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Evil Omega (Darkstar Pack Book 1) by S. Rodman Gay. Necromancer. Werewolf. Supervillain. Silas Northstar is an omega with plans. Become a supervillain Embrace necromancy Enjoy being a boss in the bedroom Not part of his plans, Being captured the night he goes into heat Liking the stupid alpha guarding him Having way too much fun with him It's all good though, as by the morning he has escaped. He can put the fiery night behind him and forget it ever happened. It's not like Dean, the stupid alpha, is going to come looking for him, is it? Please note this book touches on dark themes, contains strong survivors and emotional growth. It is high heat and knotty. There is no mpreg. HEA guaranteed. Although this book is first in a series that follows the same couple, there is NO cliffhanger and it can be enjoyed as a standalone. |
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A Betrayal of Storms: Realm of Fey by Ben Alderson With the political intrigue and high heat of A Court of Thorns and Roses and From Blood and Ash, A Betrayal of Storms is perfect for readers who enjoy stories full of magic, romance, and adventure... but with added spice. Half-fey Robin Vale has grown up amongst humans, but that doesnât save him from being captured for coin by fey hunters. When heâs rescued by a fey princess, heâs taken to Wychwood, the fey realmâwhere everyone is focused on preparing for war against the humans who hate, hunt, and kill them for coin. Robin doesnât understand how he fits into the feyâs plansâuntil heâs revealed to be the lost heir to the Icethorn Court. Aided by the unclaimed, destructive power of the Winter Court, which had been thought destroyed with Robinâs motherâs death, the fey ready their numbers for complete domination of the human realm. But by claiming the throne with the help of his devastatingly handsome personal guard, Erix, Robinâs very presence opposes the long-planned invasion. Along with his alliesâincluding Althea, a stern princess hellbent on stopping the human hunters from killing her kinâRobin is thrust into a world of betrayal, murder, and lies. He must survive long enough to have the choiceâlisten to fate and claim his familyâs power, or let it wreak havoc on a realm that turned its back on him for becoming who he was truly meant to be. |
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Beast's Mercy (MM Fairytale Retelling) (Iranora Tales) by Rebecca Massey Four years ago, the Kingdom of Creatia closed its doors on the world. Now, the gates are open. Dalvin has returned to fix the wrongs of the past and help Prince Vincent find a worthy bride. But something dark has taken up residence inside the palace, and Dalvin has to find a way to slay the beast before it takes his prince from him. For Dalvin, it was a tale as old as time. For Vincent, it was a dark path to happily ever after. It is time for the beast to tell the real story. *This book contains subject matter suitable for a mature audience. |
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Built on Ruins by Kate S. Toll Generations after The End, there are two ways of living â Gangs of scavengers roam the Wilds and hunt for relics of lost times, while the re-settlers spend their lives building a new civilization on the ruins of the old. Jan Xiaoli is the leader of Ryningare City â one of the largest and most prosperous settlements this side of the Rift. With the purist movement growing stronger, the scavengers getting more hostile, and the incurable disease spreading, ruling the city feels like sitting on a ticking time bomb. When he meets Shi Saxe, the infamous Vulture, who lives alone in the Wilds, Jan Xiaoli feels as though the storm raging around him is sneaking its way into his heart as well. |
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Road-weary soldier Lindel thought all he needed to do to return home was finish his current escort mission. Then he discovers one of his charges murdered with a wailing newborn in her limp arms and his ally Aemun holding the accused murderer at knifepoint. His new mission? Take the murderer, Tylle, to face judgment and execution. But then Lin is ambushed by monsters and gravely wounded. While unconscious, Tylle magically stitches Lin's wounds closed. An act forbidden by the Binding Tenets, laws that Lin's military faction aggressively enforces. Lin wakes to find himself marked by Tylle's magic, making him appear as an oathbreaker. Unfortunately, that's not Linâs biggest problem. Tylle claims she can remove the markings if Lin helps her kill Aemun. What Lin doesn't know is that Tylle is part of a secret coterie working against the military faction Lin belongs to and is the sister of Lin's murdered charge. Unless Aemun is alive to vouch for him, Lin will face a death sentence by his own people. But if Tylle is telling the truth, Lin might not need Aemun. No one would need to know Lin was ever marked. All he has to do is help find and kill his former ally. On the other hand, with Aemun's support, Lin could find forgiveness for breaking the Tenets. Lin would betray his savior, Tylle, but he never asked her to save him. |
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Chair Repair and Other Ways to Die by Jody Wenner When Harper's father invites her to his new cabin for a weekend, Harper has a bad feeling deep in her gut about it. She isn't interested in meeting his new sweetie, Peggy. But, knowing she needs to take some time away from the chairs and sort her life out, she reluctantly agrees to go. As soon as she arrives, she is certain something is terribly wrong. Her father is not there to greet her, which is highly unusual for him. And, from naked meditation to invisible cats, Peggyâs eccentricities grow more unnerving by the moment. So, when an unexpected storm traps them together, Harper fears the little old lady with whom sheâs sharing a cabin isnât quite as sweet as she seemsâespecially once she learns about all the dead husbands Peggyâs left in her wake. With no phone and no survival skills to speak of, Harper finds herself going back to the one thing she knows she can depend on, the one thing she feels certain can save the chairs. |
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Child of the Night Guild by Andy Peloquin Robbed of everything she loves, Viola mourns the sudden loss of her mother. Now burdened with an impossible debt to the Night Guild, sheâs forced to train as a cunning thief. Subjected to cruelty at every turn, the scrawny criminal apprentice vows to survive long enough to become the kingdomâs best. Thrown together with unlikely allies, her burgeoning skills draw the attention of sadistic bullies and jealous rivals with dark intentions. But fueled by grief-filled rage, Viola wonât let anything distract her from preparing for The Guildâs most treacherous test. In a cutthroat den of thieves, can Viola rise to power and outrun a brutal death? Child of the Night Guild is the first book in the gripping Queen of Thieves epic fantasy series thatâs not for the faint of heart. If you like grimdark battles, improbable heroines, and graphic scenes, then youâll love Andy Peloquinâs unflinching coming-of-age tale. |
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The Son of the Prophets by Bryan Wilson "Those of white and those of flame will clash, and the universe will begin to shake." Colton's mission is straightforward: go home to Earth, wield the power of the stars for all to see, and seek the prophet his planet was named after. But nothing has come easy since he left his world. Traitors lurk in the shadows, causing chaos across the stars. War has begun, and with newfound responsibilities arising, those around Colton realize they will have to carry some of the burden if there's to be any hope of defeating the Army of Flame. Ace and Morris set out on their own course, hunting a rogue admiral down at Willick's side. Meanwhile, Violet Doku travels with her fellow soldiers of Vintara Company, sailing to the mysterious Forsaken Barrier, where the fight they have trained for lies in wait. Colton knows he will have to be quick with his tasks if he hopes to fulfill the prophecies and save mankind. But when age-old mysteries are answered, and past conflicts reemerge, he starts to question whether he can even save himself. |
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Empire of Dirt by Philip C. Quaintrell THE ECHOES OF FATE WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN. THE WORDS UTTERED A THOUSAND YEARS AGO WILL COME TO PASS, AND A NEW AGE WILL DAWN⌠War is set to ravage Illian. The elves sail from the east. The savage Darkakin rise from the south. Valanis, the dark elf, is finally free of his prison and eager to see his work finished. Only then will he be free of the gods who still haunt him. A new hope rises in The Red Mountains. There, the last remaining dragons have been discovered. Gideon and GalanĂśr, human and elf, will have to work together if they are to convince Adriel, the last of the Dragorn order, to intervene in the coming war. Devoid of hope and unsure what road to take, Asher and his companions must decide what role they will play as the realm unravels into bloodshed. The only weapon known to rival Valanisâ power is in a place the ranger has avoided for a long time, a place where, until now, neither man nor elf would dare to tread. Civil war has shattered the empire in The Arid Lands as the slaves make their stand against the highborns. But, while revolution brews, a greater threat looms. As a thunderous cacophony of steel and savagery marches through The Undying Mountains, who will stand before this army of death⌠EMPIRE OF DIRT CONTINUES THIS UNMISSABLE EPIC FANTASY SERIES. |
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Rise of the Ranger by Philip C. Quaintrell THE ECHOES OF FATE, A PROPHECY UTTERED UNTO THE WORLD A THOUSAND YEARS AGO, CANNOT BE DENIED⌠Mankind has lorded over the land of Illian for a thousand years, building on the ruins left by the elves, as if it were their birthright. A thousand years is a long time for an immortal race to see the truth of things, a truth that has remained unsaid for a millennium - elves are superior. They are faster, stronger and connected to the magical realm in a way that man could never grasp. Illian should belong to them. Unaware of the shadow that looms in the east, the six kingdoms of man are fractured, unallied, and clawing at each otherâs gates for more power. This isnât just war set to ravage the land, but a slaughter - the world of man cannot hope to survive. Thrown into the heart of this war is a man known by many names; an Outlander of the wilds, an assassin, a ranger. Asher was born a thousand years ago, to a life he doesnât remember. Forty years of brutal training and killing for money has beaten the earliest years of his life away, leaving his ties to the oldest of evils a mystery to all⌠RISE OF THE RANGER LAUNCHES AN UNMISSABLE EPIC FANTASY SERIES. |
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Abandoned by the Gods by Ronit J Welcome to Adeva... A land abandoned by the Gods themselves. The mortals that were left behind built a rich thousand-year history full of legendary exploits. But history doesnât remember everyone. Written by the victors, written for them, history has a bad habit of neglecting many. This collection features four tales of those hapless souls that history forgot. A girl sold into divine servitude who would threaten to change the face of Adeva's history, a noble forced into dacoity fuelled by vengeance, a princess in forbidden love compelled to make an impossible choice, and an ordinary woman fighting to survive through a mad god-king's reign, this collection is an attempt to honour their humanity, to celebrate those who dared to defy norms, dared to thrive despite fate being against them. Welcome to Adeva. Your faith will not protect you. âââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââââ The stories: * Servant of God: Sold into bonded slavery to a temple, Jagadasi discovers that not everything is as pure as she had believed. She turns to her God for a way to cleanse the temple, but the solution she receives is bloody, with the potential to change the face of Adevaâs history. * The Princess Who Loved Her Maid: Princess Ilava is deeply in love with her maid, Raci. When her father arranges her marriage with Emperor Mahamara, Ilava is forced to choose between losing Raci, or antagonising an avatar of God. * Dacoit, Son of a Noble: Bholaâs rich life is uprooted when King Anandaâs conquering forces usurp his domain and kill his father. Forced into a life of dacoity, Bholaâs life is fueled with a singular motive: Kill King Ananda before he ascends to godhood. * Bittersweet Chutney: An account of an ordinary womanâs life set against the backdrop of one of Adevaâs most significant historical eventsâthe killing of a mad god-king. |
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Hurricanes 2007: The Virus of The Extermination by DarĂo Aguilar Peregrina After concluding the Climatic Crisis War, a new illness had appeared on the planet, its name⌠"The Virus of the Extermination." In a matter of weeks, the epidemic began to spread at extremely rapid levels, causing those infected to suffer from various symptoms ranging from a simple flu to severe tuberculosis. In an attempt to halt the infection, Misaki Nami Kisaragi, Akira Mikuni Koizumi, Housen Daisy Gallagher, along with Akane Shizue Koizumi, would try to find those responsible for spreading this disease around the world. Meanwhile, RĂo Pedroza would reunite with her lost girlfriend named Charlotte Raven Brock, who was a possible key to curing the virus. |
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Hurricanes 2007: The Climatic Crisis by DarĂo Aguilar Peregrina One year after the fall of humanity, the war between the "Hurricanes" and the humans continued. In her eagerness to capture Darcy Ember Phoenix and convince Rio Pedroza to stand by her side, Katrina Fernandez began to create abnormalities in the weather, causing irreparable damage to the Earth's ecosystems and creating horrors of destruction that wouldn't stop until she got what she wanted along with the dark intentions of Akane Shizue and Akira Mikuni Koizumi, Misaki Nami Kisaragi along with Housen Daisy Gallagher. Meanwhile, Rio, Darcy, Emily, Frank, Marquinhos and Julieta would try to survive the so-called climatic crisis alongside the people who had endured the attacks of Katrina and her supporters. |
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The Space Ace of Mangleby Flat by Larre Bildeston On paper, things look fine. Sam Dennon recently inherited significant wealth from his uncle. As a respected architect, Sam spends his days thinking about the family needs and rich lives of his clients. But privately? Even his enduring love of amateur astronomy is on the wane. Sam has built a sustainable-architecture display home for himself but hasn't yet moved into it, preferring to sleep in his cocoon of a campervan. Although they never announced it publicly, Sam's wife and business partner ended their marriage years ago due to lack of intimacy, leaving Sam with the sense he is irreparably broken. Now his beloved uncle has died. An intensifying fear manifests as health anxiety, with night terrors from a half-remembered early childhood event. To assuage the loneliness, Sam embarks on a Personal Happiness Project: 1. Get a pet dog 2. Find a friend. Just one. Not too intense. As Sam comes to terms with the shameful family secrets revealed in a series of letters left to him by his deceased uncle, Sam falls in love again: first with his adopted poodle-cross, and then, much more slowly, with a kind and generous trans woman from his tennis club. Reina is so visibly and proudly queer Sam canât imagine the two of them share a single thing in common. If only humans came with a guide book... |
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The Earthly Blaze by Alice Poon The Earthly Blaze is the concluding part of the Sword Maiden from the Moon duology. This duology is a blend of the wuxia and xianxia genre that evokes vibes of cdramas like The Untamed, Nirvana in Fire and Word of Honor. In this propulsive sequel to The Heavenly Sword, the heroine Saiâer is beset with grim challenges as she leads the White Lotus Sect to oppose Emperor Zhu Di. When the Green Dragon threatens to kill villagers to punish Saiâer for wounding Zhu Di, she is forced to fight the demon in an undersea battle. Aided by her immortal friends and found family, Sai'er engages in violent clashes with the enemy camp. All the while, she yearns to start a new life with her lover Sanbao, but is haunted by the prospect of a final showdown with Zhu Di. The Earthly Blaze is the second and concluding part of Alice Poonâs magnificent duology combining Chinese mythical folklore and speculative history into a sweeping tale of family love, fellowship loyalty, loss, sacrifice and kung fu rivalry. |
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How to Bite Your Neighbor and Win a Wager by D.N. Bryn "I WANT YOU TO BITE ME." Vincent Barnes has suffered four years as a vampire, and theyâve been the most miserable years of his pathetic life. Too poor for black market blood, he feeds from sleeping humans to survive. He tries to never intrude on the same prey twice, but after a single delicious taste of a long-lost childhood neighbor, he canât help returning for seconds. Wesley Garcia has been waking up with fang marks. Lucky for him, he needs a vampireâto use as bait. Heâs certain Vitalis-Barron Pharmaceutical killed his mother, but to gain access to their covert research labs, he has to bring them a bloodsucker for their experiments. Step one, a dramatic offer: Stay, and you can bite me. Vincent leaps at the chance to gobble Wesley up. Wesâs plan is perfect. Heâll befriend the vampire, then trick him into coming to the lab. No fighting, no fuss. But Vincent is more than Wesley has bargained for: sweet and shy, with intoxicating fangs that awaken new desires in Wes. As the two bond, Vincent believes he might have finally found someone worth putting his trust in... and Wes fears neither of them will survive the betrayal he has planned. How to Bite Your Neighbor and Win and Wager is a slow-burn paranormal mm romance full of laughter, angst, and thirsty pining. It is perfect for fans of fangs and scientific interpretations of vampirism, with a medium spice level that heats up further in the free bonus content. Content includes bite kink, bleeding (non-kinky), medical experimentation (not experienced by the point of view characters), one particular lesbian BFF who should be reported to HR, and the use of âbodice-rippingâ as a verb. |
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The Planets We Become by Nathaniel Luscombe Rahnia was sent to a desert planet with a mission: hunt down the voice box and find a home for her people. It makes no difference that her people have no claim to the planet as they hunt for something that never belonged to them. They long to conquer, even as she longs to be free. When a tragic accident leaves her lost and alone, Rahnia finds herself in the care of a stranger who offers her the power of a planet unlike any sheâs ever known beforeâone thatâs alive and calling her name. Faced with a past full of pain, she is determined to build up a future of hopeâeven if it takes a lifetime. |
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Moon Soul by Nathaniel Luscombe "I don't think I can justify it any longer. I'm going to quit my job." August has never been good with change and isnât sure who she is beyond her job of reading memories in the sand. When she comes to the conclusion that she has to quit her job, sheâs left with an overwhelming sense of emptiness. What follows is the quiet chaos of a girl regaining control over her life on a small desert moon. Deciding to take a job in the hanging gardens of the Spire, August discovers more to life as she meets new friends, forms a different connection with her home, and faces an unexpected visitor from her past. Rich in relatable emotions and experiences, inspiring in message, and written in prose that will hook you from page one, Moon Soul is a science fantasy novella unlike any youâve read before. It will leave you feeling seen and understood. |
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The Naughty Corner by Mark Towse Are you ready to get put into the Naughty Corner? Three uniquely fresh novellas in one collection, including Towse's wildest old-people horror yet, 'The Generation Games.' Also includes, âThe Naughty Cornerâ and âMy Name is Brian.â The Generation Games. The population crisis is out of control. Earthâs resources are close to depletion. A mandate has been put into effect condemning people to death when they hit the age of seventy. Only A lucky few will have the opportunity to compete for a passport to the latter years. Itâs about to get savage. My Name Is Brian. Brian's an odd one, always with his head in the books or packet of chips. He doesn't mix well with the other kids but doesn't seem to care. Or is he just a ticking time bomb ready to explode? Coming of age horror on steroids. The Naughty Corner A new start in a gorgeous location. The house of their dreams. But behind the gates of this well-do-do community, our family is about to uncover rules and secrets that will turn their lives upside down. And trust me, you don't want to be in the naughty corner. "Towse is a master of narrative juggling. He makes his readers squirm and laugh in equal measure. His work should be treasured." - E.C. Hanson, author of WICKED BLOOD |
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All Who Wander Are Lost: Destination Horror Stories by Gemma Amor ALL WHO WANDER ARE LOST. First Landing State Park. Antarctica. Mongolia. France. Norway. Ireland. Somerset. Egypt. A giant glacier in an unnamed land. What do all these places have in common? Theyâre the perfect place to set a horror story, is what. In this brand new collection of destination based tales of terror, Bram Stoker and British Fantasy Award nominated author Gemma Amor (The Folly, Full Immersion, Six Rooms, Dear Laura) takes us on a series of adventures through the weird and the wonderful, the strange and the unexplainable, across the remotest, wildest parts of this world, and through lands yet to be discovered. Expect dark and deranged encounters, beautiful vistas, old gods, ghosts, peculiar creatures, vampires, and that most terrifying of all monsters: mankind. Told strictly through the eyes of intrepid travellers (we are only ever visitors in this realm), you too can become an explorer without ever leaving the comfort of your own home. So come, join us on a voyage across lands both familiar and strange, and witness sights beyond your wildest imaginings in a book written for the the wanderers, the adventurers, the endlessly curious, the constantly dislocated, the restless and the sleepless, the speakers of many tongues or of none, the seers of many sights, the dreamers who follow their feet, pick stones from between their toes, taste salt on their tongue, feel dust blow hot and hard against their skinâŚ. But remember, not all journeys have a happy ending. In fact, in this book, quite the opposite: for All Who Wander are often Lost⌠|
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When the Devil by Emma E. Murray In When the Devil, Libby finds salvation in a new sapphic partner, homebrewed poison, and facing a God she no longer believes in. |
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A Taste of Earth by Nico Silver Facing the reality of life apart, Fionn and Kiernan grab at the chance to be together, if only temporarily. But can they choose their own happiness over the wellbeing of two Monarchies? Kiernan has made the fatal mistake of defying his mother, the Queen of Morven Forest, and in return, she has chosen the one punishment that is worse than death for a Sidhe. Severed from his connection to his beloved forest, Kier must learn to cope without his deepest magic. Fionn, separated from the man he loves, has no choice but to attempt to fit in at the Eyrie. Thereâinstead of fulfilling his true calling as seer and healerâhe is expected to act as a symbol, a figurehead to bolster his Kingâs rule. But his presence is not the only thing his King requires, and Fionn isnât sure he can continue pretending to adore the vain and possessive monarch. When the Vogel Monarchy is invited to send a delegation to Morven Forest, Fionn knows it is his chance to see Kiernan again. What he doesnât know is whether or not Kier still wants him. After all, the half-fey is a Prince, a creature of court and forest, and has surely realized by now that he can have anythingâor anyoneâhe wants. |
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Heart of Outcasts by Nico Silver Change is coming to the Autumn County werewolves, and someone would kill to keep it from happening. Justin thought a nice long run in the woods would help sort out his problems; heâd get some fresh air and exercise, and if he just happened to disappear then he wouldnât need to worry about losing his job, his apartment, and his future. But when he wakes up in the dirt, bloody and confused, with a naked man leaning over him, asking if heâs all right, he suddenly wants very much to live. Because even if Bjarni is way out of his league, he canât deny the spark between them. Bjarni is the asshole of the family. Heâs the middle of three werewolf brothers, and a womanizing, hard-drinking, fight-starting disgrace. So when he finds a newly-changed werewolf in the woods, everyone he knows would have expected him to just dump the young man on his older brother and pack leader. Instead, Bjarni finds himself unexpectedly attracted to Justin. When it comes to light that someone in the Autumn County pack is changing humans into werewolves without their consent, Justin may be the only one who can figure out who it is. But heâs busy trying to cope with his new werewolf abilities and his doomed attraction to his mentor, and heâs messed up everything else in his life anyway, so what can he do? But if he doesnât do something, more wolves will end up dead. |
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The Tyrant's Daughter by I.D. Marie A princess longs to be a hero, while a bounty hunter fights for his freedom. Will they be each otherâs ruin or salvation? Welcome to the Empire of Pangaea: a land of legends, mutants, technological marvels, and every form of sin you can imagine. Peace should be within reach in a world united under the global empire. But as a new species of superpowered mutants starts to grow in number, so does unrest. As the world teeters on the edge of war, two enemies must become unlikely allies. Arianne Murray, a forgotten warrior princess, and Blackjack, an infamous bounty hunter, must put aside their differences to survive the growing chaos. Their abilities and humanity is tested as they are thrown into a dystopian journey of survival and forced to grapple with feral mutants, deadly tricksters, and a tyrant who will stop at nothing until he owns the world. Prepare to take flight in the action-packed first installment of the five-part Legends of Pangaea series concocted in the underground labs of Pangaea. The chemical formula is perfect for sci-fi fans who love comic book superpowers, fast-paced action, and romantic spice. |
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Dear Sylvia, Love Jane: Detective Molly Malone by Erin Hall 1943, San Francisco. In a city overrun by corruption, sticking to the shadows is the safest option, especially for patrons of gay bars like Whiskers, Dukeâs, and the Hot Spot. But when city officials have a personal score to settle, even the shadows are dangerous. Join Detective Molly Malone on her first queer noir adventure as she faces deadly stakes that threaten her friends and family. |
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In a galaxy that set her up to fail, Etriaâs journey to capture stars redefines acceptance. Etria, a determined stella, defies expectations and becomes a Star Catcher despite her disfigurement. Teaming up with Maron, her own personal Star Keeper, they set off on a mission to catch stars. Through their partnership, Etriaâs self-perception changes and echoes into her cluster, challenging the stella cultureâs narrow ideals. Join these mesmerizing space mermaids in this short and tear-jerking sci-fi adventure as they defy conventions and ignite the spirit of acceptance, inspiring others to embrace their differences. |
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Traitor's Run by Keith Stevenson Two outcasts. One goal: stop Earth. Earth's Hegemony controls the surrounding alien civilisations with ruthless force. Its aim: dominate the galaxy to protect humanity. On Earth, disgraced pilot Rhees Lowrans is thrust into a job she doesn't want. She sees firsthand how the Hegemony will sacrifice anything - including her - to keep Earth safe. In the Lenticular, Udun - one of the empathic Kresz - is on a secret mission when he learns of the Hegemony's expansion into nearby space. But his warnings are ignored and the Hegemony invades his world and mutilates any Kresz who oppose them. Can these two outsiders stand against the might of the Hegemony? And will the human race survive if they succeed? |
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The Heart of the Labyrinth and Other Stories by DK Mok Twelve tales of adventure, wonder and heart from Aurealis Award-shortlisted author DK Mok. These diverse stories of courage and hope celebrate fierce women, curious minds, and unexpected kindness. A warrior librarian makes a pact to save the monsters of her realm. A high school girl ferries refugees from broken, enchanted worlds. An underfunded roboticist builds a robot kraken to explore the abyssal depths. The Heart of the Labyrinth and Other Stories features six Aurealis Award-shortlisted stories, as well as two stories original to this collection. |
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Strange things happen in The Gulp. The residents have grown used to it. The isolated Australian harbour town of Gulpepper is not like other places. Some maps donât even show it. And only outsiders use the full name. Everyone who lives there calls it The Gulp. The place has a habit of swallowing people.â¨â¨A truck driver thinks the stories about The Gulp are made up to scare him. Until he gets there. Teenage siblings try to cover up the death of their mother, but their plans go drastically awry. A rock band invite four backpackers to a party at their house, where things get dangerously out of hand. A young man loses a drug shipment and his boss gives him 48 hours to make good on his mistake. Under the blinking eye of the old lighthouse, a rock fisher makes the strangest catch of his life.â¨â¨Five novellas. Five descents into darkness. Welcome to The Gulp, where nothing is as it seems. |
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Hard Places by Kirstyn McDermott âKirstyn McDermottâs prose is darkly magical, insidious and insistent. Once her words get under your skin, they are there to stay.â --Angela Slatter, author of All the Murmuring Bones and The Path of Thorns Hard Places collects the very best of Kirstyn McDermottâs short fiction written over the past twenty years along with a previously unpublished novella. From unsettling obsessions and brutal body horror to unexpected monsters and ghosts drifting through suburbia, these stories run the gamut of horror and the contemporary gothic. By turns harrowing, provocative and poignant, this collection will haunt you long after the last page is turned. |
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Nothing Short of Odd by Loredano Cafaro It's genre fiction, that's for sure. What genre? Well, that's a different question. Nothing Short of Odd is a collection of short stories and flash fiction, an unlikely patchwork in which light and dark share the pages and what is everyday reality stands next to what is not. Sixteen stories. Different themes. A potpourri of pieces that made their way out of the slush pile of unsolicited submissions and were selected for publication in literary webzines. This book is dedicated to those who believed in these stories and gave them a chance. âAn enthralling read for anyone who loves peculiar and unexpected narratives.â â Doreen Chombu, Readers' Favorite âAn unconventional collection that serves as fuel to imaginationâs fire.â â Nicky Flowers, Indies Today |
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As We Convene: An Anthology of Time and Place by Casie Bazay, Amanda Bender, Shelli Cornelison, Emiliy Gray, Elizabeth Holden, Sara Kapadia, Jennifer Kaul, Alexandra Z. Lazar, C.M. Leyva, Gerardo J. Mercado, Christian H. Morales, K. Psych, J. Ophelia Vazquez, Angela Sanchez, Nico Vasquez, Mary Winsor The moors of Wuthering Heights. The Emerald City in The Wizard of Oz. The Blackwood mansion in We Have Always Lived In The Castle. The planet Uriel in A Wrinkle in Time. Many stories that stand the test of time have a central place at the crux of the plot â a main locale. These places are so central, they seem to transfigure themselves into one of the main characters. The locale grows and shifts, becoming the focus, the place in which the plot hinges and the characters thrive. The locale becomes integral to the story, so much so that it is impossible to set the story anywhere else. In this anthology, sixteen varied locales have been gathered to visit. From outer space to the Grand Canyon, from Florida swamps to the orange groves of California, the setting of these stories takes center stage. The collected stories here range across genre, from speculative to more contemporary works. Each story will bring you into a world, maybe similar to our own, maybe different. Either way, youâll feel well-traveled after exploring these beautiful locales. |
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The Kingâs Decree (The Communeâs Curse Short) by Lucy A. McLaren King Cosmo Septimus of Septima: ruler, leader⌠Fool. In truth, the kingdom has been under the authority of the Commune for some yearsâa ruthless government whose leader, the Grand Magister, holds the king under his control. Enter a world where the powers gifted to mortals by an ancient god present themselves in unsuspecting members of the kingdom, and where the Grand Magister will do everything to ensure they are brought under his sway or executed as traitors. In this short story, you will begin to understand just why King Cosmo is unable to fight against the ruthless guidance of a selfish, power-hungry man. And why it may be hopeless for him to even try. The Kingâs Decree is part of the world of The Communeâs Curse series, and is set three years before the first book in the series, Awakening, which is available now. Book 2 is due for release in late 2024, so nowâs a great time to delve into this dark fantasy series! |
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Sing No Suns, Sing the Night: Stories by Michael Michel When the light that guides us fails, we must face the darkness withinâŚor perish. A warlordâs bitter crusade. A starshipâs crew caught between a mindless monster and a race against starvation. Conflicted aliens unable to stop their conquest. The unhappy life of a sentient gun. Sing No Suns, Sing The Night is an SFF short story collection and an ode to Grimdark. Hope and despair. Love and hate. Sweet beginnings and sour ends. These stories cover themes that challenge our beliefs about self, society, and the nature of living. If youâre ready to be dragged to the lip of the abyss and dangled over the edge, read on. |
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The Way of the Wizard by Michael Michel Even gods have their beginnings. Mine starts in the chasm between worlds. In the blink of eternity between life and death. If you wish to follow, let this be your road. First, join your brethrenâthose others who seek the Power. They are your allies and the key to your success. They will almost certainly try to kill you. Second, slay a wizard and claim their topknot. Be smart, be quick, and never hesitate. Theyâre the most dangerous creatures alive. If destiny does not favor you, your bones will be added to the piles beneath their feet. Third, acquire the hidden location of the Spirit Gardens. Secrets are worth more than kingdoms. Protect them at all costs or your enemies will win, and you will die. But above all, never look back. Godhood is the goal. If you have the courage and ambition to do so, read on. Your path to power awaits. |
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Soul Cage (SoulBreaker Book 1) by L. R. Schulz Murder Breeds Magic All power comes with a price. In a world where magic is transferred by the act of killing another, Myddrin stands above the rest. Having accidentally killed the most powerful mage in all of existence, Myddrin now lives a peaceful life in isolation. But there is no such thing as peace in the land of Otor. War calls. The voices of the dead haunt him, and there is nowhere to hide. Cursed with the deathly taint of magic, young Will must seek acceptance among the Knights of Aen. There, he must learn to touch the otherside, control his abilities, and decide for himself what is right, and what is wrong. Tvoraâs soul is broken. The price of vengeance was her sanity. Her companions help her keep a tenuous grasp on herself, but with the urgent need to absorb enough magic to sustain them, she is pushed to choose a side in the upcoming war. The question remains, will she choose the right one? |
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Price War: The Colour of Money by Richard Holliday WHEN SURVIVAL BECOMES A CURRENCY, FUGITIVE DANNY PRICE FINDS HIM BATTLING CORPORATE SUPERPOWER YELLOWSTONE'S HOSTILE TAKEOVER! Following on from Price War, head of Yellowstone UK PLC, Wendy Tunt, has ousted its founder, Grayson Laurie and connived an illegal scheme to take over the UK government. At the stroke of midnight one fateful night, this scheme comes to fruition with Wendy Tunt installed as CEO of an entire country. From that moment, Danny Price and Grayson Laurie, enemies forced to become allies, are now fugitives. As they are chased across the country, they face deception, betrayal and discovery as they attempt to reach a safe haven. Henry Archer feels the pressure of his new role in the top echelons of the corporate ladder at Yellowstone, reporting directly to Wendy Tunt as she puts her plans for the country into action. The nascent insurgency against Yellowstone's hostile takeover of the country presents unforeseen challenges. These difficulties threaten to bring Henry out of favour with his new paymasters at precisely the wrong time for the Archer name, and threatens to destabilise the new leadership. Henry's sister, Hailey, is betrayed by her father, who seeks to salvage any of the reputation he built for the family name. For the Archer name to survive in Tunt's new world, he agrees for Hailey to work for Yellowstone, living in one of their vast facilities against her will. Hailey finds life in a Yellowstone fulfilment facility hard, especially with the deck stacked against her from the off. Hailey befriends another of the forgotten and together they plan to escape, taking one of Yellowstone's prized assets with them to bargain with. Danny, Grayson, Henry and Hailey's stories converge on the night a paranoid Wendy Tunt finally snaps and decides to dispose of her enemies and complete her hostile takeover and change the country forever, whoever has to pay the price⌠|
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Undead Samurai by Baptiste Pinson Wu Japan, 1625 A new Drum Master has risen, and soon the nation will fall to the curse of Izanagi. Answering the call of his kotsuzumi, dead warriors abandon their peace to once again roam the land of the living, swinging rusty blades and chattering rotten teeth at his behest. Japanâs last hope lies in the hands of the nine warriors gathered by the young daimyĹ of Owari. To reach Onijima, where the source of the curseâs power awaits, the Nine will not only have to face swarms of undead samurai and waves of shinobi mercenaries but even more dangerous to their mission, their inner demons. Against the undead, the Nine only have two choices, fighting as one or becoming them. |
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Someone Elseâs Horror Story by Rebecca Crunden Jace Venable lives a quiet life in the house his father left him. He dreams of fixing up the barn out back so that he doesnât have to return to the city heâs only too happy to leave behind. He likes to be left alone, thank you very much. And then, one night, he finds a runaway in his barn. A boy with a horrifying story thatâs about to upend Jaceâs quiet life permanently. |
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Citrus Bravo by Christopher George Quick A tongue-in-cheek space adventure that plays to the lighter side of the genre. Take a break from hard-core Sci-Fi with Citrus Bravo! Embark on a cosmic odyssey with Arthur Bartlebee, a humble plumber aboard an aging space station named Citrus Bravo. Although Arthur would love more than anything to live out his simple days managing the pipes and drains of the station, he is quickly ripped away by a whirlwind of absurd events that place him smack dab in the center of an otherwordly conspiracy. Flanked by odd aliens and carefree cyborgs, Arthur is bewildered to find humanity's destiny lies in his less-than-capable hands. |
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The Boddicker Letters by A.C. Cross Titus Boddicker is in love. So in love, in fact, that he sends his beloved Luisa a letter nearly every day. Unfortunately for Titus, these letters paint a picture of a descent into the darkest regions of reality. Will he be saved? Can he? Can anyone? |
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Zoo by A.C. Cross Welcome to the Zoo! Inside, you won't find tigers or lions but Anxieties galore. You'll crawl through the Depression Caves and gallivant through the Regret Gardens. You'll see wondrous creatures that will tug at the very heart of you. And at the very end, amidst it all, we offer you one more surprise. Join us for a tour today! |
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Song of the Spring Moon Waning by E.E. Ottoman Upon waking up one morning, Wen Yu is surprised to find a note asking him to return the song thrush given into his care while the owner was sick. The only problem is that Wen Yu was never given a song thrush. Though he has no time for distractions from his studies for the palace examination, Wen Yu goes in search of the unknown Liu Yi who left him the note. What he finds is a beautiful imperial eunuch, a talking tortoise, and a collection of mysterious moon poems that force Wen Yu to question what path in life he is truly meant to be walking... |
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Bruce at Fifty by Everett T. Ruth Bruce Lewis is a badass. He eats Cheerios without the milk. He stirs his coffee with Slim Jims. Heck â he wears Tuesdayâs pajamas on Monday! Total badass, right? Since turning fifty, however, Father Time is showing Bruce whoâs Boss. Will Bruce prevail with his pride intact, or will his leather pants make way for dad jeans with built-in creases? Join Bruce as he discovers what Fifty ultimately means. |
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The Only Exception by Allie McDermid Izzy Barbour tells everyone sheâs an accountant, little do they know sheâs really a hired companion. Sadly, thatâs where her love life ends. Doomed to be a serial dater, Izzy is close to giving up on finding her one.Lady Ingrid Munro has one focus in work. When a family scandal threatens to dredge up the past, sheâs forced to think quick to save face and the palace.Izzy wants to do her job and keep a low profile. Ingrid needs to uphold the familyâs reputation. Can they keep things professional, or will lines get blurred when it comes to romance?Set in the fictional world of an Ayrshire Palace, The Only Exception is bursting with sexual tension, fake dating, and forbidden love. Find out today if secrets can stay hidden for longâŚor are some things too good to be true? |
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The Beast of Loughby Island by Matt Doyle A young man named Tom Daniels is kidnapped by a local family and is dropped on Loughby Island in an attempt to 'clean up their streets'. When the family that dropped Tom off is slaughtered by a werewolf-like creature, he soon finds himself banding together with a small group of the island's residents in a fight for their lives against an otherworldly monster. |
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Caroline's Heart by Austin Chant Caroline is dead, leaving her lover with nothing but the clockwork heart that once beat in her chest. But Cecily, a witch of unconventional reputation, is not one to be defeated by the laws of nature. After years of careful assembly, her resurrection spell is nearly complete and grows more powerful by the day. When Cecily meets Roy, a soft-spoken cowboy who shares a strange kinship with Caroline, Cecily thinks she's finally found the key to bringing her lover back-but when Roy is mortally wounded, she finds herself torn between finishing the resurrection spell and saving the life of a stranger. A queer Weird West romance by the author of Peter Darling in a new, expanded edition. |