A Prince of Song and Shade (A Tale of Stars and Shadow Book 2) by Lisa Cassidy

Darkness rises in the shadows… Emboldened by the effect Talyn Dynan had on the humans of Mithranar, the Shadowhawk redoubles his efforts to make a difference for the human folk of Dock City. But when violence spreads to the citadel in a horrific murder, he finds himself torn between protecting the humans and keeping his identity secret from the increasingly determined prince of night and his Falcon hunters. Talyn returns home to the Twin Thrones to begin rebuilding her life. Yet when the Callanan ask her to undertake a highly dangerous mission, Talyn is faced with a difficult choice—between duty to her family and country and trusting the shadowy criminal she met in Mithranar. As the stakes rise and secrets are uncovered, both Talyn and the Shadowhawk must navigate a web of betrayal and danger to uncover the truth. Because Vengeance isn’t done, and the very survival of Mithranar is at stake. The second book in A Tale of Stars and Shadow is filled with slow burn romance, political intrigue, found family, and epic battles.

Daughter of No Worlds (The War of Lost Hearts Book 1) by Carissa Broadbent

A former slave fighting for justice. A reclusive warrior who no longer believes it exists. And a dark magic that will entangle their fates. Ripped from a forgotten homeland as a child, Tisaanah learned how to survive with nothing but a sharp wit and a touch of magic. But the night she tries to buy her freedom, she barely escapes with her life. Desperate to save the best friend she left behind, Tisaanah journeys to the Orders, the most powerful organizations of magic Wielders in the world. But to join their ranks, she must complete an apprenticeship with Maxantarius Farlione, a handsome and reclusive fire wielder who despises the Orders. The Orders’ intentions are cryptic, and Tisaanah must prove herself under the threat of looming war. But even more dangerous are her growing feelings for Maxantarius. The bloody past he wants to forget may be the key to her future… or the downfall of them both. But Tisaanah will stop at nothing to save those she abandoned. Even if it means gambling in the Orders’ deadly games. Even if it means sacrificing her heart. Even if it means wielding death itself. Fans of epic romantic fantasy like Sarah J. Maas and Raven Kennedy will devour this tale of dark magic, passionate romance, vengeance, and redemption. (Note: This book contains adult material.)

Mage Slave (The Enslaved Chronicles Book 1) by R. K. Thorne

A warrior prince, an enslaved spy, a plot to draw the world to war. Crown Prince Aven Lanuken wants something more than a trophy for a future wife. He wants a woman who will be more friend than follower. A queen who will be more warrior than diplomat. He wants a partner he can trust… with a dangerous secret that’s kept him trapped in a dark mountain fortress his entire life. Mage slave Miara wants something more, too—to find an enemy prince. And not to marry him. She’s just received orders for her very first kidnapping. She loathes the idea of it, and it’s probably a suicide mission. But she has never failed a mission before and doesn't intend to start now. Of all the women in the world, why does he have to fall for the one trying to kill him? Magic, politics, love, and fate collide in the destinies of two people in this fantasy adventure from R. K. Thorne. For lovers of swords and sorcery with a side of romance, Mage Slave is the first novel in the Enslaved Chronicles trilogy.

Rage to Ruin (Champion of Morswen Book 1) by Z.R. Abaddi

A Champion of Morswen… Zeyna was ripped from her reality as a child, torn away from the only boy she ever loved. The Fae reshaped her reality into one of blood and death, pitting her against champions of other Courts. And in a world where only the strong survived, Zeyna knew no defeat. An enemy rises… But when the Night Fae rise up from the dark, they bring with them a monster who might finally be her match. He is stronger, faster, more dangerous than any enemy she has ever faced. And perhaps, the only human to ever strike fear into the hearts of Fae. Fire ignites… As the Courts of Morswen unite against the Night Fae, Zeyna’s burning hatred for him sparks into a passion the likes of which she never dreamed possible for champions of the Fae. But while the monster harbors a great secret that changes everything, she must make the most difficult choice of all. Would she fight to kill him and save her life, or would she dance along the edge of ruin to save her heart?

Mother of Death and Dawn (The War of Lost Hearts Book 3) by Carissa Broadbent

Tell me, little butterfly, what would you do for love? In the wake of a crushing defeat, Tisaanah and Maxatarius have been ripped apart. Tisaanah is desperate to rescue Max from his imprisonment, even as her people’s fight for freedom grows more treacherous. But within the walls of Ilyzath, Max’s mind is a shadow of what it once was… leaving his past a mystery and his future at the mercy of Ara’s new, ruthless queen. Meanwhile, in the Fey lands, Aefe has been dragged back into this world by a king who vows to destroy civilizations in her name. But even as her past returns to claim her, her former self is a stranger. Tisaanah, Max, and Aefe are thrust into the center of a cataclysm between the human and Fey worlds. The unique magic they share is key to either winning the war, or ending it. But that power demands sacrifice. Tisaanah may be forced to choose between love and duty. Max cannot forge his future without confronting his past. And Aefe must decide between reclaiming who she was, or embracing who she has become. The choices they make will either reshape this world forever…or end it.. In the harrowing finale of the War of Lost Hearts trilogy, a tale of romance, magic, vengeance, and redemption comes to a close -- perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Raven Kennedy.

Dagger of Bone (Legends of the Clanblades Book 1) by R. K. Thorne

Who will wield the Dagger—and the dragon? Nyalin of the Obsidian Clan is determined to do great things. Sure, he hasn't inherited a single drop of his mother's legendary magic. And yes, the clan refuses to waste time teaching him. But his mother died so that he could live. He’s not giving up without a fight. Lara of the Bone Clan isn’t one to give up easily either. So when her clan—and her father—demand that she set aside her dreams and marry the cruel and power-hungry heir to the Dagger of Bone? She’ll do anything to escape that fate. Even take a chance on the famous orphan everyone knows has no magic. Even befriend a dragon. Lara thinks Nyalin is arrogant. He thinks she’s rude. The dragon has other opinions. But if they want to embrace lives of greatness, they’ll have to learn to work together. And unravel some dangerous secrets along the way. But they have more enemies than they know. Enemies who won't stop until the empire itself lies in smoldering ruins. A fantasy adventure set in an epic, sweeping universe, DAGGER OF BONE is the first novel in the Legends of the Clanblades trilogy. For lovers of spunky dragons, sword and sorcery with a dash of romance, and the occasional baked goods, you’ll explore a world of deep secrets, political intrigue, and extraordinary magic.

Sacrifice: Book One of y Ddraig [The Dragons of Brython] by Gwendolyn Beynon

528 A.D. Cymru (Wales) Melangell is a ‘Lifebringer’, a dragon-maiden learning to protect one of the land’s most ancient mysteries, y Ddraig. She expects to pass her years as have a score of teachers before her—hidden away, safeguarding an egg that barely moves from year to year, never using the deadly and secret skills she has been taught. But the King’s relentless pursuit of this most holy relic throws her into the middle of war and though she is not yet adept Melangell must enter captivity with the egg to defend the sleeping dragonling within. Her abductor is Cai ap Cynyr—fierce warrior, loyal brother and sword-arm to the high Chieftain, Artwr. He has been scouring the land for the relics Artwr demands to ensure triumph against the Angles invading from the east. Cai uses the Lifebringer’s mystique to master his armsmen, but when he spirits Melangell and the dragon egg further into seclusion, she grows intrigued by her captor. But she is a Lifebringer—sworn only to y Ddraig—and Cai must deliver the dragonling to Artwr to at last drag himself out of his legendary brother’s deep shadow. [Sacrifice is the first in a series of three books based around y Ddraig (the Dragon) set in sixth-century Arthurian Wales, featuring characters based on Welsh myth, literature and/or history.]

Duel of Fire (Steel and Fire Book 1) by Jordan Rivet

Throne of Glass meets A Knight's Tale in this swashbuckling fantasy adventure full of magic, swordplay, and romance. Dara Ruminor is a serious young duelist in the mountaintop kingdom of Vertigon, a land of dramatic cliffs and misty peaks where mysterious Fire magic runs through the stones like blood. The secluded kingdom has been peaceful for a hundred years. Swords are used for sport, and successful athletes live like kings as long as the crowds love them. Eighteen-year-old Dara needs to find a wealthy patron in order to duel professionally and avoid a lifetime working in her parents’ Fire Lantern shop. Her efforts are disrupted when her coach asks her to train with Prince Siv, an infuriating—if handsome—young man who refuses to take the sport as seriously as she does. But the prince’s life may be in danger, and soon Dara will discover that Vertigon isn’t as peaceful as she thought. As threats emerge from the shadows, Dara will have to raise her sword to protect Siv—if he doesn’t irritate her so much that she decides to run him through herself. From the author of the Seabound Chronicles comes a new fantasy series about sword fighting, cur-dragons, molten Fire magic, and one young woman’s effort to prove herself.

The Ruptured Sky by Jessica A. McMinn

Princess Amikharlia likes a fight. Abandoning her homeland, she travels across the ruins of Whyt’hallen to take up the hunt against the mutated remnants of a magical war that killed the gods and tore the sky asunder. But these vicious beasts are not the darkest shadow hanging over Amika's life—it's the forbidden magic she’s hidden since childhood … and what would happen if it were discovered. On the trail of a dangerous mark, Amika uncovers a madman who is more than what he seems. He claims her unnatural gifts are prophesied to restore the goddess to her throne, protecting Whyt’hallen from those who seek to rule in her stead. In return for her help, he offers her training—training that will allow her to control her powers before they control her. But following the prophecy means Amika must relinquish her hard-won liberty … and destroy the world in the process. With a dark power rising in the east, threatening to enslave her people, Amika’s options grow ever slimmer. She must confront her unwillingness to walk the path of destiny’s design—or risk the rise of a malevolent new god. But can she devastate Whyt’hallen in order to save it? --- The Ruptured Sky is the gritty first installment of the dark fantasy quartet, Gardens of War & Wasteland—an epic adventure that blurs the lines between good and evil with a diverse cast of morally grey characters, perfect for fans of Anna Stephens, RF Kuang and Robin Hobb.

A Tree's Heart by Angelika Rust

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The rebellion is not over until its purpose is fulfilled. At the age of six, Ash becomes a Tree – one of the Joined Realm’s elite soldiers. Robbed of his name, his family, and any memories of the time before he took his oath, his loyalty belongs solely to the Realm and its citizens. At eighteen, he’s forced to fight in a civil war, against the very people he has sworn to protect, without ever knowing why. The rebels retreat, but they don’t surrender. Their purpose remains a mystery. At twenty-two, Ash is chosen to serve as the Prince’s Man, guard and guardian of the King’s firstborn son and heir. The rebels return the next day, and Ash faces a host of challenges – protect his Prince or die trying, uncover the truth, and keep or lose his heart.

The Tome of Haren by Damien Francis

The Tome of Haren, a powerful book, made from magic, with vast stores of knowledge, that could shift the balance of a war brewing at the edge of Narean’s borders…and one young man will become the Keeper for all to survive… The nation of Narean is vulnerable. There hasn’t been a Keeper to protect and defend its people for over 150 years. As rumours of war grow, Narean needs a Keeper more than ever. Orphaned since birth, Aeidor has no expectations for life except surviving day to day, so when a legend from old stories claims that he is to be the next Keeper, the powerful champions entrusted with defending Narean, Aeidor must journey farther than he ever imagined in search of an artefact long thought lost, the Tome of Haren. Now Aeidor must contend with elite mercenaries, called Blooders, hired to retrieve the Tome for their mysterious dark master. As the challenges mount and time draws nearer to the war to come, Aeidor questions whether he can live up to the legacy of the Keepers and save the nation of Narean…

Thralls of a Tyrant God by Mars G. Everson

A Dark Fantasy Epic, The God Engine trilogy is the start of a unique and exciting universe, perfect for fans of Brandon Sanderson's Cosmere and Steven Erikson’s The Malazan Book of the Fallen. What would you sacrifice to be free? For Senn, former slave turned rebel leader and now the powerful Herald of the Lord of Greed, the answer was everything. He thought he had left hope behind forever. But when a ghostly child with sparkling blue eyes appears to him, Senn's loyalty is tested. His own God and army turn against him, forcing him to flee into the harsh desert wasteland alone and powerless. But as he searches for revenge and a new source of power, he must confront his past, including the woman he left behind at the mercy of the Forever King and his Chainkeepers. A new path that may lead him to Hope, even if he's not yet ready to embrace it. Will Senn find redemption and a new purpose, or will he fall to the forces that seek to destroy him and turn all of humanity into thralls?

Heirs of War, Ordained by Fate by Mara Valderran

Seventeen-year-old Zelene had never believed in magic or prophecies; until the day she was attacked by an assassin with unnatural powers. Now, her life has been thrust into a war between two worlds she knows nothing about and told that she must fight against an enemy determined to snuff out her existence—all because of some ancient prophecy that claims five girls from her bloodline will unite and end the war between the worlds. The girls are taken back to their home world and discover the ties binding them together. Rhaya has always had an uncanny knack for reading people, but can't seem to unravel the mystery tying her to Isauria, the new friend she bonded with instantly. For years, Isauria has been dreaming of Terrena, a girl living her life on the run in a magical world ripped apart by the tragedies of war, completely unaware that she is psychically linked to the world she was born in. Zelene sees this connection as a prison rather than protection and can think of a place or two she'd like to shove the crown she supposedly inherited. When Zelene finds out her long-lost twin Ariana has been captured by rebels, her attitude changes abruptly. She doesn't know how she can go up against an army of powerful adversaries when her own ability to manipulate the elements remains dormant within her. But time is running out and all that matters to Zelene is rescuing her sister—no matter how much destruction it causes in its wake.

The Story of Evil - An Epic Fantasy Saga by Tony Johnson

The Story of Evil is the first standalone novel in Tony Johnson’s literary universe, The Chronoverse. This book is a giant tome of epic fantasy made up of five volumes ( Heroes of the Siege, Escape from Celestial, Three Visions, The Cursed King, and Battle for the Kingdom ). During an annual jousting tournament, a mysterious villain attacks the capital with his army. Because of this disastrous event, Stephen Brightflame, an aspiring knight, embarks on a quest to save the kingdom from further destruction. He joins up with a convicted felon, an arrogant warrior, and a Halfling woman, but learns their tragic pasts are just as dark and disturbing as his own. This 430,000 word adventure features everything that makes the fantasy genre knights, castles, war, prophecies, magic, monsters, and dragons! Experience a book over ten years in the making!

The Hunter's Lament by Steve Pannett

Infamous bounty hunter Bitter Sweet has led his crew of like-minded miscreants for nearly three decades. They can track and capture any man or woman in the known world…for a price. But Sweet is tired. Decades of pursuing the lowest reaches that humanity has to offer have taken their toll. The grime, the lies, the danger, the death. He’s sick of it all. But it’s the only business he knows, and business is good in the aftermath of a long and bloody war. The unstoppable armies of the Vol Empire have conquered Pratia, obliterating all opposition and occupying the kingdom’s cities as they establish a brutal new order. The Pratian king is slain in the carnage, but his son—the Crown Prince and sole heir to the throne—has vanished. Eager to tie up the loose ends, the new Vol rulers turn to those who know the land and its people the best. Bounty hunters. Against his better instincts, Sweet accepts the contract and sets out in search of the fugitive Crown Prince. But his crew are not alone in the hunt. Danger rides with them every step of the way. Rival gangs, Vol soldiers, deadly trackers and dark magickers are all pursuing the heir to Pratia, too. Soon Sweet and his crew have a choice to make, hunt or be hunted?

Silver Dawn by C M Debell

The magic has been healed, the ambition of Aarkan has finally been defeated, and the dragons have claimed Aarin for their own. But outside the Long Dream, the world lies poised on the edge of chaos. Kinseris might rule in Kas’Tella, but Darred has suborned many in the Kas’Talani Order who have no wish to give up their power, and his invasion of Amadorn has taken him to the gateway to the north itself. Those who survived the siege of Ephenor, who fought with Aarin to reforge the bond between the races, must once more face the consequences of the dragons’ power in the wrong hands. But when Darred’s machinations imperil the emancipation of the dragons, Aarin will be forced to choose between two loyalties, and the resulting conflict could tear Andeira apart all over again. Silver Dawn concludes the Long Dream series.

The Blood of a Dragon by Jack Adkins

Anuka Sandbar is the most interesting half-goblin alive. Just ask him. While searching for his famous father, a roguish young half-goblin swashbuckler and his unlikely companions are enslaved by pirates. An emissary of the Silver DragonLord Augmaximitis buys them and offers them freedom if they can find the source of illegal DragonsBlood flooding the country. They soon discover that success could trigger a war between Dragons that would destray the mortal races. How will they choose between gaining their freedom and dooming the world?

The Girl Forged by Fate by Brittany Czarnecki

A betrayal nineteen years in the making. Seventeen-year-old Ivy Blackbourne wants nothing more than to become a knight and help defend her home from southern raiders, but her father's law forbids it. King Magnus has his reasons for this law and will do anything to protect his family, but it might be too late. The war has spread to the kingdom of Godstone and Magnus is forced to send Ivy away for her protection but also to begin her training. Ivy soon meets a boy named Finn, whose past will links their fates together, and as their relationship grows so too does the danger. King Magnus has been betrayed. His wife is being targeted and his son is being hunted. Ivy soon finds herself fighting for her life trying to get back home, but home is no longer safe. There is one man behind it all, and he'll stop at nothing to get his revenge on the king who took everything from him.

The Rose and the Knight by Luís Falcão de Magalhães

A guilt-ridden knight seeking redemption at the edge of a blade. A would-be emperor on a quest for prophecy. A young cleric finding purpose amidst the deepest darkness. Their stories will shape the future of Elessia for ages to come. Enter Elessia, a land of sword and sorcery, of fiery battles and demonic foes. Heroes will rise and legends will fall in six short stories that set the stage for the epic saga to come. After two thousand years without magic, the Age of Decadence draws to an end. The cycle of death and rebirth strains against the shackles dictated by the gods. Ancient powers stir beneath the mountains. Malevolent beings awaken in long-forgotten tombs. And a handful of humans find a spark of divine power kindled within their breast. Among these are The Roses — avatars of War, Love, and Prophecy.

A Silvery Moon by Luís Falcão de Magalhães

As magic returns to Elessia, so do the undead. A lone monster hunter rises to protect the weak. Continuing the hunt that consumed most of his adult life, monster-slayer Lucius travels to a quiet mountain town to consult with a fellow monk… only to find him dead. When the town’s rulers turn a deaf ear to his questioning, he and his newfound allies set out on their own quest for answers. Their path will take them into the mountain’s darkest depths, where ghastly foes stalk their every step. But what the forces of darkness don’t expect is that Lucius is not just any monster hunter — for he wields the power of the Silver Lady, primordial goddess of Elessia. No darkness shall remain unburned before her silvery light! And yet, a greater power still lies in wait, shielded by the mountain’s secrets…

Mother of the Bond by E C Greaves

"I have witnessed the destruction wrought by dreams... The day of bronze and iron is no more." After brutal hardship and bitter loss, now is the time for victory. But for Zyntael Fairwinter, her Vulkari sisters, and the Bare-Skins they call ally, it is a victory that will come at a price. To stand a chance against the Merchant Combine, Zyntael must venture deep behind enemy lines. There she will learn that theirs is a conquest that transcends mere flesh and empire. With danger all around her, and time rapidly running out, Zyntael will need to draw upon all that she has lived, and all that she has learned, if she is to triumph. And, all the while, she must find a way to keep her new pup safe from those who would see his life and his world consumed by war. For, although she may not be able to write very well, the contracts that Zyntael has made with Sacharr might have spelt her doom and Sprites, alike. After all, whilst the men of Sacharr and the Merchant Combine may each dream of better futures for all, a dream undesired is but a nightmare in disguise. The final instalment in the trilogy carefully weaves the threads first stitched in Daughter of the Beast, and continued in Sister of the Dead, into a rich and satisfying pattern—one that features plenty of action, drama, mystery, and excitement. It will appeal to young adult and adult readers alike, with its diverse and colourful cast of characters, the richly detailed and unique fantasy world of the series, and the moral and philosophical quandaries posed within its pages.

Sister of the Dead by E C Greaves

"Call it ritual or cult, if you will. But it is just business... And the dead have long been our commodity." The Vulkari do not belong within the walls of a city, and Zyntael Fairwinter is no different. So when a perilous quest into the heart of the Old-Reach is planned, Zyntael jumps at the chance to join it. Together with her closest allies, she embarks on a journey to travel beyond the mysterious “Mortuary-City” of Quaresh—to cut off the source of the Merchant Combine’s Necromancy. But there is a reason they call it the Mortuary-City. Between dangerous arcane rituals, pirate attacks, bar fights, and battles—death lurks at every turn. And to make matters worse, only a few short moons remain before Zyntael’s pup is due. The intriguing follow-up to Daughter of the Beast blends action and adventure with the turbulence of soon-to-be motherhood, and the ongoing quest for identity—within a richly detailed and uniquely characterised fantasy world. Sister of the Dead will appeal to both adult and young adult readers, who want their fantasy to balance action, philosophy, and a touch of romance too. The story tackles themes of belonging, self-worth, and one's place in the world, alongside asking the question: what does a Ratling taste like?

Daughter of the Beast by E C Greaves

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Fear not the beasts in your stories — with a stout blade and a stouter heart, become the thing they fear. When her sleepy village is raided by the Vulkari, the fearsome warrior women of the Ancient Wilds, only Zyntael Fairwinter is taken. Claimed as a daughter by their infamous matriarch, Zyntael is trained to hunt, to fight, and to kill—all for a purpose that remains ever out of her grasp. In the company of their unruly young, she might find sisterhood. In their unique customs and beliefs, she might find beauty. And in the violence of their raids, she might even find glory. But it is the reason for her capture that Zyntael truly seeks. It is a truth that must be earned from the very Spirits of the dead; a future paid for in the blood of those Zyntael once called her own. It is a purpose that promises the liberation of not just she, but of all the Ancient Wilds, from an evil far greater than any marauding warrior women. The Vulkari, however, are not like other women. The Vulkari are monsters. And sometimes, only the truly monstrous have what it takes to save the world. Steeped in Slavic Myth, and appealing to adult and young adult readers alike, Daughter of the Beast is a rich and unique fantasy coming-of-age story. It is the first in an exciting debut trilogy by E C Greaves, which blends action and adventure, with themes of belonging, identity, destiny, and a girl's place in a harsh and uncaring world—built for, and by, men.

Idriel's Children by Hayley Reese Chow

Reaping darkness, the Shadow slicked steel with judgment and danced with death… Sixteen-year-old Aza inherited the power of shadow to rid the land of evil as Odriel’s cold-blooded assassin. With her growing strength, Aza discovers the Shadow Plane—a realm of wraiths where screams haunt the winds, calling to her. Although her father forbids her from entering the dark realm, Aza can’t ignore the beckoning whispers. When a dangerous new breed of monster attacks, Aza believes the Shadow Plane holds the answers they need to defeat them. With the unwanted help of a snarky cat and a cursed beast, Aza seeks out the monastic Wraith-Called for answers. But the deeper Aza delves into the dark realm, the further she drifts from the world she knows. As Aza uncovers evils new and old, she must decide if the ends really do justify the means… and how many lives she’s willing to pay.

Time's Orphan by Hayley Reese Chow

Speak of pain, and I’ll tell you of the Time who stole it away… Besieged by war, ravaged by monsters, and crawling with the undead, the land of Okarria is dying. Seventeen-year-old Emara survives by using her modest healing gift to save as many as she can while eluding the invaders who thirst for her enchanted blood. So when a cursed cat saves her life and reveals Emara is the legendary Time Heir the necromancer king’s been searching for, she agrees to act as bait in a plot to destroy him. But when the plan goes horrifically awry, Emara must discover how deep her powers go, what she can change… And what she cannot. Unfortunately, Time Heirs have a history of getting killed, and with Okarria’s future on the line, Emara may have no choice but to follow in her ancestors’ footsteps.

Crown of Nightmares (The Venatrix Chronicles Book 7) by Sylvia Mercedes

Who will live? Who will die? Who will be changed . . . forever? Separated from the Evanderians, Ayleth finds herself alone in the malevolent Witchwood. Or perhaps not entirely alone . . . Confronted with the reality of her living grandmother, Ayleth soon learns that the horrors once ascribed to Dread Odile’s name and legend may not be entirely true. But what is the truth? Could the infamous Witch Queen be a freedom fighter providing hope for those oppressed under Saint Evander’s law? Is she the loving family Ayleth thought she’d lost forever? Or is she the greatest threat the world has ever known? While battling to save their loved ones, Ayleth, Terryn, and Gerard must each face the lies that have influenced their lives since childhood. The final battle is upon them, and the decisions they make will shape the course of destiny. Don’t miss the explosive finale of the acclaimed Venatrix Chronicles!

Queen of Poison (The Venatrix Chronicles Book 6) by Sylvia Mercedes

Betrayal surrounds her. Doom beckons her. Yet she will hunt one last time. Captured, heartbroken, shackled in torturous iron mittens that keep her shade deeply suppressed, Ayleth knows Fendrel keeps her alive for one purpose: She is his only remaining weapon against the resurrected Dread Odile. Once her task is complete, she will be executed. It’s as simple as that. But Ayleth isn’t about to give in that easily. Meanwhile, Gerard is held prisoner in his own castle by his uncle's orders--Fendrel must keep his nephew alive in order to force the ancient prophecy into completion. However, Gerard sees a different path before him, and he is resolved to follow it to the end. As the forces of the Witch Queen wreak havoc across the land, can Ayleth and Gerard come to terms with the truth of their pasts . . . and face their destinies with courage? Don’t miss the penultimate adventure in the breathtaking Venatrix Chronicles!

Tears of Dust (The Venatrix Chronicles Book 5) by Sylvia Mercedes

After two days in isolation, Ayleth still doesn’t know why Fendrel placed her under house arrest. Powerful drugs suppress Laranta deep inside her, leaving her alone with too many unanswered questions. What has become of kidnapped Lady Cerine? Why has Prince Gerard not stepped in to help? What is Fendrel’s ultimate agenda? And, most urgently, where is Terryn? Has Fendrel arrested him as well for the curse he carries? The curse that nearly made him kill Gerard . . . . When a Phasmatrix arrives at the castle with a host of shade hunters, Ayleth fears they have come to test Terryn and, if he cannot be cured, to execute him. But the Phasmatrix has a different objective in view, and Terryn’s life might not be the one most imperiled. Betrayal surrounds Ayleth on all sides, and fiery doom awaits her at dawn. Will she find an unexpected ally amid the coming storm? Or will she face the truth of her past—and its future consequences—alone? Return to the dark and deadly intrigues of The Venatrix Chronicles, where witches wage war against holy orders, friends and enemies are equally treacherous, and secrets long thought dead struggle into light. If you enjoy kick-butt heroines, conflicted heroes, and slow-burn romance ready to ignite, then you will love Ayleth and Terryn’s latest adventure!

Paths of Malice (The Venatrix Chronicles Book 3) by Sylvia Mercedes

Poisoned. Trapped. At the mercy of a ghost . . . She can handle this. A month into her competition with Venator Terryn, Ayleth seems no closer to winning the Golden Prince’s trust. Why else would he call Terryn to serve at the castle on some secret mission, leaving Ayleth to manage the borough on her own? No matter. She’ll prove her worth to the prince come what may. Plenty of mysteries plague the land under her protection . . . including the mystery of Terryn himself and the strange, dangerous talisman he’s been keeping hidden in his room. Her search for answers soon finds Ayleth on the trail of her deadliest foe yet. A ghost from the prince’s past has returned to haunt the present, possessed of a powerful phantom shade capable of walking the dark paths of the Haunts. Ayleth is totally outmatched and unprepared to face such an enemy alone. But when has she ever backed down from a fight? Welcome back to a world where enemies and friends can be difficult to distinguish, where angels are deadly and demons desirable, and shadows of the past loom dark across the future. If you like your heroines brave, your heroes tormented, and your action non-stop, try The Venatrix Chronicles today!

Visions of Fate (The Venatrix Chronicles Book 2) by Sylvia Mercedes

Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Leigh Bardugo, this romantic fantasy adventure will leave you hungry for more. The hunt is on. But who is the hunter and who is the hunted? Ayleth and Terryn survived the Witchwood, but they’re no closer to solving the mystery of the dead shade hunter. In their quest for answers, they discover that a witch has escaped through the Great Barrier and is leaving a trail of corpses in her wake. A murderous witch is only one of Ayleth’s problems, however. Terryn, her infuriating and intriguing rival, will give his all to win their competition. And Kephan, their Outpost Master, conceals more than one dangerous secret. Worst of all, while pursuing a lead, Ayleth finds herself on the hunt for a three-year-old girl . . . a girl possessed by a unique and powerful shade. Suddenly, Ayleth must question the teachings of her Holy Order. Is it always right to kill humans possessed by shades? Even a child? Return to the world of The Venatrix Chronicles, where deadly spirits lurk in the shadows, good and evil wage eternal war, and secrets threaten to tear a kingdom apart. If you love kick-butt heroines, slow-burn romance, breathtaking action, and stories that leave you with a book hangover for days after you finish . . . you need to discover this dark and deadly series. Prepare to turn pages late into the night!

Dual Sword God: Book by Shadowsfinger

A new life starts with the end of another.... leading to the birth of an invincible legend! Born without any talents and suffering a life full of struggles, Feng Yu had thought his life's dreams were only a fantasy, his wish to become a peak cultivator forever beyond himself. Until one day, in a strange ancient ruin, he encountered an accident, one that transported his soul to another world, transforming his entire existence. In the Bright Flame Kingdom, there exists a small town known as Machen Town. A boy of age 15 called Feng Yu was beaten to death by the Xiang Clan's son. Yet, upon his demise, a soul that had traveled through time and space quickly took over the body, merging as one new being. It was the soul of a martial cultivator from another world, also bearing Feng Yu's name. Realizing that he had a second chance at life Feng Yu decided to take in his new identity in full stride. With a series of circumstances, he chose to pursue his goal of reaching the summit of martial arts through the arts of swordsmanship, all while gradually unearthing the powers of his mysterious bloodline and the world around him. This is the tale of a warrior who wields two unparalleled swords! A hero on an epic adventure to godhood! Buy now, and get rocking!

Palon, a Windward novella by S. Kaeth

It’s not easy growing up part of a famous family. Twelve-year old Palon’s magic isn’t strong compared to the rest of her family’s, she has no special talents, and she’s constantly falling short of the mark. Desperate to stand out, she leaves home and bonds a dragon, Windward. But life among dragons and other dragonbonded is not easy. Palon’s refusal to admit to mistakes makes it hard for her to fit in. She’s so worried about proving herself, she pushes people away. When Palon sees an intruder in the nest, no one believes her. Despite her insistence, they explain away her concerns, and soon everyone’s too distracted with a spreading illness to listen. Frustrated, Palon defies her mentor’s instructions and convinces Windward to help her investigate. In order to heal the nest, Palon will have to trust that her newfound family will accept her despite her imperfections. And it begins with immersing herself in the wisdom of the dragon she bonded.

Under an Azure Sky - Elysia Dayne: Book One by Wil Chan

"Love. Loss. Redemption." Elysia Dayne is a renowned hero, mercenary, and monster slayer famed for killing a dragon in single combat. At least, that's how the bards tell it. However, there was a time when she thought that dragons were beautiful. The jaded sword master accepts a job along the unforgiving borderlands to rescue Princess Isabella Solemaine, a prisoner of goblins in the Black Fort. With meticulous planning, nothing can possibly go wrong... It goes wrong, pitching the pair into a sprawling wilderness. Short of supplies, they have to fend for themselves and each other. Can love blossom under such harsh conditions? Meanwhile, a group of Niemirian raiders led by their psychotic leader, Varya, are dedicated to hunting down and killing the princess and her protector. Join Elysia as she traverses an ugly yet beautiful world, exploring the nature of the human condition. The precarious nature of her present is finely balanced, interwoven with a past timeline where a young Elysia faces dangers of a different kind. What is she ultimately willing to sacrifice? An emotional journey fraught with action, and suspense.

Echoes of Bellek by Morrigan Gaines

Memory is a gift. It's also a curse. When Cyrus Arbritrem refuses to marry the crown princess of Osmaria, his father disowns him. He is cast out into the world, plagued by loneliness and memories of his troubled childhood. He’s becoming the man he never intended to be, finding solace in drugs and alcohol. His life is spiraling out of control. It's only a matter of time before he gets caught up in another dangerous situation - one that may cost him everything. Tessa, a fiery woman with a passion for flowers, lights the spark of hope for a better future in his heart. She holds tight to her own secrets as she cares for her ailing father. Secrets that may threaten their budding relationship. Cyrus grasps his second chance, determined to move beyond the memories that haunt his nightmares. His chance at happiness is within reach, but a darkness is rising that desires the power Cyrus doesn’t know he possesses. Will he survive to shine brightly, or will the darkness destroy him? This book contains themes and situations some adult readers may find triggering.

The Rise of Runes and Shields, Book I The Seidr Sagas by JM Stephen

Witchcraft need not be evil. Twins Freyja and Bjorn live in a time when Viking magic, called the Seidr, is deemed witchcraft and forbidden. When their home is attacked by men sent from the tyrannical local earl, who accuses their mother of a murder she did not commit, the twins are forced to flee into the night and onto an adventure to not only prove their mother’s innocence but also set to rights the ills created by the misuse of the Seidr. Along the way, they both make new friends, reunite with lost allies, visit hidden worlds, and learn the true ways of the Seidr, until they find themselves caught in the middle of the never ending war of the Fire and Frost Giants. Bjorn must learn the ways of magic and Freyja the life of the shield maidens if they are to survive.

The Nameless God by Emma L. Adams

Zelle and her allies have returned to Zeuten, but their visit to Itzar left nobody unscathed. Especially Zelle, whose allegiance with the nameless Shaper has given her a burden that might kill her before it lets her free. Rien, meanwhile, has his own battle to fight. Returning to his homeland leads to more than a confrontation with the man who took everything from him, as in their absence, their enemy has seemingly formed an alliance with another Great Power. Invicten, god of illusions, possesses magic that can turn friend against friend and nation against nation - and it might already be too late to stop him working his influence over the other mages of Aestin. While Zelle struggles to protect her nation against the deadly threat across the ocean, Evita is forced to turn to the assassins she once lived with for answers on the magic she took from them.  But the truth is deadlier than she would ever have guessed. War is on the horizon, with the three Great Powers prepared to use the human world as their battleground. And in a battle of the gods, there may be no humans left standing in the end…

Quest by A.J. Ponder

A.J. Ponder's latest book, Quest is a quirky and original celebration of fantasy in the tradition of The Princess Bride, Terry Pratchett's Discworld and The Hobbit. Sylvalla escapes Avondale castle, and the life of a princess, in search of the adventure she’s always wanted. Once found, adventure bites back. Fortunately Sylvalla is not alone – Unfortunately, her new-found companions are less than heroic. Jonathan would rather make money. Dirk would rather live a long and happy life. And at 150, Old Capro would rather stop gallivanting about and harangue unsuspecting students about his glory days over a nice cup of tea. Quest has everything, heroes, monsters, chases, escapes and a complete lack of true love.

Tome of the Vampire by Jason Goss

For over one thousand years after the world was nearly destroyed by the calamity known as Sinfall, the church has helped people recover. The recovery and safety the church gave came at a steep cost. Technology has been lost to the ages and banned by the church. The land is plagued by a terrible curse that threatens to wipe out all life, and the church has no idea how to stop it. Until a chance encounter with a mentally unstable vampire offers an unlikely solution…. Tome of the Vampire is a dark fantasy story set in a post apocalyptic fantasy world filled with magic, dragons, and mystery surrounding the secrets the church has banned people from knowing, and what caused the calamity.

Tomb of the Blue Demons by J.T.T Ryder

The Druid Ambicatos embarks on a journey of intrigue that quickly turns into war, when he arrives in war-torn Italia, under siege by the Carthaginians. While the war rages, Ambicatos falls for a mystery woman some call the Sorceress, who claims she has discovered the sight, the power of the Underworld. Ambicatos must fight friend and foe alike in this epic novella, a prequel to Hag of the Hills, the Bronze Sword Cycles duology. This novella is part of a Celtic heroic fantasy series set in 200 BC.

In Darkness Cast: A Tale of Swords and Sorcery (Shades of Black Book 1) by Jonathan Shuerger

When Hell’s legions invade his homeland, a desperate warrior turns to the only mentor he can find – a bitter champion of the Everlasting Dark. Gideon Halcyon wants nothing more than to save his people from the forces of Hell. Demons and cultists run roughshod over his home, slaughtering and sacrificing to a trifecta of fallen angels on the cusp of destroying the kingdoms of Man. Hope seems infantile in the face of extinction itself... ...until Gideon meets Ashkelon. Coming from the Void beyond the world, Ashkelon alone survives the world he left in ruins. Cynical and ruthless, the dark sorcerer seethes with millennia of hatred, and his cursed sword Acherlith shrieks with the last screams of a thousand failed heroes. Ashkelon makes Gideon an offer – to train him to be a hero of the Light beyond the failures sealed within his blade, a peerless warrior exceeding even the exacting standards of the Everlasting Dark. Reluctantly, Gideon accepts, and is thrust into a world of infinite cruelty under Ashkelon’s black fist where the slightest misstep will see him dead at the sorcerer’s hand.

Knight of Ash: The Venomous Tempest by Sebastiaan Constantino van Doorn

Dragons might seem dangerous to most of the people of Anglavar, but to the Knights of Ash, hunting them down is just another job. When Yara starts off her apprenticeship with the order of dragon hunters, it seems like she may get used to this new reality fairly easily, even if her mentor Arran is a little more closed off than she’d like. Just when she’s beginning to feel comfortable, a new threat rears its ugly head. Undead dragons, called Titans, have begun to show up across the country and the source is dangerously unclear. Yara and Arran find themselves with the responsibility of finding the cause of the undead creatures — and cleaning up the mess that comes with them.

A plague of ruin Book One: Son of Two Bloods by Daniel T Hylton

For generations, the world of humans has suffered war, death, and devastation, unleashed upon the earth by the strange and mysterious race of darkings. Powerful and terrible; no one can stand against them. Those that try and do so, die. Many believe that the masked fiends serve someone even more powerful who dwells in the far east of the world, a god, perhaps, or a mighty sorcerer. Into this troubled world, Brenyn is born. An unusual boy, he came into the world possessed of magic powers that he does not understand and cannot control. Brenyn's father was human, and his mother, who died at the moment of his birth, was, some believe, of the race of Sylvans, a magical folk. But how can this be? Long ago, the gods decreed that humans and Sylvans, should they mate, could not conceive a child, for they feared that a union of the two Great Gifts - human will and Sylvan magic - would produce someone, either male or female, who would be different, powerful, like unto the gods themselves - someone... like Brenyn.

Two Moons of Merth: A Mythic Tale of the Royal Karda Family by Ruth Mitchell

Written in the whimsical tone you will find in Neil Gaiman’s Stardust, the Two Moons of Merth takes readers to an extraordinary planet—where adventure and danger await. Aadya, the main character, begins life as a lowly peasant, but her goals are mighty, and she finds her way to becoming the queen of all the land. Her mission in life is to gain respect for herself and all the other women of Merth. Through her heroic efforts, she changes her society and elevates the status of all women once referred to as ‘breeders.’ Follow the Karda family through two generations in this alluring tale as they lead their people with the guidance of the Matong and kinetic sight. This imaginative saga of quests, romance, intrigue, and magic will have you spellbound as you turn each page to find out what happens next.

Petition by Delilah Waan

SPFBO9

A 2023 SELF-PUBLISHED FANTASY BLOG-OFF (SPFBO9) SEMI-FINALIST! In the Dominion of Aleznuaweite, anyone can rise to the greatest heights—if they are willing to pay the price. Failure is a luxury Rahelu can’t afford. Her family sold everything, left their ancestral home, and became destitute foreigners for the sake of her resonance skills. Now she can manipulate emotional echoes to discern truth from lies, conjure the past, and even foretell the future. But an act of petty revenge by her rival destroys her chance at joining one of the great Houses. Desperate to prove her family’s sacrifices were not in vain, Rahelu calls upon the most dangerous magic of all—altering fortune. A slight twist of fate is enough to restore her way forward…with deadly consequences she never bargained for. The Houses make a pawn of her in their bitter struggle for control of the Dominion. A shadowy cult grows ever closer to completing an ancient ritual. And Rahelu discovers that fulfilling her oath to her family might come at the cost of her mother’s life.

An Enemy Defined by Amy Maltman

Deadly creatures. Inhospitable lands. The magical journey continues. Five weeks after Lexi Guinel plunged into Gowerland from Earth, she is on the run from the irate King Ulric and the evil Selenites. With her is Prince Aeric, reluctant as always and grappling with bad tidings from home. Together, they must find the artifacts required to fulfill the Venus Prophecy and save Gowerland. Working with Aeric doesn't mean Lexi trusts him. He seems to be cooperating, but does he have other plans? And can they find the artifacts before King Ulric and the Selenites catch them? For every question answered, another arises, until a stunning betrayal unearths long-buried secrets that redefine Lexi’s knowledge of the enemy. When faced with deceit, you cannot retreat.

The Altar of My Fate by Michael R. Schultheiss

SPFBO9

“Game of Thrones meets Conan the Barbarian in this epic tale of adventure.” ~Reedsy Discovery “An epic narrative describing an incredibly vast world and steeped in exceptional character development.” ~Literary Titan A warrior questing for glory… A slave-girl with a secret… Can they claim the ancient altar? Trained to the warrior’s path, Rosteval yearns for glory and craves adventure in unknown lands. Leading the war-band he created, he sets off on a quest to brave a formidable desert and the swords and arrows of a growing number of enemy tribes. He expected the mounting dangers… but he didn’t expect Ghaitta, the beautiful slave-girl with a secret… and the power and peril of an ancient altar, an artifact of the vanished Shaper race. As his enemies multiply, Rosteval is forced to confront an immortal adversary and the looming specter of defeat. Can Rosteval and Ghaitta avert disaster, and claim the fateful power of the ancient Shaper altar? Brimming with fierce tribes, deadly perils, ancient powers, and sexy slave-girls, The Altar of My Fate is the epic fantasy adventure you’ve been craving. Get it now.

Bonds of Promise by Andrew D. Meredith

All are bound by oaths of pantheon —mortals, saints, and deity. For it is by those promises made, The world of Kallattai is chained and set free. Hanen and Rallia Clouw—enterprising mercenaries, caring siblings, and children of a luckless man—only wish to find their place in the world and make an easy coin. Yet too many blame their own bad luck on the Clouws, and everything they have worked for begins to crumble around them. When the man who introduced them to their path rolls into town with an easy opportunity to make them all wealthy and influential, they leap at the chance to hit the road, and put their past behind them once more. Fate has other plans. And the responsibilities they leave to others must be answered for. Bonds of Promise is Book One in the sprawling epic fantasy series the Kallattian Cycle by Andrew D Meredith—a story of gods, their chosen champions, and dark figures bent on freeing the mortal realms from a fate established by greater beings. All would-be heroes must give their lives, or be made folly. Example to those who’ve still to come, Through doomed cycle, Or fated legacy.

Gods of the Broken Sea by James Jakins

To sail the Broken Sea is to brave the most dangerous waters of Domhan. But that is just what Arthur Shield and Mikaia Goretusk will do. Following rumors of a powerful Elven Queen that might be able to get Mikaia home to Earth, the two gain passage on a pirate ship sailing these treacherous waters. Their journey grants them new allies, but also new dangers. While pursued by an ambitious Imperial admiral they flee through a gauntlet of challenges: God infested islands, godless paladins, and an evil as old as the Broken Sea, and Domhan, itself.

Knights of the Dead God by James Jakins

The half-orc girl, Mikaia Goretusk, has been torn from her home. Her world. Her family. Her only allies are the holy knight, Arthur Shield, once sworn to kill everyone she has ever cared for, and the witch, Hazel Midd. Arthur struggles with the guilt of being unable to save his god. Hazel seeks desperately for something taken from her. They distrust each other but both are compelled to protect the young girl. To return her home they must battle angry mobs, hags, and dark wizards. They will seek the aid of the Knights of Saban. The very god that ordered the extermination of her family. But Saban is dead and not all is as it should be in his temple. The knights have enlisted the use of dark magics to rekindle the fear that was once theirs by right. Mikaia’s road home will be a long one. Will her first step in that journey be the last?

The Perilous Sea by Emma L. Adams

Zelle Carnelian has claimed the allegiance of the nameless Shaper, the enigmatic ancient deity whose name was forgotten by mortals and gods alike. Together with Arien Astera, who has claimed a new Relic of his own, and Evita Govind, would-be assassin, they defeated Orzen and prevented him from unleashing havoc on the human world. But Orzen is not the only deity with his sights set on escaping from the realm of the gods. When her sister is captured by a cult of devotees to an unknown deity, Zelle's quest to find her leads across the perilous sea to the Isles of Itzar. Teeming with dangerous beasts and strange magic, the Isles are not a destination for the faint of heart, and Zelle and the others are well aware that they might be sailing straight into a trap. Soon her sister's plight becomes only one of Zelle's concerns, between mysterious Relics appearing on Itzar's beaches, a struggle between two rival factions and a rogue deity with an unknown agenda. It'll push Zelle and the others to their limits to navigate these dangerous waters and escape alive…