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Caste of the Mountain by Nicolin Odel Young Hata Vasara is in the midst of discovering her first love as all hell breaks loose. Her father, Baal Vasara, a Foreman miner in the mountain city of Oitilla, discovered something deep within the earthâan ominous archway of steaming red light. Finding such an unnatural creation in such a place, Baal chooses to cover it up. Unfortunately, his right-hand man, Alvar Kovaa, has other ideas. We find the Vasara family, Baal, Brena, and Hata, in turmoil as the village chieftain accuses the family of lies and notions of thievery. The family is forced to fight for their place in Oitilla or be exiled as treachery follows in their wake. |
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Civil War tore across the Union Empire, leaving countless dead in its wake. It was a war started by one man, once beloved by the Empire. His betrayal still lingers in the memory of those who lived through it. Decades later, his son, Felix Drake, is a Warden tasked with both protecting the ruling members of the Union Empire and its Council, and bringing those powerful and influential people to justice should they break the law. Drake protects the very Empire his father sought to destroy. When two members of a Council family are murdered, Drake and his team investigate, only to uncover corruption, resentment, and yet more death. As the case deepens, Drake is forced back into a life heâd left long ago, bringing with it the same disdain and anger from the very people heâs sworn to protect. However, heâs no longer a helpless child, and the people who try to intimidate him now are about to discover that Drake is so very much his fatherâs son. |
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The Children of Skaad by Nicolin Odel The red-haired young woman awakens within a cage and remembers nothing. Not even her own name. She finds herself in servitude to a vile man and powerful magi. Sluggish and addicted from her enforced intoxication to the drug grit. All under the watchful eye of a strict woman, The Proctor of the Covenant Enclosure, the red-haired girl is trained to use her power to manipulate the earth. But ever so slowly, she begins to regain her memory and struggles to escape this place of unspeakable horrors. Simon Meridio, a simple architect, has been named the First Otsoa of the nomadic people of Hasiera. His wife, Saudett, is pregnant and reunited with her long-lost mother, whom she has not seen in twenty years. He found a Skrull damned magical dagger that granted him unfathomable knowledge. And all thanks to him, the oasis valley of Hasiera has lost its water source, and a magical gateway hiding in the earth brings new turmoil. By the gods, I wish I could go home. |
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The Nigerian Mafia: Mumbai by Onyeka Nwelue Onyeka Nwelue is Africa's literally wonder boy- Nury |
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Autumn Blooms Red by L. Cuzidora Itâs been a decade since Avrilâs family was exiled to Ordeaâs smallest province. While not entirely stripped of power, her motherâs bitterness blinds her to Avrilâs needs. So when an old friend of her motherâs shows up with plans of rehabilitation, Avril is quick to join. As months pass and no concrete steps are taken, her own approach becomes ever more reckless. After all, she can count on her parentsâ support. But whatâs the weight of family in a society striving towards equality? Orphaned at a young age, Irina clings to her familyâs traditions in a secular world. She finds little comfort in the Stateâs promises of safety, determined, despite the risks, to help those unable or unwilling to live by the party directive. To her, Avril is a special sort of circumstantial victim, one whoâs not even aware of her imprisonment. But when her faith revolves around leading others onto the right path, who's to watch that she wonât lose herself? |
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Night Mistress of Paradise Palms by Lorraine Carey Few People Check their sheets when entering a hotel room, but how many listen to local legends of an evil enchantress that roams the area? You won't find this among the many amenities listed in the brochure for Paradise Palms on Grand Cayman. Book a room if you dare and be ready to be seduced by the original Caribbean Queen. Enjoy your stay. |
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They Ate The Waitress? by D.N. Schmidt A delightfully funny murder mystery full of wit, wordplay, and cannibalism. Nick Wergild is a private detective armed only with his wits and an atomic-powered electroshock gun. One evening, while under the influence of powerful hallucinogens, he is hired to investigate a murder at a local restaurant called âHand to Mouthâ. It seems the customers ate one of the staff. And she didnât even volunteer for the job.Nick has to find a way to solve the case without a body or a crime scene. Along the way, he also has to survive hit men, bomb-throwing security guards, bad puns, and a homicidal politician. Will he live long enough to solve the case? Can you really trust the owner of a restaurant for cannibals? What does human flesh really taste like? And why does furniture keep falling from the sky? If you love humor, mysteries, and anything weird, you don't want to miss this! |
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The Doom Tapes by D.N. Schmidt Enjoy fifteen science fiction short stories filled with adventure, aliens, robots, and monsters! Take your flying car to the drive-in because the showâs about to start! In "The Doom Tapes", the earth is invaded by aliens. The only ones who can save the world are the clerks at Last Chance Video, the last movie rental store that still stocks VHS. âRobot Edenâ is the story of a trio of machines wandering a post-apocalyptic wasteland in search of the one place humans can never enter. Gangs of survivors fight them at every turn, seeking to scrap them for parts. In âThe Many Bodies of Harlan Thorneâ, a spacefaring assassin has a collection of cloned bodies, each with a different super power. Itâs a great life, until a clone refuses to go back into storage. In âThe Texas Creepersâ, a man plays poker with parasites from another dimension. âMystery Meat Monsterâ features a truck stop in space, aliens, ray guns, and the galaxyâs most dangerous meatloaf. The collection also includes the novella âThe Asteroid Heist.â A thief and conman has a plan to pull off the biggest crime in history. But how do you steal three miles of space rock? |
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The Screaming Void by D.N. Schmidt Can a criminal crew of space junk salvagers really save the universe? Jay Jordan and his crew travel the Domain, bending the law like a pretzel and sneaking their loot past wormhole security. The crew gets hired to retrieve a ship lost in the Screaming Void, the most dangerous place in space. Everyone wants the homicidal space gangsters, the tyrannical interstellar government, even the otherworldly Architect Church. Can the crew keep the ship from falling into the wrong hands? Are the Architects really guiding Jay, or are they just a myth? And whatâs so important about one junk ship? |
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Boy of Shadows by Camilla Vavruch A scarred boy. A power struggle. A unique bird. And painful longing for love. Tristanâs father has abused him since he was a small child, leaving his body scarred and in constant pain. But no matter much Father tries, torture doesnât keep Tristan from falling in love with simple field worker Will. Falling in love? Easy. But showing Will his flaws? No. Damaged in both body and mind, he sends Will away, unwilling to let him see more weakness. Alone and filled with self-hatred, Tristan must face the ambitious Overster Garrensor and his disdainful sonâbut all he wants is Will. |
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Apple Seeds in the Snow by Helen Rygh-Pedersen A pampered princess. A killer king. The seeds of ruin. Now that her schooling is over, pampered princess, Ouna Domonov must turn her attentions to the needs of the realm; such as marrying a Waterborn Descendant of the Naiads to help uphold the Balance. But she doesnât want her hideous intended, nor her responsibilities. All she wants is to have fun with her best friend, who must soon face her own royal duties. As a last hurrah before the wedding bells sound, the friends head north for Vinterfest. There is just one problem: Lâadu. The grumpy guardsman her intended has hired to protect his âinterestsâ, seems intent on spoiling her fun and shielding her from the only man she deems worthy of her hand, the dashing King Olaf von Oderberg. But when intentions are misconstrued, the merrymaking ends. Ounaâs freedom is under threat and the destruction of her country at stake. Can she put her naivety and prejudices aside to fight for what and who is truly important? |
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Stone of Shadows by Camilla Vavruch In the slums of Gereon, sixteen-year-old Will struggles to survive and keep food on the table for his siblings. Working each day in the fields, he endures regular torment from privileged bully Tristan Arrington. But when a dragon snatches Will, he discovers a stone that grants him the power of invisibility. Returning to the city, Will uses his new ability and stumbles across a much darker truth about Tristan and his powerful father. Suddenly, the world is no longer black and white. There are people who are much more dangerous than Will ever thought. As a tentative friendship forms amidst a web of secrets, one boyâs life hangs in the balanceâand just how much of himself is Will willing to risk? |
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Birthrights by David A Trotter The old gods are dead. The new ones are silver and steam. A lone warrior must rediscover their identity, all while coping with copious amounts change. Gone from the hills and wilds of the north, Darius must acclimate to city life. He must learn to trust in a city filled with deceit, all while trying to discern the true meaning behind these strange dreams that take him far into other realms. |
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The Cosmic Principle by Abby R. Laughlin When corruption surrounds her, she can either give in⌠or fight. One hundred years ago, a galactic cataclysm decimated the Centaurus galaxy, leaving only the planet Bersama unscathedâa world now divided into five struggling sectors. Captain Caldera Keane, an explorer for the Vanguard, is growing tired of going on pointless missions ordered by the king of Tellis. The people are suffering, and she wants nothing more than to exact real change for Bersama. But when Caldera gets escorted to the palace after nearly botching her last mission, she is certain sheâs in trouble. Instead, she receives shocking news: King Quill is dead, and sheâs the sole heir to the unstable throne he left behind. While balancing her new role as queen and contending with the corruption surrounding Bersamaâs most powerful leaders, Caldera becomes entangled in a dangerous conspiracy related to the former rulerâs death. With no idea who she can trust, she must find a way to protect her friends, save her people, and uncover the truth before she suffers the same fate as the king. |
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Ghosts of the Catacombs by Janna Ruth I'm a ghost whisperer, not a catacomb crawler. But when you live in Paris, sometimes you end up being both. Hi, Iâm Alix. During the day, Iâm a history student at the time-honoured Sorbonne University. After class, I hang out with the ghosts of the revolution, the many undead misunderstood Parisian artists, and adventurous scientists that glow in the dark. None of them are alive, but they come to me to solve their problems with the living. When a recently deceased catacomb tour guide asks me to retrieve a mysterious personal item from the underground, things take a turn for the weird. Suddenly, I find myself in a city of ghosts, hunted by murderous cave crawlers, and stumbling across haunting secrets. If Iâm not careful now, I might end up a ghost myself. Urban Fantasy with a French twist. If you like cave-crawling adventures, hopeless romantics, and ghosts, you'll enjoy Ghosts of the Catacomb, the first instalment of the Parisian Ghosts series. Travel to Paris today to embark on your catacomb adventure. |
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In the final hour, the broken and weak will show themselves the mightiest of all. The Air Sages were once greater than even the dragons of old. Now that they have perished, war and terrors blight the land. A mountain boy, branded a cripple by his own people, dreams only of escaping his servitude on the chilly alps. But when royal soldiers arrive and execute his brother for treason, Jamian Pappas is thrust headlong into a destiny beyond what he could ever imagine⌠The crown has discovered he is a Sage, the last of his kind. Jaime must enter a deadly race to master the forgotten art of the elements if he is to bring restoration to his ravaged realm. But his true enemies are not who they seem. For the cruelest beings of the Old World lurk in the night, manipulating, plotting, and hungering for the last free Sageflesh... To rise into his destiny, and challenge the unseen, will mean accelerating an inevitable prophecy that will bring the 3,000 year old Empire of Sages to an end. Enter the sweeping Third Age, where the old races of demons, mages, and dread-gods will sunder the Age of Sages, a world order that has reigned supreme for three thousand years - and where hope may ultimately rest on the most broken and weak of all. |
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A Breaking of Realms by Jasmine Young Praise for Jasmine Young's A Breaking of Realms: "This one deserves more than 5 stars." "[B]rings you such phenomenal dragons that your jaw will be on the floor." "I might have just read my favourite high fantasy book of 2023." "An absolute winner and no one, I mean no one should miss it if you enjoy a thoroughly fantastic read!" The Realm-Building Enterprise is open to all. On the continent of Elondria, anyone may become the next legendary dragon rider by building the greatest towns, cities, and even kingdoms. SkĂĄlda Branwright dreams of leaving the Longcold and becoming the first Dragonlord to build an official realm. Only no dragon egg has ever hatched for her. But when a wild hatchling falls to her from the skies, begging for rescue, she must decide whether to relinquish her dreams and become the worst criminal of all - a rogue rider. One with the potential to restore mankindâs sovereignty from the brutal dominion of elves. The Realm-Building Enterprise was meant to unite all races, until it became a means for elves to control the continent. But this is no ordinary dragon. By the time SkĂĄlda realizes what she holds in her hands, it is much too late. Stealing this hatchling will mean breaking Elondria's twenty realms, beginning with the one she calls home... A Realm-Breaker is coming. |
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The Demon's Curse by Courtney Lillard Two years have passed since the demon disappeared from Asteom, but the effects of its meddling still linger. Nightmares are only the beginning as a slumbering power resurfaces while other enemies arise in the shadows to take advantage of the hard-earned peace. Coura never expected her life to get any easier after recovering from her battle with SoirĂŠe. Despite the recovery in Asteom, a reforged alliance with the Yeluthians, and being reunited with her family, she struggles to keep up with the loss of her dark magic and the expectations placed upon her. The situation worsens with the arrival of a new enemy, one who recognizes her for her dark magic. Meanwhile, her friends explore their own futures while facing the same struggles until an unprompted attack from the northern country leaves everyone shaken. The threats multiply over the months from all directions, separating soldiers and mages in order to counter the danger. Is a war between nations, one seemingly orchestrated by a mysterious, Nim-Valan lord, eminent? How far will Coura go to learn the truth about what wielding demonic energy did to her center of power? If she does become involved in the turmoil, what sort of fate awaits her? |
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The Angel's Descent by Courtney Lillard A kingdom in danger, the angelsâ return, and one demonâs ploy align to determine humanityâs fate. The man responsible for manipulating those within the palace labeled Coura a traitor, and the startling reveal of her lineage leaves her struggling to understand more than just the demon SoirĂŠeâs power. Meanwhile, her mentor, friends, and comrades are left at the mercy of the creature and must concoct a scheme to defeat the threat to their freedom. In the face of such despair, hope arises. The potential discovery of the angelsâ sanctuary could reestablish an old alliance while the southern city of Dala offers their aid. As uncertain as the future seems, Coura vows to end the demon, no matter how deep their bond proves to be. Can she locate the hidden race of winged humans and convince them to aid her people? What is the punishment for failing to stop the real traitor controlling the country? How far must they go in order to achieve peace? |
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The Puppet's Blight by Courtney Lillard Time will continue to move forward and bring changes to the kingdom. Whether it is beneficial or not has yet to be seen. After a fight against the rogue angels severs her connection to the demon SoirĂŠe, Coura Galdwin wakes to find herself unable to wield magic. Events continue to worsen when she learns of a traitor committing murders in the palace, though her companionsâ faith wavers when she reveals her past. Through the recovery and return to the capital city, Coura prepares to move on until an opportunity arises to reunite with her lost power. If she accepts, she must travel across Asteom to rescue those in danger from misshapen creatures, yet the cost for such heroics is unknown. Can Coura convince her friends she is trustworthy despite her past? Will they be able to uncover the traitor manipulating those in the palace? What will happen to her when she seeks out the unnatural demonic energy? |
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The Guardian's Deception by Courtney Lillard Demonic possession isnât tolerated. That is, unless it benefits those already in power. Coura struggled to decide on her future until an encounter with a pair of angels awoke the magic slumbering inside her. The demon, SoirĂŠe, helped her defeat the threat and protect her friends. However, using forbidden magic drew the attention of Asteomâs king. In order to prove her sanity while learning how to wield this new energy, she must serve him and his council. Underneath the personal struggles lie questions about the beings sent to kill her mentor, Byron. Why would angels attack the humans they swore to protect? Who could be controlling them and trying to sabotage the kingdomâs attempts for peace? And worst of all, should Coura listen to the demon and continue delving into its malicious power? |
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The Shadow's Grasp by Courtney Lillard Demons and their illegal magic are dangerous. Even as a child, Coura was aware of these facts. That didnât stop her from striking up a deal with one. Years later, as a gifted dark mage and trained combatant, she believes fate will lead her to serve in the kingdomâs army. A visit to the capital city alongside her mentor, Byron, exposes her to the world outside of their academy where she befriends an herbalist, an assistant general, and even the crowned prince. However, the journey home tests her physical and mental fortitude when the group is attacked by angels, the so-called protectors of humanity. |
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Vampire Menstrual Syndrome: The First Cycle by S.C. Hunter Vampire Menstrual Syndrome is the unapologetically queer-feminist supernatural comedy-horror series that no one asked for. The first day of Vanessaâs period takes a deadly turn when she is unwittingly sacrificed by a suburban cult of pretentious teenagers. After being exsanguinated, Vanessa crawls out of her shallow grave and is understandably upset. Caught in a horrible cycle of ingesting and excreting blood, Vanessa needs answersâŚfast. Thankfully, Vanessaâs roommate, Wyatt, is bored of his monotonous summer retail job and is a long-time fan of all things supernatural. Wyatt encourages Vanessa to investigate her own murder so that they can find some answers about her unexpected afterlife. Together, this dramatic duo will go to any lengths necessary to figure out what the hell is going on in their mundane little city. Interrogating and traumatizing teenagers? Easy. Catfishing knowledgeable strangers from a paranormal chat room? Fire off some eggplant emojis. Befriending an occult horticulturalist? Thatâs a green thumbâs up. Rubbing elbows with a pompous warlock? If they must. However, with each misguided step into the Underworld, Vanessa gradually realizes that her murdererâher maker, is trying to hunt her down. Unearth a conspiracy as old as sexism itself or survive long enough to have an afterlife crisis? Hopefully, those two options arenât mutually exclusive. Vampire Menstrual SyndromeâŚand you thought cramps were bad. Content Warnings: The First Cycle, as the name implies, is the first book in the trilogy lovingly known as VMS. As a result, this book has a cliff-hanger ending. This book contains scenes of graphic violence and body horror, hard drug and alcohol use, talk of dysphoria, experiences of queerphobia and microaggressions (in the past), flashbacks of war, death, non-stop period talk (yes, clots and all), and, of course, blood. This book also contains queer romantic tension, steamy make-out scenes, and nudity--with a proposed spice rating of 1 chili pepper. |
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Elemental Inferno by A.J. Locke Rielle canât have sex â unless itâs winter. As a Winter Aura she brings the good and bad of winter to NYC, and while she can unleash snowstorms for a few months, the rest of the year she canât do anything that could cause her to lose control of herself and accidentally make it snow in June. That means hot, passionate sex is strictly forbidden. No sex life for most of the year used to be Rielleâs biggest problem until the Summer Aura for her area winds up dead and the sun almost scorches the city into oblivion. Aden, a sexier than sin Summer Aura, arrives and cools things down, but heats Rielle up. The attraction between them is magnetic, but Adenâs appearance puts the Elders who guide all Auras on edge, and it suddenly seems like both the Elders and Aden have secrets they donât want coming to light. Despite the air of danger, Rielle is drawn to Aden, especially when he promises he can show her a way for them to indulge their passions without repercussions. And boy do they indulge. But the fun canât last when an Aura is dead with no explanation. And when Adenâs secrets are revealed, the Elders take drastic measures to ensure their own sins remain buried. And their plan could land Rielle in fatal trouble. Aden and Rielle will have to untangle a deadly plot against them before they can continue getting tangled up in each other. |
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The Vanish Tide (Kitaine Neris #2) by A.J. Locke Kitaine Neris is a Vanish Witch who fell victim to her own magic. Fortunately, her disappearing act didnât stick. After escaping Elsewhere, a chaotic pocket world full of violent criminals, Kit and Marrik return to their lives and try to heal their fractured relationship. But they have to contend with Marrikâs witch-hating family, who want Kit out of his life. And after her failed attempt to Vanish a high ranking, corrupt witch, Kit is in the crosshairs of the powerful High Coven. To keep her safe, Kit and her tale of Elsewhere are thrust into the spotlight. Kitâs heightened visibility makes the High Coven hesitant to retaliate, but stirs up anti-witch groups especially because, thanks to Kit, witches can now become stronger. Not only that, a disruption caused by a magical surge will bring a disaster down on Kitâs city. With her stronger Vanish magic, Kit is the only one who can stop it. But saving her city will be easier said than done when the anti-witch groups zero in on Kit. And when they unleash a devastating strike, no matter how strong Kitâs magic is, it might not be enough to stop her from losing everything. |
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The Vanish Witch (Kitaine Neris #1) by A.J. Locke There are a few things that could land a witch in hot water. One is having stronger magic than most. Like a Vanish Witch who can make not only objects but people disappear. Another is being in possession of amulets that contain ghosts whose touch is death. Kitaine Neris has both. But she keeps the flirtatious ghost hidden, stays off the High Covenâs radar, and keeps up appearances with her local coven while secretly using her magic to Vanish the corrupt and violent from her city. Until a hit goes horribly awry and Kit ends up Vanishing instead. Sheâs shocked when she ends up in a chaotic, parallel world, and realizes that everything Vanish Witches made disappear wound up there. Including her boyfriend, Marrik, who Kit never meant to make disappear at all. Kit and Marrikâs reunion is passionate, but they need to get back home. But thatâs easier said than done when every bad soul Vanish Witches used their magic on are gunning for Kit, wanting their pound of flesh. When a mysterious and powerful witch presents a way home, Kit and Marrik will do whatever it takes to fulfill the conditions that will free them before the enemy enacts a vanishing act on them that sticks. |
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Rose Berman is losing her mind. At least, that's what everyone at school seems to think. Plagued by panic attacks that started after her mother's suicide, Rose is the target of frequent teasing and rumors. The only people who understand her are her quirky therapist and her ex-girlfriend, now bestie, Gemma. But when the star quarterback takes "teasing" too far, the school's tattooed, cigarette-smoking time bomb â Elliott King â steps in and punches him in the face. Rose's therapist recommends she try out a sport to manage her anxiety. She can't help but think of Elliottâmaybe if she could punch like him, she'd feel safer and stronger. She sticks out like a sore thumb at the boxing gym, but she soon finds power in the sport and a reprieve from her panic attacks. As their worlds intertwine, Rose and Elliott are forced to face their most daunting opponent outside the Ring: their growing feelings for each other. But Midtown Ring isn't just a gym. As Rose falls deeper into the world of boxing, she learns Midtown is a front for a late-night, underground fight club where Elliott King is the headliner. Surrounded by violence and destruction, Rose's anxiety begins to spiral. She starts hallucinating, just like her mother did before her death, leaving her to wonder if everyone at school might be right. If her newfound physical strength can't keep her grounded in reality, she may be doomed to walk the same path as her mom. |
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A Ballad of Hate and Hope by Kaylea Prime Hope has no beginning, and no end. As a LantĂĂŠ with both antlers and wings, and a Storyteller able to recall stories from the past, Nensola has always felt like an anomaly. Dark shadows of her peryton ancestors prowl the peripheries of her soul, threatening to consume her if she loses control. When her mom is murdered by pirates to harvest the magic in her wings, Nensola struggles to lead with hope. Sailing the West Indies in 1715, Kit is determined not to let his pirate stepfather die to claim a prize for the device he stole. He has always felt unanchored between Spanish and English cultures, harbouring hate for his parentsâ deaths. When Kit falls through a maelstrom portal into the world of ArwĂŠ and meets Nensola, his anchor begins to lower. While hope burgeons in Nensola and Kitâs hearts, hate festers on the borders. Just when Kit finally feels he belongs, he is cast adrift, faced with the prospect of returning to Earth. With her home and people threatened by a sinister force, and her trust in Kit uncertain, Nensola fears hateâs grip on her heart is stronger than the clinging droplet of hope. But even a droplet can create ripples. And all it takes is a ripple to change the world. A Ballad of Hate and Hope is a prequel novella taking place almost two hundred years before the events in A Spark From Embers - volume one in the fantasy series, Tears of Flame. |
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Reckless Truth by Raven Elliot O'Connor When they were children, their brother was stolen and their mother killed. Elyan and Lydia Moore have dedicated their lives to finding out what really happened that night, and where their brother was taken - but the truth will throw them into chaos they could never predict. Combining science fantasy with interpersonal drama, Reckless Truth is a story of finding love and overcoming fear; about testing our deepest personal perceptions and learning to live and love beyond what is expected of us. It is about grief and trauma, and the different ways those things are processed and overcome -- and the scars they leave with us forever. |
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The Archimedean Heart by BJ Sikes Paris 1880, the City of Electric Light Clockwork nobles of the Court promenade through the halls of Versailles, while Watcher spheres and cyborg police menace citizens of France in the streets. The Royal Scientist Doctor works frantically on an automaton designed to replace the failing sovereigns, but will it be ready in time to save the monarchy? In the cafes of Montmartre, Henri paints the common people chafing under the reign of the Augmented monarchs and dreams of a France free of machines. John yearns to capture the essence of beauty in his paintings with the luminous Marie-Ange his muse-and handmaid to the ancient Queen of France. With his brother Henri entangled in revolution, he must choose between the artificial beauty of Court and the movement to restore France. How much humanity can be lost before you are no longer human? |
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Unfinished Business by Tim Susman Private Investigator Jae Kim doesnât have a werewolf problemâat least not as long as he can keep clear of his ex-boyfriend Czoltan. But when a suspicious police report hits the streets of Wolftown, Jae suddenly finds himself hunted on the streets he used to freely roam. Dodging bullets from Wolftown vigilantes, heâs stuck hiding out with Czoltan while he and his were-bear ghost Sergei search out whoever set him upâand his life isnât the only one at stake. |
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The Vitruvian Mask by BJ Sikes Are you intrigued by 19th century Paris with its artists and nobility? How about an alternate history version with forbidden technology and nuns with supernatural powers? 1881: The electric lights of Paris have been extinguished. The Naturalist revolution is over. Adelaide was on the losing side. Once the Royal Scientist Doctor for the now-dead cyborg monarchs of France, she's now a fugitive, hiding from the new king's Police SÊcrète. Pregnant and alone, she seeks refuge in a Parisian hospital but things have changed there too. What was once a cathedral of Science is now a bastion of ignorance and superstition. The battlefield veterans whose Augmented prosthetics she once created are shunned by the new regime and come to the hospital for her help. But her nemesis, the father of her child, has returned to France and threatens to reveal her illegal activities to the authorities. Can Adelaide repair her Augmented patients without losing her freedom ... or her life? The Vitruvian Mask continues the story of Adelaide Coumain, the Roboticist of Versailles, that began in The Archimedean Heart. |
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The Price of Thorns by Tim Susman In this land where stories are as much a currency as gold or silver, secretsâthe stories you don't tellâalso have their price. Nivvy the thief keeps many secrets, having left his home for the Thieves Guild, then having left the Thieves Guildâinvoluntarilyâfor a life alone. His fortune changes the day Bella, a mysterious woman in an ancient dress, hires him for a nigh-impossible theft: to steal back the kingdom she claims is her own. If Nivvy is equal to this epic task, surely he will be admitted back to proper disreputability in the Thieves Guild. But Bella has secrets of her own, and her quest is not what it appears to be. As Nivvy uncovers some of the truths behind what he'd dismissed as ancient stories and Bella's improbable connection to those tales, he realizes that this journey is more dangerous than he could have dreamed. If he survives this adventure, merely stealing a kingdom couldn't hold a candle to the rest of the story⌠|
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And so it comes to this. A showdown. An ending. But if we fail - if I end - then reality might follow along behind me. We've been through so much. Torture. Murder. Trap after trap mainly sprung by me blundering head first into them and one of my friends saving my stupid behind. But there's no room for mistakes now. We've got an inkling of what the scumbag we're up against is after. Enough to know what his next target is. Enough to know it's probably his last one. Enough to know it's everything he needs to complete his nefarious plans. If we don't get there first, he wins. Simple. And I'm not sure ... but my gut says if that happens, every living thing in the universe loses. No pressure, right? imPerfect Gods is the sixth book in The imPerfect Cathar series, and completes the first story arc. It is a darkly funny supernatural suspense mystery, containing dark humour and graphic violence. |
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At last a warm trail, through blood and bones and long dead kings. The hunt is on⌠Weâre back in Toulouse, and for once we have the upper hand. Our foe has no idea Iâve escaped from his trap in Fairie and weâve got an actual lead. The famous discovery of a certain hunchbacked English kingâs remains gives us a tantalizing clue, and now weâre hot on our enemyâs heels with him none the wiser. Except nothing ever runs that smoothly. Hob kings, goth vampires and back-stabbing double-crosses are all lying in wait. And thatâs just for starters. To make it back to France weâre going to need serious magic, might and high-level brainpower. Two out of threeâs not bad, right? Because if we donât manage it, the hunter might just become the hunted. imPerfect Hunt is a darkly funny supernatural suspense mystery that spans the south of France, England and Paris. Contains dark humour and graphic violence. WINNER - BEST SERIES 2023 - SUPERNATURAL THRILLER CATEGORY - AUDIOBOOK REVIEWER AWARDS |
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The good news? Thereâs a way out of Faerie. The bad news? Itâs through the heart of the Unseelie Court of Winter. And thatâs not all. Maeve, Winterâs ruler, has been stealing human kids for her own twisted delights. Not only do we have to find a way to sneak into her lands, but also weâve got to break in, rescue the stolen children and get them out again without her knowing. Or ... we go to war with the entire nightmarish Unseelie Court. Iâm not so much running on empty as trying to push myself forward with the handbrake on. The odds of survival seem minimal. But who wants to live forever? 800 years is good innings by anyone's standards. I can't leave the kids behind to suffer her sadistic indulgences. Weâve got to get them out - or die trying. imPerfect Bones is the fourth book in âThe imPerfect Catharâ series, a darkly funny supernatural suspense mystery spanning Fairie and the south of France. Contains strong language and graphic violence. WINNER - BEST SERIES 2023 - SUPERNATURAL THRILLER CATEGORY - AUDIOBOOK REVIEWER AWARDS |
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Body-jacking a legendary assassin when Iâm running on empty. No problem, right? After the last few misadventures, Iâm not so much broken as ruined, a shell of my former self. But I canât stop. The trail of those who betrayed me is getting cold, and if Iâm going to get any answers, I need to follow it, and now. Except it leads to Faerie. And the way is barred to all but the Fae. So Iâm forced to go toe-to-toe with a mercenary assassin whose name has been spoken in terrified whispers throughout the ages. One who got the drop on me the only time our paths crossed. The Jack of Plate. Half-Marred Jack himself. A man who may be more than a monster. Survival isnât just unsure. Itâs highly unlikely. imPerfect Fae is the third book in The imPerfect Cathar series, a darkly funny supernatural suspense mystery following a trio of immortal heretics in the south of France. Contains strong language and violence. WINNER - BEST SERIES 2023 - SUPERNATURAL THRILLER CATEGORY - AUDIOBOOK REVIEWER AWARDS |
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The problem with ancient promises? There's always a price to pay. Iâm exhausted. Done in. Needing a stiff drink and about a weekâs sleep. But thatâs not going to happen. Because Franc is dying, struck by a curse placed on him by the Sistren Of Bordeaux, one of the most powerful groups of Talented in France. And because of our deal, itâs on me to find out what the hell is going on, and how Franc has offended the Sistren. Apart from by simply existing, of course. Except a simple trip to Bordeaux turns into a living nightmare as the past comes back to not just haunt me but to kick me square in the nuts, and I'm sent to the one place no Talented ever wants to go. Where those with magic either vanish or get ruined, left as nothing but empty husks. This time, it might not be the world at risk. It might be my very soul. imPerfect Curse is the second book in The imPerfect Cathar series, a darkly funny supernatural suspense mystery following a trio of immortal heretics in the south-west of France. Contains strong language and violence. WINNER - BEST SERIES 2023 - SUPERNATURAL THRILLER CATEGORY - AUDIOBOOK REVIEWER AWARDS |
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Eye of Destiny by Tommy-Lee Sexton In an invasion turned all-out war against humanity, can three brothers save the world and discover whatâs been hiding on Earth all along? Malcolm, Walker, and Calvin are three brothers living vastly different lives. Malcolm loves to party and be a jerk to his siblings, Walker is the front man for a band, and Calvin is just trying to survive being bullied while wrestling with his unrelenting anxiety. They never expected to become superheroes. Things change when the Ekronian Empire makes Earth their next target for conquest. Their leader, Reyin, will kill as many people as it takes to get the job done and make Earth like his home planetâa world where children become soldiers, the unemployed become slaves, and those who voice disagreement are cruelly silenced. But Reyin has come for more than that. Heâs seeking the Eye of Destinyâan ancient artifact that could bend reality to his will. Unexpectedly armed by a clandestine organization with the only technology in the galaxy that can withstand the Ekronians, itâs up to Malcolm, Walker, and Calvin to stop him. Can they navigate life, high school, and their personal demons while working to save humanity? Or will their family fall apart along with the rest of the world? |
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Elora's past lies hidden in a web of lies and half-truths, raised by her uncle where her true identity was kept secret to keep her safe. But when she defies the rules and sings a forbidden song, she unknowingly sets a chain of events that will merge a fantasy world with our own, unleashing dark demons and beasts that are hellbent on destruction. As the stakes grow higher and the danger more intense, Elora struggles to stay true to the mission while navigating the treacherous terrain of a world on the brink of destruction. Her life hangs in the balance, and every decision could mean the difference between salvation and annihilation. As the only one who can stop the impending chaos, Elora must face her darkest fears, yet the most dangerous demon of all might be herself. |
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Behind the Curtain by Maxwell Stegner The fate of an entire civilization hangs in the balance. In the depths of a top-secret CIA underground bunker, Terry Ferrow, the brilliant Director of Artificial Intelligence, dedicated his life to the "Bright Futures Project." For twenty-five years, he worked relentlessly, crafting an extraordinary AI neural brain chip that he believed would revolutionize the world. As he delved deeper into his groundbreaking creation, the world above was in turmoil. Society was ensnared in a web of mass surveillance, its inhabitants held captive by their very own minds. The once-empowered citizens now found themselves at the mercy of the corrupt government, self-proclaimed "Enlightened Ones," who exploited Terry's invention to manipulate and control the populace. When Terry discovered the monstrous consequences of his brain chip, a fierce determination ignited within him â driven by the desire to restore freedom to a society robbed of it, he knew he had to take action. Terry must confront the cages his chips had constructed, facing formidable adversaries at every turn. Will he be able to liberate the population from the clutches of his creation, ushering in freedom? Or will he find himself trapped in a nightmarish existence, shackled by the invention he once believed would bring about a brighter future? Prepare for a heart-pounding tale of redemption, as Terry Ferrow battles against the shackles of his own creation in a race against time to salvage a world on the brink of surrendering its soul. Will humanity rise from the ashes, or succumb to the insidious grip of a technology gone awry? |
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Provenance Unknown by Sonia Nicholson An archivist without a past of her own doesnât expect her profession to get personal. Thirty-year old single mom Michele Norman has finally found her dream job at the city archives. But while she does a deep dive into every inquiry that comes in, thereâs one past she wonât touch: her own. Besides, with a son starting kindergarten, a stack of unpaid bills, and the possibility of her work hours being cut back, she has enough to worry about. But when she discovers a forgotten French diary in the vault, it sends her on a journey from the west coast of Canada all the way to Paris, France. Will Michele be distracted by the intriguing and maddening SĂŠbastien? Or will she finally find answers to the family questions she has never been ready to ask? |
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The Wounds of Wisdom by Alexandra Roma For Celin, a life at Aslemor â the illustrious Court of the kingdom of Artrus â has always been the life that âcould have been.â If her blacksmith mother had been accepted by her duke father's peers. If the truth about how her grandmother came to Artrus wasn't a dangerous secret. If Celin could pursue her dream of becoming a knight. Knight or not, when a group of assailants attempt to drag the prince across the kingdomâs barrier, Celin leaps into the fray to protect him. In doing so, she manifests a strange new power: the ability to take the pain of others onto herself. From there, sheâs whisked off to Aslemor to learn how to harness one of Artrus's rare and coveted Wisdoms. Alongside her are Wise Ones from within the kingdom and without, including the Double Wise Prince Alasdair and his guard, Nico, a mysterious boy from an enemy nation who stirs up feelings Celin didnât know she was capable of feeling. But Aslemor is full of sharp teeth, and just because Celin has a Wisdom doesnât mean they wonât devour her whole. Especially not when someone starts killing Wise Ones. For fans of Graceling and Tamora Pierce, The Wounds of Wisdom is a story full of court intrigue and powers that take as much as you give, about finding your place, claiming it, and learning how much to protect yourself when all you want is to protect others. |
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On a dark and dismal morning, Green Eyes awakens to find herself scratching at her motherâs door. Sheâs had the dream againâthe one in which sheâs a cat trying to climb a mountain to save a girl in distress. The confusing dream haunts her as she treks to the nearby village to sell the mysterious wooden figurines her mother carves. She lives her life in fear: Will today be the day she earns enough money to please her? Or will she return home to face yet another beating? She never knows what to expect until she walks through the cottage door. Her only hope is that her mother wonât damage the wooden prosthetic she must wear after losing her hand as a baby. As sheâs on her way home, she encounters Arduon and Paduon, a pair of wise-cracking crows who tell her sheâs not who she thinks she is. They urge her to go in search of her true self, but Green Eyes resists, afraid of her mother and of the dangers of the world. Itâs only when she learns that her mother is in fact a witch who put a spell on her that Green Eyes finds the courage to escape. Armed with the crowâs wisdomâand a magical sword gifted to her by her friends in the villageâshe sets off on a journey to discover her true identity. |
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Lost in Paradise by Rachel Lacey SOMETIMES LOVE HAS TO BE LOST BEFORE IT CAN BE FOUND⌠Nicole Morella boards a private Mediterranean cruise with one goal: to reclaim herself after her divorce. When she sits next to a beautiful blonde in the shipâs lounge, sheâs knocked off balance by the immediate attraction between them, and itâs not just because Nicole hasnât found her sea legs yet. Fiona stirs things in Nicole that havenât been stirred in a long time, but a fiery kiss turns dangerous when the ship is hijacked. The women launch a daring escape, leaving them adrift in an empty lifeboat. Fiona Boone has been adrift most of her life, but never in such a literal sense. Sheâs a survivor, though, so when they land on a deserted island, Fionaâs ready to do whatever it takes to stay alive until theyâre rescued. In the meantime, she canât get enough of the feisty woman sheâs stranded with, despite her usual fiercely independent nature. Although theyâre lost, Fiona finds something unexpected in the comfort of Nicoleâs touch. But when an injury puts her life in jeopardy, they begin to worry help wonât arrive in time. If she survives their ordeal, Fiona might just face her biggest challenge yet: falling in love. |
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Christmas Creepers: A Flash Fiction Horror Story Collection by Justin Schenker Christmas is a time of joy and celebration, but not for the people in these stories. In these first-person narratives, each account walks you through a terrifying experience during the Holiday season. A porch pirateâs latest haul leads to a life-changing transformation. A womanâs life takes a dark turn when her Secret Santa gift backfires during the office Holiday party. A grocery clerk awakens a disturbing figure on Christmas Eve. A family has a frightful encounter with a snowman. In these stories and more, it is time for you to sit back, bundle up, and take a sip from your cup of fear. |
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Rilari: Book Four of New Blood by W.D. Kilpack III April 2024 Reader's Favorite, BooksShelf.com Cover Contest ⢠April 2024 Top Choice, BooksShelf.com ⢠November 2023 Editor's Choice, BooksShelf.com The future of Mankind relies on the Guardian of Maarihk. Can he and the Knights of Ril resist forces bent on destroying Mankind's last hope? In the absence of the Guardian of Maarihk, the Usurperâs venom has extended beyond the Gulf of Braag, seeding unrest and hatred for all things Maarihkish. Natharr and the Knights of Ril must overcome malice and the ramifications of Ellis the Elderâs boundless past that even Sight cannot reveal. The Rilari stand alone in a world in turmoil as they discover the tremendous reach of the Usurperâs vizier. Even the endowments of the Daemons of Order are unable to withstand the ravages of fighting to survive on Rilari loyalties. Meanwhile, Nathan and his summoned companion must rely on the teachings of both Natharr and Quiet One to carve out their place in the Maarihk Empire. Skill with a sword is only the beginning of their treacherous path, as fraught with peril as Darshelleâs as she flees the animus of the ancient wood. âRilari [is] an emotional odyssey that will leave you breathless. Buckle up for a story that throws you headfirst into the world of the Rilari, where humanityâs fate rests on the shoulders of a courageous, yet relatable, leader â Natharr, Guardian of Maarihk and Knight-Marshal of the Knights of Ril (a.k.a the Rilari). Kilpack masterfully crafts Natharr as a hero brimming with both strength and vulnerability. Heâs a leader who inspires with his bravery, lightens the mood with his cheeky side, and grapples with his own emotions, particularly with his relationships. Chapter 13, aptly titled âWell Come,â stands out as a prime example of Kilpackâs exceptional writing. The descriptions of the Knights of Ril facing their adversaries are so vivid, youâll feel the chill of cold rain, the steel of battle tactics and the agony of loss alongside them. Dive into the New Blood Saga, and I assure you, you wonât be disappointed. I loved the book!â â Jose F. Nodar, author of Books, Pens & Larceny (South Wales, Australia) "Rilari is a triumph, offering an enthralling adventure filled with courage and the enduring spirit of humanity." â BooksShelf.com "If you are tired of reading the same old books that are lackluster and forgettable, then take a chance with Rilari. I promise you that you will not be disappointed!" â RedHeadedBookLover.com |
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Demon Seed: Book Three of New Blood by W.D. Kilpack III 2024 The BookFest Award Winner ⢠2023 International Firebird Book Award Winner ⢠April 2022 Editor's Choice, BooksShelf.com The future of Mankind relies on the Guardian of Maarihk. Can an ancient force, lost aeons past, overcome fate? Despite growing power of the forces of chaos, there is a glimmer of hope as Natharr realizes that there are also forces of order in play. It is made plain when he and his comrades escape the faceless realm and Natharrâs Sight is released. It reveals just how strongly the world needs the Guardian of Maarihk and the return of the legendary Knights of Ril to the land where Mankind was created. Racing for home unwittingly leads to unearthing an ancient force created by the Olde Gods, believed lost aeons past. Meanwhile, Darshelle and the crown prince struggle to make the most of their lives without Natharrâs protection. Forced to make their own way, the fruit of Quiet Oneâs efforts comes fully to bear, as Nathan and his summoned companion reawaken the animus of the ancient wood. The ramifications are horrible and far-reaching, changing their world forever. "Demon Seed is the third book in the New Blood Saga by W. D. Kilpack III is one hell of a ride and it simply cannot be described in just a few sentences. It just canât! The authorâs forte is his descriptive prowess when presenting a scene. Case in point, the meeting with Drah in the cave. I will not spoil it here for future readers but it is outright scary. Then Natharr acquires a new 'fan,' which requires a diplomatic touch. Add to that the moment when Nathan realises what he has become and how he struggles with all that it means with all of its far-reaching ramifications. The way the book manoeuvres through its many intricate facets left me exhausted but still wanting more! New characters intermingled with old characters. New revelations concerning Nathan were presented in ways that were fascinating, intriguing, and scary, all at the same time! Demon Seed is deep, raw, powerful, and entertaining. It is worth the time of starting with book one, Crown Prince, and relishing every page!" â Jose F. Nodar, author of Books, Pens & Larceny (South Wales, Australia) Demon Seed is "thrilling and fast-paced ... [a] brilliant tale where the stakes are as high as ever ... full of twists that will keep you on edge from beginning to end! Demon Seed is an incredibly suspenseful novel ... a wonderful fantasy tale that will keep you hooked!" â RedHeadedBookLover.com Demon Seed "takes readers on a thrilling journey ... immersing readers in a richly imagined universe where Natharr's internal struggles add depth to his journey. Kilpack's prose is evocative and vivid ... the descriptions of the ancient forces and the consequences of their awakening are haunting and thought-provoking. Demon Seed is a must-read!" â Just Pratibha (India) |
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Order of Light: Book Two of New Blood by W.D. Kilpack III Top Book (Rated #1), Amy's Bookshelf Reviews 2024 ⢠2023 The BookFest Award Winner ⢠2022 International Firebird Book Award Winner ⢠July 2021 Top Pick, BooksShelf.com The future of Mankind relies on the Guardian of Maarihk. Can a mysterious Order help him repair the damage of choosing happiness over duty? Despite the Guardian of Maarihk being condemned as anathema, and his very existence relegated to legend, Natharr resumes his ancient responsibilities as Mankind's protector. He joins with a mysterious Firstborn companion, Ellis the Elder, to journey into the snow reaches of Biraald, where his Sight promises he will find those who secretly adhere to the ways of the Olde Gods. Although Biraaldi bloodlines show their Firstborn heritage more clearly than even in Maarihk itself, the two nations have never enjoyed peace. It has been far worse since the rise of Brandt the Usurper to Maarihk's throne. Natharr and Ellis must navigate the threats not only against the Firstborn, but the Maarihkish, as they seek out the sympathizers he Saw who are brave enough to resist Maarihk's tyranny. Only then can the damage be repaired from when Natharr chose personal happiness with Darshelle and the young crown prince over his weighty responsibilities as Guardian of Maarihk. "The more I read, the more I realize that no other epic fantasy story has procured my full investment like the New Blood Saga! The world-building expands, new characters are introduced and the scope of things to come is greatly built upon with extra heaps of shocks and twists. Kilpack is well on his way to writing one of the greatest epic fantasy tales of all time! The prose is magnificent and captivating with a healthy dose of description and character beats. Fans of Wheel of Time will find everything they love â and more! â but tweaked to perfection. The plot had me at the edge of my seat as these characters that Iâve become so attached to were put through harrowing and very unexpected events. I also love the magic being explored, itâs unique and fits well with the other elements of this world. This is fantastic work!" â Usman, host of Bards and Books YouTube channel (British Columbia, Canada) "I devoured the first book in the New Blood Saga, desperate to see where the tale would lead. Kilpack doesn't disappoint. The themes that resonated in Crown Prince deepen and twist in Order of Light. He has a way of making words just flow vividly on the page. On p. 106, a revelation about Natharr floored me! His journey of self-discovery weaves flawlessly with the Crown Prince's own remarkable growth. The Quiet One and Bu, meticulously detailed in all their wonder, are testament to Kilpack's storytelling prowess. Fans of epic fantasy: Kilpack is your new literary lord. From exhilarating battle sequences to poignant moments of reflection, Order of Light is a masterpiece. If I could, Iâd give it a six!" â Jose F. Nodar, author of Books, Pens & Larceny (South Wales, Australia) |
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Princess Cayce Is Still My Name: the spring campaign by P D Ball Thereâs a lot wrong with the world I find myself in. The earls are angry about the knighthood, worried about my blood-ties to a foreign power, and likely working behind my back to take the kingdom for themselves. The suitors ever vying for my attention, my hand in marriage. The crazy behavior of the foxes and ravens and crows who seek me out just to bow. And the coming war. All these I could handle, well almost handle, but for the raging magic inside me. Powerful, angry, wanting out. And I feel it. Want to release it! Yet using magic would not only guarantee that the mages would hunt me down, it would endanger everyone around me. And I just couldnât let that happen. But when did this world give me a choice? |