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Quarantine Thirteen by Natalie Kelda Since her fight against the last Star-Eater, Tara Polendi's energy-vision has become unreliable ā a truth she is too humiliated to share. When Tara unwittingly directs Lucia into the heart of a portal storm, the ship and her crew portal back to the last place they want to go: Outer Universe. Now, they canāt take off from their crash-site, and Tara's unstable vision becomes the least of her worries. There is someone ā or something ā else on the island. And if Tara doesnāt get control quickly, it might cost the lives of everyone she holds dear. Quarantine Thirteen can be read as a standalone or in connection with the River in the Galaxy Duology. |
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The Hourglass Throne by K.D. Edwards As Rune Saint John grapples with the challenges of assuming the Sun Throne, a powerful barrier appears around New Atlantisā famed rejuvenation center. But who could have created such formidable magic . . . what do they want from the immortality clinic . . . and what remains of the dozens trapped inside? Though Rune and his lifelong bodyguard Brand are tasked with investigating the mysterious barrier, Rune is also busy settling into his new life at court. Claiming his fatherās throne has irrevocably thrown him into the precarious world of political deception, and he must secure relationships with newfound allies in time to keep his growing found family safe. His relationship with his lover, Addam Saint Nicholas, raises additional political complications they must navigate. But he and Brand soon discover that the power behind the barrier holds a much more insidious, far-reaching threat to his family, to his people, and to the world. Now, the rulers of New Atlantis must confront an enemy both new and ancient as the flow of time itself is drawn into the conflict. And as Rune finds himself inexorably drawn back to the fall of his fatherās court and his own torture at the hands of masked conspirators, the secrets that he has long guarded will be dragged into the lightāchanging the Sun Throne, and New Atlantis, forever. The climax of the first trilogy in the nine-book Tarot Sequence, The Hourglass Throne delivers epic urban fantasy that blends humor, fast-paced action, and political intrigue. |
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Alex McKenna and the Geranium Deaths by Vicki-Ann Bush The dead need him. Seventeen-year-old Alex McKenna is a transgender boy who comes from a rich history of Strega witches. Possessing the ability to communicate with the dead, he uses his talents and understanding of what it means to be different to bridge the gap between the living and the beyond. With his girlfriend Margaret and his spirited great-grandmother by his side, Alex helps lost souls resolve their earthly connections and move on. When a series of murders plagues his neighborhood, Alex discovers the gruesome truth behind a sixty-year span of deaths and the sinister being responsible. Will Alex save the next victim and stop the murderer for good? Or will this be his final case? |
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The Hanged Man by K.D. Edwards Book 2 in The Tarot Sequence. Rune Saint John, heir to the fallen Sun Court, finds clues to his Companion Brandās past on a mission into the ruins of his family estate. But while heās still agonizing over whether to tell Brand, a more pressing matter arises. Runeās ward, Max, is nearly kidnapped by the Hanged Man, who has asserted a marriage claim on the young man. Rune isnāt about to lose Max to the Hanged Man and his court, the Gallows, which is known to have unhealthy interests in necromancy and mutilation magics. Urgency will lead Rune and Brand to the family of an old servant, whose own son has fallen into the Hanged Manās orbit. In going to her aid, Rune may find a way to free both young men, but only if heās willing to gamble everything on a decision that will change his life forever. |
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Alpaca and Apparitions (Windflower Book 3) by Andi R. Christopher Previously published as Alpaca and Apparitions by Andi C. Buchanan Mildred Windflower - witch and successful fibre artist - has been touring the world, demonstrating her craft and taking up prized residencies. Now back in Aotearoa, she hopes an isolated farm cottage will give her time alone to work out what to do next. She expected quiet. Instead she finds strange noises in the attic, and signs of an old mystery, while across the fence the quirky, gorgeous Anneke has returned to the family farm and is building up a herd of alpaca. Something supernatural is going on: it's up to Mildred to determine what is warning and what is threat. And ideally without making a total fool of herself in front of Anneke. Alpaca and Apparitions is the third in the Windflower series that started with Succulents and Spells, but can be read as a stand-alone. |
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Microscopes and Magic (Windflower Book 2) by Andi R. Christopher Previously published as Microscopes and Magic by Andi C. Buchanan Some magical problems take spells and potions to solveā¦ but others can only be understood through the lenses of a microscope. Marigold Nightfield's life changed when she absorbed the magic stored in a family heirloom. Now, she's part of a growing network of magic-working scientists who are trying to change the world for the better, and has a girlfriend from a sprawling, powerful, witchy family. Things should be coming together perfectly for herā¦ but her magic has a time limit. It's not hers for keeps and one day, she'll lose it for good. When her girlfriend's work is destroyed by possible sabotage, and strange things start appearing in Wellington's green belt, Marigold's amazing new life starts to unravel. With unknown motives and dubious players at work, she faces a destructive force spreading through the city and beyond. She'll have to not only draw on her scientific background and magical abilities, but make new connections and grow in confidence to face this new threat. This second edition also includes the bonus short story, Magic on the Waves. |
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Succulents and Spells (Windflower Book 1) by Andi R. Christopher Previously published as Succulents and Spells by Andi C. Buchanan Laurel Windflower is a witch from a family of magic workers - but her own life is going nowhere. Living in the damp, sunless side of Aro Valley, she works in a cafĆ©, unable to produce anything more powerful than the most basic herbal potions. Until, one winter morning, Marigold Nightfield knocks on her door. Marigold is a scientist, but she knows plenty about magic. There are strange things happening in her house, and her future discoveries require careful negotiation with monsters. Laurel can't walk away from a mystery ā and she can't walk away from Marigold either. But what lies ahead could reveal all of her shortcomings to the woman she's trying to impressā¦ or uncover the true nature of her power. This second edition also includes the bonus short story, First-years and Familiars. |
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Borrowed Wings: Lyr and Cavere Book 2 by Novae Caelum Con man Anais Cavere has been obsessed with the immortal Barenin Lyr for most of his life--and now he's met Barenin. And now he's in love. But Barenin's people have no plans to let the two of them stay together, chasing them across the galaxy until they have no choice but to take refuge among the Eshi, a race of winged telepaths who are at an uneasy truce with the human worlds. Can Anais and Barenin stay true even in enemy territory? |
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Good King Lyr: A Genderfluid Romance (Lyr and Cavere Book 1) by Novae Caelum A con man. An immortal demigod. A chance at love that could save the universe. In the far future, interstellar con man Anais Cavere takes the job of his life to impersonate his hero, immortal demigod Barenin Lyr. But his job as contract king to an unstable world takes a dangerous turn when he learns it was his hero who hired him. Barenin sweeps Anais into a web of cosmic intrigue with consequences spanning the universe. And genderfluid Barenin, while she's at it, might also sweep Anais off his feet. Good King Lyr is a slow-burn genderfluid romance. |
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The King's Weaver by Novae Caelum My mother betrothed me to a murderer. Everyone thinks Torovan, the newly-crowned king of Barella, killed his father. Handsome and tempestuous, he certainly has the temper for it. And me, third daughter of a rival queen? I've got less than a year until the knot is tied. But I'm determined to meet him before I marry him. I've got magic, I've got a disguise, and the king won't see this woman coming--because I'm trying out to be his court mage as a man. I just didn't expect him to fall for me anyway. The King's Weaver is a sweet and slow burn fantasy romance for readers who love arranged marriage tropes, hidden identity, a woman disguised as a man, enemies to loves, bi romance, and a queer awakening. Aspen Meadowlark is the fantasy romance pen name of Novae Caelum. |
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The Nameless Storm (The Stars and Green Magics Book Five) by Novae Caelum Dressa trusted the woman she married, the woman she loved, but that woman betrayed her. Imorie thought they could reclaim their life of power, but they gave it up to help a friend. And Rhys, unwitting envoy to the unknowable Kidaa, is navigating uncharted space with no compass. With the ruling family crumbling and the kingdom in an uproar, can these royal siblings navigate the coming storm? Available in ebook, print, and audio. |
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Court of Magickers (The Stars and Green Magics Book Four) by Novae Caelum THE POWER TO DESTROY A KINGDOM. THE POWER TO HEAL A HEART. Ariās new powers have awakened, threatening to tear apart a kingdom already on the edge. Sent back to Valon to face her fatherāsāand the peopleāsājudgement, Ari must decide how far sheāll go to reclaim her former life, if thatās even possible anymore. In the heart of the turmoil, Iata, the reigning ruler, is losing control of his increasingly unstable magics. As his secrets threaten to spill out, his brotherās wife, Haneri, draws ever closerāand heās not sure he wants her to stop. At the border to Kidaa Space, Rhys grapples with the ominous and impossible patterns in the Kidaa attacks, and comes face to face with the Kidaa themselves in a harrowing meeting that could change the future of the kingdom. And Dressa, who secretly married an enemy prince, must now face the consequences of that marriage. Because Lesander was activated by her family. And Lesander has a choice: obey her family, or betray her wife. With enemies without and enemies within, can the Truthspoken save their kingdom, or is this kingdom doomed to fall? Court of Magickers collects episodes 94-150 of The Stars and Green Magics,previously published in serial form. Note: This book has main characters who use gender-neutral pronouns (they/them/their, fae/faer/faerself). |
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The Throne of Eleven by Novae Caelum Raen was an emperor of peace. Now he serves an emperor of war. A month ago, Raen was the ruler of a desert empire whoād ushered in an era of peace. But emperors only serve for five years under the watch of the mysterious Remnants of Eleven, and then they disappear. Now, cut off from his family and everyone he knows, with his name and face changed, Raen is a servant to the new emperorāan emperor bent on tearing down the peace Raen worked so hard to forge. The Throne of Eleven is a standalone novelette set in a fully queer-inclusive world! Available now in ebook and digitally narrated audiobook. |
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Ice Flight (Flux & Flight Book 2) by Andi C. Buchanan The mountain sanatorium on the edge of a glacier is a world away from the noise and hustle of Liquid City. For Rosalie, it offers a chance of health, and for Abra, AdĆØleās daughter and a future art student, a thrilling taste of freedom. Things are rarely as peaceful as they seem. As Rosalie tries to piece together the past, a metal bird offers the first clue there is someone hiding in the mountains. Abra teams up with the doctorās son Jem, to follow the mystery through the snow. As secrets come to light, and new are connections are made, their lives will take new trajectories and none of them will remain unchanged. |
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Liquid City (Flux & Flight Book 1) by Andi C. Buchanan Abandoned as a teenager on a strange planet, Casp Alkin earns a living transporting cargo through the ancient tunnels which lie beneath the rapidly industrialising Liquid City. Itās a dirty, dangerous game but one which affords them the independence they always longed for. But the offer of a lucrative contract persuades Casp to break with their established routine and journey into the unexplored parts of the tunnel network, deep underground. Accompanied by an ill-tempered cephalopod and the scientist daughter of their wealthy sponsor, Casp embarks on an increasingly dangerous journey. But they quickly find that success will mean an end to the livelihoods of the tunnel folk who have become their family, destroying the community which has relied on the tunnels for generations. Casp has little hope of saving the tunnelling industry, but they are persuaded to take to the tunnels one last time. Because some believe that humans werenāt the first to inhabit this isolated planet, and what they find will shift the balance of power in Liquid City forever. |
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To Catch a Flieff: A Holiday Romance ... in Space by Julia Rios Alessia is an engineer who just wants to have a smooth trip home to celebrate Mizzentide with her family, but what are those pawprints leading into the Astral Dancerās engine room? Darmanda didnāt mean to let an arctic flieff loose aboard a spaceship, but once she has, her only choice is to go after it. Now the two women have to work together to find the flieff, AND pretend to be dating so the Astral Dancerās captain doesnāt suspect anything out of the ordinary. Fake dating, only one bed, awkward lesbians, and a fluffy agent of chaos add up to a holiday romance that is truly out of this world! |
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Magnificent: A Superhero Novella by Novae Caelum The world wants me to be a ānormalā hero, but Iām genderqueer, and Iām never going to fit into their molds. So how do you save the world when youāre just trying to figure out who you are? Having a superpowered family is hard. My dadās a famous superhero and my mom used to be a villain. Toss in my older sister who loves showing off her powers almost as much as she loves boys and you basically have my life: far from ordinary. All I ever wanted to do was fly with my family and help save the world. But I didnāt get my own powers until bullies cornered me for not acting like the person they thought I was and I had to defend myself. Having a secret identity is hard, but thereās more than one kind of mask, and I canāt wear my masks much longer. Iāll soon find out if the worldās ready for a genderqueer hero. Magnificent is a nonbinary transgender superhero novella with lots of heart, big issues, a bit of snark, and a happy, triumphant ending. Please check content notes before reading. |
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Unlikely Wonders by Juliet Kemp An exciting collection of short Science Fiction and Fantasy stories from a stellar group of Robot Dinosaur Press authors! Sign up for our newsletter to read this anthology for free! Featuring stories by: Andi C. Buchanan Novae Caelum Lore Graham Byron M. Kain Juliet Kemp Sarah Loch Jennifer Mace A. Z. Louise Emmie Mears Rhiannon Rasmussen Julia Rios Simon Oscar Pike V. Astor Solomon R J Theodore Merc Fenn Wolfmoor Come explore new worlds and visit unlikely wonders in this first newsletter-exclusive anthology from Robot Dinosaur Press! |
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A Bid to Rule (The Stars and Green Magics Book Three) by Novae Caelum While this book happens 23 years before the main events of this series, it contains characters, events, and context needed to fully enjoy the rest of the series. This is the preferred reading order, but it can also be read any time before, during, or right after books 1 and 2. THE RULER IS DEAD. LONG LIVE THE RULER. Homaj Rhialden has lived his whole life knowing his older sibling, not himself, will rule his interstellar kingdomāand as a court rake, heās perfectly okay with that. But when his parents are assasinated and the Heir goes missing, Homaj is suddenly thrust into power. All evidence points to an inside job, but who among his fatherās trusted advisors are his enemies? Determined to track down his parentsā killers and prove himself in an increasingly hostile court, Homaj hatches a plan with his servant cousin, Iata, to use their shapeshifting abilities to switch places: while Iata impersonates him and rules the kingdom as a willing target, Homaj searches for the Heir in the capital city. But in a kingdom ruled by shapeshifters, anyone can be anyone, and not even your own identity is safe. When lies run deep enough to shatter a kingdom and family is hardly friendly, can Homaj protect both his kingdom and his identity from crumbling around him? A Bid to Rule is a fast-paced royal thriller with a genderfluid lead and glittering court intrigue! This book was first published as The Seritarchus in serial form on Laterpress and Vella. |
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The Shadow Rule (The Stars and Green Magics Book Two) by Novae Caelum THE ENEMY BY MY SIDE. THE ENEMY IN MY HEART. Ari will never be the Heir again. Her younger sister, Dressa, was supposed to hold her place, but now Dressaās stolen her future rulership. Banished to a resort world to recover from her illness, Ariās determined to reclaim her shapeshifting abilities and race back to the capital. But a young gardener with a mysterious past is taking too much interest in Ariās new persona, and a possessive duke is bent on capturing her attention for himself. Are they both after her heart, or something far more sinister? Dressa won her freedom, won her brideāand won a kingdom she didnāt want. Now, with an alien crisis brewing, she has to step up as the Heir, and maybe, soon, as the ruler. Because thereās a secret at the heart of the kingdom. A secret that spans her fatherās entire rule and could bring everything tumbling down. And sheās already let the enemy into her palace, and into her heart. When no one is who they seem and every smile is a weapon, the Truthspoken must find their way to truth before the kingdom crumbles around them. The Shadow Rule collects episodes 37-93 of The Stars and Green Magics, previously published in serial form. Note: This book has main characters who use gender neutral pronouns (they/them/their, fae/faer/faerself). Available now in ebook, serial, and digitally narrated audiobook! |
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Samson & Domingo by Gume Laurel III Samson and Domingo fall in love during the summer before their junior year of high school. But Samson is the star player of Weslaco Northās football team and Domingo is a French horn player for Weslaco Southās marching band. Once school starts, their new love is challenged by those who donāt agree with their rival schools mixing, especially Domingoās older brother, Pablo, a football player for South. As if that wasnāt enough, Samsonās Olympian-like athleticism is shrouded in mystery; the source of his strength is a secret he has vowed to keep his entire life. As Samson and Domingoās love blossoms, Samson learns to trust Domingo more than he has ever trusted anyone before, and Domingo opens his heart once again after heartbreak. But will their love be Samsonās downfall? |
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The Truthspoken Heir (The Stars and Green Magics Book One) by Novae Caelum RESIST THE CALL. LOVE THE ENEMY. Ariannaās always been the perfect Truthspoken Heir, the obedient future ruler of her interstellar kingdom. But when Ariannaās royal shapeshifting abilities fail her publicly and disastrously at her engagement ball, she suddenly finds herself on the outside of the life she called her own. Dressaās the perfect socialite, the opposite of her older sisterās rigid control. When her sister goes down with a mysterious illness and is sent away from court, Dressaās thrust into a position she never wanted. Sheās ordered to impersonate her sisterāher body, her name, her personality, everythingāand court her sisterās bride-to-be. Whoās gorgeous. And whoās likely been sent to take her family down. Can Dressa resist falling for her sisterās bride? Can Arianna find a way to take back her own name and position? When the stakes are the kingdom and control has been their whole lives, these siblings must find a way to make their lives their own. The Truthspoken Heir collects episodes 1-36 of The Stars and Green Magics, previously published in serial form, as well as three all new beginning episodes! Note: This book has main characters who use gender neutral pronouns (they/them/their, fae/faer/faerself). Available in ebook, paperback, serial, and digitally narrated audiobook! |
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Angels: The LGBTQ+ YA story you've been waiting for: friendship, identity, attraction, disasters ... and finding your wings by Rachel Churcher Angels is the LGBTQ+ YA story youāve been waiting for: friendship, identity, attraction, disasters ā¦ and finding your wings. Angels have lived among us for as long as we can remember. They donāt have powers, but they do have wings. Theyāve always hidden their wings, and who they are ā until Kane. Melodie Abbott remembers the day she saw Kaneās taboo-shattering billboard. A beautiful model showing his wings on Oxford Street, on a photo as tall as a building. When sixteen-year-old Mel finally meets her idol, disaster strikes. Can she find a way to free herself from his shadow, and what will her future hold? āAngelsā is a coming-of-age story, a university heartbreak novel with a twist, a celebration of friendship and desire, and an exploration of attraction, identity and self-expression. It takes courage to find your wings ā¦ |
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Lukie's father is trapped in the Underworld and it's all her fault. Twenty years after her murder, Lukie has returned to life and is ready to go home, but her father isn't willing to believe his beloved daughter is back from the dead. Before she can reconcile with him, a supernatural predator steals her father's soul. One that she's led straight to his door, after foolishly ignoring the signs that something was amiss. To get her father back, Lukie must uncover the true nature of the ancient horror haunting Thunderhead Ward before a spectral hunt of bestial ghosts is unleashed upon the world. And she only has until midnight on New Year's Eve, when the borders between the dead and living lands seal, or her father will be lost foreverā¦ |
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Lukieās been murdered. And she needs answers. Sheās cut a deal with the Underworld to return to the living lands. But when Lukie returns as an undead revenant, twenty years have passed. Her former sleepy beach-side town is now a roaring tourist hot-spot. Her memory is full of holes and she doesnāt know which of her old friends to trust. Worse, a monster hunter is stalking her. Lukie has to stay one step ahead, or return to the Underworld without knowing who killed her, and whyā¦. |
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Morganās home is a sanctuary for ghosts. The once-grand, now dilapidated old house they live in has become a refuge for their found family. From Morganās partner Araminta, an artist with excellent dress sense, to Theo, a ten-year-old with an excess of energy, to quiet telekinesthetic pensioner Denny, all of them consider this haunted house their home. In a world that wasnāt built for their queer, neurodivergent selves, theyāve made it into a place they belong. Together they welcome not just the ghosts of the houseās former inhabitants, but any who need somewhere to belong. Both the living and the dead can find themselves in need of a sanctuary. When a collection of ghosts trapped in old bottles are delivered to their door, something from the past is unleashed. A man who once collected ghosts ā a man who should have died centuries before ā suddenly has the house under his control. Morgan must trust their own abilities, and their hard-won sense of self, to save their home, their family, and the woman they love. |
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The Wolf Among The Wild Hunt by Merc Fenn Wolfmoor A disgraced knight must survive a night among the most deadly hunt ever known. With cover artwork by Asmo Grimae and six b&w interior illustrations by Andrew Garin Skythulf wants to live. Raised in the fight pits, trained to kill or be killed, he yearns for freedom thatās out of reach. Heās a scythewulf: a wolf-shifter considered neither fully man nor beast, his life worth nothing to his keepersā¦until Brennus, knight-champion of Saorlland, rescues him from certain death and offers him a new life. When he mistakenly kills a corrupted nun, Skythulf has one chance to redeem himself and restore his honor. He must run with the Wild Hunt: an age-old trial of blood and courage, where every step hides peril and carnage. If he survives, he will be pardoned. If he fails, Brennus will die brutally at his side. Few have ever returned from the fae-haunted land, where horrors unnamed dwell beside the enchanted and the damned. There is no rest, no relent, and no mercy. In the Wild Hunt, you run or you die. |
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On Virgin Moors by Alexandrina Wilson The Unity holds dominion over the breadth of space. And now, at last, they've set their sights on the final prize. That prize is Essegena - a planet at the farthest edge of the universe, ripe for human habitation and yet completely untouched. But all is not well on Essegena. Three of the colony's pioneers have vanished without a trace, and in their place a man has appeared who - according to all the records - simply does not exist. Worse still, the infant colony is beset with concerning reports of mysterious lights in the distant trees, shadowy phantoms haunting the edges of their nascent home, strange noises from high up on the cliffs. The colonists need to stay united if they're to make Essegena a success story - but with ambitious vipers around every corner, they've never been more divided. Once they dreamed of a fresh start, far away from their former lives. Now that dream is fast becoming a nightmare. |
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Muireann spent six months planning to kill the dragon that killed her family. Now the dragon is dead, and she's realized that it was actually the lesser threat guarding a devastating weapon that, if it falls into almost anyone's hands, will bring war and destruction to her world. It can't be left where it is. It can't be hidden. It can't be trusted in the hands of anyone in power or who seeks power. Muireann's only option becomes a reluctant quest with the elf she rescued from the dragon, a would-be knight, a selkie, and an elven mage to find out as much as she can about the weapon and seek a way to understand the magic that created it. Pursued by a dragon-worshipping cult bent on revenge and a hidden enemy that will do anything to remake the world, the five friends must try to find answers before all is lost. Muireann thought that killing a dragon was going to be impossible. Saving the world is going to be much harder. |
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Over the Dragonās Gate by Juliana Jones & Riley Sanderson Treya has everything he needs in his pond: food, shelter, and other fish to swim with. Itās painful to wonder if he had another life once, so he ignores the fragments of disturbing dreams that plague him. But when a boy falls into his pond, Treya discovers heās more than a fish. He can also become a boy, and now he has a friend: the irrepressible Eli. During secret meetings in the garden surrounding the pond, Treya and Eli forge a bond that even dark magic canāt break. But when Eli starts asking questions about who and what Treya is, the two of them discover that questions are dangerous, answers have a cost, and their fates depend on unraveling the mystery of Treyaās past. |
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Of Blood, Bones, and Truth by T.M. Ledvina For fans of genre-bending science fiction and fantasy, Of Blood Bones and Truth is a modern take on classic epic fantasy stories featuring murder mystery, front-and-center queer representation, MM romance, and unique magical technology. Kellan Manchester, an indentured political assassin, wants to lead a life of his own choosing. But as one of the Fallen - celestial descendants who are still paying for their ancestorās mistakes - he has no choice but to do as heās commanded. All Cassian Evermore wants is to pay off his fatherās debts and ensure his motherās safety. Being forced to work for someone he hates is soul-crushing, but when he meets Legion assassin Kellan in the garden of a targetās home, he canāt help but wonder if heās finally found something interesting. Thanks to a fortuitous reunion in a nightclub, the two men form a tentative agreement to work together to solve a brutal string of murders in Spiral City. Kellan finds himself struggling to connect the dots, while Cassian juggles the emotional toll of targeting someone heās come to see as a friend. And neither of them can ignore their budding feelings for one another, even while the bodies continue to pile up. Kellan and Cassian are two men with no control over their own fates - but this case could spell the same for the entire world. |
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The Nameless Throne by Lisa Cassidy An ambitious orphan. A ruthless warlord. An impossible destiny. Arya Nameless is a lowly Raider posted to an isolated fort in the most dangerous place in Dunidaen. She has few prospects, and as much as she loves her fellow soldiers, she burns for more-more control, more autonomy, more power. When her bravery during an unexpected attack leads to an offer to join the household of one of Dunidaen's warlords, Arya finds a home and family she never expected. Yet her quicksilver temper and fierce pride put her place there at constant risk. And as her warlord embroils them all in a dangerous political game to rule Dunidaen, over the border to the west, the Nightstalker lurks. A king who wields powerful magic, the Nightstalker's fate is inextricably entwined with Arya's. His relentless pursuit will force Arya into a choice she doesn't want to make, between loyalty and love, and taking hold of the destiny she was born to fulfill. Which will she choose? |
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Tone of Voice by Kaia SĆønderby Xandri Corelel has spent six months living among the Ongkoarrat after her unceremonious firing from the crew of the Carpathia, and though she misses her home, she has settled into her new life. Then Diver arrives with news that changes everything. The Hands and Voices--squid- and whale-like symbiotic aliens--are masters of bio-engineering and grow a wide variety of species of coral. Now they are in the process of creating coral that can withstand vacuum, with a most stunning end goal: To grow entire spaceships out of living organisms. The Starsystems Alliance is desperate to lure the Hands and Voices into the Alliance and bring this new technology into the fold. And the Voices and Hands are willing, with one stipulation. They will only negotiate with Xandri and the crew of the Carpathia. Returned from exile, Xandri is given the lead on this new mission. She quickly discovers that willingness isn't the problem; the Hands and Voices want to join, but they want full equality in their membership--including the ability to attend council meetings in person. Amid the sunshine and surf of the tropical, idyllic planet of Song, it seems the biggest hardship Xandri and her friends will face is the task of re-rigging a spaceship to carry creatures the size of killer whales. Then the Last Hope for Humanity arrives, and this time they've brought an army. |
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Descent to the Roses of a Family: A Poet's Journey Into Antiracism and Personal Social Healing by Judy Grahn For those courageous enough to explore how family dynamics create and imprint the structures of white supremacy in each of us, Judy Grahn, an iconic voice of the GLBTQ and Women's movements, has used her masterful poem, "Descent to the Roses of a Family," to expose and closely examine her own family's roses (and thorns) of toxic racism and white supremacy. Grahn uses rich back-stories and mythology to guide us in the process of understanding and healing the split psyche that white supremacy causes and requires. "Descent to the Roses of a Family" is especially valuable for getting past endless intellectualizing about one of our most serious and tenacious social problems. Grahn demands more of us; she insists that we understand emotionally and poetically, as well as intellectually, the heart of white supremacy in the family and its consequences when taken unexamined into the larger world. She leads us out of the fog of denial. Recommended for teachers of antiracism, using literature, sociology, and mythology; also for group discussions and individuals wanting to heal themselves and future generations by finding a better way. |
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I Am Alex Locus by Joseph P. Garland Twenty-three-year-old Alex Locus stumbles into the world of her late mother, Emily. With each revelation, she learns things she could not have imagined, and struggles to find the truth about her family. Emily had a long-term date with a friend on Friday afternoons. On one of those Fridays, August 8, 2008, though, she suffered a stroke that she did not survive. Nine years later, Alex is passing time at a New York bookshop, enjoying an author read from her collection of stories. Her life changes forever when learns of the existence of the "Emily Locus Award." She introduces herself: "I am Alex Locus." This begins a quest by Alex and her best friend Kate to learn the truth about her mother, starting with their reading the unpublished stories that for years sat in the attic of Alex's one-time suburban home. A quest that will reveal secrets, good and bad, about the family members she knew and some she only came to meet in her search. |
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The Fifth Horseman by Freida Kilmari No name. No past. One giant future. The only thing worse than suddenly waking up in a magical house with the insanely gorgeous Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse? Being the Fifth. With no memory of who I am, where I came from, or what Iām doing here, Iām thrust into a new life with four people who I might want more from than just friendship. But with no past, how can I possibly plan for a future? The only clue as to who I am? Four different species' magic resides within meāVampire, Fae, Shifter, and Witchāand between them, I might be the most powerful creature on the planet. For fuck's sake. Look out world, Horseman of Magic coming through! |
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Armando Medina suffered a tragic loss at the hands of some Nitelvosa, supernatural beings who control his world. For decades, heās been unable to forget the horrific night when his life changed. Izdahl Amasi, a member of a prominent Nitelvosa family, has been fascinated by Armando for years. Izdahlās heart grows heavier, as Armandoās stubborn streak denies them the happiness they could have. While the two were close childhood friends, Armandoās trauma drove a painful wedge between him and Izdahl. Now, as adults, they find themselves connected in unexpected ways. Despite how much Armando tries to avoid the truth, heās drawn to Izdahl. Looming over them are the events from Armandoās youth and the mystery of who's responsible for his anguish. Can Armando open his heart and trust Izdahl? Or will Izdahl stop believing they have a chance? |
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Caste of the Mountain by Nicolin Odel Young Hata Vasara is in the midst of discovering her first love as all hell breaks loose. Her father, Baal Vasara, a Foreman miner in the mountain city of Oitilla, discovered something deep within the earthāan ominous archway of steaming red light. Finding such an unnatural creation in such a place, Baal chooses to cover it up. Unfortunately, his right-hand man, Alvar Kovaa, has other ideas. We find the Vasara family, Baal, Brena, and Hata, in turmoil as the village chieftain accuses the family of lies and notions of thievery. The family is forced to fight for their place in Oitilla or be exiled as treachery follows in their wake. |
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The Children of Skaad by Nicolin Odel The red-haired young woman awakens within a cage and remembers nothing. Not even her own name. She finds herself in servitude to a vile man and powerful magi. Sluggish and addicted from her enforced intoxication to the drug grit. All under the watchful eye of a strict woman, The Proctor of the Covenant Enclosure, the red-haired girl is trained to use her power to manipulate the earth. But ever so slowly, she begins to regain her memory and struggles to escape this place of unspeakable horrors. Simon Meridio, a simple architect, has been named the First Otsoa of the nomadic people of Hasiera. His wife, Saudett, is pregnant and reunited with her long-lost mother, whom she has not seen in twenty years. He found a Skrull damned magical dagger that granted him unfathomable knowledge. And all thanks to him, the oasis valley of Hasiera has lost its water source, and a magical gateway hiding in the earth brings new turmoil. By the gods, I wish I could go home. |
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Autumn Blooms Red by L. Cuzidora Itās been a decade since Avrilās family was exiled to Ordeaās smallest province. While not entirely stripped of power, her motherās bitterness blinds her to Avrilās needs. So when an old friend of her motherās shows up with plans of rehabilitation, Avril is quick to join. As months pass and no concrete steps are taken, her own approach becomes ever more reckless. After all, she can count on her parentsā support. But whatās the weight of family in a society striving towards equality? Orphaned at a young age, Irina clings to her familyās traditions in a secular world. She finds little comfort in the Stateās promises of safety, determined, despite the risks, to help those unable or unwilling to live by the party directive. To her, Avril is a special sort of circumstantial victim, one whoās not even aware of her imprisonment. But when her faith revolves around leading others onto the right path, who's to watch that she wonāt lose herself? |
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Boy of Shadows by Camilla Vavruch A scarred boy. A power struggle. A unique bird. And painful longing for love. Tristanās father has abused him since he was a small child, leaving his body scarred and in constant pain. But no matter much Father tries, torture doesnāt keep Tristan from falling in love with simple field worker Will. Falling in love? Easy. But showing Will his flaws? No. Damaged in both body and mind, he sends Will away, unwilling to let him see more weakness. Alone and filled with self-hatred, Tristan must face the ambitious Overster Garrensor and his disdainful sonābut all he wants is Will. |
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Stone of Shadows by Camilla Vavruch In the slums of Gereon, sixteen-year-old Will struggles to survive and keep food on the table for his siblings. Working each day in the fields, he endures regular torment from privileged bully Tristan Arrington. But when a dragon snatches Will, he discovers a stone that grants him the power of invisibility. Returning to the city, Will uses his new ability and stumbles across a much darker truth about Tristan and his powerful father. Suddenly, the world is no longer black and white. There are people who are much more dangerous than Will ever thought. As a tentative friendship forms amidst a web of secrets, one boyās life hangs in the balanceāand just how much of himself is Will willing to risk? |
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Vampire Menstrual Syndrome: The First Cycle by S.C. Hunter Vampire Menstrual Syndrome is the unapologetically queer-feminist supernatural comedy-horror series that no one asked for. The first day of Vanessaās period takes a deadly turn when she is unwittingly sacrificed by a suburban cult of pretentious teenagers. After being exsanguinated, Vanessa crawls out of her shallow grave and is understandably upset. Caught in a horrible cycle of ingesting and excreting blood, Vanessa needs answersā¦fast. Thankfully, Vanessaās roommate, Wyatt, is bored of his monotonous summer retail job and is a long-time fan of all things supernatural. Wyatt encourages Vanessa to investigate her own murder so that they can find some answers about her unexpected afterlife. Together, this dramatic duo will go to any lengths necessary to figure out what the hell is going on in their mundane little city. Interrogating and traumatizing teenagers? Easy. Catfishing knowledgeable strangers from a paranormal chat room? Fire off some eggplant emojis. Befriending an occult horticulturalist? Thatās a green thumbās up. Rubbing elbows with a pompous warlock? If they must. However, with each misguided step into the Underworld, Vanessa gradually realizes that her murdererāher maker, is trying to hunt her down. Unearth a conspiracy as old as sexism itself or survive long enough to have an afterlife crisis? Hopefully, those two options arenāt mutually exclusive. Vampire Menstrual Syndromeā¦and you thought cramps were bad. Content Warnings: The First Cycle, as the name implies, is the first book in the trilogy lovingly known as VMS. As a result, this book has a cliff-hanger ending. This book contains scenes of graphic violence and body horror, hard drug and alcohol use, talk of dysphoria, experiences of queerphobia and microaggressions (in the past), flashbacks of war, death, non-stop period talk (yes, clots and all), and, of course, blood. This book also contains queer romantic tension, steamy make-out scenes, and nudity--with a proposed spice rating of 1 chili pepper. |
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The Vanish Tide (Kitaine Neris #2) by A.J. Locke Kitaine Neris is a Vanish Witch who fell victim to her own magic. Fortunately, her disappearing act didnāt stick. After escaping Elsewhere, a chaotic pocket world full of violent criminals, Kit and Marrik return to their lives and try to heal their fractured relationship. But they have to contend with Marrikās witch-hating family, who want Kit out of his life. And after her failed attempt to Vanish a high ranking, corrupt witch, Kit is in the crosshairs of the powerful High Coven. To keep her safe, Kit and her tale of Elsewhere are thrust into the spotlight. Kitās heightened visibility makes the High Coven hesitant to retaliate, but stirs up anti-witch groups especially because, thanks to Kit, witches can now become stronger. Not only that, a disruption caused by a magical surge will bring a disaster down on Kitās city. With her stronger Vanish magic, Kit is the only one who can stop it. But saving her city will be easier said than done when the anti-witch groups zero in on Kit. And when they unleash a devastating strike, no matter how strong Kitās magic is, it might not be enough to stop her from losing everything. |
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The Vanish Witch (Kitaine Neris #1) by A.J. Locke There are a few things that could land a witch in hot water. One is having stronger magic than most. Like a Vanish Witch who can make not only objects but people disappear. Another is being in possession of amulets that contain ghosts whose touch is death. Kitaine Neris has both. But she keeps the flirtatious ghost hidden, stays off the High Covenās radar, and keeps up appearances with her local coven while secretly using her magic to Vanish the corrupt and violent from her city. Until a hit goes horribly awry and Kit ends up Vanishing instead. Sheās shocked when she ends up in a chaotic, parallel world, and realizes that everything Vanish Witches made disappear wound up there. Including her boyfriend, Marrik, who Kit never meant to make disappear at all. Kit and Marrikās reunion is passionate, but they need to get back home. But thatās easier said than done when every bad soul Vanish Witches used their magic on are gunning for Kit, wanting their pound of flesh. When a mysterious and powerful witch presents a way home, Kit and Marrik will do whatever it takes to fulfill the conditions that will free them before the enemy enacts a vanishing act on them that sticks. |
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Reckless Truth by Raven Elliot O'Connor When they were children, their brother was stolen and their mother killed. Elyan and Lydia Moore have dedicated their lives to finding out what really happened that night, and where their brother was taken - but the truth will throw them into chaos they could never predict. Combining science fantasy with interpersonal drama, Reckless Truth is a story of finding love and overcoming fear; about testing our deepest personal perceptions and learning to live and love beyond what is expected of us. It is about grief and trauma, and the different ways those things are processed and overcome -- and the scars they leave with us forever. |
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Unfinished Business by Tim Susman Private Investigator Jae Kim doesnāt have a werewolf problemāat least not as long as he can keep clear of his ex-boyfriend Czoltan. But when a suspicious police report hits the streets of Wolftown, Jae suddenly finds himself hunted on the streets he used to freely roam. Dodging bullets from Wolftown vigilantes, heās stuck hiding out with Czoltan while he and his were-bear ghost Sergei search out whoever set him upāand his life isnāt the only one at stake. |
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The Vitruvian Mask by BJ Sikes Are you intrigued by 19th century Paris with its artists and nobility? How about an alternate history version with forbidden technology and nuns with supernatural powers? 1881: The electric lights of Paris have been extinguished. The Naturalist revolution is over. Adelaide was on the losing side. Once the Royal Scientist Doctor for the now-dead cyborg monarchs of France, she's now a fugitive, hiding from the new king's Police SĆ©crĆØte. Pregnant and alone, she seeks refuge in a Parisian hospital but things have changed there too. What was once a cathedral of Science is now a bastion of ignorance and superstition. The battlefield veterans whose Augmented prosthetics she once created are shunned by the new regime and come to the hospital for her help. But her nemesis, the father of her child, has returned to France and threatens to reveal her illegal activities to the authorities. Can Adelaide repair her Augmented patients without losing her freedom ... or her life? The Vitruvian Mask continues the story of Adelaide Coumain, the Roboticist of Versailles, that began in The Archimedean Heart. |
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The Price of Thorns by Tim Susman In this land where stories are as much a currency as gold or silver, secretsāthe stories you don't tellāalso have their price. Nivvy the thief keeps many secrets, having left his home for the Thieves Guild, then having left the Thieves Guildāinvoluntarilyāfor a life alone. His fortune changes the day Bella, a mysterious woman in an ancient dress, hires him for a nigh-impossible theft: to steal back the kingdom she claims is her own. If Nivvy is equal to this epic task, surely he will be admitted back to proper disreputability in the Thieves Guild. But Bella has secrets of her own, and her quest is not what it appears to be. As Nivvy uncovers some of the truths behind what he'd dismissed as ancient stories and Bella's improbable connection to those tales, he realizes that this journey is more dangerous than he could have dreamed. If he survives this adventure, merely stealing a kingdom couldn't hold a candle to the rest of the storyā¦ |