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The Wounds of Wisdom by Alexandra Roma For Celin, a life at Aslemor â the illustrious Court of the kingdom of Artrus â has always been the life that âcould have been.â If her blacksmith mother had been accepted by her duke father's peers. If the truth about how her grandmother came to Artrus wasn't a dangerous secret. If Celin could pursue her dream of becoming a knight. Knight or not, when a group of assailants attempt to drag the prince across the kingdomâs barrier, Celin leaps into the fray to protect him. In doing so, she manifests a strange new power: the ability to take the pain of others onto herself. From there, sheâs whisked off to Aslemor to learn how to harness one of Artrus's rare and coveted Wisdoms. Alongside her are Wise Ones from within the kingdom and without, including the Double Wise Prince Alasdair and his guard, Nico, a mysterious boy from an enemy nation who stirs up feelings Celin didnât know she was capable of feeling. But Aslemor is full of sharp teeth, and just because Celin has a Wisdom doesnât mean they wonât devour her whole. Especially not when someone starts killing Wise Ones. For fans of Graceling and Tamora Pierce, The Wounds of Wisdom is a story full of court intrigue and powers that take as much as you give, about finding your place, claiming it, and learning how much to protect yourself when all you want is to protect others. |
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On a dark and dismal morning, Green Eyes awakens to find herself scratching at her motherâs door. Sheâs had the dream againâthe one in which sheâs a cat trying to climb a mountain to save a girl in distress. The confusing dream haunts her as she treks to the nearby village to sell the mysterious wooden figurines her mother carves. She lives her life in fear: Will today be the day she earns enough money to please her? Or will she return home to face yet another beating? She never knows what to expect until she walks through the cottage door. Her only hope is that her mother wonât damage the wooden prosthetic she must wear after losing her hand as a baby. As sheâs on her way home, she encounters Arduon and Paduon, a pair of wise-cracking crows who tell her sheâs not who she thinks she is. They urge her to go in search of her true self, but Green Eyes resists, afraid of her mother and of the dangers of the world. Itâs only when she learns that her mother is in fact a witch who put a spell on her that Green Eyes finds the courage to escape. Armed with the crowâs wisdomâand a magical sword gifted to her by her friends in the villageâshe sets off on a journey to discover her true identity. |
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Rilari: Book Four of New Blood by W.D. Kilpack III April 2024 Reader's Favorite, BooksShelf.com Cover Contest ⢠April 2024 Top Choice, BooksShelf.com ⢠November 2023 Editor's Choice, BooksShelf.com The future of Mankind relies on the Guardian of Maarihk. Can he and the Knights of Ril resist forces bent on destroying Mankind's last hope? In the absence of the Guardian of Maarihk, the Usurperâs venom has extended beyond the Gulf of Braag, seeding unrest and hatred for all things Maarihkish. Natharr and the Knights of Ril must overcome malice and the ramifications of Ellis the Elderâs boundless past that even Sight cannot reveal. The Rilari stand alone in a world in turmoil as they discover the tremendous reach of the Usurperâs vizier. Even the endowments of the Daemons of Order are unable to withstand the ravages of fighting to survive on Rilari loyalties. Meanwhile, Nathan and his summoned companion must rely on the teachings of both Natharr and Quiet One to carve out their place in the Maarihk Empire. Skill with a sword is only the beginning of their treacherous path, as fraught with peril as Darshelleâs as she flees the animus of the ancient wood. âRilari [is] an emotional odyssey that will leave you breathless. Buckle up for a story that throws you headfirst into the world of the Rilari, where humanityâs fate rests on the shoulders of a courageous, yet relatable, leader â Natharr, Guardian of Maarihk and Knight-Marshal of the Knights of Ril (a.k.a the Rilari). Kilpack masterfully crafts Natharr as a hero brimming with both strength and vulnerability. Heâs a leader who inspires with his bravery, lightens the mood with his cheeky side, and grapples with his own emotions, particularly with his relationships. Chapter 13, aptly titled âWell Come,â stands out as a prime example of Kilpackâs exceptional writing. The descriptions of the Knights of Ril facing their adversaries are so vivid, youâll feel the chill of cold rain, the steel of battle tactics and the agony of loss alongside them. Dive into the New Blood Saga, and I assure you, you wonât be disappointed. I loved the book!â â Jose F. Nodar, author of Books, Pens & Larceny (South Wales, Australia) "Rilari is a triumph, offering an enthralling adventure filled with courage and the enduring spirit of humanity." â BooksShelf.com "If you are tired of reading the same old books that are lackluster and forgettable, then take a chance with Rilari. I promise you that you will not be disappointed!" â RedHeadedBookLover.com |
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Demon Seed: Book Three of New Blood by W.D. Kilpack III 2024 The BookFest Award Winner ⢠2023 International Firebird Book Award Winner ⢠April 2022 Editor's Choice, BooksShelf.com The future of Mankind relies on the Guardian of Maarihk. Can an ancient force, lost aeons past, overcome fate? Despite growing power of the forces of chaos, there is a glimmer of hope as Natharr realizes that there are also forces of order in play. It is made plain when he and his comrades escape the faceless realm and Natharrâs Sight is released. It reveals just how strongly the world needs the Guardian of Maarihk and the return of the legendary Knights of Ril to the land where Mankind was created. Racing for home unwittingly leads to unearthing an ancient force created by the Olde Gods, believed lost aeons past. Meanwhile, Darshelle and the crown prince struggle to make the most of their lives without Natharrâs protection. Forced to make their own way, the fruit of Quiet Oneâs efforts comes fully to bear, as Nathan and his summoned companion reawaken the animus of the ancient wood. The ramifications are horrible and far-reaching, changing their world forever. "Demon Seed is the third book in the New Blood Saga by W. D. Kilpack III is one hell of a ride and it simply cannot be described in just a few sentences. It just canât! The authorâs forte is his descriptive prowess when presenting a scene. Case in point, the meeting with Drah in the cave. I will not spoil it here for future readers but it is outright scary. Then Natharr acquires a new 'fan,' which requires a diplomatic touch. Add to that the moment when Nathan realises what he has become and how he struggles with all that it means with all of its far-reaching ramifications. The way the book manoeuvres through its many intricate facets left me exhausted but still wanting more! New characters intermingled with old characters. New revelations concerning Nathan were presented in ways that were fascinating, intriguing, and scary, all at the same time! Demon Seed is deep, raw, powerful, and entertaining. It is worth the time of starting with book one, Crown Prince, and relishing every page!" â Jose F. Nodar, author of Books, Pens & Larceny (South Wales, Australia) Demon Seed is "thrilling and fast-paced ... [a] brilliant tale where the stakes are as high as ever ... full of twists that will keep you on edge from beginning to end! Demon Seed is an incredibly suspenseful novel ... a wonderful fantasy tale that will keep you hooked!" â RedHeadedBookLover.com Demon Seed "takes readers on a thrilling journey ... immersing readers in a richly imagined universe where Natharr's internal struggles add depth to his journey. Kilpack's prose is evocative and vivid ... the descriptions of the ancient forces and the consequences of their awakening are haunting and thought-provoking. Demon Seed is a must-read!" â Just Pratibha (India) |
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Order of Light: Book Two of New Blood by W.D. Kilpack III Top Book (Rated #1), Amy's Bookshelf Reviews 2024 ⢠2023 The BookFest Award Winner ⢠2022 International Firebird Book Award Winner ⢠July 2021 Top Pick, BooksShelf.com The future of Mankind relies on the Guardian of Maarihk. Can a mysterious Order help him repair the damage of choosing happiness over duty? Despite the Guardian of Maarihk being condemned as anathema, and his very existence relegated to legend, Natharr resumes his ancient responsibilities as Mankind's protector. He joins with a mysterious Firstborn companion, Ellis the Elder, to journey into the snow reaches of Biraald, where his Sight promises he will find those who secretly adhere to the ways of the Olde Gods. Although Biraaldi bloodlines show their Firstborn heritage more clearly than even in Maarihk itself, the two nations have never enjoyed peace. It has been far worse since the rise of Brandt the Usurper to Maarihk's throne. Natharr and Ellis must navigate the threats not only against the Firstborn, but the Maarihkish, as they seek out the sympathizers he Saw who are brave enough to resist Maarihk's tyranny. Only then can the damage be repaired from when Natharr chose personal happiness with Darshelle and the young crown prince over his weighty responsibilities as Guardian of Maarihk. "W. D. Kilpack III's Crown Prince captivated me. His vivid descriptions plunged me into a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, and emotions. I devoured the first book in the New Blood Saga, desperate to see where the tale would lead. So, it was with bated breath that I cracked open Order of Light, the series' second instalment. Kilpack doesn't disappoint. The themes that resonated in Crown Prince deepen and twist in Order of Light. He has a way of making words just flow vividly on the page. On p. 106 of my Australian paperback version, a revelation about Natharr, the Guardian of Maarihk, floored me! His journey of self-discovery weaves flawlessly with the Crown Prince's own remarkable growth. New fantastical creatures emerge from Kilpack's boundless imagination. The Quiet One and Bu, meticulously detailed in all their wonder, are testament to his storytelling prowess. But fear not, I won't spoil the magic! Fans of epic fantasy: Kilpack is your new literary lord. From exhilarating battle sequences to poignant moments of reflection, Order of Light is a masterpiece. If I could, Iâd give it a six! Trust me, you won't regret immersing yourself in Kilpack's world." â Jose F. Nodar, author of Books, Pens & Larceny (South Wales, Australia) "What an incredible story! A brilliant followup to an amazing first book. One of the most well-written and well-developed stories I have ever [read]. A poignant and captivating novel that will take [you] on a turbulent-but-fantastic journey full of ups/downs and shocks and thrills! Order of Light is compelling thanks to enthralling moments [and its] unpredictable nature of the book that will have you turning pages. Five stars!" â RedHeadedBookLover.com |
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Princess Cayce Is Still My Name: the spring campaign by P D Ball Thereâs a lot wrong with the world I find myself in. The earls are angry about the knighthood, worried about my blood-ties to a foreign power, and likely working behind my back to take the kingdom for themselves. The suitors ever vying for my attention, my hand in marriage. The crazy behavior of the foxes and ravens and crows who seek me out just to bow. And the coming war. All these I could handle, well almost handle, but for the raging magic inside me. Powerful, angry, wanting out. And I feel it. Want to release it! Yet using magic would not only guarantee that the mages would hunt me down, it would endanger everyone around me. And I just couldnât let that happen. But when did this world give me a choice? |
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My Name Is Princess Cayce: unwelcome attention by P D Ball Firmly in control of Bechalleâs castle and duchy, autumn and winter looked to be safe and secure, time to recoup and recover. To train hard, introduce new weapons technology, to strengthen my army. Yet the upcoming coronation brought trouble and danger. The powerful Laemacian emperor to the northeast demanding I marry him, or heâll conquer my lands. The mighty Barclay church, whose Father Inquisitor I killed, demanding a harsh penance. My own earls, enraged that a girl leads the kingdom, working behind my back to rid themselves of me. Worse, if youâre me, suitors from all over the kingdom began arriving, making their case for marriage. Because of Brin, that meant wearing hated dresses and make-up and being a cute girl princess to grumpily receive them. On top of all this, uncontrollable magic growing inside me threatened my very existence and everyone around me. If I told the mages, theyâd kill me. If I confessed to my friends, theyâd likewise face death. Nowhere to go, no one to confide in, no help coming. This was my life now. --- Itâs been so long that Princess Cayce is close to letting the game theory go. And that means surviving in this world, relying on her army. But changing the kingdom through new technologies might not be the solution Cayce thinks it is. Rather, court intrigue and politics opens up a new world of deadly realpolitik â one that she only slowly realizes sheâs living in. |
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They Still Call Me Princess Cayce: through the smoke and into the fire by P D Ball Escaping from the dowager and traitor Barclay was supposed to be a breath of fresh air, perhaps an end to the game I might be trapped in. But instead of waking up to a save and exit screen, I woke to a desperate military packing up its camp. The enemy army was racing to catch us at the next chokepoint. And we had to beat them or be cut off from safety. Yet was it safety we were rushing to? Our only hope lay in reaching the last duchy of the kingdom. But everyone had been warning me of Duke Bechalle, the deranged tyrant, a dangerous man â and now in the hopes that our combined armies could defend the kingdom, people were telling me I should marry the guy! --- Princess Cayce continues exploring this new world, its foods and customs, training in weapons and riding, while trying to avoid the limitations of being a cute girl princess. Meanwhile, her new mistress of the bedroom has other plans. Plans that include ballroom gowns, make-up and perfume, and setting Cayce up with the duke, a man whose best interests might be served better by Cayceâs funeral than her marriage. |
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Changes in the Wind by Niranjan Gavril has had to hide most of his magical gifts for all his life. Even in a world where magic is common, some gifts are best hidden, especially for an orphan. He has also been part of the rebellion against the Emperor Zathrian since his student days. The lies propagated by the empire and the truth the rebels want to perpetuate make his choice easy. When he gets the appointment of a lifetime as a chronicler of the Empireâs history, he sees it as an opportunity to help his cause. Everything looks as if it's going according to plan until chance brings about a meeting with the Emperor himself. Zathrian is the immortal tyrant whose regime is covering up every truth Gavril wants to bring to light. When an ancient, arcane magic deems the two soulmates, intertwining their destinies together, Gavril is sent reeling. He may refuse the bonds of predestination, but he is drawn to the emperor all the same. How far can he fight fate as well as feelings? |
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An imPerfect Samhain by C.N. Rowan The walls between the worlds are thin. The nights draw in. And monsters walk abroadâŚOctober 30th, 1958. Franceâs papers are haunted by the spectre of the Algerian War of Independence. But that still doesnât explain why theyâre silent about a childâs skeleton, washed up on a French beach. No stories, no breaking news. Nothing but a set of police photos, delivered anonymously to my hands. And bite marks on the skeleton, too big for any human to have made.So my best friend, Aicha, and I head to the city of Nice to investigate. But what we find is more missing children, and an emerging pattern. One that raises some terrifying questions. Who would abduct and sacrifice children? Why isnât the news getting out? What would demand such a sacrifice? And what terrors might it offer as payment in return?We need to find out fast to save the children, if they can be saved. And maybe save the whole of France at the same time.An imPerfect Samhain is a standalone novella in the best-selling âimPerfect Catharâ series. You can expect dark humour, strong language and explicit violence. |
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The Starless Girl by Liz Delton I thought I was just a normal girl living a normal life. Until the day my mother dies and everything changes. My normal shifts, and nothing makes sense anymore. Suddenly Iâm seeing this glowing light in everything around me. I canât explain it. Itâs justâŚthere. But when a dog made of darkness chases me, I somehow end up in a different world. A world of magic. Now I need to learn how to survive in this world, how to use my light to protect myself and those around me. But when more creatures made of darkness start appearing, Iâm caught in the middle of a war that has been raging within the realm for decades. Mysterious forces are tearing this world apart, and no matter how hard I try to convince myself that this is not my fight⌠I just canât walk away. |
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The Timespeaker by Brit Stanford 2023 Whitney Award Nominee Desperate to be a hero. Born a demon. Win JorHali can steal minutes and years, spreading death and decay with a touch. He should have turned himself over to the gods for rightful execution years ago, but heâs seen death, and he fears it. Determined to prove himself worthy of the life he clings to, Win struggles to smother his growing power and provide for his family. When his secret is discovered, Win chooses to masquerade as his godâs greatest hero: the glorious Timespeaker. As Chief Executioner for the gods, Win thinks heâs found his true purpose, but a violent rebellion is brewing among his people, and the girl he loves has joined its ranks. He has the power to destroy any enemy, but who is the enemy? His gods arenât what they seem, his people are merciless in their destruction, and Time itself seems to be splintering under Winâs ignorant hand. The world is unraveling and Win has the power to save it, but at what cost? And in the end, what will he be? Hero or villain? |
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Blood's Power: Broken by Midnight Rose A man who is caught in a downward spiral of corruption, and is raised out of it into a hero, who dies to save a people who shall never know of his sacrifice. The strangerâs green eyes opened again. Jewel ventured to speak, realizing that the spell on him, which was already wearing off, if not almost worn off, allowed him that leisure. âWhy did you do this?â he said in a deep voice, letting the stranger hold his eye contact. âI do not think you would understand,â the stranger said softly. He let his eyes fall closed again. âWhat?â Jewel said, his voice still deep. âYou think you are a strong enough mage to fight me? Your spell is nothing, I have lost no strength, and you have lost much.â A sorrowful smile graced the strangerâs parched lips; Jewel had not till now noticed that the manâs lips were stained purple from tiny cracks of dried blood. âI have not only fought you, I have defeated you,â the other mage said, in a grave voice, lifting his chin in weak defiance. âDefeated me?â Jewel asked in mockery, his brows rising. âWhat spell have you put on me that I am defeated?â A story of blood magic, both of deep evil and abomination, and of heroic sacrifice and selfless love. When Jewel is at last broken beyond all hope, when his power is ripped so fully from his hands, that he fears he has lost not only his power, but himself, he discovers at last that he can still be the Jewel he was before he was broken, before corruption stole his life away. For not until he is broken can he be Unbroken. |
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Wicked Little Things by Justin Arnold Join a coven. Catch a killer. Get a makeover...? When his cousin is murdered, recently outed 16 year old Dane Craven, is forced to return to his unbearably small hometown of Jasper Hollow. It would be easy enough for him to keep his head down if it weren't for three inescapable facts. â One, Dane is a witch with fiery powers he can barely control. Two, he's been claimed by a coven of fashion forward 'mean girls' desperate to give him a makeover. And three, Dane is pretty sure he's responsible for the death of his cousin. â Being the gay best friend to a trio of teenage witches was never high on Dane's list of aspirations, but fortunately for him these girls have the necromantic powers he needs to figure out who killed his cousin. Plus, he could do with some new clothes. While on the hunt for his cousin's killer, Dane discovers life in Jasper Hollow isn't all bad. There's the cute boy who works at the local coffee shop and enjoys long walks in the woods, for one. But when the rabbit-faced killer comes for Dane, he'll be forced to come to terms with who he is and where he belongs before it's too late for him and everyone in Jasper Hollow. â Wicked Little Things is a spooky, campy, horror complete with mystery, romance, and a whole lot of sass. It's Netflix's Chilling Adventures of Sabrina meets Caleb Roehrig's The Fell of Dark. â â "Think The Craft meets Mean Girls, with a pinch of AHS: Coven, then make it super gay. A bitchy, witchy, spook-fest that delivers scares, gore, and so much more! Camp, funny, and with moments of devastating darkness, this book really is full of Wicked Little Things." - Rory Michaelson, author of The Lesser Known Monsters Trilogy âThrow The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Are You Afraid of The Dark, Mean Girls, and Heathers into a cauldron, stir in a little queerness (for flavor) and you've got this book! Wicked Little Things brings the creep factor of urban legends, and mixes in humor, found family vibes, oh yeah, and a possible deal with the "devil" to create a sassy, spooky read that readers will come back to again and again." - Lou Wilham, author of The Hex Next Door |
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Thereâs a little monster in all of us. After her parentsâ divorce, 16 year old Riley Grishin is forced to move from Portland, Oregon all the way to Little Brook, Maine, a small town that serves as the headquarters for Titan Technologies, an international tech laboratory. Having left her friends and father behind, Riley spends most of her days running through the woods with her dog Tigger, and eavesdropping on her classmatesâin particular, the gorgeous, but very strange, Aspen Montehugh. On the night of the homecoming game, Riley wakes up to find her town on fire, terrorized by an unseen monster. With flames spreading rapidly, Riley and Tigger have no choice but to pile into her beat-up pickup truck and flee. Speeding out of town, they come across the only other survivor: Aspen. When Riley and Aspen finally reach safety, they realize something far more sinister is afoot. According to the news, all other Titan Tech laboratories on the East Coast have been attacked. And even worse, theyâre being followed by an SUV with blacked out windows. With all air travel grounded, Riley has no way to fly back to her dad, so she and Aspen embark on a cross country road trip, all the while pursued by men with guns, mad scientists, and the monstrous truth. Slowly, Riley realizes something's not quite right with Aspen, which puts her feelings for herâand her own humanityâto the ultimate test. Thelma and Louise meet Godzilla in this queer sci-fi adventure, that will appeal to fans of Erik. J Brownâs All Thatâs Left In The World and Charlotte Nicole Daviesâ The Good Luck Girls. â â "An action-packed, gut-wrenching journey smeared with ash and blood - come for the giant monsters, stay for queer girls holding each other up in the face of hardship. A thrilling journey!" - Andrew Joseph White, New York Times bestselling author of Hell Followed With Us |
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Chasing The Alpha's Son by Penny Jessup The second book in Penny Jessupâs best selling The Alphaâs Son series. Itâs been three months since their kiss on the beach and Max hasnât heard a whisper from Jasper. With Christmas fast approaching, and despite vowing he would chase Jasper to the ends of the world, Max is ready to give up. Until Alpha Jericho announces heâs sending a select envoy of Elite Pack wolves to an allied wolf-pack stationed high in the rocky mountains, where they will bear witness to a Blood Moon. A week in a cozy ski-lodge sounds as romantic as you can get, so Max decides to give things with Jasper one last shot. But life in the mountains is rockier than expected and finding alone time with Jasper is harder than Max thought. Political unrest between the packs is galvanizing Jasperâs determination to keep them apart, and new and old suitors are emerging in the pursuit of Jasperâs affections. Running headfirst into snow storms, Max begins to question if the destiny heâs been chasing is what he really wants. And when the Blood Moon arrives, bringing irrevocable change that no one saw coming, Max and Jasperâs connection will be put to the ultimate test. Will they find the path between souls among the snow covered peaks or will the mountain roads lead them to an unexpected destiny? |
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The Alpha's Son by Penny Jessup Max Remus couldn't care less about finding his mate-unlike the rest of his fate-obsessed pack. He totally prefers hanging with his bestie, eating his dad's steak sandwiches, and drawing in his trusty sketchbook. But all that is about to change at the Blue Moon Festival-a summer camp where Elite Pack wolves go to find their mates. The festival is a right of passage for every teen werewolf, and this year's festival will be one to howl home about. The alpha's son, Jasper Apollo, is attending for the first time. When Max finds himself inexplicably linked with the exceptionally handsome but totally jerk-faced heir, he's forced to grapple with the unexpected feelings clawing at his soul. If Max rejects his destiny, will fate's bite be worse than its bark? â Netflix's Young Royals meets Teen Wolf meets Twilight--the first instalment in a thrilling new series, The Alpha's Son is a heart-wrenching Young Adult, Boys Love, wolf shifter romance; full of yearning, comedy, and adventure. Start reading now! And may the Moon Gods light the path between souls. â "Full to the brim with teenage angst, werewolf lore, and plenty of pining, this supernatural romance is perfect for fans of Wranglestone and The Fell of Dark." - Philip Ellis author of Love and Other Scams â "The Alphaâs Son is an adorable debut filled with humor and intrigue. With the perfect amount of teen angst and awkwardness, Jessup weaves a story, who's end you won't see coming, about following your heart and knowing your worth.â - Jordon Greene author of Every Word You Never Said |
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The Limit of the Lonely Man by Becky James Evyn is running out of time. A princess could have a solutionâor be her downfall. Newly made Rangers, Thorrn and Aubin race to find the cause of Evyn's strange illness, seeking out Princess Sabatha of Rush. Aubinâs self-doubt threatens the outcomes of the mission while King Gough is making political moves, hoping that Evyn continues her betrothal to Prince Gerlay of Dinahe rather than choosing anyone else. But destiny weaves around them, drawing the multiverses and their hearts together. What is Evynâs calling as the Spirit Shaper, and what does it mean to be the Lonely Man? The third book in the thrilling King's Swordsman series, perfect for fans of sword and sorcery portal and multiverse fantasy. |
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The Bind of Blood and Bonds by Becky James âSpecial Forces is harsh. It could be a lot harsher.â Treason takes many forms. Once trust is broken, it is hard to reforge. Thorrn discovers this all too clearly, much to his detriment. But someone wants Thorrn dead, and they donât care how many lives they ruin in the process. Meanwhile, there is a spate of murders targeting Oberrotian officials, and Thorrnâs contingent is sent to investigate. Back to being the lowest of the low, Thorrn struggles to trust again â especially when he finds two of the most powerful mages in the world working together, and one of them is the woman he loves. |
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Of Bonds and Daggers by Dakota Monroe Nell Harper tumbles from the world of the humans into the veiled domain of the fae after struggling through her life for so long. As she ventures further into this unfamiliar place, Nell discovers the unsettling truth that her memories have been stolen. Determined to reclaim what's rightfully hers, she embarks on a journey that will test her resilience like never before. Guided by her instincts, and cat, she must unravel the tangled web of deceit and betrayal that led to her memory loss. Yet, as her journey takes her deeper into the heart of the fae world, Nell realizes the truth she seeks may be far more devastating than she could have ever imagined. Among the chaos, Nell finds herself entangled in a complex web of emotions. Love emerges from unexpected corners, intensifying the already dizzying events surrounding her. As her heart navigates the maze of desire and longing, Nell must confront the searing question: can she truly trust those who profess their affections in a place filled with secrets and lies? |
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Mandrake Manor by JP Rindfleisch IX Inherited magic. A secret neighborhood. And... a formidable Homeowner's Association? When Mathias Mandrake becomes the unexpected heir of Mandrake Manor, he and his friends are thrust into a world of witchery and mystery. Juggling romance, nosy neighbors, and looming fines, they must decide: is the magic worth the mayhem? |
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Falling Light by Crystal L. Kirkham Love comes in many forms: family, friendship, romance. But when those you love are considered forbidden, what do you do? â Samir Amin has dedicated his life in service to the Nergal, an ancient organization that monitors and polices the inter-dimensional beings on our world and the magic that summons them. The only dark mark on his career is his close friendship with Anela Mastersonâa being that was long ago trapped in a human body and forced to live near powerless in our world. â When Anela introduces him to Keeler Lim, another being trapped like her, on the condition he keeps it a secret from the Nergal, he does so reluctantly. Things only become more complicated when Anela is kidnapped by a madman who wants to release her darkness on the world and, unwilling to be forced to stand on the sidelines, Samir asks Keeler to help him find and rescue her. It is a decision that causes Samir to be faced with a choice between love and dutyâand it could cost him his life. |
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The Cranes of Blackwell by J.D. Kellner Bergden and Alyssa Crane are dutiful citizens of the Regime. Bergden, a Regime blackjack and Alyssa, a faithful wife, do what they can to provide for their son, James even when it means sacrificing their very freedom. But when Bergden is accused of treason, the Cranes must flee for their lives to escape the terrible reach of the Regime. During the escape, Bergden and Alyssa become separated. â Now, Bergden and Alyssa will do whatever they must, and against all odds, to unite their family. With the tyrannical Chancellor Kroft hunting them night and day, both must discover their inner strengths to conquer their fears and find each otherâs arms. Little do they realize that a greater threat lurks in the shadows. |
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Wolf of Withervale by JoaquĂn Baldwin Lago was only a child when the shapeshifter entrusted the wolf-like mask to his careâan artifact so powerful that it could come to shape the entire world of Noss. Now that he is coming of age, Lago is growing ever more fearful of the ominous relicâs influence, of the empire who has scented its trail and is coming after it. Coming after him. Aided by his best friend, an enigmatic scout, and his trusty dog, Lago seeks refuge in the vastness of the Heartpine Dome. The eighty-mile-wide structure had remained sealed for centuries, safeguarding more than mere secrets. Now that the domeâs entrails are stirring, the mysteries of the long-vanished Miscam tribes are coming to light, and the shapeshifting animal spirits are making their return. Powers untold hide behind the blinkless eyeholes of the canid mask, powers that could tip the balance in the war. Lago is barely beginning to learn how to wield the dark visage, but he can already feel its potential. ⌠And he can feel a different change coming, deep in his marrow. |
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Promise of the Betrayer's Dagger by Jay Tallsquall The last traitor of Arnadore turned his back on his people for a misguided love. Now, he must confront his cursed past, reconnect with his culture, and unlock the magic hidden inside his heart.Exiled and alone, Osman finds himself thrust back upon the shores of the homeland he deserted a decade before. To repay the debt he owes the brother he betrayed, Osman must traverse the Uldani Isles. Across the frozen tundra of Kyflenor, to the mist shrouded giant forests of Mornaserin, and beyondâhis journey will unravel a secret legacy left to him by his father.âPromise of the Betrayer's Dagger is the sequel to Legacy of the Vermillion Blade. It is an epic coming-of-age adventure that explores the pain, joy, and unbreakable spirit of one of the seriesâ favorite characters. The high fantasy world of Rhymera features vivid worldbuilding and a diverse cast of LGBTQIA+ charactersâ -Jay TallsquallSometimes to find yourself, first you have to find your Family. |
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War of the Pantheons by T.P. Theyson A modern tale of WAR, woven into the fabric of ancient mythology. A rogue deity decides he no longer wishes to live, having grown tired of answering the incessant prayers of his followers. When his decision throws the worlds OF gods and men into chaos, alliances must be made to face the one who calls himself "Savior". If they are to witness the survival of the world, they only have one choice; to break the laws set down by THE ones who came before them and unite the PANTHEONS to destroy this threat before it is too late. As death looms over us all and alliances are made, ancient grudges will boil to the surface. Ones that are older than time itself and soaked in divine blood |
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In Pain and Blood by Aldrea Alien He's unleashed. Unprepared. And thoroughly screwed. Dylan's life in the spellster tower has everything he should want: magical knowledge, safety from the King's Hounds and frequent clandestine affairs with women. All at the cost of his freedom. So when the chance to leave the towerâeven as a leashed weapon for the King's Armyâarises, he seizes it. When his first scouting mission goes awry, Dylan is left alone in a hostile world with the tower a distant beacon of safety. Only the flirtatious Tracker, an elven man whose very presence awakens Dylan's long-repressed desire, can help him return to his old life before the crown discovers his unleashed status. But the risk of being branded a deserter may be the least of his concerns as whispers of an armed presence in the North threatens his home. Dylan must rely on Tracker to protect him even as everything he thought he knew begins to unravel around them. |
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Everyone's a Catgirl! Volume 1 by DoubleBlind The hit web series with over 2 million views comes to life in eBook and Paperback! The last thing Matt Kelmer expected at the gym was sudden death. The second to last thing he expected was an offer of reincarnation by a goddess intensely moved by his "valiant efforts" before his untimely passing. When the option of a world filled with catgirls hits the table, Matt is determined to live out one of his greatest harem fantasies. However, what awaits him in Nyarlea will test the limits of his strength, courage, and patience. The monsters are harder, the Experience scarce, and the girls run circles around him. Join Matt on his adventure of fighting Encroachers and battling Defiled. Every precious Level and Party member will aid his survival in perilous Nyarlea. With emotional twists, steamy nights, and chaotic surprises, Everyone's a Catgirl! will subvert your expectations one genre at a time. |
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The magic of Christmas begins with a single snowflake and the jingling of sleighbells Alfie Wayfarer and his family are made homeless a week before Christmas when a relative offers tham a lifeline - a property on the South Coast of England. Yet the mysteriously named 'Merry Wish Cottage' holds more than a few secrets. It isn't long before unexplained and peculiar events around the cottage set the family on an adventure to save Christmas. |
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Choices Meant for All by Sandy Lender Revised and re-released by Seventh Star Press in 2023, Choices Meant for All is the final installment of the foundational trilogy. It is Book 3 in the Choices series. From the foothills of the Freotho Mountains to the marble halls of Mahriket, factions of deities rise to threaten not only Master Rothahnâs crown, but all Onwealdâs people. The battles fan the gates of the dark spirit world, releasing demons of every species to aid the enemy, but an embattled Nigel Taiman brings Malachiâs power to the Arcanan Armyâs camp in hopes of tipping the balance in his brideâs favor. Dangerous times call for strange allies from all quarters. To restore the geasa that should save the god sheâs sworn to protect, Amanda Chariss must escape the very Betrayerâs grasp and make choices for the good of everyone. Does she have the will to sacrifice all that she holds dear in the process? Dive into the action-packed conclusion of the Choices trilogy to discover how prophecy works withâand againstâthose who would heed it. |
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Choices Meant for Kings by Sandy Lender Revised and re-released by Seventh Star Press in 2023, Choices Meant for Kings is Book 2 in the Choices series. Thereâs no doubt: Amanda Chariss is in danger. Her geasa is hampered by the effects of a doomed wedding. The dashing Nigel Taiman hides something from her, yet demands she stay at his familyâs estate where he and her wizard guardian intend to keep her safe. But the sorcerer Lord Drake and Julette The Betrayer know sheâs there, and their monstrous army marches that way. When prophecies stack up to threaten an arrogant deity, Chariss must choose between the dragon that courts her and the ostracized kings of the Southlands for help. Evil stalks her at every turn and madness creeps over the goddess who guides her. Can an orphan-turned-Protector resist the dark side of her heritage? Or will she sacrifice all to keep her god-charge safe? |
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Choices Meant for Gods by Sandy Lender Revised and re-released by Seventh Star Press in 2023, Choices Meant for Gods is Book 1 in the Choices series. Not even the gods noticed when Amanda Chariss was born with the mark of The Protector. Now she and her wizard guardian hide from a mad sorcerer in a household full of false hope and whispered secrets. The same god who watches over the family school sheltering Chariss will soon reveal her role in an impending war. When a wizardâs ward sets aside a lifetime of running and fear to accept the responsibilities of guarding an arrogant deity, can she face the trials in the prophecies they uncover? Will Nigel Taiman of her latest refuge dare to use his dragon heritage to bind her to his estate or to help her in her duty? |
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The Advent of Winter: A Fantasy Anthology by Thiago Abdalla, Kian N. Ardalan, Zack Argyle, Cal Black, Ryan Cahill, T.L. Greylock, Tim Hardie, Natalie Kelda, Christer Lende, L.L. Macrae, Also featuring stories from: Dom McDermott, Andrew D. Meredith, H.C. Newell, Tatiana Obey, Quenby Olson, Palmer Pickering, J.D.L. Rosell, Kerstin Espinosa Rosero, D.W. Ross, Karim Soliman, Tori Tecken, H.L. Tinsley, Jim Wilbourne, A.R. Witham. 24 Authors, 24 Stories, 1 Unique Advent Calendar Step into the magical realms of "The Advent of Winter," where twenty-four self-published authors craft enchanting tales that will transport you to a realm of frost-kissed wonders. This winter-themed fantasy anthology invites you to journey through December, one captivating story at a time. With each story, you'll discover a new world, a new adventure, and a new facet of the season. From tales of joy and beauty that warm your heart to stories filled with danger and horror that send shivers down your spine, "The Advent of Winter" is a treasure trove of diverse narratives. Let these evocative tales wrap you in the spirit of the season, as you explore the many faces of winter's magic. Whether you're seeking the comfort of familiar traditions or the thrill of unexpected surprises, this anthology will make your December days truly enchanting. |
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After experiencing a dark and tumultuous journey to reach the shining city of Gallerheim, Ulva and her companions would be forgiven in believing that the worst of their troubles were behind them. In fact, they are just beginning. Whilst John, Ulva and Brenna sequester themselves behind the city walls for their safety, Einar, Kit and their newfound ally Freki must travel to the ancient and forbidden Isle of Icemoon in search of a wise and godly figure who may be able to provide them with the knowledge needed to craft a powerful artifact that could save Norway from the terrible Dark Wolf Fenrir and his villainous cult. But the dangerous journey forces Einar, Kit and Freki to walk frightful and mysterious paths that few tread and even fewer return from alive. In the meanwhile, John, Brenna and Ulva struggle to contain her lycanthropy, which is beginning to spiral out of control. |
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With the only hope of a cure for the wolfblight cruelly and unexpectedly snatched from their grasp by the villainous Cult of Fenris, Ulva and her companions must travel farther and deeper into the frozen land of Norway to reach the great city of Gallerheim. There they will assist King Snaebjorn and his noble allies in their plot to take back Fenrirâs Bane so that it cannot be destroyed by the Dark Wolf Fenrir and his malicious followers. But the road to Gallerheim is treacherous and paved with many trials and dark tribulations that will test Ulva and her companions to their very limits and with Ulvaâs lycanthropic affliction worsening, time is running out to save both her and the kingdom. |
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After escaping from the clutches of the fanatical Cult of Fenris and barely surviving a number of horrific dangers, Ulva and her companions continue their journey northwards towards the forest of Coldwood, where a cure for Ulvaâs lycanthropy lies in wait. As they travel deeper into the land of Norway, Ulva, John, Einar, Brenna and Kit must face off against even greater perils and revolting horrors, culminating in a revelation that will shock Ulva and her loved ones to their very core. But with the beast lurking within Ulva becoming stronger as the nights wear on and with Ulva struggling to keep herself together, getting to Coldwood will take all her strength, courage and determinationâŚbut will it be enough? |
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After suffering a terrible tragedy, John and Ulva Forrester settle into their new home in the village of Gormstad in ninth-century Norway, hoping to begin a new life of peace together. But their dream of tranquillity is shattered when Ulva is bitten by a werewolf one fateful night. Consequently, Ulva is afflicted by a wretched disease known as the wolfblight, which transforms her every night into a vicious beast and will ultimately take control of her permanently unless a cure is procured. With friends and family at her side, it is a race against time as Ulva sets off on a journey to reach the dark and mysterious forest known as Coldwood where a cure can be found, an ancient artifact known as Fenrir's Bane. But many horrors and nightmarish perils await Ulva and her companions, will they triumph and reach Coldwood in time, or will it be too late? |
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Urban Gothic by Stephen Coghlan Burned out and drugged up, Alec LeGuerrier spends his days faking it, barely ekeing out an existence while living in a haze of confusion and medicated mellowness. That is, until he stops a gang of nightmarish oddities from killing a strange young woman with indigo eyes. Dragged into the lands of the dreaming, he must come to terms with his brutal past and his grim imagined future in a land his body knows is real, but his mind refuses to acknowledge. |
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The Heavenly Sword by Alice Poon The Heavenly Sword and its sequel are a unique blend of an epic wuxia story and Chinese myths. Set in a world of human conflicts, fantastical martial arts, sorcery and celestial magic, Alice Poonâs debut fantasy follows a martial maidenâs heartbreaking adventures in her quest for love and justice. The goddess Changâe is sent to the mortal world to rein in the tyrant Zhu Di, formerly a Sky Wolf. Reborn as Tang Saiâer, a simple village girl, her celestial mission requires her to master a special martial arts skill, but to succeed, she must fight her growing feelings for a member of Zhu Diâs court, Ma Sanbao. When Zhu Di incites a civil war that imperils her village people, she is forced to lead the White Lotus Sect in direct combat. But even though she gets help from the gracious immortals in the violent feuds, she finds that her mission is on a collision course with her dreams. |
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Lantern by Burgundy Athena Pendragon In this dark high fantasy adventure, a grumpy middle-aged mage is asked by an old friend to take on an Impossible Task for her: finding a cure for her son's curse when all else have given up. Aiding Devyn on zir quest to cure Lio of his horrifying curse that he acquired by stealing a lindworm's treasure, is the teenager himself, a family of werewolves, and a mysterious demonic lantern forever bound to zir soul. But as the clock waxes and wanes and Lio's curse worsens, so do the dangers lurking in the shadows for them. And all of them human. |
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50 Shades of Neigh by Stephen Coghlan With the threat of World War 1 and its technological horrors looming, the heir apparent to the deadliest warrior kingdom, and home to honest-to-god Centaurs, must find a new path for her peoples before they are massacred in the trenches. Journeying to America, she searches for a future free of death, but will her absence leave the kingdom vulnerable to her conniving siblings? |
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Chandra Grey had walked through life believing that she was ordinary, until a chance meeting with a man calling himself a summoner opened her eyes to another world of possibilities. The summonerâs life is one of secrecy, danger, and eternal conflict. Though powerful, the summoners have been forced into hiding; pursued tirelessly for millennia by the group calling themselves hunters, those sworn to destroy the Order of summoners and the demons they command. The allure of the summonerâs power cannot be resisted, and Chandra finds herself drawn into the conflict, discovering along the way that her twin sister has been recruited by the very organization that seeks to destroy her: the hunters. |
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War of the Nameless by A.J. Calvin The god of death, called the Nameless by some, has been biding his time for millennia. His scheme to break free of his prison is nearing fruition, and with the aid of the Soulless bound to him, he seeks to regain his former power. The world has scorned him and it must face his wrath. Emra Castledowns has gathered an army to combat the threat the Soulless pose. Beside her are Vardak, a skilled warrior, renowned amongst his people and the protĂŠgĂŠ of the god of war, and Ravin, the most powerful wielder of magic the world has ever produced. The wizards have allied with her, the Five Kingdoms have lent soldiers and arms, and even the godsâsworn to remain neutral during mortal conflictsâhave begun to choose sides. In spite of her armyâs might, the power the Nameless begins to unleash is daunting. The death god is a threat to the existence of every kingdom, every race and nationalityâeven the Soulless who serve him are not immune to his thirst for revenge. |
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The Talisman of Delucha by A.J. Calvin Ravin is an anomaly amongst those who use magic. He refuses to join the Council of Auras and tie his fate to the wizards, and long ago escaped a terrible fate amongst the Enlightened, called the Shadow Council by some. His escape gave him freedom few others with his power enjoy, and he means to keep it, no matter the cost. Serving as an advisor to the Deluchan queen, Ravin learns a powerful relic is kept deep within the catacombs below the palace. War is on Deluchaâs doorstep, brought about by none other than the council he fled from and their Soulless leaders. He resolves to retrieve the relic in order to combat the imminent threat, but collecting the Talisman of Delucha is not without its own danger. As the Soullessâ army prepares to besiege the Deluchan capitol, Ravin makes one final, desperate attempt to secure the Talisman. The kingdomâs survival depends on his success, but time is not on his side. |
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Human by Birth, Dragon by Blood by Stephen Coghlan Amanda had always felt like she was too big for her body, so imagine her surprise when, on the cusp of moving out of her parentsâ house, she discovers that it wasn't just her imagination, but that she is the reincarnation of the great dragon queen, Tiamat, when she bursts out of her skin at the local mall during movie night. Pursued by The Mardukâdragon hunters hailing back from the beginning of humanityâAmanda gathers her great descendants together to rescue her long-lost king and stop the Marduk from ending dragonkind one and for all. Of course, nothingâs never that easy, as during her globe-hopping quest, Amanda and her wisecracking familiar discover that the power of the dragonsâ blood may very well bring about an apocalypse that Marduk may have been trying to prevent |
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Magic is dying out. There are only two people who can stop it: a psychopathic wizard who canât keep it in his pants and an autistic mage with crippling anxiety. Nikolai no longer wants to kill Medeaâheâd much rather sleep with her, certain itâs the key to winning her heart and learning the secret to immortality. But she seems oblivious to his advances, and Yoxtl wonât stop cockblocking him. The damned spirit wonât relent until he builds it a following. Medea has sensed the decline of magic for years. Now that she has an apprentice who can help her discover the cause, she finds her own discomfort with an ever-changing society getting in the way. Nikolai has been acting odd, too, though she canât put her finger on why. Their research takes them to America, where Medea struggles to navigate the Mundane world and Nikolai thrives, relying on his newly honed telepathy skillsâa branch of magic that Medea despises and fears heâll use against her. Will she ever learn to trust him? Should she? And when they stumble upon a mysterious magical signature in the unlikeliest of placesâthe heart of a Mundane cityâwill it shed some light on the fall of magic or lead to more questions? |
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Millicent Havercroft, a cheese merchant, and proud market stall holder, has been beheaded and placed on a shelf in the Gloomwood library. The city is suffering a spate of horrific food poisoning attacks. Augustan Blunt has been dumped by his long-time, on-again-off-again girlfriend. An organisation calling itself the âcultureâ is covering the city in anti-food propaganda. But worse still⌠Something has happened to the Grim Reaperâs mid-afternoon snack. Somebodyâs cheesed off⌠|
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There's no such thing as Christmas in the Grim Reaper's own slice of the afterlife, but there is Bleakest Day. As the festive season is in full swing, things are taking a sinister turn. Who would steal the Grim Reaper's baubles? Why does everyone hate the demonic refugees? Did Detective Blunt remember to get Sarah a present? The afterlife is in turmoil once again and it's down to Detective Blunt and the few friends he has to get to the bottom of things. On Bleakest Eve, everything is going to come together. The question is... who's been naughty and is anybody nice? Welcome back to the afterlife. Just remember, don't call it Christmas.... |
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A Cup of Tea at the Mouth of Hell (Or, An Account of Catastrophe by Stoudemire McCloud, Demon) by Luke Tarzian BRIEFLY, A WORD ABOUT ORDER Order is the focal point around which existence revolves. Without order there is only chaos. And in the halls of Damnation (pronounced Dam-NAWT-ion, thank you kindly) the first sign of impending chaos is a cup of tea made without the water having first been well and properly boiled in a kettle. Why is this relevant, O nameless narrator, you ask? Who cares about the preparatory order of tea in the fires of Hell? Lucifer, dear reader. After all, how does one expect to properly greet the newcomers to Hell without having first had a hot cup of tea to bulwark the cold? Behold the Morning Star, frantic on the annual Morning of Souls, the arrival of Damnation's newest recruits. Someone has misplaced the kettle. |