Diminished by Erica Rose Eberhart

A queen haunted by ghosts. A dragon cursed in human skin. A kingdom on the brink of war. In the aftermath of her father's death, Queen Greer stands at the edge of grief and revelation. Magic—once forbidden—has returned to Wimleigh, but so have enemies. When a prophetic funeral warns of rising death, it sets into motion a chain of events that will test the mettle of queens, heirs, and warriors alike. As Greer grapples with panic attacks and the vengeful ghost of her father, her sister, Caitriona, struggles under the weight of monstrous expectations. Bearing horns, scales, and the voice of a dragon in her mind, Caitriona must lead a secret mission with Ailith MacCree—now a royal guard—north to find a lost prince who could stop a war—if he’s willing to fight. But treachery weaves through the forests, poisons creep in, and fae assassins lurk in the shadows. With kingdoms falling to darkness, an ancient tree bleeding out its final life, and bonds shattered by betrayal, Wimleigh’s hope rests on a dragon no longer afraid to rise. When magic is reborn and monsters wear crowns, who dares to lead the charge?

Tarnished by Erica Rose Eberhart

An outlawed magic, a hidden curse, and a love tested by fire. In the struggling city of Braewick, a determined 20-year-old gate guard named Ailith MacCree longs for a chance at financial stability and adventure. Little does she know, her wish is about to come true. She accepts a mission from Princess Greer that promises both: escort Princess Caitriona to the Endless Mountains to meet the enigmatic hermit for a great financial reward. Ailith jumps at the opportunity and bids goodbye to all she’s ever known. But as they journey together, Ailith discovers that Caitriona holds a dangerous secret—she possesses powerful magic in a kingdom where magic is outlawed. Ailith and Caitriona face mysterious attacks and supernatural challenges. But as they delve deeper into the treacherous landscape, Ailith learns of Caitriona's tragic past and the dark curse that threatens her very existence. With rebellion brewing in Braewick, and the oppressive king hot on their trail, Ailith must not only navigate her growing feelings for Caitriona, but also fight against relentless foes. As they race against time to stop the curse, Ailith and Caitriona uncover shocking truths about their kingdom, their families, and themselves. Will their burgeoning romance survive the trials ahead? Can they break the curse and save their homeland from tyranny? Join Ailith and Caitriona on a thrilling quest filled with magic, danger, and heart-pounding adventure. Fans of high-stakes fantasy will not want to miss this epic tale.

Blade of Broken Scales by Makayla Marie

With the dawn of her eighteenth birthday, Princess Adeline of the Ambrose family has become the most eligible young woman in the Kingdom of Scalebreak. As suitors from across the realm line up for her hand-in-marriage, Adeline daydreams about her dangerous midnight adventures. More than anything, she wants to protect her kingdom and learn to harness the brief moments of power she’s been collecting since she was fifteen. She’s never felt more alive than when her body hums with magic stolen from the deadliest creatures in the realm, and she’s willing to kill for it. What will win out – her desires for power, freedom, and to be hailed as a protector of the realm, or the sense of duty to her family and the expectations that come with being a princess? Burdened by the heavy weight of her decisions and overwhelmed by suitors, Adeline turns to what she does best, slaying dragons. But when an average night of ruthless hunting goes wrong, she finds herself injured and kidnapped by the clan she thought to exist only in legend. After just a few hours with her kidnapper, Roman Drache, Adeline finds herself questioning everything she has ever known. Will the princess submit to the whims of family and country in the name of duty, or will Adeline choose to embrace the power within arm’s reach and learn to fight for the truth she has cowered from her whole life?

The Blacksmith's Boy by Bruce Buchanan

Bok Omat thought his place in the Kingdom of Imarina was settled. The 19-year-old served as his rural community’s healer and helped in his family’s blacksmith’s shop. It was an unremarkable life in Imarina’s peasant class, but as long as his parents, sister, and young nephew were safe, a fine one under the protection of the Inishari royal family. But when an ancient spell threatens Bok’s family and the safety of the entire kingdom, he answers an unlikely summons from Princess Isabella to join her in protecting all they cherish. Despite their vastly different pasts, Bok and Isabella become close friends as they race to counter this deadly incantation and the mysterious mastermind behind it. Bok learns secrets that force him to reconsider all he has ever known about the world and his place in it. But will this knowledge come at the price of his life, Imarina’s freedom, or even his burgeoning friendship with Isabella?

Name Her Holy by Aubrey Ennis

Where the weave between worlds thins, a long buried shadow rises from its grave among the stars and seeks vengeance on the Vale. A Herald has been named to mark its ascension— a woman resurrected by The Seeker’s hand and placed in the pious care of the Vigil Order. A once disgraced daughter of her noble house, Kye Liatris is crowned a living saint, one tasked with stopping the coming cataclysm. Kye has lived on borrowed time since, aiding the Vigil while quietly enduring worsening ailments. When a strange blight brings death to the valley of Jude Arendell’s home village, she finds herself swept up in the Vigil’s fight. But in taking up her mother’s sword, Jude learns that her family legacy was not as it seemed. As stars extinguish and the threads that bind the Vale swiftly unravel, so do the long trusted stories of history past. Now Kye and Jude must decide whether to follow their divine callings or scorn the gods and place their trust in each other. Book One of the Hallowed Duology.

Whispers of the Storm by Z.B. Steele

REDLIN OF THE WOLVES VANGUARD, LEGEND, ASSASSIN, REAPER Listen to my story I wasn't always the monster they see me as. Half of the songs they sing are stories of my grandeur. The other half are tales of my misdeeds. The sad truth is that they're all true. So, listen to my tale and learn why it all happened. Learn the reason for the war, the reason for all the death. Listen to my tale and listen well. I won't be alive long enough to tell it again. A moody, banter-laced, violent, and poetic framed story - Z.B. Steele presents Whispers of the Storm, book one of Song of the Damned.

Of Hollowed Stars by Rowyn Adelaide

𝗡𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗘𝗦 𝗘𝗖𝗛𝗢. When Gavrel vanishes into the twisted depths of the Nether Void, Seryn has no time to grieve. While dreams blur into nightmares and ancient power stirs within her, she unravels a prophecy rooted in her bloodline. Part demi-Ancient, part Nightshade, she may be the key to restoring—or destroying—the balance between realms. 𝗦𝗢𝗨𝗟𝗦 𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗡. Though their souls are bound by a golden thread, even fate-woven ties can fray. With the Fates tightening their grip, Seryn and Gavrel face the truth of their bond: prophecy or choice, sacrifice or salvation. Together, they'll forge a path unwritten by the stars … and hope their love can endure the Void. 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗦 𝗖𝗢𝗟𝗟𝗜𝗗𝗘. Across shifting nightmare-scapes and corrupted cities, Seryn must gather unlikely allies, awaken celestial magic, and confront the Ancient of Nightmares before the aether claims them. And in the chaos of colliding stars, she'll risk everything to save a world already slipping into the darkness beyond.

Of Blooming Embers by Rowyn Adelaide

𝗘𝗠𝗕𝗘𝗥 𝗦𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗞𝗦. As Seryn pieces together long-lost memories, dreams twist into reality, revealing truths more perilous than the nightmares she once feared. Forced to flee, Seryn and Gavrel embark on a search for answers—not only about the fate of those she loves, but also the mysterious power coursing through her veins. 𝗣𝗔𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗜𝗚𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗦. Although Seryn can’t forget how Gavrel once ripped their budding love from the roots, the feelings they once shared refuse to stay buried. But what shadowed secrets does Gavrel continue to hide? Truths that keep him from claiming what he wants the most. 𝗙𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝗕𝗨𝗥𝗡𝗦. Whispers of rebellion rise, and stunning prophecies take root. Seryn never asked to be a pawn in Fate’s cruel game—but if she refuses, the mortal realm will perish. In a decaying world where lies masquerade as truth and power demands sacrifice, Seryn must reclaim the shattered pieces of herself before fate ravages their world. Because once you breathe life into ember, the inferno doesn’t just burn the wicked—it consumes everything.

Noxious by Ayrton Silva

After the incidents in her village, Lina has a new goal: to journey to the city of Vrysta and become a Slayer. On the surface, it looks like it will be simple. A short trip, followed by a test, with her dream practically in arm's reach. She couldn't be more wrong. A series of mistakes upon arrival sees Lina not only failing the test, but being forbidden to take it again. Stranded in an unfamiliar city, now she must find a way to get by. More importantly, she has to find a way to keep her dream alive. She knows it won't be easy. Vrysta is a sprawling city, and the obstacles she has to navigate are just as daunting as the city's size. Slayers are stranger and messier than they seemed. The only familiar thing is the curse, the ever-present threat that Lina's world can fall apart at a moment's notice. Ironically, that curse is the very thing that Lina wants to fight.

The Backwards Knight by Matthew Siadak

When the magic that can shape the world is tainted, can hope survive? Centuries have passed since The Paladin outlawed magic in the sequestered lands stolen from the elves, but eldritch forces rarely remain sealed forever. This ancient magic seeks hosts, marking mortal flesh to herald devastation. An old knight clings to the hope that he can discover why magic has returned corrupted. A frightened farm boy marked by magic must escape the knights hunting him. An elf bound in service to The Paladin stalks mages to bring them to justice. Destruction binds them, but can it also save them?

The Paragon by Molly Collier

HARDSHIP BREEDS HEROES. PEACETIME INSPIRES PARAGONS. When the sacred artifact at the center of his society becomes mysteriously corrupted, Doha, a brilliant and reclusive engineer, is tasked with the greatest challenge of his career: dealing with other people. That, and solving the mystery to fix the Mirror before the complete collapse of his community. Isla, a talented mage reeling after the devastating loss of everything she’s ever known, becomes the sole keeper of dangerous secrets that could crack the crooked foundation upon which her nation was built. She's finally found something and someone to fight for, but sinister forces may prevent her from finding peace at last. Through love, loss, and loyalty, Isla, Doha, and the family they’ve found will see their convictions challenged as they fight to protect those they love and that which they believe in. In a beautiful disaster of complex characterization, imperfect people learn to understand themselves and each other, all while life as they know it hangs in the balance. The Paragon is an epic fantasy charged with science, romance, and mystery, perfect for fans of Blood Over Bright Haven, Attack on Titan, and Naruto Shippuden.

Physical Magic by William C. Tracy

**Book Bloggers' Novel of the Year 2025 Semi-Finalist!** Welcome to the Shifting Lands. Silluka was born with only one arm and could never practice the exacting motions to summon the favor of the gods. Caught stealing, she is forced to test her powers or be branded an outcast. She fails, and loses citizenship to her village. In a fit of desperation, Silluka tries to steal a badge of citizenship from a mysterious elder, but instead, Elder Quilqi shows Silluka a different path to gain the powers of the gods, aided by an octopus-like technological wizard who worships their own eldritch divinities. Time is short for training however, because a new island is speeding toward the coastal town, throwing deadly hurricanes and tidal waves before it and threatening all who live there. Only the gods and godlike storm warriors protect the village from destruction, but all of them fail when a mysterious creature bursts through the wall. It's only one forerunner for a species of terrifying fast, deadly, and ready to invade the larger island. The village must flee inland before the invasion, while Silluka is weighed down by her outcast status and her brother’s failing abilities. To save herself, her family, and her village, Silluka must overcome stigma and self-doubt. She must learn the scope of the world outside her village. She must learn Physical Magic.

Tavern Tale by Kristina W. Kelly

What if the side quest is really the main quest? Divine, a healer of the Goddess of Souls, has chased the thief who stole her talisman across half of Trelvania. The talisman is the key to accessing her magic well, and without it, she is powerless. While chasing her betrayer, former girlfriend, and servant of the Goddess of Condemnation, Divine meets Saph, a flirty tavern owner with an eyepatch and a proposition. Saph will help Divine locate her talisman if Divine helps her complete a mysterious quest in a chest. Inspired by RPGs and set in scenic autumn, prepare for an adventure with gods and goddesses, deceitful exes, axe throwing, and fantastical creatures. Can Divine learn to trust again and find romance in the middle of finding her magic?

Ronin: Dark Eclipse by Brandon Theseira

After fleeing Japan, from the hands of the Dark Order, the Ronin have arrived in the war-torn country of France. Ronin: Dark Eclipse is the second instalment of the ‘Ronin’ series and continues the story of Ethan and the Ronin as they meet new allies and face off against the Dark Order once again. As the day of darkness looms ahead the Ronin must fight harder than they ever had before to save not only France but the entire world. The whole world hangs in the balance of the Ronin. The Ronin will have to face off against not only the Dark Order, but their new recruit, Kara, too. But she might not be who she thinks she is.

The King's Time (The Brass Machine: Book Three) by Isaac Grisham

Damian Traynor leaves home for the first time, hoping to escape grief by throwing himself into his art. Not long after he departs, disaster falls upon his home. From a distance, he watches as friends, family, and history disappear in flames. Worst of all, he believes himself responsible. Now, the only hope to fix everything is the brass machine. Stuck in a strange land, Damian encounters the demon Gokko, who bends his will and alters his life's trajectory. With the demon's unique powers, he makes it his mission to kill the Yokai, siphon their magic, and force the brass machine into submission. In another place and time, Kitsune and Myobu celebrate their reunion. Plans are disrupted when the brass machine alters their path. Together, they learn the story of Tsukumogami, relive past traumas, and discover the truth of Kitsune's father, King Oni. The pieces of history fall into place, and Kitsune and Myobu find themselves hurtling on a collision course with Damian and Gokko. As past and present intertwine, the evil plaguing Kitsunetsuki becomes clear. All must work together alongside the brass machine to rid the world of malice for good.

When Blood Burns by Andrew Stevens

Magic is fading. The ancient races have all but vanished. Humans and dragons remain, a fragile peace offering a brief respite in their ancient struggle. On the outskirts of human lands, twins Kai and Mara still remember the deaths of their parents, murdered at the hands of a rogue dragon when they were young. Eager to avenge their family, they’ve sworn fealty to the Order, a legendary group of warriors who wield the magic of the dragons’ own blood against them. The problem is, that source has long since dried up, and the twins question if their true purpose has dried up with it. Until the rumors begin… Whispers speak of a strange sighting in the mountains, a group of hunters waylaid by a woman with inhuman qualities—her scarlet eyes burning with vengeance, her voice planting dark thoughts in the minds of men. Her arrival speaks of a new conflict, one with roots that extend far deeper than any in the Order could possibly know. And somehow, Kai and Mara seem to be at the very heart of it. Peace will not last. Vengeance will not rest. And before all is over, blood will burn.

The Man With The Broken Sword by Christopher D. Brand

His legend is spreading, while his enemies are circling. But even a broken sword can be deadly in the right hands. After surviving his clash with the powerful Lord Chancellor and the Knights of the Holy Order of Robera, a weary but relieved Hale finally returns home to the capital Tylkin, ready to put his recent ordeal behind him. But he finds a city in mourning for the King's traitorous minister and rumours swirling about a notorious swordsman known only as 'the man with the broken sword'. As he quickly discovers, notoriety has its dangers. And when one of the Lord Barthelme's guards fails to report for duty the investigation takes an explosive twist, as once again Hale finds himself pursued by deadly enemy agents bent on revenge in this thrilling, swashbuckling fantasy sequel.

Sword of Vengeance by Chris Adams

In a land under siege by an immortal warrior mage commanding a ruthless empire, a desperate mission to rescue a kidnapped prince could save the world—or doom it. Magic, monsters, and betrayal collide as the journey reaches beyond the mortal realm—into Death’s domain—while gods stir, demons rise, and long-buried secrets threaten to destroy everything. Sacrifices must be made as the battle between light and darkness begins—with twists no one sees coming. Sword of Vengeance follows Guardian Knight Gerald Caelen as he confronts dark forces in a high-stakes race against time. As a newly sworn knight in the order once a victim of Adrian Zartun’s betrayal, Gerald must now face the immortal warrior-mage responsible for destroying his family and an entire empire. Accompanied by wizards, warriors, and a mysterious assassin, Gerald journeys deep into the heart of the Videronian Empire to rescue Prince Richard Calladorus before he is sacrificed in a dark rite that will grant Zartun ultimate power over the mortal world. Along the way, Gerald will battle demons, confront ancient secrets, and wield magic he barely understands, as he and his companions discover that the fate of heaven and hell itself may hinge on the success of their quest.

Shadow of the Elders by Will Elm

When a drought strikes the continent of Bas, family and friends are ripped apart, ancient grudges are revived, and a strange magic is sought that threatens to plunge the world further into chaos. Three people—Savique, Vaten, and Ajeau—search for a way back to each other. But each step they take casts them deeper into a world of mystery and danger. To survive, they will be forced to partner with old enemies, escape imprisonment, and fight against evil. Little do they know, their journeys are being watched by a powerful force. One that promises a reunion. And so much more.

Shadows Lost by B.K. Cavaleri

A curse that drove a queen mad. A heroine that failed to stop her. A shifter that refuses to give up. A world that needs them both again.

Fallen Knight by Ceril N Domace

Leon Quinn has two goals in life: stay out of the reach of the Templesbane and drink himself unconscious whenever he can afford it. The first is because the Templesbane wiped out his home and family among the Knights Vigilant when he was a child, destroying everything he knew and loved in one night. The second is to help him sleep when the memories of the first overwhelm him. But he can’t avoid his past forever. His mercenary work has brought him back to Mezeldwelf, the city he fled to after the downfall of the Knights Vigilant, and to his estranged father just in time to get embroiled in a scheme that threatens the very foundation of the city. A scheme that could see Mezeldwelf, its people, and its gods handed over to the Templesbane. To protect the city and man that adopted him, Leon will need to confront the ruins of the life he left behind and the horrors that threaten the life he’s cobbled together since then.

Heart and Blood by Amelia Winkle

Heart and Blood is the mythic tale of Diane, a warrior, told through poetry. While each poem can stand alone, the verses of our heroine and The Bard tell a story of victory, love, and loss when read together. Join Diane as she transforms from a peaceful but lonely young woman to the predestined heroine the gods mean her to become in this inspiring fantasy adventure poetry anthology.

Cataclysm: Triskellion Saga Book Three by Rodney W. McWilliams

Angela, Daxxe, Sierra, Tara, and Eli prepare to face off with the ultimate evil under Velis’ guidance, battling Erim and his ranks. He isn’t getting his hands dirty, drafting a new avatar with unfair advantages. To win, all he has to do is eliminate Angela, and his avatar has the ability to do it. The sisters are honing their skills, figuring out how best to fight, when Erim takes an underhanded blow at their family, trying to tear the heroes apart from the inside by using their own emotions against them. Angela is trying to step up as she weakens, troubled to her core. The trail is leading them back to where it all started, but now a shadow agency has picked up on the fallout. They are pursuing Angela, unsure of her intentions or threat potential, becoming aware of the secret war for humanity threatening their very existence. CATACLYSM is the sequel to DEMONS and the conclusion of the Triskellion Saga trilogy. It’s a freefall without a chute, making you hope the next page reveals something to catch you in the end. Are you ready to face the challenge?

Demons: Triskellion Saga Book Two by Rodney W. McWilliams

The killing of the homeless has stopped, but not the killer. Joe Anderson, Angela’s old partner, is following a trail of death across the United States, unsure of what he will find along the way, but not convinced Angela is dead. Angela, on her path to becoming an avatar, pursues Trokar with Daxxe, trying to catch him before he can set his new plan into motion. She battles with her own self-doubt with the help of some new allies, and the resistance of new adversaries. Destiny leads them to the birthplace of evil within the realm and the final showdown―but not all of them will survive. The fate of the world hangs in the balance as they fight the forces of evil. DEMONS is the sequel to SCOURGE and the second book of the trilogy. The ride isn’t over yet!

Toshie the Hero and the Orbs of Destiny by Eric Koziol

A second life. A fantastical world. A truckload of trouble. Toshie’s dead—and that’s just the start of her troubles. As a former bank teller from Pennsylvania, she’s in no way qualified to become the hero of a fantastical land. So when she wakes in Vara Elma and is tasked with saving a princess from a dragon, Toshie knows she’s in over her head. Handed a sword and joined by a band of misfits, things go from bad to worse when one of her companions is slain by the dragon. A dragon Toshie soon discovers is the princess’s lover, not her captor. Confronted with the possibility that Vara Elma doesn’t need heroes, Toshie is forced to question why she’s been given a second life at all. Questions that become all the more pressing when she meets other formerly dead people just like her. As Toshie gets into trouble well above her paygrade, she fears she’ll never get her answers—and that her second life will be shorter than her last. Toshie the Hero and the Orbs of Destiny is the first exciting fantasy novel in the Toshie the Hero series. If you love isekai stories, witty banter, and a heaping dose of adventure, get transported into Toshie’s story!

Hammer of Gath: A Tale of Rehavan by Justin Rose

“The blow struck in anger always returns to the striker.” In a time millennia before the Golden Iris reigned supreme, before Salinor and the race of men ever dreamed of nationhood, the elven empire of Elisidor stands as Rehavan’s greatest power. To their east lies the ocean, to their west lies Gath, the sprawling democracy of the minotaurs, their only option for expansion. As both nations grow and swell, one lusting for mineral wealth, the other for fertile land, differences in belief and custom become divisive. Factions rise desirous of conquest. A chance misfortune sparks bloodshed, and as this bloodshed increases, two blacksmiths from opposing cultures find themselves thrust into prominence, living out their personal grudge on the stage of international war. The war ravages Rehavan, casting doubt upon ancient customs, religious teachings, and ideals, and ultimately posing the question: What is the nature of power? * * * Hammer of Gath is the first novel in the "Nations End" series.

Ageless Part 2: A Tale of Rehavan by Justin Rose

“Most men would need a century to justify one hour of their life.” In a stone keep in Gath Moran, Hefthon sits and scribbles—histories, ramblings, songs. His immortal blood stirs in his ancient veins. He longs for risk, to hazard the life that comes so cheaply. In Elisidor, in his fortress Ordúil, Belisari sits and combs black dye into his hair, plasters pale cream on wrinkling skin. His time dwindles. He dreads risk, to hazard his numbered seconds. He longs for lost immortality. When an elven scholar named Ta’Hrada shakes off the dust of his libraries and leads elven Elisidor in rebellion, Salinor’s emperor calls on Aeschulin, the new master of Gath Odrenoch’s Guards, to put down the fledgling revolt. In turn, Aeschulin enlists the service of two very different men—his brother Hefthon and Belisari, an old and almost forgotten friend. *** Ageless: Part II is the third and final novel in the “First Immortals” series and a sequel to Ageless: Part I.

Ageless: Part 1: A Tale of Rehavan by Justin Rose

Monster Hunters. Such is the trite name given both in reverence and in scorn to the family of Reheuel. Nearly a hundred years have passed since the recovery of Ariel’s Tear, and still they spend their immortal lives as guards, only now of a nation rather than a city. Bastard. Such is the name held by Belisari, a strange and ageless miner toiling in the earthen bowels of backwater Serendin. For fifty years he has labored in obscurity, weighed down by the unmet responsibility of his high birth. When the Monster Hunters of Gath Odrenoch pass through Serendin, Belisari grasps at his first chance to find something higher, driven by the guidance of an unknown god and the conviction of his hidden heritage. What follows is a journey which shakes the faith of immortals and rattles the cages of oath-bound gods. * * * Ageless: Part I is the second novel in the “First Immortals” series and a sequel to Ariel’s Tear.

Ariel's Tear: A Tale of Rehavan by Justin Rose

"Beauty is always worth protecting." Set in the fictional world of Rehavan, Ariel's Tear tells the story of Reheuel, Captain of the Guards in the small human city of Gath Odrenoch. An aging soldier haunted by memories of his bloody youth, Reheuel lives a sedate but contented life with his family. Disillusioned with warfare and the glories of his nation's conquests, he raises his children to value beauty and the wonders that enrich their lives. His peaceful world shatters, however, when a tribe of goblins threatens both Gath Odrenoch and the nearby Fairy City. Intent on saving his family and on protecting the innocence of the childlike fairies, Reheuel sets off on a journey to save both cities. Lifting his sword once more, he rediscovers the true cost of earthly beauty.

People of the Stone by B. M. Thompson

When worlds collide, the alliance between Peretos and Bellum—cities long ago sundered—is renewed. War preparations begin in the combined army of the Joiners of Peretos and the soldiers of Bellum. Their goal is to eradicate the menace of the Stone People. While the coalition is a beacon of hope, darkness festers at its heart. Across the Wasteland in the wake of the Uprising, Jorisfell's families remain broken as bereft parents brave the Wasteland to find their exiled children and bring them home. Those left behind continue digging into the stone, fighting for survival in the face of new dangers. The mysteries of Eleytia's past deepen as the search for the cryptic Restoration prophecies ranges from the record rooms of Bellum to the bowels of the Wasteland. When opposing cultures collide, secrets are revealed and age-old, fanatical convictions are upended. Who—or what—is at the heart of these prophecies? Will the answers bring restoration? Or destruction?

Legend of the Stone by B. M. Thompson

A thousand years ago, the Ruination turned Eleytia to stone. The sky burned red, the waters became toxic, and the animals changed into monsters. The humans unlucky enough to be caught outside the safety of their city walls mutated into the deadly Stone People. They now seek to scour the last of humanity off the face of Eleytia. Pockets of humanity scratch a meager existence out of the stone Wasteland, unaware of one another and unsure if they are the only humans who survived the cataclysm. In these disparate cities, a young woman is exiled, a defiant soldier deserts a cruel army, and a childless mother vows to save her family. Stories are told of the mythical—possibly supernatural—Joiners and the amazing feats they once performed. Like the living things that tell them, fables are transformed with age, becoming more confusing and conflicting with each passing year. Are the Joiners Eleytia's salvation? Or the curse that caused the Wasteland in the first place?

The Elf Witch by Jacquelyn Gilmore

For fans of One Dark Window and From Blood and Ash comes a haunting, slow-burn fantasy romance about villains. It follows a formerly magicless elf as she suddenly comes into powers that her kingdom has never seen and the duplicitous prince she must bargain with to save them at whatever cost—even her soul. After her grandmother's execution, a formerly magicless elf is suddenly the most powerful witch in her village. Magic is disappearing, though, and Imani is thrust into the treacherous court of her kingdom, forced into trials against the most lethal witches in the world. As she unravels the perilous plan her grandmother plotted before her death to save magic, Imani unwittingly dives deeper into a web of magical and political intrigue that puts her on a collision course with dangers beyond anything she imagined. But Imani is harboring illicit knowledge of her own—a forbidden dark magic that’s getting more difficult to hide by the day. Now, she must decide whether to make herself a threat and an enemy to her country or risk becoming a pawn and the realm losing magic forever. Stuck in this predicament, Imani sees only one path forward: a dangerous deal with the duplicitous prince—one she might be falling for.

Of Wolves and Stags by Ria Parisi

Tidesend is a simple village. About as boring as can be. Perfect for someone who needs to hide away. Someone like Dalia Arrowwood. She is a Crystalline, a living weapon granted magic through elven experimentation. Three very simple rules have kept her alive: stay as far north as she can, stay put for her sister to find her, and never use her powers. The final rule is the most important of them all. At seventeen, Dalia is no stranger to waiting. She has spent the last decade of her life concealing her true self to stay safe, but safety has a way of feeling like a cage. When Glenn Cahill, a human freedom fighter, washes up on the shore of her humble village, Dalia is faced with a choice. She can break the rules that so far have kept her alive or leave him to die. Unable to remain stagnant any longer, she chooses to use her magic to save his life. This choice not only exposes her to the world that views Crystalline as abominations but allows her to join the resistance in their fight to find the only hope of the humans ever winning their freedom from the elves: the last cache of magical crystals. A shadowy masked figure from Dalia’s past haunts this task, as a fearsome band of elves hunt the ragtag group. Wielding magic of their own, stolen from the hearts of other Crystalline, they change the search for the crystals into a deadly race. The comforts of her cage left behind, Dalia must learn to navigate a world that is set to see her as either one of two things: a weapon to be used or a monster to be feared.

Dandera: Thunder Underground by H.T. Schwartz

Dive Into the Depths of Dandera - An Inner-Earth Fantasy Adventure In the aftermath of the Civil War, Thomas Lloyd, a spirited young mine manager from Kentucky, is driven to breathe new life into his beleaguered town. But as townsfolk vanish without a trace, his quest for answers thrusts him into the mysterious underworld of Dandera—a place where ancient myths pulse with life and hidden cities glow with wonder. Within this vast cavernous underworld, Thomas finds himself entwined in an epochal clash—a war echoing with the primal forces of love and fear. Guided by the enigmatic Pharli, a princess of the radiant Ash-Asha, Thomas's journey becomes more than a quest for the lost but a pilgrimage of the soul. The strings of destiny whisper of a time prophesied where humanity's path would hinge upon a collective choice. Amidst this strife, where the machinations of the shadowy lord Kalaron threaten to tilt the cosmos into eternal darkness, it is upon Thomas and his new friends to tip the scales of fate. Dandera weaves subterranean fantasy, epic romance, and the stark realities of war into a rich tapestry of transcendental adventure.

Vengeance Borne: Book Five of New Blood by W.D. Kilpack III

January 2025 Editor's Choice, BooksShelf.com The future of Mankind relies on the Guardian of Maarihk. Can Natharr, Ellis the Elder, and the Knights of Ril endure tragedy to stave off Mankind's dark future? The past and present collide, forcing Natharr and the rest of the Rilari to struggle with the consequences of their absence, past choices, and the power of the Usurper’s vizier left unchecked for far too long. The strain proves too much for some, requiring hard decisions to prepare for a dark future racing toward the Guardian of Maarihk, Ellis the Elder, and the Knights of Ril. All that two generations of Guardians have planned from what their Sight revealed is on the brink of failure. They split their forces to race against time, gambling that thinner numbers will endure on diverging paths toward victory. Meanwhile, Nathan fights to deal with great loss and a change of course in his life in the Maarihk Empire as it plants new seeds yearning for a single goal: vengeance. "W.D. Kilpack III writes an outstanding new volume! In Vengeance Borne, the reader is brought right back into the New Blood Saga. If you haven't read the volumes before it, I recommend that you do. You get a better understanding of the characters, their growth throughout this epic saga, but also who is important, and who may just be in the background, but everyone has their purpose in the story. I am a big fan of this author, and especially this saga. It is a long story with a lot of needed detail and it is full of action, twists and unpredictability. This story is a definite attention grabber, so much I couldn't put it down! It is a gripping and incredible story. It is always an honor to read Kilpack's books. It's a great plot to follow and try to figure out what will happen next. Natharr once again has to save humanity, or at least mankind, as it is dependent on the Guardian. This story brings the past and present to the forefront, and sparks definitely fly! Some are determined to keep their world, while others may be defeated. Vengeance Borne is a definite recommendation!" — Amy's Bookshelf Reviews

In the Name of Honor by Courtney & Clarke Collins

What would you risk to save someone you loved from a fate worse than death? A half-elven princess, grieving the loss of one father and fearing for the other. A loyal guardsman, torn between his oath to the king and her safety. And a creature so bent on revenge, he’ll make the world kneel to hurt them all. Of all the messages Dimitar’s carried, he now delivers the worst of all: vile Corrupted creatures have returned and murdered the king’s best friend. The king leaves to seek retribution, and gives Dimitar an order he doesn’t expect: guard the princess, Kaleela. When Corruptors then kidnap her father, she insists on rescuing him. Dimitar must break his vow to keep her safe in the kingdom, and together infiltrate the enemy’s lair… unless the Corrupted capture Kaleela first. Fans of epic fantasy with romance will fall into this character-driven world and thrilling new adventure, where a rescue mission turns into a chase, and only the princess or the king can be saved.

The Owlbear and the Omens by Aengie Scevity

Imperial Princess Phosphoria of the Zekzterian Empire is desperate to survive the inevitable culling of her father’s harem, when an opportunity arises. In the conquered land of Great Leven, her dying brother is an heirless king until Phosphoria wins the right to his throne. To secure her rule, Phosphoria announces a tour of the country and trials for her hand, but when servants and nobles alike are murdered, she discovers that the harem she escaped might just be the key to stay the infighting. However, a queen’s harem will be no easy feat as the lords of Great Leven will never accept the proposal and Phosphoria is unable to lie; she is Blessed by the Owlbear, forced to see and speak only the truth. Further complications arise from rebels loyal to the usurped royal line, and the reappearance of the true heir: the Lost Prince Osbeorn Auber of Great Leven, whose coming was foretold in omens upon the wind. By marrying many, Phosphoria runs the risk of marrying the murderer in her midst, but she must fight tradition if she is to succeed against the rebels, the murderer, and the lords of Great Leven itself. As for Osbeorn, he must come to terms with the darkness of his past before he can look to the future of his country.

Into the Fiery Woods by Riley Taylor

On Lady Guinevere’s twentieth birthday, she shall be wed to the elderly Lord Arthur, and she doesn’t even know. When Prince Stark discovers this, he knows he must save his beloved. They’ve not been allowed to speak one word to one another since they turned thirteen, but consequences be damned, he finds a way to meet with her. However, the plans they made in those fleeting secret meetings are disrupted when Gwen arrives at his bedchamber in the dead of night, covered in blood. Upon fleeing the castle, they travel to the dangerous Land of Flames, a lawless land governed by the magic of an ancient mage, long since dead, hoping to find safety from his father on its outskirts. There, they uncover a dark conspiracy, and embark on a mission to save the kingdom from the king’s treacherous knights. The fate of all in Ailon rests upon their shoulders, and with their closest allies, they must risk everything to prevent the fall of the kingdom. Into the Fiery Woods is a romantic, queer, and dark fantasy that follows a group of determined young people fighting to save their kingdom from peril, but also, to reshape it for the better.

Eyes of Time by Riley Taylor

Zuri wants nothing more than to protect what family she has left, her younger brother, Emin. When she meets the kind-hearted Kai, they finally escape the grasp of Hideki and try to make the most of their new ‘normal’ life. Zuri and her found family come together through training missions and travel to the Village of Trees, a place with a terrible secret down below, the Orchid Palace, where a princess is trapped in the same day she disappeared, and a deep dark ravine with a deadly spell over it. Driven by the desire for revenge, Zuri vows to take down Hideki, while keeping her family safe. To do that, she needs to get stronger. For now, she and her friends must stay alive and work to uncover the truth about their city before it's too late…

And the World Crumbled by Aldrea Alien

No escape. No defence. One chance. Who'll make it out alive? Everyone knows that Demarn’s spellster tower is the safest place to be for those with magic. The site is shielded by mountains to west, by allies to the north, and their kingdom's army in the south whilst the whole kingdom stretches between them and the magic-reviling people patrolling the sea to the east. And yet, the enemy has breached the gates. They’ve issued no demands. Only death. Fleeing the tower and the ultimate demise is the one choice left. There is but one way out and the enemy holds more power than anyone could possibly anticipate. For those trapped within, their whole world is about to crumble.

To Target the Heart by Aldrea Alien

How can he win with the odds stacked against him? Prince Hamish has no interest in fulfilling his duty of marrying. Not to a woman, at least. That doesn’t stop his mother, Queen Fiona, from presenting him with every eligible noblewoman that enters their castle. He’s certain it’ll be no different with the representative of the Udynea Empire. So when they do arrive, Hamish is relieved the imperial prince, Darshan, is not the woman everyone expected. Until the man kisses him and Hamish is confronted by the very emotions he has been forced to conceal or be punished for. Emotions he is eager to explore. But the kiss proves to be a little too public and leads his mother to take drastic measures to ensure Hamish adheres to her family vision. The contest of arms will force Hamish to make a choice: give up his happiness for convention’s sake or send the kingdom spiralling into civil war for the right to love his own way.

Relentless Blades by Russell Carroll

Cross the wrong men and meet their blades! Unable to find his lost brother, and wracked by guilt, Grimlock toils as a scout in a frontier town while plotting where to search next. All the while, yearning for acceptance from the townsfolk who hate him because of his race. The peace he craves always eluding him. Vigilanton relishes the respect and fear he garners throughout town. It is a stark contrast to his treatment in the knighthood. But serving at the local crime lord’s whims and tarnishing his honor gnaws at his soul. Is he the failure his father always claimed? An ancient scepter’s discovery threatens to tip the balance of power, and the fiendish vragoths are hell-bent on seizing it. When Vigilanton’s knightly brother arrives to uncover the vragoth’s plot, it ignites the fuse on a deadly chain of events from which Grimlock and Vigilanton cannot escape. Now they must confront their haunted pasts and act. Neither sought to be allies, let alone heroes, but spilled blood unites them, propelling them on a bloody quest of vengeance. Vengeance is power! Vengeance is merciless! Vengeance is relentless!

Empty Palace by Joseph S Samaniego

Mages never had it easy, but being dark marked since birth and usually that’s a death sentence. With an innate darkness from within, it’s hard not to be consumed by the voices from the void. As her powers start to take control, Cailin embarks on a clandestine mission for the Shrouded Guild with deadly assassins carrying their own secrets, fighters with blades as sharp as their loyalty, and mages with pasts as dark as the night. Their mission, to stop the rampant magical beast attacks. However, as Cailin’s dark and twisted visions increase and more of the world becomes clear, the magical attacks take on new meanings when the source is discovered. Now the motley crew of killers, and one scholar, has to find a new way to survive an onslaught from one of the most dangerous forces to ever rise from the face of the earth. All in a day’s work… What sort of future awaits the world when the darkest of powers seek to bring chaos into the world? Even the strongest feel weak at times, and even the bravest hesitate, but at what cost? Join Cailin and her motley crew as they journey into the heart of darkness to save their world from a fate worse than death.

Savage Blades by Joseph S Samaniego

The bravest and best knights don't have a name. Famous knights die early deaths trying to make a name for themselves. Those type of knights aren't the type that you need protecting a village of peaceful fishermen. The type of knights you need are the ones with no names, no families, and nothing left to lose. Those are the ones that will do what it takes to defeat bandit raiders or die trying. When a peaceful village is suffering from raids from an army of deserters led by a ruthless man named Sancho, the villagers hire a group of veteran knights to protect them and teach them how to fight back. This group of knights, from different armies and past lives, join forces to use their unique and deadly skills to save the village. Famous knights, or those young pups seeking fame and fortune, need not apply.

Secrets of Urthis by KD Lumsden

In a world where metal sings with raw power, Irwin Miner’s gift marks him as either savior or destroyer. For nineteen years, he survived his father’s brutality in the isolated mines of Urthis. Now his rare ability to manipulate metal has become both a blessing and a curse. Each surge of his growing powers draws him deeper into a realm of ancient mysteries and deadly secrets. When Irwin meets the captivating telepath Yace and her fierce shapeshifting companion Kipp, he dares to dream of belonging. But their fragile bond shatters as Yace vanishes after a devastating encounter with her past. Hunted by the tyrannical Ishik Empire and haunted by shadows that shouldn’t exist, Irwin must master his abilities before they consume him. Every ally could be an enemy. Every choice could lead to destruction. And somewhere in the darkness, Yace’s screams echo in his mind, driving him toward a confrontation that will shake the foundations of Urthis itself. With its unique magic system and unforgettable characters, “Secrets of Urthis” weaves a spellbinding tale of betrayal, redemption, and the price of power. Perfect for fans of Brandon Sanderson’s intricate world building and Sarah J. Maas’s emotional depth. Discover why readers can’t put down this stunning fantasy debut. Let the magic of metal sweep you away on an unforgettable adventure

The Legend of Uh by Aaron N. Hall

Sir Dashing Junior was only knighted because they couldn't knight his father twice. Now he's determined to prove he's worthy of his new title. With an aspiring ranger, an awkward friar, and a book-loving orc, DJ will venture across the territory of Uh to reach the Amulet of the Goddess, proving that he’s truly worthy of knighthood. Along the way, he and his companions will encounter a cursed author, a violent noodle cult, democratic goblins, and a whole lot more. It’s a journey fraught with danger and discovery, and the territory is rich with monsters and magic, so is DJ’s quest for respect really worth the cost?

The Brewmaster's Nephew by Thom Wilson

Tradition is everything to the dwarves of the Oakbrew clan. And for humble barman Baenor Oakbrew, this means serving his family’s legendary Oakbrew Ale to the thirsty villagers of Ekoos. But when Uncle Halgir refuses to sell the clan’s coveted beer recipes and tavern to rival brewery owner Nezasha Wheatshine, she orders her goons to ransack the tavern and steal their ingredients. With his clan’s establishment in shambles and their livelihoods at stake, Baenor, his loyal cook and magical elven friend, Sylandra; his best customer, the old warrior Vegard; and the halfling bard, Finnigan, leave their village behind and venture across Val’Eskaar with the hopes of bringing Nezasha to justice and recovering the four ingredients required to brew their famous Water, Hops, Barley, and Yeast. Can Baenor and his friends restore their tavern before Nezasha’s brewers and their vast distribution network replicate their beer and put them out of business?

Kingdom of Embers and Ruin by N.E. Valla

A continent divided. Rival kingdoms on the brink of war. Fates intertwined. A love that will spark the flame of rebellion. Maude has been running for most of her adult life; from her past and her future. She is an isolated pit fighter who would rather hit first and ask questions later with no other goal than to stay alive in the slums of Logi, the capital city of the Kingdom of Flame. Life had been anything but simple for Maude but it was still hers. But when a charming stranger hops into the fighting pit with her and forces her to face the growing unrest in Logi, Maude can feel the fates swirling around her once more. Herrick is a warrior from the Kingdom of Rivers who is on a mission to help the oppressed, low born citizens of Ahland. A strict believer in the fate that the gods laid out for him, Herrick follows his gut to Logi when dreams of Valkyries and flames plague him. He knows the brutally stubborn woman he finds in the illegal fighting pits is his fate when he aggravates her enough for her to lose her slippery grip on control, revealing her secret. She would be his salvation in this civil war against King Helvig of Logi... and his damnation. When the opportunity arrives for Herrick to persuade Maude to help him search for a rumored weapon that can take down the crooked king on the Throne of Wind and Flames, he quickly discovers that she is as frustrating as she is alluring to the warrior. Her past is a mystery that Herrick wants to unravel but Maude doesn’t give up bits of herself without a fight, even if she feels herself losing that fight every moment she spends in the aggravating warrior’s presence. Tempers flare and desires burn in this enemies to lovers Viking inspired fantasy imbued with elemental magic and civil unrest. Follow Maude and Herrick as they reluctantly work together to free Ahland from crooked rulers and restrictions that have the gods restless enough to begin pulling on the strings of fate, altering their lives as they know it.

The Destined Road by J.M. Testa

Much of Vostheloren’s history is lost. The formerly united realms of men, elves, and dwarves have retreated to separate corners of the world, deeply suspicious of one another. Most remember only war, fear, and a darkness, known as the “horizon of storms,” that bloomed across the seas. Thousands of years have passed since the shadow first appeared, but now the evil, once thought vanquished, lies in wait, threatening to destroy all who challenge it. Tagwen Braithe, newly ascended queen of Yeacralas, the southern realm of men, has taken up the throne after the death of her father. She knows little of her world’s tumultuous past and even less about how to fill her father’s shoes. Many consider her title unearned, so when she answers an urgent call from a neighboring kingdom, she considers it her chance to prove her mettle to the people she is sworn to protect. But as she discovers, her journey will be the beginning of the world’s darkening end and she will be forced to embark on an odyssey that will take her beyond the call of duty and reveal her true destiny.

Wind That Blows From Nowhere by Zoiy G. Galloay

For fans of The Last Airbender and Air Awakens comes an exciting new fantasy infused with magic and romance. A young woman with Mage powers finds herself alone as she combats a secret organization of Mages attempting to conquer the land. When a prince steals her heart, the stakes grow higher and her desperation to keep him safe threatens her own life. Alisio Skylor, an Air Mage, has known about the “Society” for years and their attempts to control all elemental races. The problem is, she cannot stop them on her own. Using a disguise she spends her nights flying on rooftops, protecting a prince from an unseen enemy inside his court, and hoping that he can alter the balance of power. Prince Esko has been blessed with a mysterious masked Mage, who’s rescued him on multiple occasions. After various clandestine meetings, he comes to terms with a threat within his government and his growing feelings for his rescuer. A royal, however, isn’t allowed to marry a commoner, especially one with a controversial background.