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The First Stop: A Thousand Li Book 2 by Tao Wong Who knew immortal cultivation came with so many decisions? As an inner sect member in the Verdant Green Waters, Long Wu Ying must navigate the customs of the cultivators and choose his secondary occupation. From immortal alchemists, blacksmiths, physicians, martial specialists and more, Wu Ying must find an occupation that defines and contributes to his dao. Outside, the drums of war continue to beat and the Sect is about to be pulled deeper into the battle for supremacy between states. The Sect Elders will take Wu Ying and his friends on a desperate gamble to prepare for the upcoming war, putting to test everything that Wu Ying has learnt. As Wu Ying stops and takes account of himself and the Sect, he will need to accept his place in this new martial world, put aside his past and strive for the future. The First Stop is the second novel in A Thousand Li series, a book on cultivation, immortals, wondrous martial art styles and spirit beasts. This series will be loved by wuxia and xanxia fans and those looking for a more westernised cultivation story. |
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A Fire That Whispers (Voice that Thunders #3) by Cully Mack War has begun, and the destined Voice of Thunder foretold to save the world is nowhere in sight. Mirah is an elemental wielder whose extraordinary magic has proved too powerful for the Immortal Watchers to ignore. Captured, they demand she destroys their portals. If she yields, it will trap her friends in the immortal realm forever. As shocking discoveries unfold, it forces Mirah further under her enemiesâ control. Flames once thought dead arise and test the bonds of love and sacrifice. But not everyone once trusted is pure; not everyone once despised is vile⊠and Mirah must unravel the lies. One truth she knows: The Shadow Beast lurks beyond the portals. The Immortals dread its arrival, but is the Beast more of a danger to them or to herself? A Fire That Whispers is the third novel in the Voice that Thunders epic fantasy series wherein hope hides in the darkest of places and honour-bound promises seal your fate. |
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Another Day, Another Plot: Eternal Night Book 2 by Tao Wong Itâs a long way down from the top. In the world of Eternal Night, Johnathan Masters is at the top of his game. Heâs worked hard to build up his influence, trading favours and playing politics. But when a Blood from another city arrives on the scene and attempts to cut into his business by increasing his own status, Johnathan is forced to defend his turf. Maybe heâll play nice. But then again, sometimes a bit of tough love sends the right message. Another Day, Another Plot is the second work in Eternal Night, A Vampire LitRPG Short Story series, written by Tao Wong, author of the bestselling System Apocalypse and A Thousand Li series of books. |
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A Scream That Shatters (Voice that Thunders #2) by Cully Mack Mirah has risen from the ashes of her slaughtered clan to become the greatest Elemental Wielder the immortals have ever known. But the immortals craving her power are nothing compared to another darkness rising. Mirah calls it the Shadow â a defiling beast trapped in the other realm who bound her to itself. Her brother Gabe may be the Voice of Thunder destined to lead the war, but Mirah knows the Shadow is creeping closer and its reach is too powerful. She has seen the devastating lengths to which it will go, and it shattered her heart. Mirah faces a profound choice: stay and fight for humanityâs freedom, and risk the Shadowâs wrath, or flee to protect the brother she loves. A Scream That Shatters is the second novel in the Voice that Thunders epic fantasy series filled with explosive revelations and betrayals where romances bloom and others are severed. |
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The Committee Wars by Gerald Hoover In a World Where (I said that in that Hollywood announcer voice, you know the one) the United States no longer exists three new nations arose from the ashes. The east coast is ruled by the Green Committee where every thought, inkling, and urge is monitored and controlled in an effort to force one to worship Mother Nature. The West Coast is ruled by the iron fists of the Peace Committee social justice warriors, where every victim-class can obtain retribution. And stuck in-between, the Smith Committee, where people just want to be left alone to live their lives as they see fit. Our hero, Simon, was born and raised in the Green Committee and is upon the cusp of his thirteenth birthday, the age when the frivolities of youth are no longer overlooked. He craves freedom and is about to be sent to a work camp for his divergent beliefs when The Smith Committee offers him asylum. Simon embarks upon roller-coaster of an adventure, where his understanding of the world is blown wide open. He must confront the terrifying, the unknown, and conquer his doubts. By following the guidance he found in his Grandfatherâs hidden journal, Simon will be transformed from Green Committee reject into Smith Committee hero -- if he survives. |
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John Green meets Laurie Halse Anderson in this award-winning, "haunting," and "incredibly real" book that "holds you there until the very last sentence". 16-year-old Wes McCoy is not the favorite child. He does not have a wrestling scholarship to Stanford nor does he live up to the family legacy as an athlete, unlike his brother, Jason. But when Jason dies in a car accident on the way to the state high school wrestling championship, Wes turns to food to give him the control over his life he didnât have before-- the kind of success he never tasted. Wes must take back control from his eating disorder as he learns more about himself and the mystery surrounding Jasonâs accident, before he loses his life and those closest to him. |
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Zeroth Law (Digitesque #1) by Guerric HachĂ© Autonomous machines polish the bones of a civilization slowly being swallowed by wilderness. Creatures not born of Earth inhabit the remote corners of the world. Humans live with legacies they donât understand - old ruins, strange technological artifacts, incredible powers in their blood. There are other worlds alongside this one, and death is not what it once was. Isavel is ripped from a simple life into the heat of a conflict she doesnât understand, and saddled with powers and expectations she doesnât know how to handle. Lost in a storm, she hopes that by following the will of her gods, she might find purpose - and ultimately, peace. Ada took her own peaceful life and threw it out the window. Outcast for heresy against the scholarly dogma of her people, she decides the world needs to change, and she thinks sheâs the one to do it. To her surprise, she happens to be living at a time of more wondrous and terrible change than she can imagine. These two young women must navigate a world that is is barely holding together, each only slowly becoming aware of the otherâs existence and power. Each of them will have the chance to light a fire to change the world - but first, they must become the people they will need to be. |
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Sacrifice (The Gods of Trivium, Book 1) by Vicky Walklate Dragon gods rule the realm, demons lurk in the shadows and a sorcerer hides a dangerous secret. A war is brewing in Jothesia, and the gods have no idea. Being selected as human sacrifice to the immortal dragon shifters is supposedly an honor, but rebellious Libby doesnât see it that way. When the sacrificial ritual goes badly wrong, she finds herself in a reluctant alliance with eldest god Rhetahn. Heâs grumpy, cynical and utterly exasperating âŠand she canât get him out of her head. Rhetahn knows thereâs something wrong with this sacrifice, and itâs not just her infuriating stubbornness or the way she makes his jaded heart skip a beat. When misfortune befalls his brothers and renders him powerless, his only choice is to unite with Libby to seek answers. Setting out on a dangerous quest across the realm, the compelling attraction between them is undeniable, yet doomed. To recover his magic, regain his strength and prevent the demons from seizing power, Rhetahn needs her blood. He must kill her at the end of their journey, even if it breaks his heart to do so. But a terrible power lies hidden in Jothesia, one that could destroy everything the gods have built. Libby and Rhetahnâs forbidden relationship may be the realmâs only hope against utter ruin. |
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All Things Huge And Hideous by G. Scott Huggins "Hilarious! Veterinary horror like Terry Pratchett would write!" -- D.J. Butler, author of WITCHY EYE "A rollicking adventure that hits all the right notes." --Christopher Ruocchio, Award-Winning Author of The Sun Eater Series Everyone says it was better in the Good Old Days. Before the Dark Lord subjugated us. Before he gave all the good land to his ogres, orcs and trolls, reducing the civilized races to serfdom and the dirty work: pig farming, sewer cleaning, veterinary medicine. But even before that happened, things weren't that much different for the veterinarians. Everyone cheered the heroes who rode their unicorn chargers into combat against the Dark Lord's dragons, but no one ever remembered who treated the unicornsâ phosphine burns afterward. The only real difference is that now I'm treating the dragons. Today I have to save one's life. Know what fewmets are? No? Then make a sacrifice of thanks right now to whatever gods you worship, because I have only a few hours to figure a way to get them flowing back out of the Dark Lordâs favorite dragon. Yeah, from the other end. And thatâs just my most illustrious client. Iâve got orcs and trolls who might eat me and dark elf barons who might sue me if their bloodhawks and chimeras donât pull through. And that doesnât even consider the possibility that the old hag with the basilisk might show up. The only thing thatâs gone right this evening is finding Harriet to be my veterinary assistant. Sheâs almost a witch, which just might save us both. If we donât kill each other first. |
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First Steps into the Night: Eternal Night Book 1 by Tao Wong Step Carefully For The Night Is Dark Kylie Porter needs a break. Novacore VR's Eternal Night is it - the VR vampire game that her editor wants her to write about. But she's not a gamer, so she's going to have to learn to fake it for her article. With a little help. Johnathan Masters is that help. An old friend who is doing her a favour, he's a lot more confident and good looking in the game, even if they've both touched themselves up. But she's a professional and this is just a game. None of it's really real? Is it? First Steps into the Night is a Vampire LitRPG Short Story (approximately 10k long) written by Tao Wong, the author of the System Apocalypse, Hidden Wishes and A Thousand Li series. It is not a fade-to-black story, set in a VR vampire MMORPG. |
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The Technopath: A Powers, Masks and Capes Universe Novelette by Tao Wong Breaking News: Confessions of the Supervillain Mask the Technopath! In an exclusive scoop, the Daily Messenger has acquired the transcript of the infamous Technopathâs interview with the Power Defense Authority upon her initial capture after the August 19th terrorist incident in downtown Mayson. Among the shocking revelations in the transcript is allusions to the PDA knowing of her villainous sire, on-going abuse of the children of Masks and accusations of terrorism and collusion against Mordant Technologies. For full details, just subscribe to the Daily Messenger within! |
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Always Beside You by Damir Salkovic Help her open the door. It wants to come through⊠First, the dream. Now this message from the mouth of a stranger. It was too much of a coincidence for Nate Carver, and has him dropping everything to help a woman he hasn't even thought about in eight years, not since the overdose that almost took Cathy Deveraux's life. The prison escape of Thomas Elbert stirs up memories for Detective Alec Palmer, and the man's death raises questions. Why would a catatonic convicted killer suddenly wake up and escape, only to commit suicide days later? Or was it murder? And what connection did he have to Nate Carver, a man on the run with a daughter he never knew he had? All roads lead to Boston, where, in their search for answers, they will be drawn into the dark world of the occult and mysticism. Of parallel worlds and alternate realities. Of doors that open onto other times and other worlds. Of dreams that wonât be denied. By the time they realize they are merely pawns in a much bigger game, a game where the fate of the world is at stake, will it be too late? |
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A Gamer's Wish: Hidden Wishes Book 1 by Tao Wong A Magic Ring, an unsuspecting mundane and a hidden world. What could go wrong? Henry Tsien has been living the quiet life of a mundane mortal until he stumbles upon a magical ring. Within, an ancient jinn resides, willing to grant him his deepest desires. Faced with gaining his greatest desires, Henry wishes for magic. Granted magic and magical knowledge in increments, Henry stumbles into a world of adventure and a hidden magical world that is more banal and wondrous than he could ever imagine. A Gamerâs Wish is book 1 of the GameLit fantasy trilogy Hidden Wishes. With game-like elements, incredible magic, a beautiful game-addicted Jinn as a companion, and shadowy supernatural organizations, this story is the adventure youâve been waiting for. No romance or harems involved. |
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A Healer's Gift: Adventures on Brad Book 1 by Tao Wong A Gifted Healer. A Dungeon Town. A Fate Yet to be Determined. Daniel was Gifted by the gods at birth, able to heal with a touch even the most grievous wounds. Born in a mining camp, he's unable to still his restless heart and journeys to a nearby Dungeon town to take his first steps as an Adventurer. Follow his journey in a world filled with monsters, dungeons and a leveling system. A Healer's Gift is a traditional fantasy story with LitRPG elements inspired by popular light novels like Dan Machi, Konosuba and Grimgar. The Adventures on Brad is a series of short novels set in a fantasy world and details the day-to-day life of Daniel and his friends as he learns what it means to be an Adventurer. |
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Life in the North: System Apocalypse Book 1 by Tao Wong What happens when the apocalypse arrives, not via nuclear weapons or a comet but as Levels and monsters? What if you were camping in the Yukon when the world ended? All John wanted to do was get away from his life in Kluane National Park for a weekend. Hike, camp and chill. Instead, the world comes to an end in a series of blue boxes. Animals start evolving, monsters start spawning and he has a character sheet and physics defying skills. Now, he has to survive the apocalypse, get back to civilisation and not lose his mind. The System has arrived and with it, aliens, monsters and a reality that draws upon past legends and game-like reality. John will need to find new friends, deal with his ex and the slavering monsters that keep popping up. Life in the North is Book 1 of the System Apocalypse, a LitRPG Apocalypse series that combines modern day life, science fiction and fantasy elements along 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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The First Step: A Thousand Li Book 1 by Tao Wong Long Wu Ying never expected to join a Sect or become a real cultivator. His days were spent studying, planting rice on the family farm and spending time with his friends. Fate, however, has different plans for Wu Ying and when the army arrives at his village, he and many other members of the village are conscripted. Given the opportunity to join the Verdant Green Waters Sect, Wu Ying must decide between his pedestrian, common life and the exciting, blood soaked life of a cultivator. Join Wu Ying as he takes his first step on his Thousand Li journey to become an immortal cultivator. The First Step is the first novel in A Thousand Li series, a book on cultivation, immortals, wondrous martial art styles and spirit beasts and will be loved by wuxia and xanxia fans. The First Step is written by Tao Wong, the bestselling scifi and fantasy LitRPG author of the System Apocalypse, Adventures on Brad and the Hidden Wishes. |
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The Cary Grant Sanatorium and Playhouse by Will Tinkham THE CARY GRANT SANATORIUM AND PLAYHOUSE is a screwball drama involving disgraced Hollywood starlet, Donna Darling, and two-time German Army deserter, SĂ©amus von Funck. They meet in 1942 at an idyllic Ohio home for unwed mothersâor a Nazi abortion slaughterhouse, depending on whom you talk to. Their love endures despite the efforts of a power-hungry congressman, an overzealous religious tabloid, and Donna's Hollywood pastâyes, including Cary Grant. They prevail despite SĂ©amus being a suspected Nazi spy and America's first prisoner of the second World Warâand also the first to escape. Donna returns to her chosen profession, nursing, and SĂ©amus completes his medical training under an alias while still on the lam. Despite their early struggles, the couple raises three fine children: Frederick Douglass von Funck, Clara Barton von Funck and Walt Whitman von Funck. The family thrives until their bi-racial, eldest child runs smack into the civil rights turmoil of the 1960s. |
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Split Paths (Fall of Emros 2) by Thomas J Devens Paths split, sometimes to merge once more. Sometimes only to stray ever further. Friends and comrades are made, lost, and sometimes, against all odds, found again. None can predict the turns oneâs life may take. None can predict the losses to come. One can only hope. A killer seeks his path to freedom. A path away from the blood that has haunted his life. A young warrior, journeys to a new world in search of glory, only to find himself forgotten. A sellsword searches for an easy job. The mercenaries of the Stone and Shield have suffered great losses, their numbers decimated, many comrades lost. The bulk of the surviving mercenaries return to their home in Frostmoor on the edge of the Norwaldian Wilderness. Eager to begin a period of rest while they winter in. Others survive, scattered across the world. Whether arriving on the distant western shores, far from the reaches of the Emrosian Empire, or in the capital of the troubled kingdom of Talres. For some of the surviving mercenaries, there will be anything but a time of rest. |
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In the conservative East Texas town of Black Creek, youâre either old money or you work for them. Redmond Cole is the latter. The long hours he spends fixing fancy cars in the local garage are barely enough to support himself, let alone his sixteen-year-old half-sister, Katie. All he wants is a better life for the both of them, one thatâs easy and real, but he has a secret. One that could blow up the meager existence heâs worked so hard to maintain.Red is gay.He doesnât want to lie, especially to Katie, but Black Creek isnât the most hospitable environment for those who are different. His secrets keep them safe. Heâs all but resigned to a life in the closet when heâs propositioned by the dashing, wealthy Victor Itachi. What follows is a secret and intense sexual relationship that challenges everything Red believes about himself. When an unlikely friendship with the only out gay man in town opens Redâs eyes to new possibilities, he must make a choice: submit fully to the relative safety of Victorâs control or risk it all for a chance at real love. |
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Wounded Martyr by Courtney Maguire Ice is an asshole, but heâs working on it. Heâs two years sober, no small feat when you front a heavy metal band facing waning popularity and dismal ticket sales. But the pieces of a life torn apart by alcoholism are finally coming back together. His band, Wounded Martyr, has written a great album with the potential to launch them back into relevancy. And Ricky, probably the biggest, most important piece, has finally forgiven him for the wreck he made of their relationship. Thereâs only one problem. Ashton. It was to be expected. As his best friend and bandmate for almost twenty years, itâs only natural they should find each other in the loneliness of the road. Ricky knows about their one night together, but he doesnât know that Ice canât stop thinking about it, about his long body and whiskey-flavored lips, and the guilt of it has him on the brink of backslide. Now that Wounded Martyr is poised for a long tour, Ice must find a way to resist temptation or risk blowing their last chance and destroying his relationship with the two most important men in his life. |
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The Gottingen Accident by James Mordechai What if three famous scientists with superhero powers do team up to fight a villain that wants to subvert the very fabric of the Universe by using non-Euclidean geometry? What if the Germans won the Great War and the 1917 Bolshevik revolution never took place? Time is not always a straight line and sometimes it can expand and contract. Then, Charles Darwin could change the evolutionary destiny of any living being and be coeval with Marie Curie that in turn could see through walls thanks to her X-Ray vision. A terrible accident, the Gottingen Accident, made them all. It made them like this. Superhumans. Or maybe just monsters. |
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The Y Front Chronicles by Alan Scott The Y Front Chronicles' is set in the year of our Lord 3256, and is the diary of a trained soldier on the run from the authorities The diary details his nine month stay on board a Starship, his thoughts on his past, present and future, his lovers, his hamster, daytime TV, the adult film industry, and his constant search for a pair of comfortable underwear. Read his diary if you dare. |
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Tales of Salvation and Damnation by Alan Scott Writing Style: Dialogue and Character driven Book Type: Dark Fantasy You may like, if you enjoy the following authors: by Anne Bishop, David Gemmell, and Joe Abercrombie âTales of Salvation and Damnationâ is the seventh book in dark fantasy series âThe Storm Seriesâ, and is a book of short stories set within the land of Talocants For me, one of the strengths of âThe Storm Seriesâ is that it constantly changes and evolves, and the stories within âTales of Salvation and Damnationâ continue that fine tradition. As always, Iâve tried to make the stories full accessible for new readers, whilst giving long term readers answers to some of their questions. |
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Fear and Fury by Jamie Jackson Meet Megaera, Meg for short. Sheâs like Deadpool, except for funner. For a girl with the power of fear the recruitment attempts from both sides are never-ending. A self-described not-a-hero, villain-leaning humanoid, Meg just wants to live her life, work her dead-end job and have everyone else (especially the heroes) leave her alone. But when a bigger fish who can turn superpowers back on their users enters the picture and threatens the person Meg loves the most (herself), she must turn to the last group of people she would admit she needs help from. Forced to team up with the heroes she despises (but wonât murder, because letâs face it, orange is not the new black), Meg will have to face the choices from her past that she wonât get therapy for. Self-centered, snarky, sarcastic and a little bit dramatic, sheâs going to have to save the world, even if that wasnât her intention. And try not to get shot in the process. Because that shit hurts. |
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The Darkness Within by Michael D. Nadeau The Incarnation of death has been slowed, but at a cost. Rhoe and his companions must reach the city of Everknight and find a way to stop the Incarnation for good.Yet Everknight is not a safe city. Intrigue and assassins lie around every corner, and the mastermind behind it is eager for Rhoe to arrive. Revelations and long hidden secrets come to light, but will they help our heroes cause... or tear it all down? (Book 2 in the Lythinall series) |
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The Darkness Returns by Michael D. Nadeau When an ancient evil is loosed upon the land of Lythinall, a young warrior is swept up into a perilous journey across his homeland to stop it. Drawn into a dangerous prophecy, he travels with the legendary bard Karis and the Princess of Evernight to realms he never knew existed. They will be tested as hidden forces watch with bated breath, knowing this could be the end... |
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After generations of warfare against the ominous Swarm, the United Planetary Alliance settles on a desperate gambitâsend a squad of Marines to steal one of the Swarmâs bio-organic battleships. However, it turns out the ship isnât merely alive but fully sentient... and it has a mission of its own. As the ship leaps across the galaxy, dimensions, and eventually reality itself, the crew has a new goalâstay alive! Join Skullgate Media on an epic space-opera filled with sexy murder-queens, ring-planets, and freaking space-sharks, all fueled by psychedelic Vesuvian coffee and sixth-dimensional funk! Tales From The Year Between is Skullgateâs anthology series that brings together writers from around the globe to invent an original world from scratch. After two weeks of intense world-building, each author sets out to expand their new, fabulous universe through short-stories, flash fiction poems, songs or whatever else their boundless imaginations unleash. Each volume is new, exciting, and utterly unique. (Contains stories by: Laila Amado, Emily Ansell, Gabrielle Awe, B.K. Bass, Steven Bayer, Jayme Bean, Darius Bearguard, Jonathan Beck, Elvira Canaveral, Zackery Cuevas, Aaron Hockett, E. R. Hoffer, A. R. K. Horton, Debbie Iancu-Haddad, Daniel James, Allison N. Moore, Jeremy Nelson, S. L. Parker, Sarah Remy/Alex Hall, A. A. Rubin, CD Storiz, Kelly Washington, C. Vandyke, and Phebe Yawson.) |
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Loathsome Voyages by Chris Durston CD Storiz A blood-soaked writing desk. A town where going missing is ominously routine. A portal to another dimension within a mirror. Inside these pages are tales of gods and monsters, of madness and obsession, of passion and unknowable terrors. Loathsome Voyages presents tales ranging from the delectably dark to the shockingly surreal. Some possess an uncanny horror, others a frightful beauty. All are journeys into strange worlds from which you may never return. Inspired by the work of weird fiction masters old and new--from Lovecraft to Miéville, from Hodgson to VanderMeer--this treacherous, eldritch volume brings together fourteen of today's best authors of speculative fiction. Join Skullgate Media as we embark on our most Loathsome Voyages.Contains stories by B.K. Bass, Chris Durston, Gary A. Fagan, Zack Friday, Anthony Harris, Christopher Harris, Mackenzie Litledale, Michael D. Nadeau, Michelle River, J.L. Royce, Mark J. Shultis, CD Storiz, and C. Vandyke. Edited by CD Storiz and Chris Durston. For more information about Skullgate Media go to www.skullgatemedia.com or follow us on Twitter as @skullgatemedia |
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Owl Eyes Motel by Barbara Avon The year is 1985, and there's a storm brewing. It's the kind that forces even the derelicts to retreat to their gutters. Each room is its own unique story; each chapter, a room. Check in at Owl Eyes and stay a spell, won't you? There's always room for the dead. "Come in! Come in! Welcome to the Owl Eyes Motel. My name is Milton and I am the owner of this fine establishment, situated on Route Number 666. That's six-hundred and sixty-six. Owl Eyes offers impeccable service. There is no lack of creature comforts at this here motel. At Owl Eyes, we pride ourselves on our attention to detail. Management kindly reminds you that we are not responsible for lost luggage...or souls." *Some scenes depict dark and sensitive themes. |
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Blood Pact by Courtney Maguire In Hiroâs world, youkai are a supernatural story used to scare children into obedience, and to keep men out of back alleys and brothels. Until Sakurai Hideyoshi walks through his door with a fantastical tale of a samurai who had killed a thousand men and drank the blood of his enemies, a man that lived in darkness but sought beauty to keep it at bay. A story both terrifying and romanticâŠand completely ridiculous. Unless it is true. Convinced something softer lurks behind Hideyoshiâs hard mask, Hiro follows him home. And discovers the story is real. Only instead of the blood of his enemies, it is innocent blood taken. Hideyoshi tells him never to return. Yet after Hiroâs mother is mortally wounded, Hiro runs back to the one being he knows with the power to save her. When Hideyoshi canât, Hiro begs him for the next best thing: the power to avenge her. As Hiro becomes youkai, he faces a new threat, something darker, older, and far more dangerous. With Hideyoshi at his side, Hiro must decide what heâs willing to sacrifice--and what heâs willing to do--to protect this new life before he loses everything for a second time. |
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Bloodlaced by Courtney Maguire Kanjin hardly view their servants as human. Even less so when they are different. Asagi is different. Both a man and a woman. In the wake of his failure to protect a boy he saw as a son from their abusive master, Asagi is sold into the house of a young nobleman, Mahiro, who is the opposite of everything Asagi has ever knownâgentle, kind, and generous. Mahiro bonds with Asagi and their friendship blooms into a deep and profound love. But when Asagi is poisoned out of jealousy, Mahiro reveals himself to be youkai, a demon who feeds on blood, and he has no choice but to turn Asagi to save their life. Asagi awakes reborn, strong, and eternally youthful. But the price for Asagiâs new life is high. The blood of the innocent. Just as Asagiâs trust in Mahiro falters, the boy he failed to protect, now a man, reappears.â New master, same threat. With both a literal and proverbial monster at the door, Asagi must decide what it means to be human to protect what they love most. Content Warnings: physical abuse, sexual abuse (off-page), self-harm, blood, graphic violence |
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People often take for granted the small things in life, like being able to shower and get dressed without having to convince their mind and body to get out of bed. For many, that isnât a daily struggle. When the alarm clock rings, they turn it off, roll out of bed, and start their day. For those diagnosed and labelled with conditions such as dyslexia, however, that struggle is crippling. Branded, lazy, stupid, cheats, the world convinces millions of people every day that they are unworthy of love and unimportant in the grand scheme of things. Labelled with a learning difficulty that makes him feel inferior, 50-year-old Alan starts to reflect on his life and the world around him. Whilst working a typical 9-5 office job, he explores the facets of the world that many overlook, including an inside look at motherhood, prescription drug abuse, and roles in the workplace. From how dress code is enforced more on women than men, the unfulfillment that comes with abusing sex, alcohol, and food, to the importance and acceptance of sexuality, every bullet of truth comes to a startling realization: the world does not view everyone equally. As Alan digs deeper into his memories, regrets of the past blend with momentary victories to cast light on topics that many choose to avoid or overlook. Addiction to social media. The overwhelming noise coming from TV, songs, and news. The robotic movements of people he passes by on the street, and how taboo it is to look at nature or each other. What society classes as success. Based partly on the real-world struggles of dyslexia and the problems associated with it, The Rain Dancer takes an in-depth look at the pain and emotions caused by everyday interactions. Depression, societal expectations, and the niceties of human interactions, Alan Scott paints a vivid picture of the morals and ethics that govern life. |
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Stories for a Storm Filled Night by Alan Scott Writing Style: Dialogue and Character driven Book Type: Dark Fantasy You may like, if you enjoy the following authors: by Anne Bishop, David Gemmell, and Joe Abercrombie âStories for a Storm Filled Nightâ, is the first book of short stories sent within the dark fantasy trilogy the âStorm Seriesâ. Itâs a standalone book, hence will be perfect for new readers to the saga. It will transport them to the land of Talocants, where they will discover, werewolves, heroes, and villains. For readers who have already read books 1 and 2 of the trilogy, it will answer a few questions they might have â What actually happened during the Chestnut murders? How did the Brethren of the Night Start? There are a total of eight short stories, all of which add additional background to characters and events within the trilogy. |
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A Dark and Hungry Storm by Alan Scott Writing Style: Dialogue and Character driven Book Type: Dark Fantasy You may like, if you enjoy the following authors: by Anne Bishop, David Gemmell, and Joe Abercrombie If you have enjoyed the previous two books then, the final novel in the series will provide the ending you are looking for. Jack Rothgal desperately attempts to fulfil his destiny and become the Ultimate Spirit Warrior and regain the Twin Kingdoms for his little sister. Deep within her Palace in the city of Deep Lake Queen Rebecca Rothgal works tirelessly to protect the Twin Kingdoms against all threats; including her big brother. |
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scions of a storm by Alan Scott Writing Style: Dialogue and Character driven Book Type: Dark Fantasy Themes(s): relationships, forbidden love, loss, power, prejudice and ultimately, the monster which lurks inside us all. Target audience: The open-minded reader who enjoys a more mature and gritty storylines in their fantasy books Scions of the Stormâ is the second instalment in the âStorm Seriesâ trilogy and covers the next sixteen years of this epic tale. It continues the tales of Kathleen and Jane, and their now separate journeys. Kathleen has survived her trials and is now Queen of the Twin Kingdoms. She is happily married to Karl Rothgal and has two children by him â Jack, the eldest, and Rebecca, their younger daughter. For the first time in the series, hints are revealed about the two deadly, but hidden, forces that are using the Twin Kingdoms as a pawn in their eons old game of domination. War is coming to the Twin Kingdoms, but can Kathleen and Jane work out who to trust and who the actual enemy are before it is too late? |
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Of Blood and Deceit by Rachel A. Collett Magic runs in the Drakara bloodline. To seventeen-year-old Ilianna itâs a curse. Born a bastard and raised by an abusive uncle, she struggles to conceal her late-bloomed gifts, but itâs hard to hide when your uncle is king. The kingdom of Eira recovers from over a decade of warring an overseas enemy. Ilianna trains from youth to fight in her uncleâs militia, to keep her people from the grip of the Wraith Queen, even if sheâs feared by everyone except the one that controls her. When it seems that peace is assured, her uncle offers her up to be married to their neighboring realm. However, Ilianna has no intention of accepting and flees the kingâs rule only to wind up captured by the very enemy she was promised to. Prince Castiel, a powerful leader and cunning strategist, recognizes a disguised Ilianna the moment he sees her. When his strange prison guest does nothing but patiently wait for three long months, he forces her to make her move. Ilianna must tame her fears and control a rogue power before her uncle kills her for disobedience or worse, reclaims her and her magic. |
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Into The Dark by Robert Hookey Watchmen meets The Good Place in this (relatively) original, (kind of) groundbreaking, and reasonably-priced novel of good, evil, and everything in-between, overloaded with enough pop culture references to make your grandmother's head explode. In an all-too-familiar world controlled by ancient beings known as The Dark, heroes of every origin must assemble (yeah, I said it, sue me) to pull humanity back from the edge of annihilation â if they donât kill each other first. They may not be the Avengers, the Suicide Squad, hell, they may not even be the Great Lakes Avengers⊠but theyâve been brought together by a hero in a Green Hornet mask and leather jacket to match named Nemesis to face every form of evil imaginable. From seemingly-invincible masked killers who stalk teen camp counselors to clones of Nazi super soldiers to monsters of the human variety, Nemesis and his team of unlikely heroes will traverse the globe to dismantle The Darkâs vast power structure once and for all. If you took The Umbrella Academy, The Boys and The Cabin In The Woods and gave them a hearty stir youâd get Into The Dark: Book One of the Infinite Crossover Crisis, a clever, electrifying, genre-busting adventure that pits the most unconventional superheroes in the Multiverse against the embodiment of mankind's capacity for evil itself. |
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Tales of Solomon Pace by Alan Scott Writing Style: Dialogue and Character driven Book Type: Dark Fantasy Themes: Power, Relationships, Love, Loss, and Parenthood Target audience: Open minded people who enjoy a more mature and grittier storyline in their fantasy books Tales of Solomon Paceâ can be read as part of the Storm Series or as a standalone book of interlinked short stories. With âTales of Solomon Paceâ I knew straight away that I wanted to delve deeper into the background of the man and to give the reader glimpses of Solomonâs past. To that end, Iâve produce a range of stories which will show different aspects of Solomon Pace, and give the reader additional insight to this very complicated, dangerous and intriguing character. |
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In the Shadow of Ruin by Tony Debajo King Jide Adelani has ruled the lands of the Yoruba in West Africa for many peaceful years, but now his kingdom is in turmoil and the cold grasp of death's embrace is closing in around everything he holds dear. Jide spent years garnering the respect and loyalty of the tribes in the hopes of uniting them into one cohesive empire when his half-brother, Prince Olise, returns from banishment to claim the throne as his own. The offspring of a union between the late King Adeosi and the evil enchantress Ekaete, the bitter Olise has devoted the last decade to one purpose; to seize the throne and rule the kingdom. If he fails, he risks his name being erased from the history of the tribes. With the support of his mother, a powerful witch whose name is whispered in fear across the lands of the tribes, the outcast Olise now seems unstoppable in achieving his goal. Facing overwhelming military might and dark forces that he cannot comprehend, Jide must either choose to ignore the warnings of the gods, and seek help from those who also practice dark arts; or risk losing his kingdom. |
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Dust & Lightning by Rebecca Crunden In the near future, humans have gone beyond simple space travel. By the year 4054, multiple solar systems are inhabited, and taking a spaceship is as commonplace as taking an aeroplane. Unfortunately, not everything about the future is so advanced. The central planets, led by Earth, have risen high at the expense of cheap labour on distant worlds. Dissent is widespread and arrests are common. Sometimes prisoners are released; sometimes they disappear without a trace, sent to labour camps in other solar systems. When Ames Emerys receives a letter telling him that his brother Callum has died en route to the remote planet of Kilnin, he takes the first ship he can off Earth, desperate for answers. But the secrets Ames uncovers prove far more dangerous than he could have imagined. And trouble isnât far behind. |
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A Game of Wings and Marks by Rebecca Crunden When Octavia Coal goes to the mountains to clear her head, she doesnât expect to find an angel in trouble. He tells her his name is Tamiel and heâs one of the Irin â the army of angels tasked with keeping demons from overwhelming humanity. But Tamiel broke a sacred law â he fell in love with a human â and now heâs being hunted by the same angels he once served. With nowhere else to go, Octavia and Tamiel â along with Jack, the human in question, and her brother Caleb â appeal directly to Zev, the Demon of Games. A trickster of unparalleled power, Zev gives nothing for free, and the gift he offers Octavia to keep Tamiel alive comes with a confusing catch: He makes her the Healer of Raphael, archangel and Commander of the Irin. Suddenly a target for both angels and demons, Octavia quickly learns that the only way to survive is to play the game better than they do. The only problem is, she doesnât know whose game sheâs playing ⊠|
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This novella is arranged as a series of seasons with one short story vignette from each of the four main point of views. These stories are set approximately three years before Between Starfalls begins. Taunos attempts to get into the library of Far Dahutad. Takiyah balances her love of learning with the judgements of her community. Kaemada struggles mind to mind. Raâael faces challenges on her path to becoming a priestess. If youâre looking to dip your toe in the Children of the Nexus universe and get to know the characters briefly, this is the book for you! |
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When Eliza Owens gets a phone call in the middle of the night from a girl sheâs never met, she doesnât know what to think. The girl introduces herself as Paige, and says she used to date Erik Stern, Elizaâs fiancĂ©. Whatâs more, she has something important to discuss. The only problem? Paige has been dead for years. Believing it to be a sick prank, Eliza tries to force it from her mind until Sam, Elizaâs older sister, tells her she met Paige only a few weeks before. And, according to Sam, Paige has nothing nice to say about Erik. The fight which follows shatters the lives of everyone involved, and Erik disappears without a trace. Five years later, Erik returns to town after his fatherâs death. Old wounds quickly resurface, and with them several burning questions. None the least of which is: Who spoke to Eliza and Sam if it wasnât Paige? And why? |
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A Time of Prophecy by Rebecca Crunden In the years since Kitty, Nate and Thom escaped the Kingdom, the Plague has ravaged the population and the rebels have seized two of the northern countries. In an attempt to bring order to the chaos, the leader of the rebels, Nateâs old friend James, has agreed to hold trials for those responsible for intentionally leaking the Plague. Unfortunately, the rumour in the Kingdom is that Kitty is responsible. To make matters worse, Blaise tells Kitty that the Council, who still count her father as one of their own, are once again experimenting on Radiants. Itâs a horrifying realisation that hits too close to home, and for the first time in her life, Kitty thirsts for vengeance. Itâs a thirst thatâs matched by the one person who has always been her mirror â her Complement, Thom. On the other side of the Wall in the Outlands, desperate to bring Kitty home and finish the Council once and for all, Thom begins plotting, using the skills heâs long honed to outsmart those with more power. But outsmarting his enemies might turn Thom into the very thing heâs always feared becoming, and war soon seems the only possible solution to stopping the Council and the Hangman. But with more than a few looking to the ancient prophecy of peace, Thom searches desperately for a way to circumvent more bloodshed. Yet the weight of the years have taken their toll, and as Thomâs physical and mental health deteriorate, Nate struggles with the fallout of past crimes, both the ones he did commit, and the ones he didnât ⊠|
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A Dance of Lies by Rebecca Crunden A year into the Outlands and life has only become more dangerous and complex for Kitty and her friends. Not only are the Outcasts hunting them, but Charles and Ciara are adamant about returning to the Kingdom to help, forcing everyone to take a side. To make matters worse, the leader of the Outcasts, Quen, has an unrelenting fascination with Thom and Nate that soon reaches horrific heights. As tensions mount and the group begins to splinter, Riddle comes to Kitty with an unexpected request. A secret. One that makes them inseparable. Kitty soon finds herself spending more and more time away from Nate and Thom, learning to fight and increasingly drawn into the ways of the Radiants. But Kitty and Riddle's new bond doesn't come without complications, and a decision made by the two of them threatens more than Kitty's relationship with Nate ... |
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A Promise of Return by Rebecca Crunden When Thom Anteros is arrested after breaking into the Building of Historical Records, he demands to be taken before the King. A laughable demand for anyone else, Thom's request is granted and the King spares his life. Yet what's to become of him is left in the hands of the one person Thom truly fears â Mickey Taenia, the King's Hangman. Infuriated by Thom's refusal to reveal the whereabouts of Nate and Catherine, the Hangman sends Thom to one of the worst places in the Kingdom â the slave markets of Muntenia. It is there that Thom is bought for the Red Arena: a barbaric, gladiator-type competition where the children of convicts and other unlucky souls are forced to fight to the death. Twenty wins is release. One loss is death. With the help of Charles Thoreau, a fellow captive, Thom begins not only to survive, but to thrive. A master of words becomes a master of death, and Thom's prowess in the arena frightens even him. But death isn't the only thing haunting Thom. As the days go by, he dreams of his brother, and the promise he cannot forget. I will return. |
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A History of Madness by Rebecca Crunden The four remaining fugitives are now spread across the Kingdom. And with the fate of the others unknown to him, Nate Anteros prays for a fast execution. Yet execution does not come. After a meeting with the King which leaves Nate questioning his sanity, heâs sent to a workcamp in Argon Basin for five years of hard labour. Itâs there that Nate learns what became of his friends upon their arrest. And as his strength returns to him, and heâs plagued by dreams which are much too real to be ignored, Nate decides five years is far too long to wait ⊠|
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A Touch of Death by Rebecca Crunden A thousand years in the future, the last of humanity live inside the walls of the totalitarian Kingdom of Cutta. The rich live in Anais, the capital city of Cutta, sheltered from the famine and disease which ravage the rest of the Kingdom. Yet riches and power only go so far, and even Anaitians can be executed. It is only by the will of the King that Nate Anteros, son of the Kingâs favourite, is spared from the gallows after openly dissenting. But when heâs released from prison, Nate disappears. A stark contrast, Catherine Taenia has spent her entire life comfortable and content. The daughter of the Kingâs Hangman and in love with Thom, Nateâs younger brother, her life has always been easy, ordered and comfortable. That is, where it doesnât concern Nate. His actions sullied not only his future, but theirs. And unlike Thom, Catherine has never forgiven him. Two years pass without a word, and then one night Nate returns. But things with Nate are never simple, and when one wrong move turns their lives upside down, the only thing left to do is run where the Kingâs guards cannot find them â the Outlands. Those wild, untamed lands which stretch around the great walls of the Kingdom, filled with mutants and rabids. |
