The Floating Castle by L. N. Holmes

“5 stars, no notes.” —Millie Abecassis, author of DAUGHTERS OF THE BLUE MOON and A LEGACY OF BLOOD AND BONE “Holmes’ fantasy novel churns with warring empires and palace intrigue. The novel boasts strong worldbuilding in the rich ceremonial details of Toguan’s court and the earthy rituals of the Gildacrest witches…” —Kirkus Reviews In a world where demons control the supply of magic and dragons are both feared and sentient, three women combine forces to oppose an evil prince and escape his floating castle. She wants to control him. He wants to kill her. To secure her position as the emperor’s favorite daughter, Princess Fu Liling sails across a monster-infested sea to marry and subdue Elias of House Zartisval, crown prince of a rival kingdom. When she meets Elias, however, he unexpectedly refuses to marry her. At risk of being cut off from the imperial family, Liling tries to force the wedding, only to discover that Elias is a murderer and she is his disposable hostage. Liling resolves to expose this betrayal to her father and plots an escape, relying on a reluctant guard and a rebel witch to aid in her flight. Elias, who’d rather see them all dead than free, gives chase. The ensuing battle may cause the Floating Castle to literally fall, and Liling must decide: surrender and die to keep the peace or dishonor her father in exchange for her own life and liberty. The repercussions of her choice will ripple across a continent.

A Death Worth Living by Trey Stone

A Life Relived Jacob, dead at twenty and feeling robbed of what he thought would be a long and fruitful life. He’s met by a mysterious figure whose job it is to guide him through his memories and into whatever comes next. Yet, the figure seems . . . familiar. As Jacob recounts his memories — some good, some bad, and some forgotten — he comes to the realization that he could have done some things differently. His guide, who calls themself Eran, tells Jacob that he can change one thing, and only one thing about his past, if he dares.

The Obsidian Druid by Caroline Barnard-Smith

Three monstrous tumari escaped the labyrinthine dungeon beneath the sea. One ripped apart the frozen homeland of the Asrai, staining the ice crimson with their blood. One blundered its way into the ancient forest of Nymed, and one rose in the city of Armoria, crushing buildings and bone beneath its great webbed feet. Only Dewer—ageless High Lord of the city—knows the truth behind the creatures’ wanton destruction, and he hasn’t trusted anyone with his secrets for over one hundred years. Gwin, a moon-blessed Asrai with the ability to freeze flesh, arrives in Armoria determined to raise an army against the man who slaughtered her family. When she discovers that city guard, Vanth, harbours magick of her own, she knows she would make a powerful ally, but Vanth would rather see Gwin hang than turn traitor. Vanth the Vile is many things: a skilled swordswoman, a debauched tavern crawler, and a Salt Sword fiercely loyal to the High Lord who saved her from a life on the streets. The one thing she never wanted to be was moon-blessed. In a city where those caught using magick without permission are left to rot in Dewer’s Pit, embracing her burgeoning powers would be a dangerous gamble. The twin moons of Joria are turning. For a century, the night has shone silver in Mamai’s cold light, but when Aikana comes to the fore, the world will dazzle beneath her violet glow. The Changing of the Moons heralds a time of unrest and upheaval, and Vanth has a devastating decision to make.

The Wish of a Dragon by JD Rivers

Otar comes to on a dingy space station and discovers two things: First, he's missing a good chunk of his memories. Second, Andres, his lover, has disappeared. Before he can retrace his steps, a knock at the door demands a debt be repaid—one Otar can't remember. Captain Veil Dreamcatcher is in search of the dragons with only ruins to guide him. Otar agrees to help in exchange for a reduced debt and information about Andres. On their travels, Otar realizes Veil is as adrift in this world as he is. Both are on a quest for the impossible: finding the ones they have loved and lost. All the while, the shadows are watching with red glowing eyes.

Riyati Ripple by Kai Zeal

Every act of defiance steers you into the person you were always been meant to become. After Nimaka’s death and the older selves returning to their own time, Kylie ran from all she’d known and grown up with at North Opal Pines, but she soon learns she can’t run far or fast enough. She thought she could leave it all behind: go back to being a normal high school student, make new friends, keep her grades up and her mother happy. But Nimaka’s death has only rallied the two other, and now they’ve stalked Kylie to her new school. Even worse, they have a mysterious new leader who no longer seeks to just kill Kylie but all those she knows and loves…. and the body count is rising. Kylie can’t get by on “just surviving” anymore: to protect herself — let alone those around her — she must become as strong and cunning as Siani was, or she’ll not only become trapped in the incarnation cycle but everyone she’s ever known and loved will die with her. Riyati Ripple is the third book in a new adult/adult contemporary, low dark fantasy series that seeks to explore themes of identity, legacy, generational trauma, and finding your own path in life. Riyati is set in the modern day fictional Southern US town of Opal Pines and includes multiple first person perspectives with characters across a range of queer, neurodiverse, and socioeconomic statuses.

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.

Crying Out for Magic by P.S.C. Willis

A meet-cute across worlds! Draven Montrose’s world, Galdorsfarne, is like a soggy firework; so much potential, so little sparkle. Magic is running out, and so are his dating options. Whilst he should be grateful for a cruelty-free world, he’s never known anything else. His (entirely realistic and modest) goals for the year are to solve the magical energy crisis…and get a proper boyfriend. Niall Silverstein lives in Northern England, wishing fantasy stories were real and he had the guts to talk to cute boys. He isn’t out to his parents, he’s never kissed anyone, and he’s convinced he’ll die alone in a corner of the library, a spotty and unloved nerd. A magical portal between worlds and a chance meeting might be all that’s needed to fix both their broken worlds. But does Draven’s world contain enough magic to keep their meetings going? Find out in Crying Out for Magic, by P.S.C. Willis!

Waves Take Your Bones by Athena Giles

Tallis and Finn, simple farmers, find their quiet village overrun by shriekers, a horde of undead revenants. After a devastating attack and heartbreaking losses, they must flee the only land they’ve known for the capital of the kingdom of Okaesa. Along the way, Tallis and Finn are separated from the other refugees, with their only escape across the Nightmare Bridge, a thing of horrific legends, which leaves them both scarred from the experience. In the capital, there is still no safety, for Tallis and Finn are drafted into the navy aboard separate ships, under dueling commanders. Amid struggling with the loss of their home they might find themselves crossing blades with those dearest to them who have fallen to the mysterious undead disease. The capital, an island fortress seems to be the last refuge of the kingdom, until Tallis discovers the undead have learned to sail… Check out Athena Giles debut book, Waves Take Your Bones!

Lesbians in Space: Where No Man Has Gone Before by Edited by J.S. Fields, William C. Tracy, Heather Tracy

Peanut butter and chocolate. Cheese and wine. Sex and rock n' roll. History is full of great pairings. Get ready for your new Lesbians and Space! Join a host of intrepid explorers heading to the outer reaches of the galaxy, exploring planets, space stations, strange new worlds and interesting aliens. Launch into stories that span the cosmos, covering Space Opera, Xenobiology, Space Stations, Adventure, and Spaceships! From spaceship mechanics to intergalactic colony queens, heists, smugglers, gods, and sentient planets, Lesbians in Space explores the galaxy from the unique perspective of the lesfic world, blending the best of sapphic literature with modern sci-fi and space opera tropes. With stories Mary Robinette Kowal, Seanan McGuire, Travis Baldree, Emma Newman, MK Hardy, Ashleigh Martin, Nathan Chu, Stewart C Baker, Kayla Whittle, Joel Glover, Caye Marsh, Kira Neu, Jes Honard, Scarlet Passmore, Sylvie Althoff, Jasmine Gower, Siena Buchanan, Beáta Fülöp, Danielle Woolhead, J.S. Fields, and Heather Tracy

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?

The Awakening of Lora Abernathy by MJ Anthony

After a disastrous birthday ceremony and coming-of-age ritual gone wrong, Lora flees home, taking her new lycanthrope form for a test drive on the streets of Glenhurst, and hoping to prove her worth. When she answers a local job posting at random, Lora lands in the company of two other strangers: Nic and Art. Nic has sought redemption from his own past failings on his fiancé's family farm. When that security is threatened, he takes matters into his own hands, seeking out a connection from his sister's college days, who is rumored to have experience with magic blades and killing tyrants. Art longs for the past about as often as he longs to forget it, pouring his time into cooking, mutual aid efforts, bounty hunting gig work, and studying crosscosm theory (the idea of travel between worlds). This job will pay his rent, and, if he's lucky, not give him time to think about his trauma. The job? Enter the forest and eliminate the threat that's been causing townsfolk and travelers to go missing. But the woods are dark, and they have eaten adventurers before. When their pasts come back to haunt them, can the fledgling party survive?

The Dhampir's Acolyte by Nyx Coronado

Rescued from the brink of death by a mysterious, solitary dhampir, Tasmin finds an unexpected sanctuary in Vicente's crumbling castle. As their fragile bond deepens into something more, the arrival of his ruthless vampire family threatens to shatter her newfound safe haven. With a hexed wolf shifter at her side who is eager to show his interest in her, Tasmin is just a human trying to figure out what to do with her life but decisions have consequences. Pulled into a dangerous conflict, she must decide if trusting the monsters who healed her is worth the risk of losing her heart—and her life. The Dhampir's Acolyte is a vampire/human/werewolf romance with why choose love interests, open door spice and quick chapters to keep the action moving.

Errant Wings by S. Jean

Wings aren't supposed to be this much trouble... On their sixteenth birthday, foundlings grow wings—either angel wings or devil wings—and their value to the city depends on which one. To Asher, devil wings mean the freedom to do what he pleases: using the city as a canvas for his graffiti art; being with his loving, devil-winged boyfriend; riding the dark, glittering streets without a care in the world. But when his wings finally sprout, already three years late, they’re angel wings. Now, the city expects his obedience. His freedom. His everything. Bowing to the system and being a proper angel wing is the last thing Asher wants, except now with every plan he’s ever made in pieces, he doesn’t know what to do or where he belongs. He’d rather burn it all to the ground, but that’s not an option… Or is it?

Wishes and Loopholes by M A Andrach

You get three wishes. Better make them count. If a Djinn granted you three wishes, what would you ask for? Riches? Immortality? World peace? More wishes? Really? Wrong. You’d overthink it, try to be clever – and end up legally bound to turn into a goat. Djinn are ancient, cunning, and terrifyingly literal. That’s why we invented Djinn Law: an entire legal field built to navigate wish contracts and keep the world (mostly) intact. Enter Elias Trenholm, a junior solicitor stuck at the bottom of the hierarchy at Albright & Rune, a firm specialising in Djinn contract law. When a rare high-profile case finally lands in his lap, one honest mistake activates an ancient clause – and silences the world’s legal system. All lawyers lose their ability to practise. Except Elias. Now the only lawyer left, Elias must navigate ancient contracts, cursed pursuers, and family fallout with only a sharp colleague, a morally ambiguous Djinn guide, and his own unravelling past to help him. Clearing his name – and fixing the world – might mean facing the possibility that none of this was ever an accident.

The Flowers I Deserve by Tamara Jerée

Weeping luna is as common as wildflowers, and in the northern kingdoms, assassination by its floral poison is rampant. Those born with immunity are coveted by heretic clerical orders and the endangered aristocracy—and shunned by a superstitious society. One so gifted, or cursed, Carlotta embraces her newfound power as the currency to deliver her from a land in the grip of drought. Luxury and beauty, glimpsed only through the portal of her late mother’s letters, become an easy trade to consider in exchange for her life. And looming always in her imagination is the symbol of it all—King Emelia, a demon who rose to power under mysterious circumstances. Rumor claims her to be a monstrous woman like the poison girls who serve and adore her. Yet in the warnings of evil, Carlotta sees her own reflection. Once initiated into the world of sensual indulgence and ancient magic within the castle walls, however, Carlotta finds that not even a king’s devotion is enough to sate her. As the castle’s ghosts coalesce, Carlotta must also confront what her own dead want for her and, even at the heights of her seduction, what she truly wants for herself. The Flowers I Deserve is an FFF erotic gothic fantasy novel with lyrical prose.

The Druid's Bindings by M. Vixen

Ailith is in the middle of a heist when a mysterious figure breaks into the same vault and unleashes a deadly magical disease upon the world. But the disease proves to be only the start of her problems. Haunting her every step is the devil Arkhael, who tries to tempt her into signing an infernal contract—her services as a thief in exchange for the cure. Staying one step ahead of the devil and not giving in to his honeyed words becomes harder and harder as her time starts running out and the disease becomes more aggressive. Aware that not just her life but her very soul might be at stake, Ailith faces an impossible task: trying to beat the devil at his own game.

The Traitor & The Wretch by Jasmine Walls, Rowan MacColl

THE TRAITOR & THE WRETCH is a dark fantasy adventure with a surprisingly tender romance between two very unlikely allies. Written by Jasmine Walls and illustrated by Rowan MacColl, set to be released in Fall 2025. In a world of Prophecies and Heroes, who cares about the henchmen? KNELL was just another nameless cultist trapped under the thrall of the Great One, Bringer of Chaos and fully expected to die on the battlefield. Much to his surprise he’s still alive, but not for long unless he can escape before his distinctive chaos-tainted looks get him captured and killed. PERCY was the former right hand man of the Prophesized Hero. Disillusioned and bitter, he turned traitor during the great battle against the risen chaos god in an attempt to prove this Hero false. Instead, he lost his hand and became the most wanted man in the kingdom. These two unlikely allies must work together to survive pitch black tunnels full of mutated creatures, angry mobs, old enemies, and their own haunted pasts. They’ll find unexpected strength in each other—and the possibility for more—if they don’t end up dying before they can make it out of the kingdom. They weren’t meant for a happy ending, but rules are for good guys and they’ll do whatever it takes to change their fates.

The Outsiders of Orkland by Kenneth Feller

What would you sacrifice for your family? A plague ravages the Fringe, but a chance encounter with orcs from Bogan Island gives Boele hope for a cure. With his lad, Willem, a dodgy crew, and a huge pair of stones, he sets off on a mission to once again unite the humans with the horde. Or he could screw up and start a war. No pressure. For fans of The Grey Bastards and Dungeon Crawler Carl, The Outsiders of Orkland is a fast-paced, foul-mouthed, dark fantasy with an Australasian twist.

How to Flaunt Your Chains and Surrender a Vein by D. N. Bryn

‘What else is this shed for, if not torturing unsuspecting vampires?’ Rahil Zaman has good reason to keep his distance from the world—and his fangs are only part of that. He hides in his crumbling home, acquiring blood through the risky one-night stands he finds on hunter-infested hookup apps. After one such fling turns sour, Rahil ends up trapped in the work shed of the one match he wishes would respond to his flirtations. Finding the hot twink he’d been ghosting inside his work shed was not on Mercer Bloncourt’s agenda. Between his work as a craftsman and his tumultuous relationship with his chronically-ill daughter, he doesn’t have the time or heart for a relationship. But Rahil is not the only intruding presence in Mercer’s life. A hostile hunter and a manipulative research scientist both insist—on threat of his daughter’s life—that he recreate versions of his ‘holy silver’: a vampire-killing metal forged in the wake of his wife’s murder, bound up in all the grief and destruction he’s striven for years to overcome. To complicate matters, Rahil is the rare vampire who’s immune to the deadly silver, providing Mercer the perfect lab rat to test a kinder vampire-affecting metal. As Rahil and Mercer rush to the forge, they must face their past wrongs once more, and in time, discover that no mistake is worth the sentence of eternal loneliness.

Phoenix Rises Dragon Soars by Charlotte Saulter

An empire in turmoil. A forbidden magic promising death. Four lives changed forever. The Emperor is dead and his widow’s rule drowns the land in fear. Soldiers terrorise the very people they should protect, taxes bleed the poor, and the executioner’s blade awaits any accused of using magic. A mercenary haunted by his past risks his future for a chance at the family he thought he could never have. A noblewoman, bereft of home and memory, begins reclaiming her past to avenge those she lost. A disgraced commander hunts the truth behind his family’s murders, leaving death and destruction in his wake. A shamaness is driven from sanctuary by the desperate actions of a grieving man. Through everything, the thread of a dangerous magic runs deep. Volatile as its wielder’s emotions, it forges bonds of loyalty and love and holds the power to reshape the Empire’s fate. But trust is fragile. And when long-buried secrets surface, bonds may shatter… And vengeance may be all that remains. Set in a world inspired by Imperial China, Phoenix Rises Dragon Soars is a dark character-driven epic fantasy and the unforgettable beginning of the Four Guardians Trilogy. For fans of the close character focus and gritty style of books like Devin Madson's We Ride The Storm, James Islington’s The Will Of The Many, and John Gwynne’s The Shadow Of The Gods.

Speculative Shorts: Stories that fell out of my brain by Cait Gordon

From the award-winning author of Season One: Iris and the Crew Tear Through Space... A nonbinary Alice accidentally enters their own clubbing wonderland because of a smiley app and Bong Guy. An autistic writing instructor who hates ABA but loves ABBA becomes an unexpected hero. A "silent" mermaid-siren noted for keeping the sea safe from poachers is guided to a Lander who might not be like the others. A disabled space pilot couriers precious cargo for the Network while trying to evade the eugenics-based brigade who wants to keep people like her "safe at home." A descendant of Frankenstein's monster is having her sweet sixteen party, but her mother's gift stops the teen in her rollators tracks. Explore these stories and more in this collection of fifteen tales of queer life, disability, romance, power, defiance, and resilience. Advanced praise: "Cait Gordon writes with infectious joy and energy, and with a sense of humour that is never far from the surface even in the darkest moments." Kate Heartfield, Prix Aurora Award-winning author of The Embroidered Book "Speculative Shorts is a fun, delicious taste of the range of Cait's spice-rack of writing skills, and she blends together those elements incredibly.” Derek Newman-Stille, Prix Aurora Award winner of the digital humanities hub, Speculating Canada

The Pactbound Angel by S.J. Brown

Travel. Find a husband. Live happily ever after. Celestial-blooded Lady Nathalia Swordhand wants nothing more than a quiet, content life, and she believes in order to do that, she needs to have a successful marriage. But what do you do when you find all the men around you… lacking? You go out and get what you want. Trained as a protector, she decides to join caravans as a guard while keeping an eye out for the one meant for her. A year goes by, then two. Then four. But it’s not in Nathalia to admit defeat. Failure is not an option. The mischief hags who cursed her as a child and stole her most beloved ability made sure of that. On the road, an unexpected run-in with her sister Raewyn prompts them to go to the traveling fey carnival that is open nearby, the same carnival they went to once before as children, where they meet a strangely captivating pactmaker named Ramiren. When the mischief hags show their faces again, opportunity knocks. Joined by Raewyn, Ramiren, a newly-cursed tinkerer named Georgina and her automaton M.A.L.C.O.L.M., Nathalia decides it’s time for payback. But what about a husband? Well, maybe the pactmaker can help with that.

The Chains of Death by Laura A. Farrar

Laura Farrar, born in San Angelo, Texas, and now residing in Central Texas, has spent over 20 years in creative and marketing industries, including film, newspapers, radio, and online marketing. She is the author of the Of Sovereign and Citizen series, beginning with The Chains of Death. Laura wrote her first novel at 17, exploring themes of culture, media, and life’s deeper meanings. Inspired by her teenage daughters, she ventured into the YA fantasy genre to create engaging, wholesome stories that emphasize character, love, and sacrifice—filling a gap for families seeking meaningful content. A follower of Jesus Christ, Laura is passionate about crafting stories that reflect God’s love and inspire readers to explore faith and purpose. Most importantly, Laura is a follower of Jesus Christ and values all people with the love of God. She takes very seriously the messages she presents and desires all people to know Jesus for themselves and be saved.

Mourning Hearts by Karen Thrower

Murders happen, even in the sleepy town of Arion. But murders where the suspect says a fae told them to do it, are rare. Lily's arm is doing much better, thanks to her magic, and the loving care from her boyfriend Detective Richard Moss and her best friend Nicola. Six months after the incident she's back at work, and the moment she steps into the precinct, she can see a change in the department. Everyone's smiling at her, or shaking her hand, it was like they were glad she was there. For once. The biggest surprise, had been Major Ryan hiring her as an official employee of the City of Arion with a desk and everything. No more freelancing, it felt good. Like everything was changing for the better. Like the town might start accepting her after all these years. However, before Lily could bask in the good news, she and Moss are thrust into a murder case, and none of it makes sense. Lily can sense fae magic on the suspect, but the crime scene is a different story. Was fae magic being imitated or was the murderer that smart? And why only kill half of a couple? As Lily and Richard's relationship begins to blossom, they must find who is actually responsible for the murders, before they become the killer's next target.

Familiar by Cara Nox

After years of helping his father fight the monsters that killed his mother, Jules is ready to step out of his role of being a glorified errand boy for his dad and his vampire-hunting crew. But when the idea is quickly shot down for the second time, Jules lets one drink to blow off steam domino into accidentally becoming a vampire’s familiar overnight. And the biggest problem is that he can’t remember what happened. With tensions high after his father discovers the possibility of a vampire spy in their midst, Jules scrambles to keep his mark a secret and prove himself to the entire crew by hunting down his vampire, following every clue that feels familiar.

A Legacy of Blood and Bone by Millie Abecassis

“A gothic gem, rich with dread, desire, and a magic system as haunting as it is original.” —April Yates, author of Ashthorne For fans of Shannon Fay’s Innate Magic and Alix E. Harrow’s Starling House comes A LEGACY OF BLOOD AND BONE—a spellbinding debut set in an alternate Belle Époque France, brimming with intrigue, dangerous magic, and a swooning, slow-burn sapphic romance. “Blood is life. Bones are strength. Flesh is control. Skin is death.” Every blessed family knows this mantra, and Aubeline—gifted with blood magic and heiress to the powerful Sterraux line—is no exception. When her father dies unexpectedly, Aubeline inherits the title of Countess. But her brother Renan soon challenges her claim, demanding the title of Count for himself—and quietly coveting guardianship of their young niece, Damarisse. As sinister forces gather around Renan and his allies wield forbidden, deadly power, Aubeline must seek out unlikely companions to protect Damarisse, expose her brother’s true intentions, and stop a catastrophe that could unravel their world. She never expected her greatest ally to be Damarisse’s new private teacher, Vinnie—a clairvoyant woman cursed with uncontrollable visions. Nor did she expect to fall in love with her, defying every rule of polite society and risking everything for a chance at love in a world built on blood and secrets.

Trapped by the Alpha's Mate by Rowena Aiello

A lost hiker. A dangerous shifter. A trap disguised as a choice. I just did the one thing you should never do while hiking—let alone backpacking— I got lost. Yes, I have my compass, and my map, but it was getting dark and I had to pee, and by the time I stepped back towards the trail… I don’t know. It was just gone. What can I say, it’s like a jungle out here in the forests of the Pacific Northwest. I have to find a place to sleep, before I get turned around anymore, so I wander just a little bit…and wouldn’t you know it, but in the middle of nowhere, there’s a huge estate parked in the center of the forest. It’s not on the map—I would know, I’ve been staring at it all evening. It’s also dark. places this big never, ever have all the lights off. But there’s no security cameras or fences or…anything. So you’d think no one would notice if someone just…I don’t know, casually set up a tent right at the very edge, close enough to the forest to not technically be on the property. But no. They do. And they’re not happy about it. They’re really not happy about me being here. So that’s Not Good. But they’re not letting me go, either, which is its own level of Very Not good. Now I need to what on earth have I just stumbled into? And now that I what will it take to get me back out of it?

Legends of Bone and Oath by Pedro Corzo

A cursed Alpha A stolen soul A war between Gods and Monsters Tyler Lockwood was born a monster. As he struggles to control the beast inside him, fate draws him into a hidden world of supernatural war and divinity. Seraphina Reyes might be the only one who can help him survive. But as gods wake, love and loyalty might not be enough to stop what's coming. Oaths will be broken. And Tyler must choose to remain a pawn of fate—or break the cycle and become legend. Legends of Bone and Oath is a myth-inspired dark fantasy about found family, tragic love, and the cost of becoming for than human.

The Inn Between by Wendra Colleen

Teenagers J.T. and Sylvia have no memory of dying, only how much they hate each other. Trapped at The Inn Between, a B&B of the afterlife, they have nine days to discover how they died. If they solve the mystery, they can choose to evolve; if they don’t, they will be reborn with their memories wiped, destined to die young again. In the realm of the living, Dr. Jillian Flaggerty, a young, newly minted parapsychologist, suppresses her childhood ability to rescue earthbound ghosts. She wants to avoid another trip to an institution and succeed in her first job. On a ghostly visit to Earth, J.T. realizes that only Jillian can see and hear him and begs for her help. Jillian denies J.T.’s existence until she uncovers a personal connection to the teen ghosts. Then Jillian has to choose between saving souls or her sanity as time winds down for J.T. and Sylvia to reconcile their differences, face the truth of their deaths, and avoid being reborn. If you’re looking for an escape like Cemetery Boys, Neverworld Wake, and The Girl Who Ignored Ghosts with a dash of The Good Place, don’t wait to read this high-stakes supernatural novel.

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.

Morvelving by C. J. Switzer

Enter the captivating fantasy world of Erviad and begin a journey of family, magic, and cruel Fates. ‘They see you, hold your immortal thread, but hers. Her short mortal ribbon warms their timeless hands. The Fates cackle with glee at the sorrow and doom that awaits upon her path’ Morvelving, an exile trapped by the same vices that led to his son’s death, is ready to end it all. Until he meets the orphan, Nippiktua, a mute and deaf child, marked by the Fates and with a knack for mischief. Though guilt ridden, Morvelving will not allow himself to abandon her to her treacherous destiny, and so vows to find her a safe and hidden home. A wayward and perilous journey begins. Along their path, the two encounter a mystical Stag, escape warmongering centaurs, dispute with an obstinate prince, and flee from a dragon’s zealots. But when the zealots capture Nippiktua as a sacrifice to the dragon’s whim, Morvelving must allay his fears and race to save the child from the strings of the Fates in the shadow of the tyrannical dragon.

Sixteen to One by Rhys Hylton

SIXTEEN PILOTS ONE ARENA NO SECOND CHANCES Weylin Bryna wasn’t supposed to be here. A street kid from nowhere with a beat-up mech and a broken home. He was only called up when a last-minute scandal left a desperate team scrambling. But now he’s inside the most brutal competition in the world: the Basilton Bash, a three-stage elimination tournament where glory is earned one round at a time, and survival means pushing others out before you’re thrown out yourself. Sixteen to One is a high-octane, emotionally charged sci-fi sport drama. A story of underdogs, fierce rivalries, found family, and the fight to hold onto your humanity in a machine built for war. In the Bash, friendships are forged in silence, enemies wear smiles, and every round brings you closer to the edge. In the Bash, pilots go head-to-head in high-impact, close-quarters mech combat, not to destroy, but to outmanoeuvre, overpower, and force their rivals out of bounds. Sixteen pilots enter each stage, and after every five rounds, the lowest scorers are eliminated. It’s a game of aggression, agility, and strategy, with reputations, careers, and entire futures on the line. Victory isn't about being the strongest, it's about staying in the fight longer than anyone else.

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.

Red Summer by Ana Lee

Seventeen year old Wilder Ansley is being followed. By who? He hasn’t got a clue. By people and creatures no one else can see. That’s a good enough place to start. To make matters worse, he’s also able to do things that make no sense at all — like unintentionally setting fire to his foster brother's bed. Without the help of a lighter or matches. Wilder prides himself that recently, aside from a few unfortunate incidents, he’s been able to keep whatever happens when he loses his cool mostly under control. That is until a freak lightning storm alerts the mysterious New Orleans Council to his whereabouts. And his burgeoning abilities. Within hours, Wilder is thrown headfirst into a whole new world, hidden behind a Shroud, and it feels more like home than he cares to admit. Despite his initial hesitations, Wilder finds friendship, and maybe something more, among these new strangers. But it turns out uncovering his place in the Eadar might be harder than he thought. Wilder must force himself to face the truth about who everyone else believes him to be—all while a decades long war escalates within and beyond the Shroud, threatening not only the Eadar and his new found friends, but the human world he’s left behind. Red Summer blends the high-stakes, coming-of-age journey of Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson and Cassandra Clare's The Mortal Instruments with the romantic tension of Sarah J. Maas's A Court of Thorns and Roses— all with a distinct gritty and grounded Southern Gothic, New Orleans kick.

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 Night Farm: The Sweet Sounds of Summer by A.L. Davidson

Summertime arrives in Wylder Wood! After recovering from his surprise possession at the end of spring, Rhys Anderson’s life has mostly returned to normal - well, as normal as it can be when his neighbors are literal monsters. His farm is thriving, his friendships are growing, and the warm days of summer have swept through the town of Wylder Wood. If only he could figure out why Vic started avoiding him, things would be perfect. With the town's beloved summer festival on the way and visitors arriving to experience the magic, Rhys finds himself overwhelmed by the supernatural pull of the season, made all the more heavy by his still-declining health and a growing list of dreams that may never come true. Despite the chaos, Love is definitely in the air, but what’s a hopeless romantic to do when the guy he likes doesn’t seem to like him bacK? Enter Lex, a handsome half-gorgon who sets his sights on the fledgling farmer with a fanged smile and outgoing personality. The artist offers Rhys the chance to enjoy a whirlwind summer romance that he simply can’t refuse. But when feelings develop too fast, Rhys is forced to make a choice that could change the course of his life forever. -------- The Night Farm is a 2023 Queer Indie Ink award nominee for "Best Web Serial", "Best Lead Character", and "Best Supporting Character". Volume one is a 2024 Indie Ink Award nominee for "Best Book Cover and Cover Artist", "Best Friendship", "Best Light Read", "Best Setting", and "Side Character MVP". It was a 2024 Inkies finalist on Tapas for "Favorite Community Novel". It was featured on Tapas' LGBTQ+ Supernatural Series list for Pride in 2024 as a recommended read, has been featured on their Staff Pick's list several times, and was a featured title in their 2024 Halloween scavenger hunt. The Night Farm is a cozy paranormal romance web novel originally published on Patreon and Tapas.

Tall People by Evan Witmer

Seiryu Tokinage is a two-hundred-foot-tall lizard living in Brooklyn. He is part of a community of “Tall people,” giants resembling animals trying their best to mesh into human society. Seiryu works as a one-man police unit protecting New York City from alien attacks. He feels unappreciated by the people he saves and has developed gripes with the people closest to him. Seiryu is jealous of his roommate Junior, a Tall bonobo, who New York adores because of his job as a window washer. His best friend, Sook, a giant fish-frog, has become an intolerant drunk. Chloe, his Cloverfield-esque girlfriend, is often too awkward and shy to interest him. Seiryu decides to leave town before his bitterness turns him into a kaiju—a rogue Tall man who destroys cities and eats humans. “While other writers reduce us to mere natural catastrophes, Evan finally grants us the dignity and agency we’ve long been denied.” —Godzilla “I never thought I’d see the day we got a giant monster story without some half-baked human drama shoehorned in. Give the giant monsters the problems, the feelings, and the emotional victories—finally, someone gets it.” —King Kong “A sweet, charming story that’s basically made to be read with your feet up on a beach chair... if you have those.” —The Blob

The Vampire and the Case of the Wayward Werewolf by Heather G. Harris

Someone paid the vampire king’s creepy son to turn me into one of the bitey undead. I’m not hanging about to find out who or why. The vampires want me to stay with them for one hundred years of indentured servitude but I have this thing about following orders so I ran from the streets of London to the wilds of Alaska. I have an eidetic memory and a can-do attitude. I can-do anything to get away from the vampire king. So when the Sheriff of Portlock, a hidden paranormal town, invites me to be his assistant, I say sure thing. It beats servitude hands down. At first things seem ideal in Portlock, I make a new friend and even get asked out on a date. But the truth is, there are secrets aplenty. The paranormal council are at each other’s throats, figuratively of course. But then someone rips out a werewolf’s throat, literally this time. I need to work with the Sheriff to find the killer, before he strikes again. We just need to winnow through werewolf pack issues, council politics, and more suspects than you can shake a stake at. Simple. Portlock is a melting pot of witches, necromancers, vampires and shifters, but things are starting to boil over. I hope I don’t get burnt.

Dreaming Beauty: Fairytale Retelling of La Belle au Bois Dormant by C. Rae D'Arc

Sleeping Beauty was asleep for a hundred years. What did she dream about? Princess Emerald of Somnus planned the perfect ball for her sixteenth birthday. She even modeled it after the midnight masquerades that she and her sisters secretly attended. Everything was perfect…until a poisoned spindle threw her into a deep sleep with vivid dreams of an unknown land: modern England. In a world of smart phones and cockney, Emerald knows she must be dreaming, especially with her hypoesthesia and strange power over plants. Lost and confused, Emer is welcomed by the Honorables Caden Seaver and Mica Wright. These two sons of lords and best friends went looking for one final adventure to inspire their creative hobbies before family obligations ruled their lives. They never expected to find a lost princess who claimed to be dreaming. Emer’s stories about Somnus might be the perfect solution to Caden’s writer’s block until she starts to influence his heart more than his writing. The longer that Emer dreams, the more she wonders what’s happening in Somnus, which world is her true home, and how much time she has before the poison spreads through her body. Emer must find a way to wake up and trust her heart before the poison numbs it forever. Explore the beauties and wonders of today's England in this fairy tale retelling of Charles Perrault’s Sleeping Beauty. Fans of Disney’s “Enchanted” (2007) and twisted fairy tales may consider this story a dream come true.

Don't Date the Haunted: A Dark Romantic Comedy by C. Rae D'Arc

"Certain to have the reader laughing out loud . . . a highly intoxicating story . . . unexpected plot twists." - Readers' Favorite Does the heart beat faster from love or terror? As a born-and-raised citizen of Horror, Pansy Finster has survived Hauntings such as mad killers and poltergeists by living her brother's rules, including, "Avoid dolls, clowns, and masks." But after the death of her fiancé, Pansy finds herself alone--which is a dangerous status in Horror. When she flees to Heartford, Romance, she's startled that a masquerade has Regency ladies screaming... in excitement. Culture-shocked, Pansy struggles to avoid any ill omens, such as repeated glances from the curiously handsome Lord Theo, from Fantasy. With a seemingly useless magical ability, he could be the Romance Pansy never knew she needed... or her most deceitful Haunting yet. Pansy must learn to love like a Romantic and teach her new friends to survive like a Horror before the masquerade becomes a massacre. Follow Pansy Finster's hauntings and romance in "Don't Date the Haunted," first book of the Haunted Romance trilogy, by C Rae D'Arc. If you like Seth Grahame-Smith, Isaac Marion, or Christopher Moore, then this dark romantic comedy will keep you up! Don't forget; it's never just a power-outage.

Specter Inspector: Dead and Back Again #1 by C. Rae D'Arc

Nothing is as it seems in the land of Mystery Welcome to sleazy Shigaqua, capital of Noir, where the line blurs most between friend and foe, mentor and monster, and victim and villain. Among the dense population of law enforcers and private investigators, Aeron Spade has a unique edge to solve crime: he can visit the dead in his dreams. With the help of his ghostly friends (including Sherlock Holmes, Hercule Poirot, and Auguste Dupin), Aeron is determined to use his gift to bring justice against the city's most elusive criminals. He's on track to become the newest recruit of Noir's most prestigious private investigations agency, but first, he must prove his mettle by solving the dead-end case of a young boy's murder in a haunted theater. Lacking support from the police or his potential employer, Aeron must use his own resources to defend the accused and find the real killer. However, Aeron's few living contacts are occupied with treacherous cases that dredge up his paralyzing fears and threaten to expose his true identity. In a city teeming with mobsters and sleuths, keeping his own secrets may be more challenging than uncovering those of a vengeful poltergeist. Join Aeron's haunted cases in Specter Inspector, book one of the Dead and Back Again series, and follow-up of C. Rae D'Arc's Haunted Romance trilogy.

That Lesbian Vampire Pirate Story by Raven Belasco

Set in 1860s New York, Sadie “the Goat” Ferrell is one of the criminal superstars of the gangs of New York. Gallus Mag is her mortal enemy … and in an epic bar fight Gallus Mag bites off Sadie’s ear — and puts it in the pickle jar of other ears she has bitten off! — as the bouncer for the Hole-in-the-Wall bar in the notorious Fourth Ward. Sadie takes this as sign, gives up on being a criminal by land, takes over the Charleton Street Gang, and is soon sailing up and down the Hudson River with the Jolly Rodger waving on the mast! But there is so much more in store for Sadie than just being a small-time river pirate. She and her gang board the wrong ship, and suddenly Sadie is facing an all-too-real pirate queen — who is also a vampire. Will Sadie survive meeting this powerful vampire and rise to meet her fate? And will she ever meet Gallus Mag again, and find out that hate and love are two very intense sides of the same coin...? Set in the world of the Blood & Ancient Scrolls Series. “This delicious series has bewitched me. Raven Belasco has built a convincing, detailed world full of violence and romance. A sensuous, deeply-felt back story. Highly recommended!” — Patrick Califia, author of Mortal Companion

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.

Iara's Crossing by Diana L. Pomeroy

First published in March 2022 via Barnes and Noble, Lulu Press and Ko-fi, Iara’s Crossing is a riveting tale about a feathered dinosaur discovering herself, her purpose, and the power of love as she crosses an entire continent to stop invasive tyrants from destroying the hub of her kind. Action-adventure, high fantasy, and dinosaur paleontology converge in this one-of-a-kind story that will leave you wanting to know more until the very end.

Stark Raving Mab by Stephanie Caye

Running away sounds great in theory-escape your past, clean the slate. But then, surprise! There's no one around to help you when you accidentally become the Faerie Queen. Five months after leaving Montreal, Jude's settled into a magic-free life on the west coast. Her grudgingly quiet existence is shattered when she suffers an unnatural seizure and a stranger shows up on her doorstep. The fact that he bows to her is bad enough, but the news he brings is worse: her aunt Miranda is dead. Which makes Jude the Mab. It doesn't matter that she's half-human, that up until recently she worked for the Consilium, or that she's still carrying a torch for one of the Faerie Court's few remaining human adversaries. The Court expects her to don the crown, adopt an appropriate heir and run a world that she can't even enter. On top of that, her ruthless father turns up demanding an audience and the manipulative Archduke is ready to call in the favour she owes him. With her enemies multiplying by the minute, Jude's on track to be more than just the first half-human queen of Faerie-she might also have the shortest reign of any Mab in history. It's a record she'd be happy to claim if it didn't mean dying.

Below and Beyond by Amelia Winkle

As a child, Arah dreamed of fantasy lands full of magic and mythical creatures. When she finds out it’s all real, she’s astonished, but she eagerly joins her mother in searching for their long-lost elvish relatives. Their faithful friend Jim — who belongs to the hidden world — helps them uncover much more than they’d ever thought possible. This fantasy adventure novella takes them through caverns and forests, exploring places most humans will never see.

Blade of the Wanderer by Steven Raaymakers

The chronological short stories of Esterra Stake. Tractwalker. Mercenary. Exile. When the stars fell, the world died. Magic claimed Esterra's arm when she was a child. For her curse, she was exiled into the weird, pockmarked world of Verpace. The magic eats away at her, twisting her bones and psyche to its own will, the curse spreading with each use. Now an adult, she wanders the world as a tractwalker, making her living through hunting, mercenary work, and whatever opportunities arise. It is a dangerous life. Deranged cultists cry out to the red-dwarf sun, deformed beasts prowl in every shadow, creatures born from myth lurk in broken temples, and every night brings the threat of the lethal lichtvallen. Yet some greater danger seems to lurk on the horizon, and there are whispers in the dark. Will Esterra survive, or will she succumb to the incessant call of the magic? - The first volume of stories in Scars of Magic, a post apocalyptic sword-and-sorcery series overflowing with horror, mystery, magic and action.

Phoenix Raised by Breanna Atkinson

In the mythical country of Markandeya resides the Landing, four distinct districts, and an entire hoard of secrets. As phoenix and humans populate the land with a unique alliance that serves both sides Abbigail finds herself and her phoenix, Brigid, in a predicament after being called to the Landing by the Queen due to safety concerns. This will be her first time leaving her home district where she received a spotty education, further more concerning her phoenix is in a moult affecting her ability to fly. She is joined by her childhood best friend as she forges new relationships within the Landing and embarks on a trip around the country she’s never seen. Her lack of knowledge of the country she calls home becomes a hinderance as she ventures into the different districts. Unfortunately the adventure doesn’t quit for Abbigail as she’s plagued by an arranged marriage, an impending war, the secrets of her husband as well as the fate of Markandeya and all of the countries phoenix. How is she supposed to manage all of this without burning out? Burn It All.

Blood of Drakgar: Bound by Freedom by Nadine Luis

The Dominion rules. The rebels bleed. The extremists burn. And the Drakgar are awakening. The galaxy is crumbling under the Dominion’s rule. Worshiping a Sentient AI Core as a god, the Dominion crushes all who resist. The rebels fight for freedom, while the extremists will burn the galaxy to end the Dominion’s reign. Rakasa wants no part of their war. As a former slave and pit fighter, her freedom is the only thing she’ll burn the stars to protect. But when her mentor is captured, she’s thrust into a mission with a rogue smuggler whose secrets could ruin them both. What was supposed to be a simple job shatters into chaos. The deeper Rakasa dives into the mission, the more she senses a connection to the force buried within her bloodline—a power both deadly and divine. Now, hunted by the Dominion, shadowed by rebels, and stalked by extremists, Rakasa must choose: keep running from what she is—or embrace it and carve her own fate. If you love sci-fi fantasy romance books with action-packed adventure, slow-burn romance, found family, and strong heroine, Blood of Drakgar is your next obsession. Perfect for readers of space opera, science fiction fantasy, and fantasy fiction for adults, this is a high-stakes blend of sci fi and fantasy, and action-adventure fiction books that hits like Red Rising and Gideon the Ninth—with a dragon-shaped twist.

Reflections of Lilje Damselfly by Natalie Kelda

When a mysterious ailment refuses to leave water nymph Lilje, her father sends her to a human spa retreat. Lilje quickly discovers she has a lot to learn about human nature and culture when she accidentally scandalises the Edwardian spa guests by showing up undressed. In hope of relieving her chronic pain and fatigue, she tries her best to fit in and silence her ability to speak with the elements, plants, and animals around her. But when the secret of her heritage is revealed and Lilje falls in love with a human, she faces a difficult choice. Give up everything she thought she was, or live forever in pain and regret of what could have been. Reflections of Lilje Damselfly is a short standalone novel set in a magical version of early 20th century England.