Perverts by Adam Cosco

Perverts is a 2025 short story collection by Adam Cosco that features interconnected, dark, and transgressive tales set against the backdrop of a burning Los Angeles. The book explores themes of predators, addiction, and fame-seeking through a blend of horror, satire, and social commentary. It is described as gritty, funny, and shocking, with a style that may appeal to fans of authors like Chuck Palahniuk.

Middle-Aged Man in a Trashcan by William Brian Johnson

Joe's lived here all his life, but he's not from around here. Street names are different, landmarks lie, and even money shows presidents he's never known. Some versions of Fort Wayne, Indiana are apocalyptic wastelands, others harbor darker secrets. When trouble strikes, Joe opens a trash can and tears a sixth-dimensional rift in reality. Inside lies a void where he glimpses the multiverse and rides unknown currents to another Fort Wayne, hoping this one might finally feel like home. He emerges at the same time, same date, in a different universe. With each crossing, his memories slip away. Only Nobuyuki, his shape-shifting kitsune companion, remain constant, and they are hiding secrets about Joe's past that he may never remember. In a multiverse where the next trash can might lead to salvation or doom, Joe must find his way back before he forgets what home is.

What Death Forgets by Thea Verdone

Fall in love through a painting. When up-and-coming artist, Asher Blakely, is invited to ​compete for a prestigious art mentorship hosted by his hero, ​the reclusive celebrity artist Leviathan Marks, he’ll do ​whatever it takes to win. Because Asher isn’t just any fan. ​He’s spent hours of pain and thousands of dollars turning ​Leviathan’s art into tattoos on his skin. But the more Asher gets to know the mercurial Leviathan, ​the more he starts to fear that maybe he never should have ​met his hero, that maybe Leviathan is no hero at all. Lev Marks collects people like paintings and he’ll stop at ​nothing to add Asher Blakely to his halls. But after luring ​Asher to his ancestral castle perched atop a tidal island, Lev starts to have second ​thoughts. Because Asher’s art is a mirror showing Lev all the worst ​parts of himself, and he can’t risk his secrets getting out. What Death Forgets is an MM modern gothic romance featuring -master painter x art prodigy protégé -hurt / comfort -anxiety and ADHD rep
 -touch-starved MC -angst -age gap
 -forced proximity -creepy castle -limerence to insta-love -mutual obsession -spicy Perfect for fans of Saltburn, Rebecca by Daphne DuMaurier, Sierra Simone's Thornchapel series, and A Picture of Dorian Gray.

Carrion Saints by Hiyodori

“Now reach back,” she said, “and tear off your wings.” Carrion Saints is a sapphic enemies-to-lovers romance between an immortal saint and a severed head. Crow can pass for human. She may come off as eccentric, but she’s good at hiding her wings. As a saint, she’s devoted her endless life to protecting humanity from other immortals: the ones they call monsters. She’s finally ready to take on the worst monster of all, a great evil sealed at the edge of civilization. Magnolia is the worst monster of all. A villain who amuses herself by preying on valiant heroes. At first glance, she looks powerless. She looks, in fact, like a decapitated head (a very chatty one). But her magic lets her issue absolute commands to humans and immortals alike. She’s been waiting centuries for a challenger powerful enough to break the seal binding her in the wilderness. In other words, she’s been waiting centuries to magically seize control over someone like Crow. Crow has always been patient and forgiving. Sadistic, remorseless Magnolia awakens new depths of loathing in her—a hatred of frightening intensity. And now, she's forced to use her full power to grant Magnolia’s one heartfelt wish: to see the rest of the world. To make up for all the years she spent trapped alone with only trees for company. What follows is an ultra slow-burn romance between true enemies. Between good and evil. Between a winged woman and a talkative severed head (who occasionally sprouts the rest of her body, just to keep things lively). They travel together across a post-apocalyptic landscape marked by strange magic and scattered human settlements. Yet the apocalypse happened a long time ago, and eons will pass before their gradually fading world dies for good. In the meantime, these immortals are stuck with each other. Even a saint and a monstrous villain might eventually fall in love—but the path there will be dark, crooked, and sometimes surprisingly cozy. This standalone fantasy novel can be read without prior knowledge of the author’s other work.

The Secret Shape of Worship by A.K. Asher

Love, lust, and irreverent worship. Mina is giving God one last chance: to speak, to change him, to save him from the constant temptations that surround him in the form of the other boys in his seminary class. And what better place to confront both his God and his demons than a religious pilgrimage with his fellow students—a time focused on biblical study and solemn worship. But the god he finds is not the one he expected. A brush with death brings Mina face to face with Anubis, the flail-wielding Egyptian god of the afterlife. Drawn into a dangerous and seductive journey of raw desire and intoxicating revelation, Mina finds himself navigating a world where the lines between sin and salvation are increasingly blurred. But as lust becomes something more, Mina draws the eye of the underworld and is forced to choose between the safety of his familiar faith and the jackal god he’s come to love. And in the end, it may cost his soul. Exploring themes of self-discovery, salvation from the expectations of others, and the profound healing in loving ourselves, The Secret Shape of Worship is the first installment of the planned, interconnected Ancient Awakening series.

Clipped by KQ Watson

Heaven was perfect, until they came for his son. When angel engineer Zak's infant son is cast down for being born without wings, he faces Heaven's cruel mandate: forget, or fall. Clipped, Zak plummets to a broken Earth, where false prophets exploit the faithful, drug lords rule dead cities, and every truth comes with a price. Pursued by ruthless angel hunters through decaying urban wastelands and corrupted mega-churches, Zak uncovers a conspiracy that reaches from Earth's grimmest gutters to Heaven's highest chambers. What begins as a father's desperate search becomes a brutal quest for vengeance that will expose Heaven's most devastating lies - and make them remember his son's name.

Haroun and the Study of Mischief by Lynn Strong

“Don’t get a torch too close to his djellaba.” “It might catch fire?” “You might see it.” Venerable Haroun, the blind saluqi priest of the dog-headed god Yepuet, has come to the wild and collarless Tel-Bastet, the City of Cats, for an education in mischief. And Haroun has never met a crime of fashion he wouldn’t commit. Shai Madhur, the disabled human priest of Upaja, thought accepting Haroun’s leash meant being Haroun’s seeing-eye human. He wasn’t prepared for the political machinations… or for Haroun’s sense of humor. When a kind prophet-prince goes missing, Haroun smells iniquity in the air. (Iniquity, it turns out, smells like kumiss spilled on a tomcat in dire need of a bath.) The problem with everyone in Tel-Bastet knowing what a Good Boy their Shai Madhur is, is that people keep trying to rescue him, whether he needs it or not. Not that he’s complaining, exactly. But Madhur swears he is never going carousing again… no matter how soulful Haroun’s puppydog eyes are. With a splash of Studio Ghibli, a sprinkle of Roshani Chokshi, and a dash of Terry Pratchett, when the cats and dogs need to learn to live together, Haroun and Madhur take on the difference between what is seen and what is true.

Percival Gynt and the Inevitability of Fire and Other Cases by Drew Melbourne

One day, the fate of the entire universe will rest in the hands of one man. A hero. An accountant. But Percival Gynt is neither of those things. Not yet. Collected here for the first time are the early adventures of Percival Gynt, a young man caught between his own dark past and an incandescent future. A future of starships and sorcery. Of monsters and mysteries. Of... um... card games and... conference calls? In this volume, you'll learn how Percival caught his first killer, toppled a despot, and saved Christmas. And YOU will guide Percival through his darkest day, as he seeks any path to escape... ...the inevitability of fire. Percival Gynt and the Inevitability of Fire and Other Cases presents eleven stories of maximalist space-fantasy, existential angst, comedy, adventure, and mystery in the 201st century, in this standalone prequel to the novel Percival Gynt and the Conspiracy of Days.

Irresistibly Yours by Vicky Zarielle

A billionaire CEO. A marketing exec with no time for distractions. And one sassy cat determined to cause chaos... Emma Harper didn’t plan on romance. She barely planned on surviving another Monday. But when her mischievous black cat, Ruby, topples coffee all over Havenport’s most elusive billionaire, Emma’s neatly ordered life takes a very unexpected turn. Nolan Pierce is powerful, polished and far too serious for his own good. The rules of his empire are simple: no distractions, no complications, no mixing business with pleasure. But Emma’s quick wit and gentle warmth prove harder to ignore than any boardroom negotiation. Between late night deadlines, awkward almost dates and a viral kiss cam that makes them the city’s favorite “secret couple,” Emma and Nolan find themselves caught in something that feels a lot like fate. And Ruby, the cat who sees everything, is determined to give them a nudge... or a shove. In a city that thrives on ambition and appearances, Emma and Nolan must decide if love is worth the risk. Because sometimes the greatest fortune isn’t in boardrooms or bank accounts, it’s finding someone who feels like home.

Dumpster Kid by Cameron James

At just 17, McKenzie Jackson took the world by storm with Dumpster Kid, his raw, unfiltered musical about survival, hope, and finding where you belong. Now, a decade later, the prodigy-turned-playwright is ready to reclaim his voice as his show gets a long-overdue revival. But this time, McKenzie won’t just sit back and watch—he’s making sure it’s done his way. Enter a nationwide talent search, a live reality competition, and one dangerously charming contestant who makes McKenzie question everything. Falling for him? Bad idea. Falling for him on national television? Career suicide. And when an unscripted, unapologetic gay kiss ignites both celebration and backlash, McKenzie is thrown into a firestorm he never expected. Meanwhile, 14-year-old Ben is ready to disappear. Bullies, school, and home feel unbearable, and he longs to be anyone but himself. When an opportunity brings him into the orbit of Dumpster Kid, he’s faced with a choice: run from the life he knows or fight for the future he never believed he deserved. Told through dual perspectives, Dumpster Kid is a story of love, identity, and the messy, beautiful chaos of finding where you truly belong. A celebration of art, queerness, and the family we choose, this heart-wrenching yet hopeful novel asks: what happens when the world finally sees you for who you really are?

Naughty List by Don Campbell

It started like any other Christma.. The village of Oakhaven is picture perfect in December 1002. Hollw srootie hang from every door, fairy lights twinkle in frosted windows, and the smell of cinnamon and roasting chestnuts fills the air, For nine-vear-old Mcgan Turner, it should be the most magical time of year. Then her mum brings down an old Christmas decoration from the loft- a vintage elf named Jingles, with a too-wide smile and glass eyes that seem to follow you across the room. It's just a harmless tradition, Mum says. A bit of festive fun to watch over them until Christmas morning. But as the winter days darken, something shifts in their little cottage at the end of the lane. Mum grows distant, neighbours begin to disappear. And Megan can't shake the feeling that Jingles is always watching, always listening, keeping his list of who's been naughty and nice. Because some Christmas traditions hide secrets that should have stayed buried in the attic. From author of Whisper in the Woods, Don Campbelil, comes a visceral descent into festive horror that asks what happens when holiday cheer turns to nightmare and the thing meant to bring joy brings only terror? Perfect for fans of Josh Malerman and Stephen King's domestic nightmares.

Dissolution Protocol by H.J. Barner

What would you sacrifice for the greater good? Nearly 200 years ago, half of humanity fled to the stars to escape an Earth butchered by climate change and nuclear war. Ever since, dozens of colonies have been attempted on distant planets, each one failing after the last. Today, remaining space-dwellers live on Space Stations orbiting resource-depleted planets, indifferent to the riots and unrest on the Earth they left behind. Aboard the S.S. Obsidian Dawn, Captain Everest Eskandari navigates the harsh realities of a collapsing Space Republic with her crew and two passengers: Eridan, a navigator who thinks himself helpless to fix a broken world; Zeya, a mechanic with faith that the government will take care of everything well enough; Dorian, an electrician who's come to accept that they're all doomed anyways; Kalani, a scientist on the run; and Samson, an Earthling who's finally stopped running from his fate. When dangerous secrets come to light, the crew must grapple with everything they thought they ever knew, and both Space-dweller and Earthling alike must make sacrifices capable of forging the future for centuries to come. Through the lense of six lives, "Dissolution Protocol" explores themes of apathy and indifference, and warns of a world where ignorance is not just bliss, but a dangerous, corrosive force.

Hive by Rowan Redfield

A SCIENTIST DETERMINED TO SAVE THE BEES. A FLIGHT CREW SEEKING REDEMPTION. A STRANGE PLANET THAT COULD BE THEIR ANSWER. Dr. Hannah Jensen, granddaughter of the dishonored Dr. Rick Carlson, is desperate to make her own name in the research field of pollinators. When The Company tasks her with colonizing the world’s last remaining bees, she is sent with her longtime academic rival to another planet, on a quest to save the human race. Joined by a disgraced flight crew dependent on her success, and Connelly, the alluring chief military officer with secrets of his own, Hannah must find a way to escape their watchful eyes and put her merits to the test to finish what her grandfather started.

VENDETTA by Wes Davis

An aspiring actor from Idaho who makes it big on Broadway and then Hollywood, Barrett had no idea that helping the NYPD prosecute a predator would put him, his partner, and old friends in jeopardy years later. But as the saying goes, No Good Deed Goes Unpunished. A charity event where Barrett is honored for his philanthropy sets in motion the plot to kill him. Now he and his family and friends are in a fight for their lives against a cunning evil foe pursuing his vendetta against Barrett and everyone he cares for.

A House To Die For by Wes Davis

Luxury, wealth, and danger collide in the heart of Las Vegas, where one mansion holds secrets that could lead to certain death. In the exclusive area of Las Vegas, a magnificent mansion known as Casa Sunset stands tall and alluring. Its opulent features and prime location make it the perfect target for a quick sale. But then people start dying Robert Holcomb, a former neighbor and a Realtor®, is called upon by the owners of Casa Sunset to sell their property. But little do they know, Robert's involvement will uncover a deadly mystery threatening their lives. As Robert and his team delve deeper into the enigma of Casa Sunset, they realize that it may be more than just a house for sale - it's a house to die for. If you enjoyed the suspense and intrigue of "Gone Girl" by Gillian Flynn, you won't want to miss "A House to Die For." Buy before the price changes and join Robert, JJ, and their crew on a thrilling journey.

Merman's Delight by Skyler Nightshade

After a successful mating season, Glacier returns to the lighthouse he calls home to rest and watch over his treasure pile. Used to spending his days left alone by the human who lives there, he is surprised to find that the lighthouse is being tended by someone new--someone much more curious about the merman who’s been protecting the shore. It doesn’t take long before Glacier is discovered, and the chase is on. Will Glacier be able to escape, or will this human catch him? And why are forbidden feelings starting to grow the longer Glacier is pursued?

EXEQUIAL by Hannah Rebekah Graves

Don’t be late for your own funeral. An embittered soul ascends from the underworld to seek revenge on those who wronged her. (“The Dead Rise in Greece”) In an online forum, a tight-knit group takes their serial-killer infatuation to the next level. (“A (Potential) Ghost Story”) A corpse laments the loss of each falling petal. (“On Bodies and Bouquets”) Thirty encounters with ghosts, cursed books, incriminating VHS tapes, entities from the skies, and questions that are best left unasked.

Meet Me at the Ruins by Luna Westish

It's 2003, and Margo is reeling from a bad breakup. She’s looking forward to a drama-free semester abroad at the University of Edinburgh, in Scotland. When she meets Ren, her beautiful and mysterious downstairs neighbor, her plans to keep things uncomplicated suddenly vanish. Struggling with the pace of her courses, and unsure of how to nurture her new friendships, Margo's brain works overtime to make sense of her environment. She longs for Ren, but she's unwilling to pine away while he figures out his complicated feelings. Constantly trying to rise above her anxious nature, Margo throws herself into the social – and sensual – opportunities that studying abroad offers. She discovers that her happiness is made up of small but significant moments. She revels in cappuccinos with fluffy foam, long runs past ancient stone buildings, museums with friends, and surprising, spicy encounters. Despite the low rumble of an existential crisis nipping at her feet, Margo is determined to find her place in the world.

Millennium Bug by Yvonne Knop

David Smith’s life is thrown into chaos when a mysterious book crashes through his window, telling the story of a life he doesn’t remember. A stranger, claiming to be a hidden scribe who weaves reality, demands the book back, warning that keeping it will unravel the world, but returning it will erase David from existence. As the ancient order of storytellers is threatened to be overthrown by AI, David must reclaim his past and rewrite destiny itself to prevent the erasure of all reality. But if he succeeds, the cost may be too great—unlocking the truth of his fate gives him the power to destroy everything, including the only man he's ever loved. If the world was never meant to be real, does it deserve to exist?

I summon the sea by Mona Archer

I loved a fair boy once, and he was taken from me. I’m back to avenge him, no matter the cost. Every year, the fae king organizes deathly trials with human tributes to please the gods. This year, I am taking part in them. My goal? To enter the palace in the aftermath and take the king out once and for all. My advantage? I’m no ordinary human. Not anymore. I am a sea maiden. These trials, held in the sea, should be a piece of cake for me. My mistake? I hadn’t counted on my magic failing me, or on Jai, the fae king’s arrogant dragon-summoner, volunteering in the trials to protect me. I hadn’t counted on resurfacing feelings and memories. On the people surrounding me not being who they seem. On the tables turning on me. I am a razor-sharp thorn, a blade honed to fight, and this is when it all comes together, when it all ends. Yet I am foiled by prophecies and signs, illusions and lies. Who is Jai? What is the truth? And what price will I have to pay to find out? The legend of Theseus meets the Little Mermaid, with a dash of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, in this epic romance story set against a sky full of dragons.

The christmas presence by Eva Pohler

(from the website) Who's there? Through Sue's blog, a young woman begs Ellen and her friends for help with a log cabin she recently inherited. Situated deep in the San Juan mountains and in pristine condition, the Colorado cabin looks like a paradise, especially in winter when it's surrounded by snow-covered fir and cypress trees. But there's an unwanted presence that has turned the cabin into a living hell for the young woman and her family. Ellen, Sue, and Tanya agree to "clean house" only to find themselves lured into a hell they didn't know existed. How will Ellen and her friends get out of this one?

The Child of the Greenwood by Joshua Walker

The #1 Bestselling Military Fantasy epic continues! Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn meets Tarzan in this epic fantasy, heroic coming of age tale. WHAT BEGINS WITH WATER WILL FINISH IN FLAMES. On the day the river destroyed his people, Jilo took up his father’s magical spear. Years later, when the heirloom is taken from him, he vows to do anything to get it back. The legend of the Sai-Kathan people and their destruction at the hands of nature will be told for all to hear. The river is sick and putrid. The magic is in the wrong hands. The spear is the answer to it all. The Child of the Greenwood is the second novella that supports The Song of the Sleepers series, an epic new fantasy from Joshua Walker.

The Shattered Earths by Ben Cass

"When two worlds collide, only one may survive." Since ending Mathon’s tyrannical reign several days ago, these words have echoed in Jen DuAston’s mind. Determined to get the residents of Groverton out of harm’s way and onto Bar Truga, Jen uses a dimensional rift and returns to the tiny midwestern town that raised her for twelve years…. just before the Chiami strike with a devastating attack. When Mathon’s full diabolical plan is revealed, the Tayamu face an evil that hasn’t been seen for thousands of years….not since Kiamada was ripped away from its home and brought to an alternate dimension. To save both Earths from being shattered, it will take untold power…and, possibly, the ultimate sacrifice.

The Uncrowned Queen by Ben Cass

Moments ago, Ellie and Jen Aston were in their small midwestern town of Groverton, but now, they find themselves on a parallel Earth, in the magical land of Kiamada.  Accompanied by Alistair Doyle, his twin sister Kira, Kira's husband Jerry, and the giant Wiler, Theonus, Ellie and Jen have to adapt to their new lives in this similar, yet still different, world.  Weird plants and strange animals aren't that surprising, but Bar Truga, the sentient island that is home to the Tayamu, is unlike anything Ellie and Jen had prepared themselves for. While Jen strives to regain her lost memories, Ellie must deal with her Tayamu powers coming in faster and stronger than they should.  When a rare, surprising new ability manifests, Ellie suddenly finds herself with a new partner in life, and must learn to control this ability before she accidentally kills herself.   Having received word from Nature that the uncrowned queen of Kiamada has returned home, Seaile, the First of the Tayamu, sets out with her apprentice to find the queen and restore her to the throne.  But does the queen even want to rule?  And why did she choose to leave in the first place? When Doyle is forced to reveal their presence in Kiamada, news reaches the despotic ruler of Kiamada, Mathon, who sets plans in motion to protect his rule…plans that will place Mathon on a collision course with the Tayamu, and bring old friends to a new world in search of help.

The Lost Tayamu by Ben Cass

At 16 years old, Jen stumbled out of the forest and into the woods that fringe the small midwestern town of Groverton, remembering nothing about her life except her first name and age. She was soon adopted by the Aston family, whose young daughter Ellie was thrilled to get a sibling. Now, twelve years later, Jen is living a good life as a news anchor, raising Ellie after their parents were killed in a house fire. Jen still can’t remember her past, but that doesn’t really bother her, since she and Ellie are in a good place now. Things suddenly change when Jen barely escapes three attempts on her life, leaving the sisters shaken and afraid. Jen owes her life to the secretive new PE teacher, Coach Doyle, who has miraculously appeared to save her every time. Doyle has fighting skills fit for a martial arts movie and reflexes just this side of impossible, but how long can he keep them safe? And why does Jen feel like she should know him? While Jen starts to fall in love with the charming Doyle, Ellie is shocked when she discovers something otherworldly in the coach’s barn, convincing her that Doyle is definitely not a PE teacher. Ellie does not like secrets being kept from her, and is determined to unravel the enigma that is Coach Doyle. The truths that will be revealed, however, will change all their lives forever....

The Elf Who Knows A Guy by Ben Cass

After almost twenty years as a math professor, Archie Dauphine was ready for something new—and perhaps a little strange. Enter the Curiousium: a sprawling space that’s equal parts library and magical warehouse, filled with everything from ancient scrolls to dwarven novels to magical artifacts. Long used exclusively by the Faekind, the mystical beings who live alongside the mortal world, the Curiousium is now opening its doors to everyone. As the first human employee, Archie’s new role as a library associate is to help bridge the gap between the magical and the mortal. His coworkers? An elf who always “knows a guy,” a dwarf who expects a good insult every chance you get, a lederhosen-loving Sasquatch, and a relentlessly cheerful pixie. Their boss? A tiny book dragon with an insatiable need to hoard books. When human detective Rowan Blake arrives to seek help with a cold case she’s been assigned, what begins as a consultation soon pulls Archie into a mystery involving a missing person and a dangerous group long thought gone. And if his matchmaking teenage daughter has her way, Archie and Rowan might end up doing more than solving the case.

War of the Space Dragons by L’Poni Baldwin

The first stages of the Dragon War begins. The dragons’ prince has become tired of how humans treat his creatures and calls their empire from space to go to war with humanity. Survival, dragons in Italy, alien wars and fantasy collide in this strange mini ebook. This is a collection of stories taking place in the Empire of Dragons series.

Vanished by Nicole McKeon

The Dresden Files meets The Parasol Protectorate in the first book of this clever, fast-paced Gaslamp Fantasy series about a woman ahead of her time who knows too much about magic, and not enough about self-control. Eccentric social outcast Lady Gwenevere St. James knows many secret things: magic, alchemy, artifice, and even the truth about the long-forgotten faeries. But she does not know why common criminals are using rare and dangerous magic to kidnap orphans from the streets of New London. After rescuing one young girl, Gwen vows to save the rest, no matter the cost. But the handsome Scotland Yard inspector is also investigating the case, and he thinks Gwen knows far too much about the kidnappings to be innocent. To save the children, Gwen must dodge the Inspector, bully a coven of witches, and outsmart her marriage-minded mama, all while managing a wily young pickpocket and a headstrong raven. But an unexpected secret hides at the center of the mystery, one that will force her to confront the most painful event from her past, and possibly sacrifice her future.

Knave of Sands by Julia Greenshaw

What hides in our lost memory of the First Age? A thief who wants more out of life than gold. A prince who would trade it all for a chance at true freedom. A seer who must rely on her fearsome, newly appointed guard for survival. In the Southern Realm of the Sentinel, Queen Attiqah of Yorenth has a tenuous grasp on her domain. The fabric of reality is breaking down around them, manifesting as strange, unnatural blights: eternal fires, fog that never dissipates, rivers that have stopped flowing, and other bewildering accounts. The land has a will of its own. Desperate for answers from the Spirits, her court advisors grow restless. When Kyr ap Sand, a Yoren thief, witnesses this breakdown firsthand on a heist, she finds herself the unlikely catalyst of a journey of intersecting paths, and often reckless adventure. Prince Atlan Solorien, the first Spiritsinger in the Solorien line for several generations, must navigate a web of opposing responsibilities to discover his chosen path–Spiritsinger, king, scholar, or soldier. Far to the north, Oria of-Cailir is torn between diverging notions of duty and sacrifice, that of Whispess to her clan, and that which her visions have made clear to her. Mothril of-Arcandras finds himself as guard to the Whispess, unwillingly at the center of Wiccar clan politics, despite his inclination to stay in the shadows. Four disparate strangers, pulled together by threads of both will and something more determined, seek answers about themselves and their place in the world. Not all that is sought will be expected, and perhaps some answers should have stayed locked away.

Awakening by J. Ross

Waking from a coma, Adanya finds herself alone and betrayed. Everything she knew is gone… The Northern Kingdom has long sought the annihilation of Rydell. In a desperate bid to stop them, Adanya and the Council of Sorcerers craft a spell to defend their people. But Adanya’s sacrifice was supposed to leave her in a magically-induced coma for a few months—not seventy years. Now, her kingdom is destroyed, and her betrayer rules the continent with more magic than anyone should be able to possess. Adanya must find and work with the descendants of the people she loved to discover the magic within herself—and the confidence to stand against someone who once meant so much to her. Faced with overwhelming odds, can Adanya find the strength she needs?

Pandion by J.B. Thwaite

After graduating from the seven-year extended program of the top-ranking empath university in Japan, the serial overachiever, Harumine Satoru, is paired to work with the absolute bottom-of-the-barrel shirker delinquent, Kagesawa Tsuyoshi. What could possibly go wrong? Pandion is a nerdy gay workplace ro— Soft Scifi Adventure set in near-future alternate universe Japan with plenty of character growth, neurodiversity rep, geeky tech and an intriguing plot with realistic, relatable stakes. Can these nerds overcome their unusual circumstances?

An Impractical Guide to Satyr Charming by Cynthia Diamond

With her magic stolen, Ivy Bennett is a witch doomed to die. But she isn’t giving up without a fight. One ritual could restore her power, all she needs is a little elbow grease and an abandoned house in the woods. Unfortunately, the home’s current resident -an arrogant satyr named Finn- will not tolerate a witch in his territory. Ivy will be damned if the goat-legged jerk gets in her way. If only he wasn’t as sexy as he is infuriating. Charming a satyr isn't at the top of Ivy's do-to-list, but it's either come to a truce with the insufferable male or knock on death’s door. After witnessing the slaughter of his herd, Finn’s sole purpose is to protect his brother and his lands from deadly witches. But when one moves in, his fury rises. While the need to drive the witch away is strong, his desire for her is stronger. Soon he finds himself wanting the lovely, stubborn female more than hating her. But keeping Ivy as his own would forfeit everything he’s held sacred. And now her presence has attracted something in the forest… something that may destroy them all.

The Potion Dealers by Lidiya Foxglove

Alfred Bravider is the heir to a powerful family of potion dealers. His passion for magical history has helped him talk his way into the cottages, lairs, and penthouse apartments of sorcerers who usually shun visitors—only to lose clients because they don’t want to work for his greedy, bureaucratic father. But Alfred’s position has always been in doubt since he was bllnded as an infant by an unfortunate curse. No matter—Alfred’s father has finally the Livonya Orlestin, the daughter of the sorceress who cast the curse. Livonya has never left her tiny village to the far north—never had an adventure. After all, her parents had adventures and got themselves killed. But now adventure has appeared at her door. Compared to the local farm boys, Alfred has tales of travel and treasure hunting. She wonders why he wants the curse lifted when he’s been blind all his life and seems so confident. He’s insulted that his parents are so fixated on curing him. He knows what they really care about—preserving their image. Does he need to work for his father at all? Alfred has never met anyone who barely knows what the rules should be and questions them so freely, but maybe it's time to break them—and deal with the misfits, outsiders, and eccentrics of the magical world to build his own potion-dealing empire. THE POTION DEALERS is the first book in a cozy-adjacent series that mingles slice of life and magical adventures. It has romance, but is more of a found family/team story. This series stands entirely alone but is part of my Hidden Lands series, a magical world dealing with modernization (think The Last Airbender/Legend of Korra) and has 1960s vibes.

I Left My Hormones in Another World: Vol. 1 by Angela Wicke

"My name is Jen Joyce. I was just an average, ordinary woman working at a dead end job until I found myself dumped into Bastion, the capital city of a fantasy world watched over by the benevolent goddess Lenora. As Lenora's chosen one, it's up to me to rise through the ranks, leveling up my skills and gear to eventually face off with the demon lord Ventalus and free the world from darkness. There's just one I left my hormones in another world. But that's no reason to panic; it's not like it'll take that long for me to cheese my way to the final boss and go home. Right?" Inspired by isekai light novels, fantasy RPGs, and a desire to see more trans and queer representation in media, I Left My Hormones in Another World is the debut novel of author Angela Wicke and the beginning of a new series of the same name. Join snarky everywoman Jen Joyce on a lighthearted yet action-packed adventure in a world of swords and sorcery that will test her strength, wit, and patience, taking her from the bustling streets of Bastion into the fiery depths of a volcano and the war-torn ravine where she'll face her destiny.

Silence Next The Sea by CJ Hooper

Twelve strange tales each evoking the atmosphere of the haunted environment. Each tale has a sense of place unique to its own setting and environment. Some may haunt you, others may terrify, yet some will address more unusual feelings. The title story features a deaf woman who’s disability becomes her strength, until it isn’t…

Circus of Dreams by B. Green

Circus of Dreams: Crimson Carnival Book 1 B. Green Ticket admission: one. Dearest reader, you are cordially invited to attend a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. For one night only, satisfy your wildest appetites with no judgment or repercussions. All we ask for in return is unlimited access to your blood. Welcome to the Circus of Dreams. Once every fifteen years --for one night only-- a mysterious circus comes to the small town of Hillsview. To the untrained eye, it's simply a place to live out one's deepest, darkest desires. To Danni, it's a dangerous vampire hunting ground. After years of searching, Danni finally has the chance to avenge her mother's death when the Vampire Circus arrives with its enigmatic cast of performers. But she isn't counting being fated to its vampire ringmaster. Will she find revenge behind the velvet curtain... or love? Get ready for a thrilling ride into a world where every ticket has a cost, and love and vengeance dance together in the moonlight.

A Ballad of Inferno and Ruin by Adrielle Reina

Terror. Violence. Blood. Death. War takes everything—even your humanity. While a second Civil War rages on in the Former United States of America, other countries are embroiled in World War III. Uncertainty and unrest result in an upheaval there’s no escape from. People have a choice: choose a side, or die. Determined to get vengeance and help salvage what’s left of the world—and herself—Emma Sandalwood joins up with the Motley Rebellion, an independent militant group that cares for displaced victims of both wars and fights to end the bloodshed. Between keeping herself alive and searching for what little remains of her family, the last thing she needs is to uncover a man-made virus that could turn the tides of war. Betrayal comes in many forms, and the end of humanity is near.

Jester by Tim Carter

In a realm ruled by idiots, their only hope is the Fool. You’d think an army of zombie trolls and undead ogres would catch the nobility’s attention. You’d be wrong. The rulers of Halfsock are deeply in denial. Besides, they have taxes to avoid, neighbors to plunder, and relatives to backstab. With war looming, a goblin latrine slave named Shelly resolves to save Castle Halfsock from itself. He must take on many roles… jester, detective, spy, and political fixer. But his most challenging role—especially after a lifetime spent cleaning other people’s toilets—is as a confident secret agent worthy of trust, friendship, and maybe even love. Can the least powerful person in the realm overcome his insecurities to depose rulers, forge alliances, and fend off an undead horde? A comic tale of politics, friendship, and found family for fans of Nicholas Eames, Terry Pratchett, and J. Zachary Pike.

The Witch who Chases the Sun by Dawn Chen

Sometimes, true love is not the answer. ​ A decade after the Second War, Aixauhan Alchemist Ying Cai-Li seeks to rekindle her relationship with her ex-lover, the Inabrian Oracle Anne Barberry. However, the war changed them both. Estranged by their losses, Cai-Li has gained a notorious reputation as the dark magic-wielding Blood Hawk and Anne barricades herself in a castle on a hill where her family’s dark secrets lie. Rumors in the village say Anne is a monster, responsible for the disappearance of innocent visitors. But when the two witches reunite and begin unraveling the mysteries of the village, it becomes clear that scars left by the war do not easily fade. Things are not as they seem. Old ghosts come back to haunt them. Past truths are revealed. Can the witches be each other’s salvations or are they doomed to repeat the past that tore them apart? Fans of The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang and The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon will fall in love with Dawn Chen’s sapphic high fantasy epic about anti-colonialism, grief, generational trauma, and the cycles of war.

A Spoonie's Guide to Self-Acceptance by Kelly Esparza

How do you live life to the fullest when you’re diagnosed with a chronic illness in your twenties? In this grief-inspired poetry chapbook, Kelly Esparza chronicles her experience with living with a chronic illness by cycling through what it means to grieve over a diagnosis and find self-acceptance in a completely life-altering experience. From debilitating fatigue to joint pain that makes one feel elderly, how does one cope over the loss of what used to be? Kelly strives to show the difficulties of living with a chronic illness, but as with all her poetry, she also finds the beauty and the hope to keep moving on and make the most of what she lives with on a daily basis. Her life may have changed, but she has come out stronger than ever.

Liminal by Raphael Ness

Neil Beckett knew he was dead. But he found himself in a strange place, and not the afterlife he was expecting. Every day is the same, except for the days when something changes. With no guidance except a vague note, Neil is determined to beat the Devils in Charge of the run-down institution that he found himself in at their own game, and earn his way back into the afterlife that he was expecting. If he can survive breaking the game and being hunted, that is.

The Assassin and the Sorceress by NRG Selove

A ruthless assassin. A wisecracking sorceress. A perilous journey that will reshape the Kingdom. Driven by money and hatred, Jessara is the greatest of the King’s royal assassins. An autistic elf born in the forests of Anwood, Jessara was trained from childhood to become the perfect weapon against the Compact of the elves. When it comes to a special capture or kill contract, she’s the obvious choice when the King needs a delicate touch. Her target: a mysterious fugitive human sorceress named Asha Weaver. A specialist in fire magic, Asha narrowly manages to escape execution in the capital city of the Kingdom. Her impulsive and reckless nature prove to be a challenge when a series of misadventures forces the assassin and the sorceress to work together. Loyalties will be questioned as the reluctant partners battle monsters, hide secrets, overcome betrayal, and face the inconvenient feelings growing between them.

The Tale of Kore by Amanda Rautio

In the heart of academia, Corey, an ambitious master’s student, yearns for a life beyond the confines of dusty books and lectures. After making a fateful wish, Corey becomes a key player in a cosmic drama that unfolds following a re-enactment of an Ancient Greek mystery cult dedicated to Demeter and Persephone. Whisked away to the shadowy depths of the Underworld, Corey discovers a world teetering on the brink of chaos. Dark forces stir, with ancient gods either missing or perishing. To restore balance, Corey must brave the labyrinthine passages of the Underworld, confront mythical beasts, and uncover long-buried truths to revive the goddesses of justice, memory, and spring—before true darkness takes hold.

Run Like Hell by Eira Brand

Starving to death in the lowest layer of the Megatropolis of New York City, Raide will do whatever it takes to survive. When a chance encounter with her best friend ends with his murder, Raide soon finds herself risking her life to complete his last gig, all while in search of answers and vengeance. But with corporate mercenaries on her heels, a strange new virus mutating ordinary people into grotesque monsters, and the sinking realization that this was more than a simple contract gone sideways, Raide is soon left with two options: Lie down and die or run like hell.

Mechanical Heart by Beverly Anne Michel

Levy Hart thought he had a great life. He lived with his best friend, scientist, Finnea Wong. He had a good job, played Dungeons and Dragons, and loved to bake for his friends. Everything seemed to be going perfectly until he discovered someone close to him had been keeping secrets. Lies and secrets turn his world upside down. He must relearn how to navigate the world. He must learn how to trust the ones closest to him again. Things become even more complicated when Finnea finds herself in trouble. Levy must help her while rebuilding their relationship.

Tales of Yamato by Odessa Silver

Yamato. A land of lavish forests, full of life… and loss. The beautiful string of islands, surrounded by expansive seas, hide a harsh reality: Wrathful gods, dangerous yokai, and humans who could end your life with a slice of the sword. Follow the lives of those surviving in any way they can, while cherishing love found along the way. When the great sea god Susanoo is controlled more and more by the destructive part of his soul, he must do all he can to keep himself from harming humanity. A tanuki father goes on a quest to prepare his young pup to blend in to the dangerous human world and causes mischief and mayhem along the way. Lightning brings both luck and tragedy to a young boy who desperately picks peaches to save his sick mother. Fourteen tales will take you on a journey with humans, gods, and yokai, showing how each one isn’t so different from the other. And that, even in death, there will always be those who will honour your life.

Kepstadur Keep by RG Sartain

All magic has a price. Sonja and her sister vowed to pay anything to revive their little brother, even if their own blood is the currency. After years chasing folktales, a single rumor remains: Kepstadur Keep. This once-decadent port rots at the far edge of their home country, harboring memories of the lost or forgotten. With the help of a foreign mercenary, Sonja dares to pluck at the strands of Kepstadur’s magic, risking her life to understand its secrets. But something malevolent lurks in the depths. If the castle proves itself more clever, Sonja could lose more than a brother to death’s soft voice.

The Burn of a Bourbon Soaked Cherry by MJ Marlowe

a queer, small town romance between a Trans M/Cis F, packed with high heat and a tender touch to soothe the burn ‘Thirty-five year old Hazel Vincent is no stranger to wanting things—she’s human after all, but a life of holding herself back has turned her apathetic. That is, until she unexpectedly sees him. Immediately drawn to the mysterious, older newcomer in the small town bar, Hazel decides she’s ready to take what she wants: starting with a night entwined in him. Except as her evening progresses with the gruff, yet tender cowboy, it’s clear to them both that their connection goes beyond something one night of passion can satisfy. Only problem is, neither one are looking for love.’

Dawn of Silence by Heiner de Wendt

An icy dread seeped into Arkan’s bones. Vampires, spirits, dreamscapes…How was an ordinary thief like him supposed to handle this? On a mission to find his sister, Arkan finds himself at the center of a dangerous conspiracy—orchestrated by a terrifying foe from his past. He must band together with a vampire hunter and an illusionist on the run to save a city from the undead. But an even greater darkness casts its shadows over the reforged world of Ashandri. Dawn of Silence is the beginning of a dark epic fantasy trilogy. Follow a found family of adventurers in a diverse world of high magic, ancient secrets and political intrigue.

The Crimson Knight by Zeta K. Pierce

Some traitorous secrets should stay hidden. Haizea is a knighted healing mage serving the elite Royal Guard. When a band of omens, mages with corrupted magic, attempt to assassinate her king and the neighboring monarchs during a diplomatic trip, the Royal Guard, though far from outnumbered, is easily outmatched. To save her king and comrades, Haizea uses blood magic, in turn revealing that she too is a forbidden practitioner of the Cosmic Arts. With her secret exposed, she is sentenced to execution and is forced to fully embrace the dark power that thrums through her veins to make it out alive.