis is family. And the curse that binds her pulls tighter with each move she makes. With a lethal deadline looming over her, Traedis needs to find her uncle before it’s too late. But a new danger has emerged, and now she must learn the secrets of bardic runes before they topple her rule.

I will Paint the Night by Sam Muller

Allii has a busy schedule Stay alive Find the killer of her beloved stepmother Stop her father's people from decimating her mother's people. Allii is 17. She has no family to back her, no army to protect her, no manifest destiny awaiting her. Just Spooky, a daemon-dog who thinks humankind is beyond redemption. I will Paint the Night is a murder mystery set in a fantasy land of magic and dragons, a tale of betrayal, dysfunctional families, and friendships that save worlds.

vampire juice by Reuben Shupp

Amanda and Sean stumble upon a mysterious can of juice while searching for Halloween costumes at a local store. Despite being kicked out by the sales clerk, they become obsessed with uncovering the truth behind the strange drink. With the help from some local bullies, they sneak back into the store through a crypt in the graveyard, only to find themselves in the midst of a spine-chilling adventure.

I Am Changing Careers: Questions to Guide a Job Seeker by Anita Job

"I Am Changing Careers" is a series of questions and answers based on the author's own job hunting experience that will encourage and motivate you on your own journey of what works to get hired. Topics include choosing your career, getting hired, how to take care of your health, and what to do once you have the job. The roadmap at the end of the book provides a 2-week daily checklist of how to implement the contents of the book and find meaningful employment as quickly as possible.

The Hangman's Owl by B.Y Yang

When the Hangman's Owl disappeared 20 years ago, it left a beleaguered nation in chaos, leaving the downtrodden and mighty alike with nowhere to turn. Now, a 'hero' has arrived to seek the legend out. Armed with ironclad destroyers and unmanned airships, they will venture into a world of the strange, weird, and downright magical. Who they will find when they finally run the Owl to ground, is another matter entirely. Take a thrilling adventure into a world of steampunk superheroics with this book. If you enjoyed Batman: The Animated Series or Sherlock Holmes mysteries, you'll love this story. Don't miss out on this exciting tale - buy now before the price changes!

Trials of Power: Forces of Power Book 1 by Ben Crow

Discover Your Power. Eighteen-year-old Dane Willows has long awaited his chance to compete in the Trials of Power, a rigorous triumvirate of tests designed to challenge intelligence, survival instinct, and combat prowess. Only then will Dane awaken the power inside him, as is tradition. Will he become a mighty Geomancer, able to shape stone and earth? Or a cunning Luminarus, able to bend and distort the very light around him? Dane can barely contain his excitement as his Trials commence, ready to earn his place in Physos and discover his true calling. Then everything goes wrong. A solar inferno erupts outside the Trials Arena at the hands of the mysterious Avon, a power-hungry renegade thought dead decades ago after destroying an entire city. Now Avon has returned, his power unmatched. So long as Avon lives, no city is safe from his wrath. And he’s not alone. With the future of Physos in the balance, Dane and his allies must race across Physos in search of answers and end Avon’s reign of calamity before more lives are lost. All too soon, Dane realizes the real trials have only just begun.

The EmberEarth Chronicles by Matthew Bunch

William Tate is young and brilliant and desperate to save his dying mother. When the doctors fail in their efforts, Billy begins to study on his own, determined to find what they have missed. His quest leads him to the Rare Manuscripts room at the New York library where he becomes mysteriously drawn to a strange book written in a strange language. Focused to the point of obsession, Billy is determined to crack the secret code, utterly unprepared for success. EmberEarth trembles. A millennium has passed since Wizards and DireMages battled for control of this world, Rending the Fabric and unleashing powerful forces which destroyed almost everything. Billy arrives and immediately seeks to return to his mother, irresistibly drawn into events which threaten to set those mighty forces free again. EmberEarth crawls with monsters and Billy faces constant danger, slowly realizing more lives are at stake than just his mother's. Dragons, long asleep and awaiting the return of magic, awaken to the call of a young girl who will lead them. Bloodletters, dark mages long hidden behind a veil of fear, who fuel their corrupt magic with pain and suffering, now move openly across the world. Even the dead begin to arise, answering the call of their vile Lord reborn. Billy, aided by his new friends, must face them all.

The King of Juthirima: The Legend of Chafftiria Book 1 by Austin Suttill

For all of his life, Asher Field thought himself to be a normal teenager going to a normal school with normal friends and a (somewhat) normal scientist for a father. But after waking up from a terrible nightmare, Asher’s whole world changes. He discovers that he holds a special power within him and that he’s not the only one. His best friend, North, and eleven other students of Calistar High School have all shared similar experiences and have been haunted by the same dreams night after night. And when one question after another is left unanswered, an unknown force takes them from their homes in New York City and hurls them into the world of Chafftiria—a realm overthrown and corrupted by those who call themselves the Ordarians. In the eastern lands of Juthirima, the young ones discover that the king has been dethroned, and the people are now ruled by the tyrant Protomus. Wielding a devastating power, Protomus has lain siege to cities, spreading his Ordarian forces throughout the land. The Juthirimans suffer under their cruelty. Without their king, they have no hope of regaining their country’s former strength. But there is a prophecy the people have held onto for sixteen years that one day, thirteen enhanced young warriors would come to their aid, deliver them from the Ordarians, and restore their king to the throne. When Asher realizes that he is meant to lead this group, his once normal, peaceful existence is thrown aside as he learns to harness his new abilities and work with his companions as a team. Though they are unwilling at first, each step they take into danger prepares them to become the heroes they were made to be. But it’s a long road. How long is Asher willing to risk his life for a world he’s never known before?

Unparalleled by Whitney Ivey

Love often grows from the most unimaginable of places, and Unparalleled by Whitney Ivey captures a unique and alternative perspective on imaginary friends and the ways in which children have been known to interact with the spirit realm. Unparalleled is a riveting fantasy love story, following a young boy, Derek, and his vivid imagination into adulthood as he journeys through life with his best friend, Essi. She is anything but imaginary, despite his parents' and society's highly skeptical thoughts. As Derek realizes Essi is his one true love, he also comes to the heartbreaking realization that their worlds cannot continue to collide because their friendship comes with a strict expiration date. Will Derek get the chance to tell her before it's too late? Can Derek hold on to the hope that he will find Essi once again, or will life without Essi be the forever he never wanted?

Ascension of Light (Chronicles of the Endless Book 1) by Joseph Melnick

The Endless… They are beings immune to age and imbued with godlike abilities. Their struggle for power has gone mostly unnoticed since the Immortal War, 3000 years ago, when the Dwarves divided the world at the Dwarf Gate and the Mages of the Nine Powers dropped the peak of Cairn on the Shrine of the Endless.

The One Game: A YA Sci-Fi Adventure by Jennifer Lewy

They put climate chaos behind them and placed their trust in a powerful AI. But when tech goes haywire, can one teen coder rescue her safe haven? Seventeen-year-old Rayne takes pride in the vivid virtual realities she codes. And with society finally emerging from environmental catastrophe, she relishes knowing her creations play a pivotal role in the vital artificial intelligence the world uses for guidance. But when her own program tries to kill her, the young techie fears she’s triggered an unstoppable horror that will destroy the entire globe. Teaming up with fellow programmers, she digs into the system to uncover the fatal flaw. But when the computer genius suspects the patch is deadlier than the bug, she stumbles into a conspiracy that could see her permanently deleted. Can Rayne undo the viral destruction before all humanity short-circuits? The One Game is the thrilling first book in the Game of Paradise YA science fiction adventure series. If you like empowered heroines, fast-paced action, and dystopian settings, then you’ll love Jennifer Lewy’s high-tech page-turner. Buy The One Game to decrypt a disruptive anomaly today!

Master of the Void by Wend Raven

SPFBO9 SPFBO Finalist

In the Seven Lands, magic is everything. So what happens when you’re the only person who has none? Nothing matters more to Derrius Mendi than forging a better life for his family by pursuing a formal magical education at the University, something his parents have sacrificed what little they had to make possible. When disaster strikes on the eve of his thirteenth birth moment—the day he was to receive his magical gift from the Stars—will he choose perseverance or bitterness as he struggles against a society that would rather forget he exists than help him succeed? As the third son of an archmage, Orimund Laetus has spent his life living up to the expectations of others. When his testing goes horribly wrong, he must decide who he truly is when his carefully crafted upbringing is rendered useless. Setting off on an epic adventure of self-discovery, Orimund must find his place in the world before a looming evil destroys everything he holds dear. From swashbuckling sea voyages and magical heists to unlikely friendships and budding romances, Master of the Void is a sweeping coming-of-age journey that follows a cast of misfit friends through times of heartbreak, fear, joy, laughter, failure, and triumph.

Lady of Ravensmere by Mary McKenna

SPFBO9

In a richly-imagined fantasy world, against a backdrop of alliances and betrayals, a young girl grows to a woman.  Jenevra Louvet, the thirteen year old daughter of the Earl of Allandale, travels to the north to be betrothed. Well-born, well-bred and well-trained, she would not embarrass a king. But no king awaits her. Instead she will marry the new made lord of a dilapidated castle threatened by war. Far from her family and the life she knows, with little support, she must find a way to grow into the woman and lady her new land and husband need. Brilliantly imagined fantasy, Lady of Ravensmere chronicles the beginning of Jenevra's journey, a journey that will change her and the world around her.

An Inheritance of Ash and Blood by Jamie Edmundson

SPFBO9

The One They Fear is The Hero They Need 
Sorcery is dying out.

No one misses it. Feared and despised in equal measure, Sanc is only tolerated because he’s the son of the powerful Duke of Morbaine. But Sanc is more important than he knows. When his life is threatened, he is forced to confront his true inheritance. For a new god has arrived in Dalriya. Unstoppable, Ezenachi brings only conquest and slavery. Sorcery is dying out, and now Dalriya needs a sorcerer more than ever.


An Inheritance of Ash and Blood is the first book in a new series, Heirs of War. It combines coming of age character journeys with rich worldbuilding, dark sorcery, political intrigue, and bloody war.

Bioshifter by Natalie Maher

SPFBO9

Hannah has a routine. Wake up, take a shower, go to school, go to work, come home, and pass out. It's a perfectly normal routine for a perfectly normal girl who does not have to remember how her limbs work every morning because of haunting nightmares of being a very different creature in a very different world. But that's all she thinks they are—nightmares—until one night they're all too lucid, and her body on Earth starts to change. Slowly, Hannah's humanity starts to slip away... but surely she can continue just sticking to routine, right? It'll be fine. It has to be. A mix of urban and traditional fantasy, Bioshifter is a story in two worlds, with magic leaking in from one to the other. It's a story about love, self-acceptance, neurodivergency, and a whole lot of trauma. Strap in and enjoy!

Regeneration by Cassie Greutman

SPFBO9

Nobody defied the Faerie Council… until now. At sixteen years old, Trisha has been in the foster care system for years and has barely survived. She has always felt different. An outsider. That’s how it must be. After all, she has a secret to protect. But the time to hide her truth may be at an end. Dragged before the Faerie Council, her fae lineage makes it mandatory for her to bend to their will. A hunt is underway for a fae fugitive and she is to join the team tracking him. Saying no isn’t an option. The stories of what they do to those who disobey orders chill her to the bone. Who else is on this mandatory squadron? None other than her ex, who shot her and left her for dead. Sure, she healed. But that kind of memory stings. Can they find the fae on the run before he comes into his powers? Or worse, before Trish destroys any chance she has of staying with the foster parents who love her? A perfect read for fans of YA Urban Fantasy full of action and found family!

Crystal Gunslinger - The Obsidian Outlaws by Oliver Laws

SPFBO9

The Warped Scorch is known as the most dangerous area on the continent of Lux for good reason. Ever since a strange meteor hit the land and transformed it into a crystal hellscape, all four bordering nations have been trying to establish a foothold in the extremely dangerous new territory and lay claim to its many treasures. Cyrus is a crystal gunslinger, one of the individuals that face the horrors of the Scorch on a daily basis in order to make a living. With his trusty ruby repeater and plenty of experience, he is prepared to deal with whatever challenges the strange creatures and deadly environment can throw at him. But Cyrus will soon learn that the true horrors of the Scorch are much more human in nature, and no matter how hard he tries, escaping his past will be nearly impossible.

The Awakening Fire by Cassidy Faline

SPFBO9

The price of war, The plague of death, Was Ancients' curse Of final breath. The sea, it carried us, Time passed over us, But we did not repent. Faithful people! Lift your eyes! For future's sake, We must rise! Faithful people, Take your stand! Bring the Ancients back To our holy land. Even though the Ancients have been gone from the world for nearly a thousand years, their law still holds sway over the minds of men. Three men hold a claim on the kingdom's empty throne, each jockeying for power with their own conflicting ideology. With unrest brewing among the citizenry, violence breaking out between the lords, and a dark secret kept just under the palace floors, can the kingdom of Retall survive another war of the Ancient

Beta by MT Zimny

SPFBO9 SPSFC 2023

Samantha Havardson is not an Apex. Seriously. She's completely ordinary with a totally normal family that just happens to be moving to the Apex epicenter of the world- the manmade island city of New Delos. Although she thinks her lack of super Apex abilities will keep her out of the limelight, it quickly becomes apparent that the city has different plans, sweeping Samantha up in a world of secret identities and super powers where anyone, even those closest to her, might be an Apex. Plagued by missing students, secret Apex teams, and a mysterious man named Adrestus, Samantha searches for answers, causing secrets to unravel about her classmates, her family, and herself that drag her deeper into the secret world of the Apex.

Sealed Empire by Norbert Zsivicz

SPFBO9 SPSFC 2024

-Norbert Zsivicz first book, the Hungarian Literary Award winner Sealed Empire now available in English by the famous translator Tamás Pétersz (Game of Thrones). Blurb Ser Edward, an experienced sailor, embarks on perhaps the most daring expedition of the Kingdom of Esenworth so far. His mission is to try to earn the blessing of the Reverend Sven, who is none other than his love’s father, probably the most influential man in the realm. But on his journey beset by fierce storms, he and his men encounter something that could shake to the core not only their faith, but their very concept of the world as well. Meanwhile, far from the oceans, his love, Emma, is trying to disentangle herself from the spider’s web of intrigue and scheming, into which she is being drawn ever deeper by Erick the new king. And the dark clouds just keep gathering above – ancient beasts, stranger than ever, appear at sea, on land and even in the skies more and more frequently. They roar with a metallic screech, their eyes glow with an unnatural light, their skin hard and rigid as armor. Can order be upheld in this age blind to divine prophecy, in the largest kingdom of the North, where the monarch’s mind is coming undone just like reality itself? Our heroes must struggle ceaselessly to understand the hidden secrets of their world and their own origins. But what are they going to do once they have the answers?

A Single Spark by Mandy Burkhead

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After her father is murdered by witch hunters, nineteen-year-old Mackenna loses control of her fire magic, burning down part of her village and killing two soldiers. Exiled and wanted for murder, she flees her village, pursued by witch hunters. She is rescued by a Wanderer named Foulan and his pet wolf, Myst. The Wanderers are refugees without a permanent home, roaming between the small countries of the Realms of Etylania. The rising tensions between Etylania and Srahinza—the lands they once called home—mean that they are unwelcome and unwanted by many. Seeing a kindred spirit in Mackenna, they invite her to travel with them. Despite his clan welcoming her, Foulan doesn’t trust the girl he rescued. His suspicions are confirmed when bounty hunters come for her. After escaping together, he finds himself roped into assisting her as she seeks out the elusive Fae, who may have a cure for her fiery curse. However, Mackenna and Foulan are stalked by the nonbinary, shapeshifting bounty hunter Kazumi. Looking to prove their worth, Kazumi believes that capturing Mackenna will finally help them make a name for themselves. While Mackenna and Foulan are reluctant traveling companions at first, over time they begin to open up to each other and fall in love. What they hoped would be a short journey takes them across a colorful continent to the arctic sea, searching for an entrance to the hidden world of Faerie. Meanwhile, each trial Kazumi faces in their attempt to capture Mackenna just makes them more determined and obsessed. This young adult/new adult fantasy novel is perfect for fans of Tamora Pierce, Dawn Cook, Kristen Cashore, and Holly Black. Themes: LGBTQ+ characters, immigration and refugees, religious and racial conflict, mental health

The Mountain of Souls by Marcus Lee

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If your life hung by a thread, how far would you go, and what lines would you cross, simply to survive? When Malina is sold at auction, her darkest nightmares become reality when she's delivered to the Mountain of Souls and into the grasp of a mysterious sect. Thrust into a ruthless selection process where failure means death … determination, instinct, and fragile alliances help her survive, but at the terrible cost of a conscience stained by the blood of the fallen. Yet with each hard-fought victory, Malina gains a glimpse of something extraordinary beyond the merciless persecution ... a reason to not only pursue perfection in her training but embrace the perilous life of The Chosen. For it’s revealed that the Chosen are pivotal to the safe return of The Once and Future King … a legendary figure destined to usher in the golden age of humankind. Together, Malina and the other Chosen must be prepared to sacrifice anything, even their very souls, to overcome the malevolent forces that stand in the way of his ascension. The Chosen. A thrilling and intricately spun Epic Fantasy that weaves a relentless fight for survival into a tapestry full of conquest, deception, magic, and an ancient prophecy that will determine the fate of humanity.

Tales of Sand and Stars by Juliet Vane

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Let me tell you, dear ones, a tale of sand and stars. The Kingdom of Sand found Nima wandering in the desert as a young girl. Now seventeen, Nima is the storyteller for her adoptive kingdom, weaving tales for their entertainment while yearning to learn the truth of her past. When the king from the nearby Kingdom of Stars demands that Nima be brought to him, she has no choice but to go with the warriors. The palace is dark and stifling, and the king's rule is tyrannous. Nima immediately begins plotting her escape, even though it means traveling back through a desert full of windhaunts—memory-stealing spirits that roam the dunes. As Nima grows closer to one of the king's sons, though, danger from the windhaunts and palace secrets threaten her at every turn. She must use her stories to discover—and create—the truths of her past and the shared history of the kingdoms in order to preserve her freedom, save her people from the windhaunts, and reunite the Kingdoms of Sand and Stars. Tales of Sand and Stars is a luminous, lyrical fantasy full of the beauties and dangers of the desert and the creatures that roam the dunes.

The Yochni's Eye by Abigail Morrison

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An adventurous young adult fantasy novel about revenge, redemption, and what it truly takes to have peace. Every six hundred years, the yochni blinks, changing one thing about the world based on the wish of the last creature it sees. In ages past, these wishes have created expansive empires, magical abilities, and even new and powerful species. They’ve also spawned evil overlords, terrifying monsters, and centuries of collective suffering. The past three ages have gone to the bogeys—giant dog-like creatures with few physical vulnerabilities and incredible strength. They’ve monopolized the yochni’s wishes to secure their ongoing rule. Sixteen-year-old dwarven champion Mira Goldfist, suffering with the rest of her people under the bogey’s slave-keeping reign, wants nothing more than to wish them out of existence. That is, until she meets Atlan Qierce, high prince and heir to the bogey empire. Forced into a magical contract to travel with Atlan by Kraven Monteyeaux, a magical arbiter and reluctant medic, as new dangers and champions reveal themselves, Mira will have to confront everything she believes about the bogeys—most importantly, whether any of them can be good and, if so, whether she can really kill them all. A thoughtful examination of revenge, authority, and the risks required for any higher good, The Yochni’s Eye puts a new twist on the classic rebellion tale, using high adventure, expansive settings, and a deadly race to beg of readers: What does it mean to wish for peace and what must we truly risk to obtain it?

The Winds of Change by Troy Knowlton

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After an assassination attempt that could lead to an all-out war, Tyras and Oren, two young Seekers of the Argan Empire, are each given secret missions in an attempt to thwart the coming chaos. Both tasks require the Seekers to venture through the war-torn continent of Tiarna where the young men face mortal danger, horrible monsters, and hostile groups – all challenges Seekers are trained to combat. Luckily, the two Seekers also find guidance, friendship, and romance along the way. However, powerful and mysterious forces are conspiring behind the scenes and both Tyras and Oren will have to overcome a host of obstacles, including their own inner demons, in order to maintain a glimmer of hope for success. With war imminent and the unknown ahead, will the Seekers triumph, or will they be swallowed by the turbulent, relentless Winds of Change? Set in a new, masterfully created high fantasy world, Seekers: The Winds of Change is perfect for fans of An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir and We Free the Stars by Hafsah Faisal.

Fated Born by Kristin L Hamblin

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What happens if you fall in love in a world where love is forbidden? Yesterday, Laida was Ardenis’s friend. Today, she’s the love of his life. And he can’t tell her. Ardenis’s human emotions weren’t meant to awaken prematurely. Watchers are supposed to resist the charm of mortals’ magical kingdoms and court intrigue. The punishment is exile—denying him the beauty of a mortal life. He can’t get caught, and he can’t risk awakening Laida’s emotions. While she remains oblivious, he is in torment, struggling to find his new place in the world alone. But love cannot exist without hate. Yesterday, the council could do no wrong. Today, Ardenis sees corruption among them—something he never would have recognized before. Someone is plotting to prevent the first-ever fae from being born. If Ardenis can’t uncover the source of the corruption while hiding his human emotions, the realm’s ability to provide souls to the mortal world will be destroyed. Everyone, including Laida, is at risk. Fated Born is the first book in a young adult fantasy series perfect for readers who crave deep friendships, alternate worlds, and slow-burn romance.

Anakisha's Dragon by Eileen Mueller

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A feisty street fighter avenging her dead brother. A dashing dragon rider in the right place at the wrong time. And an unlikely pirate captain with nothing left to lose. Being a dragon rider is not in Anakisha’s plans. And Anakisha’s stubborn. She’s not giving up her dreams anytime soon. When Anakisha’s brother is murdered by a gang, she joins the Night Wings, a team of local vigilantes, and takes to the streets to avenge him. With a soft spot for defending underdogs, she’s found her niche. The Night Wing’s leader is the dreamy golden-haired son of the village arbitrator — a fine catch. If she can impress his father, she can marry him and improve her family’s fortune. But the underbelly of Fieldhaven is rife with politics and deceit. Although Anakisha is good with a bow and a dagger, she’s not always the best judge of character… And her plans do not include a dragon. But then, the King’s Rider appears on his sleek onyx dragon. And a bloodthirsty pirate captain rises to power, spreading terror on the Naobian Sea. Leaving Anakisha torn between her dream and her duty…

A Dagger in the Winds by Brendan Noble

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A warrior shrouded in darkness. A witch sworn to revenge. A winter unbounded. Wacław is an outcast. Born with a curse he doesn’t understand, he’s hidden his power his entire life. But when the goddess of winter unleashes the darkness within him, his only hope for answers is the girl he’s forbidden to see. Otylia is a witch. There’s no one she hates more than the winter goddess—except her once best friend Wacław. But when she receives visions of endless blizzards and Wacław fighting by her side, she realizes he’s the key to uncovering the goddess’s plot. Facing monsters and magic at every turn, the pair must journey with friends and rivals alike to confront the cult of winter, but Wacław’s awakened darkness grows as death consumes the living realm. To contain it, they’ll have to mend their broken relationship and delve into the mysteries of their past. Mysteries that could destroy the winter goddess . . . or themselves. In this first book of an epic fantasy series rooted in Slavic mythology, dive into a new world with menacing magic and beasts, scheming gods, a group of allied misfits, and plenty of secrets to uncover.

Twilight Kingdom by HJ Tolson

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On the eve of her 16th birthday, Candle Enys discovers her brother has sold her soul to a demon. Scared for her life, Candle runs away. But the mountains of Hanternos are dangerous, especially for soft-hearted girls who have never learned to fight. At dawn and at dusk spirits crawl from the shadows, searching for bodies to steal. Evil stirs in the deep caves, and the wind smells of black powder.

A chance meeting with an ancient being sets her on the path to power she never knew she possessed. It also places a target on her back.

If she is to survive, Candle must defeat her monsters, or risk becoming one herself. A dark fantasy with steampunk and horror elements. Content warning for emotional abuse, some gore.