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The Hall of the Wood by Scott Marlowe A chilling warning. A fragile alliance. Impending doom. Jerrick Bur returns to a home he doesn't recognize. The King's Patrol has vanished. Their Hall stands empty. An invading army encroaches upon the fringes of the forest and folk whisper of a sitheri witch brewing evil from the darkest hollows. Once a patroller, always a patroller, and so Jerrick is duty-bound to investigate. He is joined by Kayra Weslin, knight errant, and her chronicler, Holly, who go to answer a plea for help from nearby Homewood. Along with Murik Alon Rin'kres, an eslar sorcerer who harbors a secret purpose all his own, the four embark upon a mission to unravel the mystery of the missing patrollers and somehow stop an ancient force of darkness from consuming them all. |
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The Assassin's Blade by Scott Marlowe I had a name once, same as everyone else, but after one glorious night of murder, it was no longer safe to use. Small sacrifice for ensuring my sister's safety, I figured. So now I don't use one. In my line of work, it's not necessary anyway. What is my line of work? Murder, of course, though I fancy myself more than just an assassin. Gentleman, thief, wine connoisseur, adventurer, a man of a thousand names and none. I'm all of those things and more. My life was about as normal as one could hope when one particular job came along. Kill the artificer, steal the plans, make an exchange. Simple enough, until a band of fanatical priests ambushed and tried to kill me. Turns out the plans have something to do with a source of dark energy. The priests aren't the only ones interested in it, either. I've no interest in being a hero, but I'll do whatever I have to do to keep my cityâand my sisterâsafe. There's already blood on my hands. What's a little more? |
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Always There For You by Halli Starling A new town, a new start, and finally opening the wine store of her dreams. Amelia has picked the small town of Breakwater to be her new home, and her new beginning. Even as her chronic pain sometimes gets in her way, she won't let anything keep her wine store and tasting room from opening. And now that her best friend Hadley is with her, everything is perfect. What Amelia won't speak aloud is how much she adores and cares for Hadley -- how much she truly loves the woman she's known since they were kids inspecting bugs and reading together in one of their backyards. Hadley thinks the town of Breakwater is the perfect spot for Amelia and her new lease on life. And she's thinking about settling down herself, after years of traveling around the world and taking on odd jobs and having flings with beautiful women. But she always, always comes back to Amelia and now is her chance to tell her best friend exactly how much she cares. It's hard to be brave, especially when it comes to affairs of the heart. But together, they can weather the storm and find what they've always been searching for. |
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Engines of Alchemancy by Scott Marlowe Chaos erupts in the Barony of Fallmere when a surprise elemental attack destroys Norwynne Keep. Aaron Shepherd and Shanna Bonnerman survive, but Shanna is soon lost in the fallout of the keepâs destruction while Aaron is forced to flee for his life. Unbeknownst to Aaron, Shanna becomes a captive of the enemy who destroyed their home. This enemy, a savant who claims to follow the path of science, speaks of ancient, infernal devices and a quest to reclaim the greatest of them all. Certain the savant means to kill her, Shanna is instead surprised when she finds herself embarking upon the adventure of a lifetime. Meanwhile, only the worst of nightmares await Aaron. Pursued by dwarven raiders, mad sorcerers, and a host of demons who will not stop until he is dead, the only thing keeping him alive is his own wits and an eslar mercenary whose reputation as a killer might make him the worst threat of all. Though Aaron and Shanna travel different paths, their purposes align when they each learn of a mysterious device known as the Fifth Element. Shanna sees it as the final piece of the puzzle that is her destiny. To Aaronâs logical mind, it is an impossible ambiguity. Whatever the answer, the Fifth Element draws them back together and into a final confrontation where science and sorcery will collide. |
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A Brighter, Darker Art by Halli Starling A chance meeting at a bar. An instant connection. But that connection turns from a spark into all business. For the moment. And it's a really bad idea to date the boss... Raphael (Raf) Lutz, is under immense stress with the opening of his fifth art gallery in a few months. He's mentally and physically exhausted, and given his perfectionist nature, deeply concerned that this gallery won't stack up to the rest. His best friend, Ambrose and Ambrose's boyfriend, Barrett, have trusted Raf with a very special set of illustrations belonging to Barrett's deceased friend. Raf is making the illustrations a highlight of the gallery's opening, and it has to be just right. Perfect. But he's drowning and he needs a marketing manager yesterday. On the other side of town, Silvan Diedrich has just been downsized from the marketing firm he helped build, and drowning his sorrows in a few drinks and maybe some company sounds about right. The man who takes the stool beside him is dangerously handsome with a clear flair for the dramatic. Company, indeed. But as he and Raf talk, Raf offers him the one thing Silvan hadn't been expecting - an interview. Which he passes with flying colors. But close proximity to Raf, day after day, is far too much temptation. Raf doesn't need any more complications. Silvan's not been with anyone in a long time, as he's been the primary parent for his now college-aged daughter. So they make a deal. Hands off, for now. Sticking to that deal proves to be rather difficult for both of them. The companion to Ask Me For Fire, but can stand alone. |
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The Way We Wind by Halli Starling Twins Bren and Clark have been holding each other up since their mother passed away. It hasnât been easy. But Bren is running the family greenhouse and Clark has a good job at the local library. Life is quiet, just as Bren likes it. But Clark feels like heâs stagnating. Bren isnât looking for love when a greenhouse customer dumps water all over her. But Elodieâs cute and bouncy and, it turns out, a folklorist at the local college and has a special interest in plants and their stories. It seems like a perfect match. Clark might have a tiny crush on a patron at the library, but heâs never going to say anything. But when Jasper, that very patron, asks for Clarkâs assistance on a research project, Clark canât say no. To Jasper or the project; Jasperâs researching local âghost trailsâ. And Clark is a bit of a believer. But trauma and grief are slippery things, and getting through it isnât simple or easy. Maybe love needs to find a way to help them both heal. |
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When He Beckons by Halli Starling A charming - but slightly strange - accidental first meeting at a skate park. Opposites attract. And technically...one works for the other one. Zan has a fast mouth and a lot of technical know-how, so dating hasn't always been easy. He'd set aside any notion of a romantic life to work and spend as much time outdoors as possible. Biking, canoeing, skiing, you name it. He's never tried skateboarding, even though he stops by the skate park near the trail where he bikes to watch boards - and sometimes people - flip, or crash hard. Instead of skater-watching, Zan meets Deacon. Deacon's odd and interesting, and it turns out, the head of the small indie press of which Zan is a huge fan. Rochester Press puts out the weird and erotic, the dark and mischievous, and finally meeting the head of the press is great. Maybe not so great - Deacon has just hired the printing company Zan works for, and now Zan's in charge of all the new jobs. It'll be fine. Except Zan (and his big mouth) immediately asks Deacon out on a date. And Deacon accepts. There's no fraternization clause in Zan's contract, or Deacon's. It should be fine. A high-heat novella about two quirky people who would never seek out a date via online platforms or at speed dating. But their weird seems to compliment each other. Add in a romantic picnic date, a rainstorm, and a love of books and the outdoors, and Zan and Deacon might just carry away your heart. |
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Beneath the Gods' Tree by S. Kaeth Amanah knows all-too-well the dangers of catching the attention of the upper class of Arruk. Using her position as a guard to steal secrets of healing and help other lower class people means she works hard to remain unnoticed. Fellow guard Taunos is boisterous, laughing, larger than lifeâand always around. He attracts attention as easily as breathing, which makes being associated with him dangerous. Better to stay far away, regardless of her attraction to him and his easy calm. But when Amanah inadvertently insults a magistrate, she must flee the city to avoid his vengeance. She takes a last-minute job escorting a pair of noblemen to another townâa job Taunos is also hired for. Along the way, sheâs forced to reveal her stolen healing skills to keep the small group alive, and finds more support from Taunos than she ever would have dreamed. His confident charm becomes hard to ignore as he sees her as no one else has, even when sheâs doing her best to be invisible. But opening herself to romance might be as dangerous as the wildlife and bandits they face in the wilderness, and pursuing her dreams of becoming a healer could attract the ire of those in power. This book has: so much banter; strong sibling relationship; strong friendships; friends-to-lovers (low steam); ï»żgay side characters; main character anxiety rep; diverse cast with immersive worldbuilding; action and adventure, wilderness survival style; low fantasy (none of the main group displays clear magic on page); single PoV, third person past tense |
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Phantom and Rook by Aelina Isaacs Arlo Rook has decided itâs time to move out of Garren Castle, home for orphans of all races, magical or not, at 100 years old. Itâs not the first time heâs left home, but a setback landed the Hedge Witch in the hospital a year ago, and subsequently back to square one. Now heâs ready to strike out on his own, despite his friendâs worries heâs not ready. Thatch Phantom is an immortal, the last of his kind and perpetually bored. When heâs not closing interdimensional rifts and corralling trouble in the universe, heâs visiting his favorite city of all, Levena. No one remembers him, but heâs made an everlasting impact on the city nonetheless. Long ago, he set up an anonymous scavenger hunt for the starving village, providing them with a yearâs worth of supplies. He upped the ante each year, providing less practical things, as the village had become a city and was wealthy beyond belief. Festivals are thrown in his honor to this day, or a version of him, that is. Thatch has decided to throw a wild card into this yearâs Game. Whoever discovers his true identity will win one wish of their choice, no restrictions. Aside from the obvious, such as no falling in love, murder or resurrection. Arlo crashes into the mess of copper curls and bright eyes, who throws apothecary goods and his life into a chaotic mess. It certainly wasnât the first they met, but Arlo doesnât remember him. Thatch, however, never forgot the Witch with a familiar soulmark on his face. What follows is a hilarious and wholesome series of events that teases the immortal with the one thing he wants most. Someone to call home. |
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Theyâre supposed to be together. The magic says they should be. So why is she trying so hard to get away from him? Every single one of us is fated to be with someone else. Thatâs how the magic works in Atlantis. It chooses your soul mate at birth. And while I want Matt to be mine, heâs fated to Sarahâto her dismay. One oneâs ever tried to break their mating bondâŠuntil now. And itâs not that easy. In fact, I think itâs making him sick. But can I convince him to let Sarah go before her attempts to break away ruin him forever? |
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The Vampire's Mark by Rowena Aiello Someone crouched on the ground. They clung to somethingâa forearm, he realized. Scott went cold and shivered. âDad?â The crouching figure turned and Mariaâs shining eyes locked with his. Her mouth was covered in something dark that matched something on his fatherâs arm. For a second, Scott froze, watching her like she was a wild animal twice his size. Maria stood up, her arms at her sides and her fingers splayed. A bolt of fear shot through his stomach until his bladder threatened to burst. He dropped the food. It landed with a weighty, crinkling thump that startled them both to life. âScotty,â she whispered, in the same slippery voice that had prickled the hairs on his neck. Dry mouthed, Scott dashed for his bike. In the sleepy town of Northam, Massachusetts, not everyone is who they seem to be. Isolated by what he knows, Scott must stop Maria from draining his father's blood before she kills him, or worse: turns his father into a vampire, too. |
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V by Aura Marquez Being an autistic Chicana in L.A. isnât easyâŠespecially when youâre a vampire. Vâs undying love for humans doesnât allow her to fit in, and nobody understands her but Mya, her best friend, soul mate, and fellow vampire. V's inherited an ancestral gift that intensifies once she becomes a vampire and creates a psychic connection to those she feeds on, an ability she desperately wants to learn to control. Living with Mya allows her to have the lavish lifestyle sheâs always wanted, but V still canât seem to find peace. As she works to discover who she is as a vamp, all she has to do is not fall in love with a human. She cannot fall in love. No big deal, she just needs to not fall in love. âŠand then, she meets MadĂs |
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The Day We Ate Grandad by C. M. Rosens Three possible futures. Two versions of the apocalypse. One chance to save the world. Wes Porter, a severely depressed insanity-inducing playboy, is detoxing from hallucinogens that have unlocked his ability to see versions of potential futures - and he's just foreseen two ways the world could end. Normally, Wes would leave the hero bullshit to somebody else, but he can't abdicate responsibility this time... not when both those apocalypses might be his fault. With some prompting from a mythological bard-prophet who may or may not be real, and a lot of assistance from his monster-eating baby sister who desperately wants to move out of his apartment, and their soothsayer cousin who has his own demons to fight, Wes attempts to save [his] world... but have his poor decisions doomed them all? THE DAY WE ATE GRANDAD is the third book in the Pagham-on-Sea series. It is a dysfunctional family cosmic horror novel for fans of WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS, THE MAGNUS ARCHIVES, and THE CALL OF CTHULHU, with themes of bereavement and grief, generational trauma, and a dash of Roman/Welsh mythology. |
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THE FINDING MACHINE by Lucy Lyons HER FATHERâS MYSTERIOUS INVENTIONâŠA 1920s COLD CASEâŠCAN ALEX FOLLOW THE DOTS TO SOLVE IT? One winter morning in 1998, Alex Martin inherits a mysterious invention from her late father. The Finding Machine solves mysteries. But the biggest mystery of all lies deep within its wiring â the unsolved disappearance of a little girl, dating back seventy years. What happened to the girl, all those years ago? Who was she? Alex and her handsome housemate, Antony, must follow the dots to solve the mystery. But, as dark family secrets are revealed, will the Finding Machine bring them togetherâŠor push them further apart? |
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Books For Benjamin by R.G. de Rouen Benjamin would rather read about adventures in a giant peach than eat one! Unlike his family members who are happily munching away on scraps, Benjamin is a different kind of worm. He loves to read. Yet, all he finds are old newspapers and magazines full of tomato splotches. Not one to give up on his dreams, Benjamin sets off on a quest to find âreal" books. Witty illustrations by Uliana Barabash are a great accompaniment to this delightful story written by R.G. de Rouen. Join Benjamin on his book-hunting adventure and watch your little ones search for Benjaminâs famous signature in their books! The perfect choice for parents, teachers and librarians looking for: Inspiring the love of reading and the value of libraries Books for reluctant readers Role model books for children A humorous read for bedtime BUY NOW and rekindle the joy that you had as a child of going to the library and discovering that first book! |
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Merry Arlan: Finding The Heir by Will Soulsby-McCreath Merry has never been a good liar. She is, however, adept at keeping secrets: she's been passing herself off as human for years. But that ruse and her position as a Guardian Cadet are called into question when the ElvenQueen summons Merry to fulfil a role she ran away from years ago: Elven Lord. If she wants out, she has to travel to the Elven Cout â a viper's nest of lies and schemes that press against her unwilling bond with a lie-detecting, curse-breaking amulet â to find a replacement before the upcoming Mid-Spring Ball. To deal with the Court and the pain of returning to a house that was once her prison, Merry has to turn to the last person she would expect to help her. And then assassins begin to strike at leaders on the Rubilse. |
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Merry Arlan: Breaking The Curse by Will Soulsby-McCreath Merry wants to be a Guardian, thereâs just a few things standing in her way: her gender, her secret heritage, her penchant for questioning authority. Her repeated petitions turned arguments with the Guardian Commander have got Merry exactly nowhere and, as her second year of study at the Five Towers University nears its end, Merry is starting to worry she wonât have a job after Graduation. Or at least not one beyond her current gig as a bartender. When a Guardian Colonel comes to Merry for help, the logical thing to do is agree, after all Colonel is only one step down from Commander. But when that help includes searching the places that will put Merryâs security most at risk she has to turn down the opportunity of a lifetime. Until the Colonel sweetens the deal. |
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Welcome To Humanity by Will Soulsby-McCreath What Does It Mean To Be Human? Set in a futuristic society where people were forced to leave a devastated Earth behind and set up their lives somewhere out amongst the stars. Three people wrestle with forging connections and building community in the face of intolerance and fear. RAVI has been Re-Animated, brought back to life by the government for purposes unknown. When the Resistance raid the Re-Animation Centre halfway through his welcome to his new life, he's convinced that life is coming to a rapid close. Instead, in a single outstretched hand, they offer him a chance to live his new life outside the shadow of his old one. But Ravi soon finds out his old life came to its own dramatic end trying to take out the Resistance itself. Dr PALMER is the best at what she does. Has been ever since she first picked up a screwdriver. Itâs why she was headhunted right out of her PhD. Now, working with a professor she adores on a top secret, cutting edge project, Dr Palmer has everything she ever wanted. Until she finds paperwork that redefines the entire direction of her life. Leaving her questioning, how much of her humanity is she willing to sacrifice? BLUE lost everything in The Crash. But they gained something even greater: independence. All too soon, that independence is threatened by a new, rising faction of the military who believe that only natural born humans deserve human rights. Forced into hiding, Blue begins to wonder if independence is worth the isolation that comes with it. |
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Unlicensed Delivery by Will Soulsby-McCreath The first in the Inter-Planetary Alliance novels, cozy space operas set in a world where the rules are strict to keep people safe, but leave little room for individuality and case-by-case needs. Follow an adorable found family of space travellers as they try to navigate bureaucracy and budding relationships. Basti needs 3 things to make his brand newâ well, new to him âship run: Firstly, he needs enough of a crew to get them safely spacebourne. Luckily, with a medical officer for a husband, an engineer bestie from his uni days, and a half-sib who is one of the best pilot's in the galaxy, it seems he has all he needs there. Secondly, a Deep Space Travel License â unless he wants to cart crap cargo for pitiful prices inside a single cluster for the rest of his life. Unfortunately, his pilot is a jokester, his engineer just got out of a long-term relationship, and his assessor is very particular about how he thinks Basti should run his ship. And, finally, there needs to be enough jobs to keep the ship spacebourne... which he can't get without a license. Which he can't get without a job. Nobody said IPA rules made sense |
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With a Blighted Touch by J. Todd Kingrea In Scarburn County, Tennessee there is a small mountain community called Black Rock, known for its unusual and prevalent blight that affects all vegetation . . . When an unexpected death forces Christopher "Kit" McNeil to return to his small hometown in the Tennessee mountains after eighteen years, he must confront his past and a secret he's kept since he was twelve. A talented guitarist with a history of bad choices and even worse luck, Kit soon reunites with an old friend and learns about recent disappearances and mysterious deaths in the area. They begin to wonder if it's connected to what they witnessed in the woods when they were kids and if a creepy local family is involved. Stranger still, almost half of their high school graduating class has died. When more shredded bodies begin appearing, Kit becomes a suspect. But what he discovers is even more frightening-evil has set its sights on him and his friends and it won't stop until it gets what it needs. Can Kit and his friends band together in time to stop this ancient evil? Or will a new reign of terror that the Cherokee once called Uyaga be unleashed to roam the earth once more? |
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Sixteen-year-old Annaya Roth is fighting for her life to fit in at yet another new schoolâand to escape the Dead. Annaya and her mother, Samantha, just moved to the small mountain town of Asherville. The people there are nice enough. They smile and waveâbut Annaya knows to not get too close. Samantha is tired of running. She just wants to keep her daughter safe. So, in one last desperate attempt to save AnnayaâSamantha moves them to the one place she never wanted to step foot in again. |
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A short Gothic tale about a 9yo boy who is lost on his birthday outing - all he wants to do is go home. |
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CafĂ© Vengeance by Clarissa R. Cottrill In ruthless New York City, Dane Roman, an ambitious entrepreneur, risks his very soul for success. He exploits a deceased tenant and desecrates the corpse to orchestrate a catastrophic event for wealth. His dreams of celebrating with his girlfriend, Pilar, are shattered when CafĂ© Vengeance, embodying his desires, introduces unimaginable horror. Guided by an eerie quartet and a cryptic waiter, Dane faces judgment for his tainted soul in a macabre ballet of his own creation. CafĂ© Vengeance is no ordinary place; itâs a purgatory where Dane must atone for his sins before a greater darkness emerges. Can he find redemption or face eternal torment? Inspired by Danteâs âInfernoâ, this novella delves deep into mankindâs ancient fearâeternal damnation. With each page, it pulls readers into a nightmarish modern day underworld, in an unforgettable tale of horror. |
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Poignant and powerful, The Catch is a contemporary second-chance romance that effortlessly captures the nostalgia of young love and relatably reflects the trials that come with family, motherhood, and responsibility. Julia Dunphyâs husband just left her for the second time, her thirteen-year-old wonât stop swearing in public, and to top it all off, her four-year-old just asked to buy condoms. Needless to say, this isnât how sheâd expected her life to pan out. Then, Julia's new work in an aquarium shop washes up old memories of a whale-watching business she once imagined - and of William Quinn, the man she imagined it with. William walked into her life with striking blue eyes and constant surprises. Before she knew it, she was head-over-heels in love. However, the realities of life eventually pulled them apart. When Julia and Williamâs paths cross again, despite their baggage, an undeniable spark remains. When she learns that William has made a success of their ideas, she wonders if it's too late to finally make a success of their relationship. But Julia has already blown her first two chances at happiness with William, so a third one seems like wishful thinking. Then she uses her prowess as a paralegal to save William's business, and when he shows up to thank her, she dares to wonder - is another chance with him possible, after all? Perfect for fans of both modern romances like Colleen Hooverâs Reminders of Him and reminiscent of classics like Pride and Prejudice, The Catch is witty, heartwarming, and inspiring. |
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Breaker of Fates (Broken Song verse 1) by Vaela Denarr & Micah Iannandrea Perilous quests give rise to heroes. And broken songs call for Chosen Ones to be mended. Roderick and Keeva, once friends, now orphaned by a dragonâs wrath that fractured the harmony between the great clans, spend their days locked in battle⊠until they are reunited, realizing that theyâre both dating the same guy: Mateo, whose overdue transformation into a dragon is complicated by feelings of self doubt after the disastrous attempt to broker peace. Choosing to get along is one thing, but forgiving one anotherâor themselvesâfor the hurt theyâve inflicted is another. Keeva keeps seeing the face of her dead best friend in her dreams, and Roderickâs suspicion and distrust keep him up at night. Soon, though, a great threat unites them against a common foe. Someone has stolen a song from the gods, disrupting the tenuously rebuilt harmony of their homeland, and the very beast that tore them apart threatens to be set loose. True heroes of Koor Kosma are required to serve as vessels for the other four godly songs and reforge the divine harmony. Neither Roderick nor Keeva are such heroes, but unless they can unite the divine and broken songs, unless harmony brings the shattered clans together, all will burn. They are not chosen. They are not the heroes of this story. They are broken. And they must be forgiven. The Broken Song Duology is a story about queer grief, trauma, forgiveness and finding your place in the world. |
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Sue B and the Ridders by Melissa Ruth Rotert Susan Michelle Beezly has a pest problem. In fact, Sue B has such a pest problem that she wonders if there isnât some sort of exterminator who specializes in little siblings and brazen bullies. By day she's tormented by Barnaby T. Plumbol, an addle-brained oaf. By night, her nuisance takes the form of four-and-a-half-year-old Jessie Jess, oppressor to sisters and dolls alike. When a mysterious new janitor appears at her school and offers to help her with her problem, Sue B discovers that banishing her pests to the strange magical world of the Ridderlands doesnât give her the relief she had hoped for. Instead, sheâs riddled with guilt as she watches the world erase the memories of her foes. Sue B must figure out whatâs truly important in order to rescue her pests from the Pterosaur-like creatures who carried them away and find it within herself to bring them home. |
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I Heart Robot by Xan van Rooyen Sixteen-year-old Tyri wants to be a musician and wants to be with someone who gets her musical aspirations. Q-I-99, aka 'Quinn,' lives in a scrap metal sanctuary with other rogue droids. While some use violence to make their voices heard, demanding equal rights for AI enhanced robots, Quinn just wants a moment on stage with his violin to show the humans that androids like him have more to offer than their processing power. Tyri and Quinn's worlds collide when they're accepted by the Baldur Junior Philharmonic Orchestra. As the rift between robots and humans deepens, Tyri and Quinn's love of music draws them closer together, forcing Tyri to question where her loyalties lie and Quinn to question his place in the world. With the city on the brink of civil war, will Tyri's and Quinn's passion for music be enough to hold them together while everything else crumbles down around them, or will the truth of who they are tear them apart? |
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My Name is Magic by Xan van Rooyen Taika Turunen has no magic. Despite coming from a long line of powerful Finnish mages, and their name literally meaning magic, Taika canât perform the simplest of spells. Forced to attend MyrskyjĂ€rvi International School for the Magically Gifted on account of their mom being principal, Taika has a hard time fitting in. Sometimes, they wonder if not having magic has something to do with the fact theyâre neither a girl nor a boy and if theyâre fated to be Taika the Talentless forever. Life goes from bad to worse when Taika sees a liekkiö and recognizes the spirit's voice begging for help as that of their former BFF and major crush, Natalie Khumalo, whose recent absence from class hadnât gone unnoticed. When more students go missing, Taika must take the lead in a race against time to save friends old and new before a powerful group of chaos mages can unleash the legendary Sampo, an artifact capable of either renewing the worldâs waning magic or destroying everything Taika holds dear. To rescue Natalie, Taika will have to journey to the liminal space between worlds where theyâll be forced to battle mythical monsters and their own flagging self-esteem. In doing so, Taika might just discover that magicâand loveâcomes in many different forms. For fans of witchcraft and wizardry looking for a new, inclusive story, My Name Is Magic, is a story about finding strength from within and potential where you least expected it. |
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By the Blood of Rowans by Xan van Rooyen The Sheehy witches are the most feared and detested family on the island of Inisliath, and none more so than Rowan. As a deathwalker, Rowan ferries island souls to the Otherworld, experiencing their deaths and carrying their memories like ghosts within him. It's a fated role he accepts even as it inexorably destroys him. When the magic on the island starts to seep away from the other founding families, everyone blames the Sheehysâespecially when islanders start dying. Ash is sick of their father's fists and constantly having to apologize for who they are. Life on Inisliath might be the fresh start Ash and their mum need, and meeting soft-spoken, curly-haired Rowan feels like the ray of sunshine Ash has desperately neededâbut everything goes sideways when Ash's mum becomes lead detective on a series of ritualistic murders allegedly tied to island magic, and Ash's family history. The islanders are convinced Rowan is guilty, but Ash refuses to believe it. When Ash does some investigating of their own, they discover Rowan is far more likely to be the next victim. With time running out to save Rowan, Ash will have to choose between a life free of their father or the boy theyâre starting to love. Meanwhile Rowan will have to decide just how much he's willing to sacrifice to save his family from the darkness about to be unleashed on the island. |
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Silver Helix by Xan van Rooyen On the surface, the city of HelsInc appears to have recovered from the war waged between humans and Ethereals, but beneath the scars, the city seethes. The remains of magic festers, causing mutations in human DNA which could give humans Ethereal powerânot that the HelsInc government would ever let that happen. The Legion resists, ripping out their neurochips and protesting the mandatory gene therapy for humans with cryptomine in their DNA. At only 19 years old, Omyn Talvinen isnât ready to play parent to her kid brother, but with her mom in prison on trumped up charges and her deadbeat dad AWOL, sheâs left with little choice. Forced to risk her freedom to pay the rent, Omyn finds herself at the mercy of a pair of cyborg soldiers when they catch her red-handed stealing nanites from a cyberware Salon. But the synthsâ powers donât work on Omyn, and they discover they all share a common memory that they must get to the root of. Wanted dead by the government, Omyn and the renegade soldiers turn to a rebel Legion group with dreams of resuscitating dead magic for help. With the clock-ticking for the synths, Zee-Five and Omyn are forced to confront the secrets of their past and a dark conspiracy thatâll shake the blood-soaked foundations of the city. |
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Stitchface by Dr. Stuart Knott Stitchface, Stitchface, cominâ to getâcha! Stitchface, Stitchface, cominâ tâkill yah! Mind your manners, Mind your elders, Say your prayers and leave on a light âLest Mr. Stitchface come-a-callinâ on Halloween night! For thirty years, Jenny Carpenter has lived in fear of âMr. Stitchfaceâ, the local bogeyman who attacked her on Halloween night when she was just a teenager. Sheâs so traumatised by these memories that she refuses to celebrate the season, much less let her own daughter, Dottie, go trick-or-treating. However, just as Jenny is prepared to relent, her worst nightmare threatens to come to life when Mr. Stitchface grabs his trusty pickaxe and comes calling once more⊠|
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House of Bad Memories by Michael David Wilson From the author of The Girl in the Video comes a darkly comic thriller with an edge-of-your-seat climax. Denny just wants to be the worldâs best dad to his baby daughter, but things get messy when he starts hallucinating his estranged abusive stepfather, Frank. Then Frank winds up dead and Denny is held hostage by his junkie half-sister who demands he uncovers the cause of her fatherâs death. Will Denny defeat his demons or be perpetually tortured for refusing to answer impossible questions? House of Bad Memories is Funny Games meets This Is England with a Rosemaryâs Baby under-taste. âHouse of Bad Memories is a haunting and equally visceral tone poem of cruelty, betrayal, and vengeance. Michael David Wilsonâs writing vibrates with the all-consuming trauma and suffering of humanity. This is a novel that I certainly wonât forget.ââEric LaRocca, author of Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke "All the many ties that bind a chaotic and increasingly dysfunctional extended family together are stretched to breaking point and beyond in House of Bad Memories. The book goes in every direction except the one you expect. Itâs a wild, bloody, and expletive filled riot thatâs never anything less than intense. With genre shifts worthy of a Ben Wheatley movie, itâs highly recommended.ââDavid Moody, author of the Autumn books and Hater "House of Bad Memories hits so hard, you'll spit teeth out once you're done reading it."âClay McLeod Chapman, author of Ghost Eaters "An established master of human frailty and misdirection, Michael David Wilson's latest offering, House of Bad Memories, kept me off kilter and turning pages as reality tilted. Compelling and deeply unsettling, House offers a mystery with endless layers. Never doubt Wilson's willingness to skillfully cross lines you never knew were there. Excellent."âLaurel Hightower, author of Crossroads and Below âIf Ira Levin and Guy Ritchie had a drug-fuelled weekend binge with the Kray twins in a Kidderminster council flat, they wouldn't come close to House of Bad Memories. Darkly funny, brutally violent and strangely touching, Michael David Wilson has created something truly bonkers and I'm here for it.ââAlan Baxter, author of The Gulp and Sallow Bend âWith razor-sharp dialogue and some of the most unpredictable, WTF moments youâll find anywhere in dark fiction, House of Bad Memories is what would have happened if Quentin Tarantino had grown up in the rancid underbelly of the English Midlands.ââKev Harrison, author of Below and The Balance |
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They say the Dead don't tell tales, but it depends on who's doing the listening...... Ever since Sophie Lydon was a little girl she's been able to speak with the dead, a gift she inherited from her late mother and grandmother. Now it's just Sophie and her dad, looking after her uncle and the family funeral business. She tries to carry on her mother's work, the tradition of guiding lost souls into the afterlife, but it's hard and sometimes scary without her mother's guidance. And the latest crop of arrivals in the mortuary have something new to say, bringing her disturbing messages from the place between living and dying, the vast hinterland across which all souls must walk. The Long View. A killer has been awoken in the town of High Towers, where Sophie lives. A killer with links to Sophie's past, a killer known to the voice of The Long View. And it's coming for Sophie...... Welcome to THE LONG VIEW, a new tale of supernatural terror that will chill your blood.... |
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Maple Falls Massacre by Daniel J. Barnes Every winter dozens of people go missing in Maple Falls. Many people believe that an ancient creature known as Blackfoot is responsible for these unexplained disappearances. But, the truth is far worse than any urban legend. NOT SUITABLE FOR READERS UNDER 15 YEARS OF AGE. |
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Nightmares From A Desk: A Collection by Willie R. Heredia Enter âNightmares from a Desk.â A chilling collection of horror stories bound to take you on a rollercoaster of terror and suspense. Each tale is meticulously crafted to take you through twists and turns, designed to lure you into a world of spine-tingling encounters, unearthly creatures, and unspeakable nightmares |
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The Templar Sword by Sam Clarke Noah is a typical teenager with a very atypical dream â becoming a modern-day Knight Templar. His estranged father, a senior commander within the Order, is dead set against it. For fans of Uncharted, Outer Banks, and Indiana Jones. A Page Turner Awards Finalist. Amazon #1 New Release in YA Fiction Page Turner Awards Finalist Wishing Shelf Book Award Finalist BBNYA Finalist An ancient sword has been missing for centuries. Recovering it would prove Noah's worth to his father and earn him a place at the Clearview Templar Academy. When he stumbles across a Renaissance painting that holds a clue to the swordâs location, Noahâs dream seems within reach. As the death toll quickly mounts, it becomes apparent that others are hunting the sword â for far more evil ends. The future of the Templars, very much like Noahâs, is at stake. Together with his friend Viggo and mischievously attractive Isabelle, Noah embarks on the deadliest quest of his life. The swordâs dangerous trail will take them from the canals of Venice, to the spires of Seville, to a gripping showdown in the underwater caves of the Caribbean. A fresh, original adventure story. Can be read as a standalone novel or as the sequel to The Twelfth Ring. PRAISE FOR THE TEMPLAR SWORD 'Amazing story. Awesome plot. Perfect characters. OMG! This is a MUST READ!!!' Goodreads 'Characters are spectacular, very real and very much people that I could relate to.' Goodreads âBecoming a Templar Knight in the modern day... now that's a great hook. Sort of Indiana Jones meets Harry Potter... a legendary secret school, an evil villain and a treasure. If that doesn't grab a reader, nothing will.â Ink & Insights 'Reading it was like watching a movie in my head.' Goodreads âNoah is a great main character and narrator for this story. He is witty and awkward and perfectly encompasses a teenage boy.â Ink & Insights "Though likely considered a âyoung adult fictionâ, as an older adult, I enjoyed this book tremendously. Itâs adventure, mystery, great characters, and a storyline that keeps you wanting to see what comes next from this author." Amazon Reviewer âWow, Noah is one terrific character. He's instantly likable, and we find ourselves not only rooting for him, but rooting for the quest. His personality is incredibly well developed for a teen, and I like the fact that he's smart and driven.â Ink & Insights |
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Kindness by Michael R. Goodwin EVERY FAMILY HAS THEIR SECRETS... Jay and his siblings live in fear of their father, a man with a strict set of rules enforced by his brutal temper. One of the many rules Father stresses the most is to stay out of the garage, which is always kept locked. When his father invites him inside the garage one day, Jay notices that the rest of his family is nowhere to be seen. Once inside, he is overwhelmed by a horrible, rotten smell. Then, Father takes out an axe. Dark secrets and horrible truths are revealed in this harrowing and dark tale, all in the pursuit of one coveted thing: REVENGE |
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Midnight Son: A Prophecies of Ragnarok Story by Marie Sinadjan Prince. Warrior. Son. Brother. Baldr has always been destined for greatness. As Odinâs heir and firstborn legitimate son, heâs been raised to succeed Odin as king of Asgard and ruler of the Nine Realms, and to lead the worlds into an era of peace and prosperity. But the brightest of lights casts the darkest of shadows, and in Baldrâs wake looms his younger twin brother, Hodr, who has already betrayed Asgard once before. This is a prequel short story to THE PROPHECIES OF RAGNAROK trilogy by Meri Benson and Marie Sinadjan, beginning years before and leading up to the events of Hotel Fen, and a retelling of the myths involving Baldr, a Norse god whose death is said to herald the coming of Ragnarok, the prophesied end of the worlds. |
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Touch of Iron (The Living Blade 1) by Timandra Whitecastle A magic sword. A fated quest. When the world is on the brink, one woman dares to defy destiny⊠Is the Living Blade real or just a legend? With it⊠Prince Bashan could win back his kingdom. Master Telen Diaz can free himself of the burden from his past. Owen Smith sees a once-in-a-lifetime chance to gain untold knowledge. ⊠but for Noraya Smith, the Living Blade will bring nothing but suffering and sorrow. "Realistic, character-driven fantasy that manages to both sever limbs and warm the heart." - Kirkus Reviews |
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Bloodwitch (The Living Blade 1.5) by Timandra Whitecastle They say blood is thicker than water. They're wrong. An ancient priesthood recruited Jan from the parlours of Babuk. They said it was because she had talent at waterwielding. They'll live to regret it. Jan survived something she shouldn't have. But she doesn't remember it clearly. Now they pry into her mind, and she cannot stop them. Yet. Jan must learn how to control her own waterwielding gift, to defend herself from those who would reach within her and steal her very name and memories, and she must make a choice ... Who is she, really? Acolyte? Watermage? Bloodwitch Buy Bloodwitch today to enter the action-filled adventure today! |
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Someone once asked August Haiz if twins realize one of them is an accident. Deep down, August knows if anyone was an accident, it wasnât Bennyâit was her. Granted, August doesnât mind dancing in the background, letting Benny be the star musician and center of attention. In fact, she prefers it that way. Abandoned by their mother as children, the twins have spent a decade dodging the unpredictable nature of their alcoholic father in an attempt to stay off his radar. With graduation in sight and their freedom on the horizon, August and Benny look forward to fleeing their hometown together and starting fresh at college. But a tragic accident turns Augustâs world upside down, swallowing her hopes of a brighter future. Guilt-ridden and struggling to cope with her new normal, August shuts out the people who love her most, and nearly ruins her most important friendship. If August wants a chance at adjusting to life after tragedy, sheâll have to process her pain, let go of the past, and leave the darkness behind. |
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Inspector Stone Mysteries Volume 2 (Books 4-6) by Alex R Carver Volume 1 of the Inspector Stone Mysteries, containing books 4-6 Into The Fire When the Larsson Studio and its owner suffer a series of attacks, Nathan Stone must not only figure out who is responsible, he must try to lay to rest the rumours that have led to them. Rumours that have been encouraged by the local paper. Just as he is putting that case to bed a body is discovered in a burned out car in Branton Wood, a car that is connected to Kurt Walker, the man who murdered his family. Nathan must decide whether he is the right man to investigate, and figure out how a man who has been dead for nine months can be connected to a body that is only days old. Is it a coincidence, or is there something more going on? A Stone's Throw A dead body really ruins your holiday. During a much-needed break in Devon, Inspector Nathan Stone finds himself at the centre of a murder investigation when the wife of the owner of the hotel is found killed. The last person to see her alive, he must contend with the suspicions of the local police. The arrival of a storm that isolates the small village of Donningford from the outside world changes everything, however, and Nathan must take charge of the investigation. A second murder drives home a frightening fact: Nathan, the other guests, and the hotel staff are sharing a roof with a hate-filled killer who will stop at nothing to exact revengeâŠand to prevent the police from discovering the truth. Under Pressure Nathan Stone hasn't long got back from a holiday, but he could already do with another one. Between a murder, an unexplained drowning, a trio of assaults, a missing teen, and an interdepartmental dispute over jurisdiction, he's under so much pressure he barely has time to sleep. |
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The Witness Must Die by Alex R Carver Sofia Torres is the only witness when her employer and his entire household are massacred by a rival druglord. The Spanish police are relieved to have a witness, but they soon discover that keeping her alive to testify won't be an easy job, especially when the man responsible for the massacre is prepared to kill as many people as it takes to keep her quiet. Even with the help of Interpol, keeping Sofia Torres safe is difficult and costly, and with the eyes of the world on Barcelona as it becomes like Chicago in the 1920s they must rely on help from an unexpected source. |
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Play it Back by Vanessa Lopez Aziz 27-year-old Carmen Santos thought she had the perfect life until the question âwhat do you want?â transports her ten years in to the past to relive the worst year of her life. She must navigate her senior year of high school all over again, complete with bad wardrobe, a dysfunctional Filipino family, and a best friend whoâs still in the closet. Yet, the knowledge of the future is on her side, right? But her knowledge isnât guaranteed to help her get the guy, fix her parentâs marriage, or even save someoneâs life. |
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The Oakhurst Murders Duology by Alex R Carver A peaceful paradise in rural England is torn apart by murder and mistrust as a serial killer stalks its daughters. Written In Blood: The Oakhurst Murders #1 A peaceful village torn apart by murder, mistrust, and a desire for revenge. When Oakhurst's daughters begin to turn up, brutally murdered and with accusatory words carved into their skin, the residents of the small, close-knit community are unwilling to believe that one of their own might be a killer. Suspicion falls on the village's newest resident, Zack Wild, attractive, charming, author of violent crime novels, and possessor of a dark history; he seems like the perfect suspect. As the investigation continues, the evidence against Wild mounts, but is prejudice against the newcomer affecting the judgment of Sergeant Mitchell, Constable Turner thinks so, and is prepared to do whatever she must to find the killer, whoever it might be. Who will be proved right, the sergeant or the constable? And will they catch the killer before he can strike again? Poetic Justice: The Oakhurst Murders #2 Caught, escaped, and now on the run. The killer has been caught, but before he can see the inside of a cell he escapes, leaving behind a trail of bodies. While Constable Melissa Turner deals with the aftermath of the murders, including the revelation of who was behind them, and a case of vandalism at the local stables, Detective Inspector Martins is given the task of hunting down the killer. As the body count mounts, and the killer becomes more and more desperate to get away, a storm builds overhead. Can Martins and the police catch him before more people die, or will the storm provide him with the cover he needs to make good his escape? |
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The Curious Cousins and the Smugglers of Bligh Island by Alex R Carver Nobody believes them. For Edward and Elizabeth, a summer on Bligh Island with their cousin Henrietta (it's Henri!) is like being sentenced to die of boredom. But adventure awaits! The island harbours family history and the hideout of a band of 18th century smugglers. It's all great fun . . . until modern-day smugglers show up! The kids take the case to the police, but the local officer won't believe them. They're on their own, and their lives are in danger. How can they stop the smugglers? |
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Poetic Justice (The Oakhurst Murders Book 2) by Alex R Carver Caught, escaped, and now on the run. Kieran Wright, the teen serial killer who terrorised the village of Oakhurst in Written In Blood has been captured, but before he can see the inside of a cell he escapes, leaving behind a trail of bodies. Constable Melissa Turner is engrossed with the aftermath of the murders and the revelation of who was behind them, and a case of vandalism at the local stables. Meanwhile, Detective Inspector Martins is given the task of searching for and apprehending the killer. As the body count mounts, and Wright becomes more and more desperate to get away, a storm builds overhead. Can Martins and the police catch Wright before more people die, or will the storm provide him with the cover he needs to make good his escape? |
