stories in and

Beyond the Aching Door

Beyond the Aching Door by Victoria Mier

A mortal journalist. A mysterious series of drownings. An exiled Fey king. A forgotten Fatesong. A single, desperate chance to save magic from extinction. All Raegan Maeve Overhill wants is to survive another October. It's the anniversary of the worst thing that ever happened to the unsolved disappearance of her father nearly two decades ago. But when mysterious drownings grip the city of Philadelphia, Raegan sets her mourning rituals aside for a career-making opportunity to lead her newspaper's investigation. Her hunt for answers takes her to the city's shadowy places where magical beings appear in puddles, the Fair Folk offer bargains, and magic is very, very real. When Raegan uncovers a startling connection to her father’s disappearance, she knows she can’t just return to her normal life without finding the truth. To get it, though, she’ll need to make a deal with the dark, deadly and alluring Unseelie Fae King—and do her best to ignore their dangerous attraction to one another. Inspired by Welsh mythology, Slavic folklore and Arthurian legend, Beyond the Aching Door is an adult urban fantasy romance for fans of A Discovery of Witches and Dark Night, Golden Dawn. This spicy fae romantic fantasy is intended for readers 18+.


In Darkness & Duty

In Darkness & Duty by CC Tyler

One drop of blood can banish or bind… Reeling from the loss of his father, and devastated that Evelyn has slipped through his fingers once more, Kade is singular in his purpose: rescue his love, and bring her home. That means getting through the Void to Drystan, a land no werewolf or witch has ever ventured through — with their lives intact. But when a risky alliance offers Kade protection, it means making a bargain he’s reluctant to fulfill. Within the walls of Drystan Castle, Evelyn is determined to unearth the secrets of the vampyrs once and for all, so she can return home with answers. But even with an unlikely ally by her side — albeit at a dangerous price — the weight of the truths they unravel worsens a betrayal Evelyn’s bruised heart can’t handle. Meanwhile, on the journey to Drystan, Kade unlocks a tempestuous magic of his own — that he cannot yet control. And even as enemies appear at his elbow, it’s easier to focus on finding Evelyn than figuring out who to trust. But can the bonds of duty withstand the darkness that threatens to devour all those in its path?


Of Faith & Flame

Of Faith & Flame by CC Tyler

Faith and falsehood both entwined, Truth will triumph, hope will bind. Once, Evelyn Carson was one half of a prophesied union, destined to defeat the vampyrs. Now, haunted by failure and deserted by her fire magic, she has vowed never to trust her powers again. Hidden in a tiny coastal town, Evelyn is desperate to conceal her weakness from those who would start war if they knew. Until a young woman is murdered, and the whisperings of duty demand to be heard... For Kade Drengr there is no higher calling than duty. But ever since Evelyn deserted hers two years ago, Kade has searched for her relentlessly, determined to fulfill the prophecy. Cloaked in anonymity as the huntsman Cyrus, he offers to help Evelyn solve the murder in hopes of securing their union. Even if it's founded on a lie. When more victims show up - each missing a different body part - Evelyn recognizes a darker magic than the killings of her homeland. As Kade wrestles with his allegiances and deepening feelings for Evelyn, the lines of truth and betrayal begin to blur. But even with hearts aflame, can two souls fulfill a destiny that may destroy them both?


Splinterleaf & Hollowfrost

Splinterleaf & Hollowfrost by Justin Greer

It’s a pleasant day in the sun, and the world grows in abundance… Summer has come to Haverdell, bringing warmth, work, beautiful flowers, the joyous songs of birds, the subtle murmur of trees in the high hills, and traveling merchants down the river with gifts to delight the townsfolk. In preparation for the Summer’s Blessing celebration, many in Haverdell have purchased earthwarden leaves from the merchants, finding them delightsome additions to their food and drink: soothing and invigorating and exotic and wonderful. All seems bright and warm and welcoming. But Derry, the gardener of Haverdell, thinks that something is amiss. He notices a change among the townsfolk, a strangeness, and begins to suspect that the so-called earthwarden plants are not what they seem. Accompanied by his faithful dog Barrow, Derry investigates the matter, studying books of godslore and the meadows and vales of their home for answers. The more he uncovers, the more he fears for his friends and his own safety. For the fabled splinterleaf plant has come to Haverdell to clutch the town in its grip of longing and hunger and regret; and if Derry doesn’t act swiftly, all he loves will be swallowed in the greedy maw of the ancient forces that underlie this strange new growth. Summer’s Blessing approaches, and the splinterleaf plants have taken hold of Haverdell. Return to the beautiful, fantastical, and charming world of The Garden Knight in this new tale of magic, mystery, and the hold of dreams and regrets over the human heart.


Leafdust & Deadwood

Leafdust & Deadwood by Justin Greer

Welcome to the world of The Garden Knight. Derry is a gardener who has made his home in the quiet woodland village of Haverdell. Accompanied by his faithful dog Barrow, Derry intends to spend all his days tending to his gardens, roving the wilds, helping his friends in town, and enjoying the peaceful solitude of life in the hills. But as Harvest Night approaches, strange plants begin to appear: first crawling from the lakeshore near Derry's cottage, then emerging from a hollow in the hills overlooking Haverdell. These plants wriggle along the forest floor, pierce man and beast with long prickling needles, and devour the forest around them with rapid new growth. Their hunger is increasing. As the gardener of Haverdell, Derry must employ all his wits, woodlore, and cunning to thwart the invasive, ravenous frond-tendrils before they consume the forest completely—as well as his own home and everything he loves.


The Rosewood Penny

The Rosewood Penny by J.S. Fields

*2023 Queer Indie Award Nominee!* The dragons of Yuro have been hunted to extinction. On a small, isolated island, in a reclusive forest, lives bandit leader Marani and her brother Jacks. With their outlaw band they rob from the rich to feed themselves, raiding carriages and dodging the occasional vindictive pegasus. Thanks to Marani’s mysterious invulnerability, this mostly works out well…until Marani and her quirky band of outlaws plunder the carriage of the very bossy princess Nuria. The princess’s carriage contains not just gold, but a dragonscale comb that belonged to Marani’s murdered mother. Worse yet, Princess Nuria seems to know exactly who Marani is, maybe more than Marani herself. Marani hatches a plan to retrieve her mother’s comb, seduce the princess, and make her entire bandit crew rich in the process. But island politics and the island of Yuro itself have other things in mind. Marani and Jacks quickly find themselves caught between warring monarchies, trade disputes, feral pegasi, and a very old, very concerning family lineage—all bound within an old penny, a mouthy princess, and a stolen comb.


TEETH TALON TONGUE

TEETH TALON TONGUE by Lee Eirinn

"You are set to be bound in the mountains tomorrow. Lord Zeus has called all of my brethren for a meeting. I am too scared to think of why. Why He would call us now, on the eve of your exile? Everyone on Olympus knows of your transgressions, that you will be punished but no one will tell me how. Even the most loosed of lips will not speak of it. Lord Zeus has not told anyone, it would seem. I pray to the fates. May they be kind. My hands shake. My mouth feels dry. My stomach aches." TEETH TALON TONGUE is a dark, queer retelling of the Prometheus Myth. What if Zeus wasn’t the one to set Prometheus’s punishment, but his avian lover, a vulture? More importantly, a proud beast of Zeus? This is a story about obsessive love, and the measures taken to keep hold of it. TEETH TALON TONGUE is a 4.6k word short story featuring dark subject matter. Please refer to content warnings before reading. This story is not intended for anyone under the age of 18.


The Red Woman and the White Bear

The Red Woman and the White Bear by Fern A. Ellis

It is both the fate and the burden of the Red Woman to bring peace. The Fae are real—this is a fact that Aisling Morrow has believed with varying degrees of certainty since she was a child. Her late mother’s accounts of their beauty still linger in her mind, but always with the caveat: Do not involve yourself uninvited with matters of the Fae. Aisling has no plans to do so—until she discovers an arcane prophecy which names her the Red Woman, destined to turn the tides of war in the realm of Wyldraíocht by ensuring the fall of the Unseelie Court. On a quest to understand her role, Aisling ventures into Wyldraíocht. Except Fae prophecies aren’t so easily interpreted, and she is soon ensnared in a dangerous web of political machinations, opposing religions, and dark magic—at the center of which stands the fierce and vengeful Unseelie King. King Kael Ardhen, a vessel for raw power bestowed upon him by an eldritch god, is consumed by his own unbridled rage—a rage which he would not hesitate to turn on the human woman prophesied to destroy his court. Yet something about the way Aisling calls to his shadows draws him in, at once both granting him control over his violent magic and inviting him to relinquish control over his guarded heart. As unsettling truths about the world her mother so loved challenge Aisling’s convictions and call into question the true purpose of the Red Woman, the Veil between realms grows ever weaker with the echoes of war. Soon, the crueler sorts of Fae will no longer be confined to Wyldraíocht. With time running out to protect those she loves, Aisling finds herself at the crossroads of fate and choice—and the ultimate price of peace may demand more than she is willing to pay.


In the Time of Standing Stones

In the Time of Standing Stones by Joseph S Samaniego

In a world of swords and sorcery, three brothers, kings of their people, set sail for an unknown land. Driven by a lust for conquest and a need to settle fertile fields, the brothers, united by blood, sail out to carve their legacy. A darkness older than time itself soon eclipsed their dreams of land and riches. Once they land on the shores, they awaken an ancient evil thirsting for dominion over the mortal world. Now, the brothers find themselves in a war for land, riches, and the very soul of the world. With their blades tested against creatures of nightmare and myths, they will be challenged by the malevolent force that seeks to ensnare them. The brothers and their followers must navigate a new world of wonder and danger, and forge new alliances to stand against the looming darkness. In an ever-changing world, where faiths, myths, and bravery are tested from birth, the three brothers must stand firm. For if they fail, not only will their dreams of conquest fail with them, but the entire world will succumb to the shadow of an ancient evil reborn.


Sordidez

Sordidez by E.G. Condé

Vero has always felt at odds with his community. As a trans man in near-future Puerto Rico, he struggles to gain acceptance for his identity and his vision of an inclusive society. After a hurricane decimates the island and Puerto Rico is abandoned by the United States, Vero leaves his home to petition the centralized government for aid and seek the truth about new colonists arriving on the island. But in the Yucatan, Vero finds a landscape ravaged by an ecological disaster of humanity’s own making—the Hydrophage, a climate technology warped into a weapon of war and released onto the land by the dictator Caudillo. Amidst the destruction, Vero finds both desperation and hope for regrowth as he documents the lives of the survivors. Details about the colonists’ intentions emerge when Vero meets the Loba Roja, an anti-Caudillo revolutionary who imagines the renewed power of the Maya. Intrigued by her vision of the future and her unapologetic violence, Vero is faced with life-changing questions: can an Indigenous resurgence protect his beloved island? And what must he sacrifice to support it?


Three Curses and Other Dark Tales

Three Curses and Other Dark Tales by Leanbh Pearson

Come closer, let me tell you a tale or three. Sit nearer the firelight and if you notice the folk in the shadows, best not garner their attention. Beware the gifts, treasures and promises you make along this journey. There are temptations and curses too, plenty of those. From the tricks of jinn, vengeful Ancient Mesopotamian goddesses, the Hidden People and shadowy deals with demons & devils—many. In our journey through fairy tales reimagined, legends and folklore, and alternate histories, beware the uncanny folk who prey on unwary travellers. Mind your step now, keep your senses sharp, take nothing offered and you might evade those beings hidden just beyond the reach of the firelight.


Cursed Shards: Tales of Dark Folklore

Cursed Shards: Tales of Dark Folklore by Leanbh Pearson

Be careful what you wish for… We’ve all heard childhood fairy tales and hearthside stories passed from generation to generation warning us of unseen dangers lurking in the dark forest, the glimpse of a future in watery reflections and to be wary of objects and people offering impossible gifts. The Fae are ageless beings dwelling between light and shadow, stalking the moonlit nights and wielding powerful gifts and curses. Welcome to Cursed Shards, a collection of dark fantasy stories inspired by folklore, legends, fairy tales and mythology. Ten authors spin ten different tales ranging from deserts, icy mountains and dark forests to legendary warriors to the mythical Fae. A realm where the landscape is as volatile as the rulers and an ancient cursed mirror, a once-powerful magical artefact created with blood magic was shattered before it could be used against the realm. A cursed mirror broken but never destroyed. Ten shards remain: now disguised and repurposed into ordinary items that are traded, stolen, and sold between rulers, common folk and the Fae. Whenever a shard re-appears its curse influences the decisions of all who come within reach. Table of Contents: FOREWORD – Kirstyn McDermott (Australia) THE CURSED HUNT – Leanbh Pearson (Australia) TATTERMOG – Louise Pieper (Australia) THE WITHERED – Mendel Mire (Australia) THE PHANTOM QUEEN – K. B. Elijah (Australia) LADY MARIAN’S GAMBIT – Clare Rhoden (Australia) THE STRENGTH OF BONES – McKenzie Richardson (USA) ONCE UPON AN AUTOMATON – Nikky Lee (New Zealand) THE WRAITH OF MURKDRES – Stephen Herczeg (Australia) CHILDREN OF THE WOODS – Amber M. Simpson (USA) THE LADY OF STRANGENESSE – Leife Shallcross (Australia)


The Saint of Heartbreak

The Saint of Heartbreak by Morgan Dante

Two of the Bible's greatest villains... After his betrayal with a kiss, Judas Iscariot dies in despair and goes to Hell. When Christ saves other souls during the Harrowing of Hell, he leaves Judas behind—but not alone in the ninth circle, where the most detestable traitors go. Callous, resigned, and abandoned by God long ago, the Devil sees Judas as a pathetic wretch, but he soon finds a kindred spirit. As the centuries pass, they struggle to find even a sliver of happiness in Hell. Doomed by the narrative, will they find happiness, or will their story continue to be a tragedy?


Her Dark Enchantments

Her Dark Enchantments by Rosalyn Briar

The Wicked Fairy. The Mistress of All Evil. The villain of Sleeping Beauty goes by many names, but where did she come from? Myravelle Spinner grew up in a tower with only spiders, spindles, and stone walls for friends while her mother spun gold for the king. She wondered why her mother refused to teach her fairy magic until one fateful mistake led Myravelle to become the healer in the king’s Sleepy Wood Company… Drained from years of waking soldiers from a cursed sleep, Myravelle must now choose a new canvas–a man whose life she drains with a dagger to fuel her healing powers. A ritual binds her to Byzarien Dumont, who loathes fairies for the fires that left his family impoverished and his body riddled with scars. His burning hatred causes Myravelle’s enchantments to wither, leading the king to threaten her mother’s life. Byzarien can only see Myravelle as a beautiful spider who strings men along her web, while Myravelle considers love a weakness for the king to exploit. With their families in danger and soldiers rotting in a death-like sleep, the pair must learn to trust one another before the dark magic spinning in Myravelle’s soul unravels once and for all. The Wicked Fairy never asked to become a monster…


Ménage à Claws

Ménage à Claws by Amelia Lascaux

Sloane Connelly was desperate for an escape from her horrible boss and manipulative father. So for her 32nd birthday, Sloane takes a long overdue beach vacation to the Outer Banks. Her trip is derailed when she runs into her ex, Tāne, the plant elemental who broke her teenage heart. Determined not to waste this second chance, she takes his offer for a fresh start: to work at his new openly magic bar and gives their relationship another shot. Maybe she could finally break free from her father's influence and find joy in her life again. When she meets Nivya, her new metamour and a snow leopard shifter, she's determined to fit in to this new polyamorous world. But the more she and Nivya work together at the bar, the more Sloane wants to be with her. After years of being told by her father how disappointing and unworthy Sloane is, does she deserve the opportunity for two loves? And when her father demands more from her than ever before, can Sloane finally take back control of her life? This book is for adult readers as it contains dark themes of trauma, abuse, violence, and detailed explicit spice.


The Bastard from Fairyland

The Bastard from Fairyland by Phil Parker

He's Robin Goodfellow to those he knows. Or Puck, his psychotic alter-ego, to those he kills. Betrayed, banished and bitter, this fae warrior lives among human beings, they think he’s a demon. The teenagers he’s vowed to protect, despise him. But now the fae need his help, especially the man who betrayed him. He’s brought along Robin’s lover to guarantee his cooperation. Yet things are not as they seem. For shadowy forces within the fae have different plans. It’s not Robin they want. They need Puck. He's the perfect stooge to kill a king. What have people said about The Bastard from Fairyland? "This is effing brutal. There's blood, torture, death, violence, a world savaged by fae and under threat of total destruction. Loved it." "A well told tale which combines Celtic myths, Arthurian legends, dystopian visions of a world ravaged by climate change and some good old blood and guts battles. Oh, and dragons. What's not to love?" "The story unfolds at a cracking pace. Characterisation is excellent. The fight scenes are particularly evocative." "The prose is simply beautiful. It's a book that takes you to a Fantasy world unlike any other but also reflects our times in a very real way. A unique and fresh modern take on a genre that sorely needs more books like this."


The Inside Story of the British Bureau for the Arcane The Dark Elf Dynasty File

The Inside Story of the British Bureau for the Arcane The Dark Elf Dynasty File by Phil Parker

The British Bureau for the Arcane has kept people safe for centuries from the arcane species that seek to harm human beings. Their range extends to Commonwealth nations that were part of the British Empire. A once-proud part of the British Secret Service, their success in controlling the arcane races has been their downfall. These beings now live on the edge of survival in remote parts of Britain. Or, at least they did. For Arlo Austin, a loyal but troubled agent for the Bureau, something is wrong. When he’s sent to protect the citizens of the Shetland Isles from rampaging Norwegian trolls, it soon becomes apparent it was an attempt on his life. When another agent dies in mysterious circumstances, and Arlo is warned of an impending war with arcane species, his instincts are proved right. But who is behind this rebellion? Could it be linked to Arlo’s own bloodline as a Dark Elf? His traumatic childhood holds secrets, ones that are going to test his loyalty to the Bureau. In their cells another Dark Elf is held prisoner, one who is so despised by its staff, their hatred has extended to Arlo. This species is violent and vengeful, can they recruit one of their own to bring about the destruction of the Bureau? And in so doing, enable the arcane races to wage war against the human race.


Tangleweed & Waterbloom

Tangleweed & Waterbloom by Justin Greer

After years of travel in the wide world, Derry Melyvante has made his home near the quiet woodland village of Haverdell. Derry lives with his dog Barrow on a small island outside town and spends his days in singular pursuit of his craft and passion: Derry is a gardener, a master of woodlore and plants and green growing things, a man whose heart belongs in the trees and high hills and soft grassy meadows around sleepy Haverdell. He and Barrow have built a home and found friendship in Haverdell—a quiet, fulfilling life. An unknown blight has taken hold in the Brightoak Tree. Derry's efforts to care for the great tree are interrupted by the appearance of a knight from the king's court with a summons for the gardener of Haverdell—a message specifically requesting Derry by name. The gardener is escorted to the capital by Caedan, Knight of Mira, where he is asked to investigate a similarly strange affliction in the holy gardens of the king. Derry performs his work, makes his recommendations for care, and thinks to return to Haverdell and the gentle calm of his chosen home. But strange magic and stranger maladies are afoot, both in the king's court and in Haverdell. Derry and Barrow swiftly find themselves embroiled in affairs beyond their imagining, as monsters and blights and shadowy figures foment catastrophe throughout the land. Plants have begun to turn against the gardener. The king has been kidnapped. Allies have become traitors. Together, Derry, Barrow, and Caedan seek to end the mayhem and find a solution to the strange curse that has gripped the kingdom—before wild plant-monsters overrun everything and swallow the land into their greedy, leafy maw. Even if the trio is successful, they will have to contend with traitors in the king's court, magical devices now stolen by rebels, and ancient temples reawakened for unknown purposes...


Inside Every Circle

Inside Every Circle by Eli Evans

bronze-age historical fantasy exploring themes of identity, privilege, quest for meaning, and the struggle to find a voice. For centuries, the Seven Cities have enjoyed peace and prosperity. A mute scribe, an orphaned prophetess, an elderly politician, and an egomaniacal autocrat independently pursue glory, fame, and forbidden knowledge as they approach the end of the age. Will their paths lead to enduring peace or unspeakable horror? Atnan, a mute scribe from an obscure village obsesses over mysterious scrolls he thinks may hold the key — to what, he isn’t sure. In an attempt to decipher them, he defies the village elders. Outcast, he travels to the capital of the Seven Cities, uncovering dangerous ideas about history, science, and mathematics along the way. The spirits assigned him a riddle, which he intends to answer. Taláni, an ambitious warlord, unites his scattered people. His plan: to conquer the Seven Cities and sacrifice its residents to his god, the Blood Red Sun. Guided by his mother's divinations, he knows the spirits will assist him as he topples rivals and builds an army. They are ready to cross the river and ascend into glory – but are the spirits guiding him or taking control? Selolo, a concubine in Taláni's harem, dreams of fiery destruction. Unwilling to tell her ruler, she leverages a false tale of glorious conquest into a position by his side, the world-queen-in-waiting – unless Taláni's mother exiles her first. By day she navigates the dangers of her new position, and at night she endures more oracular dreams. If the spirits wish to speak, why send visions, signs, and symbols? Mekvat, the Sage Prime, has served the Seven Cities so long that his colleagues eagerly await his retirement or death, whichever comes first. Worried about his legacy, he tackles an audacious final project: constructing a monument. Facing problems mostly of his own making, he is met by a wandering mute with a bag of scrolls no one has seen in centuries. Now Mekvat must decide if this young Atnan's wild ideas about the world are an opportunity or an obstacle. Then an invading horde encircles the city! Histories, prophecies, and worldviews will collide. Ancient monsters will awaken. Signs will appear in the earth and heavens. Spirits and rulers enact their plans, and ordinary lives hang in the balance. A lowly scholar looks to the sky, seeking answers. Will he and his compatriots unravel the mystery of past, present, and future before it's too late? Eli Evans's thought-provoking debut novel imagines an alternate world of complex, relatable characters and the spirits who protect or threaten them. Fans of Princess Mononoke or the works of C.S. Lewis and Frank Herbert will find something here to enjoy.


Something So Lovely

Something So Lovely by Salem T. Lynn

Kalliope is a librarian in Heaven, though she feels called by something larger. That call is realized by the entrance of the first evil in creation, enacting his plans to replace their absent God. Kalliope finds refuge in the arms of Hell's most eligible fuckboy, though she finds there's more to him than he lets on.


Reawakening

Reawakening by Alethea Lyons

After centuries of suppression, the magic of England is Reawakening Return to the world of The Seer of York with this collection of new tales set in the aftermath of The Hiding. Harper, Grace, Saqib, Heresy, and AJ bond as a team and as a family to save innocents, supernatural and human, despite hunters pursuing them. Introducing Zero, a starlight cat with a bleak and painful past. Demonic-possession Faery circles Pūcas And more…


Peter Darling

Peter Darling by Austin Chant

The Lost Boys say that Peter Pan went back to England because of Wendy Darling, but Wendy is just an old life he left behind. Neverland is his real home. So when Peter returns to it after ten years in the real world, he’s surprised to find a Neverland that no longer seems to need him. The only person who truly missed Peter is Captain James Hook, who is delighted to have his old rival back. But when a new war ignites between the Lost Boys and Hook’s pirates, the ensuing bloodshed becomes all too real – and Peter’s rivalry with Hook starts to blur into something far more complicated, sensual, and deadly. Peter Darling is a queer, trans reimagining of Peter Pan.


Unholy with eyes like wolves

Unholy with eyes like wolves by Morgan Dante

Noémie, a dishonored and widowed noblewoman in early 17th century Hungary, finds herself in an unenviable position: After grievous trauma and loss, her last chance to regain her honor comes when she must serve as Lady Erzsébet Báthory’s handmaiden. Báthory is stoic and imperious, and as Noémie struggles to acclimate and accept her present and future, she begins to have dreams about a mysterious woman. Worse, there are stories of disappearance and deaths in the castle, and Noémie might be next.


A Wrecking of Salt and Fire

A Wrecking of Salt and Fire by E.K. Condos

Plagued by fear. Haunted by the sins of her past. Approaching twenty-five, Katrin Drakos should only be concerned with two things—being crowned Queen of Alentus and marrying her Fated, Kohl. For five years, she focused on falling in love, on living, on becoming whole again. For five years, she was able to forget what the vile King Nikolaos of Nexos had done to her. For five years, her nightmares did not return. But then the whispers started. A rumbling of rebellion poised to strike. The King of Nexos had never attacked before. Until now. Until right before the Acknowledgement. So when a notorious pirate captures her, claiming to have saved her from the lies the leaders have woven into history, Katrin must decide if the enemy from her past has really been her ally this whole time. Decide before the world around her crumbles and not only her power, but the power of all the gods, is lost forever. Because sometimes the Fates have other plans.


The Faerie Guild Trials

The Faerie Guild Trials by G. L. Preston

Step into the deadly world of the faerie realm, where alliances are fragile, and shadows hold the key to survival. Efia Mathonwy, the last Gwri, is thrust into the treacherous trials of the Seelie and Unseelie courts, wielding the rare power to control shadows. As she faces ruthless foes and navigates the cutthroat faerie politics, Efia discovers an unexpected ally in Ansel, a mysterious fae with secrets of his own. In a contest where every decision could be her last, Efia's journey unfolds in a dance of danger and intrigue. Shadows cling to her every move, revealing hidden dangers whilst unlocking the secrets of her family. As the realm teeters on the edge of chaos, Efia must choose her path wisely. Will she conquer the trials and emerge triumphant, or will the enemies that surround her become her undoing? In a world where survival is a deadly game, alliances will crumble, and the realms destiny hangs in the balance.


Dance with the Devil

Dance with the Devil by Madison Chase

She lost everything she built, he was built to lose everything, and the Heavens themselves are duty-bound to keep them apart. Charlotte Brant, former detective and present-day pariah, has been rebuilding her life following the attack that cost her a job, a marriage, and possibly her sanity. When the King of Hell inserts himself into her life--all dark, handsome, and aggravating--it does her no favors in her efforts to regain some normalcy. Especially when an Archangel is sent on a holy mission to keep them apart by any means necessary--even offering her what she thought she lost forever.


The Valkyrie Covenant

The Valkyrie Covenant by J. A. Townsend

Lost and alone, Lena longs for two things: a place to call home and friends to call her own. After discovering a mysterious family heirloom, Lena is transported to Idirhalla—a realm created by Odin and ruled by the Valkyrie Queen. But Idirhalla, once a paradise for Odin’s immortal warriors, is on the brink of ruin, plagued by catastrophes that threaten to destroy all realms, both human and magical. As Lena uncovers the secrets her parents left behind and grows closer to the man of her dreams, she learns that her new friends and her new world depend on her to claim her birthright. To save Idirhalla, Lena must embrace her powers and lead a rebellion against those who put her on the throne. In a world where only the strongest Valkyrie rules, Lena must find her inner strength—or risk losing everything she’s come to love.


Excalibur's King

Excalibur's King by Miriam Yvette

Nestled in the hot mountain regions of a dying god lies the kingdom of Excalibur. Tungsten was born with one purpose: to become an unyielding stronghold and fulfill his duty to Excalibur alone. But when The Affliction War claimed his brother's life, and caused his father's early demise, Tungsten became not a servant, but Excalibur’s new king. On a mission to reunite with his sister, Tungsten and his best knight Lancelot find themselves arriving not at a homecoming, but a murder scene. Arthurian-inspired Gigachad MC with a sunshine personality Single POV Mythical creatures Arthurian references


Callista's Adventures: Preventing a War

Callista's Adventures: Preventing a War by Joharra Harper

Centuries before the Monster Realm is created, Callista had many adventures. One being with Joan of Arc. The two women are sent by the Goddess Athena to retrieve the only item that can prevent a full-blown war. But it isn't an easy journey. A demon and a saint working together, nobody expected smooth sailing. But as the days turn to nights, both realizes that looks can be deceiving, and they may just learn that what they need, is each other.


An Impossible Dream

An Impossible Dream by Ellie Lieberman

A Cinderella story of friendship, love, survival, and dreams, even when they seem impossible... Sare has survived fifteen years playing the perfect little servant, but can she survive the castle? After all, nowhere compares to the castle and no one compares to the King.


Once Upon a Dark October

Once Upon a Dark October by Jessie Thomas

All curses made in blood must be broken with blood. Dreadmist Harbor sleeps under a near-perpetual veil of coastal fog, home to mortals, vampires, and those somewhere in between. Already down-on-her-luck, mortal charwoman Elspeth finds herself the target of a rogue vampire, shattering the peaceful coexistence. Forced to seek help from a reclusive vampire coven, she barely makes it to their dreary seaside perch before she succumbs to the bite. Morrigan and her coven are haunted by a bitter rivalry that has left them devastated and fractured. As their old feud is once again rekindled, she is inexorably tied to Elspeth, who now carries an ancient vampiric power within her. The two are quickly swept up into a tangle of bloodlust and sorcery after the fraught transformation—realizing that matters of the heart are complicated, especially in undeath. While something sinister gathers in the shadows of their quiet town, they are pulled deeper into a world of curses and magic, dark dealings and betrayal. But Elspeth and Morrigan soon learn that all power must come with a price, for curses are not so easily broken.


This Is How Immortals Die

This Is How Immortals Die by Nicole Hidalgo

Aphrodite, Goddess of Love, unleashed a life-changing apocalypse that reshaped the world and cursed humankind with immortality. Now injury, old age, and death mean nothing. Until the Soul connects with its Twin. Once true Love is found, immortality is lost. The Priestesses of Aphrodite exist to hunt down and send those blessed souls to Aphrodite’s Golden Palace in the afterlife. They are devout and efficient… if only a little blinded by the lustre of gold and the taste of blood. Carys Epistro’phia, an infamous Priestess, will go to great lengths to put her hands on a chest with fifty thousand gold coins. Including turning a blind eye to Twin Souls who rule over an isolated island and are willing to hire her unique skills to bring their daughter back home. Princess Ishana, a fragile and naive girl who has never died before, is Carys’ key to the treasure… as long as she arrives home with her soul intact. But in this sacrilegious contract, not everything is as it seems, and sometimes the heart has its own schemes.


A Story Spun in Scarlet (Tales of Wonder and Woe)

A Story Spun in Scarlet (Tales of Wonder and Woe) by Renee Dugan

LET ME TELL YOU A STORY... AUDRA JASHOWIN is a storyteller without a purpose. When all the tales in the land of Mithra-Sha lost their endings, Audra fled from her family's rejection and the only home she ever knew. Now, with a sense of veiled danger haunting her heels and her life as devoid of direction as her stories, she arrives at long last in a city of fresh starts and second chances. There, she finds an adventure greater than she ever dreamed. JAIK GRISSOM might be the key to bringing back the power of all stories. A simple farmhand with a way around weapons, Jaik possesses more than a sharp wit that sets Audra's soul aflame. He's a natural amplifier with the talent to breathe life into her tales...into all the tales in Mithra-Sha. Chased from their comfortable lives by a stroke of ill luck on a fateful night, Audra and Jaik embark on a journey for answers-through the wilderness and over the raging sea, to the heart of storytelling itself. Along the way, the strange bond between them deepens as they begin to uncover a mystery that lurks beneath all the broken tales, written in the shroud of their own unlikely pasts. To mend the fractured stories in Mithra-Sha, Audra and Jaik must learn to embrace what lives at the core of their own stories: the bravery and brilliance, the loyalty and love, and the purpose and power they both harness-together and apart. And they must face a terrible truth penned between the pages of their quest...a tragedy that will change the course of history and rewrite the ending of their tale forever.


Runes of Fall

Runes of Fall by AK Faulkner

No storm bows to reason. Quentin's trip to the desert with his chosen family is supposed to be two days of testing the limits of their powers. Instead, a violent storm looms on the horizon, and nothing will alter its course. The storm has a name: Nate Anderson. Demigod, supremacist, leader of a neo-Nazi Übermensch cabal... and father to Quentin's latest ward, Mel. He means to take her home, and won't let a ragtag group of "inferior" psychics get in his way. Besieged and outgunned, Quentin is trapped in a no-win scenario. No matter which way he turns, one fateful night will change him forever.


Wheel of Fate

Wheel of Fate by AK Faulkner

The wheel turns. Laurence figured he'd be planning his wedding as soon as he got home; instead he's pulled away from his fiancé to track down Rufus' missing mom. Worse, the last person he'd ever want help from is on his side, and Laurence can't afford to say no. Surrounded by strands of fate that rapidly became a web, Laurence's only hope is to aim for the spider at its heart, but Vincent Harrow has been weaving it since before Laurence was born. Trapped between two evils, neither of which are lesser, Laurence is about to discover that there really are fates worse than death.


Devil by the Tail

Devil by the Tail by Caroline Lavoie

In a small town in the Rockies, a mountain looms: the Devil’s Tail. According to local lore, a wicked trickster haunts its slopes, and whoever glimpses it is cursed to lose someone they love. Alex refuses to believe she’s been cursed. She only ever saw the beast in her nightmares. Even if it’s real, it can’t hurt her because she doesn’t let anyone get too close to her heart. That is, until Amka moves to town. In no time, Alex’s carefully built walls begin to crumble. But what if Alex’s fear of loss is a curse of its own? There are a hundred ways to die on the Devil’s Tail, but only one way to break the curse. The path is treacherous, and the beast is waiting.


The Vampire Mariki

The Vampire Mariki by Joseph Howard

Against a malevolent vampire, a daring prince named Mariki sets out on a thrilling quest to safeguard his kingdom in the ancient kingdom of Kemet. But that's not all - for Mariki, his challenges are twofold. As he delves deeper into this perilous journey, Mariki uncovers long-hidden family secrets that shake his very foundation, as well as the perilous power grab of his stepfather and wicked stepbrother. And here's the twist - Mariki is no ordinary mortal. As a vampire, he soon discovers he is unique, destined to traverse the ages, interacting with cultures across the globe. Joined by his maker, a wise mentor, and a fiercely loyal protector, Mariki sets off on an extraordinary odyssey, where loss, pain, and heartache test his resilience at every turn. In the midst of these trials, he unearths profound discoveries and experiences a tapestry of emotions, including electrifying thrills of adventure, tender warmth of romance, and even moments of lighthearted comedy. In this enthralling tale, shadows lurk around every corner, and enigmatic mysteries shroud Mariki's path. With each twist and turn, the story keeps readers on edge and craving more, blending fantasy, horror, and suspense. Every twist and turn keeps readers on the edge of their seats, eager for more to come. With his quest to uncover the secrets of his lineage and confront the forces of darkness that threaten his beloved kingdom, Mariki embarks on a grand adventure through the ages. Take part in a breathtaking adventure that explores human nature and reveals a world you never knew existed.


Black Fox and Bitterbind(Fae & Familiars, #1)

Black Fox and Bitterbind(Fae & Familiars, #1) by Leanbh Pearson

Bitterbind is a Fae outcast from her people after bonding with Black Fox – a creature considered a bad omen and harbinger of doom. They are exiled from Bitterbind’s Fae community and must learn to make their own way in the world where Fae are regarded with suspicion and dislike by the humans. Bitterbind and Black Fox share one soul and a mind and Black Fox’s sneaky intelligence and Bitterbind’s stealth are a perfect combination for royal thieves and spies. This last job might earn them home of their own where they can stop running from persecution. All they need to do first is succeed against the King’s treacherous enemies.


I am Armageddon

I am Armageddon by C. L. Cabrera

All nurses are angels, but not all nurses have wings. Wylie does. She just doesn’t know it yet. Reeling from the loss of her family, emergency room nurse Wylie is destined to be the catalyst of the apocalypse. As she grieves, angelic abilities surface. Wylie learns her true identity and the terrible prophecy that comes with it. Only two men can help her now, the human doctor with whom she has an inhuman connection and the angel who has searched for her since the original sin. With them at her side, she delves deeper into the world of angels and their fight for freedom. Soon Wylie realizes the prophecy may be a self-fulfilling one. With heart-pounding action and unforgettable characters, I Am Armageddon is a gripping page-turner that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.


That Time I was Kidnapped by the Fae King

That Time I was Kidnapped by the Fae King by Azshure Raine

Bryn Carlisle exists within a fantasy of her own making. She consumes Fae ‘romances’ faster than the coffee she makes and loves it. Her actual love life is pretty much dead. When her best friend Cassandra decides she needs to get out of the house and maybe talk to some non-fictional men, she ends up at the Ren Faire for a cosplay contest starring the Fae King of her favorite book. There she meets one in particular who promptly kidnaps her. When Ezra Rose, the man who kidnaps her, turns out to be an actual Fae King, Bryn has to survive in his world, while also trying to not fall in love with him. Even though she absolutely wants to.


Somewhere Out There

Somewhere Out There by Caroline Astiago

Benjamin didn't survive the battle of Camlann. Nor did his mentor and best friend Merlin. Nor did King Arthur. The only difference was they died, and Benjamin continued existing, forced to take on their Guardianship of a realm torn apart by war with desperate Gods. But the world didn't end - although it came close a few times. Centuries have slipped by and there hasn't been much need for Benjamin’s skills as a warlock, but at least he's had his magic, Ambrosius, for company. They've done their best to keep the realm safe, but everything changes one Halloween in Oxford when Benjamin meets April, a vampire hunter who isn't quite what she seems. As the universe begins to unravel and the Gods seek to ensure their continued freedom, Benjamin must confront conflicts of morality and his own inner demons to find the truth and save his realm. Rooted in the Arthurian legends and Norse mythology, Somewhere Out There is an enthralling exploration of betrayals, identity, tangled relationships, LGBTQ+ themes, loss and love. With a dash of horror and humour, this adult urban fantasy is as much a psychological journey as a supernatural adventure set in an ever-changing, magic-soaked world.


Someone Else's Shoes

Someone Else's Shoes by Aldrea Alien

Stepping out in borrowed shoes has never been so dangerous. Stripped of her inheritance as a child by a greedy stepmother, Alla’s future hovers between drudgery and slavery. Having spent years toiling in the mansion that was once her happy home, tending to her stepmother’s every whim, she has long since put aside any thoughts of a better future. When a chance encounter in the marketplace leaves her with an invitation to the upcoming ball, her only opportunity to play out an old dream of seeing inside the palace walls is by being someone she’s not. A farce that could see her executed or sold. But will she be able to maintain the illusion once she meets Princess Viktoriya?


Atlantis Land of Dreams

Atlantis Land of Dreams by Edale Lane

A handful of heroes; an impending cataclysm. Can Ariel and her friends save the world as they know it? Communicating with plants and animals has become a rare gift, one Ariel cherishes. She loves her farm and her family, especially her three-hundred-year-old oma. As she grapples to preserve her connection with the spirit world, she realizes something is dreadfully wrong. Lysandra, a gifted healer, lives in the most splendid city in the world, overflowing with culture and prosperity. Despite her meaningful career, she misses the love of her youth whom she left behind. Now something is causing more illnesses and deaths at increasingly younger ages than typical for Atlantans. When both Ariel and Lysandra are called to the Ring of Stones for a meeting of scholars, masters, and gifted individuals, they reunite for the first time in thirty years. Pushing personal feelings aside, they must focus on discovering what’s wrong with their world and help fix it. Making a startling discovery, Ariel brings an ominous report to the council. Can the sharpest minds and most compassionate hearts of Atlantis create a plan to save their civilization, or is it doomed to be obliterated from the face of the earth forever? Captivating storyteller Edale Lane brings you an epic historical fantasy warmed with a second-chance sapphic romance. Atlantis, Land of Dreams, will transport you to a world of wonder and imagination, where myths of the past come to life and inspire a brighter vision for our future. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey of discovery and marvel at the beauty and magic of this legendary place that has captured the hearts and minds of generations.


War and Solace

War and Solace by Edale Lane

2023 Lesfic Bard Award winner for Historical Fiction A battle-hardened shieldmaiden. A pacifist healer. Can the two find love amid the chaos of war? Tyrdis is a stalwart warrior raised to value honor, courage, and military prowess. When a traumatic injury renders the powerful protector helpless, she depends on the lovely, tender-hearted Adelle to restore her from the brink of death. Is it merely gratitude or true love that draws Tyrdis to the healer? Defying cultural norms, Adelle despises violence and those who propagate it, but when her shieldmaiden patient saves the life of her beloved little girl, she must reexamine her values. Could Tyrdis be more than a stiff, efficient killer with an amazing body? In a kingdom steeped in conflict with their neighbors and internal strife, shocking secrets are revealed, and both women strive to ensure justice prevails. Can they overcome their differences to safeguard their friends, end the war, and fall in love, or will fate prove to be a cruel sovereign? This Sapphic Viking Historical nursed-back-to-health, opposites-attract Romance is packed with action, intrigue, and mythical references. If you enjoy rich storytelling that brings the past to life, vivid characters you won’t forget, and a surprise twist on the way to a HEA ending, then you’ll love War and Solace.


Legacy of the Valiant

Legacy of the Valiant by Edale Lane

All legends spring from a seed of truth. Humble Kai aspires to become more than the petite, inconsequential young woman her community sees. Persistence pays off when the village holy leaders reveal a prophecy - Kai might actualize her dream of being a hero if she completes three seemingly impossible tasks. Princess Solveig, descendant of the famous shieldmaiden Sigrid the Valiant, believes she was born to accomplish great things, but her poor eyesight, weak constitution, and lack of physical expertise hold her back. Convinced she can never realize her ambitions, Solveig settles for living vicariously through her warrior girlfriend. The appearance of a dangerous jötunn wreaking havoc in the kingdom brings the two would-be champions together. Solveig feels both threatened and skeptical when Kai arrives in her father’s great hall with a “magic” sword, claiming she’s there to save the day after more promising protectors have failed. With many lives at stake, will rivalry push Solveig and Kai apart, or will they inspire each other to realize the greatness both women desire to achieve - and to survive the coming battle? ˃˃˃ Epic Action! Gear up for action and the dramatic storytelling of Edale Lane in this hero’s journey sapphic Viking historical romance. If you like to root for an underdog, experience epic world-building, and enjoy women with swords, you’ll love Legacy of the Valiant, the second book in the Tales from Norvegr series.


Walks with Spirits

Walks with Spirits by Edale Lane

Bound by love, separated by a tragic mistake; can two Indigenous women realize their happy ending? Long ago, in an age of mysticism, Walks with Spirits, a two-spirit woman, perceives voices whispering on the wind and they empower her with the gift of calling animals. But who she truly wishes to call to her side is her childhood friend, Laughing Brook. Daughter of a shaman and an herbalist-midwife, Laughing Brook holds a prominent place in her society and bears the responsibilities it entails. She is training to be a healer like her mother, but her most compelling desire is to spend her life with Walks with Spirits. When a misunderstanding crushes their dreams of happiness, both women must learn to face the trials that await them in a land where danger lurks behind every tree and honor means more than life. Will the spirits intervene on their behalf, or are they fated never to manifest their visions of love? Walks with Spirits is a historical fantasy set in an ancient time. Packed with Native American themes, heart-touching imagery, and an epic love story, Walks with Spirits will immerse you in an inspiring view of life. ˃˃˃ Are you into history, spirituality, or a romance with a happy ending? Walks with Spirits demonstrates how one woman learns to communicate with the spirit world in a way that is just as viable today as centuries ago. It gives the reader a peek into another culture, and demonstrates how true love conquers all.


Viking Quest

Viking Quest by Edale Lane

When secrets and lies threaten the throne, can a fierce champion tame her passion in time to stop a cruel enemy’s ruthless march? Jutland, Early 11th Century. Viking Warrior Princess Lena craves revenge. Hunting a killer after her husband is brutally slain, she discovers a shadowy traitor is at play behind the scenes, working to disrupt the balance of power. But she places her need for vengeance on hold when the king falls gravely ill, and sails out along with the pretty slave she rescued to locate a fabled healer. Gunnar is loyal to the core. But when his lord orders him to sabotage the princess’s royal mission, he’s plagued by an unfamiliar sense of doubt. And after he witnesses the courageous woman and her crew save his life in a vicious storm, he’s no longer certain he’s fighting for the right side. Beset by foul weather and an uncharted island of trolls, Lena fears she’ll never avenge her husband’s death… even as her heart softens towards the lovely Celt girl she longs to embrace. And now Gunnar must decide where his fealty rests as the tides turn to war. Can Lena and Gunnar survive a bloody grab for power and find a true home for their hearts? Viking Quest is a breathtaking historical fantasy novel. If you like principled characters, battles of conscience, and tender F/F romance, then you’ll love Edale Lane’s action-packed epic.


Heart of Sherwood

Heart of Sherwood by Edale Lane

Winner of Rainbow Awards Best Historical Lesbian Romance, 2018-2019. What if Robin Hood was real, only the heroic outlaw had been a woman? Robyn lost everything: her home, her family, and her freedom. Branded as an outlaw by the Sheriff, she reinvents herself by joining Little John and his band in the guise of a boy, soon becoming their leader. But she misses the woman she loves, her best friend Marian. Marian is distraught over the news concerning Robyn and wishes to leave court for Nottingham to find her. Queen Eleanor sends her back as a spy to check up on Prince John, Sir Guy, and the greedy sheriff, while she tries to raise money for King Richard’s ransom. Soon Marian forges an alliance with Robyn to foil a traitorous plot, discovering her feelings run much deeper than friendship. Can Robyn win Marian’s love, help the poor of Nottingham, save the king, and defeat the sheriff, or will his merciless sword strike her down? Relive this classic tale from a new perspective in Heart of Sherwood!


Sigrid & Elyn

Sigrid & Elyn by Edale Lane

Attracted by passion, repelled by war. Can two shieldmaidens navigate battlegrounds of the sword and the heart? A Viking sapphic enemies-to-lovers action/romance Sigrid the Valiant is legendary throughout the kingdoms of Norvegr for her heroic deeds, but her love has yet to find a home. Now, racing on the heels of her father’s murder, a neighboring kingdom’s raids signal an all-out conflict. Elyn is a young shieldmaiden with a score to settle, fighting her own insecurities along with enemies who threaten her homeland, but she suspects a more menacing danger lurks on the horizon. When the two clash on opposite sides of their shield walls, sparks fly from both their swords and passions. But when they talk, the fierce women discover an antagonist’s plot has pitted their kingdoms against each other. Can Sigrid and Elyn move past their suspicions and differences to forge a binding love and foil the villain’s scheme, or will the enemy’s assassins end their search for the truth? Action, adventure, and intrigue ride together with romance in this enemies-to-lovers saga from the pre-Viking land of Norvegr. Award-winning, best-selling author Edale Lane brings history to life in this fast-paced sapphic novel.


Hunting Nightmares

Hunting Nightmares by Liv Macy

Arnica’s the best Nightmare Killer there is because she only cares about one thing: winning. Every Nightmare that comes along she dispatches with ease and leaves the humans with their golden souls to their merry do-gooding. Every smudge. Every shadow. Every terror. She’s never had to go back and save the same soul twice. Life is just the way she likes it. Until Blaze comes along and screws up her routine. What’s with this dude, anyway? Why are the Nightmares coming after him so many times? Whatever. She’ll just keep kicking ass and saving his soul. Especially ’cause he’s easy on the eyes. Hot body, blond hair. Eyes that shift like the weather. But when the screams of other souls disappear from her head…maybe she’s lost her touch. Oh, hell no. It’s his fault she can’t save them anymore—it’s got to be. And when the opportunity arises to get the recipe for a potion that could save every person—there’s no way she can turn it down. Even if it means completing a marriage ritual with the thorn in her side: Blaze.


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