stories in

Summer's Second

Summer's Second by Jeff Billington

Asher Brock’s last summer of youth is far from ideal. His hopes for the future, including an escape from his constricting Ozark Mountains hometown, seem increasingly fragile as he faces hurdles of poverty and abuse, all while coming to terms with being gay. Raised by an alcoholic single mother, he clings to his noted intelligence as an escape to a better life. But it will take more than brains—namely, strength of character and aspiration—for him to navigate the months leading to his senior year of high school. The pregnancy of his recent girlfriend, the heightened aggression of his long-time bully, and the increasing presence of his long-absent father create a season of turmoil, spurring unease and self-doubt. But with support from family and friends, an opportunity for love, and the shedding of generations of secrets, Asher sees beyond preordained fate and starts to realize the opportunities in his grasp.


(Not) Alone

(Not) Alone by Tyler Wittkofsky

(Not) Alone is the story of Henry Hovishky, a recent college graduate who is exploring life one step at a time. Already in his young career, he is the winner of multiple awards and recognitions. He is soon to be married to the girl of his dreams. His best friends are more than friends, they're family. His family supports him and raises him up. And yet, he can't help but to feel alone. How can someone who seemingly has everything be so alone? Everything seems to be great in his life on the outside, but this story shows the truth of Henry's life. He struggles with depression, anger issues, severe anxiety, and bipolar disorder. With so many successes in his life, he still fights an uphill battle every day.


The Flying Tiger: Ready

The Flying Tiger: Ready by Henry Spencer M

Aaron Melisandré, an autistic, African American transgender man in his thirties, nearly lost everything he held dear years ago. The only thing keeping him sane and alive is his trans nephew, Mico. Little does Aaron know, the tragedy that ripped his brother away is part of something far bigger than he could ever imagine. There is a very real multiverse, and not only that but Aaron along with being human, is part of an ancient multiversal species known as the Katians. Aaron must embrace and wield his true power, face trauma new and old, and be ready to do what he must in order to save the Katians and infinite other lives from Circuit-Breaker and the fabled Mortal Engine, a machine that is said to grant one the power of a god using mortal souls.


Sasha of the Feral Sons: Adolescence

Sasha of the Feral Sons: Adolescence by V.L Kinnaman

The young vampiress Sasha, Daughter of Hal, is sent away from her home to protect her from both herself and her brother, Tekor. Though she believes herself to be better and stronger than him, there are cultural norms which must be maintained. Now a new member of a new household, she must come to terms with her changed status in life. Her new father Vidar, an intelligent Lord Protector, sees the potential that Sasha could play in the wider political landscape that is going on all around them. Though he knows that the people may not yet be ready for one such as her, he will seek to give her the greatest amount of preparation for her possible larger role to come. With help from her new brother Belor, as well as the townsfolk, Sasha strives to truly learn the way the world really works beyond the manor walls she was born behind.


The Voice in All (The Artifex and the Muse)

The Voice in All (The Artifex and the Muse) by Audrey Auden

A fast-paced new adult romantic fantasy set in a richly imagined world of myth and mystery ... with a metaphysical twist First Place Winner for Visionary Fiction — Speak Up Talk Radio 2022 Firebird Book Awards Gold Tier — The Review Curmudgeon Best of 2022 List "Wow, this book was phenomenal! A five-star read, for sure! ... The main characters, Dom and Ava, are insightful, utterly human, apologetic, and open to change/expanding and exploring differences in worldview. It was so refreshing to read ... The writing was exquisite ... I deeply enjoyed reading its philosophical and theoretical components ... This book was truly excellent and I commend the author for writing an exceptional book that resists compartmentalization. It was brilliant, show-stopping, and spectacular, as Lady Gaga would say; and it was by far the best book I've read all year." — The N in NYA Sixteen-year-old thief Ava must set sail tonight to escape the life of servitude that awaits every child who comes of age. All that stands between her and a life of freedom is one last job: stealing the pharmaka to pay for her passage. She’s stolen from the temple priestesses countless times before. What could go wrong? On the other side of the temple city, sixteen-year-old field hand Dom bids a final farewell to his childhood home. The priestesses say he’ll find purpose in the life of hard labor that lies ahead. He hopes they’re right. What other choice does he have? When their paths collide in the dark forest, Dom and Ava discover the stolen pharmaka has some unfortunate side effects. Like it or not, they’re stuck with each other now. But what possible future could exist for a girl who’s determined to escape her bondage and a boy who’s never imagined the possibility of freedom? On the eve of their Calling Day, Dom and Ava’s first meeting sets in motion an adventure of mythic proportions, spanning millennia and bridging worlds. The Voice in All is Book One in the fantasy saga The Artifex and the Muse.


Jinn Academy: Year One

Jinn Academy: Year One by Kira Moericke

Once upon a time, my life was perfect. I ruled high school with an iron fist and an impeccable sense of fashion. Then on my eighteenth birthday, my days of power ended with a burst of light–literally. Gold balls of light shot out of my hand when I heard the wishes of my peers whisper across my mind, resulting in me getting suspended. Me, Mercedes Davenport! But that wasn’t even the worst part of the day. No; that happened when I was invited to the Academy for the Exceptionally Gifted, or as I call it, Jinn Academy, a magical school just for genies. And finding out that I was one of them. Now I’m stuck at Jinn Academy until I complete all the courses that will allow me to safely live in the human world without causing a magic malfunction. But with my powers on the fritz, I may be stuck here forever. Seriously, could my life get any worse?


Ruin and Roses (Cursed Kingdoms)

Ruin and Roses (Cursed Kingdoms) by Deanna Ortega

A dark and spicy fantasy romance that follows Jane as she delves into the shadows, secrets, and curses that bind her world. "I will never understand why women let men decide if they get to be the villain or the victim in their story." In a world of talisman powers and magical rivalry, Jane finds herself playing many roles-depending on the situation, she is either as soft as a rose petal or as lethal as the thorn. Swept deeper into a world of shadows and lies when her mentor, Baltazar sends her on a seemingly simple mission-donning the mask of dainty again, she finds herself fighting to maintain who she is beyond her pretty, painted exterior. The series of events to follow rip her in and out of her past, as she tries to move on from the unimaginable pain that led her to this life. Stealing from your soon-to-be fiancé is one hell of a wedding gift, but let's hope he never discovers she is dodging eyes, lies, and daggers-while ensuring that not a hair is out of place for her royal obligations. But...what if half-truths can't prepare her for this life? And when the mission's cost is more than she bargained for-her freedom and her life-what if she doesn't want to pay the price? At least she still carries the favor of her loyal mare. And though her luck in love is not great, it is never hard for her to find some way to quench her thirst in her droughted kingdom. When her fiancé isn't lurking over his newest possession, she is easily entertained with her ex-lover and unwanted keeper. Entangled with a lost love, whose secrets threaten to undo everything she's worked towards, she has to manage the most daunting mission yet. An unfit marriage to the mad king's son. Will the cursed king's daughter survive? "Looking into his eyes-the same ones I pictured every time mine closed-I wondered if things would have been different, if my mother had told me stories about great loves instead of tragic loss. But she hadn't. And though I lived in a world of royals, I knew that princes weren't noble, and that love didn't prevail."


Laas (The After Book 3)

Laas (The After Book 3) by C. Sunrise

They say I, Rodite, am to be queen of a kingdom I have no memories of. They say I’ll rule beside an attractive man, the father of my unborn child, who is a stranger to me. They say I’ll remember everything in time, as long as I let myself rest and recover from the explosion that nearly stole my life. At least those are the things the few people who speak my language say to me
 and little more. But who can rest when that’s all you’re expected to do, especially when you know the castle walls and those within them are hiding just as many secrets as your damaged mind? I sure as hell can’t. Dom and Breana were stolen, separated, and thrust into unknown lands. In this epic conclusion to The After trilogy, the mated pair will need to move past their fears and pain and put their trust in unexpected allies if they ever want to make it back into each other’s arms. Will they be strong enough to fight the battles and internal demons that stand between them?


PANE

PANE by Bailey Elizabeth

Sam lives by her “try anything once” motto to a fault. On an otherwise normal night out, she takes an experimental drug from a stranger at the bar that lets her see into alternate timelines. When she witnesses her own murder in a parallel world, she realizes that the mysterious series of hit-and-runs plaguing her college town are anything but accidents. Sam and her friends decide to stop the killer once and for all, but time travel has unforeseen costs, and one of them will have to pay.


Death Bringers

Death Bringers by Lars

DEATH COMES FOR US ALL Fen was a good guy pretty much his entire life up until the day he died. After his death, Fen woke up in a strange place without any memory of himself or the events that led to his death. This new place was unlike anything he’d seen on Earth, but that wasn’t his biggest problem. Fen’s biggest problem was the sword at his neck and the big man asking him to tell the truth. But telling the truth seemed wrong, out of place. Lying seemed like the easiest and fastest way to keep his head. So he lied. This small but consequential action sent him on a path in search of the truth. The outcome was simple: If he could prove his innocence, he’d get to live, but if he lied, he’d die for good. This small but consequential action sent him on a path in search of the truth. The outcome was simple: If he could prove his innocence, he’d get to live, but if he lied, he’d die for good.


Ashes and Blood (Dalya)

Ashes and Blood (Dalya) by Katie Zaber

You can travel the same path countless times, but it can sometimes lead to another realm. A mystical tree captures the attention of Megan and her friends, morphing the surrounding environment, transferring them to an exotic planet with bloodthirsty creatures. Saved from the deadly beasts by hunters, Megan finds herself stuck in a rural town still maimed by the plague. A chance encounter with a familiar face gives Megan and her friends some security during their adjustment to this new world. While settling into promising lives, they are stalked and attacked by planet Dalya's humanoid inhabitants, who focus solely on Megan. One dark night, after a magical attack, the Fae King's knight is sent to fetch Megan for a reason she can't possibly guess. When she wakes up a prisoner, she learns that there is much more to this strange place, and it's oddly more like home than she ever would have expected. The more Megan learns about the strange world of Dalya, the more she realizes, finding a way home is insignificant compared to everything else at stake.


Below Dark Waters (Dalya)

Below Dark Waters (Dalya) by Katie Zaber

A wayward princess, an adventurous pirate, and a madam trained in espionage—all strangers to each other, but their fates are entwined. Princess Megan, who never had a reason to assume she was anything but human, has been on the run, protected by her friends. With each step toward the city of Delmont, she hopes they will have time to regroup before setting sail to the Ka'Pamau Islands, their final destination. Instead, her bad luck shadows her and chaos continues to ensue everywhere she goes—including a new part of the world that most air breathers have yet to explore. Confronted with another royal family and a smitten prince whose advances turn cold, she faces another life-altering decision with ramifications she can't possibly begin to guess at. Back on land, Lilly reveals more of her secrets, her story, and her goals. Monumental changes and challenges are headed her way as she embraces her new role in life. On the sea, Aunt Carmia is stirring up trouble while continuing her hunt for the treasure she most desires. She experiences upheavals, but she is always prepared for the unknown. As their stories unfold, they remain unaware how fate connects them in the world of Dalya.


Echo: The Curse of the Blackwood Witches

Echo: The Curse of the Blackwood Witches by Yasmine Maher

Master forbidden magic, destroy an immortal enemy, and prevent the apocalypse—all before college finals. Echo Blackwood has no idea she’s a witch, but after supernatural beasts attack her sister’s wedding, she discovers her long-dormant magic, and she’s quickly catapulted into an impossible war. The novice witch is the only one who can stop the immortal Jivar—but her magic hides a sinister secret. The dark arts run through her veins, and using their power could cost her soul. Desperate to control her magic and uncover the truth about herself, Echo and her newfound allies must race against time to defeat Jivar before he unleashes his fury and destroys the world. Can Echo use the powers of evil to save the world? Or will fighting fire with fire only end in her ruin? Imbued with all the thrilling action and marvelous magic, Echo: The Curse Of The Blackwood Witches is a riveting and unforgettable read that will sweep you up and refuse to let you go.


Jinxed (Gilded Blood Book 2)

Jinxed (Gilded Blood Book 2) by Rachel Rener

I keep telling myself things could be worse. Okay, so my mom's been harboring some hefty family secrets. Big deal. And, yeah, maybe there are still two or three teensy details about Zayn that I don't know – his backstory, his private life, or his real name, for starters. Oh, and let's not forget that there's a bloodthirsty, power-hungry, magical mob boss who's due to appear at any moment. No biggie. So long as there are no more family bombshells, incubus-related heartbreaks, or unexpected, terrifying journeys into the Fae Realm, I'll be completely fine. Because, as I've already reminded myself at least twelve times since breakfast, there's no way things could possibly get worse. 
Right?


The Call for Finis: Lust

The Call for Finis: Lust by A.J. Torres

Seven sins. Seven hosts. One city purged. If vengeance is all you know, can you really let it go, or succumb to your rage? Willka has signed a pact with Valdina, a demon of Infernos, driven by a burning desire for revenge against the city that took everything from him. Given a second chance at life, he’s been tasked with enacting an ancient right to purge the city of sin for both the angels of Hevellum and the demons of Infernos, as an example to all of Eldara. Willka eagerly accepts and sets out to enact his vengeance by burning Lumen Magnus to the ground. However, along his journey he is warned of the cost of his rage. Should he proceed with hatred in his heart, his soul will be enveloped in sin. He will be condemned to a fate worse than death. The memories of abuse, his life as a slave, and the losses of those he loved dearest drive him forward. In the end, will his past give him strength or be his undoing?


Feast of Samael (The Devil's Trials)

Feast of Samael (The Devil's Trials) by Stephanie Gluck

The devil was thrown from the old world and, bypassing hell, he landed in Kaida. He dragged seven corrupted angels with him, and they rose as the embodiment of the deadly human sins. Beneath their rule the world was ravaged and reborn. The angels encouraged and punished a sinners' nature and their influence, demons and temptation killed in equal measure. The devil quickly grew bored. Once a decade he offered the humans a series of trials. Face a challenge from each of the seven deadly sins and triumph, and in return he would grant every benefit of the devil’s favour, including immortality. Pure desperation pushed Octavia Nox to enter the devil’s trials, she just wants to survive another day. All too soon she is forced to confront the first of the sins. Where she must face the reality that she could be a sinner at heart, and these sins may just eat her alive.


A Night at The King's Inn

A Night at The King's Inn by Alec Arbogast

FIRST PLACE WINNER - 2021 ROYAL DRAGONFLY BOOK AWARDS: HISTORICAL FICTION CATEGORY AWARD-WINNING FINALIST - 2021 AMERICAN FICTION AWARDS Theodore is an introvert. Friends are a bother and being put in social situations is cruel and unusual punishment. Avoidance is the name of the game when it comes to relationships and he's adamant he wouldn't have it any other way. But deep inside he yearns for something...more. When his vivacious, thrill-seeking sister Alice invites him on another one at her atypical adventures, Theodore finds that his life predicated upon comfort is about to be turned on its head. They venture to an ultra-exclusive speakeasy in Manhattan's West Village, where he happens upon a vintage gramophone that does more than play a simple tune. He cranks the lever and a portal to another world snaps open. Before he can react, Theodore finds himself in a posh hotel, navigating a mysterious and menacing masquerade ball in 20th century London. In the maze-like halls of the hotel, he brushes shoulders with a coquettish young woman who, coupled with the mysterious allure of the masquerade, ensures he'll return to this foreign world to uncover more. But as he delves deeper, he finds himself in the middle of a socioeconomic conflict across a mercurial and hostile landscape where cocktails and charisma are more dangerous than loaded guns. If he wants to lead the substantive life a part of him has always known he deserves, he must not only outgrow his circumspect ways and face the dangers of a socially adept furtive society, he must also face the demons of his own past which crawl to the surface as he unravels the mysteries of a bygone world.


The Human Familiar (Familiar and the Mage)

The Human Familiar (Familiar and the Mage) by Honor Raconteur

While Bannen had every intention of finding adventure, being yanked through a magical portal two continents away isn’t quite what he imagined happening. For that matter, being magically bound to a mage-in-training hadn’t ever crossed his mind. Being the first human familiar ever summoned in Corcoran? Not on his to-do list.Rena certainly needs all of the help that she can get, as her magic is very different, inhibiting her of the normal shields and protections. Everyone says her summoning a human familiar is a mistake, that she needs to break the bond and send Bannen back.But Bannen doesn’t like this idea, not one iota. Renata Rocci has the magic of a Grim Reaper, the heart of a lion, and a body too frail to keep up with either. She can face assassins; meddlesome mages; politicians; and legendary, nightmarish monsters without flinching. Without losing and that’s sexy as sin. This is definitely not the adventure he signed up for. It’s far, far better.


Void War: The Elemental Progeny (The Gatekeeper Trilogy Book 1)

Void War: The Elemental Progeny (The Gatekeeper Trilogy Book 1) by A.J Watson

When Velus, a teenage street urchin, is wrongly convicted of murder and sentenced into slavery, he never thought he would be destined for greatness. After nearly two decades of abuse, an alien force destroys his master’s estate and Velus flees on foot. Velus’ journey begins in pain and confusion, and being rather naive from decades of servitude, falls into trouble. Rescued by a trio hunting down the thief of a sacred relic, Velus joins their cause and re-encounters the savage aliens that unknowingly aided his escape. They’re working on extracting the Dral, a powerful and evil race, from their elemental prison; with the relic as a focal point for the key. Through seemingly random encounters, he is thrown into events that will ultimately shape the outcome of a galactic war, and possibly the fabric of the universe itself. The Elemental Progeny is book one of the Gatekeeper Trilogy.


Opal Smoke (Opal Contagion Book 1)

Opal Smoke (Opal Contagion Book 1) by Stephanie Fazo

A thief is the only one who stands between her people and complete annihilation. Liss is a Soul Sorter who can sense any emotion a person is feeling. She uses this talent to steal jewels and dragonhide wallets to help provide for her people, the Extended. A side benefit of her thieving is that she gets to empty the pockets of the wealthy Lagonians, who shun the Extended for the deadly disease that runs in their veins. When the Lagonians announce that they’ve developed a source of immunity, they are no longer content to just ostracize the Extended. The Lagonians plan to eradicate them. The only way for Liss to save her people is if she can pull off her biggest heist yet and steal the secret to the immunity. What is already a perilous mission is further complicated when Lagonia’s infamous Chief Assassin is tasked with taking Liss out. Entangled in his own web of deception, risk, and a fight to survive, the assassin cannot fail. One truth becomes clear. If either hopes to succeed, the other must die.


A Particle of You: Love Poetry

A Particle of You: Love Poetry by Cendrine Marrouat and David Ellis

In this new collection from well-established authors Cendrine Marrouat and David Ellis, enjoy a series of love poems delicately crafted to stimulate emotional and endearing aspects of our deep connections with each other. Cendrine and David have selected poems for this volume that perfectly capture feelings and nuances relating to romantic notions. They explore how love can fundamentally shape and change you, how it can feed your innermost muses/desires and ultimately how it can define you as a person, if you fully embrace it with every fibre of your being. Love need not be scary or complicated. This collection shows us that even the simplest of intimate gestures can mean more to us when speaking from the heart and soul.


The PoArtMo Anthology: Volume 3

The PoArtMo Anthology: Volume 3 by Azelle Elric, Meaghan Beatty, David Ellis, and Cendrine Marrouat.

Welcome to Volume 3 of "The Auroras & Blossoms PoArtMo Anthology"! This collection of positive and uplifting works has been created in response to PoArtMo, a year-long movement launched in 2020 by Auroras & Blossoms. PoArtMo stands for “Positive Actions Rally Thoughts & Momentum.” The Auroras & Blossoms PoArtMo Anthology: Volume 3 features a variety of different works by four contributors: Azelle Elric (drawings), Meaghan Beatty (essays), Cendrine Marrouat (poetry), and David Ellis (poetry).


Diary of an Atmospheric Sailor

Diary of an Atmospheric Sailor by William A. Lasher

"A neo-Victorian science fiction/fantasy spectacular with memorable characters and a measure of dry wit.” Meet Kit Keagan and his bricky girlfriend Hailey, a pair of plucky teenagers in the Allegheny Highlands of 1851 Virginia. Hailey and Kit follow three river otters into a limestone cave, and inexplicably, travel three decades into the future, to the post-Hydrogen War 1880s. Conscripted into the British military, our reluctant time travelers join an expeditionary airship squadron and begin an epic journey around the world. Deep down inside, they both feel like they’re still sixteen, and neither one of them can remember the thirty years they somehow left behind. Is there a way back home? Diary of an Atmospheric Sailor is a science fiction/fantasy concept extravaganza featuring alternate history, bizarre mutant beasts, haywire automatons, and shapeshifting extraterrestrials. At 92,500 words, it’s a full-length novel recommended for high school age to adult readers. Exclusive eBook release.


The Hunted Prince: Dragon of Mirrors

The Hunted Prince: Dragon of Mirrors by Miriam Yvette

He must stay away from her, but it doesn’t matter. Fate will find a way. When a young and reclusive, Ryth finds the elven princess of Mensi, her curiosity leads him to unearth a long-kept secret. He is not the human he thought he was. Ryth is a Denoni, the second-born vampire prince of a kingdom that wants him dead. After years of tension, Mensi falls under invasion, and the now older and still stubborn Princess Acacia reunites with Ryth. From the shadows, the enemy is on the hunt, and peril coming from every corner. But in order to escape, Acacia must know the truth about Ryth, and he must know who she really is. ♛ Dragon of Mirrors is a high fantasy romance series that will take you on a journey into a world filled with new and mythical creatures. If you love character-driven adventure with relatable characters, this book is sure to keep you entertained until the very end.♛


Dreadful Beauty

Dreadful Beauty by L.M Rapp

Nymphosis, a disease that turns humans into Chimeras, is ravaging the land of Gashom. The More-Than-Pure, determined to protect themselves, have seized power and enacted segregationist laws. Neria, the daughter of a high dignitary, witnesses more and more of the Chimeras being ruthlessly executed. When she learns she is afflicted by the very disease her father is determined to eradicate, she’s forced to surrender her privileges. She flees the capital amid her terrifying transformation and traverses the strange wilds to seek refuge with others like her. But she knows what’s happening isn’t right. Find out how Neria develops the courage to fight oppression in this inspiring and elegantly written fantasy novel that pushes all to look deeper. A perfect book club recommendation to change things up!


Taming Demons for Beginners (The Guild Codex: Demonized Book 1)

Taming Demons for Beginners (The Guild Codex: Demonized Book 1) by Annette Marie

Rule one: Don't look at the demon. When I arrived at my uncle's house, I expected my relatives to be like me—outcast sorcerers who don't practice magic. I was right about the sorcery, but wrong about everything else. Rule two: Don't listen to the demon. My uncle chose a far deadlier power. He calls creatures of darkness into our world, binds them into service contracts, and sells them to the highest bidder. And I'm supposed to act like I don't know how illegal and dangerous it is. Rule three: Don't talk to the demon. All I had to do was keep my nose out of it. Pretend I didn't find the summoning circle in the basement. Pretend I didn't notice the shadowy being trapped inside it. Pretend I didn't break the rules. But I did, and now it's too late. -- From the author of The Guild Codex: Spellbound comes a new series that will plunge an unprepared young woman into the darkest magic of the mythic world.


The One and Only Crystal Druid (The Guild Codex: Unveiled Book 1)

The One and Only Crystal Druid (The Guild Codex: Unveiled Book 1) by Annette Marie

Ten years ago, I risked everything on a nameless boy. I came out the other side with a murder conviction, a prison sentence, and a minor case of amnesia. I forgot everything about that boy, and now I'm out on parole, just a nobody witch volunteering at an animal rescue and keeping a low profile. Everything was fine until the notorious Crystal Druid showed up to hunt a powerful fae that's leaving a trail of dead bodies in its wake—bodies that the local ex-con, me, will be blamed for. To save my own hide, I offer to help him. But with every clash of temper between us, something inside me cracks a little more. The closer we get to our target—and the closer I get to the guarded Crystal Druid—the more my missing memories loom. The fae killer is far deadlier than I imagined—but so is the boy I forgot. And the only question now is which one will destroy me first. -- From the author of the best-selling Guild Codex books comes a new series that delves into the dark, dangerous world of druids and fae alongside two ravaged souls who may be exactly what the other needs ... if they don't kill each other first. Unveiled can be read as a standalone series or in conjunction with other Guild Codex series. For the full reading order, visit Annette Marie's website.


Daughters of Awen: A Battle of Gods and Kingdoms (Rise of the Summer God Book 1)

Daughters of Awen: A Battle of Gods and Kingdoms (Rise of the Summer God Book 1) by Summer H Hanford

When a sister and brother are trapped on opposite sides of a war for the throne, will blood prevail over honor? For eons untold, three gods have ruled the sky of Cendoria, battling for the adulation of the populace. Over time, their influence has ebbed and flowed, their circle never complete, but now will come the Summer God. The scales will be tipped. The world unbalanced. The arrival of Duke Norstum and death of the Keng's beloved ruler upend Aldera and Kylem's quiet world. Torn from her home, exiled, Aldera must forget her old life and ways, and learn to harness the power of the Raven Goddess. Kylem, left behind in the Keng, takes a different path. One that embraces the machinations of Duke Norstum and pits the siblings against each other as the world shudders with the burgeoning struggle for power. Daughters of Awen is an Epic Fantasy novel rife with magic, deceit, greed, betrayal and honor. If you enjoy delving into a world of valor and intrigue, you'll love Hanford's first installation in her Rise of the Summer God Series. Pick up your copy of Daughters of Awen today to start the adventure. Daughters of Awen is part of the Rise of the Summer God Series by Summer H Hanford and is volume one of six.


Abicus Turne and the Time Locks

Abicus Turne and the Time Locks by Robert Roth

"An inventive and lively escapade." - Kirkus Reviews Two quantum physicists are killed in a car accident, leaving Abicus and Binny Turne in the care of an orphanage. Three years later, Abicus discovers he has the ability to slide back in time to fix recent past events. But actions have consequences, often different from what one expects. Through his actions, Abicus uncovers the mysterious time locks set in place by his parents to preserve their world, and the government forces out to break them to acquire a power that would threaten the past as well as the future. Abicus Turne and the Time Locks is an urban Sci-Fi story delivering a thrilling mystery for those of all ages. If you enjoyed The Midnight Library, this book is for you. Also, those who love urban Fantasy with youthful protagonists having special capabilities, such as Harry Potter, Daniel X, Maximum Ride, and other similar novels, will find this book fits right in with those books. An exciting adventure that engages with intrigue and mystery, combining humor with tense challenges to overcome. Throughout the quest, Abicus experiences the true value of genuine friendship and self-sacrifice. Not all heroes possess magical abilities. Our own individual personalities and capabilities are just as important, and sometimes magic abilities come with a high price of private burdens that must be borne alone. Author's note: The book Specter - Day of Reckoningis part of the same book series, although it is not strictly a sequel (either book may be read first). The third book will tie the two stories together. A careful reading of the first two books reveals that Kai and Abicus are second cousins.


Storm Of War: An Elemental Magic Urban Fantasy Novel (The Levitators Chronicles Book 1)

Storm Of War: An Elemental Magic Urban Fantasy Novel (The Levitators Chronicles Book 1) by Kachi Ugo

Magic. Non-stop Action. Ancient Evils. Dive into this *now completed* urban fantasy series that readers are raving about. "...it's the most action-packed book I've read so far in 2021." -- Action-Packed Book Review ★★★★★ When an ancient evil stirs, humanity's last hope must confront his cowardly nature or watch the world burn! Peter Crawford has no interest in being a hero. Even as a war brews between two powerful groups, he wants nothing more than to be left alone. So when Rose Hernandez, a member of the mythical Scarlet Sisters, approaches him asking for his help, he refuses. However, prophecies are set in stone, and even Peter's obstinance can't go against fate. As the war begins to worsen, he must make a decision and come to terms with his destiny. Together with Rose, he must locate the One who might end the bloodshed and save their world. Kachi Ugo's Storm of War is a pulse-pounding ride into a fascinating, fantasy world. With a cast of charismatic characters and a fast-paced, genre-bending storyline that delivers on every promise, Storm of War promises to enchant, entertain, and enthrall! Scroll up and click 'Buy Now' or 'Read for Free' (Kindle Unlimited) to grab your copy of Storm Of War today and get ready to be transported to a world fraught with magic, action, peril, and ancient evils!


The Twice-Cursed Serpent

The Twice-Cursed Serpent by Scarlett D. Vine

Caes’s father was the prophesied hero who was supposed to save Ardinan from the Malithian Empire—but he failed. Reviled and used as a scapegoat for her kingdom’s anger, Caes is given to the enemies her father died fighting to destroy. While the Malithian emperor allows Caes to live at court, she is constantly guarded by Soul Carvers—undead magic wielders whose power stems from what killed them. Worse, Malithia’s crown princess believes Caes should be executed because the princess, thanks to a prophecy, sees her as a threat to her succession to the throne—and this princess has already murdered for less.


Iron Blood

Iron Blood by Jolene D Campbell

Ake wants a peaceful existence. Immoral men want to exploit her powers. Will she risk it all to save her loved ones from death? "Iron Blood by Jolene Campbell is a fast paced, breathtaking story that will take you on an incredible journey of perseverance amidst great challenges, hope against impossible odds and love out of the most unlikely of circumstances; involving characters you will love and root for at every turn. Looking forward to the next two follow-on books!" -Shea GoodReads Review ★★★★★ Fall in love with Ake, a strong determined ninja warrior who finds love in an unexpected place and learns more about the origins of her demigod powers. Follow her path as she goes on high action adventures and performs daring stunts. As the last of the Iron Blood tribe, Ake fights to protect Hakone Valley and for her own survival. Shogun Zugai, along with the sorceress Kuroi, plan to use Ake’s blood in a potion to harness her Iron Blood powers in their scheme to overthrow the emperor. All seems lost when Ake is betrayed and captured. However, an unlikely ally reveals himself just moments before her fate is sealed. Will this new ally use her powers for his own personal vendetta or will their relationship turn into something beyond her wildest dreams? Follow her adventure as she learns about the true genesis of her powers, other demigods, and about the true depth of love.


The Tyrant's Apprentice (The Stellar Fracture Saga)

The Tyrant's Apprentice (The Stellar Fracture Saga) by Eric Fieldstone

Julie Lorraine, a recently orphaned teenage girl, finds herself chained to a wall in a tiny cell on a remote space station. A masked man who can read thoughts and alter memories claims she has a hidden supernatural potential, which only he is able to unlock. However, his ruthless methods push her to the very limit. Can she afford to trust the two foreign agents he assigns as her tutors? One says occult threats lurk at the edge of reality. The other hides his face behind a menacing helmet but speaks with a sugary voice. To discover the truth, she’ll have to put aside her yearning for love and focus on surviving the tyrant’s brutal trials, which include an intense workout program, combat training, and psychic attacks. Only then can Julie hope to recall her missing past and navigate this maze of lies.


Knights Full of Magic (The Fae Queen's Circle of Dragon Shifter Mates Book 1)

Knights Full of Magic (The Fae Queen's Circle of Dragon Shifter Mates Book 1) by Angela Edgehart

As a princess with missing memories, I believed I had no choice but to marry a prince I don't love. Then King Mythos and his three sexy knights entered my life. Thanks to my crown and the wealth that comes with it, King Mythos and his kingdom need me. The spark of attraction sets me on a new path. But when I get to my new home, I discover it's not all sunshine and rainbows. The king and I aren't seeing eye to eye, and the monsters who eat dark magic keep attacking us. Luckily, the knights have my back. Etienne, the charmer. Zeek, the intelligent. And Kade, the warrior. Fate brought them to me for a reason. I suspect that reason lies somewhere within my missing memories. With King Mythos acting erratic and sinking further and further into inebriation, it looks like it's up me and the knights to save the fae from the dark creatures—if I can convince the king the appearance of these monsters isn't my fault.


Cursed are her Mates (The Fae Queen's Circle of Dragon Shifter Mates Book 2)

Cursed are her Mates (The Fae Queen's Circle of Dragon Shifter Mates Book 2) by Angela Edgehart

Some curses shouldn't be broken. I wanted answers. Pieces of my memory have been missing since my return to Arboria. As it turns out, I'm not the only one who's lost part of their past. If I'd known who cast this curse on me and my mates, I would never have tried to break it. Now my enemy has control over one of my dragon shifters. She won't stop until the fragile peace is broken and all of the humans are destroyed. Zeek, Etienne, Kade, and I must free our trapped mate before he becomes the first casualty in a new war between the fae and the humans. Cursed are her Mates is the sequel to the steamy reverse harem romance Knights Full of Magic. Please note this series is intended for


The Black Door (Elwood : A New Adult Fantasy Series Book 1)

The Black Door (Elwood : A New Adult Fantasy Series Book 1) by Holly Michele

Knowing you’re going to die has its drawbacks. Knowing all your friends are going to die is the pits. But knowing you could have saved them all is worse than back-to-back finals while performing the chicken dance through an obstacle course of fire. Life can be cruel, and Topher Belmont finds out just how cruel life can be when he travels through the Black Door to a world of magic. Things are not what they seem and even the animals are snarky. The King wants to suck the life and magic out of Topher and his new friends. If only he had known he had magic. If only he knew how to use it. If only there was an easy way back to reality.


Hera's Revenge

Hera's Revenge by Wendy Day

A curse as old as time... At 24 years old, Kat Phillips has a stable job, an apartment, and her favorite taco place on speed dial. She should be happy, but she’s not. When she realizes her life might be stuck in neutral forever, Kat goes into full panic mode. She jumps in her car and heads south to the one person whom she knows will understand. With her grandmother’s advice comes revelations that rock Kat’s world. Generational secrets come to light and a shocking possibility sends Kat on a thrilling search for answers before her next birthday. The clock is ticking. With her life on the line and handsome, mysterious Jace Woods tempting her heart, Kat will have to challenge fate and change her destiny.


Peaceweaver: a Retelling of Hades and Persephone (Between Shade and Flame Book 1)

Peaceweaver: a Retelling of Hades and Persephone (Between Shade and Flame Book 1) by Everly Haywood

An indentured healer. A dying nobleman. A nightmarish curse that could destroy them both. Young elf Persis Ophne takes pride in her gift of healing. Expecting to mend the ailing Prince of Gelaira, her world shatters when she's informed her true undercover assignment is to murder the dark elf. And her unwillingness to break her oath to only use her abilities to heal takes a tricky turn when she finds herself falling for the already betrothed royal. Prince Haryk longs to be a worthy ruler. But when he's struck with an inexplicable ailment with seemingly no cure, the selfless noble fears his failing body will prevent him from updating the land's archaic peace treaty. And his doubts only intensify when he meets his future bride... and discovers his heart beats far faster for her gentle servant healer. Torn between her master's wishes and her curative duties, Persis can't believe her eyes when she uncovers the mysterious root to the Prince's crippling symptoms. And with Prince Haryk learning someone else wants him dead, he vows to do whatever it takes to protect his kingdom from hidden enemies. Will Persis and Haryk's forbidden love survive a powerful blight and bloody betrayals? Peaceweaver is a standalone book in the heart-racing Between Blood and Sand romantic fantasy series. If you like dramatic intrigue, traitorous twists, and sweet relationships, then you'll adore Everly Haywood's captivating adventure.


The Winter Princess (The Eldritch Series Book 1)

The Winter Princess (The Eldritch Series Book 1) by by Stacey Jaine McIntosh

Turning 17 isn’t all it’s cracked up to be and birthday parties are decidedly overrated. So, when Zooey Donovan finds herself thrown into a world where the supernatural exists, she can’t help but recall her Grams‘ warnings. Rule #1: Never insult a faerie. Rule #2: Never consort with the enemy. Rule #3: Gifts always come at a price. But will that be enough to save her from Queen Mab? And worse... the Summer Court?


Water to Water

Water to Water by Karen A. Wyle

Two young Vushla questioned what everyone knew about death. What should they do with the answer? When the time comes for Vushla to die, they go into the ocean and are dissolved away. Or so Terrill has always believed, and still believes after taking part in his father's final journey. But when he meets a young Vushlu who lives by the sea, Terrill must confront information that calls this fundamental belief into question. Will the two of them discover the truth? And what should they do with what they find?


Silencing The Siren

Silencing The Siren by Sara Reynolds

FOR CALLIOPE, OPENING NIGHT AT HER TRICKSTER FRIEND'S NEW NIGHTCLUB WAS SUPPOSED TO BE A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR EVERYONE TO HEAR THE SIREN SING. SHE HAD HER BEST FRIEND THERE WITH HER-THE GORGON EVEN STARTED TO LOOSEN UP. BUT THE NIGHT QUICKLY TAKES A TURN FOR THE WORSE WHEN CALLIOPE STARTS FEELING THAT THE TRICKSTER IS HIDING SOMETHING FROM HER. SHE DISCOVERS SOME NEW POWERS THAT SIREN'S AREN'T CAPABLE OF HAVING. THEY MUST HAVE COME FROM HER DAD'S SIDE BUT SHE DOESN'T KNOW WHO HER DAD IS. WORSE THAN ALL THAT-HER CAMBION EX BOYFRIEND SHOWS UP AT THE CLUB AND KIDNAPS HER AND TRICKSTER FRIEND KNEW AND DIDN'T EVEN TRY TO STOP IT. SO HOW DOES THE SIREN GO FROM PARTYING TO BEING KIDNAPPED BY HER EX TO FLYING TO NEW ORLEANS WITH HER HALF-DEMON EX, HER GORGON BEST FRIEND, AND HER TRICKSTER FRIEND TO FIND OUT WHO'S TRYING TO KILL HER AND STOP THEM? IT'S BEEN A FEW CRAZY WEEKS FOR CALLIOPE, BUT THIS IS THE MOST ADVENTURE SHE'S EVER HAD. MEET THE SIREN, THE GORGON, THE TRICKSTER, AND THE CAMBION AS THEY SET OUT TO STOP A SINISTER PLOT TO STRIP CALLIOPE OF HER POWERS AND KILL HER. JOIN THEM IN THE CRESCENT CITY WHERE THEY'LL MEET THE WEREWOLF, THE HUNTER, THE SHADOW WOMAN, AND THE ELF... NOT TO MENTION, THE MULTIPLE GODS AND DEITIES THEY ENCOUNTER.


Serpent's Mark (Snakesblood Saga Book 1)

Serpent's Mark (Snakesblood Saga Book 1) by Beth Alvarez

A girl without a family. A monster who craves humanity. An alliance could bring the kingdom to its knees. The fate of Firal's missing parents has always been a mystery, but her mother's necklace—the royal crest given to all court mages—could provide the answer. After a lifetime of training, a single trip to the capital could give Firal everything she ever wanted. All she has to do is cross the treacherous ruins of an ancient maze to get there. But the ruins are forbidden for a reason. Exiled to the labyrinth for the scales and claws his wild magic gave him, Daemon could find freedom if he could only gain control of his power. His chance encounter with Firal changes everything. In exchange for safe passage, she can teach the control he so desperately needs. Sharing temple secrets could get her expelled. His reckless nature could get her killed. With her window of opportunity to meet with the court mages drawing closed, Firal is forced to make a choice—but with secrets lurking behind Daemon's exile and hatred fueling his motives, their alliance could cost her more than she ever believed possible. The Snakesblood Saga is an epic fantasy adventure filled with intrigue, love, lies, and betrayal, beginning with Serpent's Mark, book one of a six book series.


Imprint: Book One: The Jade Dragon

Imprint: Book One: The Jade Dragon by Elaine Sherman

When Rachel McKenna uncovers a Japanese katana her first day on the job at the Jade Dragon antique shop, she awakens an ancient spirit and two souls become one
 Rachel McKenna is a college student flunking her pre-law courses with dreams of making it big on the local art scene. A closet bookworm with an overbearing mother and no social life, she’s just one step away from becoming a college dropout. Atsuhiko Abe is a former samurai from the golden age of a feudal Japan turned modern day art dealer. The victim of a four centuries old curse, he is in search of his ancestral sword to atone for the sins of his past and avenge the death of his beloved wife. When Atsuhiko answers the call of his familial sword, he is brought face to face with an ancient enemy, the spirit of his late wife Haruko, newly resurrected from the dead, and Rachel McKenna, the innocent young woman Haruko has taken as a host. Duty bound, Atsuhiko vows to protect Rachel from the reach of their shared enemy while seeking forgiveness from the ghost of his beloved. As fate draws them closer together in heart, body, mind, and soul, Atsuhiko and Rachel must learn to live with their newfound connection and emergent love while unraveling the secrets of a long-forgotten tragedy before history repeats itself.


For Better and Worse

For Better and Worse by E.B. Roshan

Boris and Anna's first baby is due any day, but the thought of raising a child in the war-torn city of Dor fills Anna with dread. Because Boris is so focused on keeping his struggling business afloat, he brushes her fears aside. When White Horse gangsters attack his illegal employee, Boris's attempt to protect him puts his own family in danger. Will doing the right thing cost him more than he's willing to pay?


Secrets of the Elvish Order: The Chronicles of Sophie and Benjamin Gorthorne, Book 1

Secrets of the Elvish Order: The Chronicles of Sophie and Benjamin Gorthorne, Book 1 by V.J. Magus

What if your strongest ally became your worst enemy? In "Secrets of the Elvish Order," Princess Sophie and Prince Benjamin of the Gorthorne kingdom must rely on unwavering wisdom, unbreakable bonds, and unshakable faith to come out alive. The Four Kingdoms alliance is no more. Now that the Regno king has obtained the Ckimszock Stone, an ancient gem that allows its wearer unlimited shapeshifting abilities, he has seduced an elvish princess and an unstoppable army to conquer the Four Kingdoms and beyond. Renaming himself King Dread, the remaining kingdoms must work put their cultural values aside and find a way to slow Dread's momentum. After learning of the destruction of the farming center Heafodland, Princess Sophie and Prince Benjamin are summoned to the mysterious island of the elves. Will Sophie and Benjamin be able to learn the elves' secrets to survival before King Dread destroys them all? This is the first in V.J. Magus' epic fantasy megaseries, the Kingdom of One, a new adult series that is suited for advanced teen readers and adults alike. Start your journey in a new world, where Magus blends science, faith, psychology and culture in a compelling and new way. Building a brand new world, Magus seamlessly blends nature with the supernatural, deep character development while stretching the imagination, and the grown up themes without the explicit content.


Duality (The Duality Series Book 1)

Duality (The Duality Series Book 1) by Becca Fogg

Jex thought she was an average, post-college girl—until she crippled a drunk and nearly incinerated a gas station. When her elemental powers manifest, she’s torn from her placid life and shoved into the war between good and evil. Forced to rely on new allies, including the sweetheart Captain of the Guards and her alphahole Valen, Jex must come to terms with her newfound ability before her enemies succeed in capturing her. —Praise for Duality— ★"I loved this book. I loved the witty banter, the sayings, the hidden clues, and the many little twists that were throughout the plotline."—Goodreads Reviewer (ARC) ★"Finished this book in one go ... it was that good."—Goodreads Reviewer ★"I don't know what drugs, or witchcraft, or messing with the time continuum the author has done to this book, but if you don't mind losing a night of sleep and you're into contemporary fantasy romance, go read Duality."—TikTok Reviewer (ARC) ★"This. Was. Incredible. I'm obsessed and completely invested in these characters and this story."—Early Reader ★"Five hottest words ever spoken: go sit in the chair."—TikTok Reader (ARC) ★"Honestly this book is in my top 5 favorite books of 2021! The sass of the characters had me smiling and laughing. And the spice! This book got me out of a reading slump. It was definitely a book that I couldn’t put down."—Goodreads Reviewer (ARC) ★"Refreshing and new the characters were well written and the plot well thought. It really sucked me into its pages and it made want to read more and more and more!" —Goodreads Reviewer —Want to Know More?— I am made of extremes. Normalcy was key, before. I’d have a normal life, with a normal job, and a normal white-picket fence. That was before I crippled a drunk and torched a gas station. As it turns out, normalcy lives in the average gray, but I do not. Instead, I am made of extremes. Of fire and water. Of light over darkness. Of good over evil. Well, mostly good over evil, apparently. Now I have no choice but to embrace the not-normal before my world comes crashing down a second time—to piece myself back together with the family I found when I needed it, with the support of two men dragging me (kicking and screaming) to my full capability. But the bad guys are coming, and they’re coming for me. He’s coming for me. Ain’t that some shit. NOTE: Duality is book one of four, and ends in a cliffhanger. Make sure to read to the end for extra content! TW: The Duality Series is an 18+ fantasy romance why-choose/RH series. If you like unique magic systems, sword fights and action sequences, sassy heroines, and bonfire-hot spice, then this book is for you. Book One contains explicit sex and violence, and cheating as a tangential part of the story (not among the main characters). This book is not suitable for all ages and palates. If that is not for you, please do not buy this book. Detailed trope tags can be found on the author's website.


Stowaway (Aeolus Investigations Book 1)

Stowaway (Aeolus Investigations Book 1) by Robert E Colfax

The year is 2026. When Lexi first met Ron, she was a 24-year-old doctoral student at a university on the west coast of the United States. She had a plan with clear goals for her life. Lexi hoped to be on the first space mission to Titan, although, in a pinch, Mars would do. Ron was a student there too, except it turned out he already had a job as an insurance investigator. One with an undercover mission. While it wouldn't be fair to say that Lexi was knocked off her feet, she certainly felt a strong attraction. Ron abruptly left after their first date without much of an explanation. Bummer! What does a bright young woman brimming with curiosity and an overabundance of determination do? She followed him. Of course. Who knew he was an alien? Right? Determined to save Earth from (an imagined) invasion, what could a girl do other than to stow away on his small starship. Her plans of space missions quickly go out the window. Joining forces with her alien boyfriend Ron, his mother Geena, and the sentient starship Urania, they manage to recover the 50,000 year-old, alien, artifact known as the Rose of Light. That’s when the fun starts, or more precisely, the havoc begins. Aeolus Investigations is a lighthearted space adventure with tongue-in-cheek humor and a dash of romance. Join Lexi, Ron, Geena, and Urania, the Aeolus Investigations team, in Stowaway, the first of their ongoing adventures.


Petition

Petition by Delilah Waan

SPFBO9

A 2023 SELF-PUBLISHED FANTASY BLOG-OFF (SPFBO9) SEMI-FINALIST! In the Dominion of Aleznuaweite, anyone can rise to the greatest heights—if they are willing to pay the price. Failure is a luxury Rahelu can’t afford. Her family sold everything, left their ancestral home, and became destitute foreigners for the sake of her resonance skills. Now she can manipulate emotional echoes to discern truth from lies, conjure the past, and even foretell the future. But an act of petty revenge by her rival destroys her chance at joining one of the great Houses. Desperate to prove her family’s sacrifices were not in vain, Rahelu calls upon the most dangerous magic of all—altering fortune. A slight twist of fate is enough to restore her way forward
with deadly consequences she never bargained for. The Houses make a pawn of her in their bitter struggle for control of the Dominion. A shadowy cult grows ever closer to completing an ancient ritual. And Rahelu discovers that fulfilling her oath to her family might come at the cost of her mother’s life.


Ride Every Stride

Ride Every Stride by Amy Maltman

Jed Carver hopes to put his troubled past behind him. After fleeing across the country, he finds refuge in his new job at a prestigious stable and commits himself to his goal: a spot on the Canadian Equestrian Team. Jed is confident in his riding ability, but the obstacles outside the ring could be his undoing. Will his dark secrets come to light? Can he ride every stride until his dream comes true? Or will his demons unseat him? Jump into this page-turner for the equestrian and non-equestrian alike!


An Enemy Defined

An Enemy Defined by Amy Maltman

Deadly creatures. Inhospitable lands. The magical journey continues. Five weeks after Lexi Guinel plunged into Gowerland from Earth, she is on the run from the irate King Ulric and the evil Selenites. With her is Prince Aeric, reluctant as always and grappling with bad tidings from home. Together, they must find the artifacts required to fulfill the Venus Prophecy and save Gowerland. Working with Aeric doesn't mean Lexi trusts him. He seems to be cooperating, but does he have other plans? And can they find the artifacts before King Ulric and the Selenites catch them? For every question answered, another arises, until a stunning betrayal unearths long-buried secrets that redefine Lexi’s knowledge of the enemy. When faced with deceit, you cannot retreat.


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