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The Den of Stone by Roger Sandri Courtney Mays discovers the reason when she comes face to face with a living gargoyle. Her daily life selling appliances is thrown on its head as she learns to live by the sword in a shadow war against monsters. Edthgar, the ancient gargoyle leader, has plotted for centuries, and as Courtney’s abilities grow, so does the threat to his plans. Those she cares about become targets, and she must fight to protect them. Even if it means battling into the heart of their den of stone… |
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They Dreamed of Dead Ships by Byron M. Kain It’s the dream that kills you… Gabe has it good: a steady job, a nice house, a girlfriend he wants to spend his life with, and a well-planned future. (Sometimes he even gets a solid eight hours of sleep.) Until one day, when he finds a weird silver tile embossed with a ship while on a morning jog. And then the world goes mad. People are dying by the millions from the silver tiles that spawn in bodies of water. Everyone dreams of a dead ship that is rising from uncharted depths. Gabe and Jennie flee inland, desperately trying to find a way to keep each other safe. But where do you run when the threat is in your dreams? |
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Hero's Choice by Merc Fenn Wolfmoor Never get between a Dark Lord and his son. * * * Lord Mrakota adopts the boy who is prophesied to kill him and raises Hero as his own son. Despite the meddling of rangers, wizards, and Old Mentors, Mrakota protects and guides Hero to follow in his path as a Dark Lord. However, as Hero’s fifteenth birthday approaches and everything conspires to lead him to a final confrontation with Mrakota, Hero doesn’t know if he has a choice at all. Is he doomed to fulfill his destiny and kill his own father? * * * Hero’s Choice is a (sometimes darkly) humorous fantasy 15,000-word novelette parodying classic tropes of the genre while retaining lots of heart—because in the end, the family and friends we choose are always more important than fate. |
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On Earth Pact, no species is as feared as the Impundulu shifters of the United Wake of Benekal. For Fayola, a veteran nearing the end of her compulsory military service, being a soldier had never been more than reluctant duty. As she prepares for her final special operation, her goal remains the same: Complete her mission so she can return home to her father. Tasked with rescuing a humanitarian doctor from a war zone, but not the orphaned children under her care, Fayola must decide how much she is willing to risk for the future she deserves. Jwahir, a human in a nation of warring shifters, finds herself holed up in a medical clinic with other orphans, praying for a miracle or a painless death. But when an Impundulu soldier arrives, stoic and determined but with a reserved tenderness she tries to hide, Jwahir knows she has met her Dela Eden–her savior. However, people are not always who they seem, and crimes against children are too often ignored. For Jwahir, her true test of bravery begins not in a medical clinic in a war-ravaged country but in a bear shifter's cabin home in a peaceful forest. For Fayola, twenty-five years of retirement planning changes in the blink of an innocent child's golden-brown eyes. But what will she do when her goodwill pact goes horribly wrong? |
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Lukie's father is trapped in the Underworld and it's all her fault. Twenty years after her murder, Lukie has returned to life and is ready to go home, but her father isn't willing to believe his beloved daughter is back from the dead. Before she can reconcile with him, a supernatural predator steals her father's soul. One that she's led straight to his door, after foolishly ignoring the signs that something was amiss. To get her father back, Lukie must uncover the true nature of the ancient horror haunting Thunderhead Ward before a spectral hunt of bestial ghosts is unleashed upon the world. And she only has until midnight on New Year's Eve, when the borders between the dead and living lands seal, or her father will be lost forever… |
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Lukie’s been murdered. And she needs answers. She’s cut a deal with the Underworld to return to the living lands. But when Lukie returns as an undead revenant, twenty years have passed. Her former sleepy beach-side town is now a roaring tourist hot-spot. Her memory is full of holes and she doesn’t know which of her old friends to trust. Worse, a monster hunter is stalking her. Lukie has to stay one step ahead, or return to the Underworld without knowing who killed her, and why…. |
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Friends for Robots: Short Stories by Merc Fenn Wolfmoor In this upbeat, positive collection of SFF short stories from Merc Fenn Wolfmoor, author of So You Want to Be A Robot, you’ll find hope, humor, friendship—and of course, robots. Have you heard the one about… …a neural network who wants humans to drink more water? …a person stranded on Mars with only an obsolete robotic toy? …a cyborg caught in a time loop with a frightened ship? …a self-aware mech who doesn’t want to be a weapon anymore? …an AI sent into the deepest part of the ocean—and finds a god? You’ll also meet entrepreneurial barbarians, an astronaut making first contact, a boy who might have (accidentally) started Armageddon, magical birds, a bot who wants to tell jokes, and more. Whether you’re a robot or not, come make some new friends. |
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Flotsam (Book One of the Peridot Shift) by R J Theodore A scrappy group of outsiders take a job to salvage some old ring from Peridot’s gravity-caught garbage layer, and land squarely in the middle of a plot to take over (and possibly destroy) what’s left of the already tormented planet. Captain Talis just wants to keep her airship crew from starving, and maybe scrape up enough cash for some badly needed repairs. When an anonymous client offers a small fortune to root through a pile of atmospheric wreckage, it seems like an easy payday. The job yields an ancient ring, a forbidden secret, and a host of deadly enemies. Now on the run from cultists with powerful allies, Talis needs to unload the ring as quickly as possible. Her desperate search for a buyer and the fallout from her discovery leads to a planetary battle between a secret society, alien forces, and even the gods themselves. Talis and her crew have just one desperate chance to make things right before their potential big score destroys them all. Praise for Flotsam: “Combining the best elements of steampunk and space opera, placed in a lavishly detailed and imagined world, Flotsam will hold you firmly till the final page.” — Cat Rambo “Flotsam sucked me in and wouldn’t let me go. R J Theodore is a fresh voice who will soon be on your must-read list!” — Jennifer Foehner Wells “I can’t stop thinking about the world of Flotsam. Science-fiction, alchemy, and airships. It’s magic.” — Mary Robinette Kowal “Take a pinch of Jim Butcher’s Aeronaut’s Windlass, add a dash of Treasure Planet, some vivid imagery from Avatar, a generous helping of banter from Firefly, and you might have an idea of the feeling this story left me with. Rich language and imagery blend with a complex world, a story told with humor and heart, that left me breathless and wrung out. I want to know what’s in store next for this crew and their already shattered world.” — Ronda “Peridot is a fascinating, fractured world that truly comes to life on the page; it’s remarkable that Theodore manages to establish the world and its cultures and races so well straight off the bat. And as if that isn’t enough, she introduces an alien race and culture into the mix, juggling them all with aplomb.” — Alan Brenik “The worldbuilding is incredibly epic for a newly minted author and hints at uncovering even more as this series evolves.” — Koeur |
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Morgan’s home is a sanctuary for ghosts. The once-grand, now dilapidated old house they live in has become a refuge for their found family. From Morgan’s partner Araminta, an artist with excellent dress sense, to Theo, a ten-year-old with an excess of energy, to quiet telekinesthetic pensioner Denny, all of them consider this haunted house their home. In a world that wasn’t built for their queer, neurodivergent selves, they’ve made it into a place they belong. Together they welcome not just the ghosts of the house’s former inhabitants, but any who need somewhere to belong. Both the living and the dead can find themselves in need of a sanctuary. When a collection of ghosts trapped in old bottles are delivered to their door, something from the past is unleashed. A man who once collected ghosts – a man who should have died centuries before – suddenly has the house under his control. Morgan must trust their own abilities, and their hard-won sense of self, to save their home, their family, and the woman they love. |
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The Wolf Among The Wild Hunt by Merc Fenn Wolfmoor A disgraced knight must survive a night among the most deadly hunt ever known. With cover artwork by Asmo Grimae and six b&w interior illustrations by Andrew Garin Skythulf wants to live. Raised in the fight pits, trained to kill or be killed, he yearns for freedom that’s out of reach. He’s a scythewulf: a wolf-shifter considered neither fully man nor beast, his life worth nothing to his keepers…until Brennus, knight-champion of Saorlland, rescues him from certain death and offers him a new life. When he mistakenly kills a corrupted nun, Skythulf has one chance to redeem himself and restore his honor. He must run with the Wild Hunt: an age-old trial of blood and courage, where every step hides peril and carnage. If he survives, he will be pardoned. If he fails, Brennus will die brutally at his side. Few have ever returned from the fae-haunted land, where horrors unnamed dwell beside the enchanted and the damned. There is no rest, no relent, and no mercy. In the Wild Hunt, you run or you die. |
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Fate never asks your opinion... Growing up in a town constantly at war with elves, Johnny wants to be a knight like his father, but tragedy and intrigue interfere. After he meets an elf, and false accusations draw unwanted attention, he escapes by becoming an apprentice to a powerful wizard. He soon learns he has the most feared talent of all, Metamancy, the magic of altering magic. In the deadly serious world of wizards, revealing his talent for Metamancy would place a target on his back. It seems he’s jumped from the frying pan into the fire, but with his magical abilities unlocked, there's no going back. This book introduces a brand new world, and begins to reveal a detailed new magic system. Though this world will have some familiar elements (elves, goblins, wizards), this young wizard treads a fundamentally different path versus the likes of Garion, Pug, Rand, or Harry and not all is as it initially seems. Contains: Wizards, Mages, Archmage, Elves, Undead, Imps, Pegasus, Knights, Fateful Tragedy, Dastardly Manipulation, Internal Struggles, Love Interest, and a Mysterious Unknown Player Does not contain: Whiny Characters, Cliff-hanger Chapters, Unedited Text, Pointless Profanity, Needless Gore, Explicit Romance Note: This is the beginning of an epic story, not just a collection of magical battles. If you are only interested in combat or a numerically tracked skill progression, this is not the book you are looking for. |
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The Coven of Ruin by T. K. Tucker The merciless God of War, a healer witch, and that meddlesome thing known as Fate. Trista was a healer. But that was before. Before she was dragged to Olympus for a crime she didn’t commit. Before she almost died. And before she made a life debt to the god who saved her. The very god who killed the Mothers and damned all of witchkind centuries before—Ares, the God of War. The Witchbane. Now she can’t stand the sight of blood, and her simple, duty-filled life is upended. When she receives an invite to the capital of Witch Country to attend the social season, though, she is hopeful the time away will help her heal. What she doesn’t expect to find there is something much more sinister than political games and poorly disguised attempts at matchmaking. Between masquerades and tournaments, Trista is pulled farther into the dark and bloody history between witches and gods. And amidst it all is Ares. Since Trista is the only witch in existence who knows who he is, Ares keeps her close. So close that the lines between enemies and allies begin to blur and she doesn’t know who or what to trust. But before she can figure that out, an ill-fated choice and an ancient prophecy may lead them both down a path they can’t survive. The Coven of Ruin series is a Greco-Roman myth-inspired, slow burn, adult romantic fantasy set in a different world. |
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Ember and Eclipse by T. K. Tucker There’s a bounty on her head. After committing a brutal crime against Romul’s prince, Rel fled the mortal-dominated north to Witch Country. She wasn’t welcomed in the covens, though, so she found a sanctuary in an empty swamp instead. And that’s where she’s been hiding ever since. Until the Wolf of Romul, the deadliest witch hunter, somehow finds her after two years. Even as she fights with knives and teeth to get away, the witch hunter continues to hunt her and ruins any of her escape plans. As they journey further from her swamp, they’re forced into situations that reveal more of their truths, and it soon becomes apparent both are more than what they seem. Lines are blurred, morals questioned, and touches stolen until the hunter becomes just as trapped in his snare as she is. And neither of them may survive it. Ember and Eclipse is a steamy, enemies to lovers, witch X witch hunter, adult fantasy romance. As a Coven of Ruin series standalone, it can be read before or after book 1, The Coven of Ruin. |
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On Virgin Moors by Alexandrina Wilson The Unity holds dominion over the breadth of space. And now, at last, they've set their sights on the final prize. That prize is Essegena - a planet at the farthest edge of the universe, ripe for human habitation and yet completely untouched. But all is not well on Essegena. Three of the colony's pioneers have vanished without a trace, and in their place a man has appeared who - according to all the records - simply does not exist. Worse still, the infant colony is beset with concerning reports of mysterious lights in the distant trees, shadowy phantoms haunting the edges of their nascent home, strange noises from high up on the cliffs. The colonists need to stay united if they're to make Essegena a success story - but with ambitious vipers around every corner, they've never been more divided. Once they dreamed of a fresh start, far away from their former lives. Now that dream is fast becoming a nightmare. |
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Muireann spent six months planning to kill the dragon that killed her family. Now the dragon is dead, and she's realized that it was actually the lesser threat guarding a devastating weapon that, if it falls into almost anyone's hands, will bring war and destruction to her world. It can't be left where it is. It can't be hidden. It can't be trusted in the hands of anyone in power or who seeks power. Muireann's only option becomes a reluctant quest with the elf she rescued from the dragon, a would-be knight, a selkie, and an elven mage to find out as much as she can about the weapon and seek a way to understand the magic that created it. Pursued by a dragon-worshipping cult bent on revenge and a hidden enemy that will do anything to remake the world, the five friends must try to find answers before all is lost. Muireann thought that killing a dragon was going to be impossible. Saving the world is going to be much harder. |
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Wings of Fire by Stephanie Mirro Stealing objects for supernatural clients is my bread and butter. Murder? Not so much. As a phoenix, I’m used to burning hot and rising from the ashes. That’s why I chose to make my living as a world-class thief. Some say it’s dangerous. I call it fun. Or it is until someone beats me to my latest mark, stealing the prize and killing a fae duke in the process. To add insult to injury, I get blamed for the gruesome murder. With my freedom on the line, I’ve got three options. One, confess my failure and spend a few centuries as the caged pet of my sadistic, bloodsucking client. Nope. Two, take the blame and let the hotter-than-hell grim reaper take me to jail. Also a hard nope, unless he sweetens the deal with an offer to burn up the sheets. Is it any wonder I choose door number three? I’ve got to find the real killer, steal back the goods, and remind everyone how I got my reputation as the world’s best “acquirer” in the first place. There’s just one problem. That sexier-than-sin grim reaper I mentioned? He’s determined to see me go down. |
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Over the Dragon’s Gate by Juliana Jones & Riley Sanderson Treya has everything he needs in his pond: food, shelter, and other fish to swim with. It’s painful to wonder if he had another life once, so he ignores the fragments of disturbing dreams that plague him. But when a boy falls into his pond, Treya discovers he’s more than a fish. He can also become a boy, and now he has a friend: the irrepressible Eli. During secret meetings in the garden surrounding the pond, Treya and Eli forge a bond that even dark magic can’t break. But when Eli starts asking questions about who and what Treya is, the two of them discover that questions are dangerous, answers have a cost, and their fates depend on unraveling the mystery of Treya’s past. |
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Of Blood, Bones, and Truth by T.M. Ledvina For fans of genre-bending science fiction and fantasy, Of Blood Bones and Truth is a modern take on classic epic fantasy stories featuring murder mystery, front-and-center queer representation, MM romance, and unique magical technology. Kellan Manchester, an indentured political assassin, wants to lead a life of his own choosing. But as one of the Fallen - celestial descendants who are still paying for their ancestor’s mistakes - he has no choice but to do as he’s commanded. All Cassian Evermore wants is to pay off his father’s debts and ensure his mother’s safety. Being forced to work for someone he hates is soul-crushing, but when he meets Legion assassin Kellan in the garden of a target’s home, he can’t help but wonder if he’s finally found something interesting. Thanks to a fortuitous reunion in a nightclub, the two men form a tentative agreement to work together to solve a brutal string of murders in Spiral City. Kellan finds himself struggling to connect the dots, while Cassian juggles the emotional toll of targeting someone he’s come to see as a friend. And neither of them can ignore their budding feelings for one another, even while the bodies continue to pile up. Kellan and Cassian are two men with no control over their own fates - but this case could spell the same for the entire world. |
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The Nameless Throne by Lisa Cassidy An ambitious orphan. A ruthless warlord. An impossible destiny. Arya Nameless is a lowly Raider posted to an isolated fort in the most dangerous place in Dunidaen. She has few prospects, and as much as she loves her fellow soldiers, she burns for more-more control, more autonomy, more power. When her bravery during an unexpected attack leads to an offer to join the household of one of Dunidaen's warlords, Arya finds a home and family she never expected. Yet her quicksilver temper and fierce pride put her place there at constant risk. And as her warlord embroils them all in a dangerous political game to rule Dunidaen, over the border to the west, the Nightstalker lurks. A king who wields powerful magic, the Nightstalker's fate is inextricably entwined with Arya's. His relentless pursuit will force Arya into a choice she doesn't want to make, between loyalty and love, and taking hold of the destiny she was born to fulfill. Which will she choose? |
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Our Vengeful Souls by Kristi Mcmanus When magical mermaid Sereia saves her little sister and overshadows brother and rightful heir, Triton, the position of next ruler of the sea is in question. Determined to keep his throne, Triton curses Sereia, transforming her into a human and stripping her of magic. Banishing her from their underwater kingdom, he gives her a final warning: if you should ever return, you will become a monster. Left for dead, Sereia washes up on the shores of Atlantis, discovered by a kind merchant with a tragic past. Patient and charming, he helps her build a life on land, leaving her realizing that everything she was taught about humans may have been wrong. But legends are powerful forces, and mermaids are burned for their magic by humans who fear their power. Sereia is forced to keep her true identity a secret, even as her feelings for her savior deepen. Channeling her skill with a blade, she finds a place within the ranks of the Atlantean army, finally giving her the chance to become the respected warrior she always desired. During her training, however, she discovers the legend of a trident of equal power to her father’s exists, and is within her grasp in Atlantis. With a way back to the sea in her grasp, she wavers between the pull of revenge and the possibility of love on land, all under the hateful eye of a vengeful enemy within her ranks. But when the fate of a friend is in the balance, she must make the hardest decision of all: be burned at the stake as a witch, or turn into a monster should she return to the sea. |
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It's the end of the world – but not as we know it. A woman wakes up in a motel on the outskirts of a remote Oregon city with no memory who she is and a gun at her bedside. As she explores the world around her it seems that civilization has come to a violent end. That’s bad. It might also be the most normal thing that happens to her all week. |
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Paragon Exordium by Mikel Melwasul Paragon Exordium is an easy-to-read character-driven fantasy novel that combines classic magical elements with a modern-day setting full of non-stop action, world-building, and high stakes. -In Paragon, Georgia, the battle for survival has begun.  After the Shattering, everything changes. When technology falters, the remnants of humanity must unite against an onslaught of creatures beyond their wildest imaginings. Basilisk, orcs, elves, dwarves, and other terrifying creatures now populate the planet.  With the creatures causing havoc, strangers are forced to join forces. Private military officer Peter Blair grapples with enigmatic dreams brought on by a black sword, and his inability to save everyone. While journalism student Sarah Young discovers newfound magical powers and the responsibility they bring. With refugees flooding in and danger on the rise, Peter and Sarah must embrace their new reality or risk surrendering Earth to the Fae - losing everything they hold dear.  Fans of The Walking Dead and Lord of the Rings will be enticed by this genre-bending epic that rings with themes of survival, sacrifice, and self-discovery. |
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Bedsocks and Broomsticks by G Clatworthy Village Fetes can be murder. When Fi's electrical powers cause her to be fired from her job, the last thing she wants to do is help the Witches', Wizards' and Warlocks' Institute host the annual Halloween Fete. But when a judge collides with her, she's thrown into a murder investigation...as the prime suspect. Can she clear her name and catch the real killer? Jam and Jerusalem meets Midsomer Murders meets magic. If you like cozy British settings, sarcasm and witches, you'll enjoy this series. Reviews: If Jessica Fletcher was a 20 something IT worker and a witch, you'd get this fun book. A Cozy Mystery wrapped inside urban fantasy, it's a quick, fun read. Wayne Turmel - author of Johnny Lycan and the Anubis Disk I ADORED this book. It's like Midsomer Murders meets Helen Harper. Huge amounts of fun. C.N. Rowan - urban fantasy author This book had me hooked from the first page — there are so few fantasy stories about IT people, and the moment I saw the PIC-NIC, I knew I would like this book. Amena Jameli - fantasy author Written in UK English. |
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Life Sucks After You Die by Crystal-Rain Love All Danni Keller wanted to do was go to a bar and drown her sorrows in some alcohol, but she managed to get attacked by an incubus. Now she's being guarded by a hunky but oh so irritating vampire (who bit her too) while the incubus stalks her. Being guarded by the sexy vampire probably wouldn't be that bad if not for the fact her perfect boss has finally noticed her. Try dating while a vampire guards you way too closely and an incubus tracks your every move, waiting to pounce. Then there's some creepy hunter guy who also wants to kill Danni. The sun wants to kill her. Human food wants to kill her. Don't even get her started on her family. Life sucks after you die. |
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The Fifth Horseman by Freida Kilmari No name. No past. One giant future. The only thing worse than suddenly waking up in a magical house with the insanely gorgeous Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse? Being the Fifth. With no memory of who I am, where I came from, or what I’m doing here, I’m thrust into a new life with four people who I might want more from than just friendship. But with no past, how can I possibly plan for a future? The only clue as to who I am? Four different species' magic resides within me—Vampire, Fae, Shifter, and Witch—and between them, I might be the most powerful creature on the planet. For fuck's sake. Look out world, Horseman of Magic coming through! |
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The Singular Adventures of Jefferson Ball by David Perlmutter There never was a heroine like Jefferson Ball. And, thankfully, there may never be. She is, simply, the most powerful humanized female dog in a universe full of them. Faster, stronger, more attractive to boys. Unbeatable as a lover. Unfortunately, her brains are not up to this quality, but don’t tell her that. About the only one who can is Major Hamilton Pomeranian, the diminutive ex-soldier who is Jeff’s best friend and conscience. When she gets too big for her limited clothing, Hamilton tells her what for. And it’s usually only after that point that they are able to escape from whatever convoluted situation they find themselves in. This potential collection will have readers both laughing and awestruck at the events that happen. And, hopefully, you will be one of them. |
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Honey And Salt by David Perlmutter The story is narrated by Olivia Thrift, a.k.a. the Manitoba based pre-teen super-heroine Captain Fantastic. After filling us in about her background, she then proceeds to speak about her first meeting with the members of the Canadian Consortium of Super-heroines, all of whom are her age or slightly older and based in different parts of Canada. She is particularly thrilled to meet her idol Gerda Munsinger, a.k.a. Muscle Girl, also a Manitoban by residence, and even more so when Gerda befriends her. However, the joyousness of the occasion is marred when Captain Fantastic's arch-enemy Gridiron Girl arrives and tricks Captain Fantastic into literally fighting a losing battle with her. In doing so, Olivia loses the personal confidence required to sustain her heroic persona, and becomes meek and helpless, saved only from death by the timely intervention of Muscle Girl. It is discovered that a villainous race of men known as the Merch are responsible for this, as well as the kidnapping of the members of the Consortium en masse when Gerda and Olivia are otherwise engaged. As a consequence, Muscle Girl is forced to call the aid of her colleagues in the International League of Girls with Guns- The Brat, an alien only resembling a toddler; Power Bunny, a truly animated rabbit; Cerberus, the all-mighty Princess of Puppies; and Candy Girl, the Titan of Teens- to help her and a temporarily powerless Olivia set things right. Yet it will not be an easy task. And before it is over, they may all succumb to multiple kinds of weakness that will destroy them permanently.... |
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The United States government discovers, to its horror, that the creatures featured in animated cartoons are not fabrications but real beings. Fearing the social and political consequences of the discovery being made public, they proceed to exile them off Earth to another planet. However, things do not go according to plan... |
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Wizards of the Apocalypse: The Forgotten Prophecy by X Zombie SOMETHING IS CREEPING IN THE DARK… Tristan Skeleton's life is already busy. Being the king of Skeletonia is no effortless task. With zombies roaming the earth and the human population reduced to villages, Tristan's plan is clear: protect and survive. Surrounded by strong castle walls, security seems easy. That is until four uncanny zombies break into the Skeletonia library. After the break-in, Tristan discovers the undead have been developing their skills beyond their lethal bites. They're learning to read, wield weapons, and even use magic. Tristan and his friends soon learn that Malice, a dangerous demon, is assembling her army of zombies, and it’s up to them to stop her before she conquers what’s left of the world. They must find the hidden Apocalypse Grimoire, which holds the key to Malice's defeat. But to do so, Tristan must cope with his forbidden powers. |
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The Fall of Ahilon (Zaure's Reign Book 1) by Samantha Shaye Forced to flee her kingdom, an Elvish princess prepares to return and reclaim her birthright with magic, blood, and steel. When the Elvish kingdom of Ahilon is attacked, Princess Zaure Rhistel—the sole heir—is forced to flee. Her mother always told her when there is war prepare for death, but she didn’t listen. Now, she finds herself woefully unprepared for the challenges ahead. Until she meets Torin, a spellcaster who has vowed to protect her. As Zaure travels with Torin, using her handmaiden’s name as an alias, two more heroes join their circle: Cagdas, a warrior from Zaure's kingdom who was sent to aid her, and Alrik, a bard who has seen too many of the world's evils. Zaure has no choice but to trust and let the others in, as she will need their help pursuing the powerful enemy that has destroyed her kingdom. The key to saving Ahilon is closer than she knows. Finding it is going to prove difficult. With the fate of her people in her hands, she will stop at nothing to save them. Even if it means sacrificing herself. |
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Caste of the Mountain by Nicolin Odel Young Hata Vasara is in the midst of discovering her first love as all hell breaks loose. Her father, Baal Vasara, a Foreman miner in the mountain city of Oitilla, discovered something deep within the earth—an ominous archway of steaming red light. Finding such an unnatural creation in such a place, Baal chooses to cover it up. Unfortunately, his right-hand man, Alvar Kovaa, has other ideas. We find the Vasara family, Baal, Brena, and Hata, in turmoil as the village chieftain accuses the family of lies and notions of thievery. The family is forced to fight for their place in Oitilla or be exiled as treachery follows in their wake. |
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The Children of Skaad by Nicolin Odel The red-haired young woman awakens within a cage and remembers nothing. Not even her own name. She finds herself in servitude to a vile man and powerful magi. Sluggish and addicted from her enforced intoxication to the drug grit. All under the watchful eye of a strict woman, The Proctor of the Covenant Enclosure, the red-haired girl is trained to use her power to manipulate the earth. But ever so slowly, she begins to regain her memory and struggles to escape this place of unspeakable horrors. Simon Meridio, a simple architect, has been named the First Otsoa of the nomadic people of Hasiera. His wife, Saudett, is pregnant and reunited with her long-lost mother, whom she has not seen in twenty years. He found a Skrull damned magical dagger that granted him unfathomable knowledge. And all thanks to him, the oasis valley of Hasiera has lost its water source, and a magical gateway hiding in the earth brings new turmoil. By the gods, I wish I could go home. |
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Boy of Shadows by Camilla Vavruch A scarred boy. A power struggle. A unique bird. And painful longing for love. Tristan’s father has abused him since he was a small child, leaving his body scarred and in constant pain. But no matter much Father tries, torture doesn’t keep Tristan from falling in love with simple field worker Will. Falling in love? Easy. But showing Will his flaws? No. Damaged in both body and mind, he sends Will away, unwilling to let him see more weakness. Alone and filled with self-hatred, Tristan must face the ambitious Overster Garrensor and his disdainful son—but all he wants is Will. |
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Apple Seeds in the Snow by Helen Rygh-Pedersen A pampered princess. A killer king. The seeds of ruin. Now that her schooling is over, pampered princess, Ouna Domonov must turn her attentions to the needs of the realm; such as marrying a Waterborn Descendant of the Naiads to help uphold the Balance. But she doesn’t want her hideous intended, nor her responsibilities. All she wants is to have fun with her best friend, who must soon face her own royal duties. As a last hurrah before the wedding bells sound, the friends head north for Vinterfest. There is just one problem: L’adu. The grumpy guardsman her intended has hired to protect his “interests”, seems intent on spoiling her fun and shielding her from the only man she deems worthy of her hand, the dashing King Olaf von Oderberg. But when intentions are misconstrued, the merrymaking ends. Ouna’s freedom is under threat and the destruction of her country at stake. Can she put her naivety and prejudices aside to fight for what and who is truly important? |
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Stone of Shadows by Camilla Vavruch In the slums of Gereon, sixteen-year-old Will struggles to survive and keep food on the table for his siblings. Working each day in the fields, he endures regular torment from privileged bully Tristan Arrington. But when a dragon snatches Will, he discovers a stone that grants him the power of invisibility. Returning to the city, Will uses his new ability and stumbles across a much darker truth about Tristan and his powerful father. Suddenly, the world is no longer black and white. There are people who are much more dangerous than Will ever thought. As a tentative friendship forms amidst a web of secrets, one boy’s life hangs in the balance—and just how much of himself is Will willing to risk? |
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Birthrights by David A Trotter The old gods are dead. The new ones are silver and steam. A lone warrior must rediscover their identity, all while coping with copious amounts change. Gone from the hills and wilds of the north, Darius must acclimate to city life. He must learn to trust in a city filled with deceit, all while trying to discern the true meaning behind these strange dreams that take him far into other realms. |
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The Cosmic Principle by Abby R. Laughlin When corruption surrounds her, she can either give in… or fight. One hundred years ago, a galactic cataclysm decimated the Centaurus galaxy, leaving only the planet Bersama unscathed—a world now divided into five struggling sectors. Captain Caldera Keane, an explorer for the Vanguard, is growing tired of going on pointless missions ordered by the king of Tellis. The people are suffering, and she wants nothing more than to exact real change for Bersama. But when Caldera gets escorted to the palace after nearly botching her last mission, she is certain she’s in trouble. Instead, she receives shocking news: King Quill is dead, and she’s the sole heir to the unstable throne he left behind. While balancing her new role as queen and contending with the corruption surrounding Bersama’s most powerful leaders, Caldera becomes entangled in a dangerous conspiracy related to the former ruler’s death. With no idea who she can trust, she must find a way to protect her friends, save her people, and uncover the truth before she suffers the same fate as the king. |
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Ghosts of the Catacombs by Janna Ruth I'm a ghost whisperer, not a catacomb crawler. But when you live in Paris, sometimes you end up being both. Hi, I’m Alix. During the day, I’m a history student at the time-honoured Sorbonne University. After class, I hang out with the ghosts of the revolution, the many undead misunderstood Parisian artists, and adventurous scientists that glow in the dark. None of them are alive, but they come to me to solve their problems with the living. When a recently deceased catacomb tour guide asks me to retrieve a mysterious personal item from the underground, things take a turn for the weird. Suddenly, I find myself in a city of ghosts, hunted by murderous cave crawlers, and stumbling across haunting secrets. If I’m not careful now, I might end up a ghost myself. Urban Fantasy with a French twist. If you like cave-crawling adventures, hopeless romantics, and ghosts, you'll enjoy Ghosts of the Catacomb, the first instalment of the Parisian Ghosts series. Travel to Paris today to embark on your catacomb adventure. |
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In the final hour, the broken and weak will show themselves the mightiest of all. The Air Sages were once greater than even the dragons of old. Now that they have perished, war and terrors blight the land. A mountain boy, branded a cripple by his own people, dreams only of escaping his servitude on the chilly alps. But when royal soldiers arrive and execute his brother for treason, Jamian Pappas is thrust headlong into a destiny beyond what he could ever imagine… The crown has discovered he is a Sage, the last of his kind. Jaime must enter a deadly race to master the forgotten art of the elements if he is to bring restoration to his ravaged realm. But his true enemies are not who they seem. For the cruelest beings of the Old World lurk in the night, manipulating, plotting, and hungering for the last free Sageflesh... To rise into his destiny, and challenge the unseen, will mean accelerating an inevitable prophecy that will bring the 3,000 year old Empire of Sages to an end. Enter the sweeping Third Age, where the old races of demons, mages, and dread-gods will sunder the Age of Sages, a world order that has reigned supreme for three thousand years - and where hope may ultimately rest on the most broken and weak of all. |
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A Breaking of Realms by Jasmine Young Praise for Jasmine Young's A Breaking of Realms: "This one deserves more than 5 stars." "[B]rings you such phenomenal dragons that your jaw will be on the floor." "I might have just read my favourite high fantasy book of 2023." "An absolute winner and no one, I mean no one should miss it if you enjoy a thoroughly fantastic read!" The Realm-Building Enterprise is open to all. On the continent of Elondria, anyone may become the next legendary dragon rider by building the greatest towns, cities, and even kingdoms. Skálda Branwright dreams of leaving the Longcold and becoming the first Dragonlord to build an official realm. Only no dragon egg has ever hatched for her. But when a wild hatchling falls to her from the skies, begging for rescue, she must decide whether to relinquish her dreams and become the worst criminal of all - a rogue rider. One with the potential to restore mankind’s sovereignty from the brutal dominion of elves. The Realm-Building Enterprise was meant to unite all races, until it became a means for elves to control the continent. But this is no ordinary dragon. By the time Skálda realizes what she holds in her hands, it is much too late. Stealing this hatchling will mean breaking Elondria's twenty realms, beginning with the one she calls home... A Realm-Breaker is coming. |
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The Demon's Curse by Courtney Lillard Two years have passed since the demon disappeared from Asteom, but the effects of its meddling still linger. Nightmares are only the beginning as a slumbering power resurfaces while other enemies arise in the shadows to take advantage of the hard-earned peace. Coura never expected her life to get any easier after recovering from her battle with Soirée. Despite the recovery in Asteom, a reforged alliance with the Yeluthians, and being reunited with her family, she struggles to keep up with the loss of her dark magic and the expectations placed upon her. The situation worsens with the arrival of a new enemy, one who recognizes her for her dark magic. Meanwhile, her friends explore their own futures while facing the same struggles until an unprompted attack from the northern country leaves everyone shaken. The threats multiply over the months from all directions, separating soldiers and mages in order to counter the danger. Is a war between nations, one seemingly orchestrated by a mysterious, Nim-Valan lord, eminent? How far will Coura go to learn the truth about what wielding demonic energy did to her center of power? If she does become involved in the turmoil, what sort of fate awaits her? |
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The Angel's Descent by Courtney Lillard A kingdom in danger, the angels’ return, and one demon’s ploy align to determine humanity’s fate. The man responsible for manipulating those within the palace labeled Coura a traitor, and the startling reveal of her lineage leaves her struggling to understand more than just the demon Soirée’s power. Meanwhile, her mentor, friends, and comrades are left at the mercy of the creature and must concoct a scheme to defeat the threat to their freedom. In the face of such despair, hope arises. The potential discovery of the angels’ sanctuary could reestablish an old alliance while the southern city of Dala offers their aid. As uncertain as the future seems, Coura vows to end the demon, no matter how deep their bond proves to be. Can she locate the hidden race of winged humans and convince them to aid her people? What is the punishment for failing to stop the real traitor controlling the country? How far must they go in order to achieve peace? |
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The Puppet's Blight by Courtney Lillard Time will continue to move forward and bring changes to the kingdom. Whether it is beneficial or not has yet to be seen. After a fight against the rogue angels severs her connection to the demon Soirée, Coura Galdwin wakes to find herself unable to wield magic. Events continue to worsen when she learns of a traitor committing murders in the palace, though her companions’ faith wavers when she reveals her past. Through the recovery and return to the capital city, Coura prepares to move on until an opportunity arises to reunite with her lost power. If she accepts, she must travel across Asteom to rescue those in danger from misshapen creatures, yet the cost for such heroics is unknown. Can Coura convince her friends she is trustworthy despite her past? Will they be able to uncover the traitor manipulating those in the palace? What will happen to her when she seeks out the unnatural demonic energy? |
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The Guardian's Deception by Courtney Lillard Demonic possession isn’t tolerated. That is, unless it benefits those already in power. Coura struggled to decide on her future until an encounter with a pair of angels awoke the magic slumbering inside her. The demon, Soirée, helped her defeat the threat and protect her friends. However, using forbidden magic drew the attention of Asteom’s king. In order to prove her sanity while learning how to wield this new energy, she must serve him and his council. Underneath the personal struggles lie questions about the beings sent to kill her mentor, Byron. Why would angels attack the humans they swore to protect? Who could be controlling them and trying to sabotage the kingdom’s attempts for peace? And worst of all, should Coura listen to the demon and continue delving into its malicious power? |
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The Shadow's Grasp by Courtney Lillard Demons and their illegal magic are dangerous. Even as a child, Coura was aware of these facts. That didn’t stop her from striking up a deal with one. Years later, as a gifted dark mage and trained combatant, she believes fate will lead her to serve in the kingdom’s army. A visit to the capital city alongside her mentor, Byron, exposes her to the world outside of their academy where she befriends an herbalist, an assistant general, and even the crowned prince. However, the journey home tests her physical and mental fortitude when the group is attacked by angels, the so-called protectors of humanity. |
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Vampire Menstrual Syndrome: The First Cycle by S.C. Hunter Vampire Menstrual Syndrome is the unapologetically queer-feminist supernatural comedy-horror series that no one asked for. The first day of Vanessa’s period takes a deadly turn when she is unwittingly sacrificed by a suburban cult of pretentious teenagers. After being exsanguinated, Vanessa crawls out of her shallow grave and is understandably upset. Caught in a horrible cycle of ingesting and excreting blood, Vanessa needs answers…fast. Thankfully, Vanessa’s roommate, Wyatt, is bored of his monotonous summer retail job and is a long-time fan of all things supernatural. Wyatt encourages Vanessa to investigate her own murder so that they can find some answers about her unexpected afterlife. Together, this dramatic duo will go to any lengths necessary to figure out what the hell is going on in their mundane little city. Interrogating and traumatizing teenagers? Easy. Catfishing knowledgeable strangers from a paranormal chat room? Fire off some eggplant emojis. Befriending an occult horticulturalist? That’s a green thumb’s up. Rubbing elbows with a pompous warlock? If they must. However, with each misguided step into the Underworld, Vanessa gradually realizes that her murderer—her maker, is trying to hunt her down. Unearth a conspiracy as old as sexism itself or survive long enough to have an afterlife crisis? Hopefully, those two options aren’t mutually exclusive. Vampire Menstrual Syndrome…and you thought cramps were bad. Content Warnings: The First Cycle, as the name implies, is the first book in the trilogy lovingly known as VMS. As a result, this book has a cliff-hanger ending. This book contains scenes of graphic violence and body horror, hard drug and alcohol use, talk of dysphoria, experiences of queerphobia and microaggressions (in the past), flashbacks of war, death, non-stop period talk (yes, clots and all), and, of course, blood. This book also contains queer romantic tension, steamy make-out scenes, and nudity--with a proposed spice rating of 1 chili pepper. |
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Elemental Inferno by A.J. Locke Rielle can’t have sex – unless it’s winter. As a Winter Aura she brings the good and bad of winter to NYC, and while she can unleash snowstorms for a few months, the rest of the year she can’t do anything that could cause her to lose control of herself and accidentally make it snow in June. That means hot, passionate sex is strictly forbidden. No sex life for most of the year used to be Rielle’s biggest problem until the Summer Aura for her area winds up dead and the sun almost scorches the city into oblivion. Aden, a sexier than sin Summer Aura, arrives and cools things down, but heats Rielle up. The attraction between them is magnetic, but Aden’s appearance puts the Elders who guide all Auras on edge, and it suddenly seems like both the Elders and Aden have secrets they don’t want coming to light. Despite the air of danger, Rielle is drawn to Aden, especially when he promises he can show her a way for them to indulge their passions without repercussions. And boy do they indulge. But the fun can’t last when an Aura is dead with no explanation. And when Aden’s secrets are revealed, the Elders take drastic measures to ensure their own sins remain buried. And their plan could land Rielle in fatal trouble. Aden and Rielle will have to untangle a deadly plot against them before they can continue getting tangled up in each other. |
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The Vanish Tide (Kitaine Neris #2) by A.J. Locke Kitaine Neris is a Vanish Witch who fell victim to her own magic. Fortunately, her disappearing act didn’t stick. After escaping Elsewhere, a chaotic pocket world full of violent criminals, Kit and Marrik return to their lives and try to heal their fractured relationship. But they have to contend with Marrik’s witch-hating family, who want Kit out of his life. And after her failed attempt to Vanish a high ranking, corrupt witch, Kit is in the crosshairs of the powerful High Coven. To keep her safe, Kit and her tale of Elsewhere are thrust into the spotlight. Kit’s heightened visibility makes the High Coven hesitant to retaliate, but stirs up anti-witch groups especially because, thanks to Kit, witches can now become stronger. Not only that, a disruption caused by a magical surge will bring a disaster down on Kit’s city. With her stronger Vanish magic, Kit is the only one who can stop it. But saving her city will be easier said than done when the anti-witch groups zero in on Kit. And when they unleash a devastating strike, no matter how strong Kit’s magic is, it might not be enough to stop her from losing everything. |
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The Vanish Witch (Kitaine Neris #1) by A.J. Locke There are a few things that could land a witch in hot water. One is having stronger magic than most. Like a Vanish Witch who can make not only objects but people disappear. Another is being in possession of amulets that contain ghosts whose touch is death. Kitaine Neris has both. But she keeps the flirtatious ghost hidden, stays off the High Coven’s radar, and keeps up appearances with her local coven while secretly using her magic to Vanish the corrupt and violent from her city. Until a hit goes horribly awry and Kit ends up Vanishing instead. She’s shocked when she ends up in a chaotic, parallel world, and realizes that everything Vanish Witches made disappear wound up there. Including her boyfriend, Marrik, who Kit never meant to make disappear at all. Kit and Marrik’s reunion is passionate, but they need to get back home. But that’s easier said than done when every bad soul Vanish Witches used their magic on are gunning for Kit, wanting their pound of flesh. When a mysterious and powerful witch presents a way home, Kit and Marrik will do whatever it takes to fulfill the conditions that will free them before the enemy enacts a vanishing act on them that sticks. |
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A Ballad of Hate and Hope by Kaylea Prime Hope has no beginning, and no end. As a LantĂĂ© with both antlers and wings, and a Storyteller able to recall stories from the past, Nensola has always felt like an anomaly. Dark shadows of her peryton ancestors prowl the peripheries of her soul, threatening to consume her if she loses control. When her mom is murdered by pirates to harvest the magic in her wings, Nensola struggles to lead with hope. Sailing the West Indies in 1715, Kit is determined not to let his pirate stepfather die to claim a prize for the device he stole. He has always felt unanchored between Spanish and English cultures, harbouring hate for his parents’ deaths. When Kit falls through a maelstrom portal into the world of ArwĂ© and meets Nensola, his anchor begins to lower. While hope burgeons in Nensola and Kit’s hearts, hate festers on the borders. Just when Kit finally feels he belongs, he is cast adrift, faced with the prospect of returning to Earth. With her home and people threatened by a sinister force, and her trust in Kit uncertain, Nensola fears hate’s grip on her heart is stronger than the clinging droplet of hope. But even a droplet can create ripples. And all it takes is a ripple to change the world. A Ballad of Hate and Hope is a prequel novella taking place almost two hundred years before the events in A Spark From Embers - volume one in the fantasy series, Tears of Flame. |