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The Locket: Magician's Prophecy by Rachel L. Tilley A fun standalone YA fantasy novel with magic, adventure, and a dash of romance too. Carra and her sister are unexpectedly kidnapped, taken across the border, and sold at auction to a local family. There, she learns of the existence of magic but, despite the help of Nicholas her new owner’s son, she struggles to find any magical ability of her own.This is only the beginning of Carra’s journey, as she finds herself traversing unknown lands - forests, sinister claustrophobic tunnels, and a desert - searching out a locket under the justification of a vague prophecy. The locket will not be given up easily. A mysterious tower holds a number of trials she must pass, and challenges her to take control of her own fate. Only through understanding her own flaws and thinking on her feet can she unlock her true potential. Even if she can find her magic, and gain entrance to the Academy where she can develop her skills, how will she choose to use it? |
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The Harbinger of Freedom by Freddie A. Clark In the millenary world of Taenand, the continent of Empiria is oppressed by a fifty year lasting military dictatorship perpetrated by the Army of the Harpy, the leader of which is the young General of aristocratic descent Ludwig Maximilian Eckhale who inherited the throne and became the second Emperor of his Era.In these challenging times, Valerius Raleigh, a young noble as the Emperor himself, takes on the mission to inspire his country to break its chains and free itself from the ever more raging tyranny, first becoming a symbol and a messenger of freedom, then building an army whose purpose is to take down the reign of terror and injustice which threatens to spread all over Taenand due to the ruthless ruler’s strategic mindset and powerful alliances.The Harbinger of Freedom is the first act of the Falling Feathers Series, a crazy mix of blood, sex, drugs, hacking, cybernetic augmentations, shamanism, fantasy creatures, artificial life and an overall retrofuturistic and cyberpunkish aesthetic. In this vast, complex world, liberty and self-determination play a pivotal role in the search for balance and justice for all, while the diverse characters are pawns in a gritty game of power, intrigues and violence in which there is no place for surrender or subjugation. |
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The King & Kishar by Timothy S Currey Every word King Adzi Akkatha writes on sacred stones is binding, and lasts for all eternity. But how can he rule when he has been cursed to forget everything? His city is in chaos. Hinatsi rebels clash with his soldiers, and their mysterious leaders try to capture the King. With the help of High Priestess Idza and General Qanatha, he must relearn their laws and customs, and who he was as a King. His former self seemed cruel and cold, and he is plagued with doubts. He is an imposter in King’s clothing—do they even have the right man? They must flee to the great Temple of Mesopos where the King’s memory might be restored. The rebels are never far behind, and day by day the curse progresses. There is little hope they will reach the temple in time. Even if they do, will the King want to continue ruling as a cold tyrant? |
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India Bones and the Ship of the Dead by Set Sytes The smoking black line rolled forward, taking over the sea and the sky in its approach. Fog stole onto the shore and soon most of the beach was invisible. Out of the fog there came a long, slow horn, and as it cut short there came the unmistakable creaking of ship masts. The mist rolled back, as though someone were sweeping it away with a broom. The blackness dissipated and the beach lay clear and dark gold. Anchored in the bay was a grey and white ship and pulling up to the shoreline were three boats full of the dead. A street kid grown up parentless on Mexico Island suddenly finds himself amongst a crew of skeletons on the legendary Ship of the Dead. Eager for adventure, he sails the Caribbean, searching for pirate treasure and the father he’s never met, all the while making friends . . . and bitter enemies. INDIA BONES AND THE SHIP OF THE DEAD is the first book in a thrilling new pirate fantasy series, featuring the adventurous exploits of the young India Bones in an exotic yet dangerous world as different from our own as it is similar. |
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King Arthur vs Robin Hood by Sargey Ravenwood Fantasy featuring the characters from Arthurian legend, and Robin Hood folklore. A five year war has just ended. Arthur Pendragon, the man who was never meant to be king, sits uneasily on the throne of Avalon. He is among a court of allies and enemies, including the loyal Knights of the Round Table and the powerful mage, Merlin. Meanwhile, Robin of Locksley arrives at Moonhallow far to the south. He finds a military division of hostile soldiers. Robin will need to find allies in the ranks if he is to uncover the secret of Moonhallow and return to Locksley. Disaster and treachery laps at the borders of Avalon, and forces beyond understanding draw the king and the soldier together for a fateful battle. Find out what happens when these legends meet. |
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Gingerbread Children by Carol Carman Family secrets... an ancient curse... confectionery. Not quite what Dominica Tort is expecting when her friend dies. But then her friend was the most powerful witch in the country: the Matriarch of the University of Nature, where witches have been trained for longer than history can remember. A new Matriarch must be inaugurated, but who will it be? Nothing is certain until the envelope’s opened – and not even then. Especially when one candidate disappears and suspicion falls on another. And what’s the shortbread cottage all about? As Vice-Matriarch, Dominica must save not only people’s lives, but the future of witchcraft itself. Warning: contains gingerbread. |
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In Rhydenar, ancient dragon remains possess rare magic; elements used to fight an age-old war. A war where the enemy is a people born of dragon fire. An enemy who uses dragon hearts to wield fiery magic. An enemy known as the Volurem. In this world, the strong survive, the politically astute thrive, and those with dragon remains reign supreme. As the Rhydarian Empire prepares for a tough season of fighting the fire of the Volurem, agents of corruption scheme to remove the Emperor. One cloudless night, Shylo walks into a living nightmare. His host’s villa is the target of a blood feud. This one, more vicious than any other quarrel among the Noble houses, leaves every member dead, except Shylo. Just as Shylo discovers the massacre, bells toll from the palace, bells that only ring for two reasons – an army of Volurem threatening to burn the city, or the death of the Emperor. Shylo realizes he’s now a loose end in a plot far broader than a blood feud between Nobles. He’s caught in the crossfire of a fight for Imperial control and needs to clear his name. He quickly learns, he’s not alone… Emperor’s Fate is the first book in a thrilling new epic fantasy series. Dive into a story where magic is used in armor, swords, and military strategy. Where the most powerful people aren’t solely those who wield magic but also those who design political subterfuge. Where a plot to overthrow the Empire brings unsuspecting characters together, forcing unlikely partnerships. This is a book where epic worldbuilding meets one-of-a-kind characters in a plot that will keep you turning the pages. Start reading Emperor’s Fate today! |
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A Gathering of Chaos by Cameron Hopkin The world of Asunder is dying. Its gods are long fled, and they took all the world's metal with them... but it all happened so long ago that not even legends remain. In the now, a country girl sails into port, the only survivor of a plague ship, and a scheming priestess takes charge of her. Far to the south, an aging warrior monk forcibly recruits one of the Beast Riders to be his tracker. A remarkable vision of a demon lord binds them all together, and they scramble to find a bit of Chaos, the raw energy of their world, to protect humanity against this new threat. It's too bad they're only going to make things worse. |
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A Day of Darkness by Suzannah Rowntree A warrior running from his future. A djinn running from her past. Can they save the city…or will they doom it? Tripoli, 1289: Trapped by black magic in a hostile future, John Bessarion is determined to find his way home to a family and homeland that desperately need him. Yet when his quest leads him to a city trembling on the brink of destruction, John discovers that not everyone in this strange future has forgotten his name...or the terrible things he's already done to protect his people. As an enslaved djinn, Soraya fears she will never be anything more than a killer. Sent to infiltrate and betray a city under siege, she is helpless to subvert her mission until she stumbles across a face from her long-forgotten past. When John and Soraya join forces to save the city, they attract the attention of opposing sides in an ancient battle of evil against evil. Yet the greatest danger they face might not be the demons struggling for control of Tripoli...but the secrets buried in both their pasts. Is there any way home for killers like them? A Day of Darkness is Book 3 in the critically acclaimed Watchers of Outremer series (though it can be read as a standalone). City of Brass fans will love this stunning historical fantasy featuring time travel, palace intrigue, and immortal assassins! |
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Fate's Long Shadow by Marcela Carbo Her power was born of a giant's rage. One wrong word could seal her fate. Jassae is destined to wield the dark sorcery of the Mornae. First, she must master her own goddess gift: the power of peace and harmony. Enslaved by brutal giants as a child, she finds herself at the center of their political struggle to determine their next chief. Ancient grudges fester. War is inevitable. Jassae's survival depends on developing her power to manipulate their rage and put her own master on the chieftain's throne. Can she endure their savagery long enough to fulfill her own destiny as a Mornae priestess? A dark coming-of-age story for readers of character-driven stories in a high fantasy setting. This book is a standalone but also part of a larger story world. |
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The Chaos Storm Expedition by Ashton Gaskill When magic-school-dropout Estinance Ratter runs away from home to work as a cartographer at the edges of reality, she quickly realizes that the world may be larger and more dangerous than she’d anticipated. Assigned to a team under the leadership of the hot-headed Decory, will Esti return from her first expedition with maps to sell and fund her dreams, or will the dangers of living on the world’s edge be a stark awakening? |
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"Intrepid reporters end up dead." That's what Claire Kennedy's boss told her. Claire doesn't care. She's prepared to risk her life to land an interview with her city's superhero. The mysterious vigilante is a demolition force against the criminal empire operating inside Colberton. He won't identify himself to the public, so Claire will assign him a name herself. She's willing to create other "facts" as necessary, anything to get a promotion at Data to Information News. The hero, Votary, cares not for her goals. Nor does Votary worry about the actions of the police or criminals. The city must be protected from itself and outside threats. Votary is the only person capable of this, though the methods used will lead to death and trauma for many citizens of Colberton. Most will debate the methods of this crusader. Some support Votary, others fear the vigilante, but none will know the person beneath the armor, despite trying. |
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A Crack In The Rock by Amber Gabriel Born the daughter of goatherds in the Granite Mountains of Berush, Sashia longs for greater challenge and adventure. Her active mind constantly gets her into trouble. Unable to stand by while others suffer, Sashia intervenes, often with unintended results. When an itinerant healer and his wife discover Sashia and offer her an apprenticeship, she jumps at the chance to sate her curiosity of the natural world and change her future. Heir to the throne of Berush, Cyrus is strong, decisive, and a born leader. He longs for a wife who will share his vision for the country--a wife of his choosing, not his father's. Sashia catches his eye, but even a handsome prince finds capturing her heart a challenge. Life is uncertain, and Sashia soon finds she cannot control every outcome. Used to relying on logic and her own resourcefulness, no amount of training can prepare her for the choices that lie ahead. She struggles to shape her destiny in a patriarchal society where polygamy is legal and women are subject to their fathers or a spouse. As Berush is threatened by enemies from without and within, Sashia's creativity, stubbornness, and tenacity place her in a perfect position to both save lives and affect the course of the entire country. The consequences of her decisions will reverberate for generations. Slight of frame, but fierce in heart, Sashia will need every ounce of strength she possesses to live her dreams and win a future of love and happiness. |
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Champion's Rising by S.F. Claymore Prince Snarmis is a giant of a man, one of the strongest in the kingdom of Psykoria. But although he towers above his peers, Snarmis’s skill at fighting fails to impress his father, whose approval he seeks. His close friend Celtor, leader of a mysterious and hermetic group of forest-dwellers, advises him to seek help from werewolves. Before he sets off, Serenity, a young, enthusiastic and naïve member of the tribe, pleads with him to take her with him to give her a taste of life beyond the forest. He is giving Serenity a tour of Psykoria’s capital, when the country is invaded by the daemons – terrifying, blood-thirsty monsters set only on death and destruction. Snarmis realises he must become a great warrior or die in the attempt, and accept help from anyone willing to offer it – including Serenity. Snarmis’s quest is no longer just about proving himself, for if he fails now, Psykoria will be reduced to ruins. If you like action-packed fantasy with lots of character development set in a world filled with almost every magic creature you can think of, then you'll love this heroic fantasy tale. |
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The Jinn and the Two Kingdoms by Peter Blaisdell Thiago doesn’t think of himself as a demon, but he is. He’s a thief too, and therein lies this story. A portal connects medieval Arabia to a magical kingdom of mile-high palaces and brewing revolution ruled by a psychopathic king. Thiago, a daredevil jinn, uses the portal to seize the king’s treasure. Thiago can become fire and windstorms. However, his enemies – and that’s almost everyone including the king he stole from – are even more powerful. They’ll slaughter Thiago to get the treasure back. Helping Thiago – or not – are a brilliant and beautiful scribe who might be Thiago’s friend, a pretty demon who isn’t Thiago’s lover anymore, and a motley collection of magical bandits. But will they share the treasure with Thiago? And there’s more at stake than treasure. The demon and human realms will violently collide if the king recovers his treasure from Thiago and uses it to finance his invasion of the human world. Thiago began as a thief, but now he must stop a supernatural war. |
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Tethered Spirits by T. A. Hernandez A man with an unknown past For years, Amar has traveled the Kavoran empire, seeking a way to recover his lost memories and end the curse that plagues him. With support from loyal friends, Amar may finally be on the verge of finding answers, but to do so, he’ll need to enlist the help of an unexpected guide. A girl afraid of her own powers Kesari is a Tarja, granted magical abilities through her Bond with a spirit named Lucian. Haunted by past mistakes that have left her desperate to sever her Bond, Kesari has her own reasons for agreeing to help Amar. But in doing so, she may finally have to face the fears she’s carried ever since leaving home. A woman on a vital mission Meanwhile, a young refugee named Aleida is in hot pursuit, hoping the secret behind Amar’s curse can save her brother from a fatal illness. With so much at stake and little left to lose, Aleida will stop at nothing to get what she wants. And when their paths collide, all three are set on a journey to unravel a mystery far deeper than they ever suspected. |
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The Wolf in Winter by Barbara Lennox How do you protect a hero? Corwynal, son of the King of Lothian, dreams of reputation as a warrior. But when his half-brother, Trystan, is born on The Night of Thresholds, he’s forced to rein in his ambitions to become the child’s guardian and mentor. For seventeen years, he’s kept Trystan safe in Lothian. But now the British Kingdoms have declared war on the powerful Caledonian Confederacy, and there will be no safety for anyone. Especially a young man determined to win fame as a hero. As war spreads throughout the Lands between the Walls, Corwynal must emerge from the shadows and reclaim his lost dreams if he’s to guard the boy he’s given up his future to defend. But how much more will he be willing to sacrifice for the boy with the secret he can never reveal? A spell-binding story of second chances, of love and letting go. An epic journey into the heart of a man riven by conflict, set amidst the warring cultures of dark-age Celtic Scotland. First in The Trystan Trilogy, The Wolf in Winter is a thrilling retelling of the classic Arthurian story of Tristan and Isolde, and is perfect for fans of Bernard Cornwell, Juliet Marillier and Jules Watson. |
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The Serpent Lord by Wren Murphy A princess torn between tradition and truth. Princess Sarra of Olmalis is a vision of the future—poised, proud, and confident. As her kingdom settles into peace after a long civil war, she yearns to escape the shackles of expectation her father and his court place upon her. But when she is abducted at the command of a man known only as ‘The Serpent Lord’, Sarra is led to question everything she has ever known. Taken from the safety of her castle to the treacherous bogs and cold, stone walls of a forgotten city called Ro’al, she embarks on a journey searching for answers, intent on solving the mystery of her intriguing captor. However, the more she learns of The Serpent Lord and his plight, the more she discovers secrets that surround her kingdom and the people who rule it. When she finally uncovers the truth, will Sarra trust her past or will she believe in her future? |
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Afterworld by James G. Robertson Death comes, and misery follows. As a man in his early twenties, Leon never genuinely contemplated what would happen after his death. Like those before him, he never understood the truth of our universe. After his sudden demise, the terrorizing reality of a mysterious dystopian afterlife begins crushing him as it has those prior. Men have started enslaving and killing each other to sate their greed while enigmatic creatures oppress the masses. Only a select few have shown the courage that is needed to challenge their supremacy. Through this eclipsing darkness, there is hope. But will that hope prove to be enough to save this turbulent cosmos? The revelations of advanced science, magic, human savagery, and even our gods will be showcased. Both in a new light and disturbing darkness, will the verities of Earth and Afterworld give him a greater understanding of our universe; or in turn, begin to break him as they have done to so many before? |
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When Princess Hette refuses a sorcerer's proposal, he retaliates by stealing her heart—literally. Desperate to resist his influence, Hette makes herself emotionless, stifling all feelings until she can find her heart and win it back. Only Konrad, the despised Court Fool, knows where to find the sorcerer, and he has his own curse to battle. Riddles and magic plague their path, including a memory stealing witch, an unbeatable knight, and a magic book that would as soon drown them as lead them to their destination. Yet, if Hette can't find the sorcerer in time, her heart will be the least of her losses. |
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House of Bastiion by K.L. Kolarich BEHIND THE MASK OF DUTY AND POWER, NO ONE IS WHO THEY SEEM... Centuries after the Forgotten Wars ravaged the world and turned it to ash, the Houses of Pilar, Darakai, Boreal, and Bastiion forged an accord with the royal line of Thoarne, founding a Quadren of advisory to the throne of Orynthia. Every generation, a single haidren from each of the four Houses is appointed to this coveted chair. Upon her Ascension to adulthood, Luscia Tiergan takes her seat at court as al’haidren to the House of Boreal and is quickly drawn into a maze of political traps and dark secrets. As she adjusts to her new life, Luscia uncovers a pattern of forgotten children, slain in the streets of Bastiion. Raised on superstitious rumors about Boreal’s penchant for sorcery, Zaethan Kasim, al’haidren to the House of Darakai, inevitably clashes with Luscia when she arrives in Bastiion. But when his position is threatened by an old rival, Zaethan is forced to set aside his hatred and form an uneasy alliance with the Boreali al’haidren to secure his claim. Following a disturbing stream of innocent bloodshed across Orynthia, Luscia and Zaethan discover their ideals are far more aligned than they might have imagined. But in a land of war and deceit, the path to peace should never be trusted. |
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"Steeped in a wealth of brooding Slavic folklore, Thrice is a deeply personal story of a reluctant father and the mysterious child in his care. It beautifully weaves a tale of personal survival with a much grander narrative of ill-fated bargains and dangerous magic of the past to tell a story that's both intimate and epic." — Graham McNeill, New York Times Bestselling Author of A Thousand Sons Forced out on the road with the boy left in his care, Jovan determines to journey into the cave of the bear—to seek out those that would do him and his boy harm. It is the boy and his bottomless well of soul-searing magic that they seek. They would do anything to exploit it. And Jovan would do anything to stop them. Thrice is the first book in the Needle and Leaf series. |
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The Gatherers and the Illness of the Isle by Alex J. Eiseman There is hope... Under the rule of the Isle’s Voice, the people of Aeris suffer from a jarring divide between the wealthy and impoverished. The Isle’s Voice controls the distribution of immersia, a magic that keeps bloodthirsty monsters known as the vayle away from Aeris’s people. Laborers slave to do the jobs allotted to them while privileged families remain in control. When young Aselle Attete, a laborer in the great city of Aurora, hears a mysterious song in the desert that surrounds her city, a series of events unfolds that proves there is hope of salvaging Aeris. With the help of a group calling themselves the Gatherers, Aselle embarks on a journey to level Aeris’s class system, bring equality to the rich and poor alike, and build a new world free of the vayle’s presence. In the process, Aselle chases a destiny that has been waiting for her since her birth. Along the way, she will uncover secrets about her past and her future… if the many dangers that pursue her do not kill her first. |
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Envy by Tim Beeden When Charlie Lightfoot plays his fiddle, people listen. More importantly, they pay. It could be that music is Charlie’s way out of a tough life on the Backstreets of Calver. There are, however, plenty of people who are only too happy for Charlie to stay exactly where he is. Not only that, they’ll do whatever they can to keep him there. But when Charlie decides to take his future in his own hands, he realises just how far-reaching the hands of others can be. A story about always keeping your eye on someone else’s blessings. “Envy is a Seven Deadly and Four novel set in and around the notorious city built on a hill – Calver. Once within the city’s great walls you’ll encounter such luminaries as Auntie, Drunk Morgan, Mr. Lunk, Blind Watch ‘em, as well as Charlie Lightfoot and his friends. Just remember to watch your step, keep your wits about you and carry something pointy.” The Seven Deadly and Four books have been described as “ideal for fans of Douglas Adams and Terry Pratchett.” |
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The Order: Shadow of the Assassin by Lee H. Haywood Previously published as The Order by Lee H. Haywood. For centuries the magic wielders of Laveria have striven to surpass the power of the gods. All have failed, until now. Marcus serves the Order, a secret brotherhood tasked by the gods to weed out worshipers of the occult. But after the gods are annihilated in a cataclysmic event known as the Sundering, Marcus discovers his brotherhood is infiltrated by the very Shadow worshipers he was supposed to destroy. Now Marcus is the one being hunted, and his only chance at survival is to break into the king's palace and steal the Orb of Azure, an ancient tool created by the gods to reshape the world. Calycia bears the blood of the Old Gods, making her the first woman in a hundred generations capable of sorcery. Unfortunately, Calycia’s magic manifests itself in deadly outbursts that places everyone around her at risk. She has spent her entire life trying to suppress her powers, but when the Order instigates a violent uprising, Calycia realizes sorcery might be the only thing that will keep her alive. With the world falling into chaos, Marcus and Calycia each find themselves thrust upon a desperate race to secure the Orb of Azure. Godhood awaits the first mortal to seize the artifact. Will such divine powers lead Marcus and Calycia to immortality or an early grave? |
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My name is Bryce Song, and for my entire life, I have lived in the shadow of a deadly Bloom that not only kills, but raises the dead. Since the plague’s beginning, my people have journeyed toward our God’s Promised Lands atop the backs of the Guardians. I have always wondered if we would reach our destination and felt helpless against the seemingly insurmountable odds. A great valley, filled with its Fallen peoples and their undead protector, separates us from our salvation. The only chance of killing our monstrous enemy is to find a weapon, once wielded by our God. During the long journey, our heroes have been slain, and few are willing to embark on a quest to retrieve the holy relic. There’s no question what I must do. I must journey to the last resting place of our God, and reclaim the weapon that will save my people from certain destruction. |
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Dragon Prey by Hannah Steenbock When humans became prey... Set in the prehistory of the Cloud Lands world, “Dragon Prey” tells the story of how humans and dragons met for the first time. Their early encounters are anything but auspicious. Humans and their livestock become the prey of invading “firebeasts”. Sidren's clan is hanging on, helped by her unusual talent. She can sense the emotions of those firebeasts, allowing her to warn her clan of an impending attack and seek shelter. Even so, their numbers dwindle, and trips to the burial cave have become too frequent. What will it take for them to survive? |
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The Burnt Watcher by Keith Healing The Excise exists to keep the world safe. This is done in two ways. First is the Judiciary. It understands local law and applies it evenly. The second is the Watcher. It understands Fear and fights it mercilessly. Five hundred years ago the old world burned and the Fear rose from the ashes and the Glass. Watchers knew the Fear and found the ways of fighting it, enabling the world to be built anew. Now the Fear is a memory, a story to remind people why they should not build with stone. The Watchers have all but disappeared, remnants of a time that has passed. But in a small village in the west of England a retired Watcher suspects that the Fear is not as distant as people believe. |
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We Break Immortals by Thomas Howard Riley A drug addict who hunts sorcerers down by tracking their magick, the most renowned swordsman no one has ever heard of, and a thieving magick-wielding woman hellbent on revenge collide during a last ditch effort to stop an insane superhuman serial killer from making himself a god. The wise run from them. Swords are useless against them. Only the fearless dare pursue them. Rogue Magick users are the most dangerous people in the world. When one of them finds a way to become luminous and break into the source of all magick, even their own kind will join the pursuit. In a world where most people use swords for protection, Aren uses tools that let him see what no one else can see in order to hunt the deadliest people in the world. He is a Render Tracer, using loopholes that can undo magick to stop rogue sorcerers. But his next hunt will throw him into a world where he can't trust anything, not even his own eyes. When Keluwen finally escaped her fourthparents' home and set out on her own to become a thief, she never thought she would one day be killing her own kind. She honed her magick on the streets, haunted by her past, hunted by Render Tracers, and feared by a society that hates what she is. Now she joins a crew of outcast magicians on a path of vengeance as they race to stop an insane sorcerer who is trying to make himself a god. Corrin is a sword fighter first, a drinker second, and a...well, there must be something else he is good at. He'll think of it if you give him enough time. He is a rogue for hire, and he has no special powers of any kind. The most magick he has ever done is piss into the wind without getting any on himself. He is terrible at staying out of trouble, and someone always seems to be chasing him. When he gets caught up in a multi-kingdom manhunt, he finds himself having to care about other people for a change, and he's not happy about it. They are about to collide on the trail of a man who is impossible to catch, who is on the verge of plunging the world into ruin, and who can turn loyal people into traitors in a single conversation. They must struggle against their own obsessions, their fears, ancient prophecies, and each other. All they have to do is stop the unstoppable. Simple. |
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The Trials of Ashmount by John Palladino Cedain is destined to collapse. Across a world rife with blood, betrayal, and brutality, five people wade through unexpected tragedies. An egotistical student, a fleeing refugee, a nomadic warrior, a fallen noble, and a criminal in hiding navigate the sinister dealings of politicians, two sudden wars, and nefarious lies that surface at Ashmount—a university dedicated to teaching the five branches of magic. Survival means adapting or dying. Fans of Joe Abercrombie and hard magic systems will enjoy navigating a morally gray cast of characters in a world on the brink of collapse. |
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Way of Thieves by Craig A. Price Jr. A magical scepter can destroy the world … … a band of thieves plan to steal it. Siblings, Brendan and Kiera are in for the assignment of their lives. As descendants of dragons, magic is in their blood, and such a skill is almost as valuable as gold to their guild of thieves. Without any memory of life before becoming orphans, the two are tasked with stealing the revered Revarium Scepter from the Sorcerer's Guild. It’s time to grab their dragon powder, prepare for dangerous quests, and discover the truth of their heritage before the entire world is destroyed. Ocean’s Eleven meets Game of Thrones in this gritty epic fantasy that you’ll love, because everyone loves a magical heist. |
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Come Hell and High Water by W. B. Biggs An unnatural storm strikes New Orleans bringing with it rising waters and aquatic nightmares. A plot to free a horrific god from Hell covers a darker purpose. Come Hell and high water, Father Eli, Catholic priest and magic user, will attempt to protect his city from the horrors that seek to destroy it. |
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The Wrong Sword by Ted Rabinowitz The year is 1190. The place is Paris. If you are a noble, life is fleeting but wonderful. If you are a commoner, it's just fleeting. And on the streets of Paris, an enterprising ex-monk is selling "magic" swords to gullible knights with the help of a decrepit Welshman and a giant, sullen blacksmith. Henry the Rat thinks he has the world finally figured out. But then he sells the wrong sword to the wrong prince, and everything goes wrong. Before he knows it, he has been shanghaied on a quest to find a mythical blade. Unfortunately, the mythical weapon turns out to be real. And that's when the fun begins. |
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Empire Under a Dying Sun by Joseph O. Doran What use is magic, when your sun is dying? Empress Anyosa and her loyal general Sethes are ill-prepared to respond when, without warning, the sun changes colour and fire-like devastation starts to rain from the heavens. Anyosa is a young ruler struggling to assert her authority against a rebellious royal court, while Sethes is an old warhorse beset by personal demons. Three holy relics hold the key to protecting their people from the coming devastation, but the Empire only has one, and so Sethes and Anyosa must decide how far they are willing to go to obtain the other two. As Sethes wages an unprovoked war against the Shalisun Sultanate to steal one, Anyosa strives to hold her people together as the calamity takes its toll. And all the while, the possessor of the third relic, the Kingdom of Asdor, looks on hungrily at the Empire of Kelamenai... And yet the question remains: politics, war, honour... what are their worth, when the world is ending around you? |
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Horns of the Hunter by Frank Dorrian An age of myth. A bitter feud. A storm of legend. It is the closing days of the Enkindled King’s wars for Earthblood, when a cycle of violence and hatred sparks a bitter feud in his shadow. Náith, the Warrior. Luw, the Hunter. Cast aside and burned by their lover’s betrayal, the two find themselves trapped in a bloody struggle for the affections of Síle, the Maid of Mael Tulla. Cherished as a healer and bringer of verdant life to barren lands, Síle stands as a mystery unto all – even those who would claim her heart. For one so gentle and kind, secrets and bloodshed swarm about her like flies upon a corpse. Consumed by hatred and heartache, both Náith and Luw will take the darkest of trials and challenge death itself, unaware of the true game being played. A storm beyond imagining waits for the Warrior and the Hunter. One that will decide the fate of Luah Fáil. |
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Pale orange snow falls over London. With it arrives life from another universe intent on manipulating the fabric of reality—to deadly effect. When linguist Luke Lee witnesses the aliens murder a senior British politician, he becomes a target. And when they kidnap his pregnant wife, he will do anything to get her back. He’s one of the few people with the skills to understand and defeat them. Psychic Amelia Blake never imagined she would be called upon to defend humanity—but the message is clear. She must stop this evil. And she sees what others cannot—a magic unlike anything she’s encountered. In her search for help, she’s drawn to another plane where she faces a witch of terrifying power. Should she risk summoning an alien witch to counter an alien threat? Can Luke and Amelia prevent further deadly intrusions into Earth? They have 38 hours to act. If you like fast-paced urban fantasies with science fiction elements, you’ll love Ned Marcus’s exciting new adventure. |
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Child of the Moon by Audrey Simmons At her birth, Neoma was dubbed the Child of Prophecy by the Order of the Moon. A title with great and terrible ties to it. One that should grant her magic enough to take on the vengeful god, Aurinko and His army. One the people of Manena put all their hopes into. When her lack of magical aptitude becomes abundantly clear, Neoma resents being in the mage classes. As her 18th birthday approaches she learns that the Sisters will force her to go through the Anointing Ceremony in order to join the Sisterhood in the Order of the Moon. Will the Moon Mother forsake her in front of her fellow graduates? Or will Her blessing cause a series of events that might just break Neoma? One thing is for certain: war is on the horizon and the Child of Prophecy is far from ready to face the might of Aurinko. |
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Ashes of the Witch by Lucas Pederson Slain by her enemies, Gorecrow makes a deal with DEATH. Six days until a trapped god is freed. Six days for vengeance. She must travel through the dreamscapes and nightmares of her enemies searching for the god she lost and entrusted to keep while quenching her lust for blood. The only things standing in Gorecow's way are the Shifting Lands, an extraordinary girl, and utter madness. |
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Long ago, magic cracked apart the world and suspended great continents between two suns. But the ebb and flow of human history continues. Trade and war cross the void on dragon wings. Great empires rise and topple… Drinith’s family is dead, her kingdom conquered. She lives as a wandering exile, seeking potential allies against the tyrant Magian the Infinite while doggedly pursued by his hired killers. The prophetic visions of the oracle, Quiescat, have protected her so far, but his power is failing. All he can glimpse in the future now is his own death. Proof that an undefeated sect of assassins now hunts her forces Drinith into a desperate gamble. She takes her one last chance to secure the ally she so desperately needs in the floating city of Gyre. But at the end of her journey, she’ll find deceit, betrayal, and murder. And she’ll learn Magian isn’t the only threat to her people. Fatal Shadow is the first book in the Champions of Fate series, an epic fantasy series with fast-paced action, intriguing characters, and imaginative world-building. |
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Exiled and grieving, Fia McCrae has spent the past eleven years wandering the island nation of Fallaros, with its numerous seperate tribelands, trying to atone for a mistake that has come to define her life. Raised in privilege. Fallen into disgrace. She rides the lands trying to redress those small wrongs that she can, using her innate ability to find that which is lost. Torsten Gunn is the most infamous outlaw to ride the roads, valleys and hills of Fallaros. Unencumbered by the notion of law, and accompanied by his loyal crew of bloodthirsty longriders, he has made it his merciless mission to make the lives of any Counts and Countesses that ride the roads of Fallaros a living hell. Chafing impatiently as he waits for his mother, who sits the High Seat of Fallaros, to die, Redmond Marr plots on how he will be the first man to subjugate all five tribelands. It is a feat that has never been attempted before, but to accomplish it the ambitious Marr has made a deal with an unknown power from across the sea. A power who has more than the dominion of a single island nation in mind. As Fallaros falls into chaos, witches are burned in the streets, longriders roam the roads, and dissent amongst the peasantry begins to boil over. As the threat of war from across the seas draws nearer, an unwilling Fia soon finds herself coerced back into a life she'd thought she'd left behind. What starts as a simple hunt for a wanted man quickly escalates as hidden truths start to emerge. Before long, Fia is confronted by a revelation that might bring her to her knees, even as the people of Fallaros need her to stand and fight. |
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Heavy (The Weight Of It All) by J.J. Thorn An Affinity. Most humans never get one, but the Goddess gives everyone the opportunity when they turn 16. With an Affinity, humans are given access to their internal energy and Skills. Magical powers that allow you to interact with the world in ways you could never imagine. When Terrence receives his Affinity, he is shocked to discover it has never been seen before within the Kingdom. Worse yet, his Affinity reinforces the thing he was made fun of for his entire life. His weight. Follow Terrence as he uses his Affinity to progress with the hopes of becoming a Dungeoneer – someone who explores and conquers Dungeons. Discover a unique world where Terrence and his friends learn about their new abilities, their Affinities, AND themselves. Their Skills will grow, and if they work hard enough, they might eventually Rank up! This is the first book in a LitRPG Fantasy series inspired by books like Mage Errant, Darkthorne Academy, World Tree Online, and Delve on RoyalRoad. |
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The Last Culling by Rachael Vaughn Magic belongs to the women. To the men—only death. In the city of Merilaad, any boy displaying magical ability is swiftly executed. Elena, an apprentice mage with powers she resents and a past she’d rather forget, knows it has to be this way—to protect them all. To keep them safe. But when the boy she loves suddenly and unexpectedly develops magical powers, Elena finds herself faced with a dangerous choice—should she report Jascha and sentence him to certain death, or risk everything to keep his abilities hidden? As the two of them struggle with their deadly secret, they uncover more deception, lurking just beneath the surface of their peaceful, idyllic city. Can they reveal the truth before it’s too late…or will they plunge Merilaad back into its bloody past? |
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The Courts of Fate and Fear by Elizabeth S. Trafalgar Captivating, seductive, and action-packed, The Courts of Fate and Fear blends romance and intrigue into an unforgettable read perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Laura Thalassa, and Jennifer Armentrout. In Sertra, where the daughters of the king manipulate magic to see the future, Adelyn is a princess without powers. With no magic, she is unable to fulfill the role she was born to—calling forth visions of enemy plans to help anticipate and prevent attacks on Sertra. With the threat of war from Prince Rohn of Lithya growing more dire by the day, Adelyn is sent by her father on a desperate quest to find the fabled Seer, in the hopes that she can teach Adelyn to use magic. Despite the danger, Adelyn agrees to go. If she can find her magic, Sertra might stand a chance of defeating Lithya for good—and she can finally prove to her family that she’s not useless after all. But when Adelyn’s journey goes tragically wrong and she stumbles into the hands of the very enemies she hoped to defeat, they challenge her view of everything she had thought to be true–and Adelyn finds herself falling in love with the prince she thought was determined to destroy her homeland. Rohn isn't just breathtakingly handsome–he's also a considerate ruler and an attentive lover, and he changes her view of everything she thought she knew. When Sertra mobilizes for war, Adelyn must make the hardest choice of her life–siding with her family against the man she’s come to love, or betraying the family she still yearns to belong to for a kingdom she’s come to cherish. |
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The Goddess of Nothing At All by Cat Rector A dark fantasy Norse myth retelling for fans of Circe, The Witch's Heart, and The Silence of the Girls Perhaps you know the myths. Furious, benevolent Gods. A tree that binds nine realms. A hammer stronger than any weapon. And someday, the end of everything. But few have heard of me. Looking back, it’s easy to know what choices I might have made differently. At least it feels that way. I might have given up on my title. Told my father he was useless, king of Gods or no, and left Asgard. Made a life somewhere else. Maybe I would never have let Loki cross my path. Never have fallen in love. But there’s no going back. We were happy once. And the price for that happiness was the end of everything. |
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Servant of the Lesser Good by Shaun Paul Stevens A Cursed Symphony and Magic which tells Stories in your Mind High Mistress Talia is a hell-raising socialite with a murky past. But she has a bright future. Beautiful, rich, and a virtuoso harpist, she’s betrothed to the Count of Brecht. In short, she has it all. Or so it would seem. Marla Holst is the new lady’s maid, but never has the ‘help’ been so unhelpful. Marla, real name Mist, has only one mission: to stop the high mistress’s marriage. By any means necessary. But complications abound. Talia’s disturbed daughter, a girl who can see into the future, is cursed with the stigma of a devil-worshipping father. The count’s father, the Duke of Rizak, is a recluse, too afraid of assassins to show his face. And all the nobility want to do is duel. Meanwhile, the highlight of the season—a recital of the famous ‘Cursed Symphony,’ draws ever closer. Epic Fantasy for fans of Robin Hobb, Patrick Rothfuss, Brandon Sanderson, Neil Gaiman, V.E. Schwab. Please note: This book contains mature themes. |
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Sabin Escape From Foster Care by S. S. Rundolin Do you enjoy genre-bending, coming-of-age adventures? This is a story of survival, of hope in the darkness. Our hero is a modern day teenager trapped in foster care hell. Sabin can choose to stay put in an abusive home or escape to the brutal life of the streets. Neither option makes sense. A third way promises an escape, but leads to a fantastical new world fraught with trouble. We do not end where we begin. If your imagination is bound by known science, pick a different book to read. Herein lies monsters, magic, and swords. |
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A Bitter Drink by Azalea Forrest As the center of trade for the four major races, Bisia is the perfect city for a Dahlseid—a young race of plant folk—like Rowan to experience whatever his heart desires, and his position as ambassador for the Dahlsia makes affording those desires easy. But when he overhears a plot of treason against his people, all of that could end. But will it? My people can take care of themselves, Rowan thinks. The humans will give up once they realize the Dahlsia have nothing of value. Because all humans want is gold, right? They’ll be just fine. Full of magic and misadventure, A Bitter Drink tangles Rowan in the vines as he's forced to team up with a pacifist human vagabond, a deadly serious elven spy, and a cheerful dwarf with a strangely calming presence. Together, they're determined to put a stop to the twisting heinous plot that threatens to destroy everything they love. But Rowan’s heart isn’t in it: he’s a coward and he knows it. Joining them would mean risking his life, and to challenge one’s true colors is a bitter drink indeed. |
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Heretical Oaths by Slifer274 & Aaron Shih Since times long lost to history, magic power has been gained through a contract with divinity. The vast majority of mages are pacted to the eight core gods and the sixty-four lesser ones. Lily Syashan—formerly Lily of House Byron—holds an oath to a forgotten god. Exiled into a peasant village after her parents were executed for treason, Lily swore that she would gain power and succeed where her family failed. To build her power, she will need to kill, destroy, and ruin. Whether her target is an Altered monster or another human getting in her way, Lily will need to be ready to defeat them all. The journey to the top won’t be an easy one, but Lily is prepared to do whatever it takes to finish it. Disclaimer: This work of fiction includes multiple LGBTQ+ characters. This fiction's cover is a Wombo, made possible by wombo.ai. |
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Forged In Flame by Bruce McKnight A BOLD NEW TAKE ON CLASSIC EPIC FANTASY FROM DEBUT AUTHOR BRUCE MCKNIGHT! Danger closes in from every direction. A mysterious black beast is leading orc tribes from the north on a rampaging conquest into the valley. An ambitious orc chieftain in the east is uniting the largest army this land has ever seen. And Tildun Logan is caught in the middle… alone and untrained. When his village is destroyed, leaving him with nothing but the clothes on his back, a ceremonial dagger, and the heavy burden of guilt, he embarks on a quest of revenge and redemption. Tildun quickly finds himself caught up in an adventure bigger - and more dangerous - than he ever imagined. Kings, armies, full-scale war - this is about so much more than just his village. There’s no turning back, no home to return to. But with no sword and no training, can he ever set things right? Can he escape the weight of his guilt? More importantly, can he even survive? |
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Abby Normal by Samuel Thomas Fraser Abby Henderson has lived her whole life under a dark cloud. When she was born, a demon called the Deacon claimed her family as his property. When she turned 13, she was traumatized by an ominous psychic vision. When she turned 14, her dad had a psychotic breakdown and tried to kill her. She’s just turned 25, and now people are dying all around her. This is all according to the Deacon’s plan. He believes that Abby is the key to a ritual that will unleash an ancient evil on the world, and he will stop at nothing to make sure that ritual succeeds. Now, Abby is in the fight of her life against an enemy that defies all reason. Together with her pious girlfriend, her magic-slinging ex-teacher, and a hotheaded Amazon with a machete, Abby will have to use every trick in the book to outlast the Deacon. Because if she can’t, her next birthday is going to be Hell. |