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The Wounds of Wisdom by Alexandra Roma For Celin, a life at Aslemor â the illustrious Court of the kingdom of Artrus â has always been the life that âcould have been.â If her blacksmith mother had been accepted by her duke father's peers. If the truth about how her grandmother came to Artrus wasn't a dangerous secret. If Celin could pursue her dream of becoming a knight. Knight or not, when a group of assailants attempt to drag the prince across the kingdomâs barrier, Celin leaps into the fray to protect him. In doing so, she manifests a strange new power: the ability to take the pain of others onto herself. From there, sheâs whisked off to Aslemor to learn how to harness one of Artrus's rare and coveted Wisdoms. Alongside her are Wise Ones from within the kingdom and without, including the Double Wise Prince Alasdair and his guard, Nico, a mysterious boy from an enemy nation who stirs up feelings Celin didnât know she was capable of feeling. But Aslemor is full of sharp teeth, and just because Celin has a Wisdom doesnât mean they wonât devour her whole. Especially not when someone starts killing Wise Ones. For fans of Graceling and Tamora Pierce, The Wounds of Wisdom is a story full of court intrigue and powers that take as much as you give, about finding your place, claiming it, and learning how much to protect yourself when all you want is to protect others. |
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Rilari: Book Four of New Blood by W.D. Kilpack III April 2024 Reader's Favorite, BooksShelf.com Cover Contest ⢠April 2024 Top Choice, BooksShelf.com ⢠November 2023 Editor's Choice, BooksShelf.com The future of Mankind relies on the Guardian of Maarihk. Can he and the Knights of Ril resist forces bent on destroying Mankind's last hope? In the absence of the Guardian of Maarihk, the Usurperâs venom has extended beyond the Gulf of Braag, seeding unrest and hatred for all things Maarihkish. Natharr and the Knights of Ril must overcome malice and the ramifications of Ellis the Elderâs boundless past that even Sight cannot reveal. The Rilari stand alone in a world in turmoil as they discover the tremendous reach of the Usurperâs vizier. Even the endowments of the Daemons of Order are unable to withstand the ravages of fighting to survive on Rilari loyalties. Meanwhile, Nathan and his summoned companion must rely on the teachings of both Natharr and Quiet One to carve out their place in the Maarihk Empire. Skill with a sword is only the beginning of their treacherous path, as fraught with peril as Darshelleâs as she flees the animus of the ancient wood. âRilari [is] an emotional odyssey that will leave you breathless. Buckle up for a story that throws you headfirst into the world of the Rilari, where humanityâs fate rests on the shoulders of a courageous, yet relatable, leader â Natharr, Guardian of Maarihk and Knight-Marshal of the Knights of Ril (a.k.a the Rilari). Kilpack masterfully crafts Natharr as a hero brimming with both strength and vulnerability. Heâs a leader who inspires with his bravery, lightens the mood with his cheeky side, and grapples with his own emotions, particularly with his relationships. Chapter 13, aptly titled âWell Come,â stands out as a prime example of Kilpackâs exceptional writing. The descriptions of the Knights of Ril facing their adversaries are so vivid, youâll feel the chill of cold rain, the steel of battle tactics and the agony of loss alongside them. Dive into the New Blood Saga, and I assure you, you wonât be disappointed. I loved the book!â â Jose F. Nodar, author of Books, Pens & Larceny (South Wales, Australia) "Rilari is a triumph, offering an enthralling adventure filled with courage and the enduring spirit of humanity." â BooksShelf.com "If you are tired of reading the same old books that are lackluster and forgettable, then take a chance with Rilari. I promise you that you will not be disappointed!" â RedHeadedBookLover.com |
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Demon Seed: Book Three of New Blood by W.D. Kilpack III 2024 The BookFest Award Winner ⢠2023 International Firebird Book Award Winner ⢠April 2022 Editor's Choice, BooksShelf.com The future of Mankind relies on the Guardian of Maarihk. Can an ancient force, lost aeons past, overcome fate? Despite growing power of the forces of chaos, there is a glimmer of hope as Natharr realizes that there are also forces of order in play. It is made plain when he and his comrades escape the faceless realm and Natharrâs Sight is released. It reveals just how strongly the world needs the Guardian of Maarihk and the return of the legendary Knights of Ril to the land where Mankind was created. Racing for home unwittingly leads to unearthing an ancient force created by the Olde Gods, believed lost aeons past. Meanwhile, Darshelle and the crown prince struggle to make the most of their lives without Natharrâs protection. Forced to make their own way, the fruit of Quiet Oneâs efforts comes fully to bear, as Nathan and his summoned companion reawaken the animus of the ancient wood. The ramifications are horrible and far-reaching, changing their world forever. "Demon Seed is the third book in the New Blood Saga by W. D. Kilpack III is one hell of a ride and it simply cannot be described in just a few sentences. It just canât! The authorâs forte is his descriptive prowess when presenting a scene. Case in point, the meeting with Drah in the cave. I will not spoil it here for future readers but it is outright scary. Then Natharr acquires a new 'fan,' which requires a diplomatic touch. Add to that the moment when Nathan realises what he has become and how he struggles with all that it means with all of its far-reaching ramifications. The way the book manoeuvres through its many intricate facets left me exhausted but still wanting more! New characters intermingled with old characters. New revelations concerning Nathan were presented in ways that were fascinating, intriguing, and scary, all at the same time! Demon Seed is deep, raw, powerful, and entertaining. It is worth the time of starting with book one, Crown Prince, and relishing every page!" â Jose F. Nodar, author of Books, Pens & Larceny (South Wales, Australia) Demon Seed is "thrilling and fast-paced ... [a] brilliant tale where the stakes are as high as ever ... full of twists that will keep you on edge from beginning to end! Demon Seed is an incredibly suspenseful novel ... a wonderful fantasy tale that will keep you hooked!" â RedHeadedBookLover.com Demon Seed "takes readers on a thrilling journey ... immersing readers in a richly imagined universe where Natharr's internal struggles add depth to his journey. Kilpack's prose is evocative and vivid ... the descriptions of the ancient forces and the consequences of their awakening are haunting and thought-provoking. Demon Seed is a must-read!" â Just Pratibha (India) |
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Order of Light: Book Two of New Blood by W.D. Kilpack III Top Book (Rated #1), Amy's Bookshelf Reviews 2024 ⢠2023 The BookFest Award Winner ⢠2022 International Firebird Book Award Winner ⢠July 2021 Top Pick, BooksShelf.com The future of Mankind relies on the Guardian of Maarihk. Can a mysterious Order help him repair the damage of choosing happiness over duty? Despite the Guardian of Maarihk being condemned as anathema, and his very existence relegated to legend, Natharr resumes his ancient responsibilities as Mankind's protector. He joins with a mysterious Firstborn companion, Ellis the Elder, to journey into the snow reaches of Biraald, where his Sight promises he will find those who secretly adhere to the ways of the Olde Gods. Although Biraaldi bloodlines show their Firstborn heritage more clearly than even in Maarihk itself, the two nations have never enjoyed peace. It has been far worse since the rise of Brandt the Usurper to Maarihk's throne. Natharr and Ellis must navigate the threats not only against the Firstborn, but the Maarihkish, as they seek out the sympathizers he Saw who are brave enough to resist Maarihk's tyranny. Only then can the damage be repaired from when Natharr chose personal happiness with Darshelle and the young crown prince over his weighty responsibilities as Guardian of Maarihk. "The more I read, the more I realize that no other epic fantasy story has procured my full investment like the New Blood Saga! The world-building expands, new characters are introduced and the scope of things to come is greatly built upon with extra heaps of shocks and twists. Kilpack is well on his way to writing one of the greatest epic fantasy tales of all time! The prose is magnificent and captivating with a healthy dose of description and character beats. Fans of Wheel of Time will find everything they love â and more! â but tweaked to perfection. The plot had me at the edge of my seat as these characters that Iâve become so attached to were put through harrowing and very unexpected events. I also love the magic being explored, itâs unique and fits well with the other elements of this world. This is fantastic work!" â Usman, host of Bards and Books YouTube channel (British Columbia, Canada) "I devoured the first book in the New Blood Saga, desperate to see where the tale would lead. Kilpack doesn't disappoint. The themes that resonated in Crown Prince deepen and twist in Order of Light. He has a way of making words just flow vividly on the page. On p. 106, a revelation about Natharr floored me! His journey of self-discovery weaves flawlessly with the Crown Prince's own remarkable growth. The Quiet One and Bu, meticulously detailed in all their wonder, are testament to Kilpack's storytelling prowess. Fans of epic fantasy: Kilpack is your new literary lord. From exhilarating battle sequences to poignant moments of reflection, Order of Light is a masterpiece. If I could, Iâd give it a six!" â Jose F. Nodar, author of Books, Pens & Larceny (South Wales, Australia) |
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Changes in the Wind by Niranjan Gavril has had to hide most of his magical gifts for all his life. Even in a world where magic is common, some gifts are best hidden, especially for an orphan. He has also been part of the rebellion against the Emperor Zathrian since his student days. The lies propagated by the empire and the truth the rebels want to perpetuate make his choice easy. When he gets the appointment of a lifetime as a chronicler of the Empireâs history, he sees it as an opportunity to help his cause. Everything looks as if it's going according to plan until chance brings about a meeting with the Emperor himself. Zathrian is the immortal tyrant whose regime is covering up every truth Gavril wants to bring to light. When an ancient, arcane magic deems the two soulmates, intertwining their destinies together, Gavril is sent reeling. He may refuse the bonds of predestination, but he is drawn to the emperor all the same. How far can he fight fate as well as feelings? |
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The Timespeaker by Brit Stanford 2023 Whitney Award Nominee Desperate to be a hero. Born a demon. Win JorHali can steal minutes and years, spreading death and decay with a touch. He should have turned himself over to the gods for rightful execution years ago, but heâs seen death, and he fears it. Determined to prove himself worthy of the life he clings to, Win struggles to smother his growing power and provide for his family. When his secret is discovered, Win chooses to masquerade as his godâs greatest hero: the glorious Timespeaker. As Chief Executioner for the gods, Win thinks heâs found his true purpose, but a violent rebellion is brewing among his people, and the girl he loves has joined its ranks. He has the power to destroy any enemy, but who is the enemy? His gods arenât what they seem, his people are merciless in their destruction, and Time itself seems to be splintering under Winâs ignorant hand. The world is unraveling and Win has the power to save it, but at what cost? And in the end, what will he be? Hero or villain? |
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Blood's Power: Broken by Midnight Rose A man who is caught in a downward spiral of corruption, and is raised out of it into a hero, who dies to save a people who shall never know of his sacrifice. The strangerâs green eyes opened again. Jewel ventured to speak, realizing that the spell on him, which was already wearing off, if not almost worn off, allowed him that leisure. âWhy did you do this?â he said in a deep voice, letting the stranger hold his eye contact. âI do not think you would understand,â the stranger said softly. He let his eyes fall closed again. âWhat?â Jewel said, his voice still deep. âYou think you are a strong enough mage to fight me? Your spell is nothing, I have lost no strength, and you have lost much.â A sorrowful smile graced the strangerâs parched lips; Jewel had not till now noticed that the manâs lips were stained purple from tiny cracks of dried blood. âI have not only fought you, I have defeated you,â the other mage said, in a grave voice, lifting his chin in weak defiance. âDefeated me?â Jewel asked in mockery, his brows rising. âWhat spell have you put on me that I am defeated?â A story of blood magic, both of deep evil and abomination, and of heroic sacrifice and selfless love. When Jewel is at last broken beyond all hope, when his power is ripped so fully from his hands, that he fears he has lost not only his power, but himself, he discovers at last that he can still be the Jewel he was before he was broken, before corruption stole his life away. For not until he is broken can he be Unbroken. |
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Wolf of Withervale by JoaquĂn Baldwin Lago was only a child when the shapeshifter entrusted the wolf-like mask to his careâan artifact so powerful that it could come to shape the entire world of Noss. Now that he is coming of age, Lago is growing ever more fearful of the ominous relicâs influence, of the empire who has scented its trail and is coming after it. Coming after him. Aided by his best friend, an enigmatic scout, and his trusty dog, Lago seeks refuge in the vastness of the Heartpine Dome. The eighty-mile-wide structure had remained sealed for centuries, safeguarding more than mere secrets. Now that the domeâs entrails are stirring, the mysteries of the long-vanished Miscam tribes are coming to light, and the shapeshifting animal spirits are making their return. Powers untold hide behind the blinkless eyeholes of the canid mask, powers that could tip the balance in the war. Lago is barely beginning to learn how to wield the dark visage, but he can already feel its potential. ⌠And he can feel a different change coming, deep in his marrow. |
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Promise of the Betrayer's Dagger by Jay Tallsquall The last traitor of Arnadore turned his back on his people for a misguided love. Now, he must confront his cursed past, reconnect with his culture, and unlock the magic hidden inside his heart.Exiled and alone, Osman finds himself thrust back upon the shores of the homeland he deserted a decade before. To repay the debt he owes the brother he betrayed, Osman must traverse the Uldani Isles. Across the frozen tundra of Kyflenor, to the mist shrouded giant forests of Mornaserin, and beyondâhis journey will unravel a secret legacy left to him by his father.âPromise of the Betrayer's Dagger is the sequel to Legacy of the Vermillion Blade. It is an epic coming-of-age adventure that explores the pain, joy, and unbreakable spirit of one of the seriesâ favorite characters. The high fantasy world of Rhymera features vivid worldbuilding and a diverse cast of LGBTQIA+ charactersâ -Jay TallsquallSometimes to find yourself, first you have to find your Family. |
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Choices Meant for All by Sandy Lender Revised and re-released by Seventh Star Press in 2023, Choices Meant for All is the final installment of the foundational trilogy. It is Book 3 in the Choices series. From the foothills of the Freotho Mountains to the marble halls of Mahriket, factions of deities rise to threaten not only Master Rothahnâs crown, but all Onwealdâs people. The battles fan the gates of the dark spirit world, releasing demons of every species to aid the enemy, but an embattled Nigel Taiman brings Malachiâs power to the Arcanan Armyâs camp in hopes of tipping the balance in his brideâs favor. Dangerous times call for strange allies from all quarters. To restore the geasa that should save the god sheâs sworn to protect, Amanda Chariss must escape the very Betrayerâs grasp and make choices for the good of everyone. Does she have the will to sacrifice all that she holds dear in the process? Dive into the action-packed conclusion of the Choices trilogy to discover how prophecy works withâand againstâthose who would heed it. |
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Choices Meant for Kings by Sandy Lender Revised and re-released by Seventh Star Press in 2023, Choices Meant for Kings is Book 2 in the Choices series. Thereâs no doubt: Amanda Chariss is in danger. Her geasa is hampered by the effects of a doomed wedding. The dashing Nigel Taiman hides something from her, yet demands she stay at his familyâs estate where he and her wizard guardian intend to keep her safe. But the sorcerer Lord Drake and Julette The Betrayer know sheâs there, and their monstrous army marches that way. When prophecies stack up to threaten an arrogant deity, Chariss must choose between the dragon that courts her and the ostracized kings of the Southlands for help. Evil stalks her at every turn and madness creeps over the goddess who guides her. Can an orphan-turned-Protector resist the dark side of her heritage? Or will she sacrifice all to keep her god-charge safe? |
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Choices Meant for Gods by Sandy Lender Revised and re-released by Seventh Star Press in 2023, Choices Meant for Gods is Book 1 in the Choices series. Not even the gods noticed when Amanda Chariss was born with the mark of The Protector. Now she and her wizard guardian hide from a mad sorcerer in a household full of false hope and whispered secrets. The same god who watches over the family school sheltering Chariss will soon reveal her role in an impending war. When a wizardâs ward sets aside a lifetime of running and fear to accept the responsibilities of guarding an arrogant deity, can she face the trials in the prophecies they uncover? Will Nigel Taiman of her latest refuge dare to use his dragon heritage to bind her to his estate or to help her in her duty? |
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War of the Nameless by A.J. Calvin The god of death, called the Nameless by some, has been biding his time for millennia. His scheme to break free of his prison is nearing fruition, and with the aid of the Soulless bound to him, he seeks to regain his former power. The world has scorned him and it must face his wrath. Emra Castledowns has gathered an army to combat the threat the Soulless pose. Beside her are Vardak, a skilled warrior, renowned amongst his people and the protĂŠgĂŠ of the god of war, and Ravin, the most powerful wielder of magic the world has ever produced. The wizards have allied with her, the Five Kingdoms have lent soldiers and arms, and even the godsâsworn to remain neutral during mortal conflictsâhave begun to choose sides. In spite of her armyâs might, the power the Nameless begins to unleash is daunting. The death god is a threat to the existence of every kingdom, every race and nationalityâeven the Soulless who serve him are not immune to his thirst for revenge. |
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The Talisman of Delucha by A.J. Calvin Ravin is an anomaly amongst those who use magic. He refuses to join the Council of Auras and tie his fate to the wizards, and long ago escaped a terrible fate amongst the Enlightened, called the Shadow Council by some. His escape gave him freedom few others with his power enjoy, and he means to keep it, no matter the cost. Serving as an advisor to the Deluchan queen, Ravin learns a powerful relic is kept deep within the catacombs below the palace. War is on Deluchaâs doorstep, brought about by none other than the council he fled from and their Soulless leaders. He resolves to retrieve the relic in order to combat the imminent threat, but collecting the Talisman of Delucha is not without its own danger. As the Soullessâ army prepares to besiege the Deluchan capitol, Ravin makes one final, desperate attempt to secure the Talisman. The kingdomâs survival depends on his success, but time is not on his side. |
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Oaths of Life and Death by L. Cyrus Whelchel Of the five faumen tribes, the cat-like Norzen are viewed as dangerous outcasts, rejected by many for the sins of their most infamous member: the heretical Cacovis. Kai is a young Norzen apothecary serving as a member of the Hunter Corps, dedicated to culling dangerous beasts which wander into the Grand Duchy of Livoria. After a hunt goes terribly wrong, Kai is left the sole survivor of his squad while a rebel faction within Livoria, the Liberation Army, desires the eradication of all faumen and fans the flames of civil war. Now on the run, Kai finds himself responsible for leading a pair of local women to safety amid the turmoil, one of whom actively mistrusts him. Joined by other outcasts on their journey, it becomes difficult to differentiate friend and foe as the Liberation Army continues its advance. Worse still, Kai remains haunted by Grimghast, the beast that killed his squad, leaving him torn between revenge and protecting his new crew. As centuries-old tensions boil over and shocking truths about his past are revealed, Kai and his rag-tag group fight to not only protect Livoria's future but also save themselves from enslavement or death. |
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Immortal Sins by Maurice D. Winterborn The Chained God, the protector of truth, power and knowledge, has reigned in the North for centuries. Now, dark forces rise in the South, threatening peace and stability of all united in his name. New Gods. Cruel, dominant, wrathful. The last bastion of the people has held strong for more than four years, but the fighting has taken its toll, leaving hope tied together with fragile strings. The Invaders' chaotic beliefs slowly engulf the land and dark forces start to awaken, both outside of the Empire and within. Dimitri Savandiel saw his world crumble when the southern Empire, Vivaria, declared war on his home nation of Haven. For years, the country has known nothing but divide and death as the true King was slain and his deceitful brother took the throne, handing the land to the Invaders. The battle for Haven shall be bloody, indeed. |
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The Inversion Solution by Scott Marlowe The city of Brighton is in chaos. Infernal science inverted half the population. The other half fights for survival. The Alchemancer series continues. Half of Brightonâs population paid the price when Aaron failed to stop the Nullification Engine. The situation worsens when eslar invaders, led by Ensel Rheâs brother-in-law, Balrabbek, arrive in Brighton intent on completing Ingrid Kaneâs work. Forced into an alliance with them, Aaron soon realizes the engineâs effect went well beyond the cityâs borders and that much more is at stake than he ever imagined. When Ensel Rhe learns of Balrabbekâs arrival, he wants nothing more than to take revenge on him for the murder of his son. But his brother-in-lawâs deceit and his ambitions went much further than he thought. Now, he must end those ambitions, no matter the cost. Meanwhile, Serena flees from the chaos consuming Brighton, only to find that escape is a fleeting thing as her inability to control her magic continues to haunt her. When she learns of the Griffinâs mission to retrieve the secrets of a lifesaving vitality serum, she sees it as a way to save both her people and herself. |
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The Nullification Engine by Scott Marlowe An infernal engine threatens all life. A sorcerer's apprentice has no idea how to stop it. The Alchemancer series continues. The city of Brighton promises new beginnings for Aaron, Serena, and the taciturn eslar, Ensel Rhe. But, upon their arrival, Aaron and Serena are arrested for their role in the Chaos of a week ago, while Ensel Rhe slips away on business of his own. The pair are allowed to plead their case before the earl himself, after which they are released and assigned a very special duty. The Chaos unearthed an ancient, infernal machine called the Nullification Engine, and the earl wishes to know everything about it. Dormant for hundreds of years, the device is now active and gathering energy for some unknown purpose. While Aaron and Serena struggle to unravel the machine's mysteries, Ensel Rhe confronts his past when he learns his daughter has come to Brighton, but in the company of one of his greatest enemies. A race against time begins as Aaron realizes that the Nullification Engine was never turned on for a reason, for once the machine reaches a state of full nullitivity, it will destroy Brighton and everyone in it. |
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The Assassin's Cunning by Scott Marlowe Some days it seems like everyone wants you dead. The deadline for the Black Guardsmen to leave Alchester has come and gone, and now itâs up to the Assassin Without a Name to act on his threat. While heâs not above killing every last mercenary for the trouble theyâve caused him, he decides on a different course of action when Gwendolyn Goddard requests a meeting. In exchange for killing a rival, she offers to call off her Black Guard watchdogs. The catch? The mark is Atticus Drake, a trusted friend and ally. Meanwhile, the Warders and Jakaree continue to pursue their dark agendas. For the Warders, frustration leads to more direct action against the Nameless Assassin and his continued interference. The Jakaree, however, recognizing the need for alliances, offer to make a temporary one in hopes of striking a blow against the Warders. Trusting a death priest is never a good idea, but with questions continuing to mount about the Warders, the Assassin Without a Name reluctantly agrees to join them. Whatever their ultimate goals, the Jakaree and Warders remain in balance until a blood witch comes to town looking for revenge against Mathilda. While the witch has an agenda all her own, her presence threatens to turn the tide in the wrong direction for good. Deception, intrigue, danger, infernal science run amuck, and half the city wanting him dead? Itâs just another day in the life of the Assassin Without a Name. |
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The Hall of the Wood by Scott Marlowe A chilling warning. A fragile alliance. Impending doom. Jerrick Bur returns to a home he doesn't recognize. The King's Patrol has vanished. Their Hall stands empty. An invading army encroaches upon the fringes of the forest and folk whisper of a sitheri witch brewing evil from the darkest hollows. Once a patroller, always a patroller, and so Jerrick is duty-bound to investigate. He is joined by Kayra Weslin, knight errant, and her chronicler, Holly, who go to answer a plea for help from nearby Homewood. Along with Murik Alon Rin'kres, an eslar sorcerer who harbors a secret purpose all his own, the four embark upon a mission to unravel the mystery of the missing patrollers and somehow stop an ancient force of darkness from consuming them all. |
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The Assassin's Blade by Scott Marlowe I had a name once, same as everyone else, but after one glorious night of murder, it was no longer safe to use. Small sacrifice for ensuring my sister's safety, I figured. So now I don't use one. In my line of work, it's not necessary anyway. What is my line of work? Murder, of course, though I fancy myself more than just an assassin. Gentleman, thief, wine connoisseur, adventurer, a man of a thousand names and none. I'm all of those things and more. My life was about as normal as one could hope when one particular job came along. Kill the artificer, steal the plans, make an exchange. Simple enough, until a band of fanatical priests ambushed and tried to kill me. Turns out the plans have something to do with a source of dark energy. The priests aren't the only ones interested in it, either. I've no interest in being a hero, but I'll do whatever I have to do to keep my cityâand my sisterâsafe. There's already blood on my hands. What's a little more? |
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Engines of Alchemancy by Scott Marlowe Chaos erupts in the Barony of Fallmere when a surprise elemental attack destroys Norwynne Keep. Aaron Shepherd and Shanna Bonnerman survive, but Shanna is soon lost in the fallout of the keepâs destruction while Aaron is forced to flee for his life. Unbeknownst to Aaron, Shanna becomes a captive of the enemy who destroyed their home. This enemy, a savant who claims to follow the path of science, speaks of ancient, infernal devices and a quest to reclaim the greatest of them all. Certain the savant means to kill her, Shanna is instead surprised when she finds herself embarking upon the adventure of a lifetime. Meanwhile, only the worst of nightmares await Aaron. Pursued by dwarven raiders, mad sorcerers, and a host of demons who will not stop until he is dead, the only thing keeping him alive is his own wits and an eslar mercenary whose reputation as a killer might make him the worst threat of all. Though Aaron and Shanna travel different paths, their purposes align when they each learn of a mysterious device known as the Fifth Element. Shanna sees it as the final piece of the puzzle that is her destiny. To Aaronâs logical mind, it is an impossible ambiguity. Whatever the answer, the Fifth Element draws them back together and into a final confrontation where science and sorcery will collide. |
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Silver Fire (Chronicles of Asgard: Awakening, #2) by Laura Brewer, Roland Brewer Rowan and Alvinariâs smooth routine is shattered by hordes of mordkii, larger and far better equipped than any theyâve ever seen, approach their borders. Rowan calls up every fighter and mage across the kingdom. Odin musters Asgard, but they are still horribly outnumbered.They block the advance, but when Alvinari breaks her spear, the replacement sheâs given bursts into flame â and so does she. Her fire incinerates the enemies sheâs facing â and almost consumes her friends. Hel has just begun to stir wars across the land and on the sea, unleashing demons. No place is safe. |
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From the Ashes by B. S. H. Garcia The civil war ends now. Igtheos and his rebels have fought tirelessly against a would-be dictator and his army for almost two years. The city theyâve holed up in has become a prison, soon to be a tomb if they cannot arrange a means of escape. When the enemy leader offers an armistice thatâs too good to be true, Igtheos reluctantly accepts, thinking it will buy him enough time to smuggle those loyal to him out of the city. But he quickly learns the cost of choosing hope over caution as he finds himself caught in his enemyâs sinister plan, fighting a final unexpected battle. Failure means death, or worse, the loss of his loved ones. And he only has one night to determine everyoneâs fate. From the Ashes is a prequel novelette that takes place over two thousand years prior to the events in Of Thieves and Shadowsâvolume one in the epic fantasy series, The Heart of Quinaria. |
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Monarchâs Mission by Emma L Adams As a squad leader who frequently rides a ferocious war dragon into battle for the nation of Laria, Yala is used to narrowly escaping death. Her sole objective in war is get her team back home in one piece, and sheâs never had cause to pay attention to the gods or the Disciples who wield their power. Until, that is, her monarch sends her team on a covert mission to seize control of a mysterious island. At first glance, the island contains nothing but the ruins of a long-abandoned temple, but a closer look yields a shocking discovery. The temple belonged to adherents of the god of death, Mekan, the one deity whose power is forbidden in Laria. Trapped and surrounded by the forces of the dead, Yala soon finds herself fighting for her life amid the ruins. Even if she pulls off a miracle and gets her team out alive, nobody walks away unscathed from the god of death⌠|
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Shattered Magic by Emily Huffman Rocco has his future figured out. One magical tournament is all that stands between him and admission to the Academy--the most prestigious school for magic in the world and the place where he will finally belong. But when a mysterious stranger shows up with an offer from the God of Magic himself, Rocco is left with a choice: swear fealty to the god or follow his own path. Fueled by the desire to realize his dreams, Rocco plunges forward, but the God of Magic cannot be ignored, and Rocco soon learns there is more to lose than just the tournament... |
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Solace of Memory by Allegra Pescatore Midwinter is a time for Remembrance. When the candles are lit, the dead walk among the living. Devotions are renewed, vigils are held, and forgotten souls find their peace. But for Gabriel, who has never believed in the Gods, there is little peace to be had. Gabeâs last year at the Academy of Tirit Mindel promised to be a great one: good friends, a chance at a coveted spot in the College of Science, and work that he loved at the school clinic. All that was changed by the call for volunteer medical students to assist in an outbreak of wasting fever. Working with the dying in the sweltering heat of southern Miriel was hard, but coming back from the front lines of the epidemic might prove even harder. Haunted by what he saw and faced with unexpected personal loss, for Gabe, this Midwinter would be different than all those before it. For the first time in his life, Gabe needs a little faith, and what the Gods wonât provide, his friends and found family might be able to help with. |
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A disgraced warrior seeks an honorable death on the battlefield, but an eldritch god has other plans for her. |
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A Wild Heritance prequel novella from a time before Duplicity of Power. An impossible theft, a dangerous duel, and a scheme that could too easily fail⌠all for a place among the Shadowers, guild of rogues⌠Just shy of her eighteenth year, Namid has been preparing for this moment for two years. Her chance to become a Shadower! Before she can take her place in this select guild of rogues in Rhadanthus, city of thieves and thugs, she faces her Trial: a demanding ordeal designed to test the limits of her skills with weapons and thievery. All Namid must do is overcome this final test â survive and succeed at it â to earn acceptance within the Shadowers as one of their own. With challenges facing her both in the city and from within the guild itself, Namid is determined that nothing will keep her from her goal. She only hopes that sheâs not outmatched⌠|
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The Sorceress Transcendent by Casey Blair Once mortal enemies on the battlefield, what can they become supporting each other instead? When Varius, the greatest general of the Aurelian Empire, is forced to flee his homeland, there's only one person he can turn to. A powerful sorceress and once his most deadly enemy, Theira is the only combatant who's ever escaped the war between their peoples. But with the memories of how they kept each other going from opposite sides of a battlefield, when a bleeding Varius knocks on her door, she lets him in, even knowing what will follow. Theira may have gotten away, but as long as the war goes on, she'll never really be free. Now with both their peoples actively hunting them, the two most dangerous fighters in a never-ending war will have to join forces to do the end it once and for all, on their terms. And if they can dare to dream boldly enough, maybe find happiness for themselves, too. The Sorceress Transcendent is a stand-alone enemies-to-lovers epic fantasy romance novella about badasses who enjoy a cozy cup of tea after a long day wreaking epic destruction, because why choose? This story is for everyone who knows what's coming when your former mortal enemy and best rival knocks on the door in the middle of the night and says, "I had nowhere else to go." |
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Staff of Justice by Noelle Nichols Saving a life may have just cost him his own Protecting the innocent was all Kilo ever wanted. With a noble heart, he began his training as a warrior, pursing a path of compassion and justice. But when a seemingly ordinary mission goes wrong, he's forced to break his creed, betraying the very thing he's dedicated his life to. Because of his actions, others are forced to bear the consequences. To one upholding honor, the shame is almost unbearable. His friends try to comfort him, but without his creed, who is he? And how can he possibly make amends for what he's done? Staff of Justice is a short prequel novella to the Asian-inspired, noblebright series, The Shadow's Creed Saga. Witness the moment that changed Kilo's life forever and shaped the entire course of his futureâfor better or for worse. |
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A Prelude to Ashes by Thiago Abdalla Prince Adrian has a secret. He has been meeting with Myrra, the princess of Dakhra. They love each other, but their fathers are mortal enemies, and Dakhra is not a part of the Domain. The rulers of the Domain nations have been granted hundreds of years by the blessings of the Seraph, and their borders are kept safe by the Churchâs elite griffin riders. But the enemies of the Domain are gathering. A foreign threat may be the chance Adrian and Myrra need to bring their nations closer... if they can convince their fathers to work together. Will new enemies be enough for rivals to overcome old grievances, or will they bring them closer to war? A Prelude to Ashes is a prequel novella that takes place one hundred years before the events of A Touch of Light, the first book in the Ashes of Avarin series. |
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The Dying Breed: Hunters (The God King Emmanuel Saga, #1) by T.J. Lombardi An epic, progressive fantasy where it is everyoneâs destiny to die, but youâre challenged on how one should live. (Book 1 of 4 in The God King Emmanuel Saga) It is the year 896 during the Age of Magic and young Liam found himself searching for his purpose. His world forever changed when his family all tragically died within months of one another. As the world around him grew cold, the only warmth he found was in remembering the stories of the legendary warrior his father fought alongside. As a child, young Liam dreamt of fighting next to such warriors, and with nothing left to lose, he departed his home on a quest to become just that. The only thing he did not realize was just how much carnage awaited him. Donât miss the first adventure in the next great epic Fantasy series by: TJ Lombardi, author of The Dying Breed series. WARRIOR PUBLISHING RATING: M for Mature Audiences Profanity, Violence, Magic, Torture |
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To Flail Against Infinity (The Stargazer's War #1) by J.P. Valentine Infinite power, infinite danger. Growing up mortal, I only knew a few things about cultivators. They like their hierarchies, they hate disrespect, and if you leave one out in deep space long enough, they'll go homicidally insane. It turns out, there's a reason for that. Away from all the gravity wells and biospheres that generate natural energy, things get just quiet enough to notice the infinite ocean of qi entirely incompatible with our own. I should know. I've seen it. Only difference is, I didn't go mad. I wasn't a cultivator. Technically, I wasn't even alive. But now I can sense it. I can touch it. I can cultivate it. From the bestselling author of This Trilogy is Broken! and Dungeon Devotee comes the cultivation epic you've been waiting for. |
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Villagers always warned Alex about the enchanted forest; Don't go in alone. Don't get too close- or risk being kidnapped by fairies. But those are just myths, right? Unfortunately, newly knighted Alex learned the hard way that not all myths and legends are simply bedtime stories. Dragged to a hidden kingdom fraught with magical intrigue and danger, Alex is forced to reevaluate everything he believed-including his identity. Despite Alex's discovery, he must choose between exploring his newfound potential or pursuing the rescue of missing people from his hometown. Will he find the vanishing victims in time, or will this unlikely hero lose the only father figure he's ever known? Either way, his life will never be the same, and neither will the world. Once upon a time, because that's how the best stories begin... |
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Fire & Flight by Brianna R. Shaffery There are those that tell stories about the legends of the Shadow Forest, of magical waters that grant your deepest desires, and of times long ago when ancient sorcerers wielded unnatural power. After the death of her family and the appearance of strange physical changes she cannot explain, seventeen year-old Nyla begins to wonder if she might be cursed with magic herself. Without a home and longing for the family sheâs lost, Nyla retreats into herself. But when her new plan for answers brings her to a crossroads with a fellow traveler named Xanderâwhose own painful past is also a mysteryâNyla must decide if she can trust a stranger. But even if she can learn to trust, could her very connection to Xander place them both in peril? With an ominous force gaining power in Nylaâs homeland, she must choose how far she is willing to go to find answers when not only her fateâbut possibly all of Tenebrisâdepends on it. Fire & Flight is Brianna R. Shafferyâs debut novel and the first novel in the epic young adult fantasy trilogy Heirs of Tenebris. |
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All the Fragile Hearts by M.T. Solomon All the Fragile Hearts is an adult fantasy novel that combines mystery and politics with unconventional romance tropes. Cecelia, heir to her father's throne, feels like a stranger in her father's court. Driven to uncover the truth behind her mother's identity, Cecelia embarks on a perilous journey across the sea to the kingdom of Korith. Viktor, a formidable Kingsguard, finds himself caught in a complex web of manipulation and duty. Drawn together by fate, Cecelia and Viktor are bound by an unexpected arranged marriage, stirring conflicting emotions within them and exposing their brokenness. Whispers of rebellion spread and a military coup builds in the shadows as Korith is pushed further into chaos by the assassination of the king. Separated, Cecelia and Viktor must navigate the treacherous landscape of deception, testing their loyalty as destiny weaves its threads through every fragile heart. |
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The Blood Stones (Legends of the Bruhai Book 1) by Tori Tecken His name is not worthy. A traitor is executed, his name ripped away from history. Now the kingdom stands on the brink of a succession war that could bring the country to its knees. Forces stalk the darkness, moving pawns into place in a deadly game. Gehrin and his brothers were not meant to witness the execution, but now they find themselves trapped in the center of a political quagmire. When Gehrin faces the loss of everything he knows, will he also lose himself? To the south, tribal warlords clash in an endless cycle of violence. Syndri, the daughter of a chieftain, kills for the honor of her people. An alliance with a foreign queen offers the power to unite the tribes, but at what cost? Someday, history will remember them as legends. |
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Prince of the Ancients by G. L. Preston In Tenebris, heir to the exiled dragon kingdom, Dracho Celesta, offers to venture to the mortal realm to discover the cause of vicious attacks which have plagued the land and threaten his home. Maintaining his human form will be difficult whilst his irrational dragon fights to be freed, and he must master control to prevent war between the realms. But beyond his home, he will meet someone who pushes the limits of his patience... During their quest, Dracho must place his trust in the mortals he accompanies, whilst the enigmatic Eli makes him question everything he has ever been taught. Though they have their differences, the future of the continent lies in their entwined fates. The more time they spend together, the more Dracho wants to uncover Eli's secrets...and the harder it becomes for Dracho to hide his identity. Until he cannot hide it anymore. Facing enemies, tragedy and an ancient entity brings them together. But their secrets may just tear them apart. |
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Secrets of the Sorcery War by Elise Carlson Secrets lie across the seas. Having vanquished the damars, Heir Ruarnon thought they'd secured the safety of Umarinaris' eastern seas. But Nartzeer's murderous creatures are back, their handlers are more worrisome and both bar Ruarnon's path to new allies needed to recover their abducted parents. The handlers are Linhâs chance to confirm that her gateway home (to Australia) âand that sorcerers able (and hopefully willing) to operate itâ lie in Umarinaris' dangerous West. In pursuit of allies and answers, Ruarnon and Linh clash with evolving, ever more dangerous damars. They learn magic is still wielded on Umarinaris, that some of the Sorcery Warâs deadliest weapons survived and that Nartzeer has his own plans for those weapons. Nartzeer's forces threaten to sink Ruarnon and Linh's ship, and their hopes with it, yet he may not be what he seems... |
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Unbound (Songs of Chaos, #2) by Michael R. Miller Sometimes the world needs a little chaos. Holt and Ash saved the kingdom of Feorlen against all odds. Now they are outcasts, alone on an impossible quest to unite the Elder Dragons. But they are children playing in a game of Dragon Lords. Trapped between the riders, servants of Sovereign, and the scourge, even their luck cannot last forever. Their only hope is to advance their bond by any means necessary. In Feorlen, Talia faces a world unaccepting of a rider queen. Her councilors will not heed her warnings of Sovereign. Foreign powers threaten war and bloodshed. Pleas sent to rider headquarters fall on deaf ears. All the while, Sovereign regathers his strength in an ancient fortress. Enthralled cultists swell his ranks. Disillusioned riders flock to his cause. And his unwilling servant Osric Agravain scours the land for dragon eggs. There are new types of magic to be discovered and Sovereign intends to control them all. Only the mysterious half-dragon Rake has a plan to stop Sovereign. To pull it off, heâs going to need a team. |
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Fairy Court in Exile by Joel Flanagan-Grannemann Talia, now Queen of the Fairy Realm, is off on a quest to find her kidnapped daughter. In her absence, her paternal uncle's wife, Titania, serves as Regent and leader of a scattered force of loyal Fairies, defending the Exile Queen's mountain against attacks from the False Sisters (Talia's maternal aunts), whose bloody coup triggered the Fairy civil war. Thrown into much more prominent roles as defenders of the mountain, Min and Elanor (formerly Talia's most loyal Ladies), must fight not only enemies from without and within the mountain, but also their own past traumas and insecurities as well. As the treacherous troops of the False Sisters close in, Titania and her loyal Fairies must muster all their courage and strength to fight off the evil blood-fueled magic arrayed against them so they may continue to serve as faithful Servants of the Moon and Sun. If you've enjoyed books such as A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas or The Cruel Prince by Holly Black, then you'll love this thrilling story of loya |
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Talia: On the Shore of the Sea by Joel Flanagan-Grannemann near the sea of the First Fairies, Talia gives birth to a daughter, while her former love, now King of the Human Realm, works in concert with her evil aunts (the Three Sisters) to take the Fairy throne from Talia's mother, Queen Zellandine. After a short interlude of peace, Talia and her remaining companions embark on a dangerous journey, evading agents of their opponents as they seek revenge for a devastating attack on their company. â â â With civil war looming betewen the Fairies, Talia is determined to protect her kingdom and her people -- but at what cost? Will she be able to save her beloved Realm and safeguard the ones she loves?â â â Follow Talia on her quest for justice in this thrilling second installment of the â Servants of the Moon and Sunâ series. If you enjoyed books such as A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas or The Cruel Prince by Holly Black, you're sure to love â Servants of the Moon and Sunâ . |
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Talia:Heir to the Fairy Realm by Joel Flanagan-Grannemann Talia, the young Iridescent-winged Heir to the Fairy Realm, and Prince Bastile, the Heir to the Human Realm, have embarked on a forbidden love affair, and their choice will have consequences for both their worlds. After a stunning betrayal, Talia, her 8 Ladies, and her Heir's Guard (9 female Fairy soldiers) bravely set off on a journey through the Fairy Realm in search of answers about the Exile Queen, a reviled ancestor. â However, Talia's evil Aunts, the Three Sisters, and others in both the Fairy and Human courts stand in her way, not understanding the ancient prophecy that Talia is destined to fulfill. â â â Will Talia be able to save both the Fairy and Human Realms from the devastations of another war?â â â If you enjoyed The Cruel Prince by Holly Black, you will be captivated by this exciting story of Talia and Prince Bastile's forbidden love affair and the stirrings of horrible hostilities between these two vastly disparate Realms. |
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The Stones Stay Silent by Danny Ride When a deadly plague sweeps the land, the priests of the Parents accuse those deemed to have incurred the gods' wrath. Leiander, unmarried and with interests unbecoming to the woman people consider him to be, flees for his life. With the Night Demon Kevv'ach by his side and his deepest wish undiminished, he journeys to the Great Lith, said to still channel the magic of the Parents. He will beseech the gods to remake his body in the image of the Father, so the world sees him as his true self: Leiander. |
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Nera has been fascinated by dragons all her life. Now, as a Rift Rider Lieutenant, her chance to see them up close has come. The appointment to spend five years as an escort to the human ambassador seems like the ultimate honour and gift, but the dragons she studied in training don't come anywhere close to the reality awaiting her inside the Dragonlands. Elder Khennik kin Blazeborn Clan Sunlord has no interest in humans. Thanks to the Cloud Curse that their kind brought down upon the Overworld, Khennik's kin are close to losing their ancestral desert homelands forever. When he's assigned as a delegate to the humans upon their arrival, he can't believe his bad luck. Unlike some dragons, he has no wish for more power or responsibility, but he can't seem to avoid collecting them. From his desperate kin to his nervous aide, right along to the useless humans, Khennik dreams of the day when he can return to his desert home. Regardless of personal dreams and opinions, both humans and dragons are about to learn that they often have more in common than they might think or wish. And when trouble descends, the true friends you can count on have little to do with species â and everything to do with spirit. |
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Lady Mhysra Kilpapan was blessed from birth with a distinguished family, a glorious home and a giant eagle miryhl of her own. Fully aware of her luck, she wants for nothing in life â except a chance to become a Rift Rider. The elite force of the Overworld has been closed to women for over one hundred years and not even the legendary Wingborn are allowed to join. Until now. Women are being admitted to the Riders again and Mhysra wants to be first in line. Except her parents have other ideas, and there are plenty of others who are less than pleased about the change. Yet if Mhysra can find a way to reach Aquila, she will let nothing stop her. But the Overworld is in trouble and the vicious kaz-naghkt are destroying Rift Rider bases one by one. The Riders need help. Can Mhysra and her friends really be the difference between survival and destruction? Or will they fail before their first year of training is through? |
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Song of Jade: Red Wolf by C. R. Collins "The world is wide and full of wonders" Fleeing her country in order to save it, Princess Jade of Sharren discovers a greater threat. SONG OF JADE: RED WOLF is a standalone DRAGON AGE prequel to the WOODSPELL SERIES and one of the TALES OF ARDONNA. Content Advisory: Contains adult themes and situations and spoilers for Riverâs Roar |
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Spark of the Divine by Louise Holland SAVE THE GODS. SAVE THEIR REALM. As a Divine, Mae wields her strange gifts quietly as a mercenaryâuntil a simple rescue job sees the crew uncover a plot to steal divinity from the gods themselves. When the god Mae serves is attacked, she must restore their power before the seven realms are thrown into chaos. The first instalment in fantasy series The Kalaraak Chronicles, SPARK OF THE DIVINE follows a group of reluctant heroes on a quest to save a god while the fate of the realms hangs in the balance. Will they each find what they desperately seek, or will secrets of romance and betrayal break them apart? Can they work together to defeat an evil their realm has never seen? Is it the strength of the god that matters⌠or the belief of the Divine? |