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Strange Cargo by Patrick Samphire What do a smuggling gang, a curse that won't go away, and a frequently lost dog have to do with each other? Answer: they're all here to disrupt Mennik Thorn's hard-earned peace and quiet. As the sole freelance mage in the city of Agatos, Mennik is used to some odd clients and awful jobs. But this time, one of his clients isn't giving him a choice. Mennik might have forgotten about the smugglers whose operations he disrupted, but they haven't forgotten about him. Now he is faced with a simple ultimatum: help them smuggle in an unknown, dangerous cargo or flee the city he loves forever. Time is running out for Mennik to find an answer, and things are about to get completely out of control. |
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Legacy of Brick & Bone by Krystle Matar Follow the law and youâll stay safe. But what if the law betrays you? It all started with the girl from the river: mutilated, tattooed, murdered. TashuĂ© couldnât help but look for answers and in the process, he uncovered the ugly truths being hidden by the very law he used to believe inâthe law of the Authority. Now heâs fighting for his life. Mere survival isnât enough; he desperately wants to save his son from the Authority, and he wants revolution. At any cost. Davik Kaine has been gathering power under everyoneâs noses. Ruthless, ambitious, with a rebel army backing him, he wants revolution, too. Heâs probably the only person powerful enough to protect TashuĂ© from the looming implosion of the political field. And heâs the only person with the connections to save Jason. He may also be responsible for the death of the girl from the river. Is making peace with Davik worth it, if it saves TashuĂ©âs son from the Authority? If TashuĂ© plays along with what Davik wants, can TashuĂ© get retribution for the girl from the river? |
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Miss Bennet's Dragon by M. Verant Foreword INDIES Winner for Fantasy. Royal Dragonfly Award Winner for Fantasy. âA charming retellingââLocus Magazine An unforgettable fantasy retelling of Jane Austenâs Pride and Prejudice that is romantic, funny, and more relevant than ever. Elizabeth Bennet is hiding a forbidden power. She can speak to draca, the fire-breathing creatures kept as status symbols by English gentry. But Mr. Darcy has noticed, and he has his own dark secret. When Elizabethâs sister falls deathly ill, the cure lies in the mysteries of draca. Elizabeth, aided by her brilliant sister Mary, defies restrictive English society to hunt for lost draca lore. She must hurry. Englandâs war with France has drawn other dangerous hunters. Elizabethâs search leads her to the fabulous Pemberley estate, home of the entitled and infuriating man whose proposal she scorned. There, Elizabethâs worlds smash togetherâprotocol against passion, and exultation against the risk of love. But the stakes are greater than her sisterâs life. Elizabeth must test herself against a distant war. And her enemy is not who she thought. âThrilling, superbly paced, and moving. I highly recommend this novel to fans of Jane Austen, as well as to anyone who has ever pondered the mystery of dragons.â â Katherine Sturtevant, author of At the Sign of the Star âA historical romance that encompasses the Napoleonic Wars, arcane marriage laws, and women with the power to command the fiercest, most dangerous, and wisest of beastsâ â Vanessa MacLaren-Wray, author of All That Was Asked Miss Bennetâs Dragon is a stand-alone story that begins a trilogy of Jane Austen Fantasy. |
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When 16-year-old Kallis goes to see Aristophanes' latest play, she's inspired to sneak into the Assembly and try to make her name as an orator. Against the backdrop of steampunk antiquity â an Ancient Athens where automatons line the city walls â Kallis sets out to incite a revolution. Sheâs going to create a world where no one is forced to be someone theyâre not: a world where women can be artificers and orators, where oneâs future isnât determined by the track set out by their parents. |
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These Gossamer Strings by Allegra Pescatore A Silence is Broken. The River Beckons. The Forgotten Wait. With eighteen days until her tribunal and Water Rite, Elenor must find a way to save her doena and keep her throne. The threat of war looms larger and only an alliance through marriage has the potential to save it. But who to trust when all her closest allies have secrets of their own? The past is creeping up on them, a web of maneuvers and lies spreading back to before the fall of the Empire. Gabriel can feel it constricting around them, drawing him ever closer to a future he never wanted. Confronting the truth of his heritage may be the only way to save Lirin, but at what cost? Perhaps one the desert has already paid. Shaken after the death of the Red, the Mondaer must choose their path forward. Protect the new Gatekeeper and Incarnate as they have always done, or embrace a future without reliance on Gifts? Fedrik and Fayâs safety depends on the answer, and itâs not looking good. Would they be better off trusting Daemon, or is North right that he intends to use them as a weapon? These Gossamer Strings is the final installment of the first arc of the Last Gift Series. Threads torn asunder are weaving back together and the Gatekeeper is coming for his Incarnate. |
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No Port in a Storm by Cal Black âThe Bayou wants its Butcher backâ Ghosts of Mildred Berryâs past stalk her dreams, dredging up memories sheâd rather forget. Struggling with the return to city life and a surprise marriage, Millie finds her strongest ally is distracted, preparing for the Colfield Massacre trial. When the trialâs key witness goes missing, a bloody message makes it clear to Millie that the city of Marigot is done waiting for its vengeance against the man who betrayed it⊠and the elf who burnt it down. Enemies new and old lurk in the bayou, while all of Millieâs old allies are long dead. If she goes after the witness, sheâll be walking into a city of vipers. If she doesnât, sheâll lose her closest friend. The Bayou wants its Butcher back, come hell or high water. |
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Shattered Spirits: The Fall of Ishcairn by Cal Black Legends say a dead god is buried under the stone city of Ishcairn, protecting its inhabitants by dashing enemy fleets into the jagged coast of Craeburn. Adjunct professor Corrie Ecksley doesnât believe any of that, but she knows from her work excavating nearby burial sites that the ancient Craeburn people believed it enough to name the city after their dead god, Ish. When the ripples of a great war finally reach Craeburnâs shores, a terrifying new weapon is unleashed on the city that not even Ish can deter. A bomb that tears souls from bodies, driving anyone who witnessed the blast insane. But it is not the living that Corrie fears. Displaced spirits are hungry for a body, and care not if it already plays host to a soul. No bullets can stop them, no walls are thick enough to keep them out. No help is coming. No one left but Corrie to stop the carnage, if she even can. |
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Dragon Latitudes by Amy Campbell s a dragon-hunter, he never imagined heâd be the one hunted â until a recruit tossed him overboard to prove that he was no different from the dragons they were after. And just like that, Elazarâs life changed forever. Not for the better, by the way. Now, Elazar grapples with his new dragon identity while his former crewmates, led by his aunt, the airship captain, are hot on his tail. Theyâre ready to avenge him by taking down the beast they believe is responsible. You know, Elazar. Lucky for him, his best friend and the jerk who threw him overboard are ready to help navigate this mess. Together, theyâre on a quest to discover the truth about Elazarâs past and the dragon worldâs secrets. But itâs not that simple. Theyâre facing betrayal, treachery, and the Jade Empressâs wrath. And thereâs a prophecy hanging over their heads. No pressure, right? Itâs just a fate that could change history forever and kill everyone Elazar cares about. So if youâre up for an adventure thatâll keep you on the edge of your seat, join Elazar as he embraces his inner dragon and fights to protect those he loves. Because with the stakes this high, death isnât just a possibility; itâs a looming threat. |
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Tales from the Gunpowder Chronicles: A collection of Opium War steampunk stories by Jeannie Lin Asian steampunk at its finest with three new tales of adventure from bestselling author Jeannie Lin East meets West in a clash of gunpowder technology versus steam in an epic and richly-detailed series. Features three standalone stories: Big Trouble in Old Shanghai The Island of the Opium-Eaters Love in the Time of Engines Big Trouble in Old Shanghai The signs are there. Gangs roaming the streets, the very earth shaking beneath their feet. Ming-fen could tell something was coming to Old Shanghai, but she didn't know exactly what until the city erupted in fiery rebellion â with her brother caught on the wrong side. With the streets in turmoil, Ming-fen must rely on her fighting skills and a blue-eyed foreign devil to survive the day, and perhaps keep an already broken city from all-out civil war. The Island of the Opium-Eaters Sagara Satomi hasn't set foot on land since she was exiled from Nippon and cast adrift upon a ship owned by a notorious Chinese rebel. Rogue alchemist, Yang Hanzhu has spent years chasing dark rumors, plotting a course toward an unmarked island with a mysterious past. Will they uncover the island's secrets? Or be buried there along with them |
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Webley and The World Machine by Zachary Chopchinski "This world within a world is such a fabulous concept! It's almost like Star Trek, Doctor Who, and the Bible all mashed up together with a steampunk twist." A strange coin. A mysterious elevator. And a war deep within the Earth that could destroy the world. Adal and Arija weren't concerned with what makes the world go round until they followed an old coin into a dark cave. Deep within the Earth is a world they never dreamed possible. A world that will challenge their most important beliefs. A world that will soon be torn apart by war. Webley controls the center of Earth, but not all his creations are happy. When the hidden plot to overthrow him turns violent, Adal and Arija are forced to choose sides. But the dangers are more than they could have predicted. Will their hidden feelings for each other help them through it, or rip them and the world apart? If you like Cassandra Clare, Quantum Leap, and Lindsay Buroker, you'll love this hilarious portal fiction adventure full of snark, sass, and one curious little robot boy. |
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The Unpleasantness at Baskerville Hall by Chris Dolley Wodehouse steampunk version of The Hound of the Baskervilles! âJeeves and Wooster meet Holmes and Watson with a touch of steampunk in the hilarious first full-length Reeves and Worcester tale ... This laugh-out-loud parody works on several levels ... With razor-sharp wit and fast pacing that plays fair with the reader, this is an excellent genre mash-up that fires on all cylinders.â - Publishers Weekly An escaped cannibal, a family curse ... and Reginald Worcester turning up on the doorstep. Could things get any worse for the Baskerville-Smythe family? As the bodies pile up, only a detective with a rare brain â and Reggieâs is so rare itâs positively endangered â can even hope to solve the case. But... there is the small matter that most of the guests arenât who they say they are, the main suspect has cloven feet, and a strange mist hangs over great Grimdark Mire. Luckily the young master has Reeves, his automaton valet, and Emmeline, his suffragette fiancĂ©e, on hand to assist. This stand alone novel is the fifth Reeves & Worcester Steampunk mystery |
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The Artist and the Anarchist (The Age of Invention) by Harlow Banks A mystery surrounds her heritage. Can she uncover why sheâs the target of villainous men before her life runs out of steam? Scotland, 1884. Amy Carter is eager to open a new chapter. An ostracized orphan celebrating her seventeenth birthday, the budding artist is delighted to leave her snobbish boarding school and return to her adoptive family of inventors and scientists. But her happy immersion in mechanical experiments and a trip to London turns to dismay when she discovers sheâs been followed home by a stalker. As her godfather and his son rally to protect her with their inventions, Amy beseeches a lawyer to reveal her secret inheritance⊠but only receives a dire warning. And when her whirlwind journey through the marvels of France and Spain uncovers more mysterious clues, she fears the truth will only lead her deeper into peril. Can she unravel the deadly puzzle without getting ground up by the gears of intrigue? The Artist and the Anarchist is the fast-paced first book in The Age of Invention YA science fiction steampunk series. If you like engaging characters, aesthetic and historically rich backdrops, and a sense of wonder, then youâll love Harlow Banksâs enriching story. |
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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! |
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Gunpowder Alchemy (Gunpowder Chronicles) by Jeannie Lin In 1842, the gunpowder might of Chinaâs Qing Dynasty fell to Britainâs steam engines. Furious, the Emperor ordered the death of his engineers, eliminating Chinaâs best chance of fighting back. Since her fatherâs execution eight years ago, Jin Soling has kept her family from falling apart. With her mother addicted to opium and her younger brother in danger of being sent off to the factories, Soling has no choice but to sell off the last of her fatherâs possessions. Unwittingly, her actions bring her to the attention of the imperial courtâthe same court that betrayed her father. The Crown Prince has launched a secret mission to bring together the remnants of the former Ministry of Science. To restore her familyâs name, Soling must track down the rebel alchemist who holds the key to powering the imperial fleet. Her only ally is a man sheâs just metâthe engineer with a mysterious past who was once meant to be her husband⊠|
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Clockwork Samurai (Gunpowder Chronicles) by Jeannie Lin The Gunpowder Chronicles continue as a woman left adrift by a dynasty in decline attempts to reclaim her familyâs honor⊠Appointed to the Court of Physicians, Jin Soling can see that the newly-crowned Emperor is cracking, relying on opium to drown his troubles. The Qing Empire is failing, and war with the British is imminent, but the man to whom Soling was once engaged has a bold idea to save it. A leader within the Ministry of Engineering, Chen Chang-wei suggests an alliance with the isolated island empire of Japan, whose scientists claim to have technical advancements that could turn the tide of the war. Seeking to escape the politics of the imperial court, Soling arranges her own passage on the airship to Japan. But once they land, Chang-wei and Soling become targets of the shogunateâs armored samurai assassins. Caught in an age-old battle between feudal tradition and innovation, and stranded in a land distrustful of foreigners, Soling and Chang-wei must find a way to fight back against the Western invadersâwith the survival of both Qing Empire and the island nation of Japan at stake. |
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Lady of Vision (Daughters of Aether Book 1) by Amanda Labonte A lady reporter? Preposterous. In a time when other young women are learning the art of pouring the perfect cup of tea, Lady Hazel Winchester dreams of a front page byline. Just because the war with the Americas is over doesnât mean there isnât a story hiding in the aether tinged streets of London and she means to uncover it. But perhaps the biggest story of all is the secret sheâs keeping about herself. Combining steampunk and Victorian aesthetics, Lady of Vision is a clean romance for anyone who loves a good, slightly fantastical, historical mystery. |
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When The Stars Alight by Camilla Andrew A maiden of the stars. A monster from the shadows. A collision that rewrites their worlds. Princess Laila Rose is a fallen star in human form. A beloved guardian to humanity. Yet in spite of these fantastical origins, she has never much believed in prophecies. Thatâs why when a demon of apocalyptic legend is presented to her in a block of ice, she feels fascination rather than fright. Curiosity kindles into mutual desire once he breaks free of his captivity. Far from the rampaging beast of mass destruction everyone expectsâhe is monstrously handsome, deviously articulate and alluringly mysterious, a prince among his kind. Eager to discover his origins, Laila travels from her idyllic seaside realm into a land of unspeakable horrors, relying on her wits to survive her journey. She arrives aiming to establish peaceful contact with the aid of the besotted prince. However, it becomes clear that the heartless demon king does not desire peace at all, only war and conquest. When diplomacy fails, Laila turns to the kingâs suave and manipulative bastard son in the hopes that she can inspire both him and his trueborn brother to go against their father. But soon it is her heart she must keep from being torn between their centuries-old dangerous rivalry. This gothic fantasy set in a vibrant gaslamp world is a must-read for fans of Catherynne Valente and Angela Carter. Itâs written in lush, lyrical prose full of intricate worldbuilding, courtly intrigue, and magic that seeps through the pages. Beneath its light, romantic and whimsical veneer, you can expect darkness, brutality and passion. |
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The Mambo Wizard: Breakfast is Served! by Giordano J. Lahaderne Meet Jeremy Fletcher, boy wizard and orphan extraordinaire. After years of study, Jeremy finds himself expelled from Pigpimples Academie of Magick. He only ever mastered the single spell of transforming everyday objects into breakfast food items (a novice trick at best, and one not found in any of the Headmageâs textbooks). But perhaps Jeremy's luck is due for a change. Moe and Zippo crash-land their starship on his family's property. They're space pirates on a quest to fish radio broadcasts out of black holes and build the ultimate night club. They also appear to be famished. Is this Jeremyâs chance to provide a complete and balanced breakfast? In the spirit of J.K. Rowling meets The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, enter an alternate history where humans made contact with alien races, and where magicians are still embarrassing! Featuring a cast of wizard school dropouts, small furry animals, and other various weirdos! Come join the gang in a swashbuckling adventure through dysfunctional magic academies, dwarven convenience stores, and night clubs on the moons of Jupiter!âšâšThe Mambo Wizard: Breakfast is Served! Truly a gem of the orphaned wizard genre! |
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Murder at Spindle Manor by Morgan Stang SPFBO9 SPFBO Finalist SPFBO Winner Mysteries abound in Spindle Manor. For Huntress Isabeau Agarwal, the countryside inn is the last stop in a deadly hunt. Armed with gaslamp and guns, she tracks an insidious beast that wears the skin of its victims, mimicking them perfectly. Ten guests reside within Spindle Manor tonight, and the creature could be any one of them. Confined by a torrential thunderstorm and running out of time, Isabeau has until morning to discover the liar, or none of themâincluding herâwill make it out alive. But her inhuman quarry isn't the only threat residing in Spindle Manor. Gunshots. A slammed door. A dead body. Someone has been killed, and a hunt turns into a murder investigation. Now with two mysteries at her feet and more piling up, Isabeau must navigate a night filled with lies and deception. In a world of seances and specters, mesmers and monsters, the unexpected is hiding around every corner, and every move may be her last. |
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Deathbringer by Blake Carpenter Inga Alenir is a Swordbearer. She is the latest in a long line of women to inherit a magical weapon called Deathbringer. She's also dead, murdered on her wedding day by the ruthless and covetous noblewoman Yenda Avard, who steals the sword after killing Inga and her entire family. And yet, some secrets won't stay buried. Deathbringer has a will and a consciousness of its own, and even has the power to raise Inga from the dead for a short time. It warns her that she has one week to find and retrieve the sword before death reclaims herâpermanently. With each day bringing her doom and final demise ever closer, Inga will have to see just how far she's willing to go to achieve her vengeance. DEATHBRINGER is a compositional mix between the violent, grisly hunt for revenge in the film THE NIGHTINGALE and the tale of Vasher and his talking sword Nightblood in Brandon Sanderson's WARBREAKER. Fans of dark fantasy, of tragic love stories and tales about seeking revenge against long odds will enjoy this debut novel by Blake Carpenter in the world of Agareth where a scorned, young widow fights back against the powerful elites that wronged her, and begins a journey that might turn the entire world against her. |
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Candle Children by Michael Baker A dark flintlock fantasy set in a city haunted by more than just ghosts.âšâšBluejay, the orphaned son of a disgraced knight, has dedicated himself to protecting Rosettaâs poorest from the city's many spirits. Alongside Beth, who knows all the old songs and stories of the city, he can outwit or outrun any spirit. But he has never been hunted by an emperor. When disaster strikes the emperor unleashes death on the city, sending in his fearsome personal guard to massacre those least able to defend themselves. Bluejay must turn to the very spirits that have been haunting him for help. They already have his soul, now they want something else. The spirits have been playing their own game. One where orphans and emperors are both pawns. As the city teeters on the edge of destruction Bluejay discovers that there is more power in the old stories than he ever realised. Enough to overthrow an emperor or doom an entire city. Contains violence and adult language. |
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Beyond the Filigree Wall by Melissa Wright A dark curse. A deadly secret. The ill-fated girl at the heart of both. Antonetta Ostwind is about to get everything sheâs ever wanted. If all goes to plan, sheâll end the fae, steal back what was stolen, and win the post sheâs always dreamed of in time to dress for supper. Thereâs just one problem. His name is Gideon Alexander. Gideon holds the key to her coveted post. Heâs fantastic with a sword, looks amazing in uniform, and commands even the adoration of his great, beastly dog. Heâs living the life Etta needs. Gideon doesnât believe Etta should have any of it. In fact, heâs planning to make sure she never does. And thatâs a real problem, because if Etta canât take her post as marshal, how can she have her vengeance and save the kingdom from the prince of the fae? Slow-burn with sweet kisses with properly stabby heroines--these regency and fairtyale inspired fantasy standalones are perfect for fans of Enchantment of Ravens and Little Thieves. |
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Trial of the Alchemist by Trevor Melanson Auroraâs greatest entrepreneur has been murdered, and only the truth will save Alchemist Ortez from the gallows. Facing a heated courtroom of strangers, he must now recall the events that brought him here as a fellow alchemist probes his memory. Such is the job of alchemists: administering elixirs in order to see into the minds of men. Their dreams. Their nightmares. Their secrets. But while everyone believes him guilty, Alchemist Ortez knows what they do not. He was hired by the victim for a job unlike any they could imagine. Nor would they ever guess what other mysteries lie buried beneath the mountain metropolis of Aurora, a cave-enclosed city where countless gas lamps illuminate the endless night. Trial of the Alchemist is a gaslamp mystery rife with twists, adventure, and romance. |
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Night Demon by Stephen Wolberius Lilian, a thirteen-year-old factory worker in an industrialising town plagued by a serial killer, can see an invisible affliction within other people. When her search for her missing best friend ends with a confrontation with a demon â and learning that the affliction turns humans into demons â another demon named Lucian saves her life and promises answers. Her first clue is that demons are responsible for the many murders. Unfortunately, Lilianâs new lead has problems of his own â Demon Hunters, who claim Lucian is the serial killer and who see Lilian as an accessory. Night Demon tells a claustrophobic gaslamp fantasy and horror story with a dark fantasy twist and edge-of-your-seat suspense. If you're a fan of classic American and British horror fiction but also like dark fantasy world-building and epic fights, you're in for a treat. What can you expect from reading Night Demon? A strong female lead discovers that she needs to confront her mortality as well as her morality. Fast-paced, engaging and brooding at once. Plenty of unexpected twists. Well-developed characters, both major and minor. Language magic called Elilim, based on proto-indo-european, Mycenean and proto-Semitic languages. Set in Victorian times and written in the King's English, the classic gaslamp fantasy British horror fiction atmosphere. Classic strong prose, but that doesn't take away tempo. Demons and Vampires with compelling and terrifying worldbuilding and lore behind them Inspired by deep Saxon ghostly folklore. Tragic, tense and emotional. Terrifyingly brooding, doom impendent and action-packed story structure that will never bore... A satisfying ending! |
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The Wickwire Watch by Jacquelyn Hagen ***WINNER OF THE 2023 REALM AWARD FOR BEST DEBUT NOVEL*** ***2023 REALM AWARDS FINALIST FOR BOOK OF THE YEAR*** ***AWARDED THE INDIE B.R.A.G. MEDALLION*** TRUST NO ONE. It's the first and greatest rule Inkwell Featherfield ever learned. It's also the only way he knows how to surviveâbesides picking pockets, dodging the law, and using every ounce of his plucky charm. But none of this will be enough to save him now. If only he'd never snooped around a dead man's house. If only he'd never found that pocket watch full of strange magic. If only he'd known the old man had snuffed it at the hands of the ghostly Spektors, or that such dark spirits even existed, because now they're after him. When Ink is approached by an enigmatic group offering to keep him safe, he acceptsâonly to discover his rescuers are a band of infamous fugitives. Who knew they had a flair for winemaking? Or a penchant for sing-a-longs? Thrust into a world of arcane horrors, powerful politicians, and dangers on every side, the boy has no choice but to finally break his rule and decide who to trust. But with all the secrets, magic, and mystery thickening around himâand the stakes so much higher than he ever imaginedâit might just be downright impossible. The Wickwire Watch is the first book of the epic fantasy series The Riverfall Chronicles. For more information, visit jacquelynhagen.com. |
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The Fall Is All There Is by C.M. Caplan SPFBO9 SPSFC 2023 SPFBO Finalist All Petre Mercy wanted was a good old-fashioned dramatic exit from his life as a prince. But itâs been five years since he fled home on a cyborg horse. Now the Kingâhis Dadâis deadâand Petre has to decide which heir to pledge his thyroid-powered sword to. As the youngest in a set of quadruplets, heâs all too aware that the line of succession is murky. His siblings are on the precipice of power grabs, and each of them want him to pick their side. If Petre has any hope of preventing civil war, he'll have to avoid one sibling who wants to take him hostage, win back anotherâs trust after years of rivalry and resentment, and get an audience with a sister he's been avoiding for five years. Before he knows it, he's plunged himself into a web of intrigue and a world of strange, unnatural inventions just to get to her doorstep. Family reunions can be a special form of torture. |
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The Werewolf of Whitechapel by Suzannah Rowntree Murder, monstersâŠand a disreputable Victorian ladyâs maid. A killer stalks the grimy streets of Whitechapelâbut Scotland Yard seems determined to turn a blind eye. With one look at her best friend's corpse, Liz Sharp already knows the truth: the killer is a werewolf. No one important will hold a werewolf accountableâafter all, the monsters rule Europe. Certainly, no one will believe a werewolf victim like Liz: the very scars that make her determined to investigate Salâs death also condemn her as the sort of female whoâd sell her blood for easy money. As it happens, Lizâs best hope for justice might well lie with her emotionally repressed employer, Princess May. Though the princess has connections with werewolf royalty, thereâs no one else Liz can turn to. Certainly, she canât risk trusting the irritatingly personable Inspector Short, who dogs her steps from the slums of Whitechapel to the palaces of St James. But as corpses mount up, Liz discovers that no one is precisely who she thought: not Sal, not herself, and certainly not the werewolf. Luckily, she has a few tricks hidden in the pockets of her trusty bloomers⊠The first novel of Miss Sharpâs Monsters is a witty historical fantasy adventure, perfect for fans of The Parasol Protectorate or Pride and Prejudice and Zombies! Pick up The Werewolf of Whitechapel and join Miss Sharp on the uncanny streets of Victorian London⊠|
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The Lady Jewel Diviner by Rosalie Oaks Diamonds, Death, and Devonshire tea⊠in a magical Regency England Miss Elinor Avely's proper upbringing cannot prepare her for the tiny, spinster vampire who crashes into her sitting room and demands to be fed with a sheep. Elinor already has enough troubles without having to catch ruminants. First, her secret gift for divining jewels has landed her in scandal, exiling her from London society. Second, a nobleman of dubious repute wants her to find a cache of smuggled jewels, hidden somewhere along the Devon coastline. Last â and worst â she is invited to cream tea at the local manor. And while the autocratic and magnificent Earl of Beresford might be there (and perhaps the jewels themselves too), Beresford is the last person Elinor wants to meet over cream tea. When a dead body is discovered along the cliffs, of course, such delicate considerations become secondary. Fortunately, Elinor now has a small vampiric chaperone â even if said spinster has a habit of appearing stark naked â and together they are ready to risk the hard questions. Where are the jewels hidden? Who killed the smuggler? And just when is the cream tea being served? The Lady Jewel Diviner is the first book in the Lady Diviner series, set in Regency England with generous servings of magic, manners, and romance. |
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Warlock of Muscovy by Brien Feathers When words fail, bring out the guns, swords, and death spells. Marina is the daughter of Tsar Alexander the Cruel, the most powerful warlock. She's also a princess of the Court of White Rose. The only problem is that she's mundaneâshe has no magic. On her sixteenth birthday Marina fled from her father's tsardom to the revolutionist side of Muscovy, and five years later she's doing all right, working as a seamstress in the United Workers' Factory. Despite the political police, the never-ending witch hunt, and her best friend living as an orange cat, she's happy. She gets along with her cottage mates and is even seeing a guy... until the city blows up, she's implied in the sabotage, her guy turns out to be an enemy, her friends are murdered, and an alchemist maniac hunts her down for a blood vendetta. With the Red Army and the Alchemist Federation on her heels, Marina runs back to the Court of White Rose, but when death follows her home she must uncover a prophecy, reconcile with the warlock, and stop an oncoming war. It's a tall order for a seamstress. The first book in the Sun War Trilogy, this intensely dark tale of magic and mayhem is full of grey characters that blur the line between good and evil. Content warning for strong language, graphic violence, and intimate situations. |
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The Heron Kings Rampant by Eric Lewis The Vril has changed everything. The kingdom of Greater Argovan stands on the verge of an industrial age ushered in by the mysterious energetic substance. But revolutionary technology brings revolutionary ideas. When Master Alchemist Castamar's apprentice is wounded by a terrorist bomb, he demands answers. Cast's search leads him to the Heron Kings, folk heroes of old thought lost to history and legend. But some legends die hard. Ellyx, the band's thief and forger, joins Cast to hunt the terrorists down and plumb the depths of his past for clues. When they learn that fanatics led by a shadowy Duchess have devised a terrifying variant of Vril that can decimate cities, Cast and the last of the Heron Kings must race to prevent mass destruction. |
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Salt in the Wound by Benjamin Aeveryn Our world is lost to time. Only our myths remain. Once rain was a symbol of hope and harvest. Now it brings only death. Humanity survives in sheltered cities and canvas-covered towns. Travel between these patches of safety is rare and dangerous. Itâs what Galahad lives for. But while seeking a lost cache of saltâa fortune he plans to use to build a shelter over his hometownâGalahad is betrayed by the friends he holds dearest. They leave him for dead. Unfortunately for them, he lives. Torn between seeking justice or revenge, Galahad knows one thing for certain: that treasure is his, and heâll do anything to reclaim it. |
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The Heart of Jesparia by Alex Hanson Eight years ago, Amii ended a civil war in her country when she became sovereign with the help of a guild of warriors called The Men of the Mark. Now, as a plague sweeps through their capital city leaving enough unrest to give Amiiâs uncle an opportunity to challenge her rule, Amii finds herself at odds with the guild in her greatest hour of need. This time, she must trust her own strengths if sheâs to cure her people and defeat the usurper, but thereâs one Man of the Mark she canât help but lean on, the one whoâs been at her side from the beginning and stolen her heart along the way: her Master Shield and personal guard, Aro. Aro was appointed as Amiiâs protector by his guildâs leader when she became sovereign, but falling for her was never part of the job. Just when he decides to finally act on the feelings heâs found for her in their years together, illness strikes and leaves Aro disabled. Heâs not sure he can protect Amii anymore, and a bitterness grows in his heart that threatens to end their relationship before it begins. As Amiiâs partnership with the guild becomes strained and her uncle makes his move to overthrow her, Aro must find the strength to fight with her or walk away and let someone else stand beside his sovereign and the woman he loves. **Each book in this series is a standalone romance, but conflicts, side characters, and plot elements often carry over into future books. Though these books can be read individually, you'll get the best experience if you read them in order.** |
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Fierce Heart (Elven Alliance Book 1) by Tara Grayce Essie would do anything for her kingdomâŠeven marry an elf prince she just met that morning. When a diplomatic meeting goes horribly wrong, Essie, a human princess, finds herself married to the elf prince and warrior Laesornysh. Fitting in to the serene, quiet elf culture might be a little difficult for this talkative princess, but sheâs determined to make it work. With impending war and tenuous alliances, it will be up to Essie to unite her two peoples. And maybe get her hands on elven conditioner while sheâs at it. |
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Elf Prince (Elven Alliance Book 7) by Tara Grayce Farrendel would do anything to keep from killing again...even marry a human princess. Farrendel Laesornysh, the younger elf prince of Tarenhiel, has become the elves' foremost warrior, thanks to his deadly magic. He is no stranger to death. But when the humans propose a marriage alliance during a diplomatic meeting, he is desperate enough to avoid more killing to agree. Even if an elf should never trust a human bargain. The human princess is probably a spy. Or an assassin sent to kill him on his wedding night. Yet if he can make this marriage work, as his grandmother seems to think, it might be the first breath of hope Farrendel has had in over a decade. Elf Prince gives Farrendel's perspective on the events of Fierce Heart (Book 1). |
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Shield Band (Elven Alliance Book 6) by Tara Grayce Julien always thought he knew his duty...until an arranged marriage upends his future. Prince Julien of Escarland was the kingdom's spare. His duty is to quietly stand in the background at his brother's side, protecting him and his heirs. When it becomes clear that one more marriage is needed to secure the three-way alliance between the kingdoms of Kostaria, Tarenhiel, and Escarland, Julien agrees to an arranged marriage with a troll. He doesn't know their language and he might not be strong enough to fit into their battle-focused culture, but other than that, how bad could it be? As King Rharreth's shield sister, Vriska is duty-bound to protect him and his queen. But she never expected her duty to include a marriage with a human. An empire-hungry kingdom is lurking, seeking any weakness in the alliance. Will this final bond keep the alliance from crumbling? Can Julien and Vriska find love in a union based on duty? Return to the snowy mountains of Kostaria in this installment of the bestselling Elven Alliance series, a no-spice, humorous fantasy romance / romantic fantasy featuring elves and arranged marriages! |
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Pretense (Elven Alliance Book 5) by Tara Grayce Essie and Farrendel are living their happily ever afterâŠuntil Farrendelâs greatest secret leaks to the Escarlish press. With his reputation set to be forever ruined, they race to do damage control. Yet, an even greater danger lurks behind the leak, threatening more than just Farrendelâs reputation. To save his brother-in-law and rescue the alliance, Prince Edmund of Escarland proposes a fake courtship to Jalissa, the elf princess who has broken his heart not once, but twice, even if she doesnât know it. Edmund and Jalissa struggle to unravel the conspiracy, save Farrendel, and attempt to keep their fake romance from becoming all too real. It might be more than this spy prince and elf princess can handle. From the pen of best selling author Tara Grayce comes the next installment in the Elven Alliance series, a no-spice, humorous fantasy romance / romantic fantasy series featuring elves and happily ever afters. |
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Troll Queen (Elven Alliance Book 4) by Tara Grayce Essie has her elf back...but his mind is still stuck in that dungeon. The war is over. A peace treaty has been signed. But Farrendel and Essie still have a battle ahead of them. Will Farrendel be able to build a new life with Essie now that he no longer has a war to fight? Melantha has ruined her life and the lives of all those around her. Now that she finds herself far from home and married to a troll who was once her enemy and captor, can she figure out what love and honor truly mean before it is too late for all of them? Not everyone in Kostaria is happy with peace or with their new elven queen. If Rharreth and Melantha cannot find a way to bring peace to their troubled kingdom, war threatens not only their happily ever after, but Essie and Farrendel's as well. The epic adventure and slowburn romances of the Elven Alliance series continue in this clean, romantic fantasy perfect for fans of K.M. Shea and Kenley Davidson. |
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Death Wind (Elven Alliance Book 3) by Tara Grayce Essie should be planning her happily ever after, not planning a war. Although they once were enemies, the humans of Escarland and the elves of Tarenhiel have allied to fight the trolls from the far north. But alliances are tricky things even in the best of times, and with Farrendel, the elvesâ foremost warrior and Essieâs husband, captured by the trolls, the circumstances appear dire indeed. But Essie wonât give up, and she will make her two peoples work together to fight this war if itâs the last thing she does. One way or another, she will get Farrendel back, no matter what it takes. The Elven Alliance series continues in this epic, no spice fantasy romance / romantic fantasy adventure featuring elves and happy endings. |
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War Bound (Elven Alliance Book 2) by Tara Grayce Marriage to an elf is complicatedâŠespecially bringing him home to meet the family. Princess Elspeth of Escarland married the elf prince and achieved peace between the elves and her human people. But after a recent ambush by the trolls, it is clear the trolls are trying to start a war between the elves and humans once again. To keep their peoples at peace, Essie and Farrendel travel to meet Essieâs family and negotiate peace. Yet in Escarland, not everyone is happy with peace. Traitors lurk in both Escarland and Tarenhiel, and it will be up to Essie and Farrendel to flush them out. The consequences of failure might be more personal and deadly than they fear. |
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King of Tricksters: Fae Fantasy Romance (Fae Tricksters Book 2) by S. L. Prater Rain clings to life by her fingertips. Sheâs lost too much blood. The assassin circles her, waiting for her to succumb, but Rain made a vow to her mate, the Duke of Night. She promised him the head of his enemies, and she longs to seat him on the empty throne. Night only offered her a marriage of convenience. Now sheâs determined to win his heart and keep hers beating. Succumbing just isn't in the cards. The looming war between Seelie and Unseelie threatens to overwhelm all that she holds dear, but Rain has a will unmatched by death. When knocked down, she always gets back up again. She'll search through the mysteries of her past to recruit every available ally. She'll face each adversary who threatens her new unconventional family with her dagger in hand and her demon familiar at her side. The duke doesnât believe in love, but Rain just might trust in it enough for the both of them ⊠|
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Court of Tricksters: Fae Fantasy Romance (Fae Tricksters Book 1) by S. L. Prater The fae Duke of Night doesn't believe in loveâbut he'll claim his mate nonetheless. Mating is a matter of politics for Night, not the heart. To prevent a forced union that will plunge the Lunar Court into war, he must find and bond his true mate. When he lays eyes on Rain, he knows the shy forest witch is the bond mate he's been searching for. Unprepared for the intensity of his attraction, Night makes an offer that would keep his priorities straight and his court safe: a marriage of convenience. Any eligible womanâmortal and immortal alikeâwould leap at the chance to become the powerful duke's bride. But Rain isn't interested. Sheâs lived outside of society too long to ever fit into Night's world of shapeshifting tricksters and back-stabbing politicians. And Rain demands more than the trappings of marriage. She wants a match with heart. Night doesn't have the luxury of time to change his mate's mind. War looms closer and the Lunar Court is caught in the middle. Out of options, the fae duke sees only one choice. Kidnap his bride. |
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Street Witch: The Complete Trilogy: Steamy Fantasy Romance by S. L. Prater A bold witch. A reluctant ruler. A forbidden love that will challenge an empire. Marnie is a gifted witchâbut magic has a mind of its own. Left unrestrained, it will always misbehave. When a demonic curse threatens Lord Bran, a man sheâs loved since childhood, Marnie uses her abilities to save him. After years of suppressing their feelingsâknowing the relationship is prohibited by the Church of the Clothâthe two succumb to their passion. Her growing power triggers a dangerous political warâand their relationship is doomed before it begins. Now the couple must decide whether to keep their love a secret or face imminent persecution . . . knowing they may not survive. |
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Whispers in the Waters by Sarah Chislon Ladies donât shame their families. Ladies donât confront Otherwordly threats. Ladies certainly donât admit some taint of the fae has touched their soulsâunless they wish to find themselves confined to an Institution. Gently-bred herbalist Jessa Caldwell is trying to be a lady. She conceals her true nature amongst her plants and her sketchesâwhere she can almost shut out the whispers she alone hears. But a threat to her beloved aunt forces her from the comfort of home to a town perilously near an Otherworldly Crossing, with its ever-present risk of fae incursions. To protect her aunt and the townsfolk she comes to care for, she must uncover the individual responsible for a series of increasingly dangerous attacksâbut to find this saboteur will require embracing the part of herself she fears most, an act that could cost her dearly. In a world where Vigilists lock up fae-touched mortals, Jessa must decide if sheâs willing to risk exposing her true nature to obtain the truth and protect those she loves. Whispers in the Waters, a gaslamp fantasy novella, serves as the prequel to Tattoo of Crimson, the first book in the Blood of the Fae series. If you like quick-minded heroines who solve cases with logic and intuition, beautiful yet deadly fae, and Otherworldly intrigues, then youâll love this mystery set in a world of manners and mythical monsters. |
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Tattoo of Crimson by Sarah Chislon Society, suitors, andâŠserial murders? As much as she desires to please her family, gently-bred herbalist Jessa Caldwell has no intention of making a suitable matchânot when sheâs seeking the truth about the taint of the fae that lies within her. If sheâs to escape the madness brought on by fae-touch, she must devote her energies to seeking a cure. But then mysterious tattoos begin to appear on the citizens of Avons. None recall receiving these harbingers of death, but all die at the hand of an untraceable killer days or weeks after being marked. When the tattoo appears on her beloved mentor, Jessa seeks the Magistry with information on the caseâyet they refuse to consider her findings, so she must risk both social censure and her own safety to hunt for the killer herself. Her one possible ally represents her greatest fearâthe encroaching Otherworld consuming her mindâand may well undo all her efforts to control her fae-touch. Yet if she forsakes the offered aid, the killer will go free. Something sinister stalks the streets of her city, and she must decideâŠhow far will she go to stop the killing? Tattoo of Crimson, a gaslamp fantasy novel, is the first book in the Blood of the Fae series. If you like quick-minded heroines who solve cases with logic and intuition, beautiful yet deadly fae, and Otherworldly intrigues, then youâll love this mystery set in a world of manners and mythical monsters. |
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The Baron's Ghost by Kyro Dean Christina Rushing, a baroness and spy, is no stranger to the darkâher late husband can attest to that. But when she takes an espionage job for a shipping mogul and ends up double-crossing the nation of Oceana, she finds herself gun-deep in trouble that could destroy her plans to escape the suffocating life of a gentry. Whatâs worse, the late Baronâs name has appeared on an active shipping schedule, though he should be six feet under. Determined to make sure the despicable man is dead and find a secret worth selling, Christie heads to Ravensworth followed by deadly shadows. There, she learns her first love, Charlie Blackwell is tied up in her dirty work, too. As ballgowns and whispers devolve into bullets and secrets, the lady-turned-spy becomes a spy-turned-pirate. In a fast-paced political intrigue plot that aims for her heart, Christie must navigate backstabbing colleagues, snotty gentry, hidden caves, blazing guns, poison quills, the occasional assassin, and a dashing manâs knack for rekindling her heart. But the real trick isnât necessarily how to stay aliveâitâs how to keep her blasted gloves clean in the process. |
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Stormborn: A Steamborn Novel by Eric Asher A throne claimed. A city reborn. A family broken. Thanks to the help of Jacobâs Titan Mechs, much of Belldorn survived the battle that ravaged its shores. But the war is far from over. Demands to chase Ballernâs surviving forces across the sea meet more resistance than Jacob could have imagined when Lady Katherine ignores her alliesâ protests and shifts her focus to reinforcing the city. Alice knows theyâll need to grow their numbers if theyâre going to stand a chance against Mordair on the other side of the Crystal Sea. Their hopes rest on Furi bringing the Skyborn into the fold. But Samuel has another plan that will take them back to where it all began ⊠behind the towering walls of Ancora. Whether they await Mordairâs return or bring the fight to him, their survival once more depends on Jacobâs allies. As hope begins to fade ⊠so come the Stormborn. |
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The Doctrines of Fire by CL Jarvis Edinburgh, 1779. An academic rivalry turns deadly. George Stephens is a lousy medical student. Lacking the social and financial resources to succeed in Edinburghâs elite medical school, his dream of becoming a physician appears over before it began. Then George comes to the attention of two famous professors, William Cullen and Joseph Black. Medical students are dying mysteriously - the professors suspect a disgraced former student is to blame - and they need Georgeâs help uncovering the truth. Believing the partnership will bolster his academic standing, George agrees. Their investigation pulls them into the murkiest, most dangerous corners of Enlightenment Edinburgh. The professors are secret wielders of fire magic, but their foes are courting even darker forces. With violence threatening to erupt, and George struggling to navigate this confusing city, getting justice for the dead will be harder than he imagined. Ninth House meets A Declaration of the Rights of Magicians in this thrilling fantasy debut from CL Jarvis. |
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Speakeasy Times by M. W. McLeod Vinny's living it up on easy street. His crew's latest job hitting the police station for their confiscated booze will keep his speakeasy running for a few weeks, and, with that success, he's cemented himself firmly in the hierarchy of the family. When he received an invitation to dinner between the lords and the Queen of faeries, he knows that the crown will be his, only to have his world suddenly turned on its head with news of the line of succession. Now, Vinny finds himself torn in two directions. Do what is right by the monarch or back the uncle he owes a favor. If he chooses wrong, everything he's built will crumble at his feet, and buying out comes with an impossible task. He must figure out how to dodge the FBI, break into the most secure bank vault he's ever seen, and avoid a mythical creature even the faeries don't believe exists anymore. |
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The Children of Chaos (The Cruel Gods #2) by Trudie Skies WHEN THE SAINTS CALL, THE SINNERS ANSWER. Chaos stalks the steam-powered city of Chime and threatens the existence of the gods and their domains. Kayl swore to protect Chime's mortals from their gods' cruel whims, but when she agrees to represent the mortals of a god long thought dead, Kayl is thrust into a political role that goes against everything she's ever stood for. As the newly appointed ambassador to the god of time, Quen's goal is clear - protect Chime and the domains by any means necessary. But as the gods make their demands, Quen is caught between his loyalties and his conscience. To ensure a future for all mortals, Kayl and Quen must unite the gods against the threat of chaos and decide what they're willing to sacrifice for Chime - before the gods choose for them. For the gods are capricious and have their own divine plans. The Children of Chaos is the second book in The Cruel Gods seriesâa gaslamp fantasy featuring magical portals, gothic cosmic deities, quaint Britishisms, and steampunk vibes. This is an adult book containing strong language and mature themes that some readers may find disturbing. For a full list of content warnings, visit Trudie Skies's website. |
