SPFBO10 SPFBO Participants
Books entered in the competition of SPFBO beginning May 2024.
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Creatures of the Malignant Thicket by Demetria Meltinos Humans and dinosaurs should have never lived at the same time, but here they are: surviving together in precarious harmony. Fara Adven is a fierce advocate for the protection of Dinosaurs—despite the fact that she is orphaned because of them. When a stampede breaches the City-State walls, Fara doesn’t think twice before stepping in to stop it. In the wake of destruction, Fara’s discovery of a dinosaur hybrid becomes a beacon of hope for her, and a target for those seeking power. The political conflict with Metanoia, a neighboring City-State coveting their land, escalates as they learn of Fara’s unique charge and her unparalleled understanding of dinosaur behavior. They aim to exploit her knowledge to domesticate dinosaurs for their own ends. As Fara raises the dinosaur hybrid, finding in it a kindred spirit and a reason to look beyond her grief, she must navigate a treacherous path between safeguarding her new companion and preventing her enemies from using her abilities to tip the balance of power. Will her determination and unique bond with the hybrid lead to a new era of coexistence, or will it ignite a war that could spell the end for both species? Echoing the emotional depth and resilience found in Daughter of No Worlds by Carissa Broadbent and the complex, richly drawn conflicts of The Grey Gates series by Vanessa Nelson, The Mesozoic is an action-packed fantasy novel that delves into themes of survival, the quest for understanding, and the fight for a better future. |
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Jem, a Girl of London by Delaney Green Winner of a 2015 North Street Book Prize. “I would have adored this book as a thirteen-year-old who was very interested in history and science, and I enjoyed it immensely as an adult...." ~ Ellen LaFleche, assistant judge, North Street Book Prize When Jenna Connolly is orphaned in eighteenth century London, she faces two problems: first, she must find a way to stay out of the workhouse and off the streets; second, she must find a way to shake the disturbing visions she’s been having ever since her father’s death. Jenna doesn’t want to hear what animals are thinking. She doesn’t want to know what diseases lurk inside complete strangers. Jenna solves her first problem by disguising herself as a boy and calling herself “Jem.” This lands her a home with a doctor and a job with an apothecary. She even gets to take lessons from the American scientist, Ben Franklin. But Jem’s visions get scarier and harder to control, especially when she learns that a stranger with a patch over his eye has hired spies to find her. Who does Patch work for? Why does he want Jem? Why can’t Jem shake her strange visions—and why did she start having them in the first place? |
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Amiant Soul by Deborah Makarios Ghost has no brother, no kin, no tribe. His only chance to find his own people is a trial mission with legendary adventurers the Three Men. But when their search for a vanished princess collides with his missing past, he must decide what price he's willing to pay to finally belong. And his is not the only soul at stake... |
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Smoker on the Porch by Dom Watson 1989. Suffolk, England All the children saw it. Out there, in the night-time swirl of dreamy sleep. The House of Sweet Things. It promised full bellies forever. On the periphery of childhood to adolescence, Jake and his friends wonder where their lives are heading. An accidental encounter with Francis William Biggot propels them into a battle for their souls. Not just their own, but those of the whole world. Jake will face a choice and a journey like no other. Be at Biggot's side and have the power of a god, or be a boy. |
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Wings and Wounds by Dr. S.K. Burkman Doc is just an ordinary veterinarian trying to make ends meet — until she stumbles upon an injured dragon and her world is turned upside down. Unable to resist helping an animal in need, she cares for the creature, but quickly realizes she may have bitten off more than she can chew as dragons from far and wide begin seeking out her medical assistance. Soon, Doc’s peaceful veterinary clinic becomes a trial by fire as she develops dragon medicine on the fly while trying to keep her unpredictable, occasionally destructive patients a secret. As she navigates unfamiliar anatomy, perilous physiology, and peculiar behavior, Doc must learn to bond with the extraordinary creatures that have chosen to trust her with not only their own lives, but their species’ survival. Can the Dragon Doc find a way to balance her normal life with helping her new patients — or will her career and her clinic go down in flames? One thing is for sure: life with dragons is never dull. And in the end, Doc might need the dragons just as much as they need her. |
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After the Great Winter plagued the World of El’Ur for centuries, elemental Aegi faded from existence, taking their Natures with them. As the cold darkness recedes into the north, summer returns, and so do the Natures. Like the rest of the world, the people of the Northern Region, Bhaskar, are unprepared for the resurgence of the Aegi powers. Those who succumb to their innate abilities and lose control are labeled as Berzerkers and cast out from society. But the Berzerkers fight back, their strength growing as the edge of winter moves further north, forcing many people to flee to the northern sanctuary of Idun. Rome and his younger sister Sparrow grew up in Suhn, one of the last standing cities outside of Idun. With the Berzerker threat drawing closer, Rome and Sparrow attempt to leave their home and escape to the sanctuary, but a sudden attack separates the siblings, leaving Rome behind in Suhn. Now, alone in the sanctuary, Sparrow is adopted into a prominent household, and introduced to the elite culture within Idun. There is a strong dislike for Nature and the Old World, but unbeknownst to them, there is a greater power waiting to awaken within the walls of the domed city. Meanwhile, Rome struggles with his responsibilities in Suhn as a member of the Fourth Brotherhood — a group that adopted the southern district and all the orphan boys in it. He is torn between chasing after his sister, and building his life with his brothers. His choice becomes even more important when another group threatens to change the way of life in Suhn, and Rome finds himself at the center of it.

If he can’t learn to control the power growing within him, he could lose everything... |
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Burden to Bear by Gregory Amato Telling the Norse myths is a lot easier than living them. 
Ansgar isn't your typical viking: He tells stories of gods and heroes for a living. When viking crews set out to do something insane, they want a chronicler who can spin the crazy into the heroic. Ansgar runs into one band of brothers intent on doing something truly stupid. They need a skilled storyteller, as their last five were all devoured, drowned, or hacked to death soon after joining. That new recruit has to be capable of surviving long enough to tell the tale, though. Ansgar doesn't want some troll to rip his arms off. But damn, it's going to be a great story if he survives. Burden to Bear is book one of Gregory Amato's Norse fantasy series Spear of the Gods, where the myths, magic, and monsters of the Viking Age are all real. |
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You have been summoned here for one reason. Trevor, you need a break. Trevor Anderson is just another normal, overworked retail worker. All he wants is his promised promotion, a chance to use some of his vacation days without feeling guilty about it, and time for his hobbies. While waiting patiently for his life to improve, a workplace accident changes everything for Trevor, including the world he resides in. After he bungles his way through a summoner’s questionnaire and gains the Power of an extradimensional inventory, he lands in the peaceful town of Tosa. In a world where he can finally relax, he finds himself both unable and unwilling to sit still long enough to do it. With everything he needs to take destiny into his own hands - a clean slate, a supernatural ability, and good friends - Trevor will use his Power to live life the way he chooses to. |
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King's Imitation by Erin Grunke Fraud. Lies. Deceit. It was everything that Princess Andrea's life was built on when she finds out she was not the King and Queen's legitimate daughter. A warrior to the bone, she demands to ride across the kingdom and retrieve the real heir, determined to make sure he has what it takes to rule a kingdom. But things go wrong as she and the troop of soldiers sent to protect him get decimated by assassins. Now it's up to Andrea alone to protect Prince Gavin in the journey to the palace. However, he seems just as determined to avoid the throne as she is to get him on it, and the kingdom is no longer the same as when she left it. With a grand cast of characters weaving the story together, King's Imitation is a spell-binding read that will leave you on the edge of your seat, keeping the pages turning until you devour every last word. |
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A Night of the Burntmen by Emmanuel Akeyo The world of Loviah is covered in eternal darkness by the god who lives in the mountain and hasn’t seen a sunrise for thousands of years. The creatures and people have adapted to the darkness and a special few can harness the magic of the dark. Meka, a former soldier of the empire, is forced to flee with his daughter, hide in remote towns, but the empire still searches for him. The empire has orders to kill his daughter who has the ability to harness the magic in the darkness. Her power comes once every hundred years and the empire fears what the god of the mountain might do to them if they don’t find the child in time. To keep his daughter safe, Meka must find the creyder, a resistance group, but the road to the creyder will take them deep into the dark and dangerous lands of Loviah, filled with monsters and demons where they’ll have little to no friends. But when has a soldier ever had friends? |
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Rise of the Forgehearts by Emily Huffman R-0’s existence has always been dedicated to one simple directive: protect the king. Like all the constructs, they complete their orders without thought or feeling. But when a magical phenomena sweeps over Haiden, the constructs transform from mindless metal to fully sentient beings. Now R-0 sees the world through new eyes. Beauty, curiosity, and endless questions that used to be out of reach now overwhelm them. Despite their potential, not everyone views the change favorably. The organics they used to serve fear what the constructs have become and what they may be plotting. When constructs begin disappearing, Haiden’s council sees it as proof of the constructs’ nefarious intentions and threatens to decommission them all. While navigating their newfound thoughts and feelings, R-0 must solve the mystery of the missing constructs–even if the truth may put the king they’ve sworn to protect in danger. Because if they fail, the constructs’ lives could be over as quickly as they began. |
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Counsel of the Wicked by Elizabeth Schechter Matthias has spent his whole life on the edge of a very small world. The bastard child of a fallen woman, he's known nothing but judgment and hatred from the harsh, religious people of his enclave--except for Balthazar. The son and heir of the High Elder, Balthazar shows Matthias kindness, love... and desire. But when the High Elder discovers what his son has been doing, Matthias is arrested and sent to an isolated prison known as the School. There, and in the wastelands beyond, Matthias learns the secrets behind the hypocrisies of the Council of Elders, and his true heritage, true power, and true love. |
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The high magic of The Wheel of Time combines with the gritty politics of A Game of Thrones in this thrilling epic fantasy series. Five centuries, three peoples, one war An endless feud between nations. Sorcerers who steal souls to feed their eternal life. A world so broken by magic that those who wield it are shunned and despised. Skilled young hunter Ina hides a deadly secret—she has the dark god’s powerful magic, blamed for the genocide of her people five centuries ago. If anyone finds out, they’ll execute her. When she learns that her lover’s daughter has the same magic, she must decide whether to reveal her secret to save the child. But her decision will determine not only the child’s fate but that of the whole world. Because the cycle of violence has begun again, and prophecy decrees she must be the one to end it. The alternative is the unraveling of all creation. Pre-order your copy of this unmissable epic fantasy adventure now! |
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Severed Legacy by E.M. Zolotor A stunning illustrated book for readers of fantasy adventures—featuring black-and-white illustrations in every chapter. You will never find your way. You are lost. Such are the hauntings of Eos Bellator, trapped in the North American Sector desert by a never-ending sandstorm. The government forces the orphan siblings, Eos and Maxima, to harvest their Soul Energy, providing power for the Sector. Beyond the sands lies a tattered world being vied for by many forces. Yet, the biggest threat to Eos is not having control over his emotion-driven abilities. When fear overwhelms him, disaster strikes, and the siblings are separated. They learn that they are not alone. The Mitad, an off-world organization of similarly super-powered members, is attempting to capture them. The government has them cornered. A crazed prisoner seems to hold the answers. So begins a journey of high-powered, dangerous adventure. Eos and Maxima's search for freedom and the truth about their past leads them to pursue a mysterious world they never knew existed—Hyperborea. |
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Wolves Running by Deborah Jarvis The secret is out about the shapeshifters of the world, and as they face the wildly disparate reactions from all parts of the globe, the local groups of shapeshifters are trying to adapt to being in the public eye. For some, like Sasha Wellington, the revelation of her status as a wolf shapeshifter is not something she can reveal just yet in her role as a biology teacher at a Boulder, Colorado high school. As a matter of fact, that is probably the last thing she should consider. Things begin to change when one of her friends from student-teaching days suddenly discovers he is a shapeshifter, and she has to find a way to get him trained so that he will be able to keep her secret. Bringing the younger wolf home to her family’s house for New Year's, Sasha discovers that there is more to her young protégé than she originally thought and finds herself at a crossroads between the world she has built for herself in Boulder and the life that has always been hers amid the snow-capped mountains of Wyoming. In order to make these two parts of her life work, she will have to risk not only her livelihood as a teacher, but possibly the safety of her family and her friends in order to help achieve the lasting peace all of the shapeshifters desire. |
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Romantic & sexy dreams link a false princess to a dangerous, disgraced fae prince in this fun, steamy enemies-to-lovers romantasy.

In her dreams, he envelops her in love. In real life, he imprisons her in ice. Assassin, liar, impersonator—dreamer. As a royal decoy, trained to replace the Krastel princess even in a political marriage, Astra’s life is not her own. With a duty like that, how can she dream about love? And yet she knows she has a kindred soul. She can feel his presence every night, holding her in his arms, surrounding her with his warmth. But ice-cold reality crashes in when Astra’s carriage is attacked by the Crystal Court’s disgraced prince. Banished for heinous crimes and armed with powerful stolen relics, he’s a wielder of mighty magic and can even infiltrate minds. It turns out that he is the man in her dreams. And this is about to get very, very awkward. A Cursed Son is a fun, sexy, enemies-to-lovers romantic fantasy for fans of fae, elemental magic, arranged marriage, forced proximity, snarky banter, and dream connection. |
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The Unspoken Truths of Casemiro by Christopher Clouser Casemiro, a down on his luck wizard with little magical power, travels back to the location of his greatest accomplishment twenty years before, the village of Lillenhold, to recapture his glory, power, and perhaps a little coin. Casemiro, while grappling with his past and identity, finds himself amidst complex relationships involving Prince Arenton, Princess Laural, and various other characters including his brother Quinto and Forrest — a troll-man hybrid with a connection to the wizard’s past. Believing he takes a simple job for a local festival, Casemiro soon gets thrown into a murder investigation, an unexpected and perhaps unwanted (he just can’t decide) tryst, a heroic quest involving witches and a dragon, and the involvement of (wait for it)…. medieval professional wrestlers. All this from responding to a harmless job advertisement. But Casemiro wonders if it all could have been prevented if he did one thing: tell the true story of what happened twenty years ago and reveal his unspoken truths. In summary: a tale about overcoming guilt associated with lost love alongside navigating treacherous waters full of deceitful plots hatched by those most unexpected — all set against a backdrop rich in fantasy elements such as magical creatures & epic showdowns between good versus evil forces vying for control over lands steeped in lore & legend. |
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The Children of Never by Christian Warren Freed FEAR NO DARKNESS! The War Priests have defended the world against the vile Omegri for generations. Staunch defenders of the Purifying Flame, the lone light capable of preventing the darkness from creeping in, they stand the watch for 100 days each year. It is the Burning Season. A time of strife where their power is sorely tested and there are constant dangers let loose in the world. In the Duchy of Fent the Grey Wanderer has been spotted moving through the mist. Where he goes, bad things follow. Children soon begin to disappear. Whispers of the dead returned to life spread. The Baron is beset by evil and forced to turn to Castle Andrak for aid. Brother Quinlan and his squire are deployed to Fent in the hopes of solving the mystery of the missing children and stopping the evil from spreading. What he discovers stretches him to the edge of sanity, for evil is never satisfied. The Omegri will have this world and all within it should the War Priests fall. The Children of Never is the follow on novel to the L Ron Hubbard Writer's of the Future Contest 4th place winner The Purifying Flame. |
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A Conduit of Light by Chelsey Ann Tompkins He has the cure. She is the payment. Forced from her home to train as a conduit in Felgren Forest, Ash'Arah is faced with accepting her new life or boldly denying any evidence that her magic is exponentially powerful. But when a closely guarded secret is revealed, she cannot deny her role as the forest's savior any longer, nor her newly ignited passion for the charming Baron Revich. Karus is a woman who wanders the forest with her faerie friend until the day she discovers a stone embedded in a dead tree. While she holds it, painful memories begin to return. Through these glimpses of her past, she will no longer wonder at who she is, who she loves, and who she is destined to become. This is a multiple POV romantic fantasy with enchanting magic and very little violence. It has dark, yet cozy vibes and the many twists and turns will keep you guessing to the end. |
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Fortitude's Prize by Ceril N Domace The Master of Fortitude, the largest city in the Flying Isles, has been robbed. Normally, this wouldn’t concern Edward Bardsley. He’s an alchemist and surgeon on a small privateering vessel, and there are much larger and better equipped ships in Fortitude. It only becomes his concern when his crew is commissioned to retrieve the master’s stolen property. Between storms, injuries, and secrets that could see Edward exiled from the skies the way his father was, just getting to the thief’s hideout is enough to test the hardiest crew. Thrust into the middle of an adventure that will take him from one end of the Flying Isles to the other, Edward must use every ounce of his alchemical and sailing knowledge to keep the crew intact as they inch closer to their goal. |
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Touched by Magic by Celine Jeanjean I’m Apiya. No, I’m not a badass magical assassin. I’m a barber to the supernatural. My magic is very weak and very niche—it works best with keeping things clean. I know. I can sense your awe at my power already. And I’m sure you can see why barbering suits me well. Although now that I’ve mastered the art of trimming a weretiger’s regrowth, my biggest challenge is fielding the insults of the shop’s cat. Sometimes I wish I had enough magic to go deeper into the city’s magical underbelly. You know what they say—be careful what you wish for. Everything changes when a pair of forest fae come into the shop one night, asking for help to protect their youngling. Something’s got them properly spooked, but they won’t say what. If it’s big and bad enough to scare the fae, it’s most definitely powerful enough to make a mouthful of me—probably a small mouthful, at that. And now that the fae have come to me, whatever’s after them is also after me. My weak magic and a sarcastic cat for backup are unlikely to be enough to keep me alive and save the fae youngling. How the hell am I going to get out of this mess? Grab Touched by Magic to see if I make it. Oh, and don’t get offended if the cat insults you… |
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The Faithful Dark by Cate Baumer A gothic fantasy for fans of Hannah Whitten and Caitlin Starling. In a holy city where sins and blessings can be revealed through consecrated touch, Csilla - born without a soul - is worthless to the Church that raised her. But when a series of murders corrodes the magic that keeps the city safe, the Church elders see a use for her flaw: she can assassinate their prime suspect, a heretic with divine heritage. The heretic, however makes a counter-offer; clear his name and catch the real killer, without becoming a target herself, and he has the power to get her soul. When their investigation catches the attention of Ilan, a ruthless Inquisitor demoted for his failure to solve the case, he reluctantly offers his help in order to earn back his position. He’ll bring in the murderer— and failing that, Csilla and the heretic. But as the death toll rises and their hunt pits them against the Faith, Csilla will find that salvation comes at the cost of everything she believes in. |
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Tomb of Heart and Shadow by Cara N. Delaney Their marriage was a simple bargain. Love was not supposed to complicate things. When her reputation-obsessed family issues her an ultimatum – get married or be disinherited – Saria seizes upon what seems like a most convenient solution. She strikes a deal with a stranger – marriage and a child in exchange for freedom and security. That her bride is a sorcerer from the mysterious city of Neeth is not a problem. Or so Saria thinks. Taleysin doesn’t expect much from her second marriage. A child and heir to carry on her sworn duty to the city of Neeth, and more importantly, a wife who won’t ask too many questions. The deal with Saria seems to be everything she wants – and nothing more. She will have her heir, and Neeth will remain safe for another generation. But soon enough, their resolve over their practical decision begins to crumble. While Saria grows ever more curious about Neeth’s magical secrets, Taleysin finds herself falling for a woman who was supposed to be nothing more than a means to an end. When a mysterious assailant begins to hunt down sorcerers, Saria and Taleysin must find a way to work through this shift in their relationship – to save both their marriage and the city. |
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The Lost Wings by Camilla Vavruch A lost princess. A mermaid looking to prove herself. A dragon with peculiar tastes. The start of an adventure. Crown Princess Moira of the air country of Aurora is known as the unwilling princess, the one who doesn’t want to rule. A chaotic dinner with foreign dignitaries turns into a furious fight with her mother, and the night ends in catastrophe. When Moira loses her wings and nearly drowns in the stormy ocean, a woman who should be her enemy rescues her. Water woman Nerida has never been to the surface and isn’t looking for adventure—but she is trying to prove to herself that she’s more than the people around her believe. Add in a lonely dragon, and Moira has some strange traveling companions to help her as she searches for a way to get her wings back and return in time to claim her place in the world she thought she wanted to escape. Will she find a way? Or will she get not only herself, but her friends as well, killed? Do you love a clean fantasy with mermaids, magic, dragons, and adventure? Then this book is for you—grab your copy today! |
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Goddess Found by Calanthe Colt The God Incarnate, forced into a public role he didn’t seek. ~ The mere mortal who wants a quiet life. ~ The very public, very popular reality show that will complicate their lives. This is the second time Jack’s been coerced into searching for the Goddess Incarnate among the most promising, and beautiful, mages of his generation for the entertainment of the nation. Tired and jaded, Jack fears the new season of Goddess Found will play out like the last, until a new crew member makes him feel more at ease than he has in years. But she has no magic so she can’t be his goddess. Can she? All Leta wants is enough money to pay for a pâtisserie course so she can be her own boss. She just needs to keep her head down for six weeks and not get fired for bothering the ambitious contestants or making a fool of herself in front of the dreamy God Incarnate. A simple task for a wallflower, right? As Leta and Jack draw closer, the attention of the media and the mighty mage families places conflicting expectations upon them. And whoever the Goddess Incarnate turns out to be will have another problem: Not everyone wants the goddess to ascend … |
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The House of Starling by Ciara Hartford Hatred divides the elves by the color of flesh and the sharpness of steel. Crossing the border is forbidden. Raemian Starling knows the consequences better than most. As a renowned fighter in the Shay army, she’s fought the Bleck Larin for years. But when she’s captured by the enemy, Rae finds the last thing she would have expected—kindness. Forced to reevaluate friend and foe, she puts her trust in the unlikeliest of places. Gastel, the youngest Bleck Larin prince, has never left his home, has never met a Shay, and is entirely unprepared when the Shay’s prized warrior is not the monster he'd anticipated. A decision to help Rae return home forces Gastel to face the true power he possesses and the reason his father has kept him hidden from the world. But time isn’t on anyone’s side. An unimaginable power threatens their world, one that cannot be defeated with a sword alone. Rae may be the only elf capable of confronting her queen and stopping the war, but she’ll need Gastel’s help to bring balance to elvenkind. Lest their world cease to exist entirely. . . . |
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Black and Deep Desires by Claire Trella Hill Is the vampire in Ophelia’s cellar a man she can save, or a monster out for blood? From an early age, Ophelia learned to keep her pets away from her unfeeling scientist father or they would disappear into his laboratory, never to be seen again. When her father unexpectedly returns to their isolated Yorkshire estate with a mysterious box, Ophelia’s suspicions are aroused…but nothing prepares her for the bloody business she finds. Caged in silver and hungry, Salem is out for blood. Someone has betrayed knowledge of vampire existence to humans—but before Salem can discover who, he must escape diabolical experiments seeking the source of immortality. He cannot afford to trust the frustratingly intriguing girl who says she wants to help and smells of orange blossoms. He especially cannot wonder how she would taste. Even though the darkly mysterious Salem insists he has no soul, that he’s dangerous, Ophelia can’t leave him to be tortured. But to help him escape, she must risk her family’s wrath—which may be a bigger threat than the monster in the cell. The supernatural bleeds into Victorian England in this captivating YA gothic paranormal romance novel, perfect for fans of Lakesedge, Down Comes the Night, Erin A. Craig, and anyone who longs to run across a dark windswept moor in a nightgown. |
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The Lost Redeemer by David Musk A librarian’s apprentice uncovers forbidden magic in a secret martial academy. Aeons once ruled the world. Now, their empire lies in ruin, and the survivors hide on the fringes of society.

Nahlia is a librarian's apprentice who's obsessed with Aeon lore, scavenging for hints of their legendary power.

But others are searching too, including the Templars who seek to hunt down the Aeon survivors. When the Templars attack her family, Nahlia is forced to infiltrate a secret academy and rise beyond everything she's ever known.

The Lost Redeemer is the first book in the Aeonica series, which began as a webnovel with over three million reads between Wattpad and Royal Road. It's a progression fantasy that takes place in a world with advancing technology, including firearms, trains, and airships. Follow Nahlia Cole, along with several other characters as they discover the lost art of Ethermancy and advance their abilities. |
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Death and the Taxman by David Hankins Never trust a dying auditor. Allies are few and hijinks are many in this hilarious race against time as the Grim Reaper himself tries to cheat death and avoid an audit by Hell's Auditor and the Office of Micromanagement. After sharing an ill-advised cup of tea with IRS auditor Frank Totmann, Grim finds himself trapped in Frank's life amid a world of dangers: love, betrayal, reckless cabbies, implacable demon hunters, and the incessant needs that keep his body ticking . . . for now. But what happens when Death isn't shepherding souls to their final destinations? When bodies refuse to die in a world-wide epidemic of miraculous survivals? Grim has seen this once before. He knows what's coming, and it's not good . . . Written in the witty comedic styles of Sir Terry Pratchett and Piers Anthony, Death and the Taxman is a lighthearted contemporary fantasy that began as an award-winning short story of the same name published in Writers of the Future Volume 39. Acclaim for that short story by readers and critics alike called it "brilliant and hilarious," "delightful and quirky," and "laugh-out-loud funny." |
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The Glorious and Epic Tale of Lady Isovar by Dave Dobson Lady Isovar is a mighty and supremely confident knight errant who tends to leap into adventure with both feet and then track it all over the rug. Chevson, her long-suffering squire and companion, is a former student of stone magic who spends most of his time keeping his mistress from causing enthusiasm-related injury to innocent bystanders. A tragic turn of events has sent them far from home, where they roam the countryside righting wrongs, smiting miscreants, deposing despots, and taunting their foes, often with seriously questionable one-liners. This new life is more than enough for Izzy, but Chevson wants nothing more than to set right what he harmed long ago. Following clues to sites of ancient power, they might just achieve his aim. That is, if they aren't murdered, dismembered, devoured, executed, roasted, or derailed by Izzy's bravado first. The Glorious and Epic Tale of Lady Isovar is an epic fantasy story of adventure, friendship, heroic battles, and vile villains. Content Warning:Â This book includes a lot of medieval-style violence and some gore (so long as it's not a Fourthday). |
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Cursed King by Danielle Paquette-Harvey "Nothing mattered but the soft, tantalizing beat of the heart in this woman’s chest, which thrilled the beast inside me." A vampire assassin. . . bad, in all the best ways. A sexy half-vampire, half-werewolf King, elves, dragons, magic, and betrayal. In a world teetering on the edge of chaos, a legendary prophecy unfolds, foretelling the rise of the cursed king. Born from an impossible love between a vampire and a werewolf, he possesses a power unrivaled by any creature that roams the night. A cruel fate awaits the cursed king, Nathan, as his rule is forced into question after a series of unexplainable events. Confronted by enemies from all corners, the cursed king is thrust into a web of deceit, peril, and betrayal, far surpassing anything he had ever imagined. To reclaim his destiny and restore equilibrium to a world on the brink of ruin, he must confront the very essence of his own existence. Caleb never misses a contract, even better when it's a woman he can savor. The day his target slips through his fingers threatens to tarnish his reputation. The assassin will go to the ends of the earth to hunt and finish what he's been hired to do. Samantha comes from a respected line of noble vampires, but their fortune is secretly lost. Now betrothed to the cursed king, she hopes to restore her family's name. However, her true motives remain shrouded in darkness as faith dictates her every move, for the gods have chosen her. In this epic tale of forbidden love, dark prophecies, and insurmountable challenges, the cursed king must rise above his origins and find the strength to defy destiny. The world’s fate hangs in the balance as the cursed king confronts his true legacy. 5 Stars Editorial Review by Stephanie Chapman for Readers’ Favorite |
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Lizardskin and Sharpened Steel by Damien Larkin Death stalks the jungles of the landmass, on two legs and four. On an isolated continent where dinosaurs still roam, the Dead Mudder legion must embark on a perilous mission to steal great-lizard eggs for use in war. Led by Captain Dustn, alongside the fierce Cohort Sergeant Ullndu and enigmatic tracker Boy, they navigate treacherous terrain and cunning predators. As the Dead Mudders delve deeper into unexplored territory, mysterious forces emerge, hinting at secrets untold. With alliances tested and dangers lurking, every step could be their last. In a bid to succeed, they face ancient beasts and traverse the blurred lines between friend and foe. In this unforgiving land, mastery of lizard skin and sharpened steel determines survival. |
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Embers of Dusk by D.G. Roberts Adelyn is half human, half aradyne–a race lost to time after inciting war–but she is no less human for it. After her world is thrown into chaos when an unthinkable tragedy shatters her heart, she is forced to seek answers in Parallim, but is met with only rumor. With an unsatisfied answer, she travels across the sea with her two friends to the city of Markalla. However, her search for closure ends in shocking revelation, and a darkness within leads her to make a personal choice that could forever change her. Meanwhile, the wizard Alistair and his captains, who parted ways with Adelyn in Parallim, seek the council of the queen of Valero with dire information. But their journey holds troubling secrets of its own, as they uncover the forces behind the impending war, and of a darkness that now engulfs the world of Era’Nyn. Join Adelyn and Alistair as the Embers of Dusk fall on the beginnings of their tale, in Book One of the Lost Light of Era’Nyn trilogy. |
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Flight of the Scions by D. Moonfire Can she survive without magic? Kanéko's childhood fantasies died the day the letter came to confirm she had no ability to use magic. She would never hear the whispers of her mother's clan spirit. Nor would she be able to follow in her father's footsteps as a mage-knight of Kormar. Soon she found a new purpose: to prove to her father she wasn't a delicate flower that required protection. Without magic, she latched onto the new world of mechanical devices and engineering. But, her self-taught experiments went awry and her father sent her away in a fit of fury. Two others would join her on a trip across the country, a dog girl with a short temper and a boy with an unnatural presence. When she didn't think it could get any worse, a wanted poster sets off a frantic race home for safety. As ancient and modern forces fought to claim her, she and her friends would test the abilities their parents gave them: knowledge, loyalty, and drive. |
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Two fathers, two countries and no place to call home. When your skin’s the wrong color, and eyes a hated shade of blue, life is one wretched battle after another. All that’s kept me alive is the birthmark for which I was abandoned the night of my birth. A Luna moth, symbol of the Mother Goddess, with a terrifying potential for magic.

I worship the fierce warrior who found, then named me Thea. In a moon, I turn seventeen and will join his forces if he deems me worthy. Service alone will grant me citizenship, and deflect the hate heaped upon me daily. Yet I’m troubled by our mission to deny my desert people access to this country’s many resources.

A warrior mage I’ve never trusted swears we’ve known each other in many lifetimes. He sees a different path for me—one in which I embrace the mystical destiny my birthmark portends.

Faced by this alarming possibility, I ask: can I kill my own kind? Or will this mage, to whom I’m inexplicably drawn, convince me to give up a life of honor, for one of magic?

Be swept away by this captivating adventure of love, honor, bias, and destiny. |
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Glory to the Waxing Sun by Cooper Ward Each winter, the People of the green land gather at their henges to mourn the newly dead. And to offer up one life to the god who loves them most, to aid him in his holy war against the darkness and the cold. The Ardring, greatest of the henges, has stood from time immemorial as a symbol of the power of the ruling line. With iron in their fists and fire on their brows they have reigned unchallenged. Divinity made flesh. But now the green land is blanketed in snow, and bloody banners fly above the Ardring. Deep within its black stone bones is a priestess with a thousand thousand eyes. Beneath the dismal winter sky brews a desperate clash that will forever reshape the green land – if it survives at all. |
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My Name is not Alice by Angelika Rust Alice is a high school princess. Blonde. Beautiful. Shallow. Until she meets a little white rabbit, and her world turns upside down. The line between reality and fantasy blurs, then vanishes altogether. And Alice becomes a girl who attracts Trouble. Trouble with a capital T. |
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Fate never asks your opinion... Growing up in a town constantly at war with elves, Johnny wants to be a knight like his father, but tragedy and intrigue interfere. After he meets an elf, and false accusations draw unwanted attention, he escapes by becoming an apprentice to a powerful wizard. He soon learns he has the most feared talent of all, Metamancy, the magic of altering magic. In the deadly serious world of wizards, revealing his talent for Metamancy would place a target on his back. It seems he’s jumped from the frying pan into the fire, but with his magical abilities unlocked, there's no going back. This book introduces a brand new world, and begins to reveal a detailed new magic system. Though this world will have some familiar elements (elves, goblins, wizards), this young wizard treads a fundamentally different path versus the likes of Garion, Pug, Rand, or Harry and not all is as it initially seems. Contains: Wizards, Mages, Archmage, Elves, Undead, Imps, Pegasus, Knights, Fateful Tragedy, Dastardly Manipulation, Internal Struggles, Love Interest, and a Mysterious Unknown Player Does not contain: Whiny Characters, Cliff-hanger Chapters, Unedited Text, Pointless Profanity, Needless Gore, Explicit Romance Note: This is the beginning of an epic story, not just a collection of magical battles. If you are only interested in combat or a numerically tracked skill progression, this is not the book you are looking for. |
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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 dragon’s wrath that fractured the harmony between the great clans, spend their days locked in battle… until they are reunited, realizing that they’re 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 another—or themselves—for the hurt they’ve inflicted is another. Keeva keeps seeing the face of her dead best friend in her dreams, and Roderick’s 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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Soultaming the Serpent by Tar Atore Jun was barely ten years old when the last dragon died. Half a century later and Jun still dreams of the rain that hasn’t fallen since. Her mundane life takes a turn when she encounters Aurel, who she suspects may be the one that holds the key to restoring balance and is destined to find the elusive serpent from the prophecy. Joined by Casey, Jun’s closest friend and the village brewer, the three embark on a journey to unravel the prophecy's intricacies, figure out what the serpent's role truly is, and why the dragon has to die, not knowing they are being watched. Follow our trio as Jun discovers a love of adventure, Casey’s devotion takes an unexpected turn, Aurel spills his secrets like dust in the sand, and the three of them discover the true power of their bond. |
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The Erstwhile Tyler Kyle by Steve Hugh Westenra Tyler Kyle doesn’t believe in monsters. A washed-up thirty-year-old actor and reluctant cryptid investigator, Tyler is used to playing the Scully to his best friend Josh’s Mulder on their stupidly popular YouTube channel. But when Tyler receives previously unseen footage of the B movie bombshell mother who abandoned him eighteen years ago—footage linked to an isolated island in the Canadian wilderness—the mystery is one conspiracy he’s determined to investigate. The fact that following the scent gives Tyler an excuse to run away from the “straight” Josh, whom he drunkenly made out with, is just the cherry on the shit sundae. But Echo Island isn’t what it seems. Its eerily scenic veneer hides a twisted secret buried in its roots as a gay conversion camp, and as Tyler retraces his mother’s footsteps, he discovers a supernatural connection between the residents and the island—one they seem to think Tyler and his mother share. Even worse, the footage of Tyler’s mom came from someone on the island–a stalker whose obsessive fascination with both Tyler and Josh is about to make Tyler wish he hadn’t gone this one alone. Puppeteered by his stalker, searching for his mother, and debating whether it’s possible to queerbait yourself, Tyler comes to realize that it doesn’t matter so much whether you believe in monsters, if they believe in you. THE ERSTWHILE TYLER KYLE is an adult horror comedy for fans of GHOST FILES, BUZZFEED UNSOLVED, and TWIN PEAKS. |
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Reva’s clan, the Mauli, tattoo wishes into reality. Once revered, the Mauli now live in hiding, with a precious few imprisoned in a pit beneath the Ali’i’s palace. Burning for justice, Reva strides into the capital city, announces herself a wish giver, and allows herself to be bound. She knows the only way to save herself and her people is to grant her greatest enemy his every wish. Already outcast by her skill and arrogance, Reva feels she has nothing to lose and everything to gain. However, she faces not only the Ali’i, but the mighty White God and his followers, the animosity of the Mauli, and the burdensome eye of Mata, a dark god with an ambitious priest who has a wish of his own. Within the confines of the Ali’i’s palace, Reva secures love and friendship, but to destroy the Ali’i, she may be forced to sacrifice more than she has ever wished for. Wish Givers is an epic fantasy novel with a tropical island setting and themes of freedom, found family, and the pursuit of dreams. |
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Oak King Holly King by Sebastian Nothwell Shrike, the Butcher of Blackthorn, is a legendary warrior of the fae realms. When he wins a tournament in the Court of the Silver Wheel, its queen names him her Oak King - a figurehead destined to die in a ritual duel to invoke the change of seasons. Shrike is determined to survive. Even if it means he must put his heart as well as his life into a mere mortal’s hands. Wren Lofthouse, a London clerk, has long ago resigned himself to a life of tedium and given up his fanciful dreams. When a medieval-looking brute arrives at his office to murmur of destiny, he’s inclined to think his old enemies are playing an elaborate prank. Still, he can’t help feeling intrigued by the bizarre-yet-handsome stranger and his fantastical ramblings, whose presence stirs up emotions Wren has tried to lock away in the withered husk of his heart. As Shrike whisks Wren away to a world of Wild Hunts and arcane rites, Wren is freed from the repression of Victorian society. But both the fae and mortal realms prove treacherous to their growing bond. Wren and Shrike must fight side-by-side to see who will claim victory - Oak King or Holly King. |
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The Fall of Ahilon (Zaure's Reign Book 1) by Samantha Shaye Forced to flee her kingdom, an Elvish princess prepares to return and reclaim her birthright with magic, blood, and steel. When the Elvish kingdom of Ahilon is attacked, Princess Zaure Rhistel—the sole heir—is forced to flee. Her mother always told her when there is war prepare for death, but she didn’t listen. Now, she finds herself woefully unprepared for the challenges ahead. Until she meets Torin, a spellcaster who has vowed to protect her. As Zaure travels with Torin, using her handmaiden’s name as an alias, two more heroes join their circle: Cagdas, a warrior from Zaure's kingdom who was sent to aid her, and Alrik, a bard who has seen too many of the world's evils. Zaure has no choice but to trust and let the others in, as she will need their help pursuing the powerful enemy that has destroyed her kingdom. The key to saving Ahilon is closer than she knows. Finding it is going to prove difficult. With the fate of her people in her hands, she will stop at nothing to save them. Even if it means sacrificing herself. |
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The Elements of Time: The Winds of Change by Sam Paisley Destiny, personal responsibility, what the future holds – common concerns for anyone graduating high school. But usually not because of a cosmic war between timeless beings where you’re the central player. (Download the first seven chapters for free at www.elementsoftime.ca) As the end of school quickly approaches, and Cooper Bailey watches his perfect world slip away, his only concern is savouring every last minute of his high school career. For his best friend, Reid Patterson, graduation is a doorway to the future, where his discipline and focus will finally allow him to meet his true potential. When a mysterious mirror-masked man begs for their help to stop a dangerous heretic, Cooper and Reid find themselves thrust into unknown worlds, wrestling with a destiny as old as time itself. As the truths about their roles in the universe unfold, and enemies disguise themselves as allies, their only hope is to trust each other - and learn fast! Far from home and in mortal peril, Cooper and Reid attempt to hone their newfound abilities and come to grips with their purpose for being. Inspired by classic and modern science fiction and fantasy, and drawing upon timeless themes of destiny and personal responsibility, The Elements of Time is a series written for anyone who loves an escape into a rich and deep world. With references to Star Wars (the Original Trilogy), Avatar: The Last Bender, Stargate SG-1, Supernatural, and much more, The Elements of Time: The Winds of Change is fun action-adventure, with it’s own unique magic system, and themes that touch what it means to grow up and take on the challenges of life The Elements of Time - Book 1: The Winds of Change For more story information, behind the scenes details, and additional content visit www.elementsoftime.ca |
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Kindred of the Sea by Raina Nightingale Two common soldiers, caught in a war they did not sign up for. Corostomir and Aderan joined the Army to protect their people against pirates. Now they are called to attack Elethri, home of the sorcerous elves and new haunt of the nightmare – but when they march into the forest and wake from their dreams unharmed, they can't escape the suggestion that the story they've been told might not be so true. They would rather not die for a war they don't believe in. That leaves only one option: find a way to desert that won't get them killed, just as surely as pushing the elves too far will. This cozy fantasy is a tale of platonic love and adventure that will take you to new worlds and magical beings, including the dolphins in the seas of Alaer. |
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A Song for Octaven by R.C. Ballad Resenfeld Draper is a skilled violinist and knows it. As a second-year student at Octaven University, where musicians sing spells and perform enchantments, Resen’s talent is only matched by his vanity and ambition. But Resen’s attempts to be top of the class are foiled at every turn by distractingly brilliant rival Eric Jameson – and so is his pursuit of friendship with the bold and passionate teacher’s daughter, Bravura Tempesta. Bravura is intrigued by Resen’s sweet-talk and vainglory, but Jameson knows a bully when he sees one. As Resen tries to connect with his classmates, he soon learns that forging real relationships is harder than writing concertos or currying favour. When a mysterious quake shakes the University, Resen, Bravura and Jameson must put their personal issues aside. With more in common than they realise, the three of them might be able to make real magic and save their school – but only if Resen can swallow his pride. A Song for Octaven is a standalone cosy fantasy with a sweet central mmf poly romance featuring trans characters. |
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The Ashen Orb Bounty by Patrick Dugan Cowboy Bebop meets the Witcher In a land torn asunder by a monstrous invasion, the only thing protecting the enclaves of thinking people in Southern Holm are high walls and the valiant warrior troops that strive to beat back the hordes, one troll at a time. When Saria and her Shadow Blades are asked to take on a secret bounty to retrieve a magical artifact from a forgotten temple, Saria’s suspicions aren’t aroused.She’s too busy hiring an archer and preparing their new mage to worry about anything but the job ahead of them. At least not until another troop attempts to collect a bounty—on the Shadow Blades’ heads. Saria should have known better than to accept a mission to recover this Ashen Orb for the notorious sorceress Brar Opalback. After surviving the assassination attempt, she and her fellow warriors—Lithia, the shadow fae archer, Perric, the human paladin, Ayre, the elven thief, and Jileli, the half succubus blood mage—must outwit wild and deadly forests, ingenious traps, and undead armies if they hope to get any answers. It would be a shame to die without ever finding out who wanted you dead. |
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Isaree of the Wild Isles by Noor Al-Shanti Sandwiched between the mighty High Kingdoms and the great Land of Sunsets, the Upland villages did not have much claim to greatness or power. Many of these villages did not even have names. When an army of Sorcerers from the High Kingdoms was mobilized to invade the Land of Sunsets it was these small villages, stuck in the middle, that bore the brunt of that army’s march. In one of these villages Isaree has just discovered her own magical power, but even dreaming of what this could mean for her is made impossible by the presence of the sorcerous armies. When they hear that the Sorcerers have begun to forcibly take anyone with power, the village elders decide that those most likely to be taken must flee. In the blink of an eye, Isaree finds herself at the head of a group of runaways, responsible for leading them to safety, with nothing to rely on except her knowledge of the nearby woods and caves and the food that their families have lovingly packed for them. Isaree and her friends must stick together and survive in a world much bigger than any of them could have imagined. A world full of wars and empires, sorcery and power, and – tucked away in forgotten corners – impossible creatures of legend. In this vast, frightening world, Isaree must learn not just how to survive, but who she wants to be. |