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Two young women. A dis-united Kingdom. Opposing sides in a British civil war. Ketty Smith is an instructor with the Recruit Training Service, turning sixteen-year-old conscripts into government fighters. She's determined to win the job of lead instructor at Camp Bishop, but the arrival of Bex and her friends brings challenges she's not ready to handle. Running from her own traumatic past, Ketty faces a choice: to make a stand, and expose a government conspiracy, or keep herself safe, and hope she's working for the winning side. The Battle Ground series is set in a dystopian near-future UK, after Brexit and Scottish independence. 'This series is raising the standard for YA dystopian fiction, and I canât give it less than 5 stars' - AyJayPageFarer Book Blog |
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Battle Ground by Rachel Churcher Sixteen-year-old Bex Ellman has been drafted into an army she doesn't support and a cause she doesn't believe in. Her plan is to keep her head down, and keep herself and her friends safe â until she witnesses an atrocity she can't ignore, and a government conspiracy that threatens lives all over the UK. With her loyalties challenged, Bex must decide who to fight for â and who to leave behind. The Battle Ground series is set in a dystopian near-future UK, after Brexit and Scottish independence. 'This series is raising the standard for YA dystopian fiction, and I canât give it less than 5 stars' - AyJayPageFarer Book Blog |
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Angels: The LGBTQ+ YA story you've been waiting for: friendship, identity, attraction, disasters ... and finding your wings by Rachel Churcher Angels is the LGBTQ+ YA story youâve been waiting for: friendship, identity, attraction, disasters ⊠and finding your wings. Angels have lived among us for as long as we can remember. They donât have powers, but they do have wings. Theyâve always hidden their wings, and who they are â until Kane. Melodie Abbott remembers the day she saw Kaneâs taboo-shattering billboard. A beautiful model showing his wings on Oxford Street, on a photo as tall as a building. When sixteen-year-old Mel finally meets her idol, disaster strikes. Can she find a way to free herself from his shadow, and what will her future hold? âAngelsâ is a coming-of-age story, a university heartbreak novel with a twist, a celebration of friendship and desire, and an exploration of attraction, identity and self-expression. It takes courage to find your wings ⊠|
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Lukie's father is trapped in the Underworld and it's all her fault. Twenty years after her murder, Lukie has returned to life and is ready to go home, but her father isn't willing to believe his beloved daughter is back from the dead. Before she can reconcile with him, a supernatural predator steals her father's soul. One that she's led straight to his door, after foolishly ignoring the signs that something was amiss. To get her father back, Lukie must uncover the true nature of the ancient horror haunting Thunderhead Ward before a spectral hunt of bestial ghosts is unleashed upon the world. And she only has until midnight on New Year's Eve, when the borders between the dead and living lands seal, or her father will be lost forever⊠|
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Lukieâs been murdered. And she needs answers. Sheâs cut a deal with the Underworld to return to the living lands. But when Lukie returns as an undead revenant, twenty years have passed. Her former sleepy beach-side town is now a roaring tourist hot-spot. Her memory is full of holes and she doesnât know which of her old friends to trust. Worse, a monster hunter is stalking her. Lukie has to stay one step ahead, or return to the Underworld without knowing who killed her, and whyâŠ. |
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Friends for Robots: Short Stories by Merc Fenn Wolfmoor In this upbeat, positive collection of SFF short stories from Merc Fenn Wolfmoor, author of So You Want to Be A Robot, youâll find hope, humor, friendshipâand of course, robots. Have you heard the one about⊠âŠa neural network who wants humans to drink more water? âŠa person stranded on Mars with only an obsolete robotic toy? âŠa cyborg caught in a time loop with a frightened ship? âŠa self-aware mech who doesnât want to be a weapon anymore? âŠan AI sent into the deepest part of the oceanâand finds a god? Youâll also meet entrepreneurial barbarians, an astronaut making first contact, a boy who might have (accidentally) started Armageddon, magical birds, a bot who wants to tell jokes, and more. Whether youâre a robot or not, come make some new friends. |
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Flotsam (Book One of the Peridot Shift) by R J Theodore A scrappy group of outsiders take a job to salvage some old ring from Peridotâs gravity-caught garbage layer, and land squarely in the middle of a plot to take over (and possibly destroy) whatâs left of the already tormented planet. Captain Talis just wants to keep her airship crew from starving, and maybe scrape up enough cash for some badly needed repairs. When an anonymous client offers a small fortune to root through a pile of atmospheric wreckage, it seems like an easy payday. The job yields an ancient ring, a forbidden secret, and a host of deadly enemies. Now on the run from cultists with powerful allies, Talis needs to unload the ring as quickly as possible. Her desperate search for a buyer and the fallout from her discovery leads to a planetary battle between a secret society, alien forces, and even the gods themselves. Talis and her crew have just one desperate chance to make things right before their potential big score destroys them all. Praise for Flotsam: âCombining the best elements of steampunk and space opera, placed in a lavishly detailed and imagined world, Flotsam will hold you firmly till the final page.â â Cat Rambo âFlotsam sucked me in and wouldnât let me go. R J Theodore is a fresh voice who will soon be on your must-read list!â â Jennifer Foehner Wells âI canât stop thinking about the world of Flotsam. Science-fiction, alchemy, and airships. Itâs magic.â â Mary Robinette Kowal âTake a pinch of Jim Butcherâs Aeronautâs Windlass, add a dash of Treasure Planet, some vivid imagery from Avatar, a generous helping of banter from Firefly, and you might have an idea of the feeling this story left me with. Rich language and imagery blend with a complex world, a story told with humor and heart, that left me breathless and wrung out. I want to know whatâs in store next for this crew and their already shattered world.â â Ronda âPeridot is a fascinating, fractured world that truly comes to life on the page; itâs remarkable that Theodore manages to establish the world and its cultures and races so well straight off the bat. And as if that isnât enough, she introduces an alien race and culture into the mix, juggling them all with aplomb.â â Alan Brenik âThe worldbuilding is incredibly epic for a newly minted author and hints at uncovering even more as this series evolves.â â Koeur |
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Morganâs home is a sanctuary for ghosts. The once-grand, now dilapidated old house they live in has become a refuge for their found family. From Morganâs partner Araminta, an artist with excellent dress sense, to Theo, a ten-year-old with an excess of energy, to quiet telekinesthetic pensioner Denny, all of them consider this haunted house their home. In a world that wasnât built for their queer, neurodivergent selves, theyâve made it into a place they belong. Together they welcome not just the ghosts of the houseâs former inhabitants, but any who need somewhere to belong. Both the living and the dead can find themselves in need of a sanctuary. When a collection of ghosts trapped in old bottles are delivered to their door, something from the past is unleashed. A man who once collected ghosts â a man who should have died centuries before â suddenly has the house under his control. Morgan must trust their own abilities, and their hard-won sense of self, to save their home, their family, and the woman they love. |
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The Wolf Among The Wild Hunt by Merc Fenn Wolfmoor A disgraced knight must survive a night among the most deadly hunt ever known. With cover artwork by Asmo Grimae and six b&w interior illustrations by Andrew Garin Skythulf wants to live. Raised in the fight pits, trained to kill or be killed, he yearns for freedom thatâs out of reach. Heâs a scythewulf: a wolf-shifter considered neither fully man nor beast, his life worth nothing to his keepersâŠuntil Brennus, knight-champion of Saorlland, rescues him from certain death and offers him a new life. When he mistakenly kills a corrupted nun, Skythulf has one chance to redeem himself and restore his honor. He must run with the Wild Hunt: an age-old trial of blood and courage, where every step hides peril and carnage. If he survives, he will be pardoned. If he fails, Brennus will die brutally at his side. Few have ever returned from the fae-haunted land, where horrors unnamed dwell beside the enchanted and the damned. There is no rest, no relent, and no mercy. In the Wild Hunt, you run or you die. |
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Underway: The Phantom Travelogues by R J Theodore Jayess chronicles the strange worlds visited by Harrowâs Tusk in this illustrated travelogue. âDimspace, a realm shrouded in mystery and promise. Our shipâs gate drive hurls us between star systems, careening between random pinpricks of light faster than light itself can travel. We journey steadily toward the region of the galaxy whence we came, one calculated leap at a time. Each waypoint system offers unique wonders, phenomena, and life to explore, observe, and chronicle. We are seeking our own people, our culture, and our history but it is my goal that, when we reach our destination, we will have our own history to shareâŠâ As the Harrowâs Tusk carries them across a galaxy toward a home world theyâve never seen, iscillian sisters Jayess and Sothree record the worlds they visit, through journaling and illustration. Every encounter brings them one step closer to discovering themselves and who they are meant to be. Eleven log entries are paired with original full color illustrations. |
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The Silent Fringe: Phantom Traveller Book Two by R J Theodore After Ehli inadvertently exiles herself to the extra-dimensional realm known as dimspace, she discovers a planet full of iscillian who are scheduled for the same life she recently escaped. Can she save more of her people from that fate without losing her ship, her freedom, or her life? The suspenseful sequel to The Bantam is here! An engineering failure has left Ehli stranded between the layers of reality. Her only companion is BEETLâa scarab drone programmed to terminate any iscillian who endangers the ship. Ehli definitely qualifies. She must repair the shipâs disabled gate drive to free them from dimspace. But once she does, will she be free to search for her homeworld, or will BEETLâs deadly protocols activate the moment she fails to set course for an impound dock? When Ehli inadvertently involves another iscillian in her trouble, itâs not just her own life sheâs risking. The rebellious engineer must solve both moral and technical quandaries before she destroys another crew. |
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The Bantam: Phantom Traveller Book One by R J Theodore When one of Ehliâs bantam sisters turns up dead, she tries to figure out what happened before sheâs blamed for the murder, and before the real killer strikes again. Ehli is an Iscillian, designed in a lab to serve as a bantam, a ship custodian for a merchant crew. She imagines no future beyond the care of her starship and the quiet hours between ships spent painting in her quarters. But when she discovers a vague clue that undermines the once clear purpose of her existence, the satisfaction she once found in her simple routine dissolves into an unsettling, deadly obsession to learn the truth. Her job is to put the needs of her ship and its crew before her own, but every step she takes to investigate her originsâand that of all Iscillian bantams across the galaxyâtakes her further from the life she knew and deeper into danger. But Ehli canât ignore what sheâs learned. She must know what secrets have been kept from her, and sheâs willing to risk everything to uncover them. THE BANTAM transports you to a distant corner of space, introduces you to the most adorable invertebrate youâve ever met, and sets up a mystery to propel Ehli forward into a new life of exploration and adventure. |
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Fate never asks your opinion... Growing up in a town constantly at war with elves, Johnny wants to be a knight like his father, but tragedy and intrigue interfere. After he meets an elf, and false accusations draw unwanted attention, he escapes by becoming an apprentice to a powerful wizard. He soon learns he has the most feared talent of all, Metamancy, the magic of altering magic. In the deadly serious world of wizards, revealing his talent for Metamancy would place a target on his back. It seems heâs jumped from the frying pan into the fire, but with his magical abilities unlocked, there's no going back. This book introduces a brand new world, and begins to reveal a detailed new magic system. Though this world will have some familiar elements (elves, goblins, wizards), this young wizard treads a fundamentally different path versus the likes of Garion, Pug, Rand, or Harry and not all is as it initially seems. Contains: Wizards, Mages, Archmage, Elves, Undead, Imps, Pegasus, Knights, Fateful Tragedy, Dastardly Manipulation, Internal Struggles, Love Interest, and a Mysterious Unknown Player Does not contain: Whiny Characters, Cliff-hanger Chapters, Unedited Text, Pointless Profanity, Needless Gore, Explicit Romance Note: This is the beginning of an epic story, not just a collection of magical battles. If you are only interested in combat or a numerically tracked skill progression, this is not the book you are looking for. |
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The Coven of Ruin by T. K. Tucker The merciless God of War, a healer witch, and that meddlesome thing known as Fate. Trista was a healer. But that was before. Before she was dragged to Olympus for a crime she didnât commit. Before she almost died. And before she made a life debt to the god who saved her. The very god who killed the Mothers and damned all of witchkind centuries beforeâAres, the God of War. The Witchbane. Now she canât stand the sight of blood, and her simple, duty-filled life is upended. When she receives an invite to the capital of Witch Country to attend the social season, though, she is hopeful the time away will help her heal. What she doesnât expect to find there is something much more sinister than political games and poorly disguised attempts at matchmaking. Between masquerades and tournaments, Trista is pulled farther into the dark and bloody history between witches and gods. And amidst it all is Ares. Since Trista is the only witch in existence who knows who he is, Ares keeps her close. So close that the lines between enemies and allies begin to blur and she doesnât know who or what to trust. But before she can figure that out, an ill-fated choice and an ancient prophecy may lead them both down a path they canât survive. The Coven of Ruin series is a Greco-Roman myth-inspired, slow burn, adult romantic fantasy set in a different world. |
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Ember and Eclipse by T. K. Tucker Thereâs a bounty on her head. After committing a brutal crime against Romulâs prince, Rel fled the mortal-dominated north to Witch Country. She wasnât welcomed in the covens, though, so she found a sanctuary in an empty swamp instead. And thatâs where sheâs been hiding ever since. Until the Wolf of Romul, the deadliest witch hunter, somehow finds her after two years. Even as she fights with knives and teeth to get away, the witch hunter continues to hunt her and ruins any of her escape plans. As they journey further from her swamp, theyâre forced into situations that reveal more of their truths, and it soon becomes apparent both are more than what they seem. Lines are blurred, morals questioned, and touches stolen until the hunter becomes just as trapped in his snare as she is. And neither of them may survive it. Ember and Eclipse is a steamy, enemies to lovers, witch X witch hunter, adult fantasy romance. As a Coven of Ruin series standalone, it can be read before or after book 1, The Coven of Ruin. |
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On Virgin Moors by Alexandrina Wilson The Unity holds dominion over the breadth of space. And now, at last, they've set their sights on the final prize. That prize is Essegena - a planet at the farthest edge of the universe, ripe for human habitation and yet completely untouched. But all is not well on Essegena. Three of the colony's pioneers have vanished without a trace, and in their place a man has appeared who - according to all the records - simply does not exist. Worse still, the infant colony is beset with concerning reports of mysterious lights in the distant trees, shadowy phantoms haunting the edges of their nascent home, strange noises from high up on the cliffs. The colonists need to stay united if they're to make Essegena a success story - but with ambitious vipers around every corner, they've never been more divided. Once they dreamed of a fresh start, far away from their former lives. Now that dream is fast becoming a nightmare. |
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That Wasn't in the Script by Sarah Ainslee Josie Bradford's life feels like a never-ending roller coaster ride. Forced to leave her beloved small-town Ohio behind and uprooted to the bustling streets of New York City, she yearns for a return to normalcy after losing her father. But with the crushing weight of financial struggles, her dreams of attending college seem out of reach. Enter Rowan Adler, the charismatic heartthrob who skyrocketed to fame overnight with a viral streaming sensation. Trapped in the suffocating glare of the limelight, Rowan craves an escape from the shallow world of Hollywood. Their lives collide on an extraordinary autumn night when Josie stumbles upon an escaped Rowan, fast asleep in the greasy burger shack where she works. The encounter ignites Josie's imagination and a wild idea takes hold: How much could she get for an exclusive on this Hollywood star? What unfolds next is an exhilarating, heartfelt, and whirlwind twenty-four-hour adventure that defies all expectations. As the unlikely duo embarks on this chaotic journey, they discover the true meaning of embracing life's unexpected twists and turns. Sometimes, it's in losing ourselves that we find what we truly desire. |
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Muireann spent six months planning to kill the dragon that killed her family. Now the dragon is dead, and she's realized that it was actually the lesser threat guarding a devastating weapon that, if it falls into almost anyone's hands, will bring war and destruction to her world. It can't be left where it is. It can't be hidden. It can't be trusted in the hands of anyone in power or who seeks power. Muireann's only option becomes a reluctant quest with the elf she rescued from the dragon, a would-be knight, a selkie, and an elven mage to find out as much as she can about the weapon and seek a way to understand the magic that created it. Pursued by a dragon-worshipping cult bent on revenge and a hidden enemy that will do anything to remake the world, the five friends must try to find answers before all is lost. Muireann thought that killing a dragon was going to be impossible. Saving the world is going to be much harder. |
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Wings of Fire by Stephanie Mirro Stealing objects for supernatural clients is my bread and butter. Murder? Not so much. As a phoenix, Iâm used to burning hot and rising from the ashes. Thatâs why I chose to make my living as a world-class thief. Some say itâs dangerous. I call it fun. Or it is until someone beats me to my latest mark, stealing the prize and killing a fae duke in the process. To add insult to injury, I get blamed for the gruesome murder. With my freedom on the line, Iâve got three options. One, confess my failure and spend a few centuries as the caged pet of my sadistic, bloodsucking client. Nope. Two, take the blame and let the hotter-than-hell grim reaper take me to jail. Also a hard nope, unless he sweetens the deal with an offer to burn up the sheets. Is it any wonder I choose door number three? Iâve got to find the real killer, steal back the goods, and remind everyone how I got my reputation as the worldâs best âacquirerâ in the first place. Thereâs just one problem. That sexier-than-sin grim reaper I mentioned? Heâs determined to see me go down. |
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Over the Dragonâs Gate by Juliana Jones & Riley Sanderson Treya has everything he needs in his pond: food, shelter, and other fish to swim with. Itâs painful to wonder if he had another life once, so he ignores the fragments of disturbing dreams that plague him. But when a boy falls into his pond, Treya discovers heâs more than a fish. He can also become a boy, and now he has a friend: the irrepressible Eli. During secret meetings in the garden surrounding the pond, Treya and Eli forge a bond that even dark magic canât break. But when Eli starts asking questions about who and what Treya is, the two of them discover that questions are dangerous, answers have a cost, and their fates depend on unraveling the mystery of Treyaâs past. |
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Of Blood, Bones, and Truth by T.M. Ledvina For fans of genre-bending science fiction and fantasy, Of Blood Bones and Truth is a modern take on classic epic fantasy stories featuring murder mystery, front-and-center queer representation, MM romance, and unique magical technology. Kellan Manchester, an indentured political assassin, wants to lead a life of his own choosing. But as one of the Fallen - celestial descendants who are still paying for their ancestorâs mistakes - he has no choice but to do as heâs commanded. All Cassian Evermore wants is to pay off his fatherâs debts and ensure his motherâs safety. Being forced to work for someone he hates is soul-crushing, but when he meets Legion assassin Kellan in the garden of a targetâs home, he canât help but wonder if heâs finally found something interesting. Thanks to a fortuitous reunion in a nightclub, the two men form a tentative agreement to work together to solve a brutal string of murders in Spiral City. Kellan finds himself struggling to connect the dots, while Cassian juggles the emotional toll of targeting someone heâs come to see as a friend. And neither of them can ignore their budding feelings for one another, even while the bodies continue to pile up. Kellan and Cassian are two men with no control over their own fates - but this case could spell the same for the entire world. |
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The Nameless Throne by Lisa Cassidy An ambitious orphan. A ruthless warlord. An impossible destiny. Arya Nameless is a lowly Raider posted to an isolated fort in the most dangerous place in Dunidaen. She has few prospects, and as much as she loves her fellow soldiers, she burns for more-more control, more autonomy, more power. When her bravery during an unexpected attack leads to an offer to join the household of one of Dunidaen's warlords, Arya finds a home and family she never expected. Yet her quicksilver temper and fierce pride put her place there at constant risk. And as her warlord embroils them all in a dangerous political game to rule Dunidaen, over the border to the west, the Nightstalker lurks. A king who wields powerful magic, the Nightstalker's fate is inextricably entwined with Arya's. His relentless pursuit will force Arya into a choice she doesn't want to make, between loyalty and love, and taking hold of the destiny she was born to fulfill. Which will she choose? |
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Our Vengeful Souls by Kristi Mcmanus When magical mermaid Sereia saves her little sister and overshadows brother and rightful heir, Triton, the position of next ruler of the sea is in question. Determined to keep his throne, Triton curses Sereia, transforming her into a human and stripping her of magic. Banishing her from their underwater kingdom, he gives her a final warning: if you should ever return, you will become a monster. Left for dead, Sereia washes up on the shores of Atlantis, discovered by a kind merchant with a tragic past. Patient and charming, he helps her build a life on land, leaving her realizing that everything she was taught about humans may have been wrong. But legends are powerful forces, and mermaids are burned for their magic by humans who fear their power. Sereia is forced to keep her true identity a secret, even as her feelings for her savior deepen. Channeling her skill with a blade, she finds a place within the ranks of the Atlantean army, finally giving her the chance to become the respected warrior she always desired. During her training, however, she discovers the legend of a trident of equal power to her fatherâs exists, and is within her grasp in Atlantis. With a way back to the sea in her grasp, she wavers between the pull of revenge and the possibility of love on land, all under the hateful eye of a vengeful enemy within her ranks. But when the fate of a friend is in the balance, she must make the hardest decision of all: be burned at the stake as a witch, or turn into a monster should she return to the sea. |
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It's the end of the world â but not as we know it. A woman wakes up in a motel on the outskirts of a remote Oregon city with no memory who she is and a gun at her bedside. As she explores the world around her it seems that civilization has come to a violent end. Thatâs bad. It might also be the most normal thing that happens to her all week. |
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Out of fuel and captured by pirates in his beat up chimera of a ship, Maurice "Moss" Foote is having a bad day, until he gets a lead on the score of a lifetime. Easy pickings, if his crew doesn't mind doing a bit of pirating themselves. Moss certainly doesn't. His ship's computer, Violet, might. And his co-pilot, Hel, definitely will. But one tiny little lie might get them both on board. What's the worst that could happen? Roy Herzog is having a worse day. He lost everyone he could stomach working with, then crossed paths with the Silver Legion, the very organization he deserted to become a pirate. Unfortunately for him, the Legion does not forget, and does not easily forgive. But there might be a way out, and perhaps a shot at revenge against the pilot who nearly killed him. A pilot who flies a chimera. |
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Maurice "Moss" Foote used to be somebody. Then nobody. Then somebody again, for a while. Now he's back to square one, using his last hundred credits to try and get back his old ship and start over. Again. Hel doesn't have a last name. Or maybe she does. She was born a slave. Or maybe she wasn't. It's all rather confusing to her, just like the strange compulsion that has her trying to build... something out of spare ship parts in the junkyard she calls home. When she sees an opportunity to escape on board a rebuilt transport, she takes it, not realizing what she's getting herself into. All she knows is the answers she's looking for are on board that ship. Or maybe they're inside her head. Roy "Hellno" Herzog left the Silver Legion in favour of becoming a pirate, only they didn't like his attitude any more than the Legion did. Now he's got a lead on a prize so big it could set him up for life, if he can stomach working with other people. All he's got to do is track down one runaway slave. |
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Paragon Exordium by Mikel Melwasul Paragon Exordium is an easy-to-read character-driven fantasy novel that combines classic magical elements with a modern-day setting full of non-stop action, world-building, and high stakes. -In Paragon, Georgia, the battle for survival has begun. ï»ż After the Shattering, everything changes. When technology falters, the remnants of humanity must unite against an onslaught of creatures beyond their wildest imaginings. Basilisk, orcs, elves, dwarves, and other terrifying creatures now populate the planet. ï»ż With the creatures causing havoc, strangers are forced to join forces. Private military officer Peter Blair grapples with enigmatic dreams brought on by a black sword, and his inability to save everyone. While journalism student Sarah Young discovers newfound magical powers and the responsibility they bring. With refugees flooding in and danger on the rise, Peter and Sarah must embrace their new reality or risk surrendering Earth to the Fae - losing everything they hold dear. ï»ż Fans of The Walking Dead and Lord of the Rings will be enticed by this genre-bending epic that rings with themes of survival, sacrifice, and self-discovery.ï»ż |
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Bedsocks and Broomsticks by G Clatworthy Village Fetes can be murder. When Fi's electrical powers cause her to be fired from her job, the last thing she wants to do is help the Witches', Wizards' and Warlocks' Institute host the annual Halloween Fete. But when a judge collides with her, she's thrown into a murder investigation...as the prime suspect. Can she clear her name and catch the real killer? Jam and Jerusalem meets Midsomer Murders meets magic. If you like cozy British settings, sarcasm and witches, you'll enjoy this series. Reviews: If Jessica Fletcher was a 20 something IT worker and a witch, you'd get this fun book. A Cozy Mystery wrapped inside urban fantasy, it's a quick, fun read. Wayne Turmel - author of Johnny Lycan and the Anubis Disk I ADORED this book. It's like Midsomer Murders meets Helen Harper. Huge amounts of fun. C.N. Rowan - urban fantasy author This book had me hooked from the first page â there are so few fantasy stories about IT people, and the moment I saw the PIC-NIC, I knew I would like this book. Amena Jameli - fantasy author Written in UK English. |
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Tone of Voice by Kaia SĂžnderby Xandri Corelel has spent six months living among the Ongkoarrat after her unceremonious firing from the crew of the Carpathia, and though she misses her home, she has settled into her new life. Then Diver arrives with news that changes everything. The Hands and Voices--squid- and whale-like symbiotic aliens--are masters of bio-engineering and grow a wide variety of species of coral. Now they are in the process of creating coral that can withstand vacuum, with a most stunning end goal: To grow entire spaceships out of living organisms. The Starsystems Alliance is desperate to lure the Hands and Voices into the Alliance and bring this new technology into the fold. And the Voices and Hands are willing, with one stipulation. They will only negotiate with Xandri and the crew of the Carpathia. Returned from exile, Xandri is given the lead on this new mission. She quickly discovers that willingness isn't the problem; the Hands and Voices want to join, but they want full equality in their membership--including the ability to attend council meetings in person. Amid the sunshine and surf of the tropical, idyllic planet of Song, it seems the biggest hardship Xandri and her friends will face is the task of re-rigging a spaceship to carry creatures the size of killer whales. Then the Last Hope for Humanity arrives, and this time they've brought an army. |
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The Midnight Games: Six Stories About Games You Play Once by Rhiannon Rasmussen OF COURSE ITâS DANGEROUS. THATâS HALF THE THRILL, ISNâT IT? Games and rituals are a part of humanity as old as language. Since time immemorial, we have passed down rituals, allowing future generations a chance to harness the powers our forebears discovered-if they follow the rules just right. Have you ever wanted to know your future? Have you ever wanted a peek at the other side? Fancy a wager or a party with powers unknown? Six stories await you inside this anthology, with step by step instructions for those braveâor desperateâenough to play. Stories by Casey Lucas, M. Lyn Hall, M.B. Hare, Rhiannon Rasmussen, Shi Briggs, Veles Svitlychny, and illustrated by Andrey Garin. |
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Life Sucks After You Die by Crystal-Rain Love All Danni Keller wanted to do was go to a bar and drown her sorrows in some alcohol, but she managed to get attacked by an incubus. Now she's being guarded by a hunky but oh so irritating vampire (who bit her too) while the incubus stalks her. Being guarded by the sexy vampire probably wouldn't be that bad if not for the fact her perfect boss has finally noticed her. Try dating while a vampire guards you way too closely and an incubus tracks your every move, waiting to pounce. Then there's some creepy hunter guy who also wants to kill Danni. The sun wants to kill her. Human food wants to kill her. Don't even get her started on her family. Life sucks after you die. |
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Descent to the Roses of a Family: A Poet's Journey Into Antiracism and Personal Social Healing by Judy Grahn For those courageous enough to explore how family dynamics create and imprint the structures of white supremacy in each of us, Judy Grahn, an iconic voice of the GLBTQ and Women's movements, has used her masterful poem, "Descent to the Roses of a Family," to expose and closely examine her own family's roses (and thorns) of toxic racism and white supremacy. Grahn uses rich back-stories and mythology to guide us in the process of understanding and healing the split psyche that white supremacy causes and requires. "Descent to the Roses of a Family" is especially valuable for getting past endless intellectualizing about one of our most serious and tenacious social problems. Grahn demands more of us; she insists that we understand emotionally and poetically, as well as intellectually, the heart of white supremacy in the family and its consequences when taken unexamined into the larger world. She leads us out of the fog of denial. Recommended for teachers of antiracism, using literature, sociology, and mythology; also for group discussions and individuals wanting to heal themselves and future generations by finding a better way. |
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Becoming Catherine Bennet by Joseph P. Garland On June 20, 1815, rumours of Wellington's victory in what history would come to call the Battle of Waterloo reach London. Among the townspeople celebrating first the rumour and then the confirmation of victory are Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy (and their son, Fitzy) and Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bingley, who live a few blocks apart in Mayfair. The news became bleak for the families, however, when they soon received a dispatch that Captain George Wickham had been valiantly killed in battle. His pregnant widow, Lydia, and sister-in-law, Kitty (or Catherine), will come to London to be with their families, joined by their parents who come down from Longbourn. (The remaining sister, Mary, will remain in northern England near the Scottish border with her husband, a vicar.) Thus begins Becoming Catherine Bennet. Soon, though, we will discover two great secrets. One, concerning Darcy and his money, is soon known throughout London and Derbyshire and wherever a member of London society resides. The other, concerning our heroine, Catherine, will only be revealed to a handful, those who need to know all or part of the truth. Elizabeth, of course (though not as yet Jane). And the three who were freed by the death in 1813 of Lady Catherine de Bourgh: Charlotte Collins, William Collins, and Anne de Bourgh. |
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I Am Alex Locus by Joseph P. Garland Twenty-three-year-old Alex Locus stumbles into the world of her late mother, Emily. With each revelation, she learns things she could not have imagined, and struggles to find the truth about her family. Emily had a long-term date with a friend on Friday afternoons. On one of those Fridays, August 8, 2008, though, she suffered a stroke that she did not survive. Nine years later, Alex is passing time at a New York bookshop, enjoying an author read from her collection of stories. Her life changes forever when learns of the existence of the "Emily Locus Award." She introduces herself: "I am Alex Locus." This begins a quest by Alex and her best friend Kate to learn the truth about her mother, starting with their reading the unpublished stories that for years sat in the attic of Alex's one-time suburban home. A quest that will reveal secrets, good and bad, about the family members she knew and some she only came to meet in her search. |
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The Fifth Horseman by Freida Kilmari No name. No past. One giant future. The only thing worse than suddenly waking up in a magical house with the insanely gorgeous Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse? Being the Fifth. With no memory of who I am, where I came from, or what Iâm doing here, Iâm thrust into a new life with four people who I might want more from than just friendship. But with no past, how can I possibly plan for a future? The only clue as to who I am? Four different species' magic resides within meâVampire, Fae, Shifter, and Witchâand between them, I might be the most powerful creature on the planet. For fuck's sake. Look out world, Horseman of Magic coming through! |
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Split Decision by David Perlmutter Jefferson Ball, the mightiest female dog in a universe full of them. Jody Ryder, the mightiest female robot dog in said universe. When they clash, everyone will hear it.... |
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The International League of Girls With Guns, the world's mightiest superheroines, discover that they are the victims of identity theft. Aliens have been using their names and identities in the making of movies! But it will take more than just their powers for them to get revenge.... |
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Armando Medina suffered a tragic loss at the hands of some Nitelvosa, supernatural beings who control his world. For decades, heâs been unable to forget the horrific night when his life changed. Izdahl Amasi, a member of a prominent Nitelvosa family, has been fascinated by Armando for years. Izdahlâs heart grows heavier, as Armandoâs stubborn streak denies them the happiness they could have. While the two were close childhood friends, Armandoâs trauma drove a painful wedge between him and Izdahl. Now, as adults, they find themselves connected in unexpected ways. Despite how much Armando tries to avoid the truth, heâs drawn to Izdahl. Looming over them are the events from Armandoâs youth and the mystery of who's responsible for his anguish. Can Armando open his heart and trust Izdahl? Or will Izdahl stop believing they have a chance? |
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The International League of Girls With Guns, the world's mightiest superheroines, discover that some obsessive "fans" of theirs are trying to expose their identities via a bizarre "museum". Can they intervene before it's too late? |
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The Singular Adventures of Jefferson Ball by David Perlmutter There never was a heroine like Jefferson Ball. And, thankfully, there may never be. She is, simply, the most powerful humanized female dog in a universe full of them. Faster, stronger, more attractive to boys. Unbeatable as a lover. Unfortunately, her brains are not up to this quality, but donât tell her that. About the only one who can is Major Hamilton Pomeranian, the diminutive ex-soldier who is Jeffâs best friend and conscience. When she gets too big for her limited clothing, Hamilton tells her what for. And itâs usually only after that point that they are able to escape from whatever convoluted situation they find themselves in. This potential collection will have readers both laughing and awestruck at the events that happen. And, hopefully, you will be one of them. |
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Nothing About Us Without Us by David Perlmutter Anybody who loves animated cartoons should be interested in knowing the truth about them. Which is that they have lives after the camera stops filming, and pretty interesting ones at that. This book will give you the truth about who they are and what they feel, direct from their lips. Particularly about how the leaders of the world want them out of the way, for good.... |
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Let's Be Buddies by David Perlmutter Major Hamilton Pomeranian, once a highly decorated Star Soldier, has been discharged for a recently gained injury. Now forced into a non-military life, she is uncertain about what to do until reconnecting with Jefferson Ball, an old army buddy, and agreeing to assist her at her "job"- not realizing exactly what that will involve until it is too late... |
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Honey And Salt by David Perlmutter The story is narrated by Olivia Thrift, a.k.a. the Manitoba based pre-teen super-heroine Captain Fantastic. After filling us in about her background, she then proceeds to speak about her first meeting with the members of the Canadian Consortium of Super-heroines, all of whom are her age or slightly older and based in different parts of Canada. She is particularly thrilled to meet her idol Gerda Munsinger, a.k.a. Muscle Girl, also a Manitoban by residence, and even more so when Gerda befriends her. However, the joyousness of the occasion is marred when Captain Fantastic's arch-enemy Gridiron Girl arrives and tricks Captain Fantastic into literally fighting a losing battle with her. In doing so, Olivia loses the personal confidence required to sustain her heroic persona, and becomes meek and helpless, saved only from death by the timely intervention of Muscle Girl. It is discovered that a villainous race of men known as the Merch are responsible for this, as well as the kidnapping of the members of the Consortium en masse when Gerda and Olivia are otherwise engaged. As a consequence, Muscle Girl is forced to call the aid of her colleagues in the International League of Girls with Guns- The Brat, an alien only resembling a toddler; Power Bunny, a truly animated rabbit; Cerberus, the all-mighty Princess of Puppies; and Candy Girl, the Titan of Teens- to help her and a temporarily powerless Olivia set things right. Yet it will not be an easy task. And before it is over, they may all succumb to multiple kinds of weakness that will destroy them permanently.... |
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The United States government discovers, to its horror, that the creatures featured in animated cartoons are not fabrications but real beings. Fearing the social and political consequences of the discovery being made public, they proceed to exile them off Earth to another planet. However, things do not go according to plan... |
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Wizards of the Apocalypse: The Forgotten Prophecy by X Zombie SOMETHING IS CREEPING IN THE DARK⊠Tristan Skeleton's life is already busy. Being the king of Skeletonia is no effortless task. With zombies roaming the earth and the human population reduced to villages, Tristan's plan is clear: protect and survive. Surrounded by strong castle walls, security seems easy. That is until four uncanny zombies break into the Skeletonia library. After the break-in, Tristan discovers the undead have been developing their skills beyond their lethal bites. They're learning to read, wield weapons, and even use magic. Tristan and his friends soon learn that Malice, a dangerous demon, is assembling her army of zombies, and itâs up to them to stop her before she conquers whatâs left of the world. They must find the hidden Apocalypse Grimoire, which holds the key to Malice's defeat. But to do so, Tristan must cope with his forbidden powers. |
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The Fall of Ahilon (Zaure's Reign Book 1) by Samantha Shaye Forced to flee her kingdom, an Elvish princess prepares to return and reclaim her birthright with magic, blood, and steel. When the Elvish kingdom of Ahilon is attacked, Princess Zaure Rhistelâthe sole heirâis forced to flee. Her mother always told her when there is war prepare for death, but she didnât listen. Now, she finds herself woefully unprepared for the challenges ahead. Until she meets Torin, a spellcaster who has vowed to protect her. As Zaure travels with Torin, using her handmaidenâs name as an alias, two more heroes join their circle: Cagdas, a warrior from Zaure's kingdom who was sent to aid her, and Alrik, a bard who has seen too many of the world's evils. Zaure has no choice but to trust and let the others in, as she will need their help pursuing the powerful enemy that has destroyed her kingdom. The key to saving Ahilon is closer than she knows. Finding it is going to prove difficult. With the fate of her people in her hands, she will stop at nothing to save them. Even if it means sacrificing herself. |
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Never Again: A Shifter Vengeance Novel 2 by Silas Reames Never thought sheâd pay any price to defeat her greatest enemy, but getting the information she needs to do it will cost her more than she imagined. The self-assured Were princess managed to save her friends from the sinister magical group called the Jeweled Claw, but now sheâs become their target. Thatâs fine by her, since the ex-mate she's vowed to kill has become its new leader. Thereâs just one problem. Thanks to her deal with the Bone Reader, she has to figure out how to turn someone into a Were, like herself. If she fails, she has no hope of defeating Damien and the Claw. But finding clues to completing her task means returning somewhere that carries her most traumatic memories, a place she has avoided for centuries. And when she finds the one being who can answer her questions, things get even more confusing. Why is she so drawn to him? Determined to do whatever it takes to fulfill her vow and protect her city, Never is running out of time. If she canât accomplish everything by the deadline on her deal, she wonât live to see the result of her failure. |
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Never: A Shifter Vengeance Novel 1 by Silas Reames Track down a killer, collect the reward, enjoy a well-deserved drink. Shouldn't be too hard, right? That's what Never, a 400-year-old Werewolf with a taste for cocktails and violent justice, thinks âuntil the experienced Enforcer learns the case involves a long-dormant evil that threatens the magical world. Turns out she and the ex-boyfriend she's vowed to kill are searching for the same girl: a fellow Were who shares her rare ability. Is he the villain Never believes him to be âor something worse? In a rush to save the girl, Never joins forces with a bear shifter, feline shifter, and young witch, and against her better judgment starts to care about them. One thing she knows for sure is that when you love something you're bound to lose it. But Never isn't used to losing, and she won't give up her new life or friends this time. No matter how powerful her foe. |
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Alexander Strange has an unusual guardian angel -- she's the one who needs protection.Not enough that he's typing his fingers to the bone covering resurrected triceratops maurading in Miami or that he's on a quest to find a headless baby Jesus snatched from a Florida megachurch and golf resort.Now his shipboard mannequin is channeling a woman from the future. Her Fly immediately to Portugal, do not stop for Cuba Libres, and save your girlfriend's life or your guardian angel will also cease to exist.It's weird, but that's Alexander Strange's everyday nine-to-five as America's only full-time reporter covering news of the weird. Though even he doesn't anticipate that his converted fishing trawler will soon be home to multiple seances, that a mad scientist will try to blow him up, or that the Elvis impersonator he's hired for his wedding will ghost him. And his future in-laws? Now there's a real nightmare. |
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Dust and Deliverance by Benjamin DeHaan Paulo, a father, high school counselor and recent widower, searches for his lost daughter Adriana who has become bound to the cocaine drug cartel. Adriana, daughter of Paulo, runs away from higher education and seeks fortunes and a life of paradise. Sam, gaming addict and divorced Denver Police officer, blames his failed marriage on his wifeâs misunderstanding. Harold, protector of Adriana and ex-opera singer of Mexico City, yearns for nothing more than to get his singing voice back. San Isabel National Park, Colorado, a place where four broken people collide and are set free. This is a story of the heartâs deliverance. |