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205Z: Time and Salvation by Jason Michael Primrose 2052 is humanity's last year on Earth. Catastrophic disasters are tearing away at our world's infrastructure. Time is scarce. Freedom is delicate. The privileged few will be saved... The unlucky will be left behind. Allister Adams is a genetically advanced Evolutionary, and besides that, he's like most of the Omega Generation-unlucky, forgotten-waiting aimlessly for the Apocalypse Countdown clock of days, hours, and minutes to finally hit zero. Until the clock strikes Day 215. Allister unknowingly charges into a conflict older than he is-a cold war for salvation between two rival organizations: a government-sanctioned task force of Evolutionaries and a group of radical, stateless Evolutionaries, both in violent pursuit of the one thing that promises humanity's survival. As Allister goes head-to-head with Evolutionaries on both sides, he must unravel the mysteries surrounding their key to survival, and master his power to retrieve it before the destruction they're trying to stop arrives. Our journey begins with... The Arrival... |
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Honu Book One: Waterborn by Dawyone Combes When magic enters Koldair Noa's life the world he once knew will never be the same. Someone whom was thought lost forever to the land of Lanrete returns to hunt Koldair and burn down Hawai'i. Koldair must make a choice to be the hero or the villain of his own story. |
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The Gods Awoke by Marie Vibbert [If the Gods were real, could you believe?] Hitra, high priestess of Revestre, already has enough on her hands: political upheaval, a distractingly attractive male servant, and an upcoming harvest festival. But when a column of flame from the heavens sends a city into tumult, it upends more than just her schedule. Now, Hitra must deal with a religious schism, ethnic strife…and a God growing out of control. |
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Bring Her Home by R.N. Barbosa Forbidden love… If Susana’s sister knew she was dating, she’d sequester her ass to the tallest tower so fast her head would spin. Her boyfriend is everything Cassandra hates, an Outcast and a biker, and it’s only a matter of time before their clandestine rendezvous blows up in her face. A missing sister… Fighting professionally might be Cassandra Dayan's livelihood, but it's her sister that's her life. When she comes home to a wrecked house and a missing sister, her desperate search upsets the brutally maintained balance of the North Californian coast. At any cost… Going against the Order is a death sentence, but doing nothing is not an option. Cassandra will find her sister even if it means endangering the lives of everyone who crosses her path or joins her cause. She doesn’t care who gets hurt or what promises get broken. All that matters is bringing her sister home. |
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A deadly infection. Seven Strangers. The fight for survival begins... Jake didn’t think his night could get worse, but that was before his train stops deep underground and zombies attack and things go from worst-day-ever to run-for-your-life terror. Liv is good at running, mostly from other people straight into a bottle of vodka. But as chaos erupts on the city streets, depending on others may be her only chance at survival. London is gone. The world has ended. In the chaos that remains, seven strangers fight to escape the city. But as they navigate this new and dangerous world, they soon discover that surviving the apocalypse means confronting their deepest fears and making impossible choices. How We End is a heart-pounding diverse story with a character driven plot that explores how societal collapse forces ordinary people into extreme situations and reveals the lengths they’ll go to survive in a world gone mad. Will they make it out alive, or will they become just another casualty? |
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*This novella originally appeared in Daughters of A Nation: A Black Suffragette Historical Romance Anthology*Harlem, 1917After spending half her life pretending to be something she's not, performance is second nature for cabaret owner Bertha Hines. With the election drawing near and women's voting rights on the ballot, Bertha decides to use her persuasive skills to push the men of New York City in the right direction.Chef Amir Chowdhury jumped ship in New York to get a taste of the American Dream, only to discover he's an unwanted ingredient. When ornery Amir reluctantly takes a job at The Cashmere, he thinks he's hit the bottom of the barrel; however, working at the club reignites his dream of being a force for change. His boss, Bertha, ignites something else in him.Bertha and Amir clash from the start, but her knowledge of politics and his knowledge of dance force them into a detente that fans the flames of latent desire. But Bertha has the vice squad on her tail, and news from home may end Amir's dream before it comes to fruition. With their pasts and futures stacked against them, can Amir and Bertha hold on to their growing love? |
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**Let It Shine originally appeared in The Brightest Day: A Juneteenth Historical Romance Anthology. This version features the original story, as well as a bonus short story, No Valley Low.*** Sofronia Wallis knows that proper Black women don’t court trouble by upending the status quo, but it’s 1961 and the Civil Rights movement is in full swing. Sofie’s spent half her life being prim, proper, and reserved—as if that could bring her mother back—but the nonviolent protests happening across the South bring out her inner agitator. Ivan Friedman has devoted his life to boxing, loving the finesse of a well-delivered punch and the penance of receiving one. His family escaped from Europe before the horrors of WWII, and Ivan decides to help fight injustice in their new country, even if it goes against all his instincts as a fighter. When Ivan and Sofie meet, they realize that their pasts are intertwined and—with the sparks that fly between them—perhaps their futures will be too. With everything in their society lined up against them, will Sofie and Ivan be able to beat the odds? Or will their chance at love be destroyed by the tumultuous times they live in? |
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A Match Made for Thanksgiving by Jackie Lau Advertising executive Nick Wong enjoys living in Toronto. He loves late nights partying and taking women back to his penthouse. And so it is with great reluctance that he returns to his boring hometown of Mosquito Bay for Thanksgiving. This year, however, is even worse than usual. His interfering parents and grandparents, frustrated with the lack of weddings in the family, have invited blind dates for him and his three siblings. Nick’s brother Greg has been set up with Lily Tseng, who just so happens to be Nick’s latest one-night stand, the one he can’t get out of his mind. Although Nick has never been interested in settling down, Lily has him reconsidering. Perhaps he’s good for more than a single night of sex, dumplings, and bubble tea after all. But first, he has to get through this painful weekend with his family and convince her that she should be with him, not Greg… |
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Shadow's Debt by Danni Williams Dragon shifter Simone just wants to be left alone. But a debt owed by her father to vampire lord Andre Silversbane will disrupt Simone’s future. Add to that a crazy vampire King who thinks Simone is the key to a major artifact and it will be all that she can do to stay alive. Simone is happily anticipating starting a new life in Chicago when life drops a bombshell on her. Her father owes vampire lord Andre Silversbane a debt and has given her to him. Now Simone has to learn to survive among the Nightshade vampires as the new Lady Silversbane. And, survive a plot by the Mad King Rapheal, who wants her to retrieve an artifact that should remain hidden. When tragedy strikes, Simone will have to make a decision that will change the world as she knows it or destroy it. |
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Prophecy Trilogy: New Moon (Prophecy Series Book 1) by Liz Bullard Step into a captivating realm of destiny and redemption in 'New Moon.' Join Eli, a Zodian warrior haunted by the aftermath of a devastating battle, and Talia, a water warrioress struggling to mend her shattered marriage. As they navigate a world of elemental magic and treacherous challenges, Eli is tasked with finding the Chosen One, Tabatha. Will she be the cure to his darkness and the savior in this land of fighters, or will she turn away from destiny and fail to reach her full potential? |
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The Last Feather by Shameez Patel Papathanasiou South African born, debut author brings a threat-and-danger, hidden-world fantasy with touches of Suzanne Collins which fans of VE Schwab or Sarah J Maas will love. Twenty-two-year-old Cassia's sister is dying, and she doesn't know why. Cassia wakes up in another realm to find her missing best friend, Lucas, who knows how to save her sister. Lucas is part of a community of Reborns, people who were born on earth and after death, were reborn in this realm with magical abilities. The original beings of the realm, the Firsts, rule over them. To keep the Reborn numbers manageable, the king of the Firsts releases a curse to cull them. Cassia needs to break the curse before her time runs out and she is trapped there forever. |
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Off The Beaten Path by Sienna Eggler Fresh out of college, Meike boarded a train for their new destination: volunteering on a small farm. Aside from dorming, it was the first time they’ve been miles away from home, and were looking forward to expanding their horizons and padding out their resume. Unfortunately for Meike, their train took a drastic detour, leaving them and a fellow passenger stranded in the world of Glasend. With nowhere to go but forward, Meike is determined to utilize their knowledge of botany, and eke out a living as an herbalist. Along the way, they encounter a colorful cast of characters, study magic, and tame wild beasts and monsters. Off The Beaten Path is a queer portal fantasy, and part of an ongoing web serial. |
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The Flying Tiger: Mortal Engine by Henry Spector M. Aarón Melisandré knows that he is more than human. This truth scares him, it is the very thing that led to the death of a loved one years ago, and now something from a different dimension is coming for him. Aarón realizes that he must fully embrace what he is when he and his nephew are thrust into the vast multiverse on a dangerous mission to stop a troubled supervillain from activating the fabled Mortal Engine. |
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Tales from the Borun-Ma by Ruth Miranda The Borun-Ma. A world rife with magic and dangers, threatened as it is by the haunting of demons and creatures that take the bodies and lives of the common people and feed on their souls. Or so it is, in the head of David Lau, travel photographer turned novelist, who created this imaginary world for his soon-to-be-published first book, where he tells the story of Liòng Dashià , Hawkeye and Zephyr, Reapers of the Borun-Ma who destroy Infestations in the form of creatures and demons. But his characters bear far too many resemblances to himself, and the girl who spills his drink at a crowded nightclub in Xhiangzhei, or the young man who sits beside him through a long flight to Europe. When Ivy Falconnieri and Bodie Yung's lives collide with David's, a spell is cast and a curse will break. But to what ends? |
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Song Jaesun knew what he was getting into, when he married Jok OnMi and became her child’s legal guardian. He knew the challenges he’d face, raising a trans pre-teen alone, after his wife's death. He’s known all this well in advance, and believes himself ready, eager, even, for it provides him with the one thing he’s longed for but is beyond his his own family. He believes himself man enough to stand up to the hurdles and face every trial. What he didn’t count on, though - and sure wasn’t ready for - is the father of his late wife’s child. Now that Kai HaoTian’s decided to make up for all his past mistakes and work hard on regaining his kid’s affection, the two men find themselves forced to share living arrangements for the sake of a child both love immensely. And it’s not gonna be easy, when all they feel for each other is resentment... |
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I don't believe in love at first sight, not with my track record. But the night I met Yvette has come close to changing my mind - I couldn't have kept away from her even if I tried, she was all I had eyes and ears for, and since that day, this hasn't changed. I want to be around her all the time, spend time getting to know her, take her out on endless dates. Problem is, Yvette is unlike any of the women I tend to date - and I tend to date a lot, to the point I've acquired something of a reputation. You just have to Google my name, to see what I mean, I'm not the most reliable of men, where relationships are concerned. In fact, I just don't do them. I have no space in my life for that kind of thing, I have businesses to run and a daughter to raise, who happens to be my priority. And I fear that, with Yvette being who she is, my friends and family will have an issue with us being together - my mother would surely never approve of it, and what of my daughter? What repercussions would it have on her? And yet, despite all this, I still can't keep her out of my head... |
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Harvest Nights by Ahmed H. Alameen “A Lovecraftian horror tale inspired by Native American Myths and colonial times” Harvest Nights is a story told through a young boy named Chua (Snake), who narrates the story of how the days were gone and replaced by nights when a strange shooting star appeared in the sky in 1811 Colonial America (Great Comet of 1811). During those dreadful nights, Chua, and later three other people, will have to survive the other worldly creatures that will stop at nothing to eat. A Lovecraftian horror story featuring famous historical figures and creatures inspired by Native American myths. “It was the surgically-precise gore, the sensations of body horror, and the tenticular terror that Ahmed Alameen penned that will stick with me for a long time.”—Michael Arnzen, Bram Stoker Award-winning author of Play Dead and 100 Jolts “Gripping and Eerie”—Eric J. Guignard, award-winning author and editor, including That Which Grows Wild and Doorways to the Deadeye “You’ll be hooked from the literally explosive beginning right through to the finale.”—Paul Kane – Bestselling and award-winning author of Before, Arcana and Sherlock Holmes and the Servants of Hell “Lingers long after the final page has been read.”—Amanda Stevens, Award-winning author of The Graveyard Queen “This Lovecraftian story took a couple of unexpected turns that really amped up the horror... Alameen clearly knows the subject matter well and he does it a lot of justice.”—April A. Taylor - author of Sinkhole and The Hunting of Cabin Green “Ahmed Alameen is a true cosmic frontiersman, forging a new path through uncharted terrors and guiding his readers into the vast unknown with Harvest Nights.”—Clay McLeod Chapman - Author of Whisper Down the Lane and the Remaking |
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An assassin makes a terrible ambassador. Rhian’s greatest skills aren’t based around negotiation but delivering the final word. However, the Dark God Arawn saw something else in her. Or he was desperate. Either way, he assigns his favourite pwca, a Welsh black-dog shapeshifter, as the newest ambassador for Ontario—it’s a thankless job. She needs to preserve the myth that the supernatural is only an illusion. Otherkin are terrible at hiding, and it’s Rhian’s duty to tidy up after them. In between that and keeping the veil in place, she has to investigate her predecessor’s murder, which doesn’t lean into Rhian’s lethal prowess. That means working with her estranged partner, Kai, who was first on the scene. The only man Rhian ever needed, and the one man she can’t forgive. That complicates everything. Acting on the desires she’s repressed for three hundred years will violate her vow of loyalty to Arawn. If she neglects her duty, the veil could fall. War breaking out between humanity and the supernatural would doom the world. And if she breaks her vow of loyalty... well, Arawn is known as the Dark God for a reason |
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A Concrete Crown: MacBeth Retold by T.O. Tate DOUBLE, DOUBLE TOIL AND TROUBLE; SLIVER FALL AND CITY CRUMBLE A CONCRETE CROWN: MACBETH RETOLD is a post-apocalyptic novella set at the edge of a city corrupted by a mysterious contaminant. Micah, a seasoned scout, has seen firsthand the dangers of the desolate city, but as the contamination spreads, his cousin Dawson only grows more convinced that it’s safer inside than out. When their battle of wills escalates from argument to blackmail and murder, Micah must ask if his motives are as noble as he wants to believe. As each following decision causes more chaos and more devastating loss, concrete shards begin to grow from Micah’s head just as guilt and fear sprout in his mind. Haunted by a watchful ghost and followed by nagging, prescient crows, Micah returns to the unnamed city in search of answers. Soon, the real question works its way to the surface: do Micah’s impulses belong to him at all, or are they the whims of the city that’s gotten under his skin? |
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Set during an alternate Harlem Renaissance where new forms of magic created by Black joy strain against the white establishment, Bessie Knox is an investigator of magical mysteries. When her old colleagues at the Bronx Academy of Magic start turning up dead, Knox's weakened abilities are pushed to their limits, but if she can't solve the case, she'll be next. |
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Crystals and Contracts by A.A. Fairview My landlord is going to hate me for what I’m about to do. I’ve never had a father and never wanted one either. To my dismay, I do have a father, Arthur le Fay–a crime lord witch. Afraid for not just my safety, but the safety of my friends and coven, I have no other choice but to make a deal with a devil. A little drastic? Maybe, but it’s certainly effective. At least it would be–if the devil would agree to make a deal with me! Now I have a devil in my apartment and no idea what to do about the le Fays. I just want them to leave me alone… or maybe I want them afraid of me. Fear is one hell of a motivator. But no amount of fear will get this devil of mine to behave. He’s much more partial to exchanges, my body for his benevolence. Nothing good can come from feelings, especially when he insists he has none. |
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Fourth World by Lyssa Chiavari IAMOS, S.C.D. 8378 Nadin's planet is dying. As its atmosphere drains away, her people are forced to live huddled in domed cities for protection. With only enough resources to support the population for one more year, time is running out. Nadin thinks she's found a way to save Iamos, but it will mean defying the planet's rulers, the geroi—and betraying the geroi could cost her everything. When a strange boy from another world appears out of nowhere outside the citidome's glass walls, Nadin knows for sure that her plan will work. But to build the device that can save her people, Nadin must first find the legendary city of Elytherios. And to do that, she'll need the help of the mysterious alien boy named Isaak. MARS, 2073 C.E. All Isaak wanted was to get through his senior year at the Academy in one piece. Everything would have been fine if he hadn't found that ancient coin among his missing father's possessions. The coin seems to have a strange connection not only to Isaak's family, but to Mars' ancient past. But how is that possible, on a planet that was supposed to be dead until just forty years ago? Now Isaak's got agents of the Earth's government on his tail and a deranged factory worker stalking his every move. Everyone is desperate to get their hands on something called the Key. And the only way to escape is to unlock an even bigger secret, one that could change his life—and the fate of Mars—forever. |
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Heart, Haunt, Havoc by FreydĂs Moon Laced with romance, gothic imagery, Catholic mysticism, diaspora, and horror… When lonely transgender exorcist, Colin Hart, finds himself challenged by an unruly haunted house in Gideon, Colorado, he’s kept awake by ghosts, demons, ghouls, and the handsome nonbinary owner of the house, Bishop MartĂnez. Unlike the simple hauntings Colin is accustomed to, Bishop’s house is a living beacon, attracting a plethora of inhuman creatures, including a vengeful wolf-headed spirit who might be the key to quieting their sleepless nights. But as a heartbreaking mystery unravels, Colin comes face-to-face with the past Bishop tried to bury, opens a closet full of bloody skeletons, and trips into an accidental romance. As paranormally skilled as Colin might be, this particular haunting may be too messy for him to handle… |
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Sistah Samurai by Tatiana Obey Afro Samurai meets The Sword of Kaigen in this anime-inspired novella This is no revenge story. I ain’t got time for that. I’ve got errands to run and things to do and barely enough time to make it home before sundown. I don’t care why folks are going around stealing ink. I don’t care why the monks are acting kinda strange. I don’t care that everybody is expecting me to save them. I might be a Sistah Samurai but those days playing hero were back when my knees didn’t ache, and I wasn’t the only one left. So leave me alone. All I want to do is get home, drink some green tea lemonade, and enjoy my peace. I’m not asking for much, so why are all these demons daring to get in my way? I am not the one. Not today. Sistah Samurai is an Action Fantasy novella that is an homage to the anime, Afro Samurai. Both works feature a feudal Japan-inspired setting that is rife with anachronisms. In the words of Samuel L. Jackson, “Is that a motherf—ing RPG?” |
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Homecoming Chaos by D. W. Brooks Four years ago, Jamie left everything behind. Now she’s back to face her past, her family, and a killer. Jamie Scott had a seemingly perfect life: a loving fiancé, a promising career as a doctor, and a supportive family. But she canceled her wedding and turned down a cushy job offer, instead, running away to join a humanitarian mission abroad. But life brought her back to her hometown, and now she’s ready to face the consequences of her actions. What she doesn’t expect is to walk into a murder scene in the parking lot of her family’s business. She also doesn’t expect to encounter Detective Nick Marshall, the sexy and smart cop who is assigned to the case. He’s determined to find the truth, even with Jamie distracting him and interfering in the case. He’s also drawn to her like a moth to a flame, despite the constant chaos that seems to surround her. |
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Last Train Home by Sienna Eggler Meike’s cozy train ride left them stranded in Glasend, a world where magic and man-eating plants are the norm. With their knowledge of botany and healing herbs, Meike aspires to become a reputable herbalist and mage. They make many friends along the way, including a quick-witted swordswoman, an axe wielding corgi, and other quirky characters. Later seasons explore magic and proper questing, and introduce monster taming. Updates weekly, on Thursdays! |
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Early Adopter by Sienna Eggler "But what if she doesn't want to be found?" Aided by their cybernetic eyes, private investigator Ryn Casler makes a living busting cheating spouses. While they’ll occasionally dabble in fraud and other typical cases, they don’t deal with the missing. Until the persistent Shae Winters, a police detective, approaches them about the disappearance of a young Black woman. Friction flies between detective and PI, as Shae insists on tagging along during the investigation. But as their search deepens and spills into the world of fantastical body mods, it becomes clear there’s more to this case than meets the eye. |
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Never Too Much by Sienna Eggler Romance was never a priority in Cyrille's life; her work on the local nature reserve came first. And compounded by her upbringing in a small town, finding a girlfriend seemed out of reach. "If it happens, it happens." But now that she's in her late 30's, Cyrille realizes it's better now than never. And a lot has changed over the last twenty years, leading to a steadily progressive attitude in town. A not yet out Cyrille braves a speed dating event, where she meets three potential partners: a childhood friend, a fellow park ranger, and a self-proclaimed "Goblin of the Forest." A hopeful Cyrille has one person in mind, but life is full of surprises. Never Too Much is a sapphic romance about an asexual lesbian navigating the dating scene, happy ending included. |
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When The Stars Alight by Camilla Andrew A maiden of the stars. A monster from the shadows. A collision that rewrites their worlds. Princess Laila Rose is a fallen star in human form. A beloved guardian to humanity. Yet in spite of these fantastical origins, she has never much believed in prophecies. That’s why when a demon of apocalyptic legend is presented to her in a block of ice, she feels fascination rather than fright. Curiosity kindles into mutual desire once he breaks free of his captivity. Far from the rampaging beast of mass destruction everyone expects—he is monstrously handsome, deviously articulate and alluringly mysterious, a prince among his kind. Eager to discover his origins, Laila travels from her idyllic seaside realm into a land of unspeakable horrors, relying on her wits to survive her journey. She arrives aiming to establish peaceful contact with the aid of the besotted prince. However, it becomes clear that the heartless demon king does not desire peace at all, only war and conquest. When diplomacy fails, Laila turns to the king’s suave and manipulative bastard son in the hopes that she can inspire both him and his trueborn brother to go against their father. But soon it is her heart she must keep from being torn between their centuries-old dangerous rivalry. This gothic fantasy set in a vibrant gaslamp world is a must-read for fans of Catherynne Valente and Angela Carter. It’s written in lush, lyrical prose full of intricate worldbuilding, courtly intrigue, and magic that seeps through the pages. Beneath its light, romantic and whimsical veneer, you can expect darkness, brutality and passion. |
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The Fall That Saved Us by Tamara Jerée Cassiel has given up the family tradition of demon hunting, leaving behind her sacred angelic duty and fated sword. What she can’t leave behind are the scars. To cope, she spends her days immersed in work, pouring all her attention into New Haven Books, her small bookstore and anchor in the new world she’s carved for herself. But the past hasn’t let go of Cassiel yet. When a succubus named Avitue arrives to claim her angel-touched soul, Cassiel’s old hunter instincts flare, forcing her to choose between old knowledge and her truth. What should be a fatal seduction becomes a bargain neither woman expects. As they grow closer, Avitue is surprised to find her own pain reflected in Cassiel, a nephilim deemed fallen by her own family’s standards. By choosing trust, they reveal the lies that bind them. Falling for each other begins a path towards healing. But exorcising the effects of trauma is harder than naming it, and to explore the unfettered possibility Avitue represents, Cassiel must find a way to reclaim and redefine her angelic heritage. |
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The Gift of Blood (Crimson Tears book 1) by Vaela Denarr & Micah Iannandrea “Shit, people keep killing me off. It’s like some bad TV show.” A lesbian vampire on a revenge quest, distracted by a slow burn romance. One person’s gift is another’s curse. And sometimes the dark hides very real monsters. This is certainly the case for Ryann Ly, professional kickboxer, MMA athlete, and freshly Turned vampire. When the people who abducted, faked her death, and cursed her to burn in the sun attempt to enlist her into their ranks, Ryann decides she has absolutely no time for any of their nonsense. Even if she has to kill them to get some peace and quiet. It’s only fair. They killed her first. She just wants to get her life in order and navigate this strange new reality she finds herself trapped in. But vampire turf wars, monsters in the dark, and people hunting Ryann for mysterious reasons make that very difficult. Luckily, she’s not alone. Helping her along is a soft werewolf dad, a polyamorous couple of badasses, a vampire with PTSD and a dry sense of humour, a childhood friend, and Rachel, a human girl that Ryann thinks is very cute. Will Ryann defeat the darkness that haunts her, and the things within? Will she be able to avenge the injustice done to her, or will she become another monster, destined to be slain? Will she find out why people keep declaring her dead? And will she ever figure out why her found family keeps calling her and Rachel girlfriends? Only time will tell. |
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Worthy of the Raven: Stalked by Darkness (The Raven's Chosen One #1) by Y L Zamora The Raven chose you; a Skin demon told little Lara -a secret she's kept for almost ten years. She still can't understand the ominous message when her sick, insane father viciously attacks her mother in front of her and the Raven -always by her side when calamity strikes. Lara must seek shelter with her friends, the Condé brothers, who disguise her as their younger sibling and smuggle her into war to protect her, but the darkest, most dangerous magic quickly catches up to her when she meets the Skin once more. ​Nicola, the heir of Condé, became head of the family when his father, the greatest Longbraid warrior, lost his leg in battle and his will to live with it. Nic, an aloof intellectual who didn't inherit the Condé talents for combat, can't fill his father's shoes or his younger brother's -already General at twenty-one- and struggles in a war he doesn't believe in, training the woman his brother has always loved while coping with his own tumultuous feelings for her. ​Alessandro is a farmer boy turned reluctant Leader. His love for Lara isn't enough to prevent her brutal attacker the night before his army must go to war in a quest to steal the Magic only the ruthless Skin possess. He must keep his men alive against the most lethal predators in the Ucrian Peninsula and confront the Lords in a constant battle of political wits to keep his grip over the army while hiding Lara in plain sight as he deals with his own soul-crushing guilt. |
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Brandon Goes to Hong Kong by Eugenia Chu While on a trip to Hong Kong, Brandon thinks he sees a great red dragon - but is it real or imaginary? Join Brandon as he tours the city and learns about dragons in this multicultural, multigenerational chapter book which includes some Mandarin Chinese (Simplified) with Pinyin pronunciation throughout, adding educational elements of the Chinese language and culture. Is Brandon the only one who sees the dragon? Can legendary or mythical creatures ever be real? What do you believe? |
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A Single Spark by Mandy Burkhead After her father is murdered by witch hunters, nineteen-year-old Mackenna loses control of her fire magic, burning down part of her village and killing two soldiers. Exiled and wanted for murder, she flees her village, pursued by witch hunters. She is rescued by a Wanderer named Foulan and his pet wolf, Myst. The Wanderers are refugees without a permanent home, roaming between the small countries of the Realms of Etylania. The rising tensions between Etylania and Srahinza—the lands they once called home—mean that they are unwelcome and unwanted by many. Seeing a kindred spirit in Mackenna, they invite her to travel with them. Despite his clan welcoming her, Foulan doesn’t trust the girl he rescued. His suspicions are confirmed when bounty hunters come for her. After escaping together, he finds himself roped into assisting her as she seeks out the elusive Fae, who may have a cure for her fiery curse. However, Mackenna and Foulan are stalked by the nonbinary, shapeshifting bounty hunter Kazumi. Looking to prove their worth, Kazumi believes that capturing Mackenna will finally help them make a name for themselves. While Mackenna and Foulan are reluctant traveling companions at first, over time they begin to open up to each other and fall in love. What they hoped would be a short journey takes them across a colorful continent to the arctic sea, searching for an entrance to the hidden world of Faerie. Meanwhile, each trial Kazumi faces in their attempt to capture Mackenna just makes them more determined and obsessed. This young adult/new adult fantasy novel is perfect for fans of Tamora Pierce, Dawn Cook, Kristen Cashore, and Holly Black. Themes: LGBTQ+ characters, immigration and refugees, religious and racial conflict, mental health |
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To Steal the Sun by S. M. Carter Kahli is a scarred assassin whose life is devoted to her holy order. But when her latest mission goes awry, she's forced onto a crew set to attempt an elaborate heist. Among the team is Raik, the most cunning smuggler on this side of the desert. A young rogue, Kirin, with wit sharper than his arrows ought to be. And an enchanting thief named Amara, whose raven-hair conceals even darker secrets. It won't be easy. They’re opposed by the curved blades of the magic-deranged, watched by a paranoid king, and hunted by gaunt beasts that click in the cold desert night... All the while discovering that trusting each other might be the most dangerous mission of all. To Steal The Sun is a tale of unlikely heroes thrust together in a new refreshing fantasy. One cast in vibrant silks, fragrant spice, and the relentless glare of a radiant sun. -- The first book in a new series featuring heart-pounding twists, unique magic, and bloodthirsty intrigue. Perfect for fans of Six of Crows and Mistborn. |
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The Undead Sorceress by JF Garrard Ever since Tamara became a vampire, things have gone downhill. Her grandmother runs off with her daughter’s soul and her husband thinks she is going crazy. Caught in the middle of a war between vampires, sorceresses and warlocks, she discovers an alternative history to the world she thought she knew.Meanwhile, strange jiangshi corpse zombies and other supernatural creatures start attacking civilians across the globe. Magic appears to be making a comeback, threatening the modern civilization which the vampires have built throughout the ages. The timeless battle between good & evil seems to be beginning once again.As Tamara gathers her courage to hunt down her grandmother, she isn’t sure if she can sacrifice one family member over another. Is it so wrong for grandmother to want to live forever? |
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The Third Crossing by Karim Soliman A prequel novel to the SPFBO Semi-finalist Army of the Cursed The drums of war are beating in Koya. By the Light’s will, the Red Cloaks shall cross the sea under His holy banner, the ancient homeland will be restored, the slaughtered ancestors will be avenged, and the damned occupants will all perish. By the Light’s will, the Third Crossing shall happen. Akira will be one of the heroes of the upcoming holy war; that’s the seer’s promise to his mother. He will outshine his fellow mages, don the red cloak, and join the Light’s own soldiers. He will bring victory to his people and honor to his family, clearing its name from his father’s shame. Or that’s what Akira thinks. Because seers can be devious sometimes. From the rural side of Koya enters Natsu as she assumes her late husband’s place and takes the smuggling underworld by storm. Her shocking rise provokes not only the Koyan navy, but also her rivals, and a fierce war ensues on land and sea. A war she can only win if she shakes hands with the smugglers' deadliest enemies; the Red Cloaks themselves. For honor and coin, Akira and Natsu will forge a shaky alliance, both knowing that one of them will eventually have to betray the other. Trust could be a grave mistake in these dark times of war. If you wish to be the last one standing, you must be ready to be the first to stab in the back. |
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Siren's End (#3 Siren Series) by Jessica Cage Love triangles, a murderous father, and a fight to save the world. It's been months since Syrinada finished the Naiad's Walk, the series of tests that each Siren must face to receive their Siren's Stone. In this stone is the key that unlocks the power that rightfully belongs to her kind. With one task completed and full access to her powers, Syrinada is faced with a new problem. Alderic, the father she once thought had died, wishes to use her as a weapon, a tool to bring about the damnation of the world. She refuses to help him, but Alderic isn't one to simply accept no for an answer. Syrinada can no longer run from her problems. Alderic is powerful and growing stronger each day, but her fight isn't just with her estranged father. The witches of New Orleans, have discovered the true reaches of Syrinada's power and they've decided to stand against her. With fire coming at her from all sides, Syrinada has no choice; she must stand and fight, or die alongside everyone she loves. Siren's End is the third installment of the Siren Series, a Paranormal Fantasy series written by USA Today Best-Selling Author, Jessica Cage. Find if Syrinada has what it takes to defeat dear old dad, download your copy today! |
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Siren's Test (#2 Siren Series) by Jessica Cage The sins of those before us often lay the building blocks for the hurdles that appear in front of us. Syrinada learns this lesson firsthand as she faces the Naiad's Walk. This series of tests will determine if she is worthy of getting the powers that at a time, a siren was born with. Thanks to the actions of the women before her, this trial is put in place as a punishment by the witch covens. Should she fail, she will never gain full access to the magic that lay dormant within. Syrinada needs her power if she is going to stay alive but she doesn't want to leave Malachi, her brooding protector, behind. He has just suffered a great loss, and she feels guilty. If she goes, she leaves Malachi to mourn alone, if she doesn't, they may both lose a lot more when the covens find them. What Syrinada doesn't realize is that by crossing the portal into the Naiad's Walk, she may ultimately crush the very person she is trying to save. Will Syrinada be able to prove herself and gain her powers? Will Malachi survive without her? Siren's Test is the second installment of the Siren Series, a Paranormal Fantasy series written by USA Today Best-Selling Author, Jessica Cage. Find out what Syrinada chooses, grab your copy today! |
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Tales of Novia, Volume 1, Book 1 by Jessica Cage When vampires play with their food, new creatures are born. Remy's hope to rid her territory of a vampire invasion backfires when she gets captured outside of the vampire's new home. Though she hoped to escape, Xavier, the head of the den, had other thoughts. Tempted by the sweet delicacy that was fairy blood, he kept her. What started as an innocent effort to preserve the fairies' way of life ended in death. Remy's misguided efforts would set off a chain of events that would change the face of Novia forever. Inspired by creators found on TikTok, Tales of Novia is a new project written by USA Today Bestselling Author, Jessica Cage! Grab your copy today and dive into this collection of interconnected stories that will take you on an exciting new adventure! |
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Siren's Call (#1 Siren Series) by Jessica Cage A Siren for a mother, A Warlock for a father, and a Family tree that wants her dead... Snatched off the street and drugged, Syrinada wakes strapped to a bed with a predator in the next room. At that moment, a side of her, she never knew existed emerges. While relieved to be free, she finds herself plagued by questions she can't answer. When Malachi-a longtime friend-witnesses her tapping into this unknown power, he steps in to help. Soon she realizes he knows far more about her heritage than he lets on. After diving into secrets of the past, mounting truths of fin and scales challenge everything Syrinada thought she knew. Despite Malachi's warning to stay hidden, the call of her newfound heritage is a strong one. Can Syrinada deny her welling urges? Or will the ravenous darkness closing in consume her? |
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The Education of a Wetback by Marcos Antonio Hernandez He left to seek a future. Can he escape his past to find his fortune? El Salvador, 1979. Young Toño has grand ambitions. But as the second son of a poor farmer, he sees little hope of taking over the family business. And when he catches his secret girlfriend cavorting with her ex at the carnival, he decides the path to riches lies north of the border. Arriving in LA single and desperate for money, Toño works under the table while cohabitating with his fellow immigrants, hoping to earn enough to help his family and attract the right woman. But when his illegal status always results in rejection, the stubborn migrant becomes frustrated at being caught between two worlds. Can Toño break through social barriers and ingrained prejudice to create the future he'd envisioned? The Education of a Wetback is a candid, fictionalized account of one man's true journey into adulthood. If you like insightful Hispanic American literature, engaging characters, and elements of magical realism, then you'll love Marcos Antonio Hernandez's exhilarating quest for freedom. |
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A Broken Blade (The Halfling Saga) by Melissa Blair The BookTok sensation from debut author Melissa Blair—now with exclusive bonus content! "Gripping and fierce. This is much-needed fantasy with its fangs honed sharp by the power of resistance. Melissa Blair has built a tremendous world."—Chloe Gong, #1 New York Times bestselling author of These Violent Delights My body is made of scars, some were done to me, but most I did to myself. Keera is a killer. As the King's Blade, she is the most talented spy in the kingdom. And the king’s favored assassin. When a mysterious figure moves against the Crown, Keera is called upon to hunt down the so-called Shadow. She tracks her target into the magical lands of the Fae, but Faeland is not what it seems . . . and neither is the Shadow. Keera is shocked by what she learns, and can't help but wonder who her enemy truly is: the King that destroyed her people or the Shadow that threatens the peace? As she searches for answers, Keera is haunted by a promise she made long ago, one that will test her in every way. To keep her word, Keera must not only save herself, but an entire kingdom. Fans of fast-paced high fantasy such as A Court of Thorns and Roses series, The Inadequate Heir, and From Blood and Ash author Jennifer L. Armentrout, will enjoy the fierce female characters, sapphic representation, and fantasy romance of A Broken Blade. |
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A Shadow Crown by Melissa Blair The highly anticipated second installment of the new adult fantasy saga that took BookTok by storm picks up where A Broken Blade left off... To the kingdom, Keera is the king's Blade, his most feared and trusted spy and assassin. But in the shadows, she works with Prince Killian and his Shadow--the dark, brooding Fae, Riven, who sets her blood on fire. Together, they plot to kill a tyrant king. In Myrelinth, the lush, secret city of trees, Fae, Elves, and Halflings like Keera live in harmony. But Keera cannot escape her past: her crimes against her own people have followed her all the way to the Faeland. There is a traitor in their midst, and Keera is the top suspect. Keera finds comfort in the allies that have become her family. She swore she would never open her heart again after a loss she barely survived. But she will soon find she has more to lose than she ever imagined . . . Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas's Throne of Glass series, A Shadow Crown is a tour-de-force high fantasy novel with stunning world building and a slow burn enemies to lovers romance. Readers seeking more LGBTQ+ and BIPOC representation in the fantasy realm will fall in love with the unforgettable cast of characters introduced in A Broken Blade, whose sagas are only beginning... |
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Where They Burn Books, They Also Burn People by Marcos Antonio Hernandez They're devoted to God. But will doing the Lord's work lead them into darkness? 1549. Convinced he's destined to fulfill a whispered prophecy, Friar Diego de Landa labors to convert the Maya of the Yucatán Peninsula. Discovering a brutal Spanish landowner persecuting the native population, Friar Diego determines to protect them and punish the cruel man. But when he repatriates thousands of Maya and uproots centuries of indigenous traditions, the priest's obsession may end up destroying them all. 2010. Cortez Vuscar is convinced his father will return if he can grow their church's congregation. Certain he's found his true love and believing they can attract churchgoers together, Cortez sets out to win her from her wealthy and unfaithful boyfriend. But his fascination with the famous literature she's reading infects his mind with a deadly descent into madness... Can these men save their religion without destroying what they love? Where They Burn Books, They Also Burn People is the gripping combination of two books in the Hispanic American Heritage Stories series, based on historical events. If you like indigenous revenge, villain origin stories, and the consuming force of religious fervor, then you'll love this illuminating tale about Catholicism's shadowed past. |
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When three Alfajirians flee the capital after a brush with fate, they are forced to abandon everything they understand about their destiny in order to embark on a journey of self-discovery. A journey that threatens to not only change the fabric of their lives but to unravel the infrastructure of Alfajiri itself. With the heir to the throne on the run, the people of Alfajiri must decide whether they will follow her and her companions into freedom or fall in line behind a now empty throne. Michael La_Born is an indie author, publisher, and TikToker. This is his first published fantasy. He owns DYB Publishing, a publisher dedicated to celebrating and uplifting voices of Black, Indigenous and other marginalized communities. |