|
His Horns Are Mine To Hold by A.L. Davidson The legends are real... and they walk among us! When the Myth Movement brought fiction into the real world, humans and myths started to coexist, reshaping society in an unexpected way. Dragons have taken to the skies, orcs now work in offices, the fae have invaded the beauty industry, and every day is full of magic and opportunity. Diego Delgado is a performer with a dream and a mighty family legacy looking to make a name for himself. After coming across a lost minotaur named Atticus, Diego offers the quiet giant a job opportunity that neither of them can turn down. The unlikely pair join a troupe called the Cirque des Ćtoiles that highlights the wonders of legends and storytelling, and quickly become the stars of the show. With their ābeast slayingā performance wowing the crowd every night, Diego and Atticus turn an age old tale into a mesmerizing choreography that blends tradition and mystique. But as the touring season comes to an end and the troupe is set to go their separate ways, Diego and Atticus are faced with a choice: say goodbye until the next season or finally admit their feelings and see where the road takes them... |
|
Whispers of the Storm by Z.B. Steele REDLIN OF THE WOLVES VANGUARD, LEGEND, ASSASSIN, REAPER Listen to my story I wasn't always the monster they see me as. Half of the songs they sing are stories of my grandeur. The other half are tales of my misdeeds. The sad truth is that they're all true. So, listen to my tale and learn why it all happened. Learn the reason for the war, the reason for all the death. Listen to my tale and listen well. I won't be alive long enough to tell it again. A moody, banter-laced, violent, and poetic framed story - Z.B. Steele presents Whispers of the Storm, book one of Song of the Damned. |
|
The Night Farm: The Wylder Years by A.L. Davidson Before they were the last reaper in Wylder Wood... Casper Wylderās focus is on one thing and one thing alone: learning how to be a mortician. After moving to New Orleans to finish their studies at the prestigious Bloodworth Family funeral home, the fledgling reaper finds the courage to embrace the truth and become the person theyād always knew they could be - if only for a moment. Despite their newfound freedom, nothing matters more than their studies, and Casā quiet life is uneventful to say the least. Things change when a handsome blue-eyed coffin maker named Canaan Michaels walks into the funeral home and sweeps the shy mortician off of their feet. A whirlwind romance, set against the magic-filled backdrop of New Orleans in the springtime, begins to blossom between them. Each new day is sweet, but Knowing theyāll have to return home to Wylder Wood come autumn - and say goodbye to their southern gentleman forever - makes Cas wonder if falling in love is worth the risk. Desperately in love with the moon-eyed mortician and eager to please, Cane is determined to break down Casā walls. but when he discovers the haunting truth behind his partnerās penchant for the paranormal, he realizes that life as he knew it will never be the same. The coffin maker must decide if giving up his first true home after years of hardship is worth it for an eternity with the mysterious grim reaper who stole his heart, and his choice sets off a chain of events that will change the Wylders, and their beloved town, forever... |
|
The Light Of Kasaban by Thomas Howard Riley In the brutal desert city of Kasaban, the old gods have had their statues crushed to powder by invading Priests, with magick forbidden to anyone but themselves. Merely being born as one of the magi makes even infants into fugitives, and the Priests and their spies are always watching, ready to toss their enemies into the purifying flames of execution. Saya Ani Anai is the last of her family, dedicating her life to being a teacher of magick for little orphaned children. From within her hidden home, she provides the closest thing to a normal life these children may ever know. They help each other like family, working for what they can and stealing the rest to scrape by, forced to live every day under the yoke of oppression. When the warren-boss who keeps their domain a secret suddenly demands a higher price to keep his silence, they must race to find a way to meet the demand or they will lose their home and their lives. But for the poor living in Kasaban, simply surviving is anything but easy. With the Priests and their magick-hunters scouring the city for magi to burn, and the catastrophes of daily life intervening to crush her plans at every turn, Saya must risk everything to save her home and keep the children safe. But Kasaban is unforgiving. Its fires rage bright. If she fails, all her hopes will burn. |
|
My Harimau King by Annie McCann An ancient king, a modern-day kid, and a life-changing prophecy that binds them. 13-year-old Sumaiyah Jackson is living her best life in Parramatta until a family drama spirals out of control, mysterious events start happening, and loved ones begin to disappear. Suddenly, Sumaiyah and her friends find themselves trapped in the ancient kingdom of Pajajaran, Indonesia, where Sumaiyah discovers she is 'the chosen one' from descendants of ancient royalty. But this doesn't mean fun and untold riches. Instead, she needs to break a mystifying curse and prevent a prophecy from destroying her family. Now Sumaiyah's in a race against time to discover her true purpose, combat terrifying creatures, and fulfil her destiny, or risk losing her family and friends forever! "... a beautifully crafted debut from a gifted storyteller...' - Karuna Riazi, author of The Gauntlet. '... a truly unique and enthralling world...' -- Wai Chim, author of The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling. "A fresh new fantasy with fascinating insights into West Javanese culture and history." - Leanne Yong, author of Two Can Play That Game. |
|
The Drowned Heir by Jennifer R. Donohue When her uncle dies at sea, a third child with no place in society undergoes a ceremony to house his spirit and take his role, diminishing the familyās loss. But her uncleās spirit hasnāt settled the way itās supposed to, and will not content itself with shore-bound business. Her uncleās spirit insists, angrily, that it was not just a storm that killed him and wrecked his ship, not a rogue wave; it was an unthinkably large monster. Then his lover comes knocking with news of an adult son who has set sail along the same shipping lane, and dead uncle and living niece must work together to save a son neither of them knew existed. |
|
Thicker Than Water by Avery Timmons Eighteen-year-old Lydia Ross wants nothing more than to be normal, which is impossible, considering sheās half-vampire, half-human. But she finds her escape from her overprotective father when she starts her freshman year of college in downtown Chicago. Just as Lydia feels like she is finally fitting in among her newfound human friends, she gets lost in the facade and accidentally attacks a classmate. The attack unlocks a fantastical world of fellow vampires, Fae, and even werewolves that has been hidden just below the surface of her everyday lifeāincluding its threats. Caught between the two sides of herself, her blood family, and her found family, Lydia is faced with the struggles of self-acceptance and impossible decisions, including her biggest fear: coming clean to the humans in her life and risk losing them for good. |
|
Of Hollowed Stars by Rowyn Adelaide š”šššš§š šš„šš¦ šššš¢. When Gavrel vanishes into the twisted depths of the Nether Void, Seryn has no time to grieve. While dreams blur into nightmares and ancient power stirs within her, she unravels a prophecy rooted in her bloodline. Part demi-Ancient, part Nightshade, she may be the key to restoringāor destroyingāthe balance between realms. š¦š¢šØšš¦ ššššš”. Though their souls are bound by a golden thread, even fate-woven ties can fray. With the Fates tightening their grip, Seryn and Gavrel face the truth of their bond: prophecy or choice, sacrifice or salvation. Together, they'll forge a path unwritten by the stars ⦠and hope their love can endure the Void. š¦š§šš„š¦ šš¢ššššš. Across shifting nightmare-scapes and corrupted cities, Seryn must gather unlikely allies, awaken celestial magic, and confront the Ancient of Nightmares before the aether claims them. And in the chaos of colliding stars, she'll risk everything to save a world already slipping into the darkness beyond. |
|
Of Blooming Embers by Rowyn Adelaide šš ššš„ š¦š£šš„šš¦. As Seryn pieces together long-lost memories, dreams twist into reality, revealing truths more perilous than the nightmares she once feared. Forced to flee, Seryn and Gavrel embark on a search for answersānot only about the fate of those she loves, but also the mysterious power coursing through her veins. š£šš¦š¦šš¢š” ššš”šš§šš¦. Although Seryn canāt forget how Gavrel once ripped their budding love from the roots, the feelings they once shared refuse to stay buried. But what shadowed secrets does Gavrel continue to hide? Truths that keep him from claiming what he wants the most. ššš§š ššØš„š”š¦. Whispers of rebellion rise, and stunning prophecies take root. Seryn never asked to be a pawn in Fateās cruel gameābut if she refuses, the mortal realm will perish. In a decaying world where lies masquerade as truth and power demands sacrifice, Seryn must reclaim the shattered pieces of herself before fate ravages their world. Because once you breathe life into ember, the inferno doesnāt just burn the wickedāit consumes everything. |
|
Of Withering Dreams by Rowyn Adelaide šš„ššš š¦ ššššš¬. The Dormancy was meant to be the mortal realmās salvation. From autumn to spring, citizens must enter a magically induced slumber to conserve dwindling resources. The divine Ancients, who gifted mortals magic, disappeared long ago, leaving humanity at the mercy of the Elders. These powerful and elusive oligarchs have one motto: "Through Dormancy, we blossom!" Yet, this seems more like a cruel jest than a promise. For Seryn, this Dormancy will change everything. Except for the little details⦠you know, like her realm progressively decaying and people vanishing. As the threads of reality unravel, she soon discovers her hidden identity as a Druik, one who wields magic. But her abilities are⦠unusual. Unpredictable. ššš¦šš„šš¦ ššš¢š¢š . While her inherited powers bloom, so do her desires for her charming best friend, Kaden. She wouldnāt dream of risking their friendship, but the Fates canāt be bothered with mortal dreams. ššš¦š§šš”š¬ šØš”š„šš©ššš¦. Navigating a treacherous path where dreams and nightmares blur, Seryn must confront haunting truths. Her newfound courage and magic might be the key to saving her realm, but will they be enough when even dreams can wither into oblivion? |
|
Between Stars and Salvation by Jeannin Counts The gods are silent. The stars are merciless. Humans have killed for survival, but theyāll die for freedom. An assassin raised in the shadows, Alessiahas spent her life fighting a war she cannot win. The starsāpowerful beings who fell from the heavensāhave enslaved humanity for centuries, and no matter how many she and her partner Theo strike down, even more rise to take their place. Magic is vanishing from the world. Except in Alessia, whose abilities grow strongerāand more dangerousāwith every battle. When the resistance leaderās son is taken hostage, Alessia and Theo embark on a desperate mission to rally allies and awaken the sleeping gods. But as loyalties shift, destinies beckon, and their bond grows fiercer, the cost of their magic rises. In a clash of mortals and stars, victory will demand not only strength but blood, betrayal, and a willing sacrifice. A rising rebellion. A fated power. A love forged in the heavens. The stars will fall. But who will rise from the ashes? |
|
Deceit and Darkness by Jeannin Counts The stars have fallen. With war on the horizon, the only way out is through death itself. The starsā conquest is in full force, and their leader, Rigil, will stop at nothing to subjugate all of humanity. In the midst of their grief, Iyana and her companions must turn to the gods for guidance, and theyāre not all welcoming to mortals. Only the first Aztia can teach Iyana how to banish the stars once again. But the only way to reach her is to send an emissary to the afterlife, and thereās no guarantee the gods wonāt get to them first. Meanwhile, Rigilās reign of terror is only spreading, and heās hells-bent on ending any chance of retribution. When Altair is tasked with hunting Iyana down, his loyalties are put to the ultimate test. As intense as ever, heās no oneās slave. But what does that mean when heās commanded to kill his former lover? An unforeseen ally. A willing sacrifice. A voyage into the unknown. Can destiny overcome deceit? Or will humanity fall next? |
|
A Promise Of Sirens by V.L. Barycz Brigitte Fitzpatrick Laveau is about 99% sure she's cursed. As Senior Pilgrim of Detroit, she's supposed to be keeping humanity--and magic folks--safe from each other. Instead, she's babysitting fallen gods, dodging djinn trying to con her, and finding homes for orphaned seers. Why is it her job to keep Detroit running smoothly? Oh, right: It's the family business. So now--because she's a good daughter, thank you very much--she has accepted her fate to become the next Divine Arbiter. With more magic come more problems. Problems like sirens being murdered across Detroit, problems that feel a little too personal and a whole lot bloodier than she bargained for. It's going to take more than a shot of luck in her latte to bring them justice. |
|
Monsters-in-Law by Jeannin Counts Huck finally feels like he has it all: His own place in New York City, far away from his tiny, idyllic hometown. His dream job as an investigative journalist. And now, Kai, the cute new trainee heās been assigned. Every minute they spend together makes them both fall a little harder, and before long theyāre in āmeet the parentsā territory. Should be simple enough, right? For Huck, nothing has ever been simple, and now he has to take the next Explaining to his boyfriend that he isnāt quiteā¦human. Or rather, that he inherited the human sides of both his very inhuman parents. Also, that ātiny, idyllic hometownā? Itās actually a pocket realm full of monstrous and mythical citizens, from mothmen, harpies, and sirens, to Huckās hung-like-a-centaur-ex-boyfriend. Even with Kaiās support, making a trip back to The Vale isnāt easy for Huck. Between the cozy gazebo concerts in the town square and the beautiful nature hikes, he canāt help but revisit the most difficult parts of his childhood. But the longer they stay, the more Kai seems to feel at home. If he wants to keep the man he loves, Huck might just have to face everything heās been running from and learn to embrace the best of both his worlds. |
|
The Sapphire Heart by Three Scribes Elorah longs to revive her wasting homeland, but everything sheās been taught suggests the path is nothing but myths and legends. That is, until a vision from a Founding Dragon affirms her as the fated Erynvor, the one who will restore the power centers of Eolemar. Now, Elorah and her assembled groupāa noble-born terramancer, a wind-harnessing gryphon-tamer, a firestarter in love, a wide-eyed innocent, a deal-making rapscallion, and a mysterious dreamwalkerāmust align their powers and embark on a quest spanning not only a waking world full of dangerous men and terrifying beasts, but an even more perilous dreamworld, where an immortal being with a grudge threatens to steal their souls. Will Elorah and her companions restore balance to Eolemar, or will their realm be forever lost? |
|
The Pawns of Havoc by Dave Lawson No Mercy, No Questions Asked. Cork has quickly made a name for himself among the Kosellan mercenaries, but now his boss has come to him with an unusual job. Corkās erstwhile countrymen, the Winn, have hired him to travel into the barren Frozen Lands and destroy a convoy, leaving only one survivor. Cork isnāt sure he can trust the Winn. He feels like a pawn in their political game. However, his mother is sick and the Winn have promised to heal her if Cork does the job. And killing is what Cork does best. To make matters worse. Corkās crew has been decided for him: Arabella, an inexperienced and infuriating archer, and Nessa, a gloomy criminal with murder on her mind. Cork will have to figure out how to complete the job, avoid Winn treachery, and manage conflicts with Arabella and Nessa along the way. It's going to be chaos. |
|
Well of Souls: a queer romantic tragedy by Harmonia Grey An ancient katabasis, retold. Eurydice, a superstitious bard-turned-huntress living the good life with her sellsword wife, is compelled to venture into the depths of the Underworld to save the souls of her estranged once-lover and fellow bard Orpheus and that of his new wife after their royal wedding ends in tragedy. With only Hecate to help and guide her, Eurydice must survive not only taunting spirits, but her own psyche as well. Nestled between Xena: Warrior Princess and the works of Madeline Miller, Well of Souls is a queer reimagining of the mythological tale of Eurydice and Orpheusāa novella filled with love and tragedy in equal measure, featuring a trans bi Eurydice prone to anxiety and a bi Orpheus. |
|
Hunt Monsters, Do Magic, and Fall in Love: a contemporary fantasy triptych by A.M. Weald A little spooky, a little sparkly. Father Winter is a malevolent ancient spirit. The veil between worlds really is thinnest on Halloween. Dragons exist, but theyāre just demons. And demigods walk the earth, protecting humanity from it all. THE HUNTER & HER GIRLFRIEND: 2020. When Margot invited her new girlfriend Emili to meet her parents over Christmas, she should have realized that Father Winter might show up⦠and try to kill her. THE MAIDEN & THE LIAR: 1990. When a hunter fails to slay Father Winter, Poeās family holiday road trip is waylaid by the ensuing dangerous blizzard, and theyāre forced to take shelter in a highway rest stop. Thank goodness other teens are there, including a cute boy and his high school hockey team. THE HEALER & THE HAMMER: 1989. Noraās on the run for murder, hiding out at a hunter academy where famous Thom āThe Hammerā is currently contracted to hunt and kill the Jersey Devil. A rare healer, sheās assigned to his detail because the asshole is a f*ckinā demon magnet. Great. Hunt Monsters, Do Magic, and Fall in Love is a triptych of modern fantasy stories interrelated by familyāstories with myths and demons and ghosts (oh my), and with romance and secrets and lies (and someone dies). |
|
The Backwards Knight by Matthew Siadak When the magic that can shape the world is tainted, can hope survive? Centuries have passed since The Paladin outlawed magic in the sequestered lands stolen from the elves, but eldritch forces rarely remain sealed forever. This ancient magic seeks hosts, marking mortal flesh to herald devastation. An old knight clings to the hope that he can discover why magic has returned corrupted. A frightened farm boy marked by magic must escape the knights hunting him. An elf bound in service to The Paladin stalks mages to bring them to justice. Destruction binds them, but can it also save them? |
|
13 County Road 666 by CL McCollum Itās the full moon again, and that means Melanie Smithsonās job just got a lot harder. Sheās got a demon boss, a drunken werewolf tearing up the place, a long-time crush on her straight trans girl best friend, a toxic witch-with-benefits situation, and brand new interest in the aforementioned drunken werewolf. But Melās relationship problems are hardly her worst problems. A stranger appears on the property after a vicious attack by what looks like a rogue werewolf, but may be something even more sinister. Worse yet, one by one, Melās tenants turn up possessed and violent, forcing Mel to kill in order to protect herself and her other residents. Mel has to track down the one responsible for all the carnage before she risks losing one or more of the people she cares about. But finding that killer may not save her from a monster much closer to home, and that confrontation may change Mel in ways she could never predict. |
|
The Language of Roses by Heather Rose Jones A Beauty. A Beast. A Curse. This is not the story you know. Join author Heather Rose Jones on a new and magical journey into the heart of a familiar fairytale. Meet Alys, eldest daughter of a merchant, a merchant who foolishly plucks a rose from a briar as he flees from the home of a terrifying fay Beast and his seemingly icy sister. Now Alys must pay the price to save his life and allow the Beast, the once handsome Philippe, to pay court to her. But Alys has never fallen in love with anyone; how can she love a Beast? The fairy Peronelle, waiting in the woods to see the culmination of her curse, is sure that she will fail. Yet, if she does, Philippeās sister Grace and her beloved Eglantine, trapped in an enchanted briar in the garden, will pay a terrible price. Unless Alys can find another way⦠This is the third volume of the Queen of Swords Press Mini Series. |
|
World of Dreams by Riley Taylor The Poison Princess series continues with World of Dreams. Life isnāt easy after their last fight, but they cannot give up. Kai is distraught, and Zuri has no way to make it better. In fact, she blames herself. If sheād just realised what her vision meant, then everything would be alright. She should have been stronger. After stepping up their training, the team gets the opportunity to go on an Alliance run mission. Someone has forced their way into the Fantasy Realm, a dangerous place belonging to Natureās Royals and The Alliance wants to put a stop to Hidekiās terrible plans. They must make it through to the end alive, traversing through the sectors of Water, Orchid, Appleblossom, Cherry Blossom, and Poison, passing trials set by the Royals along the way. Zuri must be careful to hide her secret but it is difficult when the lives of her loved ones are on the line yet again. Exhausted and bloody, when they make it to the centre, they meet someone who turns their lives upside down. Everything they thought they knew is wrong. And the battle has only just begun⦠|
|
A Hidden Witchās Spell For Scrying A Lost Vampire: An urban fantasy magical rescue mission by C.N. Rowan Kidnap plus theft equals total catastrophe. Our first date ends in disasterāSilas is kidnapped by his vampire brethren, and worse, our magical masks that allow us to travel between worlds are gone too. Which means Iām officially more than a little screwed. With no way to reach the vampire homeworld, Silas is doomedābranded a traitor and marked for execution. But Iām not giving up. Walking between worlds is my familyās magical inheritance. If I can find someone to guide me through the In-between, I just might reach the vampire realm in time to save him. All I have to do is outwit an entire planet of deadly super-predators. Oh, and not get lost forever in the space between worlds. Easy, right? A Hidden Witchās Spell For Scrying A Lost Vampire is Book Three in The Broken Hotel for Magical Misfitsāa series thatās custom-made for lovers of strong heroines, quirky magical characters and found family, all woven together with heart, humour, and action-packed adventure. And thatās to say nothing of the slow-burn romance that spans the series⦠|
|
A Hidden's Witch's Spell for Freeing a Captive Olympian by C.N. Rowan Save the house, or save my best friend? Thereās no way to do both. Our hunt for the magical amulet my mum left me has finally borne fruit. But the trail leads somewhere completely off-worldāOlympus. Home to the so-called gods of legend⦠who, as it turns out, arenāt all that friendly to regular mortals. But thatās not even the worst of it. Tishaāmy brilliant, reckless, fiercely loyal best friendāwas poisoned saving my life. And the location of the only cure? Yep, it's Olympus too. So now Iām heading into enemy territory to face immortal beings whoāve never learned to share. The clock is ticking, and the stakes are brutal. If I choose the amulet, I might never heal the Portal. If I choose the antidote, I might lose Tisha forever. Thereās no winning move⦠and if I get this wrong, Iām not the only one whoāll pay the price. A Hidden Witchās Spell for Freeing A Captive Olympian is Book Two in A Broken Hotel for Magical Misfitsāa series thatās custom-made for lovers of strong heroines, quirky magical characters and found family, all woven together with heart, humour and action-packed adventure. And thatās to say nothing of the slow-burn romance that spans the series⦠|
|
A Hidden Witch's Spell for Making a Tiny Giant Mighty by C.N. Rowan This morning, Iām worried I might lose my business and my flat. This afternoon? Iām worried I might be losing my mind... Iāve been struggling to keep my little bookshop afloat for years, and closure seems inevitableāuntil a mysterious letter arrives on my doorstep. Apparently, Iāve inherited a crumbling hotel from a grandmother I never even knew, complete with long-term residents who redefine āquirky.ā Especially Silasāthe brooding, infuriatingly hot recluse who always wears black and never opens the curtains. In a moment of frustration, I slip on my grandmotherās old mood ring. Pro tip? Maybe donāt try on emotionally reactive magical jewellery while having a meltdownāunless you want your kitchen to catch fire. Thatās when things get properly weird. Turns out, the hotel is a magical portal. Not just to one world⦠but many. And someoneāor somethingāis willing to do anything to take it. Now Iām fighting for my new home, my found family, and a future I never asked for⦠armed with zero training and a flair for chaos. A Hidden Witchās Spell For Making a Tiny Giant Mighty is Book One in a A Broken Hotel for Magical Misfits series thatās custom-made for lovers of strong heroines, quirky magical characters and found family all woven together with heart, humour and action-packed adventure. And thatās to say nothing of the slow-burn romance that spans the series⦠|
|
Reverting Scales: Clawing Eyes by The Illogic Naydrus and her mate have a lot of work to do to take their hatchlings back home. However, the golden hatchling seems to bring about the ire of the world, awakening things mindless or long since dormant. As the dragoness' family tries to return to their haven, monstrous, mutating horrors and greedy hominids come after them. Naydrus can only depend on her mate to get them home safely when the entire continent seems intent on devouring them. |
|
The Dragon Next Door by Vanessa Ricci-Thode Tollarās got a stolen dragon egg, and thatās the least of her problems. Tollar is a hero for hire who just wants to deliver a stolen dragon egg to its kin and get on with her next adventure. But when the dragon hatches, imprints on her, and refuses to leave, Tollar enlists her pyromancer best friend and neighbour, Beenala, to help keep the dragon alive. Tollarās chaotic life exacerbates Beenalaās overwhelming anxiety, and being stuck at home leaves Tollar feeling stifled and unwanted. To make matters worse, in order to hide an entire dragon from local and foreign hostile factions, Tollar must risk exposing the truth behind her unprecedented power as an aquamancer and face being chased out of the only home sheās ever known. When Draminedes, perhaps the worst spy in the world, lets slip that the people Tollar stole the dragon egg from are much worse than she thought, Tollar and Beenala realize their home is in danger. Now Tollar needs to stop making herself the outsider and Beenala needs to find some courage so they can team up with this unlikely ally to save everything they love, including each other. This sapphic ace romantasy is complete with mutual pining and odd-couple energy and is full of marginalized characters out living their best lives and having adventures while being nurturing and supportive in their relationships, including bonds between humans and dragons. |
|
First Oaths by C.J. Tuma & Quinn Cameron āWe werenāt meant to burn our dead.ā After escaping the cult that nearly destroyed him, Kit Mosel has built a new life. Heās sure that no one in town knows his real name or what he did, until Penwell Oliver appears, desperate for help retrieving his fatherās stolen remains from the very cult Kit fled. Kit knows he should say no, but there's something about Penny he can't refuse. Together, Penny and Kit plan to infiltrate the cult and earn their trust. Kit knows how to blend in and play their games, but Penny isnāt like him; heās always been too soft. Too quick to trust. Worse, Penny draws attention from people who would gladly hurt him just to punish Kit. The deeper they go, the more Kit unravels. Penny isnāt just a liabilityāheās a temptation. A reminder of everything Kit thought he didnāt deserve. And in a place where weakness is punished and love is weaponized, wanting each other could cost them both everything. |
|
Gray Messiah by F.J.R. Halbertsma Bound by blood and prophecy, a prince must master his powers before they destroy him, while his imprisoned sister's doomed rebellion may hold the key to the worldās salvation. Together, they are the last hope to free God... before the coming darkness consumes everything. For centuries, the world has waited for the Gray Messiah to liberate God from imprisonment in the Vortex. With an ancient evil awakening to threaten all, the souls of the dead stirring in the forgotten dark, and many of the empireās provinces in near-rebellion, the world desperately needs its celebrated savior. Prince Azaleum is the Gray Messiah, but on the day he is meant to save the world, his powers awaken in a storm of fire that leaves hundreds dead and an empire in ashes. Branded a murderer and a traitor by the very people he was meant to save, Azaleum vanishes into exile, consumed by guilt and haunted by the legacy he can no longer bear. Driven by a desperate need to find his long-lost sister, he searches for redemption and the secret of their combined powers, the strength prophesied to liberate God. Iva, Azaleumās forgotten twin, survived twenty years of death, misery and suffering on a prison island. When her powers as a Gray Messiah manifest, a mysterious young man entices her with the possibility of change and freedom from her tortured existence. When an ancient evil awakens beneath the island, and the prison colony turns into the center of a primordial war, she becomes the leader of a rebellion doomed to fail. Gray Messiah is the epic beginning of a saga exploring the weight of choices and the triumph of human will over any odds. |
|
Chapel at Enderās Ridge by Beckett Krane Decker Belmont loathes being a vampire. Leaving his bloody past behind him, Decker finds refuge in the quiet town of Enderās Ridge where creatures like him thrive, and strikes up a tenuous balance between survival and sanity. When a troubled preacher arrives to fix the chapel next door to the saloon, Decker discovers heās not the only one struggling with his nature. Laurie Lane is eager to start his new life away from seminary, but the townās history doesnāt favor preachersāneither does Decker, especially when change follows Laurie like a plague. As the veil protecting Enderās Ridge cracks, and tensions rise, Decker and Laurie are forced to find peace in who they are and what they mean to each other before Enderās Ridge succumbs to a disaster of biblical proportions. |
|
The Floating Castle by L. N. Holmes ā5 stars, no notes.ā āMillie Abecassis, author of DAUGHTERS OF THE BLUE MOON and A LEGACY OF BLOOD AND BONE āHolmesā fantasy novel churns with warring empires and palace intrigue. The novel boasts strong worldbuilding in the rich ceremonial details of Toguanās court and the earthy rituals of the Gildacrest witchesā¦ā āKirkus Reviews In a world where demons control the supply of magic and dragons are both feared and sentient, three women combine forces to oppose an evil prince and escape his floating castle. She wants to control him. He wants to kill her. To secure her position as the emperorās favorite daughter, Princess Fu Liling sails across a monster-infested sea to marry and subdue Elias of House Zartisval, crown prince of a rival kingdom. When she meets Elias, however, he unexpectedly refuses to marry her. At risk of being cut off from the imperial family, Liling tries to force the wedding, only to discover that Elias is a murderer and she is his disposable hostage. Liling resolves to expose this betrayal to her father and plots an escape, relying on a reluctant guard and a rebel witch to aid in her flight. Elias, whoād rather see them all dead than free, gives chase. The ensuing battle may cause the Floating Castle to literally fall, and Liling must decide: surrender and die to keep the peace or dishonor her father in exchange for her own life and liberty. The repercussions of her choice will ripple across a continent. |
|
A Death Worth Living by Trey Stone A Life Relived Jacob, dead at twenty and feeling robbed of what he thought would be a long and fruitful life. Heās met by a mysterious figure whose job it is to guide him through his memories and into whatever comes next. Yet, the figure seems . . . familiar. As Jacob recounts his memories ā some good, some bad, and some forgotten ā he comes to the realization that he could have done some things differently. His guide, who calls themself Eran, tells Jacob that he can change one thing, and only one thing about his past, if he dares. |
|
The Obsidian Druid by Caroline Barnard-Smith Three monstrous tumari escaped the labyrinthine dungeon beneath the sea. One ripped apart the frozen homeland of the Asrai, staining the ice crimson with their blood. One blundered its way into the ancient forest of Nymed, and one rose in the city of Armoria, crushing buildings and bone beneath its great webbed feet. Only Dewerāageless High Lord of the cityāknows the truth behind the creaturesā wanton destruction, and he hasnāt trusted anyone with his secrets for over one hundred years. Gwin, a moon-blessed Asrai with the ability to freeze flesh, arrives in Armoria determined to raise an army against the man who slaughtered her family. When she discovers that city guard, Vanth, harbours magick of her own, she knows she would make a powerful ally, but Vanth would rather see Gwin hang than turn traitor. Vanth the Vile is many things: a skilled swordswoman, a debauched tavern crawler, and a Salt Sword fiercely loyal to the High Lord who saved her from a life on the streets. The one thing she never wanted to be was moon-blessed. In a city where those caught using magick without permission are left to rot in Dewerās Pit, embracing her burgeoning powers would be a dangerous gamble. The twin moons of Joria are turning. For a century, the night has shone silver in Mamaiās cold light, but when Aikana comes to the fore, the world will dazzle beneath her violet glow. The Changing of the Moons heralds a time of unrest and upheaval, and Vanth has a devastating decision to make. |
|
The Wish of a Dragon by JD Rivers Otar comes to on a dingy space station and discovers two things: First, he's missing a good chunk of his memories. Second, Andres, his lover, has disappeared. Before he can retrace his steps, a knock at the door demands a debt be repaidāone Otar can't remember. Captain Veil Dreamcatcher is in search of the dragons with only ruins to guide him. Otar agrees to help in exchange for a reduced debt and information about Andres. On their travels, Otar realizes Veil is as adrift in this world as he is. Both are on a quest for the impossible: finding the ones they have loved and lost. All the while, the shadows are watching with red glowing eyes. |
|
Physical Magic by William C. Tracy **Book Bloggers' Novel of the Year 2025 Semi-Finalist!** Welcome to the Shifting Lands. Silluka was born with only one arm and could never practice the exacting motions to summon the favor of the gods. Caught stealing, she is forced to test her powers or be branded an outcast. She fails, and loses citizenship to her village. In a fit of desperation, Silluka tries to steal a badge of citizenship from a mysterious elder, but instead, Elder Quilqi shows Silluka a different path to gain the powers of the gods, aided by an octopus-like technological wizard who worships their own eldritch divinities. Time is short for training however, because a new island is speeding toward the coastal town, throwing deadly hurricanes and tidal waves before it and threatening all who live there. Only the gods and godlike storm warriors protect the village from destruction, but all of them fail when a mysterious creature bursts through the wall. It's only one forerunner for a species of terrifying fast, deadly, and ready to invade the larger island. The village must flee inland before the invasion, while Silluka is weighed down by her outcast status and her brotherās failing abilities. To save herself, her family, and her village, Silluka must overcome stigma and self-doubt. She must learn the scope of the world outside her village. She must learn Physical Magic. |
|
Crying Out for Magic by P.S.C. Willis A meet-cute across worlds! Draven Montroseās world, Galdorsfarne, is like a soggy firework; so much potential, so little sparkle. Magic is running out, and so are his dating options. Whilst he should be grateful for a cruelty-free world, heās never known anything else. His (entirely realistic and modest) goals for the year are to solve the magical energy crisisā¦and get a proper boyfriend. Niall Silverstein lives in Northern England, wishing fantasy stories were real and he had the guts to talk to cute boys. He isnāt out to his parents, heās never kissed anyone, and heās convinced heāll die alone in a corner of the library, a spotty and unloved nerd. A magical portal between worlds and a chance meeting might be all thatās needed to fix both their broken worlds. But does Dravenās world contain enough magic to keep their meetings going? Find out in Crying Out for Magic, by P.S.C. Willis! |
|
Waves Take Your Bones by Athena Giles Tallis and Finn, simple farmers, find their quiet village overrun by shriekers, a horde of undead revenants. After a devastating attack and heartbreaking losses, they must flee the only land theyāve known for the capital of the kingdom of Okaesa. Along the way, Tallis and Finn are separated from the other refugees, with their only escape across the Nightmare Bridge, a thing of horrific legends, which leaves them both scarred from the experience. In the capital, there is still no safety, for Tallis and Finn are drafted into the navy aboard separate ships, under dueling commanders. Amid struggling with the loss of their home they might find themselves crossing blades with those dearest to them who have fallen to the mysterious undead disease. The capital, an island fortress seems to be the last refuge of the kingdom, until Tallis discovers the undead have learned to sail⦠Check out Athena Giles debut book, Waves Take Your Bones! |
|
Lesbians in Space: Where No Man Has Gone Before by Edited by J.S. Fields, William C. Tracy, Heather Tracy Peanut butter and chocolate. Cheese and wine. Sex and rock n' roll. History is full of great pairings. Get ready for your new Lesbians and Space! Join a host of intrepid explorers heading to the outer reaches of the galaxy, exploring planets, space stations, strange new worlds and interesting aliens. Launch into stories that span the cosmos, covering Space Opera, Xenobiology, Space Stations, Adventure, and Spaceships! From spaceship mechanics to intergalactic colony queens, heists, smugglers, gods, and sentient planets, Lesbians in Space explores the galaxy from the unique perspective of the lesfic world, blending the best of sapphic literature with modern sci-fi and space opera tropes. With stories Mary Robinette Kowal, Seanan McGuire, Travis Baldree, Emma Newman, MK Hardy, Ashleigh Martin, Nathan Chu, Stewart C Baker, Kayla Whittle, Joel Glover, Caye Marsh, Kira Neu, Jes Honard, Scarlet Passmore, Sylvie Althoff, Jasmine Gower, Siena Buchanan, BeÔta Fülöp, Danielle Woolhead, J.S. Fields, and Heather Tracy |
|
Tavern Tale by Kristina W. Kelly What if the side quest is really the main quest? Divine, a healer of the Goddess of Souls, has chased the thief who stole her talisman across half of Trelvania. The talisman is the key to accessing her magic well, and without it, she is powerless. While chasing her betrayer, former girlfriend, and servant of the Goddess of Condemnation, Divine meets Saph, a flirty tavern owner with an eyepatch and a proposition. Saph will help Divine locate her talisman if Divine helps her complete a mysterious quest in a chest. Inspired by RPGs and set in scenic autumn, prepare for an adventure with gods and goddesses, deceitful exes, axe throwing, and fantastical creatures. Can Divine learn to trust again and find romance in the middle of finding her magic? |
|
The Awakening of Lora Abernathy by MJ Anthony After a disastrous birthday ceremony and coming-of-age ritual gone wrong, Lora flees home, taking her new lycanthrope form for a test drive on the streets of Glenhurst, and hoping to prove her worth. When she answers a local job posting at random, Lora lands in the company of two other strangers: Nic and Art. Nic has sought redemption from his own past failings on his fiancƩ's family farm. When that security is threatened, he takes matters into his own hands, seeking out a connection from his sister's college days, who is rumored to have experience with magic blades and killing tyrants. Art longs for the past about as often as he longs to forget it, pouring his time into cooking, mutual aid efforts, bounty hunting gig work, and studying crosscosm theory (the idea of travel between worlds). This job will pay his rent, and, if he's lucky, not give him time to think about his trauma. The job? Enter the forest and eliminate the threat that's been causing townsfolk and travelers to go missing. But the woods are dark, and they have eaten adventurers before. When their pasts come back to haunt them, can the fledgling party survive? |
|
The Dhampir's Acolyte by Nyx Coronado Rescued from the brink of death by a mysterious, solitary dhampir, Tasmin finds an unexpected sanctuary in Vicente's crumbling castle. As their fragile bond deepens into something more, the arrival of his ruthless vampire family threatens to shatter her newfound safe haven. With a hexed wolf shifter at her side who is eager to show his interest in her, Tasmin is just a human trying to figure out what to do with her life but decisions have consequences. Pulled into a dangerous conflict, she must decide if trusting the monsters who healed her is worth the risk of losing her heartāand her life. The Dhampir's Acolyte is a vampire/human/werewolf romance with why choose love interests, open door spice and quick chapters to keep the action moving. |