Feast of the Mother (Witch of the Lake #1) by Miranda Honfleur, Nicolette Andrews

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A beautifully dark fairy tale with magic, mystery, and romance, blending folklore with history beneath the looming threat of brutal witch hunts and a cataclysmic demonic onslaught… A young witch answers the call of her ancestors in this mythic dark fantasy set in pre-Medieval Eastern Europe. Beneath the murky waters of the lake, an ancient being slumbers, and Brygida is its servant. Kept sheltered in the woods by her mothers from the nearby village, Brygida has never had so much as a friend—until the day she meets a charming stranger painting by the lake. He invites her to the village’s harvest feast, but her taste of the forbidden ends with a murder. Called into service for the first time, Brygida must take up her ancestral duty as Reaper of Death and solve the murder within three days. If she brings the murderer to the lake on the third day, the being she serves will be sated. If she fails, Brygida herself will be drawn beneath the murky waters, and the village massacred. There’s only one problem: the main suspect is her charming painter, Kaspian. As Brygida investigates, the dangers are many and answers few. The village and her family stand against her, and with time running short, the lake demands a price. Brygida believes Kaspian is innocent, but can she stake her life on it, when failure means condemning the rest of the village, and being dragged into the deep...? Find out what lurks beneath the lake in FEAST OF THE MOTHER, the first entry in a romantic dark fantasy series inspired by Slavic mythology and folklore, sure to please fans of Juliet Marillier’s Blackthorn & Grim series and Naomi Novik’s Uprooted.

Falling Shadows: Guardians of Reyth. Volume 1 by Joan Lightning

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A young Sorceress faces a threat which could destroy her people's way of life. She and her people, the Guardians of Reyth, must defend their Protectorate Kingdoms against the followers of an insane and imprisoned creature who believes himself to be God, the creator of everything. She and her friends will need all their courage and power to repel an invasion which is not what it seems. In the finish, success will depend on the faith and courage of sorcerers, warriors, and even humble craftsmen, and on their willingness to risk everything - lives and even honour - to fight for their God, the Lord of Light, and to defend their world. If they fail, the sorceress will become their enemy's bride and conquer all of the kingdoms for him. The Congregation of Light will end and shadows will fall across the whole face of their world. This is volume 1 of a long tale of magic, courage, faith, and choice. A God of Light, and an enemy of shadows who can be defeated only by sacrifice and steadfast courage. Please note that this is not a standalone story.

The Fall of Erlon (The Falling Empires Saga #1) by Robert H. Fleming

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As empires burn, heroes must rise. Elisa Lannes was once heiress to the mighty Erlonian Empire. But when her mother abandons the empire and her emperor father is defeated on the battlefield and sent into exile, the world she would rule collapses around her. As enemies converge on the capital, Elisa must join with the last of the empire's loyal soldiers to escape the evil that hunts her and her family. With the help of her father's generals, can Elisa find the strength to fight for her people? Or will a twist in the tide of the empire's last war awaken an evil far greater than the enemy's blade? The Fall of Erlon is the first in the new military fantasy series from author Robert H. Fleming. If you like deep fantasy worlds filled with colorful characters and massive battles, the gods and generals of the Falling Empires Saga is for you.

The Fae & The Fallen (Gifted Fae Academy #1) by Brittni Chenelle

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My first kiss nearly killed me—literally. When 80% of the population is gifted with touch magic, it’s best to keep your hands—and your lips—to yourself. Especially if you’re an ungifted serf like I am. The problem is, the most dangerous guy at Gifted Fae Academy is the one I want to touch more than anything, even as I draw the attention of the school’s most gorgeous Apprentice Fae. When my entry exam leads to the revelation that I may not be as Ungifted as I previously believed… well… surviving until graduation might prove harder than I thought—particularly when a certain fatal touch may be worth the risk. This Upper YA/NA series will eventually be three books and is intended for mature audiences. It contains cursing, sexual situations, and violence.

Fade (The Faders #1) by E.G. Bateman

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An invisible enemy. A mysterious school. Can a troubled teen use her incredible powers to uncover the deadly truth? As the only child of a widowed father, Jenna Banks has learned to handle whatever the world throws her way. But when she encounters a strange boy who vanishes before her eyes, she never expected sparks of electricity to leap from her fingertips in response. Confused by her strange new ability, she barely has time to process the freak accident that kills her father and leaves her an orphan. Devastated and alone, she’s sent to a prestigious academy filled with bloody deeds and dark secrets. As she meets her classmates, Jenna learns she’s not the only one with powers. But until she controls her strange gift, she’ll never be able to track the vanishing creature bent on turning her world upside down. Can Jenna survive the school long enough to hunt down her target before her future fades away? Fade is the first book in an electrifying YA urban fantasy trilogy. If you like headstrong heroines, paranormal powers, and jaw-dropping twists, then you’ll love E. G. Bateman’s exciting coming-of-age adventure.

Eye of Obscurance (Fate of Wizardoms #1) by Jeffrey L. Kohanek

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SPFBO 2020 Semifinalist In a realm where wizards rule, magic reigns supreme. Power. The ambitious thirst for it. In a realm where wizards rule, those able to claim a throne are granted the power of a god. How can one defeat a god? A clever thief, a determined acrobat, and a troubled dwarf are joined by an old storyteller as they attempt the impossible: Assassinate a wizard lord. Their slim hope lies in the power of an enchanted amulet, the Eye of Obscurance. These unwitting pawns are trapped in a contest of wizards. The stakes: The fate of the world. From bestselling author Jeffrey L. Kohanek comes the first novel in an epic fantasy saga where magic reigns, wizards thirst for power, and the world teeters on the edge of breaking, perfect for readers who enjoy Patrick Rothfuss, Brandon Sanderson, or Robert Jordan.

Exile (The Nandor Tales #1) by Martin Owton

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‘Exile’ is a fast-moving tightly-plotted fantasy adventure story with a strong thread of romance Aron of Darien, raised in exile after his homeland is conquered by a treacherous warlord, makes his way in the world on the strength of his wits and skill with a sword. Both are sorely tested when he is impressed into the service of the Earl of Nandor to rescue his heir from captivity in the fortress of Sarazan. The rescue goes awry. Aron and his companions are betrayed and must flee for their lives. Pursued by steel and magic, they find new friends and old enemies on the road that leads, after many turns, to the city of the High King. There Aron must face his father’s murderer before risking everything in a fight to the death with the deadliest swordsman in the kingdom.

Era of Undying by Emilie Knight

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There hasn't been a Blood Warrior for decades. Everyone assumed they were extinct and couldn't return. Turns out they were just in hiding. Pen chose to revert back to her nomadic life after the death of her family. Life was always safer that way, away from people. Now she's been caught and odd occurrences have been happening in Ichorisis. People are surviving horrible injuries and illnesses that they shouldn't be. Now that Pen is under custody of one of the several kings she's been sent to fix the problem. Whether she wants to or not.

Enlightened (Enlightened #1) by Billie Kowalewski

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"Winner 2017 INDEPENDENT PRESS AWARD Distinguished Favorites" "Enlightened is exactly the sort of book that remains in your mind long after you've read it, for all the best reasons." authorstalkaboutit.com" "Enlightened is such a fascinating read and is not mindless by any stretch of the imagination." lisaluvstoread.blogspot.com When Veronica lost the love of her life in a horrible accident she wassure he was gone forever, and she would never love again. Then, fiveyears later she meets her own tragic demise leading her back to the manshe loves, but, with an unexpected twist... Imagine waking up to discover that the life you thought was real never was. That your real life is actually lived somewhere else, and the love you thought was lost will go on forever

The Emerald Brotherhood (The Leagues, #1) by J. Anthony Oaks

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Four friends, bound together by an unseen bond of loyalty, discover the true reason fate brought them together. Their journey pits them against a maniacal dark magic wielder named Decimus who is hell-bent on stamping out light magic and its history forever. The four brothers, as they fight to save light magic and rid the local lands of this murderous evil, encounter the misery and oppression Decimus and his army of Gatherers bring to the townspeople of the realm. Along the way, with the help of some unusual friends, the brothers rekindle a long-obscured organization founded on benevolence.

Embered Soul (Fall of Creation #1) by Willem Neill

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In a world of monsters, a vigilant slayer confronts a foe stronger than any creature yet fought. As the battle draws close, so too does the Reckoning .… Afflicted by the incessant rot of beasts, the people of Asthradele have never known life without war. The threat of the next Bestial Tide has always been enough to keep the realms united. But what’s it all worth if the world is dying? Seb du Monte is one of the many dedicated to fighting the Tides. As a newly fledged Knight-Questor from a venerable lineage of beast slayers, sworn to protect Asthradele, his begins in earnest. But when a powerful force threatens what he holds dear, all the weaponry, cunning and training he possesses may not be enough to defeat it. Fates collide and all will hang in the balance

Eiagan's Winter (The History of Goranin) by M.J. Padgett

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The land of Goranin has survived the rule of the dreaded Allurigard bloodline for centuries. Suffering perpetual winter at the hands of a tyrannical, bloodthirsty queen, the people seek out a savior to restore their land to its former glory. They find one in Moriarian of Varrow. Moriarian makes grand promises, and the people of Goranin invite him in as their new leader.Eiagan Allurigard, the feared dragon-riding Winter Queen, wants nothing more than peace and quiet. Her people push her to the edge, stage uprisings, and revolt against her absolute authority. When her immortality is stolen and Moriarian attacks, Eiagan barely escapes her castle alive. With a gaping abdominal wound and nowhere to hide, she seeks out an unlikely ally in her quest to reclaim her throne. Moriarian’s promise of salvation is too good to be true, and the people are subjugated to a fate worse than death. As Moriarian ravages her land, Eiagan seeks revenge against him and those who betrayed her. Haunted by memories of her past, Eiagan joins forces with a band of rebels, a healer who believes he can save her blackened soul, and a den of dragon-shifters determined to free the land of oppression once and for all.Traitors, a wicked sorcerer, and deadly creatures threaten their survival, but the queen is determined to win back her birthright at all costs—even if it means sacrificing everything.

The Edge of Nothing (The Lex Chronicles #1) by Crystal Crawford

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An evil force terrorizes Arameth, but those out to stop it have a serious problem: their prophesied hero is dead. Centuries ago, a malevolent magicborn overtook Arameth, fracturing their world and unleashing a devastating war between magicborn and their non-magic neighbors. To protect their magical heritage, the Ancients of Arameth sealed themselves off in The Core, wiping all memory of magic from the ordinary people. The remaining magicborns retreated into hiding, unable to use their abilities for fear of inciting the wrath of the Ancients’ dark regime—or the terror of their own neighbors. Two hundred years later, the damage wreaked by the Fracture threatens to unravel their world. A dark energy from The Core is slowly corrupting once-beautiful Arameth, and the Worldforce, the source of all Arameth’s magic, is destabilizing. The heroes sworn to restore the balance fail catastrophically in their final battle, and tensions peak between the peoples of Arameth. Fluctuations in the unstable Worldforce bring frequent disasters. But not all of Arameth’s problems come from The Core... Lex is a seventeen-year-old with no memories before this morning, and no clue why a group of villagers want him dead. Realizing they have mistaken him for a destructive magicborn who slaughtered innocents in their village, Lex flees for his life—only to discover he’s more tangled in the conflicts of the past than he ever imagined. And the mysterious girl he stumbles upon during his escape creates a whole new set of problems... An epic fantasy / portal fantasy / soft sci-fi mashup, this book is teeming with quirky characters, fantastical creatures, surprises and suspense. With subtle clean/sweet romance, high-stakes adventure, and a strong focus on friendship and second chances, this all-the-feels fantasy debut will keep you flipping the pages.

A Dream of Fire (The Dragon Queen #1) by J.R. Rasmussen

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A vengeful dragon. A forgotten terror. And the one man who is least qualified to stop them. Nothing is more dear to Griffin than his magic school, but for a man with no magic, life there has its challenges. They laugh at him. They exclude him. And that's just his fellow teachers. So when a dragon no one else has seen delivers a chilling warning for Griffin's ears alone, it's no surprise that his colleagues don't take him seriously. Unfortunately, convincing them that the magistery stands at the brink of destruction is only the beginning of his troubles. As an ancient struggle between dragons and men reignites, Griffin's only hope lies in deciphering the secrets of a long-dead madman. But the deeper he goes, the less he knows who to trust, on legs or wings. Dodging both suspicion and betrayal, Griffin is caught in a desperate race for the one weapon that can save his home—or reduce it to ashes in an instant.

Dravincia (The Dimensional Wars #1) by Blake Severson

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The first book in a new fantasy LitRPG series has arrived. A Goddess is stirring up trouble, and Arthur happens to be the one caught up in the action. After an unfortunate encounter, Arthur is given a second chance in a new world. To his surprise, this new world has mechanics that remind him of Role-Playing Games from Earth. He has been given a simple directive from the Goddess, to help the people of the world and spread her name. He quickly discovers this will not be an easy task. The world has been overrun with bandits, who work for the lords of the land and cause all the denizens to live in abject ruin. Can Arthur tame Dravincia and push back against these forces or is he destined to fail spectacularly and have to hope for another try?

The Dragon’s Teeth (On Dark Shores #0.1) by J.A. Clement

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On a small island they hid… …from an Ice Lord bent on destruction. What can an inventor, bard, and nearly blind trader do to stop him? When he lost his arm, Lodin thought his life was over. How could he create his brilliant gadgets with only one hand? His companion, a handsome bard named Maran, means the world to him, but with the Ice Lord’s destruction of everything, is there even hope? Asri has faith. She’s wise in many ways. Asri knows that if she can just convince him to build an artificial hand, then Lodin will be able to invent again. She may have lost her sight but not her vision. There must be a solution. Deep in the archives, she found a scroll. If it is to be believed, they can find answers in the ships’ graveyard. Asri knows there’s a chance. With Lodin and Maran by her side, they need to get to ancient ruins to have any chance to stop the Ice Lord and save the world. It won’t be easy, and they need to find some missing elements to set the trap. Will it even work?

Dragonvein (Dragonvein #1) by Brian D. Anderson

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Carentan, France 1944 - Ethan Martin, a soldier in the 101st Airborne, is fighting for his life. But soon he will learn what peril truly is when he is ripped from his world and transported to a land of magic, swords, and dragons. And though the Nazis are now far, far away, danger is closer than ever. The Eternal Emperor, Shinzan, has destroyed the mages and only a few dragons remain in exile. And now that Ethan, son of Praxis Dragonvein, has returned he must destroy him as well. Faced with unimaginable power, Ethan has only one hope - to reach the dwarf kingdom of Elyfoss before Shinzan can find him.

Dragonseer (Secicao Blight #1) by Chris Behrsin

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Secicao. A powerful drug of immeasurable power and value, but one that is also destroying the planet. Pontopa Wells is an uncompromising entrepreneur with a dragon and a secicao operation in the Southlands. When she is contracted by King Cini, to incorporate her business with that of the conceited Faso Gordoni, she is initially unsure of her one-time rival. Then, a meeting with her much-loved author, Sukina Sako, convinces Pontopa that she is on the wrong side and that secicao is damaging the planet at an alarming rate. She and Faso agree to travel with Sukina to the south, to investigate what can be done. However, King Cini has other ideas and is not about to allow his two best secicao producers to just walk away. He intercepts the group at the island of Fraw, but despite their initial incarceration Sukina surprises them all when she summons grey dragons to help them escape. Now on the other side of a desperate fight for survival, Pontopa discovers that she's a dragonseer, with the ability to communicate telepathically with, and command, legions of dragons. Will her new-found ability and a diverse group of allies, be enough to defeat a king who is slowly but surely beginning to show his true nature? Enter a world of dragons, dragonseers, airships and automatons in this Steampunk-fantasy tale like none other told before.

Dragon's Fire (Beating Back the Darkness #1) by Tiger Hebert

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"It didn’t always feel like this. How? I can’t remember, but it wasn’t like this. No, not like this... It was cold and dank, and then there was the fear. To stand in his presence, in awe and reverence of his power, his might, it was intoxicating... but the fear never leaves." - Ekrin, High Priest of the Black Dragon A rising tide of violence is spreading across Darnisi, and it threatens to cast all of Aurion into war and chaos. A terror straight out of nightmares is at the heart of the corruption. Using the dark arts of seduction, the shadow drake bends and twists the will of those who would seek his power, to his own ends. Aurion’s remaining races forge unlikely alliances in order to survive the dragon’s scourge. As reality sets in, our survivors face a very grim future. Could their only hope of survival truly be found in the cryptic writings of ancient prophecy?

Dragon Speaker (The Shadow War Saga #1) by Elana A. Mugdan

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Everyone knows this story: an unlikely young hero is chosen by divine providence to save the world from a terrible evil. Except Keriya Nameless is crippled, without the ability to wield magic—in fact, she's the only person who doesn't have powers of her own. The god who chose her is a mysterious dragon with a knack for exploiting loopholes in rules. Oh, and that terrible evil the world needs to be saved from? Maybe it’s not quite as evil as everyone says. As Keriya ventures into the magical realm of Allentria, she learns things aren't black-and-white, and not everything is what it appears to be. Her quest would test the courage of even the bravest hero, and as the chosen Dragon Speaker, she quickly learns she's at the center of an age-old war . . . A war that will decide the fate of everything.

Dragon Source (Reunification #1) by Glenn Birmingham

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Her abilities could send her soaring to new heights or burn her alive in a blaze of treachery… Arten can’t let anyone know her secret. If her fiery forbidden power becomes known, she’ll be burned at the stake by her magic-fearing religion. And when her mother sells her out to the church’s fanatical agents, she’s forced to flee into the wilds. Reluctantly accepting a mysterious stranger’s helping hand, she travels an underground network intent on reaching a protected dragon city. But when she learns most of the fugitives go missing before they arrive, she suspects her benefactor holds sinister secrets of his own. Can Arten make it to safety and realize her destiny, or will she be reduced to ashes? Dragon Source is the first book in the captivating Reunification epic fantasy series. If you like hidden magic, perilous quests, and dark mysteries, then you’ll love Glenn Birmingham’s action-packed tale.

Dragon Mage by Tameri Etherton

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To unleash her dragon, she must confront her past. In the seven years since Amaleigh failed to assassinate her best friend, she’s been on the run. Jumping from world to world where she never quite fits in, all she truly wants is to stop running and find a place to call home. Unlocking her cold, dead heart might be a start to unleashing her inner dragon, but that would mean trusting another and there’s only one person she’s ever trusted—the same man she couldn’t kill. Prince Gwilym knows he shouldn’t risk Amaleigh’s life by asking for help, especially since he’s the reason she had to escape Eidyn. They grew up together as best friends, innocent of the knowledge it was Gwilym’s father who murdered her family and left her an orphan to live on the streets. Now his life is in peril and she’s the only person he trusts. Time’s running out for Gwilym and his father. Amaleigh’s future hangs in the balance. Forced to make a desperate choice, she must put aside her hatred for the man who murdered her family and sentenced her to a life of crime and loneliness. Dare she risk everything and return to the one place she tried desperately to forget? To save those she loves, she must become the Dragon Mage the king fears most.

Dire (Feathers & Flames Book 1) by John Bailey

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Even the skies will burn. Euraiya is a lazy gryphon, content to let her traps hunt for her. Roving thieves and bullish curs are her only concerns. But after she fails to save her home from a far greater threat, her world erupts into flames. Broken and half dead, she must claw her way to find a place within a new pride that’s poised to exile her with one wrong move. Forced to prove her worth, her warnings are silenced. But with the leaders distracted and a rogue lord poised to take advantage of any weakness, Euraiya must confront them and herself before it’s too late. Can Euraiya save what’s left of her future before the fires rain down again? Dire is the first novel in a new Creature Fiction Fantasy series that pits gryphons against wyverns in a battle for land and survival. If you enjoyed The Summer King Chronicles or the Gryphon Insurrection series, then this is for you!

The Demonic Compendium: Book One (A Grimdark Epic Fantasy Novel) by David Viergutz

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The slaughter of the royal family has awakened an unspeakable evil. Prince Shaw returns from death with the help of The Demonic Compendium, a sentient tome of demonic knowledge with its own agenda. Caught between his soul-bound tasks and his personal mission, Shaw must find a way to honor his agreement with the book, avenge his family, and retake the throne. Little does he know; forces of darkness are plotting against him. A demonic army has been raised, with the malicious intent to annihilate the world. With enemies closing in from all sides, Shaw discovers his only hope to survive lies in the hands of an ancient entity with a death wish all its own. Sound the drums of war and prepare for battle! Can Shaw take his place as the rightful king? Or will the nation he loves crumble before his eyes?

The Demon in the Metal (The Chemical Empires, #1) by Blake Michael Nelson

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Fifty years ago, the brilliant chemist Guilder Owen unlocked the secrets of the metal aurichalcum...and changed the world forever. The Chemical Revolution led to the invention of rifles, cannons, copperlights, and brassfire bombs; armies were shattered, borders were redrawn, and the king of Eleutrinia, the most powerful nation in the world, was overthrown. In the aftermath of this civil war, Eleutrinia's gloomy capital, Dais Eleutrené, has become a breeding ground for plots and conspiracies. World-weary inspector Drom Overholt, investigating the murder of a wealthy old man, soon finds himself caught up in an especially dangerous one; meanwhile, Guilder's granddaughter Aemilia, eager to become a chemist herself, has just unlocked a secret of her own — one that may have put her life in immediate danger. And far away, at the very edge of the known world, treasure-hunter Luc d'Fensi, hired to guide a group of scholars to a distant, crumbling ruin, begins making his way into the primordial wilderness of the far west. He has no idea what awaits him there: an ancient evil, older than mankind, waiting for an opportunity to arise...and intent on extinguishing the light of the Chemical Revolution forever.

The Delving (Overthrown - The Chronicles of Denoril #1) by Aaron Bunce

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It rests deep in the ground, they say, an ancient burial treasure of unimaginable wealth. Riches to humble even the most prosperous men, locked away from time itself. But the Council’s edict was clear – keep the tombs of the ancient dalan closed. Keep the past sealed. But where there is wealth, there is greed, and nothing stays buried forever. Thorben Paulson is an ordinary man, trying to raise his family the honest way. Unfortunately, the Council’s tax collectors demand more and more each thaw, taking in both coin and food. For a branded man like Thorben, his checkered past means the burden is always greater. With hungry mouths to feed and winter on the horizon, Thorben’s desperation grows. A visitor appears unexpectedly in town, a man from his past, carrying a map and a promise – enough coin to feed his family for the foreseeable future, in exchange for a single job. Not just any job, however. Thorben must delve once again, leave the sun behind and enter the underground crypts, the realm of the dead, and find priceless dalan relics. And yet, more lies in wait than things that sparkle and glimmer, and in Denoril, some things never truly die.

Death of the Tree Path by Timothy S. Currey

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Their healer has died. Their forest is dying. They refused to leave … even when soldiers came to take their land. Riekalt has been a grim man since the death of his wife, the village healer. She gave her life to save the village. He can hardly sleep. Is it her he keeps hearing at night? When soldiers come from Gweidor to take their land, the villagers of Wolfshead Hill begin to know the end has come. They claim to come in peace, and offer gold. But they come with a trail of corpses in their wake. There is one desperate hope left to the village. Riekalt’s only son Laester begins to show glimmers of the powers that claimed his wife. If he cannot control or suppress the new magic … it might destroy him. How can Riekalt hope to save his village, if it might mean the life of his son?

Death of the Invisible Financier by R.D. Henderson

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Paul Bloom wants to make his own way and stop grinding for a criminal organization. The higher-ups in the organization are lining their pockets thanks to Bloom and he was getting just a pittance. The catch is he doesn’t want the higher-ups to learning he wants to make his own way. Mettle Coyle, an elf and financier, is finally able to get out from under his aunt, who was beloved by everyone at their family-owned investment and financial firm and died under mysterious circumstances, and seized control of the firm with the goal of lining his pockets at the expense of his partners or investors. Paul Bloom, his associates, and Mettle Coyle join other criminals in engineering a confidence scheme which most likely ensure each of them a nice tidy profit. The only catch is when a group of criminals are involved in a scheme to steal a large amount of money, each of them, including Bloom and Coyle, want the entire ill-gotten gains for himself or herself and none of them will be denied no matter if lives hang in the balance. Death of the Invisible Financier is the first book in the Paul Bloom & Associates Schemes a sword and sorcery series.

Daughter of Havenglade (Daughter of Havenglade #1) by H.C. Harrington

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An Epic Quest Through The Magical World of Havenglade A sinister wizard. A mysterious teacher. A kingdom on the brink of collapse. In the ancient kingdom of Havenglade, a brutal enemy is ravaging the countryside making his way closer to Gradur Castle. An aging king seeks protection from a council of loyal wizards. A peasant girl finds herself at the center of it all after bonding with a magical crystal and absorbing its magical essence. After losing her parents, Laurena was given the chance of a lifetime to study wizardry under the mysterious and renowned teacher Unai. Can she learn to harness the powers inside her before it's too late?

Darkness Forged (Legends of the Ragnarok Era #1) by Matt Larkin

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Norse mythology retold - Volundarkvida The greatest crafts on Midgard come from the dvergar realm of Nidavellir. Volund, a gifted smith and once apprentice to the dvergar, escaped their dark realm to find solace in the arms of a valkyrie. Nine years of respite. And then she was gone. Volund will do anything to get her back. But his reputation precedes him, and a cruel king knows the weapons Volund forges can win his wars. Imprisoned in the king’s forge, Volund’s only hope to escape is to find his wife. If he can’t, more than the forge’s darkness will overtake him. For even more dark Norse adventure, don't miss the tie-in series Gods of the Ragnarok Era, starting with The Apples of Idunn.

A Dark Inheritance (Hollow Fate #1) by Todd Herzman

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It’s a dark path to power. When Ruben is bound by magic and hauled across the sea to where the God King reigns, he has only one goal: escape. As he tries to resist his master’s pull, he discovers a secret—the reason he was taken from his family—Ruben is a mage. On his journey to understand his power, his desire to become stronger takes him to dark places, driving him to do even darker things. If he can gain his freedom, will he be able to return to the life he once knew, after what he’s become? SPFBO 2020 Semi-Finalist!

Dames and Demons by G. Campbell

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Twenty years ago, a pandemic ripped through the world and forever changed society. Where Man once stood, now stand the Women and the Demons. They rule the city through magic and money. Men like Tom and Chris Redfield have nothing. The brothers live under the heel of society and fight over the scraps dropped by the upper classes. Or at least they used to. Things change with the discovery of a Demonic book. The brothers might have a shot at a better life, but they’re not ready for the chaos the book unleashes. Suddenly, the Redfields are thrown into the tangled machinations of the spiteful Sororities and the fastidious lords of Hell. Forced to become players in an intricate game, the brothers will have to use their wits and all the magic they can afford if they hope to survive. Cock your pistols, sharpen your swords, and fill your magic reserve… Not everyone’s going to make it out alive.

Curse of the Jenri by Stephanie Barr

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The world of the Jenri is a dangerous, primitive world, where women are prized as chattel, but the Jenri women, every one from the eldest archivist to the smallest babe, strike fear into battle-hardened mercenary hearts. It is a world where battle steeds are mythical beasts and magic is as deadly a weapon as a sword. Those who wield both are doubly dangerous and those who cross them are thrice damned. The Jenri are mistresses of all these things. If you love one of these marvelous women, you must best her in a contest of her choosing to win her love in return. These were women who needed no one to take care of them. Until now. It wasn’t enough that Jenri women had been stolen, including his wife, Layla It wasn't enough that those who had stolen them had nefarious plans. And phenomenal magic powers. And could escape in seconds. And an underground fortress in the midst of frozen mountains so cold Tander was afraid he’d shatter if he stumbled one more time. It wasn’t enough that he was surrounded by angry husbands worried about their wives and willing to take their tempers out on him if he was leading them in the wrong direction. It wasn’t enough that he was also surrounded by the remaining women from his tribe who were equally angry and more than capable of kicking his butt. No, on top of all those little issues, he discovered he's no longer “just” an extraordinary swordsman, but also a great and powerful sorcerer with absolutely no idea how to use his powers. He was not just any sorcerer, either, but one chosen by six tiny kitten familiars who did know how to use his powers and who had no problem telling him. All the time. While they demanded to be carried all over his person, purring and taking inopportune naps. He didn’t want these powers or a flock of noisy but helpful kittens, but he was going to need them. He'd need all the skills and talents he and his companions possess in order to save their women—and Layla. But we love you, Tander! Solace insisted, purring and licking his neck. Things have got to get better soon.

Currents of Change by Darian Smith

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Haunted house. Haunted heart. When Sara O’Neill goes on the run, she believes the tiny New Zealand town of Kowhiowhio is just the sanctuary she needs. Her family’s old colonial house needs repair, but it’s safe from the abusive husband she left behind. However, a hostile local holds a grudge and a dangerous presence haunting her new home threatens Sara’s chance at peace. How can she create a new life while dealing with ghosts from the old? For local electrician, Nate Adams, parenting his young daughter alone has not been easy - particularly in a town where he is still seen as an outsider. When he meets his new neighbour, he sees a chance at a new start for them both. Even with his help, can the house – or Sara’s heart – be repaired? Someone doesn’t want an O’Neill in Kowhiowhio. Sara’s return is awakening secrets hidden for generations. Why has the house never had electricity? What was the fate of Sara’s ancestors? Can she discover the ghost’s story before it’s too late? The truth will set…something…free.

Crown of the Sundered Empire (Heirs to the Sundered Empire #1) by J.C. Kang

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A sundered realm. A missing crown. A coming war. In a broken land where conquerors dream of empires, Tomas dreams of a day when the townsfolk won’t taunt him. After all, he’s the fishing village kid with a misshapen face. Only the Rune vendor’s daughter treats him well. To win her heart, he relies on a quick wit and local superstitions to convince her he has Diviner’s Sight. But if he did, he would’ve foreseen magic-fearing invaders plucking out his mismatched eye. Or the demon trapped in the glass replacement. It reveals a world beyond human vision, while whispering temptations in his mind. Now, with his village caught between the advancing armies of the Sun God’s mortal descendants and His Chosen People, Tomas must use a combination of calculation, cunning, and demonic insight to maneuver the forces of his world against each other—prince against prince, princess against princess, army against army—or see his home crushed forever beneath the wheels of war.

Covenant of Blood (The Thayria Cycle #1) by H.R. van Adel

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On Thayria, the brutal Sarasinian League dominates. Yet beneath its arrogant façade, decades of corruption, neglect and incompetence have left it weakened and vulnerable. Even as its subject peoples yearn for freedom, the League, preoccupied with violent expansion, shows astonishing complacency in the face of impending revolt. Against a backdrop of relentless bloody battles, a provincial governor chooses a path that could change the course of history. A group of military cadets faces an increasingly dire future. And a jaded research assistant sets out to recover an object of immense power and dreadful consequence. In the centre of this gathering storm stands an improbably long-lived and immensely powerful figure whose hatred of the League knows no bounds... A tale of diverse peoples and places, Covenant of Blood is set in a world where innocence is dead, mercy is non-existent, and authority is wielded with an iron fist.

The Copper Assassin (Tales of Wyverna, #1) by Madolyn Rogers

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HOW CAN HE STOP THE ULTIMATE ASSASSIN? In the sixteenth year of its founding, the city-state of Wyverna teems with vitality, rife with crime, secrets, and sorcery. Like its namesake, the wyverns that hunt from the mountains above, Wyverna is a city of predators. Its pirates sail out to plunder the wealth of nations, while at home the capital seethes, an uneasy amalgam of the old ways of its anarchic peoples and the newly imposed rule of law. The young noble Gorgo navigates these complexities with ease, until one night he learns of a plot to assassinate Wyverna’s legendary founder, the Warlord. The rebels have obtained a mighty relic: an ancient copper golem created to be the ultimate assassin. Invulnerable and relentless, the golem destroyed the civilization that birthed it. If it kills the Warlord, Gorgo realizes his city too will fall, ripped apart by civil war. Armed with nothing but his wits and his courage, Gorgo sets out to find a way to save Wyverna. His mission will take him from the elegant casinos of downtown to the chaotic docks where smugglers prowl, from the hot sands of the arena to the cold midnight of magic-shadowed streets. But even he cannot foresee where his path will ultimately lead, and to what consequences.

Code of the Communer (Shadows in the Wildwood #1) by Kai Greenwood

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Tolkien-esque world-building, thrilling action and compelling characters. Code of the Communer is an immersive journey into a lost Wildwood. THE WILDWOOD IS CHANGING… An invasion sweeps across the continent. Desperate to escape, Caida’s tribe seek Maerida, the lost homeland of legend. But legends can be deceiving. After hundreds of years the people of the Wildwood have forgotten a deadly truth: Maerida was abandoned for a reason. THE CODE OF THE COMMUNER WILL BE CHALLENGED... Now Caida must choose. Will she honour her mother’s legacy or seek a new path by abandoning the Code she followed since birth? A SHADOW STIRS BENEATH THE ROOTS… On Maerida, amongst the ruins, a time of hibernation comes to an end. After the long sleep, comes the feeding.

The Clay Queen (Children of Clay #1) by Ono Ekeh

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With her armies defeated, Queen Nouei’s enemies march north to condemn her. The earth god’s only hope is to change history before they arrive. To become stronger she must restart her divine journey by reincarnating as Bridget Blade. But what if Bridget doesn’t want to be a god? All Bridget wants is a simple life with love and family. But she is confronted by a destiny she doesn’t even understand and burdened by powers and impulses she struggles to control. Bridget must choose a path that leads her to Nouei or, must force the Queen to settle for Bridget’s modest ambitions. Two women, one life, conflicting desires. Who will prevail?

The Child of Silence (The Burning Orbit Book 1) by Joseph O. Doran

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You've never met a hero like this before. Born severely disabled, Aiata dal'Pelferta has spent her life despised by her own people simply for who she is. Worse still, she is the youngest daughter of the Empress, making her an Imperial embarrassment. Unable to talk, move or let anyone know she is a thinking, feeling person, she spends her days observing - and learning - from those around her. Everything changes when she finally discovers a way to communicate and is plunged into the dangers of the Imperial court. With the magic of Songthrust, Aiata’s people can force others to their will, however they are ill-prepared for a popular revolt within their own borders – a revolt that Aiata is dragged into. Abused by her family and surrounded by danger, Aiata will learn that her intellect – not her magic – is her greatest asset, as she fights to save her home from the ravages of civil war. Yet while all eyes are on the war at home, a far greater threat looms in the dark of the night sky.

Child of Destiny (The Rising Saga #1) by M.K. Adams

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A young orphan on the run from the King. A warlock with the power to protect her. And, the fighter holding them together. The Rive, a realm ruled by the iron grip of a war-hungry King, is on the brink of rebellion and Lyvanne, a young girl who has witnessed a vision of his downfall, is the key to victory, whether she wants to be involved or not. Forced to leave her loved ones behind, her life becomes a deadly game of cat and mouse. With the King willing to stop at nothing if it means finding the one who threatens his reign. But when a defiant insurgent group known as The Spring takes her into their protection, Lyvanne is offered something she never could have dreamed of before. The chance to fight back, the chance to make a difference. Embark on a journey of self-discovery and political upheaval as a common street rat takes the first steps of her great journey along the paths of love, magic, and war.

Chains of Blood (The Chaos Cycle #1) by M.L. Spencer

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He thought he was born Rylan Marshall…until he found out he wasn’t. He was born the son of a demon. Does that mean he is destined to follow in his father’s footsteps? Rylan was attacked, his young son murdered, his baby daughter taken. But his assailant left him with two gifts: the gift of magic…and an oath to darkness. Rylan blamed himself, even though he knew it wasn’t his fault. The life he knew was over. And war is coming. A new enemy, stronger and more fearsome than any other, appears out of the night. Will Rylan use his newfound power to make a stand? Will he learn its use in time to make a difference? Or will his oath to darkness guide him to the enemy? If you love grimdark fantasy filled with vivid realism, brutal warfare, and raw emotion, this new adventure is just for you.

Chains Carried on Wings (Clydian Chronicles, #1) by Marina Ermakova

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Saig had always lived on the edge of acceptance. Unlike a proper daughter of the head family, she longed for the freedom of the open woods over the confinement of her home. It was enough to drive away the two people who should, by rights, have been her closest companions. But her perfect, responsible cousin Auris--destined to be the city's headwoman and resentful of Saig's inability to conform--would never be her friend again. And her surly cousin Trei--aware of how his foreign ancestry undermined his own standing in society--would always look at her as a reminder of their shared differences. Until a series of mysterious disappearances forces all three of the cousins onto the same side. Driven to protect their city and prove themselves, they join the effort to hunt down the perpetrators. What they find is a trap designed to bring their society crashing down, and the power to reshape their city's future. There's just one problem--the three of them have always bitterly disagreed on what that future should look like.

The Calvanni (The Jakirian Cycle #1) by Chris McMahon

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The Jakirian series is Heroic Fantasy set on the world of Yos, with unique ecology and twin suns, where all metal is magical and control of magic is the basis for power. Hard-edged. Inspiring. The Jakirian features gritty, fast-paced action. The setting includes fantastical magical artefacts such as glowmetals; ceramic weapons and an array of new creatures. The characters travel through both urban and rural landscapes, where a depth of history and a layering of cultures gives texture. The Jakirian's strong themes of Heroic Fantasy would appeal to readers of David Gemmell, Joe Abercrombie or Stan Nicholls. In The Calvanni, first of the epic series, the cavern-dwelling Eathal have emerged to wreak their vengeance on mankind. The fate of innocent thousands rests on finding the Scion - lost heir to the fallen Empire. The Temple has outlawed the ancient practice of Sorcery. Its Druids dominate religious and secular power, but are ill-equipped to resist an unknown evil once contained by the Emperors. The Jakirian series comprises three books - The Calvanni, Scytheman and Sorcerer. They follow Cedrin and Ellen as they face deeper and more hidden threats. Pursuing them is Raziin, a vicious renegade who seeks to claim the ultimate power of the Spear of Carris for himself. Eventually they must face a final challenge as the most ancient secrets that bind their three bloodlines are revealed. The Calvanni has attracted readers of all kinds, including readers who, up until now, had never read books from the Fantasy genre. The Jakirian series has given McMahon the room to explore his unique world and to convey to readers the richness of his flavour of heroic fantasy.

Calico Thunder Rides Again by T.A. Hernandez

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Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, welcome to the Most Fantastic Show on Earth... Three years ago, the Ban changed everything, outlawing certain forms of magic and bringing about the rise of powerful crime syndicates. Now, speakeasies in every city sell illegal charms and jinxes, and bootleggers traffic restricted potion ingredients across the country. But even in this changing world, the magic of the circus still acts as a wondrous escape and provides entertainment for all.​ Jake Strickland owns one such circus, inherited after an accident ended his career as a rodeo dragon rider. He also inherited the circus’ financial troubles, but since the show became his, he’s slowly managed to turn it into a profitable business once more. Or at least, that’s what he thought. When a dangerous mobster comes to collect an old debt, Jake resorts to desperate measures to get the money before a strict deadline. With lives and livelihoods at stake, he battles the clock, his responsibilities to the circus, and a longstanding personal grudge that has festered for years. Can he pay back the mob before it’s too late?

By Sea & Sky: An Esowon Story (The Sky Pirate Chronicles #1) by Antoine Bandele

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The sickness was severe… …and there was one known potion that could save him. Was piracy the only chance they had? Zala wasn’t skilled with a sword. She wasn’t blessed with magic. But she knew the Sapphire Seas well. Plundering and raiding was an art of its own, and she got by on her wits. Yet she was running out of time. She needed the big score to save her husband. What was her next move? Before she even knew it… …the game changed. High above them, off the coast of the Ibabi Isles, a strange airship was headed their way. Zala had never seen anything like it. The battle was imminent. And she was going to need more than her bag of tricks. You’ll love this adventure inspired by the West Indies, The Swahili Coast, and Arabia, because Zala will encounter ruthless raiders, arrogant aristocrats, and imperial secrets. It will keep you turning the pages.

Burning Embers (The Shadows Return, #1) by Fiona Jeeves

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The empire has been crumbling for three hundred years. But among the kingdoms fighting for dominance, Feia must learn that the most powerful thing in any world, is to be able to accept and love who you are. Abandoned as an infant at a Temple, it is time for Feia to break free. Persecuted and held at knife-point, she is forced to defend herself and destructive magic awakens within. This new power brings premonitions of her homeland, Arngeir destroyed by a mysterious army. In order to warn the nobility, and save Arngeir, Feia must leave everything behind and make the dangerous journey north. Beyond the Temple boundaries there is no protection from the elements, the dangers of the road or the Champions of Light, hunters of anyone who dares to be different. Her power could be her salvation or her damnation. A young adult fantasy, with danger, romance and a desperate need for self-discovery.

Burden of Power (The Wallkeeper Trilogy #1) by Caren Hahn

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Ria’s secret fear is that she’s not ready to rule. But when the king goes mad, she may not have a choice. As the first female heir to the throne of Rahm, Ria is surrounded by skeptics. Her dazzling wit and easy confidence hide the truth: She really doesn’t know what she’s doing. But she’d better learn fast because her father’s volatile behavior is getting worse. When the king gets embroiled in a power struggle with Merek, captain of the Wall Guard, Ria sees an opportunity. She proposes a tour of the damaged wall, giving her an excuse to prove herself by acting in her father’s stead. But Merek doesn’t have time for Ria’s schemes. A criminal network has infiltrated a critical border city, and he resents being pulled from his post. Abandoning his investigation could lead to disaster. Stubborn wills collide as Ria and Merek wrestle in a shifting balance of power. Only by learning to trust each other can they merge their strong personalities into a dynamic partnership. Will it be enough to save Ria when the threat to Rahm turns dangerously personal? Burden of Power is the first in the gripping Wallkeeper trilogy by debut author, Caren Hahn. With rich layers of action, combat, political intrigue, and romantic suspense, you’ll be drawn into a medieval fantasy where characters come alive and keep you wondering about them long after you’ve read the last page. Immerse yourself in the world of Wallkeeper today!

Bull and the Goblin Raid by Matt Heppe

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Baron Theodus of Sursival arrives at the Green Wyvern Inn to tell the story of his life. He will return each night to regale the villagers there with tales of monsters, treasure, foes, and friends. And when his story is done, he’ll leave his subjects, never to return again. The baron’s friends call him Bull, but not because he’s stubborn. He’s a giant of a man. He’ll answer to Lord Bull if you aren’t sure where you stand with him. Tonight he’ll tell the story of his road to adventure: a goblin raid that leaves Bull, his sister, and his mother as penniless refugees on a perilous journey. Goblins, disease, winter storms, and ruthless bandits all conspire to defeat the trio. Seventeen-year-old Bull, his stalwart sister, and hard-as-nails mother stand side-by-side against everything a cruel world can send against them. But how much can three people take?

A Brush with Vampires (The Clan-Vampire Clash #1) by Betsy Flak

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He hunts bloodsuckers. She's got power like he's never seen. To keep their school safe, he'll put his life on the line to protect her. High school sophomore Lila Lee is desperate to fit in at her new boarding school. Surrounded by frenemies, it takes bumping into the gorgeous Gabe to turn her fake smiles into crackling chemistry. But when she sees surprise on the laid-back senior's face, she can't help but wonder what he's hiding. Gabe wants fun and freedom and he refuses to let his vampire hunting duties get in the way. After his chance meeting with Lila sparks intense visions, he realizes the pretty sophomore could be even more powerful than he is. As Gabe keeps the new girl in the dark, he's not the only one who notices Lila's hidden magic. While Lila tries to climb the popularity ladder and Gabe fulfills his duties, something different lurks in the shadows. Something deadly. Something that could take more than Gabe and Lila's powers combined to stop it from drenching the school in blood. A Brush with Vampires is the first book in The Clan-Vampire Clash YA paranormal fantasy series. If you like gutsy heroines, dark villains, and intense high school relationships, then you'll love Betsy Flak’s page-turner. Buy A Brush with Vampires to drive a stake through high school drama today!