Curse of the Jenri by Stephanie Barr

SPFBO6

The world of the Jenri is a dangerous, primitive world, where women are prized as chattel, but the Jenri women, every one from the eldest archivist to the smallest babe, strike fear into battle-hardened mercenary hearts. It is a world where battle steeds are mythical beasts and magic is as deadly a weapon as a sword. Those who wield both are doubly dangerous and those who cross them are thrice damned. The Jenri are mistresses of all these things. If you love one of these marvelous women, you must best her in a contest of her choosing to win her love in return. These were women who needed no one to take care of them. Until now. It wasn’t enough that Jenri women had been stolen, including his wife, Layla It wasn't enough that those who had stolen them had nefarious plans. And phenomenal magic powers. And could escape in seconds. And an underground fortress in the midst of frozen mountains so cold Tander was afraid he’d shatter if he stumbled one more time. It wasn’t enough that he was surrounded by angry husbands worried about their wives and willing to take their tempers out on him if he was leading them in the wrong direction. It wasn’t enough that he was also surrounded by the remaining women from his tribe who were equally angry and more than capable of kicking his butt. No, on top of all those little issues, he discovered he's no longer “just” an extraordinary swordsman, but also a great and powerful sorcerer with absolutely no idea how to use his powers. He was not just any sorcerer, either, but one chosen by six tiny kitten familiars who did know how to use his powers and who had no problem telling him. All the time. While they demanded to be carried all over his person, purring and taking inopportune naps. He didn’t want these powers or a flock of noisy but helpful kittens, but he was going to need them. He'd need all the skills and talents he and his companions possess in order to save their women—and Layla. But we love you, Tander! Solace insisted, purring and licking his neck. Things have got to get better soon.

Night Warrior by Jordan J. Scavone

SPFBO6

When a bolt of lightning strikes seventeen-year-old Viranda’s home during a severe thunderstorm, she awakens, dazed, to find a strange blood-covered man sitting calmly on her bed. This man claims to be Cillian Balor, The Night Warrior, the same character Viranda herself had created in her novel. Cillian believes Viranda to be the Goddess of Fate from his homeworld of Lingard. However, Viranda claims there is no Goddess of Fate in Lingard; she should know, she did create it after all. When other characters from her book begin to appear in her world, Viranda fears what would happen if the likes of Finn Razorclaw, a deadly werewolf and the arch-rival of Cillian, or the feared witches of The Black Cat Clan arrived as well. With the help of her best friend Bee, and a protection gnome named Mo, Viranda and Cillian must discover the secret to Cillian’s existence and prevent catastrophic damage by powerful supernatural beings.

Trial of Thorns (Wicked Fae #1) by Stacey Trombley

SPFBO6

In a ruthless competition of blood and magic, attraction to the enemy may be the biggest weakness of all. I am Caelynn of the Shadow Court, banished to the human realm for killing a fae prince in my youth. But when I learn my homeland is in peril, I strike a bargain. The Trial of Thorns will decide a champion to save the realm from a terrible plague, and secure the winner fame and fortune. I could care less about the money or notoriety--I'm playing for freedom. If I win, I will earn a full pardon. And I intend to win. But I don’t account for Reveln being one of my opponents. We've got...history. And ten years later, he's even hotter than I remember. Oh, right, he also hates me. Only one of us can win, and Rev will do everything in his power to make sure I don’t make it out of the trials alive. Because ten years ago, I killed his brother. And Reveln never forgets. TRIAL OF THORNS is the first book in the WICKED FAE series, featuring kick-ass women, fated mates, and a slow burn, enemies to lovers romance. Readers of Holly Black's Cruel Prince, Sarah J Maas' A Court of Thorns and Roses and Audrey Grey's Evermore Academy will love this book!

Shifter Shadows by Anthony Stevens

SPFBO6

From the dawn of prehistory to an apocalyptic day after tomorrow, shifters and their friends have been in the background of every historical event. Shapechangers, healers, hunters, shamans, and great leaders, have always been around. We recognize the legendary ones, but must always keep in mind that Gomer is a good dog.

The Edge of Nothing (The Lex Chronicles #1) by Crystal Crawford

SPFBO6

An evil force terrorizes Arameth, but those out to stop it have a serious problem: their prophesied hero is dead. Centuries ago, a malevolent magicborn overtook Arameth, fracturing their world and unleashing a devastating war between magicborn and their non-magic neighbors. To protect their magical heritage, the Ancients of Arameth sealed themselves off in The Core, wiping all memory of magic from the ordinary people. The remaining magicborns retreated into hiding, unable to use their abilities for fear of inciting the wrath of the Ancients’ dark regime—or the terror of their own neighbors. Two hundred years later, the damage wreaked by the Fracture threatens to unravel their world. A dark energy from The Core is slowly corrupting once-beautiful Arameth, and the Worldforce, the source of all Arameth’s magic, is destabilizing. The heroes sworn to restore the balance fail catastrophically in their final battle, and tensions peak between the peoples of Arameth. Fluctuations in the unstable Worldforce bring frequent disasters. But not all of Arameth’s problems come from The Core... Lex is a seventeen-year-old with no memories before this morning, and no clue why a group of villagers want him dead. Realizing they have mistaken him for a destructive magicborn who slaughtered innocents in their village, Lex flees for his life—only to discover he’s more tangled in the conflicts of the past than he ever imagined. And the mysterious girl he stumbles upon during his escape creates a whole new set of problems... An epic fantasy / portal fantasy / soft sci-fi mashup, this book is teeming with quirky characters, fantastical creatures, surprises and suspense. With subtle clean/sweet romance, high-stakes adventure, and a strong focus on friendship and second chances, this all-the-feels fantasy debut will keep you flipping the pages.

Heartscale (Thunder of Dragons #1) by Lola Ford

SPFBO6

On one side of the world Graith discovers a dying dragon in his barn. While the country is hunting after the monster, he doesn’t hesitate in doing his best to aid her. Before she is fully healed, Azelia urgently needs to get back to her cave to protect her eggs. Unable to even fly, Graith decides to accompany her, worried of what might happen. On the other side of the world, where the future ruler is decided by dragons, Nerie is chosen by the Kiriga, the golden hatchling. Raised as a merchant in the middle district of Roria, she’s shocked to learn that she is the king’s bastard. Thrown into a chaotic palace life, she’s forced to balance learning to be princess and being bonded to a dragon.

Rise of the Forgotten Sun (The Sun and the Raven #1) by Jon Monson

SPFBO6

All I ever wanted was to see the world and maybe discover an ancient civilization or two. A life of scholarly solitude and adventure was more than enough for me. I never wanted to play politics. I never wanted to get married. I most certainly never dreamed of becoming a god. Yet when I ventured into the depths of the Soulless Desert, I found... something- a power so ancient it has been forgotten by mankind. That day unleashed a chain of events that, once started, cannot be stopped. It is the Rise of the Forgotten Sun. It is the beginning of the end.

Exile (The Nandor Tales #1) by Martin Owton

SPFBO6

‘Exile’ is a fast-moving tightly-plotted fantasy adventure story with a strong thread of romance Aron of Darien, raised in exile after his homeland is conquered by a treacherous warlord, makes his way in the world on the strength of his wits and skill with a sword. Both are sorely tested when he is impressed into the service of the Earl of Nandor to rescue his heir from captivity in the fortress of Sarazan. The rescue goes awry. Aron and his companions are betrayed and must flee for their lives. Pursued by steel and magic, they find new friends and old enemies on the road that leads, after many turns, to the city of the High King. There Aron must face his father’s murderer before risking everything in a fight to the death with the deadliest swordsman in the kingdom.

The Flight of the Darkstar Dragon by Benedict Patrick

SPFBO6

Impossible world. Impossible dragon. Impossible adventure. Lost with her ship and crew in an unfamiliar land, Min’s first command could be her last. Nothing here behaves the way it should: The magic that powers her skyship has been drained, rendering it immobile. The sky is an endless twilight, lit by the luminous fish that swim in it. Off starboard, there’s also the country-sized dragon that is looking particularly hungry. It will take all of Min’s training and experience to get her people safely back home, but as the truth about the Darkstar Dimension begins to be revealed, Min will have to prove to her crew - and to herself - that she is still the best person for the job. From the twisted mind that created the ‘delightfully weird’ Yarnsworld series comes a fantasy adventure like no other. Grab it now, to set sail on a journey you’ll never forget!

Mid-Lich Crisis by Steve Thomas

SPFBO6

Is trying to sacrifice your estranged wife to a bloodthirsty demon an irredeemable act of evil? This is the sort of question the Dread Wizard Darruk Darkbringer struggles with. After being called evil one too many times, Darruk sets off to find a new purpose in his life and become a beloved celebrity. Can a dark wizard come to terms with himself and prove to the world that a few atrocities don’t define who he is? You’ll feel guilty for laughing at his twisted tale of self-discovery.

Bloodline: Rise by Jonatan Håkansson

SPFBO6

A decade of peace coming to an end, the rumour of a queen’s return. When the Iron Jarl waged war against the mountains eleven years ago it was to free the north of the clans’ tyranny. Left in their wake, however, was but mistrust and twisted ambitions. A fickle balance upheld by the old families now toppled over as a witch is found within the Willslocks’ lands. A bloodline at stake, the haunting words of a life taken. The oath has been broken and the winds whisper of war. What fate awaits the Grayrat house in this realm where legends linger?

A Dark Inheritance (Hollow Fate #1) by Todd Herzman

SPFBO6

It’s a dark path to power. When Ruben is bound by magic and hauled across the sea to where the God King reigns, he has only one goal: escape. As he tries to resist his master’s pull, he discovers a secret—the reason he was taken from his family—Ruben is a mage. On his journey to understand his power, his desire to become stronger takes him to dark places, driving him to do even darker things. If he can gain his freedom, will he be able to return to the life he once knew, after what he’s become? SPFBO 2020 Semi-Finalist!

Pradyutita (Jaya! Book 1) by Geetha Krishnan

SPFBO6

In Hastinapura, Atiratha and Radha find a baby floating in the river. In the palace, the impotent King Pandu is forced to abdicate the throne while his bastard half brother Vidura conspires with his queen Kunti. The blind King Dhritarashtra struggles against his autocratic uncle while the sage Vyasa fights desperately to avert a power struggle within the Kuru family. This is the saga of Mahabharata, as it has never been told before.

The Reluctant Witch: Year One by Kristen S Walker

SPFBO6

A young witch who just wants to be invisible. A beautiful mermaid who doesn't belong. A secret relationship that threatens the entire academy. Brie only agreed to try the witch academy to make her mother happy. She assumed she would learn Water magic. But when the students were assigned to their Elemental classes, she ended up in Earth. The list of reasons for her to leave the school keeps growing-her roommate is a bully, she doesn't understand her classes, and everyone judges her for her infamous family name. Then a beautiful mermaid named Gabriella catches her eye at the beach. Merfolk aren't allowed in Santa Cruz because they're dangerous killers, but Gabriella is friendly and kind. She agrees to show Water magic to Brie as long as she keeps their meetings a secret. Brie lies to everyone about Gabriella, even when her Fae mentor asks her to investigate merfolk. But when the secret relationship strains her friendships, tanks her grades, and threatens her position at the academy, Brie learns that love comes at a high price. She must choose between her first love and her magical school-or lose everything. The Reluctant Witch is the first book in an upper YA urban fantasy academy series. It features the daughter of Rosa from the Fae of Calaveras trilogy, but it takes place twenty years after the original series and does not require prior reading. If you like teen witches, magical schools, and introverts who have to overcome their wish to be left alone, you'll enjoy Kristen S. Walker's latest novel.

Timberwolf by Dominic Adler

SPFBO6

TO SURVIVE, FIRST YOU MUST BETRAY In Stassia, loyalty to the Party means survival. And Axel Geist – rogue, self-styled ladies’ man and accidental political prisoner – is determined to survive. Even if it means selling his soul to the Old God Bassarus, Lord of Deceit and Duke of Hell. When Bassarus orders Axel to volunteer for Stassia’s warrior elite, the black-uniformed Timberwolves, he joins a labyrinthine security state. A traitor, deep inside the regime. A world of play or be played, kill or be killed… Stassia’s destiny turns on Axel’s treachery and lies. Timberwolf – a dark fantasy of espionage, love, war and betrayal set in a world similar to, but entirely different from, our own.

Lasera ~ Book One of The Mer Archives by Danielle Mathieson Pederson

SPFBO6

I should've died in that pool. A merman saved me. Seventeen year old Valerie used to want the ripped lifeguards to rescue her, but her perceptions explode after a freak diving accident at the local pool when she’s rescued by a shy, intelligent merman named Wyn. A year before, a drunk driver killed her parents and the only thing that keeps her going is her training—she’s a champion diver—and she still spends every waking moment in the pool. Initially Valerie thinks she's going crazy and hallucinating. But she learns that her mind isn't making him up; it's because Wyn saved her that she can now see him and others can't. Wyn’s ability to see her clearly, touches her heart. What confuses both of them is why have Wyn's captors trapped him in a public pool surrounded by humans? Valerie finds out the captors are moving Wyn to a more secure scientific facility in just three days. How can she save him?

Gods of the Mountain (A Cycle of Blades Book 1) by Christopher Keene

SPFBO6

“If that’s true, he’s returned from the grave, and you better believe he’s got something in store for this city.” Accused of murder, Faulk is on the run after his chance at redemption went horribly wrong. He finds himself allied with the mysterious Yuweh, a woman sent by her gods to capture an assassin who is spreading forbidden magic. Journeying across a land where all magic, cultures, and wars are dictated by its cycles in nature, they uncover a plot that threatens to destroy everything they hold dear. Faulk and Yuweh must reconcile their clashing cultures to prevent the chaos from repeating... ...as another attempts to use it for his benefit.

The Assassin's Gift (The Emperor's Conspiracy #1) by Claire Leggett

SPFBO6

She’s trained to kill. But is her prey the man she’s ordered to eliminate… or the one who sent her? Princess Lien reserves her loyalty for her uncle, the emperor. Groomed as his secret assassin after he took her in, her first target is the khan of the barbarians responsible for her parents’ murder. But her supernatural speed is no help when the monarch betroths her to the man she’s meant to slay. Waking naked in the enemy camp far from the palace and her pet dragon, Lien is horrified to find she’s imprisoned by the ruthless tribe—and they know her true mission. Refusing to believe her uncle betrayed her, she vows to become his spy. But as evidence that she’s on the wrong side mounts, it will test her fidelity and honor. Can Lien unravel a web of deceit in time to stop the real traitor? The Assassin’s Gift is the first book in the riveting Emperor's Conspiracy fantasy series. If you like strong heroines, loyalties challenged, and treacherous battles, then you’ll love Claire Leggett's enthralling adventure. Buy The Assassin’s Gift to reveal the heart of evil today!

Feast of the Mother (Witch of the Lake #1) by Miranda Honfleur, Nicolette Andrews

SPFBO6

A beautifully dark fairy tale with magic, mystery, and romance, blending folklore with history beneath the looming threat of brutal witch hunts and a cataclysmic demonic onslaught… A young witch answers the call of her ancestors in this mythic dark fantasy set in pre-Medieval Eastern Europe. Beneath the murky waters of the lake, an ancient being slumbers, and Brygida is its servant. Kept sheltered in the woods by her mothers from the nearby village, Brygida has never had so much as a friend—until the day she meets a charming stranger painting by the lake. He invites her to the village’s harvest feast, but her taste of the forbidden ends with a murder. Called into service for the first time, Brygida must take up her ancestral duty as Reaper of Death and solve the murder within three days. If she brings the murderer to the lake on the third day, the being she serves will be sated. If she fails, Brygida herself will be drawn beneath the murky waters, and the village massacred. There’s only one problem: the main suspect is her charming painter, Kaspian. As Brygida investigates, the dangers are many and answers few. The village and her family stand against her, and with time running short, the lake demands a price. Brygida believes Kaspian is innocent, but can she stake her life on it, when failure means condemning the rest of the village, and being dragged into the deep...? Find out what lurks beneath the lake in FEAST OF THE MOTHER, the first entry in a romantic dark fantasy series inspired by Slavic mythology and folklore, sure to please fans of Juliet Marillier’s Blackthorn & Grim series and Naomi Novik’s Uprooted.

Another Dead Intern by Joel Spriggs

SPFBO6 SFFOasis

A typical internship: coffee & copies. Morgan Burns's new internship with PI Hemlock Connal: fairies, magic, drugs, & dying. Hemlock Connal can't keep interns alive. Morgan Burns is trying to break that trend, but finds survival to be an uphill battle. Faced with mobsters, drug rings, covens, and even fantastical beasts, will Morgan find a paycheck... or a grave? Another Dead Intern is the first book in a humorous supernatural mystery series! If you like edge-of-your-seat action, witty dialogue, and paranormal investigations, then you'll love the first installment in Joel Spriggs's hilarious magical thrill ride.

The Dragon’s Teeth (On Dark Shores #0.1) by J.A. Clement

SPFBO6

On a small island they hid… …from an Ice Lord bent on destruction. What can an inventor, bard, and nearly blind trader do to stop him? When he lost his arm, Lodin thought his life was over. How could he create his brilliant gadgets with only one hand? His companion, a handsome bard named Maran, means the world to him, but with the Ice Lord’s destruction of everything, is there even hope? Asri has faith. She’s wise in many ways. Asri knows that if she can just convince him to build an artificial hand, then Lodin will be able to invent again. She may have lost her sight but not her vision. There must be a solution. Deep in the archives, she found a scroll. If it is to be believed, they can find answers in the ships’ graveyard. Asri knows there’s a chance. With Lodin and Maran by her side, they need to get to ancient ruins to have any chance to stop the Ice Lord and save the world. It won’t be easy, and they need to find some missing elements to set the trap. Will it even work?

Wings of Fate (Kingdoms of Faerie #1) by Skye Horn

SPFBO6

Death chose her for her blood. Fate chose her for her heart. One step through a rift sends Thea Gilbert from a world without magic into a land of Faerie where she discovers she is a lost princess. In this hidden land, Thea is expected to stop her villainous father who sits on her throne from releasing the Goddess of Death. While darkness spreads across the Kingdoms of Faerie, Thea is trained by the handsome Fae, Kieran, to master the magic coursing through her veins and prepare for war. As her volatile powers grow stronger, so do her feelings for Kieran. But love between a princess and soldier is forbidden, and in the frantic midst of chaos and war, Thea surrenders to a reckless and deadly decision that could alter everyone’s fate. Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Cassandra Clare, WINGS OF FATE is the enchanting first tale in the magical young adult fantasy series, Kingdoms of Faerie. The series explores a world of magic, myth, and legend through the lens of a powerful female heroine.

Graveyard Gods (The Raider and the Rapier #1) by Joseph Daniel, Bryan Arneson

SPFBO6

The currents sweep east, but the dead float south. This corpse laden tide carries with it the destinies of a tomb raider, a knight turned captain, and an empire fraying at the seams. A grave robber who dabbles in the alchemical arts, Edmond Mondego has spent the last seven years in search of a God Grave. He hopes to find magic within to relinquish his murdered wife's soul to the land of the living. What he finds instead is an imprisoned goddess stripped of her power but in full possession of divine secrets, including a rumor: every five years, one living soul is returned to the Emperor of the Gilded Islands. Meanwhile, the Lord Captain Augustin Mora, newly appointed commander of His Imperial Majesty's Ship Intrepid, guards the forbidden waters for his Emperor. Edmond's profane plundering of a God Grave and the machinations of the admiralty send Augustin on a quest to capture the tomb robber. But an enemy from his past muddies the waters, and Augustin is forced to reunite his old knight's guild and put hand to hilt once again. And so, Edmond sets every ounce of cunning and guile to raise himself through the ranks of nobility, evading Augustin Mora and all manner of assassins; he has only one goal—to convince the Emperor to use the magical boon for his wife's soul, and, failing that, to take the throne for himself.

Stray Magic (Faerene Apocalypse #1) by Jenny Schwartz

SPFBO6

When magic crashes through the Rift, Earth devolves into an apocalyptic nightmare. Survival becomes the only game in town, and college girl, Amy Carlton, learns she’s a more ruthless player than she ever imagined. Magistrate Istvan signed up for the Faerene Migration knowing that the price of Earth’s future would be paid for in hellfire and blood. But the black griffin hadn’t anticipated humans accessing magic. Now, a new and impossible bond must be forged between a Faerene invader and a human familiar. But first Istvan and Amy must survive to form the bond. *Note: “Faerene” refers to the many peoples of another world: the griffins, dragons, unicorns, werewolves, elves and ogres who've crossed to Earth. No prepper or survivalist could have been prepared for their arrival.

Aspiring: Part 1 of the Siblings' Tale (Elisabeth and Edvard The Siblings' Tale) by Astrid V.J.

SPFBO6

Silver winner of the 2019 Literary Classics International Book Award for Young Adult Fantasy "A well written and utterly charming coming-of-age tale. With excellent world-building in a realm where magic, elves, and unicorns exist, we are introduced to perfectly flawed and highly relatable characters." About Aspiring A coven of witches plots to overthrow a kingdom. One brave woman stands in their way. At her mother’s death-bed, Elisabeth learns her mother’s illness is no accident and that her own life is in danger. Evil witches are plotting to take over the kingdom of Vendale. All alone, naive, and untrained, Elisabeth’s determination is all she has to confront her mother’s murderers as she discovers love at the same time. While Richard’s behaviour sends distracting mixed messages, Elisabeth finds herself stuck in limbo: she is treated like a child but is forced to make adult decisions. Meanwhile, the witches’ plot spins a fateful web around her. Can Elisabeth succeed in the face of insurmountable odds?

Currents of Change by Darian Smith

SPFBO6

Haunted house. Haunted heart. When Sara O’Neill goes on the run, she believes the tiny New Zealand town of Kowhiowhio is just the sanctuary she needs. Her family’s old colonial house needs repair, but it’s safe from the abusive husband she left behind. However, a hostile local holds a grudge and a dangerous presence haunting her new home threatens Sara’s chance at peace. How can she create a new life while dealing with ghosts from the old? For local electrician, Nate Adams, parenting his young daughter alone has not been easy - particularly in a town where he is still seen as an outsider. When he meets his new neighbour, he sees a chance at a new start for them both. Even with his help, can the house – or Sara’s heart – be repaired? Someone doesn’t want an O’Neill in Kowhiowhio. Sara’s return is awakening secrets hidden for generations. Why has the house never had electricity? What was the fate of Sara’s ancestors? Can she discover the ghost’s story before it’s too late? The truth will set…something…free.

The Blood Stone: Curse of the Drakku Book One by Jason J. Nugent

SPFBO6

He slays dragons for a living. Now he’s on a mission to wipe them from existence. Lailoken longs to slit the throat of the beasts who abducted his wife. And with the winged monsters raining havoc on the northern lands, the vengeful dragonslayer’s bloody skills have never been in higher demand. Finally granted the chance to rescue his long-lost love in exchange for a dangerous, magical gem, he sharpens his sword for the quest of his life. Venturing deep into enemy territory to collect the dragon-killing artifact for his fanatical leader, Lailoken prays that he’ll have one more chance to hold his beautiful bride. But as his single-minded hunt for revenge reveals a darker truth, he fears he may be fighting on the side of evil. Will Lailoken reunite with his love and slay dragonkind, or has he unwittingly triggered the realm’s destruction? The Blood Stone is the first book in the fast-paced Curse of the Drakku fantasy series. If you like intriguing magic, powerful dragons, and honorable heroes, then you’ll love Jason J. Nugent’s epic adventure.

Oasis by Bharat Krishnan

SPFBO6

Once, there was a truce. Desperaux controlled the west with magic, and Desire claimed the east with steel and science. But now magic has disappeared, and the world has changed. The kingdom of Desire will stop at nothing to maintain the new world order. On Juno’s wedding day, their Mengery soldiers came marching through the Nine desert to rip his world apart. Now he journeys east with his adopted brother, Trey, in search of revenge after the murder of his family. Along the way, the two face bandits and the magical creatures of the Nine. When they finally reach Desire, Juno and Trey will face something even deadlier – their own fears and ambitions. This is a tale of brotherhood, a revenge story that will remind you that everything has a cost – a cost that will be paid to Desire and to the inner demons that govern us all.

The Alchemy Dirge (A Concerto for the End of Days #2) by Ryan Howse

SPFBO6

In Aeon, everything can be had for a price. In this city of guilds, conspiracies, and artifice, the cost can be more than gold. Salai Pavane, alchemist and inventor, wants to create a printing press to lift his fellow citizens to a better world. Desperate to fund his invention, he pushes the boundaries of alchemy to sell on the black market. In doing so, he accidentally produces the most dangerous weapon the world has ever known. Success is more dangerous than failure. Now he’s pursued by anarchists who want his formula, the Ministry who wants him imprisoned, and assassins who want him dead.

A Locket of No Particular Significance (Weskerlee #1) by Florien St. John

SPFBO6

"Are you suggesting Captain that a Faerie might have wings? Like a bird? That's preposterous. Why, think of all that effort flapping one's arms getting from point A to point B when with just a small amount of magic, one could achieve the very same result. Without the flapping. Next, you will have us in nests gathering worms and shiny things. I'd be very embarrassed for any Faerie so tiny it must fly about like an insect, building tiny houses in the exposed roots of trees, dressed in nothing but Butterbell trousers. Have you ever worn Butterbell trousers Ib? Of course you haven't. No one has. I am not sure who is responsible for creating such an idle fantasy. Perhaps one of your literature types? There is nothing worse than a writer, who when they have nothing to write of consequence, find themselves seduced by the temptation to expostulate on what could or might be, instead of what is!" - The Good Faerie Jasper Wintergreen. Can a GOOD Faerie turned BAD ever turn GOOD again? Higher Faerie has banished unworthy Lesser Faerie from The Other-Lands. Like it or not, the human realm of The Middle Counties and The Wild South is besieged.When bookish Alisanne Frochard, a Vigilant apprentice studying Faerie Lore at Weskerlee Folly is tasked to track down a mischievous Dark Faerie alongside her handsome Captain whom she may or may not admire more than she ought, she hopes to prove herself worthy, or at the very least, tolerably capable.Jasper Wintergreen and Faerydae Ib, two elite Nobles from Faerie, both hard-pressed to contain their natural proclivity for expressing excessive and elaborately ebullient expostulations, are unbeknown to the Vigilants, watching over them.There's a Half-Faerie orphan if we are to believe what she says and she is never ever where she is thought to be. There is a riddle, heartrending lost love, a prologue, an enchanted locket and a blue feather in a hat worn for luck. An almost Regency period historical fantasy of manners where the wit appears larger than the plot holes and where becoming lost in a fog in a bog somewhere east of Whirrel is only of concern during Autumn.

Death of the Invisible Financier by R.D. Henderson

SPFBO6

Paul Bloom wants to make his own way and stop grinding for a criminal organization. The higher-ups in the organization are lining their pockets thanks to Bloom and he was getting just a pittance. The catch is he doesn’t want the higher-ups to learning he wants to make his own way. Mettle Coyle, an elf and financier, is finally able to get out from under his aunt, who was beloved by everyone at their family-owned investment and financial firm and died under mysterious circumstances, and seized control of the firm with the goal of lining his pockets at the expense of his partners or investors. Paul Bloom, his associates, and Mettle Coyle join other criminals in engineering a confidence scheme which most likely ensure each of them a nice tidy profit. The only catch is when a group of criminals are involved in a scheme to steal a large amount of money, each of them, including Bloom and Coyle, want the entire ill-gotten gains for himself or herself and none of them will be denied no matter if lives hang in the balance. Death of the Invisible Financier is the first book in the Paul Bloom & Associates Schemes a sword and sorcery series.

A Voice That Thunders (Voice That Thunders #1) by Cully Mack

SPFBO6

Immortals conquering as gods. A Shadow creeping closer... Can an apprentice healer be the key to ignite a war? Mirah looks for the best in everybody. But her naiveté is shattered when her clan is slaughtered, and she’s dragged into captivity. Vulnerable and scared, she has no choice but to accept her kidnappers’ offer to join their sect of lethal female fighters. Desperate to find stability in her chaotic new life, Mirah throws herself into training as a water mage and warrior. But as she discovers her unprecedented elemental control, her instructor warns that revealing her power will put her in mortal danger. With the fate of humanity at risk, will Mirah’s growing abilities spell her salvation… or destruction? A Voice That Thunders is the first book in the action-packed Voice that Thunders epic fantasy series. If you like strong women, intricate world-building, and stories of enduring friendship, then you’ll adore Cully Mack’s riveting saga.

I, Exile (A Thief's Tale #1) by David M. Samuels

SPFBO6

Exiled into a wasteland because of a heist gone wrong, Emelith vows to hunt down the one responsible. Except not all is what it seems in the haunted realm of the Cauldron. Classic Swords & Sorcery meets cinematic 90's action (Tomb Raider, The Mummy, Indiana Jones) in this rollicking thief's tale.

Shoreseeker (The Farshores Saga Book 1) by Brandon M. Lindsay

SPFBO6

The #1 Epic Fantasy in Japan It was supposed to keep them safe. For six hundred years, Andrin’s Wall protected the remnants of humanity from a scourge that devastated them: beastly monsters called the sheggam. But centuries of relative peace have relegated the sheggam to myth and superstition. Tharadis, the Warden of the independent city Naruvieth, must protect his people and their homes from threats more immediate than ancient legends. The Council of the Wall aims to finish building the Runeway, a magical construct spanning the whole of the Accord, no matter who gets in their way. But after a knight with sheggam magic flowing through his veins seeks protection in Naruvieth, Tharadis uncovers a menacing secret: the Runeway itself is built from sheggam magic, magic that isn’t supposed to exist on this side of Andrin’s Wall. Not only must Tharadis confront scheming politicians, rogue knights, and ominous prophecy, he must draw his blade for the greatest battle humanity has ever faced. For the sheggam are already here.

Flames Over Frosthelm (Inquisitors' Guild Book 1) by Dave Dobson

SPFBO6 SFFOasis

An Investigation Gone Awry Sometimes, your case takes a left turn. Or three or four. Marten Mingenstern and Boog Eggstrom are provisional inspectors, fresh out of Inquisitor’s Guild training and eager to prove themselves. Assigned the mundane task of tracking down stolen jewels, they instead uncover a mysterious cult set on destroying the city. After a thief explodes, they earn the enmity of a vicious noble, the Chief Inquisitor gets bought off and goes rogue, they are seized by barbarians, and they are sentenced to death at least a couple of times. In a final, frantic race with prophecy, they face ruthless fanatics, a city turned against them, and terrible forces long buried. Flames Over Frosthelm is the first novel about the Inquisitor's Guild, the investigative arm of the government of Frosthelm, a medieval city-state where criminals thrive, nobles scheme, and dark secrets lurk. Expect intrigue, mystery, swordplay, adventure, politics, romance, and the strong bonds of friendship. And a little magic along the way. Described as Princess Bride meets CSI, this new novel is a tale of classic adventure with a healthy dose of humor. If the description above was too much, you might prefer this TLDR Summary Haiku Young inspectors flail Against a rising darkness. Fighting, jokes, and more.

Era of Undying by Emilie Knight

SPFBO6

There hasn't been a Blood Warrior for decades. Everyone assumed they were extinct and couldn't return. Turns out they were just in hiding. Pen chose to revert back to her nomadic life after the death of her family. Life was always safer that way, away from people. Now she's been caught and odd occurrences have been happening in Ichorisis. People are surviving horrible injuries and illnesses that they shouldn't be. Now that Pen is under custody of one of the several kings she's been sent to fix the problem. Whether she wants to or not.

Dragon Speaker (The Shadow War Saga #1) by Elana A. Mugdan

SPFBO6

Everyone knows this story: an unlikely young hero is chosen by divine providence to save the world from a terrible evil. Except Keriya Nameless is crippled, without the ability to wield magic—in fact, she's the only person who doesn't have powers of her own. The god who chose her is a mysterious dragon with a knack for exploiting loopholes in rules. Oh, and that terrible evil the world needs to be saved from? Maybe it’s not quite as evil as everyone says. As Keriya ventures into the magical realm of Allentria, she learns things aren't black-and-white, and not everything is what it appears to be. Her quest would test the courage of even the bravest hero, and as the chosen Dragon Speaker, she quickly learns she's at the center of an age-old war . . . A war that will decide the fate of everything.

Land of Perpetual Night (Blood Forest #0.5) by Miri C. Golden

SPFBO6

SHE’S THE LEGEND WHO WILL TOPPLE AN EMPIRE OF LIES…SHE JUST DOESN’T KNOW IT YET. Cadet ranger Troa Travay spends her days arresting outlaws in the wilds of Shinador. Given her squad’s accomplishments while under her command, she’ll someday earn the captainship she dreams of. For Troa, it’s a perfect life…until she uncovers an insidious plot to assassinate Shinador’s governor, the very man she unwittingly kissed the other night—a ruler the law forbids her from loving. While Troa and her squad investigate, she gains a deadly magical Gift, guaranteed to soon kill her. Worse yet, Imperium law requires she surrender herself to the authorities before she loses her mind and hurts people—as the Gifted always do. But the magic reveals a tapestry of lies shrouding the world Troa knows, and when she plucks a thread, everything she believed to be true begins to unravel. Now, she finds herself caught in a tangle of deception, betrayal, and slaughter, where right and wrong aren’t mutually exclusive. With her life and all she holds dear hanging in the balance, can she burn through the lies without landing herself in irons? Or will the magic consume her before she uncovers the truth? The timepiece is ticking. Land of Perpetual Night is a full-length prequel to the upcoming Blood Forest trilogy—an action-packed, character-driven High Fantasy series. If you like resilient heroines, fathomless friendships, and a side of steam served with your magic, battles, and heartache, then this gripping story is for you.

Keepers of Arden: The Brothers, Volume 1 by L.K. Evans

SPFBO6

Over a thousand years have passed since the Long Wars ended and the higher gods abandoned the lands of Arden. Divided and fearful, Arden has managed to secure a restless peace. But peace never lasts. Darkness creeps through the lands once more. Salvarias, a man born of shadow and fire, will become hunted for his magic and a power that can grant a vile god instant victory. Only his brother, Wilhelm, can save him from not only the evil stalking him, but also the darkness that grows within.

Shields in Shadow (The Silent Champions #1) by Andy Peloquin

SPFBO6

Burdened with legend. Hardened by battle scars. Hellbent on bloody revenge. As the son of a famous general, Aravon is proud to captain his own company against his people's enemy. But the experienced veteran’s march toward glory dissolves into pain as ruthless barbarians massacre every last one of his soldiers. Burning for vengeance, he leaps at the chance to spearhead a specially-trained company and pay back his tragic defeat with blood. Desperate to not repeat his tragic past, Aravon trains his new warriors relentlessly. But the captain fears that all the tactical drills in the world may not matter when they’re forced to defend a helpless village against overwhelming odds. As his quick raids sow chaos amongst the enemy, the bloodthirsty savages threaten to make Aravon's nightmarish history repeat itself… Can the captain take command of his fighting spirit before the kingdom falls to barbarous invaders? Shields in Shadow is the first book in the action-packed Silent Champions military fantasy series. If you like square-jawed heroes, well-oiled military action, and epic world-building, then you’ll love Andy Peloquin’s gripping novel.

Hell Hound (Jane Doe Chronicles #1) by M.J. Sylvester

SPFBO6

A foul-mouthed bounty hunter and assassin, Jane Doe is not your average witch. Working for the ruling magical class in Britain - the Merlins - she takes on the jobs and creatures that other members of the magical community wouldn't touch with a six-foot spell staff. As rumours spread that a powerful being wants to free a horrific hound from its prison on Dartmoor, Jane and her assistant, Dawn, are tasked by their Handler to find the perpetrator and stop them using any means possible.

Ancient Ruins (Ancient Dreams #1) by Benjamin Medrano

SPFBO6

Sistina awakened after millennia of dormancy, her memories in tatters and born anew. Residing in the ruins of an ancient city, she finds herself drawn into a war between two elven nations and the slaver kingdom of Kelvanis when she rescues a princess from slavery. With her domain containing hints of forgotten knowledge, Sistina becomes a dungeon, stronghold, and source of hope all at once. And perhaps, just perhaps, she could finally find love in her new life.

Embered Soul (Fall of Creation #1) by Willem Neill

SPFBO6

In a world of monsters, a vigilant slayer confronts a foe stronger than any creature yet fought. As the battle draws close, so too does the Reckoning .… Afflicted by the incessant rot of beasts, the people of Asthradele have never known life without war. The threat of the next Bestial Tide has always been enough to keep the realms united. But what’s it all worth if the world is dying? Seb du Monte is one of the many dedicated to fighting the Tides. As a newly fledged Knight-Questor from a venerable lineage of beast slayers, sworn to protect Asthradele, his begins in earnest. But when a powerful force threatens what he holds dear, all the weaponry, cunning and training he possesses may not be enough to defeat it. Fates collide and all will hang in the balance

Solomon's Seal (Livi Talbot #1) by Skyla Dawn Cameron

SPFBO6

EX-DEBUTANTE. SINGLE MOTHER. TREASURE HUNTER. Disowned and left penniless for getting pregnant at seventeen, former celebutante Olivia Talbot was willing to do whatever it took to provide for her daughter…including become a treasure hunter. Since the Pulse hit, activating relics of legend, there are plenty of artifacts to be had—not to mention wealthy clients willing to pay top dollar for them. Just as her daughter’s private school tuition cheque bounces, Livi gets an offer that could be the break she needs to return to some semblance of her former life. A potential new client wants her to travel to Ethiopia and retrieve the Seal of Solomon—a mythical ring said to control demons and djinn—and this bounty comes with one hell of a financial pay off. The deadline: a week. The team: unreliable. The competition: her world-renowned archaeologist older brother. Nothing Livi can’t handle… Except the danger goes beyond a few subterranean serpent-dragons she might encounter or tangling with her employer’s deadly second-in-command. This client isn’t all he seems, and handing him the ring might be worse than what he’ll do to her—and her daughter—if she doesn’t.

Dragonvein (Dragonvein #1) by Brian D. Anderson

SPFBO6

Carentan, France 1944 - Ethan Martin, a soldier in the 101st Airborne, is fighting for his life. But soon he will learn what peril truly is when he is ripped from his world and transported to a land of magic, swords, and dragons. And though the Nazis are now far, far away, danger is closer than ever. The Eternal Emperor, Shinzan, has destroyed the mages and only a few dragons remain in exile. And now that Ethan, son of Praxis Dragonvein, has returned he must destroy him as well. Faced with unimaginable power, Ethan has only one hope - to reach the dwarf kingdom of Elyfoss before Shinzan can find him.

The Clay Queen (Children of Clay #1) by Ono Ekeh

SPFBO6

With her armies defeated, Queen Nouei’s enemies march north to condemn her. The earth god’s only hope is to change history before they arrive. To become stronger she must restart her divine journey by reincarnating as Bridget Blade. But what if Bridget doesn’t want to be a god? All Bridget wants is a simple life with love and family. But she is confronted by a destiny she doesn’t even understand and burdened by powers and impulses she struggles to control. Bridget must choose a path that leads her to Nouei or, must force the Queen to settle for Bridget’s modest ambitions. Two women, one life, conflicting desires. Who will prevail?

Where Shadows Lie by Allegra Pescatore

SPFBO6

The Chosen One Is Dead. Magic Is Going Haywire. Time Is Running Out. When the King of Lirin murders Elenor's brother during a failed coup attempt, she must choose between turning a blind eye to her people's suffering or joining the rebellion and helping bring down the tyrant king. There's only one problem--the king is her father. Helped along the way by a grouchy old doctor, a boisterous group of nobles, and a well-meaning assassin, Elenor is forced to dance between duty and defiance as she tries to save her kingdom. Meanwhile, from the rainy streets of Lirin to the scorching dunes of the Mondaer Desert, the ripples of her actions have inadvertently broken a chain of events five centuries in the making. Ancient forces move in the shadows, calling in debts and striking deals. A monster with a thousand faces fingers his knife, ready to kill, and a pair of fugitives run for their lives. Where Shadows Lie is a non-stop, epic fantasy ride featuring an lgbtq+ and disabled protagonist and filled with court intrigue, sizzling romance, adorable baby dragons, and the battle between oppression and freedom. Dive in and get swept away!

Path of the Tiger: Volume I of the Tooth, Claw and Steel epic by J.M. Hemmings

SPFBO6

When the world was still young and civilisation was but a dream, they walked among us, alternately revered as living gods and feared as powerful demons. Beastwalkers: nearly immortal men and women who could wear the living bodies of animals. As the empires of humankind grew, the existence of these beings passed from incontrovertible truth to hazy memory, fading in time to legend and eventually crumbling into myth. But the beastwalkers endured, living hundreds of secret lives, drifting surreptitiously through countless centuries and the rise and fall of civilisations, like fireflies travelling through a night forest. Only a few still draw breath, hunted relentlessly by a global cabal bent both on their final extermination and unchallenged dominion over our entire planet. Now, in the 21st century, the remaining beastwalkers will make their final stand … but unbeknown to us, their struggle is our struggle, and the vicious campaign of extermination directed against them is, ultimately, a war of attrition waged on all living things. Will the beastwalkers prevail in their last battle and survive the coming storm … or will they, along with humankind and the rest of the living world, face total destruction in a cataclysm of final doom? The Tooth, Claw and Steel epic is a saga of wonder, violence, magic, tragedy, inspiration, brutality, love and hope, set against the awestriking backdrop of twelve thousand years of history and featuring an enormous cast of characters, ranging from gladiators of ancient Rome to Knights Templar to CEOs of multinational corporations, and many more. Dive headlong J.M. Hemmings’ richly woven tapestry of genre-bending historical fantasy in Path of the Tiger, the first volume of this grandiose and spellbinding story.

Dragonseer (Secicao Blight #1) by Chris Behrsin

SPFBO6

Secicao. A powerful drug of immeasurable power and value, but one that is also destroying the planet. Pontopa Wells is an uncompromising entrepreneur with a dragon and a secicao operation in the Southlands. When she is contracted by King Cini, to incorporate her business with that of the conceited Faso Gordoni, she is initially unsure of her one-time rival. Then, a meeting with her much-loved author, Sukina Sako, convinces Pontopa that she is on the wrong side and that secicao is damaging the planet at an alarming rate. She and Faso agree to travel with Sukina to the south, to investigate what can be done. However, King Cini has other ideas and is not about to allow his two best secicao producers to just walk away. He intercepts the group at the island of Fraw, but despite their initial incarceration Sukina surprises them all when she summons grey dragons to help them escape. Now on the other side of a desperate fight for survival, Pontopa discovers that she's a dragonseer, with the ability to communicate telepathically with, and command, legions of dragons. Will her new-found ability and a diverse group of allies, be enough to defeat a king who is slowly but surely beginning to show his true nature? Enter a world of dragons, dragonseers, airships and automatons in this Steampunk-fantasy tale like none other told before.

Lord of Time by Michele Amitrani

SPFBO6

Time doesn’t heal all wounds. It makes them deeper. Alfred White’s only concern in life is his career. Until he meets Pacific, a mysterious man who questions Alfred’s obedience to a system designed to harvest people’s time. Yes. Time. Pacific seems to know the inner truth behind time, and he will share this knowledge—if Alfred will accept his mentorship for one day. But Alfred soon learns that the road to temporal knowledge is paved with death and destruction. And, as the day continues, Alfred discovers another truth: there is nothing Pacific wouldn’t do for more time.