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These Violent Nights by Rebecca Crunden Once upon a time, inhabitants of another world tore a hole through the universe and came to Earth. They called themselves Suriias, and rivalled humans in knowledge and skill with one great exception: they had magic. War followed. Humanity lost. And three hundred years later, humans are on the brink of extinction. Orphans Thorn and Thistle live in hiding. They are the last of their families, the last of their friends. They scrape by, stealing to survive and living on the streets or hiding in sheds. But even under the brutal regime of the Suriias, there are places where humans can mingle in secret with magical sympathisers, and one night Thistle gets an unexpected offer of marriage from a Suriia with high standing and friends in all the right places. For Thistle, itâs a chance at safety and comfort; for Thorn, itâs a chance to find the ones who killed her parents. And so the pair move into the capital city of Courtenz. An urban monstrosity of magic and might, false friends and flying cars, drones and death tolls, the new city promises a fresh start â and new love â for both. But if thereâs one thing Thorn knows for certain, itâs that dreams can swiftly turn into nightmares. |
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Sending Love Letters to Animals and Other Totally Normal Human Behaviors by Chase Connor Ryan Offsteader had one major problem, but now that heâs out of the closet and no one in his family or school actually cares, his problems are few. Life is a cycle of family, school, homework, Journalism Club, his friends, hanging out, and waiting for life to begin. Itâs a simple, boring life at times, but his problems are few. When Ms. Tabatabai, his English teacher and Journalism Club mentor, announces to the class that there will be a project where students pair up, Ryan and his best friend, Jules, assume they will work together. Ms. Tabatabai has other plans. Students will be paired off randomly. Ryan is left without a partner since his English class has an odd number of students. However, Ms. Tabatabai assures him that he will have a partner since a new student is enrolling. Itâs not an ideal situation for Ryan since he is used to working with Jules on every project, but itâs not the worst. Until the new student shows up and Ryan realizes this isnât their first time meeting. Ms. Tabatabai announces to the students that they are to get to know each other and write a paper about their partner. An oral report in front of the class will be expected once the project deadline arrives. Thereâs just one caveatâthe pairs must get to know each other without speaking. How they do this is up to them. Points will be given for creativity. Ryanâs partner does everything he can to make the project impossible, Ms. Tabatabai assigns Ryan to a new project in Journalism Club, his friends want to occupy all of his time, and, if all that wasnât enough, heâs tasked with helping the Drama teacher, Mr. Melvin, organize the spring singing recital, A Night on Broadway. Unless Ryan can confront his history and right a wrong, his whole world could fall apart. Will he choose to confront his past, or will history repeat itself? |
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Crown of Aster by Emmaline Strange When Adair first catches Nathanielâs scent in his forest, heâs curious and aroused. Heâs never smelled anything like it, and though the faun has been avoiding entanglements with humans for decades, he thinks the time might be ripe to make an exception. When Nathaniel first sets eyes on Adair, heâs terrified--and, to be honest, a little aroused. Learning that the forest near his village is full of mysterious fae folk has Nathanielâs head spinning, and finding out the handsome faun now intent on courting him is the heir to the fae kingdom is, quite frankly, a lot to handle. However, their attraction is mutual and undeniable, and Nathaniel finds himself falling hard for the mysterious forest dweller. As they grow closer, Nathaniel learns that the trees heâs lived beside his entire life are full of secrets, magicâand danger. A dark new presence in the woods threatens the fae folk and the humans alike, turning the gentle fae wild and violent, Adair among them. For Adair and Nathaniel to protect their shared world, they must discover who is behind this force of wild magic before Adair and his kin are too far gone to save. |
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The Man and the Crow by Rebecca Crunden Some witches curse, others are cursed. And sometimes, the cursed want revenge. |
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A Sea of Pearls & Leaves by Rosalyn Briar Princess Ingrid of Norella Isle does not want to get married. So, her priestess girlfriend, Lilura, devises a wicked plot to deter suitors with a nearly impossible marriage contract: should Ingrid die first, her husband must be buried at sea beside her. The plan backfires when all seven suitors agree, and the king announces a competition for Ingridâs hand. Ingrid must keep her head above water as she deals with the suitors, a jealous girlfriend, and the news of two murdered priestesses. As the suitors are eliminated, one man stands out: the quirky and anxious Prince Soren who charms both Ingrid and Lilura. When Lilura goes missing, Ingrid and Soren must piece together who has murdered the priestesses and why before itâs too late. CW: This novel contains violence, sexual situations, and adult language. |
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The Fate of Stars by S.D. Simper A devout mermaid. A disgraced princess. A feud as ancient as the gods Worlds collide when Tallora is kidnapped from her ocean home and forced to be a pet to a tyrannical foreign empire. Her only hope for rescue lies with a sworn enemy--Princess Dauriel, infamous for her stone heart and conflicted past. But when Dauriel's kingdom comes to the cusp of war, could their uneasy alliance be the key to defeating a common foe? Or will their growing feelings for each other lead them to ruin? From the world of FALLEN GODS comes a tale of ancient magic and cutthroat politics--and finding redemption through love. |
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Worth The Effort by Kai Strand Ella Jones is a coward. There is a teen boy living in the alley behind her work and she is terrified of him. Desperate to leave behind the stereotypical and judgmental world she was raised in, Ella forces herself to make a true connection with seventeen-year-old Ayden Worth. As their friendship grows Aydenâs quiet, gentle ways teach her true courage. But thereâs more to Aydenâs story than Ella knows. When their worlds collide in the most unexpected place, Ella feels betrayed. Will she find the courage to learn who Ayden really is, or will she determine heâs not worth the effort? |
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Handmade with Love by Rachel Bowdler In the Welsh coastal village of Castell Bay, Stevie Turner creates souvenirs with washed-up materials found on the beach for her rustic gift shop, the Little Shop of Driftwood. When old flame, Anna Conway, returns home and moves into the apartment above the shop, Stevie can only offer her ex-girlfriend the cold shoulder. Itâs been eight years since Anna broke things off and vowed to never return to Castell Bay, but with a new job as a city council member, her focus is protecting the home she loves from beach-combing tourists. How could she have known her first bylaw would result in destroying her exâs business? Despite the shared hostility, old feelings begin to resurface, and when Stevie fatherâs health takes a turn for the worse, their past becomes the present. Anna and Stevie must finally face the truth of their breakup and accept first loves can never dwindle, even after eight years. This charming, humorous small-town romance is a heartwarming beach read that explores the importance of second chances and found family. |
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A story told from two perspectives: Erik is a religious boy who begins to question his sexuality and beliefs after he is propositioned by a male classmate. Nicholas is an attractive, though somewhat self-absorbed, young man whose life is uprooted when his mother announces her bitter divorce from his father. When the two boys meet, things become increasingly complicated as they strike up a friendship, which quickly develops into something neither party can be certain of. |
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Eternal Huntress: Shadows of Otherside Book 5 by Whitney Hill The gods are ready to ride. As Arden Finch races to fulfill the prophecy that will enable her to stop the Wild Hunt, a new clue leads her down a desperate path. Her search for answers takes her somewhere no mortal should go: the godsâ plane, where more than one danger awaits. With treacherous gods on one side and rioting mundanes on the other, thereâs plenty to deal with already. But old enemies and new have plans that will test the fragile alliance, and this time itâs not just Arden in their sights. Itâs Troy and the Wild Hunt too. As her options narrow by the day and time runs out, Arden must make the ultimate choice about what sheâs willing to do to save the world. Don't miss the conclusion of the Shadows of Otherside series! |
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Ebon Rebellion: Shadows of Otherside Book 4 by Whitney Hill Power always has a price. Arden Finch has claimed her place in North Carolina's Otherside community, but not everyone is happy about it. The elves can't allow an elemental to rule as Arbiter and they'll stop at nothing to take Arden down. To make matters worse, an old flame is back in town with big ambitions and bigger demands. The mundane police departments are reviewing unusual cases in light of the Reveal, adding even more problems. And with the Darkwatch after her as well, Arden must make tough choices about whoâand whatâshe is now. Survival will have her pushing her powers and relationships to the brink, with the gods watching for any weakness ahead of the Wild Hunt. Success will carry a price Arden never reckoned on. |
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Kotov Syndrome by S. Morgan Burbank WriteHive Book Club SPSFC 2022 The 2021 Queer Indie Awards winner for Best Dystopian Novel Erika Edens is panicking. Behind on her bills and stuck in a crappy job, she's blindsided when ex-love-of-her-life Abby shows up needing a place to stay. This is the perfect situation for a second chance... ...except that Abby is a computer simulation in the body of an android. Battling the rising hostility of her world and the demons in her head, Erika struggles to come to terms with living in a country increasingly hostile to non-human entities. Can Erika adapt to life with her new roommate? Or will her troubles end any chance at reconciliation before it gets started? |
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On the Edge of Salt by Dixon Reuel On the Edge of Salt covers the early onslaught of the zombie apocalypse, when firebombs are first used to take out whole cities that are bruteâinfested. With a hidden home and smallholding shielded from the world, Rise is confident that his coven is safe behind the red brick walls of Owl Court. But as the night sky burns, a stranger with a terrible secret approaches his walls⊠|
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Boyfriends For Now by Imogen Markwell-Tweed Anthony Astorâs no nonsense attitude serves him well as CEO of his tech company, but it withers his love life. So when a miscommunication has his mother tearfully ecstatic about Anthony bringing someone home, he has no choice but to go along with the ruse. The solution comes in the form of the kind, clumsy intern, Ben McRobbie. Ben isnât sure the CEO is for real when he asks him to be his âfake boyfriend for Christmas,â especially after Ben spilled coffee all over him. Nevertheless, Ben is sure that the gorgeous Anthony is serious about giving him a full-time job if he can politely sit through a dinner with the Astors. But as Ben grows closer to his rich, handsome boss, he struggles to remain professional behind the scenes of their fake relationship. Imogen Markwell-Tweedâs Boyfriends for Now is a charming and endearing romance about embracing love, wherever you find it. |
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METANOIA The Fifth Yanai: Book One by Juniper Lake Fitzgerald The Fifth Yanai is a story of the value of free will, the triumph of love, and the fight to live life on one's own terms. Metanoia is the first installment. In a world ravaged by famine, kindhearted Cultist Ohkai lives in the wilderness serving his Gods, when he is sent from his Sect on a Calling of divine origin. He travels into the heart of a society that opposes the very existence of his kind. But what he expected to be a simple test of his devotion will bring him face to face with his greatest rival - a Temple assassin. When the life of a friend is in danger, Ohkai must risk not only discovery, but his life, to save his friend and fulfill his Calling. Velyr is a ruthless Temple assassin trained for one thing - to fulfill the will of the Gods. Sent to eliminate a target in the township of Obeaon, he encounters an unexpected obstacle in the form of a Cultist who claims to serve his same Gods - blasphemy on the lips of his enemy. When he nearly loses his life only to be saved by the embodiment of what he hates most, Velyr begins to question everything he's been taught to believe. An unlikely connection forms between cultist and assassin, and little do they know their meeting was fated, meant to be something more than they - or even their all-knowing Gods - could have ever foreseen. |
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Skellyâs Square by Stephen Black They want him to save the world. But, first, he must save himself. Kirkwood Scott is having a bad day. Languishing in a dead end job and recently dumped by his girlfriend he struggles with a crippling form of OCD which manifests itself in the form of Colonel Augustus Skelly, a phantom voice from Kirkwoodâs childhood who controls his every waking moment via a series of tortuous routines, âThe 49â. Kirkwood has little to look forward to, bar a weekend of drunken oblivion in Belfast with his equally deadbeat friends. All that changes when he meets Meredith Starc, a young homeless woman struggling to survive on the streets and come to terms with her own troubled past. Kirkwood realises Meredith may hold the answer to him finally being free of his mental demons. But what if Skelly is more than just a voice? Kirkwood and Meredith join forces to unearth a supernatural battle raging on the cityâs back streets between ancient forces of good or evil, the outcome of which will decide the fate of the planet. Between them, they hold the key to saving mankind from a new Dark Age but can they survive long enough to do so as Skelly unleashes a legion of vicious ghost soldiers upon the unsuspecting city? âThe Kirkwood Scott Chronicles: Skellyâs Squareâ is a fast paced and darkly humorous supernatural fantasy guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. |
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Helpless: A Short Story Collection by Tiffany Christina Lewis A Short Story Collection Women are powerful and can be rational thinkers under pressure. They can also be devious and vengeful. A woman is not just a ball of emotion. Women can fight, they can protect, and they can win. These eight stories of women kicking ass, standing tall, and refusing to be victims are Tiffanyâs opposition to the tropes of true crime. With stories from five genres including Paranormal, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Romance, and Crime Fiction, you are sure to find a story you love. Content warnings: https://tiffanychristinalewis.com/2021/02/25/helpless-warnings/ |
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Oil and Dust by Jami Fairleigh Politics, Money, Power, Religion, and Greed. These are the things we never again need. Artist Matthew Sugiyama can alter the physical world with his art. As the top student graduating from the prestigious Popham Abbey, Matthew Sugiyamaâs future is secure⊠until he bucks convention and begins a journey to find answers about his birth family. The trouble is, he doesnât know who or where they are. Determined to find answers, but without a clear destination, Matthew sets out on horseback across a post-technology world, guided only by random flashes of a vision or long-buried memory. Using his skills as an artist to barter for hospitality and supplies, Matthew soon learns his sheltered upbringing has left him wholly unprepared to face the obstacles on the road or his unexpected yearning to join the communities he encounters. When he uncovers a mysterious adversaryâs plan to harm the people heâs come to care for, Matthew must decide whatâs more important; the adopted family he has created, or his need for answers about his past. |
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Tamberlane Chapter 1: Lost Flowers by Caytlin Vilbrandt The animal citizens of Treehollow have discovered a small, strange creature wandering alone in the forest: a human child! And they have no idea what it is. Clearly much too young to be on her own, itâs anyoneâs guess how this mysterious being, named Tamberlane, ended up in their town of Treehollow. Fostered by Belfry, the accident-prone bat, and guided by a colorful cast of animal characters, Tamberlaneâs mysteries continue to unfold. But questions burn in everyoneâs minds: who, and what, is she? And could she have something to do with the far-off and unspeakable taboo, Abroad? |
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Twin Time by Olga Werby and Christopher Werby Alex and Sasha are twin sisters, physically identical down to their freckles. But the resemblance is only skin deepâSasha is profoundly autistic, while Alex is not. Sasha canât communicate and acts bizarrely, and the family revolves around her and her intense needs. Yet the aged, wealthy, and mysterious Aunt Nana seems to have a particular interest in both girls. Offering a helping hand, she encourages the family to move to San Francisco to be near her. And when the young twins discover a tunnel in Nanaâs tool shed, it leads them on a journey across the world and back 100 years in time. The tunnel is a pathway to the Firebird Estate, the home of their ancestors, located in rural Russia at the beginning of the twentieth century. Even more remarkable, through the effect that twisting time has on cognition, Sasha is not autistic when sheâs at the Firebird Estate. Now, growing up in two strikingly different times and places, the twins must face their separate destinies among the ravages of the incipient Russian Revolution. Can they save their families on both sides of the tunnel? Can they simultaneously stay true to their own hearts, to each other, and to the people they left behind? Each sister must face her own personal challengeâbut only together can they discover their own future within their familyâs past. |
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Humans are finally going to colonize another world, an exoplanet in Tau Ceti. Three people are specially selected, each sent in isolation on the long journey, accompanied only by the voice of Saia, a powerful Spaceflight AI Aide. Each partition of Saia interacts with one of the future colonists: Null, a neuroatypical who desires to leave humanity behind; Aliza, an immune-compromised biologist charged with keeping Earth flora alive on the long journey; and Rachel, an eleven-year-old genius. To keep its crew alive and sane for the twenty-four lonely years it would take them to reach their destination, Saia can play games, read books, and carry on conversations on almost any topic and in any language. But soon there are hints that either this AI is not completely stable, or it has received orders that run counter both to the mission and the safety of these isolated would-be colonists. "Good Girl" presents intriguing questions about consciousness and individual agency within the framework of a fascinating multiple-point of view narrative. Itâs a story about meanings and hidden context buried in words. As we teach our AIs to take on more and more difficult tasks, their learning algorithms become black boxes to us. What are they really learning? What are they thinking? |
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Coding Peter by Olga Werby and Christopher Werby Knowing that the world is a simulation doesnât diminish the will to live. Even when the body is made from ones and zeros, the soul doesnât feel any less real. In Coding Peter, the sequel to Suddenly, Paris, we learn more about the aliens who have altered the lives of the Vorov family. The URTs are a small band of scientistsâthe only survivors of a world simulation that no longer existsâwho seek only to settle down quietly and unobtrusively in a new home. But contact with humans has led to accidents, misunderstandings, and deaths. A hundred years later, only a few of the alien refugees survive. Now Julie Orlovâs brother, ten-year-old Peter, is asked to take on the soul of a dying alienâfor the good of his family, his alien ancestors, and the Earth itself. In doing so he will become moreâbut also, maybe lessâthan himself. Itâs a lot to ask of a young boy, especially when the exact consequences to Peter are unknown, even by the aliens themselves. What Peter decides will change the fate of two civilizationsâand maybe more⊠|
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Suddenly, Paris by Olga Werby and Christopher Werby Julie Vorov thought her job was to do well in high school and stay out of trouble. She also thought her biggest problem was betraying her best friend by hooking-up with a traitorous boyfriend. But in a world where being human is just a matter of programming, everything changes. Suddenly, Julie finds herself allied with a scrappy group of alien scientists whose own world has already been destroyed. Together, they mount a clandestine effort to stop the Earth from also being eradicated. And Julie discovers that sheâs the pivotal instabilityâthe tipping pointâin the plans of another group of aliens bent on invasion. As Julie battles to save everything she cares about, she uncovers secrets about her own origins that shatter the core of her beliefs. And she falls so deeply in love that the most extreme obstacles posed by loyalty, age, gender, species, and parents will have to be overcome. Your heart always recognizes the one you love. |
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Becoming Animals by Olga Werby Humans have always wanted to know what goes on inside the minds of other animals. But what if humans could become animals? Tobyâs father leads a team of neuroscientists directly connecting the brains of humans with those of animals. And Toby is a prodigy at throwing her mind into the animal subjects in his labâsheâs the best there is. But Toby suffers from cystic fibrosis and sheâs not likely to live into adulthood. Could a radical plan to embed her consciousness into an animal allow Toby to survive? And what does it mean to live without a human body? Can Toby and her father solve the problem of fully merging two beings before she takes her last breath? Will the government succeed in stopping their efforts before they are done? Itâs a race against death and into the minds of animals. |
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Invisible: Personal Essays on Representation in SF/F by Edited by Jim C. Hines 13 essays on the importance of representation in science fiction and fantasy, with an introduction by author Alex Dally MacFarlane. Proceeds from the sale of this collection go to support the Carl Brandon Society. |
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No one with half a brain would rob the jungleâs most notorious energy cartel. The vibrations of their power-producing stones are the only thing that calms the mer-snake Cacaoâs agonizing sensory condition thoughâand after being banished from his homeland swamps for similar thefts, heâs desperate. When his attempt fails stunningly, a chaotic escape leaves him chained to a cartel prisoner: a self-proclaimed hero with a hidden stash of power stones so large, Cacao would never need to steal again. Heâs determined to get his hands on it, even if it means guiding her home straight through the mist-laden and monster-filled swamp that exhaled him, with scheming poachers and a desperate cartel leader on their tail. But the selfish and the self-righteous can only flee together for so long before something snaps... Return to Our Bloody Pearl's steampunk-inspired world of merfolk in this fun, fast-paced adventure with a hate-to-love romance, a boat-load of sass, and even more heart. |
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The Stars May Rise and Fall by Estella Mirai Teru came to Tokyo with dreams of making it big in the glam-metal visual kei scene, but three years later, all he has to show for it is a head of hot pink hair and some skill with an eyeliner pencil. He may look the part, but he doesn't sound it, and tension among his bandmates has him worried about his future. When a mysterious business card offers help, he's willing to take it however it comes. Help comes in the form of Rei, a brilliant composer whose performing career was ended by an accident that left him scarred, injured, and in chronic pain. With Teru's voice and looks, and Rei's money and songwriting skills, both of their dreams seem about to come true - but a forbidden kiss and a late-night confession threaten to tear it all apart. Now Teru, who has spent most of his life denying his attraction to men, and Rei, who vowed long ago never to love again, must reconcile their feelings with their careers - and with their carefully constructed ideas of themselves. THE STARS MAY RISE AND FALL is an M/M retelling of The Phantom of the Opera, set in Tokyo at the turn of the millennium. It comes with a healthy dose of angst and a dollop of nostalgia, as well as an age-difference romance, a physically disabled love interest, and memorable characters who will stay with you long after the pages are closed. "...the way the complicated characters cope with believable pain provides a window into a fascinating subculture." -- Publishers Weekly "A tender, beautifully complex love story about self-acceptance and self-forgiveness, about making peace with the past and embracing the future. With a couple you'll root for and a vibrant soundtrack you can almost hear, this Phantom-inspired romance captures music's power to heal old wounds and weave two very different souls together in perfect harmony." -- J.C. Lillis, author of How to Repair a Mechanical Heart and A&B "If youâre looking for an intense, intelligent and inventive LGBTQ love story, there isnât a more perfect book on the market right now." -- K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite |
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Say My Name by Lune We were barely adults and only two years into our marriage when we took him as a lover. That sun-bleached surfer that I barely tolerated and you adored. How long did we spend together? A year? Not even. Our world together was only briefly permitted. Yet the nights and days the three of us shared seem a thousand times clearer upon reflection than any other memory from that time. Now I find myself asking, why? What may seem like a question easily answered, never is. There was nothing simple about our relationship with our lover, but he was not our demise, nor the highlight of our marriage. He was just a fragment of a greater broken mirror. So, why then, do I see him reflected in so many shards of us? Written in narrative poetry, Say My Name is a breathtaking true story of polyamorous love, marriage, and abuse. |
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The hardest thing a rebel can do isnât standing up for something â itâs standing up for himself. Life takes delight in stabbing Gus Scott in the back when he least expects it. After years of running from his past, present and the dismal future every social worker predicted for him, Karma delivers the one thing Gus could neverâwould neverâturn his back on; a son from a one-night stand heâd had after a devastating break-up three years ago. Returning to San Francisco and to 415 Ink, his familyâs tattoo shop, gave him the perfect shelter to battle his personal demons and get himself together⊠until the firefighter whoâd broken him walked back into Gusâs life. For Rey Montenegro, tattoo artist Gus Scott was an elusive brass ring, a glittering prize he hadnât the strength or flexibility to hold onto. Severing his relationship with the mercurial tattoo artist hurt but Gus hadnât wanted the kind of domestic life Rey craved, leaving Rey with an aching chasm in his soul. When Gusâs life and world starts to unravel, Rey helps him pick up the pieces, and Gus wonders if that forever Rey wants is more than just a dream. |
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Coyote Songs by Gabino Iglesias In Gabino Iglesiasâ second novel, ghosts and old gods guide the hands of those caught up in a violent struggle to save the soul of the American southwest. A man tasked with shuttling children over the border believes the Virgin Mary is guiding him towards final justice. A woman offers colonizer blood to the Mother of Chaos. A boy joins corpse destroyers to seek vengeance for the death of his father.These stories intertwine with those of a vengeful spirit and a hungry creature to paint a timely, compelling, pulpy portrait of revenge, family, and hope. |
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Descendants of Time and Death by Winnifred Tataw It has been a year since the Reign of Ryton, the Demon King, came to an end. Leaving Rodrick to face the burden of the tyranny he left behind. Yet this time he is not alone. After foreseeing massive deaths on the horizon, Lady Death seeks out the twenty-year-old princeâs aid in stopping what seems like an unavoidable war. With the help of his older brother Rayden as his companion, the princess Arcelia, and Queen Riva for support, Roderick agrees to take on the monumental task. But the Diar Brothers are in for a wild ride of intrigue and betrayal when they meet a tyrant and a terrorist both fighting for control of a country that had already suffered under their father's reign. Secrets are revealed, promises broken, and trust is questioned. Rayden and Rodrick are going to have to race against time if they want to stop the war. Their journey will test every limit of their relationship and everything they've ever known. |
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In this vibrantly-illustrated graphic novel, a mute warrior named Thrud and her companion, Kvasir (a sentient puddle of god-spit she carries around in a flask), explore a post-Ragnarok Norse world. The stories, told through a series of short vignettes, are delightful twists on familiar stories from Norse mythology. Encountering gods, sea giants, viking hordes, magical artifacts, and more, Thrud never backs down from a brawl! |
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The Wildflowers at the Edge of the World by Shaylin Gandhi Yukon Territories, 1898. When circus sharpshooter Sophia Bellerose flees from heartbreak in search of a new life, she doesnât intend to find work in a Yukon brothel. But she's not the sort of woman to refuse that kind of cashâor the freedom that comes with it. â For Sophia, the remote wilds of Canadaâs Far North provide the perfect setting to bury old heartbreaks. Up there, memories are short, days are long, and gold dust flows freely for any woman bold enough to make the trip. Even better? She gets to keep her guns. Yet when the warmth of her newfound sisterhood begins to thaw her icy heart, Sophia wonders if sheâs stumbled across the perfect lifeâuntil she clashes with the local Reverend, whose angel face hides a dangerously devious mind. Not only is he conning the whole town, heâs after both the brothel and her, though she can't tell whether his interest is genuine or just another clever ploy to gain control of her earnings. Determined to preserve her newfound freedomâand ignore the Reverendâs devastating kissing in the processâSophia unholsters her revolvers and takes aim, ready to do whatever it takes to keep her new life in one piece. |
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A Jinn's Wish: Hidden Wishes Book 3 by Tao Wong Sometimes your greatest Wish becomes your greatest challenge. Henry Tsien made a wish to gain magic in a mundane world. Now heâs a mage living in a supernatural and dangerous world. When news that he holds a powerful wishing ring reaches the wrong ears, the danger grows imminent. Even the strongest of allies may fall as his enemies take action. Henry will have to run for his life, Leveling up and becoming more powerful as he tries to hide from his many enemies. All the while, Henry holds one last trump card. But wielding it might see the end of everything he and the world knows. A Jinn's Wish is the final book in the Hidden Wishes trilogy, a Gamelit / LitRPG urban fantasy novel that combines gaming concepts with popular fantasy tropes. It features a hidden supernatural world, magical leveling up, Knight Templars, kickass women, and shadowy supernatural organizations. No romance, no harems but pure magic and adventure. |
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A Squire's Wish: Hidden Wishes Book 2 by Tao Wong When a squire on a mission becomes allies with a beginning mage, are wishes enough to keep the world safe? After Henry Tsien wished for magic and the knowledge that comes with it, his world became dangerous. Finding an unlikely ally in Alexa Dumough, the Knight Templar Initiate is not the strangest thing to happen to Henry but it could be just as dangerous. As their partnership becomes friendship, Alexa teaches Henry how to survive in the supernatural world. But soon, Alexa is forced to choose between her friendship with Henry and her loyalty to the Order. Her test to become a Squire plunges them both into a trial by fire, putting their lives and magic to the test. A Squireâs Wish is book 2 of the Hidden Wishes trilogy, an urban fantasy GameLit series. It features a hidden supernatural world, friendship, magical leveling up, Knight Templars, kickass women, and shadowy supernatural organisations. No romance, no harems but pure magic and adventure. |
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Briefly Buddies by Chase Connor Being a gay teen can be difficult, but for Dustin Blanchard, itâs been pretty boring, actually. In less than twenty-four hours heâs going to graduate from high school. His parents and friends have always given him their full support and unconditional love. Heâs always had plenty of friends in school, heâs attractive, always gotten good grades, and heâs headed into a new chapter of lifeâuniversity after his last summer of working at a local ice cream joint. His life has beenâŠblessed. Thereâs just one thing. Heâs never had a boyfriend. Never gotten laid. Never even been kissed. Well, not like that, anyway. So, life has been good, but itâs been boring. When he came out, Dustin imagined his own rom-com, teenage, coming-of-age scenario playing out, finding a boyfriend in high school, and being crowned dual Kings of the Prom. Nothing ever works out the way he imagines, though, and heâs getting pretty tired of it. On the night of his graduation, Dustin and his friend, Miguel, come up with a plan while sharing a few beers swiped from the neighborhood barbecue. If you canât get laid through skill and swagger of your own, you can always turn to a professional. All you need is the internet and a device. So, buzzed from the beers, Dustin logs onto Briefly Buddies to find the perfect guy to help him achieve his first real gay experience. And thatâs where everything really started to go wrong⊠|
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The Forest's Silence: Adventures on Brad Book 6 by Tao Wong In a magical forest, danger awaits the team. Having escaped the Dungeon, Daniel and his new party members have just begun to relax before a new challenge awaits them. Tula, their Ranger, takes on an expedition quest into the wild's, dragging Daniel and his city-dwelling friends into a new environment. Together, they'll have to face unknown, new dangers, monstrous aerial creatures and learn about the greater dangers on Brad. The Forest's Silence is book 6 of the Adventures on Brad, a young adult LitRPG / GameLit fantasy series. A slice-of-life adventure of everyday heroes attempting to make their living as Adventurers in a fantasy world inspired by your favorite isekai and Japanese light novels. |
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The Adventurers Bond: Adventures on Brad Book 5 by Tao Wong A new Dungeon. New friends. And more danger than ever. Daniel Chai's tight-knit adventuring party has now grown with the addition of two new members. The silent Ranger and the maverick Enchanter make for new, interesting dynamics - at a time when the team must face their greatest challenge yet. As one of two teams to enter the newly re-opened Dungeon, the pressure to perform and clear the Dungeon floors have increased. The Adventurers Bond is book 5 of the Adventures on Brad, a LitRPG young adult LitRPG fantasy series. This book includes a healer, a Catkin, a terse Ranger, a loud barbarian, monsters, dungeons and stat screens. |
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The Arena's Call: Adventures on Brad Book 4 by Tao Wong To Quest, To Win, To Progress. The Arena Awaits. As Advanced Adventurers, Daniel and his friends journey to Silverholt to attempt larger and more dangerous Dungeons. But just because they've graduated from Beginner Dungeons doesn't mean they'll get any more respect from the experienced Adventurers that make up their new city. They'll have to train, struggle and take part in an arena battle to win a chance to enter the new Dungeon and to gain some respect. The Adventures of Brad series is a traditional fantasy story with LitRPG elements and features a Catkin, a Healer and an enthusiastic barbarian. |
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A Dungeon's Soul: Adventures on Brad Book 3 by Tao Wong When the Dungeon changes, a race to the finish begins. The Karlak Dungeon has re-opened with a brand new configuration. A whole new Dungeon awaits Daniel and Asin. Joined by Omrak, the party races to be the first to complete the Dungeon but must face new monsters, new traps and new floor layouts. Will the Adventurers complete the new Dungeon in time? A Dungeon's Soul is traditional fantasy story with LitRPG elements written in the Japanese light novel format of short, slice-of-life features. |
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An Adventurer's Heart: Adventures on Brad Book 2 by Tao Wong Not all adventures happen in Dungeons. Having returned from their time with the Army, Daniel and Asin must now complete the Dungeon in Karlak. To do so though, they will need to get better gear,more Skills and higher Levels. Taking a quest, the pair must leave Karlak to travel across the Kingdom of Brad and learn a few life-lessons along the way. The Adventures of Brad series is a traditional fantasy story with LitRPG elements. |
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Cradle of Sea and Soil by Bernie AnĂ©s Paz The Primordial Wound has festered with corruption since the birth of the world. The island tribes have warred against its spawn for just as longâand they are losing. Burdened by the same spiritual affliction that drove the first Halfborn insane, ColibrĂ lives in exile with little more than her warrior oaths and her son. But when ColibrĂ discovers corrupted land hidden away by sorcery, those same oaths drive her to find answers in an effort to protect the very people who fear her. Narune dreams of earning enough glory to show that he and his mother ColibrĂ are nothing like the Halfborn that came before them. Becoming a mystic will give him the strength he needs, but first, Narune will need to prove himself worthy in a trial of skill and honor. Together, ColibrĂ and Narune must learn to become the champions their people needâand face the curse threatening to scour away their spirits with fury. |
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Chase: The Boy Who Hid by Z Jeffries Don't run from your feelings. Run from the killer robot hunting you. Chase refuses to believe Grandad is dead. When he skips the old manâs funeral, he finds shape shifting tech, Grandadâs invention and the first hint of a secret life. Then his old teammates show up at Chaseâs, recruiting him to pilot the tech. Trusting these strangers, risking his life piloting this bleeding edge technology is the only way to find out if Grandad is still alive. It all leads to the Military Camouflage Challenge, a clash of billion-dollar armor prototypes against clones and drones, and a classified game of hide-and-seek. Thatâs why the team wants to train Chase. Itâs also the last place anyone saw Grandad. If heâs going to learn the truth, Chase must train, qualify, and survive the deadly game. Given the chance, heâll do anything to reunite his family, including double-crossing his new teammates...or even risk disappearing himself. Chase: The Boy Who Hid is the action-packed first book of the Hide & Seek Chronicles, the teen Sci-Fi adventure series. If you like fast-paced sci-fi, lqbtq representation, and adventure stories for all ages, you have to follow Chase: The Boy Who Hid today! |
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Broken Council: System Apocalypse Book 10 by Tao Wong All actions have consequences John Lee has come far from his time as a struggling survivor of the System Apocalypse. But now, his actions have gone too far and he has drawn the ire of the Galactic Council. Not only himself and his friends, but Earth itself, are faced with the displeasure of the Council. With the whole galaxy turned against them, John will have to scramble for allies and make Faustian deals to save Earth. But against the might of multiple empires, will it be enough? As the fate of Earth teeters on the balance, John may finally have to make a choice and break not just the Council, but his very honor itself. Broken Council is book 10 of the bestselling post-apocalyptic, space opera LitRPG series, The System Apocalypse. |
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Stars Asunder: System Apocalypse Book 9 by Tao Wong To gain his Master Class, John Lee made a deal with the Erethran Empire. Now, the Empire has come to collect on the debt, forcing him to appear in their capital after his last fight. Thrown into Galactic politics of a militarised, System-based society; John will have to weigh consequences of the decisions he's been asked to make and confront the warped reality of a System-created empire. When politics, self-interest and a human's stubbornness collide, the very stars are threatened. Stars Asunder is book 9 of the System Apocalypse, the bestselling LitRPG fantasy and space opera series. |
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Rebel Star: System Apocalypse Book 8 by Tao Wong Questions and answers abound in the Rebel Star Weary and tired from playing Galactic bounty hunter and assassin, John and his crew of intrepid human survivors find themselves in Spaks after their latest escapade bring more heat than ever. In the outcast station of rebels and pirates, John is caught up in Galactic politics once again. As trouble approaches on the hyperdrive engines of his many enemies, John finds answers to the System Quest and even more questions in the Rebel Station. Rebel Star is Book 8 of the System Apocalypse, a LitRPG Apocalypse series that combines modern day life, science fiction and fantasy elements along with game mechanics. |
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Stars Awoken: System Apocalypse Book 7 by Tao Wong John Lee has left Earth behind him as he travels to the capital of the Galactic Council. Seeking rest and an answer to what the enigmatic System is, John plans to spend his time reading and researching on Irvina. But fate has other plans for the human Paladin. Faced with a new quest and a Galactic Society that is as unfair to its citizens as it was to Earth, John must decide if his desire for a quieter life outweighs his conscience. Stars Awoken is Book 7 of the System Apocalypse, a LitRPG post-apocalyptic series that combines modern day life, science fiction and fantasy elements along with game mechanics. |
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World Unbound: System Apocalypse Book 6 by Tao Wong Four years ago, the Erethran Honor Guard arrived and threw John Lee into a Portal to another world. Since then, Earth has received no word of the intrepid adventurer. Until now. Finding his way back to Earth through a Portal, John returns to a very changed world. The shackles of Galactic control have bound Earth and humanity ever tighter to the System. Now, John has to find a way to free Earth from Galactic control while battling stronger, more powerful enemies. And worst of all, he will need to indulge in politics. Good thing he's got a new Class and new allies. World's Unbound is book six of the System Apocalypse, a LitRPG / GameLit series of post-apocalypse troubles, scifi & fantasy elements, all in a world filled with game mechanics. This series contains elements of games like level ups, experience, enchanted materials, a sarcastic spirit, mecha, a beguiling dark elf, monsters, minotaurs, a fiery red head and a semi-realistic view on violence and its effects. Does not include harems. |
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Coast on Fire: System Apocalypse Book 5 by Tao Wong The Flames of Freedom Consume All, Serf & Owners Alike Reluctant ruler of the settlements in British Columbia, John and his friends are the spearhead of the human forces on the West Coast of North America. However, his enemies have taken notice of the burgeoning power and bring in external help to cut him and his allies off before they grow in power. When politics and innocent lives are in play, John finds that honour is an impediment to victory. He'll need to navigate the treacherous waters of Galactic politics and human interests, all while doing his best to hold to his values and not sacrificing more of his friends. Coast on Fire is book 5 of the bestselling System Apocalypse line of books, a LitRPG apocalyptic series that details a world thrown into confusion by the addition of a game-like system and the monsters that come with it. As reality bends and aliens walk the earth, heroes must arise. |