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Refurbished: The Clover Initiative by Michelle MonĂĄrrez The end of the world came and went. Twenty years later humanity is crafting new and secretive ways to protect itself, but the atmosphere stays clear of threats... Eighteen-year-old academy graduate Alyssa is determined to start her military career as a GENE (Genetically Enhanced Entity) on her own terms. But after being transferred from her native London to America, she struggles to control her powers and find her place among a military unit of underdogs and other enhanced soldiers. When a rogue GENE is taken into custody, Alyssa's empathy for him forces her to choose between her carefully mapped-out life plan, or a path that would put her in direct conflict with her superiors. With the promise of superpowers and a green card on the table, thirteen-year-old Miguel signs a contract to become a GENE. Enduring the enhancement process is sure to be worth it with his refugee status at stake and dazzling dreams of becoming a superhero in the mix. But when he forms a psychic connection with a mysterious girl who could die without his help, he must decide what he's willing to risk to save her. As Alyssa and Miguel embark on parallel journeys, their desire to choose their paths transforms into a fierce battle for the rights of fellow enhanced people. The world might not be ready to find out about GENEs, but it had better brace itself. The protective barrier of secrecy will soon burst, and those called "Refurbished" will make themselves known. |
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Babies with Rabies: An ABC Survival Guide by L. A. Cunningham R is for rabies. Of COURSE itâs for rabies! Your most imminent threat is BABIES WITH RABIES! Itâs a post-apocalyptic world, and hordes of feral, teething babies are foaming at the mouth and roaming the streets looking for their next victim. You completed your training montage, you know how to sew fingers back on, you studied their weaknesses, and now thereâs only one thing left to do: survive! **BABIES WITH RABIES is the perfect gift for parentsâŠor people who hate babies!** |
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Stars Like Acid by Marissa Lupe TĂ©a, a Latina soldier in training, is used to standing her ground in a world that seems hellbent on bringing her to her knees. Orphaned at age five and held captive on a military base for most of her life, she barely remembers a time before the government controlled her every move. Now, fifteen years later, the Earth is dying, a resistance is forming, and the corrupt government is hoarding resources and information that could save the world. When TĂ©a is forced to marry the son of a terrifying general, she stumbles across a dark secret that could finally dismantle her power-hungry father-in-lawâs regime and offer her a chance at freedom. Humans are evolving in dangerous and powerful ways, and TĂ©a may be the most powerful one of them all. Meanwhile, Annabelle, another of Earthâs many orphans, has lived a mostly charmed life. That is if you donât count the fact that sheâs technically a prisoner. Drifting among the stars on Space Station Lunaâthe top-secret government lifeboat built to save Earthâs ruling classâAnnabelle has everything she needs and the woman she loves by her side. But when TĂ©a ends up at the space station, she unravels a web of deceptions that send both women reeling and make one thing perfectly clear: the secrets that connect TĂ©a and Annabelle may be powerful enough to turn the tides of war, save the planet, and set the people free. |
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The Edge of the Abyss by Blake Shimshock and Sherry Shimshock Lana has been gone for almost a standard galactic year, and Senior Agent Derek Fade is still tormented by her murder and his own failure to capture the killer. Heâd been so closeâŠbut just as the gangster had predicted in that final moment before Derek let Valdune slip beyond his grasp, vengeance has become the agentâs gnawing obsession. Now his wife haunts him, his boss questions his sanity, and forget about working alone! With his life on the edge of a dark crossroads, Derek Fade must decide which way to go. The only thing he knows for sure is that he wonât rest until he brings an end to the hunt for Valdune. |
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The Hunt for Valdune by Blake Shimshock and Sherry Shimshock Senior Agent Derek Fade loved his job chasing down weapons runners and drug traffickers, hunting terrorists, and ruining the fun of major crime lords all across the galaxy. In fact, despite his reputation for being difficult to work with, he was respected among colleagues as one of the most talented agents in the Galactic Intelligence Agency (GIA). Life was pretty good until a powerful gangster, known only as Valdune, brutally murdered his wife. Now, tortured by grief and guilt, Derek Fade struggles between his dedication to the ideals of the GIA and the need for vengeance against the monster who killed Lana. Set in an expansive Fireflyesque galaxy ripe for exploration by those who enjoy science fiction and fantasy, self-proclaimed loner Derek Fade reluctantly lets readers into a dark period of his 007, semi-secret agent life that twists and turns like an Indiana Jones adventure. |
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Hayden Navarro has only one concern: protecting the ones he loves. At nineteen, he learns the world is in danger. An anonymous terrorist organization has attacked several countries all across the planet. When his parents suspect there might be a mole in the Council of Ailene, they ask Hayden to go undercover as an intern. Once in Ailene, he quickly becomes overwhelmed by everything and everyone around him. He struggles to keep his best friend, Lowell, safe while fending off the ever-present voices inside his head telling him that one day heâs going to lose everything, and heâll be them one responsible for it all. Heâs close to falling apart altogether when he crosses paths with Alexander Collins, a funny and handsome Council member who makes him feel happy and understood. His days suddenly become a little bit brighterâbut nothing in Haydenâs life is ever easy. Thereâs a strict rule against workplace romances, forcing them to stay just friends, yet as they grow closer, Hayden and Lowell find themselves steadily growing apart. Can Hayden find a way to keep his head above water while hunting down the mole, struggling with his growing feelings for Alexander, fixing his relationship with Lowell, and trying to save everyone he cares aboutâall at the same time? |
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Lexa Dean and the Wellspring by Bethany A Perry A treasure that could change the galaxy and a woman chasing a dangerous dream. Dr. Alexandra "Lexa" Dean is an exoarchaeologist in search of hidden alien treasures. And if the museum paid better, she wouldn't sell the best of her finds to the highest bidder. When her contact delivers a map to the origins of all life, and the key to unlocking it is the artifact she just fenced to a wealthy socialite, she must devise a plan to steal it back. But the aliens she stole it from first are closing in and the socialite is hot on her tail. If she can't shake them, she'll risk losing the fame and fortune she's always dreamed of, her life, or worse. From the author who brought you a cure for the zombie apocalypse in the Reclamation Series and a demon with amnesia in "Give Me Grace," comes a treasure-hunting romp through space where "Indiana Jones" meets "The Fifth Element." |
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Reclamation by Bethany A Perry At twenty-three, all Adelaide has ever known is a society ripped apart by the virus. Though billions died, the freshly minted Cure is bringing the world back into balance. For once, she can think about moving out and falling in love, and not just about surviving the dead. Jack, Addyâs dad, decides to help the mayor with security rather than kick around his empty nest by himself. But when Jack uncovers a mystery more deadly than the infected appearing in the village, his need to solve it gets him framed for a crime he didn't commit and abducted. Adelaide sets out to save her dad, dragging her brother and his handsome boss with her. If Addy wants to seek out the life she deserves, she must save her dad from forces that dwarf them both and face her fear of everything but zombies. The first part of a trilogy, "Reclamation" is for readers who love character-driven literary sci-fi like "Station Eleven" and coming-of-age stories like "The Last of Us," with a healthy splash of adventure and romance. Plus zombies! |
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Beneath Strange Lights by Vivian Moira Valentine Amelia Temple always knew she was different. Other. But that never stopped her from wanting moreâ especially her freedom. The Bureau of Extranormal Investigations, the shadowy government agency that has controlled her since birth, is finally allowing Amelia a pass to explore the small surrounding town where she is housed. Itâs 1954, and she quickly makes friends and begins to learn the rules of this strange society. Apparently, race matters. And girls arenât supposed to date girls. Yet the government looks the other way when it comes to locking kids up from birth and performing experiments on them because they have extra powersâkids like Amelia. Amelia and her new friends soon discover a conspiracy of so-called scientists running a bizarre experiment that threatens to unleash something terrible on her adopted hometown. As they begin to investigate, it becomes clear they must somehow stop the experiment before people die. But to do so, Amelia is forced to rely on what makes her different and decide just how human she wants to be. |
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Lovable loner Casey Isaac thinks love isn't for him. Not since extraordinary events left him with supernormal powers and a great deal of trauma. But when Oscar Kenzari looks at him, he can't help but change his mind. As Divinators, Casey and Oscar have used their psychic powers to defend humanity from sentient, extradimensional storms for one hundred years. But a storm more powerful than any before is brewing. MaalenKun, prince of the maelstrom, conqueror of countless realities, plans to turn the tables by infecting Casey's mind. Maalen Kun is not the only threat. Casey and Oscar must determine who they can trust: the eccentric trillionaire keeping them in the dark, the independent contractors with secrets of their own, or a seemingly helpful extradimensional being shrouded in mystery. As Casey works to defeat threats around and within himself, he must open to love for his chosen family, for Oscar, and for himself to unlock a transformative power capable of banishing MaalenKun. And Oscar must make a difficult choice that could cost him the future he dreams of. Can Casey and Oscar's love break the storm? |
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Four people have disappeared near the town of Ryneshard and now two OPSEC agents have gone missing as well. Agents Indra Jafari and Nigel Hammersmith are tasked with unearthing the mystery surrounding Ryneshard and the fate of their missing comrades. |
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Locked out of Hell by his own demonic kind during 'The Event,' Purson has been hiding in plain sight as a human on Earth for a year. Hell now comes calling... |
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Sister Grim Issue 1 by L. A. Cunningham Lily Connors wakes up in the morgue with no memories of the last three months since the event. She just wants to go home, but she's terrified her family isn't alive. But she's more terrified she'll kill them if they are. |
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Minutes after 'The Event' destroys London, a group of injured and forgotten are quietly abducted for secret and diabolical purposes. All seen through the eyes of the main character. |
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Dead of Knight Issue 1 by P. A. Hayden A centuries old legacy destroyed by 'The Event' leaves the United Kingdoms most beloved hero a broken and violent vigilante. He will bring a medieval brand of justice to the criminals of modern day London. |
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'An unwilling hero with an unwanted and flawed power.' Daniel must come to accept his old life is over and learn the extent of his new abilities all while on the run from the mysterious Level 8. |
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The House of Wonders by Frank Krulicki The House of Wonders is a jaw-dropping space faring adventure spanning the far reaches of the universe. Joshua Davis, abused by an alcoholic father, wants a new life. He doesnât seem to fit in and bad things have a way of happening to people around him. When he runs away and joins a circus Joshua is forced to, literally, grow-up quickly. Being chased by aliens has that effect on a person! His life makes a dramatic shift taking him on a galactic journey learning the truth about himself - heâs an alien with unimaginable powers. He is Skycruiser, potential saviour of his galaxy Join us on this galactic journey of self-discovery as Joshua Davis aka Skycruiser battles alongside his new family and friends against the evil clutches of Vir Magnus; leader of the Summa - a warring lizard race. Written and illustrated by two fresh new voices in the industry; Frank Krulicki and Alberto Crespo, with lettering and design by comic veteran Corey Breen - this is a story you donât want to miss! |
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Ten Acceptable Acts of Arson and other very short stories by Jack Remiel Cottrell There are many messages in this book: Never go drinking using your passport for ID. Make sure to apply lidocaine before ripping out your toenails. Magic might be real, but it never fixes the worst of your problems. Try to fall in love with bastards. You or someone you know may be gayer than previously thought. Weâre not going to make it to Mars. A locked psychiatric ward needs more books than a single copy of Jane Eyre. Asking time travellers for advice on your exams is considered cheating. Itâs not just human houses that become haunted. The key message is this: Life in the early 21st century is often very strange. So are these stories. With a crisp insouciance and gliding charm, Jack Remiel Cottrellâs fiery, fey, finely-tuned fictions leap from sci-fi to fantasy, comedy to horror, literary realism to romance, and to hybrids of all of these. Featuring sport, friendship, love, health, family, climate change, artificial intelligence, desire, magic, Greek gods, ghosts, peanut butter, cyber pranks, racial prejudice, and creepy medical advances, his stories play with the allure of the past, the disturbances of our own times, and the dangerous idealism of our future technologies â each one in fewer than 300 words. |
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Android Affection - Book 1: Rogue Zero by Beau Van Dalen Ian's parents were murdered. The culprit isn't humanâhe's a robot. Androids used to be Ianâs passion. Now, he sees them as mindless killing machines to be feared. After Ian's adoptive family kick him out for being transgender, Ian finds himself homeless without a soul to turn to for helpâwhich is when he meets Gilbert: a mysterious detective who treats Ian to breakfast one fateful day. Gilbert tells Ian about a case close to his heart. He drags Ian into adventures far beyond Ian's wildest dreams. And then, Ian falls in love. But it is wrong. So wrong. Because Gilbert is an android, and Ian swore he'd never trust another machine again. |
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Balor by Peter Harte Discover the captivating world of Balor, a modern mythological superhero mystery comic set in Ireland. Join 18-year-old Sean James as he grapples with the tragic murder of his brother by Dublin's notorious drug gangs. In an effort to find solace, Sean journies to Loch Na Suil, where he stumbles upon the mystical Shrine of Balor. Bestowed with extraordinary powers, Sean sets out on a path of vengeance. However, a shocking discovery at a drug shipment forces him to shift his focus to unraveling a web of secrets. Prepare for an electrifying tale of retribution turned investigation in Balor! |
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205Z: Time and Salvation by Jason Michael Primrose 2052 is humanity's last year on Earth. Catastrophic disasters are tearing away at our world's infrastructure. Time is scarce. Freedom is delicate. The privileged few will be saved... The unlucky will be left behind. Allister Adams is a genetically advanced Evolutionary, and besides that, he's like most of the Omega Generation-unlucky, forgotten-waiting aimlessly for the Apocalypse Countdown clock of days, hours, and minutes to finally hit zero. Until the clock strikes Day 215. Allister unknowingly charges into a conflict older than he is-a cold war for salvation between two rival organizations: a government-sanctioned task force of Evolutionaries and a group of radical, stateless Evolutionaries, both in violent pursuit of the one thing that promises humanity's survival. As Allister goes head-to-head with Evolutionaries on both sides, he must unravel the mysteries surrounding their key to survival, and master his power to retrieve it before the destruction they're trying to stop arrives. Our journey begins with... The Arrival... |
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The Gods Awoke by Marie Vibbert [If the Gods were real, could you believe?] Hitra, high priestess of Revestre, already has enough on her hands: political upheaval, a distractingly attractive male servant, and an upcoming harvest festival. But when a column of flame from the heavens sends a city into tumult, it upends more than just her schedule. Now, Hitra must deal with a religious schism, ethnic strifeâŠand a God growing out of control. |
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The Kuiper Belt Job by David D. Levine The Kuiper Belt Job is a caper story in space, a mash-up of Oceanâs 11 and The Expanse with a dollop of Firefly and Leverage. Itâs an ensemble piece with complex character relationships and a twisty, compelling plot, but beneath the entertaining surface it raises deep questions about identity and personhood. In a world where minds can be copied, what does it mean to be âmeâ? |
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Swallow the Moon by Bri Mooney In a dystopian world ruled by oppression and despair, two individuals find themselves caught in a treacherous web of power and forbidden love. Garrus is determined to salvage the remnants of his shattered world. As the last hope for a dwindling rebellion, he walks a precarious path, his every move shadowed by the ruthless Vampire King and his merciless regime. But when fate intertwined his destiny with that of SigrĂĂ°, the infamous killer fueled by a burning vendetta, everything changed. SigrĂĂ°, a legendary and deadly Vampire, has long harbored a deep-seated hatred for the Vampire King and his reign of terror. Her heart beats with a single purposeâto avenge the losses she has suffered. When a risky encounter at a livestock auction throws her and Garrus together, their agendas collide with electrifying force. Though their initial encounter is marked by enmity and mistrust, an undeniable connection flickers between them. As they reluctantly embark on a perilous journey, each driven by their own motives, Garrus and SigrĂĂ° must navigate a treacherous landscape of danger and deception. Their lives intertwine in unexpected ways, testing the limits of their loyalties and beliefs. Bound by circumstance, they find solace and strength in each other, gradually unraveling the layers of their hardened exteriors to reveal vulnerability and passion. In the face of an oppressive regime, their forbidden love becomes a beacon of hope and defiance, challenging the very foundations of their shattered world. In this dystopian tale of dual perspectives, enemies become unlikely allies, and the line between love and hate blurs amidst the chaos of revolution. âąâąâą STM is the first in a trilogy with dual POV featuring a paranormal tale of vampires and shifters in a dystopian setting. Some tropes are enemies to lovers, forced proximity, one bed, forbidden love, and why choose FFM. |
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In a world where shadows reign, Sigrid embarks on a harrowing journey of vengeance. "Devour the Sun," a gripping prequel to the celebrated "Swallow the Moon" series, thrusts readers into a realm where darkness and defiance collide. As the rebel vampires dethrone a benevolent king, shattering the city's fragile peace, Sigrid flees the chaos. Her courage and leadership swiftly draw survivors, uniting humans, shifters, and vampires in a desperate quest for safety. But Sigrid's thirst for justice refuses to be quenched by mere sanctuary. Her relentless pursuit to dismantle the oppressive crown and liberate those enslaved by darkness drives her forward. In her mission, she encounters Alex, a daring scientist conducting forbidden experiments on vampires. Their enigmatic connection ignites an inferno of forbidden passion that threatens to consume them both. "Devour the Sun" weaves a paranormal dark fantasy tapestry where alliances arise from the ashes of a once-peaceful kingdom, love emerges amidst the ruins, and Sigrid's unyielding spirit sparks a rebellion that will reshape their world forever. Venture into this captivating world where even the shadows hold secrets, and redemption is born from the darkest desires. |
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Alter Ego by Kate Sheeran Swed Hollywood days. Vigilante nights. To the world, she's a star. To the league of heroes who raised her? She's a liability. Mary's got a penchant for gadgets, a resume packed with criminal-busting credentials, and a reckless streak that tends to land her in trouble. So when a potential recruit blazes a trail through a local bar--literally--Mary blows off league protocol and whisks the girl off to HQ. But Mary's heat-of-the-moment rebellion endangers her family when the recruit's father shows up; more blowtorch than human, he's got a vendetta against the league and powerful investors to back him up. Instead of letting Mary help, the league banishes her to a stint of camera-courting under the guise of her celebrity secret identity. But Mary's got no intention of benching her grapple hooks; she chases her own leads through a web of secrets that threatens to unravel her history with the league. As conspiracies pick her family apart, Mary must question everything she's been raised to believe--and what it really means to be a hero--before her fiery enemy sets his sites on the rest of the world. ALTER EGO is a twisty superhero saga for fans of Umbrella Academy and Renegades. |
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Parting Shadows by Kate Sheeran Swed Raised by a heartsick AI, she's programmed to kill. And desperate to flee. After growing up on an isolated space station, Astra dreams of solid ground. But with an AI guardian plugged into her head--and her nervous system--it's not like she's flush with choices. In fact, she's got just one: use her training to carry out the rogue AI's revenge. Her first mission? Assassination. When her target flashes a jamming device that would guarantee her escape from the AI's grasp, Astra sets out to steal it. But the AI's plans are more dangerous than she suspected. Corrupted by heartbreak, the wayward computer is determined to infect the star system with a new order of digital tyranny. Astra's been raised to care for no one but herself. Now she'll have to decide if she's willing to trade the star system's freedom for her own. Parting Shadows is a far-future take on Estella Havisham's journey in Great Expectations, and the first installment in Kate Sheeran Swed's Toccata System novella trilogy. |
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Courage Is the Price by S.L. Dove Cooper Seventeen-year-old Rue doesnât need anyone other than Ghost, her not-so-imaginary best friend. Theyâve been inseparable for as long as Rue can remember and she shares everything with Ghost. The day before Rue returns home from school for the long holiday, Ghost disappears. Ever-fretful Rue tries to tell herself itâs fine, but she knows something is horribly, terribly wrong. Sheâll have to overcome her anxiety find her courage and push her boundaries further than she ever thought possible in order to save her best friend, and perhaps make some new ones as Rue finds herself drawn into the fringes of a secret battle for human survival. Soft science fiction meets fantasy in this exciting novella-length adventure of daring and friendship. |
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Environmental scientist, Zoe Antosâs world has forever been changed. When a mysterious illness sweeps across the globe, the Arrow Equilibrium is only too happy to place the blame on Zoe. Injured and on the run, the only thing that matters now is survival. But at some point, survival isnât enough. Zoe is determined to stop running and find a way to live in this new world. As a new community grows around her, so does the danger. The Arrows wonât stop till she dead, regardless of the collateral damage. Separated from his fiancĂ©, Cole Wilborn finds himself a prisoner of the Arrows. His parents are determined to make him see things their way, even if it means completely breaking down his spirit in the process. Unable to get to Zoe, he is committed to keeping the Arrows off her trail. With the help of his older siblings, he plays the part of dutiful son while gathering information to make his escape. Cole will soon learn that freedom may have consequences he never imagined. Zoe and Cole must find a way to turn the tide in their favor before it crashes down and pulls them under. |
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Hyvilma (The Kitra Saga #3) by Gideon Marcus [A damaged ship, a dying shipmateâcan she save both?] Under attack! The flight back to Hyvilma should have been the easy part for the crew of the Majeraâuntil a deadly ambush by pirates sends them reeling through hyperspace. Now getting to the planet in time is the only way Captain Kitra Yilmaz can save her dying friend. But landing at Hyvilma may be impossible: war has broken out on the Frontier. With illustrations by Hugo Finalist Lorelei Esther. |
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Sirena (The Kitra Saga #2) by Gideon Marcus [One starship, six friends, 10,000 lives in the balance.] Hugo Award Finalist Gideon Marcus has done it again with this second installment in The Kitra Saga. Sirena is a thrilling YA space adventure, unusually hopeful and optimistic in a sea of grimdark, dystopian releases. Enhanced with beautiful illustrations, fans of Becky Chambersâ Wayfarers and Emily Skrutskieâs Bonds of Brass will adore Sirena. Young captain-for-hire Kitra Yilmaz has gotten her first contract: escort the mysterious Princess of AtlĂĄntida beyond the Frontier and find her a new world. Itâs a risky job, fraught with the threat of pirates, dangerous squatters, and rising romantic tensions. Still, Kitra and her crew are up for anything â until they find a lush world, perfect for settlementâŠwith an enormous ghost ship already in orbit. What secret does the crippled vessel hide? And is Kitra ready to take responsibility for its precious cargo? With illustrations by Hugo Finalist Lorelei Esther. |
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[Stranded in space: no fuel, no way home⊠and no one coming to help.] From the pen of Hugo Finalist Gideon Marcus comes the found-family, YA Space Adventure youâve been waiting for: Nineteen-year-old Kitra Yilmaz dreams of traveling the galaxy like her Ambassador mother. But soaring in her glider is the closest she can get to touching the stars â until she stakes her inheritance on a salvage Navy spaceship. On its shakedown cruise, Kitraâs ship plunges into hyperspace, stranding Kitra and her crew light years away. Tensions rise between Kitra and her shipmates: the handsome programmer, Fareedh; Marta, biologist and Kitraâs ex-girlfriend; Peter, the panicking engineer; and the oddball alien navigator, Pinky. Now, running low on air and food, itâll take all of them working together to get back home. With illustrations by Hugo Finalist Lorelei Esther. |
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A Glimmer Of Silver by Juliet Kemp âA Glimmer Of Silver, from @booksmugglers, is bloody brilliant. A really interesting, well told, fascinating piece of ecological fiction. Plus, one pronoun for all, and it's xe!â â D Franklin "a warm and delightful SF YA novella - it reminds me in the best way of what it might be like if Robin McKinley wrote science fiction." â Stephanie Burgis "A Glimmer of Silver reminds us that, sometimes, the most potent barriers exist not between species, but between ourselves. But in its insistence that these barriers are not insurmountable, it speaks to the possibilitiesâand the hopesâof translation and coexistence, at the meeting points of sentience." â Gautum Bhatia, Strange Horizons |
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A Starbound Solstice by Juliet Kemp A festive space queer romance that will melt your heart and warm your exosuit. Linn and xyr crew are halfway through their long journey from Earth to Cetalla; what better time to celebrate a solstice? Bid farewell to Sol and hello to a new homestar. Traditions around mistletoeânot to mention Linnâs totally non-existent crush on xyr crewmate Tayeâhave nothing to do with it. Explaining paperchains to xyr alien crewmate and plotting present-giving keeps Linn busy enough, but then something goes wrong with Heron, the shipâs AI. Tracing the cause to a giant hullbreach onto needlespace, Linn and Taye have no idea what to do about it, or the stranger who came through it. Can they save their ship and get to their new home before the pressures of needlespace damage Heron beyond repair? And is Linn ever going to get that kiss under the mistletoe? "This is such a sweet science fiction holiday story set on an interstellar ship, with just enough natural tension to be fun but with an overriding message of hope and kindness and a real feeling of light - just perfect for the theme of a solstice celebration." â Stephanie Burgis, author |
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Office Politics: A Story of the Apocalypse by L. R. J. Allen Richard is the last man alive. He has survived the super-flu known as Shaking Stevens when the rest of the world perished. He has survived when his family has not. He has survived with no survival instincts. He spends his days rummaging through the remnants of society as loneliness and anger set in. That is, until, his wanderings lead him back to his place of work. It is familiar, it is comforting, it is routine. Until, one day, his desk-phone rings. From the author of Among Other Things comes a tale of survival and hope in the most dire of times, and what a man must do to remain sane. Includes two previously unpublished stories Keep off the Grass and Coin Toss at Acheron Station |
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The Sweet, the Spooky, & The Terrifying by Rachel Ann Hubert Three short stories for every aspect of Halloween. One sweet. One spooky. And one terrifying. Included in this book: Alone Together (The Sweet): The story of a college student determined to ostracize himself from everyone else around him. When he gets an unwanted guest for the night though, he'll soon see that being invisible isn't all that bad. And that sometimes it's worth stepping outside your comfort zone and shushing that negative voice inside your head. The Monster Within (The Spooky): Jules is starting over in a new town, new house, new everything. But this town isn't all it seems. While she tries to start fresh, memories from her previous life start trickling in. What is she running away from? And what is running away from her... The Ouroboros (The Terrifying): It started as a tickle. A tickle that became an itch. And itch at the back of his throat that not only could he not ignore...but that he could not escape |
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They say you never forget the first time you die. Toronto Police Service Detective Finsbury Gage knows this better than anyone. Now that he's gone digital, he sees his death every time he closes his eyesâhe and his wife, smeared across the highway after a malfunctioning bit-head ran them down in a stolen urban assault vehicle. Fin hung together long enough for the Second Skyn recovery team to rescue his fading thoughts from his ruined body and implant them in a custom-grown bioSkyn. His wife wasn't so lucky. Finsbury's been gifted a second chance, but the only thing keeping him from blowing his plastic brains out is that 2.57 seconds of vivid memory running on repeat through his head, the one that contains a instant's glimpse of his killer's face. The police couldn't find the man responsible, and now the only evidence is locked up in Finsbury's brand new mind. Driven to find his killer, Finsbury falls into a dangerous underworld of hackable minds and enhanced bodies, where death is cheap, and memory all that matters. But once he's tasted the power of living at the speed of light, able to predict seconds into the future, how will he ever go back? And once he's relaxed his grip on humanity, how far will he let it slip in the name of finding justice for the woman he loves? Finsbury's going to find the man who stole his future, no matter what he has to do. Or what he must become. |
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Trials of the Innermost by Jonathan Fuller and Kristina W Kelly A cataclysm in Ethereaâs past stopped its rotation, leaving three distinct realms: one of light, one of dark, and one of twilight. Years of war between them followed. Until the establishment of the Trials of the Innermost. A new set of Six Truthseekers are chosen for this quest of learning and cooperation. But the fragile peace created by the Trials is crumbling, even as they begin their first task. The group is composed of each realmâs best and brightest, and their talents range from magic channeled through music to explosive crystals. They will need all their unique abilities to survive the Trials, which take them through scorched wastes, a wall of storms, and the shadowed Fellwood. Along their journey, a shared lost past is rediscovered that forces the Truthseekers to question all they once held to be true. Yet even as they grapple with their new reality, a deadly secret is unveiled. A fragment of an alien force called the Penumbra has possessed one of their own, granting him preternatural abilities. One realm seeks to control the entity, but the Penumbra has other plans. If it can succeed in reuniting its broken pieces, it will gain the power to consume all of Ethereaâs abundant life force. The Truthseekers must overcome their differences and work together to stop the malevolent entity before they lose their friendâand their worldâto the Penumbraâs hunger. |
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The Heart of Space by Adam Gaffen The Cassidyverse is back! Kendra and Aiyana's world is as vibrant and rich as ever in this new collection of thirteen pieces of short fiction. You might think their world runs on fusion power, or antimatter plants, or maybe even warp drives. But it doesn't. It runs on emotions and relationships and heart. What happened after Kendra's near-disastrous Christmas party? You're not going to believe it! Kendra's journey from actress to assassin continues in "Roses Have Thorns" Lexie wants to break up with her boring boyfriend, but she never expected a goddess Shi faces her demons in "Lupus in Astris", putting the ghosts of her past to rest In "Heart of Molycirc", Elsa confronts a lying, corrupt bully to regain her self-respect Step into the distant future of the Terran Empire in "Chooser of the Living" and see the covert battle that could launch a revolution These stories and more show what we mean when we say that the Terran Federation is the Heart of Space. |
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Evan Grey is just trying to get his store, REWIND VIDEO, up and running. Fate, unfortunately, often has other plans. Then he finds something that would be the perfect touch, an old vacuum tube TV. One that keeps turning to static. And it too has other plans. It follows you. Drives you. Itâs already inside you. Lose yourself in...GREY NOISE. âA really fun, fast-paced and engaging novella, âGrey Noiseâ ripped along and I couldnât put it down.â -Steve Stred, Splatterpunk-nominated author of Mastodon âIf youâre looking for a quick, blood-soaked read brimming with nostalgia and some thought provoking commentary on human nature in general, be sure to check out Grey Noise.â -Wendy Dalrymple, author of They Come From The Water âLike a hot acid spit right in the eye, followed by a roundhouse with a steel toe boot square to the temple, while the T.V. is running a marathon of the decline of Western civilization.â -@hausofharlequeen, Goodreads review |
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A Mirage in the Memory by Simon Tull Dogged by a digital ghost and his own murky past, he must scour the city to kill the killer ⊠or lose the woman he loves. Earth, post-Apocalypse. Thibault Allard is determined to save his wife. After he escapes the addictive virtual reality that enslaved them both, he works as a bounty hunter for their unsavoury captor to gain inside access and search for his beloved. But when the morally flexible immortal is handed a ruthless ultimatum, he derails his plans in order to pursue the man who terminated his boss's spouse. Getting close to the dangerous cult leader responsible for the woman's death, he scrambles to survive after he's captured and imprisoned. And thrown into a pit for a gladiatorial battle against a blood-lusting monster, Thibault fears he'll die before he can rescue the bride he left behind. Can he double down on his duty without losing the rest of his soul? |
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The Hollow Boys: The Dream Rider Saga, Book 1 by Douglas Smith THE DREAM RIDER SAGA, BOOK 1 Winner of the 2023 Aurora Award for Best YA Novel Winner of the 2023 juried IAP Award for Best YA Novel Vanishing street kids. An ancient evil. The end of the world. Our only hope? A hero who can't leave home. At seventeen, Will Dreycott is a superheroâŠin his dreams. And in yours. Eight years ago, Will's parents, shady dealers in ancient artifacts, disappeared on a jungle expedition. Will, the sole survivor, returned home with no memory of what happened, bringing a giftâŠand a curse. The gift? Will can walk in our dreams. At night in Dream, Will hunts for criminalsâand his parents. During the day, his Dream Rider comic, about a superhero no one knows is real, has made Will rich. The curse? Severe agoraphobia. Will can't go outside. So he makes his home a skyscraper with everything he needs in lifeâeverything but the freedom to walk the streets of his city. Case, an orphan Will's age, survives on those streets with her younger brother, Fader. Survives because she too has a gift. She hears voices warning her of danger. And Fader? Well, he fades. When street kids start vanishing, the Dream Rider joins the hunt. Will's search becomes personal when Case breaks into his tower to escape her own abduction. Fader isn't so lucky. As Will and Case search for Fader and the missing kids, an unlikely romance grows between the boy with everything and the girl with nothing except the freedom Will longs for. But as they push deeper into the mystery, they confront an ancient power feeding on these forgotten kids to restore itself. And once restored, no one in the world will be safe. To defeat this creature, Will must do the impossible. Go outside. Indiana Jones meets Teen Titans in The Dream Rider Saga, a fast-paced urban fantasy trilogy from "one of Canada's most original writers of speculative fiction" (Library Journal). "Editor's Pick: This arresting series kickoff grips from the start as it introduces its inventive milieu, its flawed but fantastically powered hero, its playful worldbuilding, and a host of tantalizing mysteries. ⊠Thatâs just the start of Smithâs vigorously imaginative scenario. ⊠Takeaway: Thrilling YA fantasy." âBookLife "Smith has created a dramatic, vivid fantasy world ⊠The Hollow Boys is an assured, confident novel with strong world-building, sharp dialogue and the perfect balance between action and emotional growth for its main characters. ⊠In short, this is a must-read story for YA fantasy fans." âBlueink Review (â Starred review) "The Hollow Boys is inventive, engaging, and boundless fun" âThe Ottawa Review of Books |
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The Training Grounds: From the Ashes by Jason Clark After suffering devastating losses in the pursuit to destroy the reaper, Millicent, Adelaide, and Oakes try to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives. As they prepare for another year at the Training Grounds, events unfold that provide hopeâand the promise of more bloodshed. The discovery of an ancient map presents a world of possibilities, along with whisperings of a device that holds the potential to bring Darius back. Millicent and her friends will embark on an epic journey and attempt the impossibleâto cheat death. While increasing her control over the elements, a strange voice from beyond reaches out, offering a deadly proposal. As the three students search for a way to bring Darius backâor decide to finally let him go, Dean Anders joins forces with Bao and Bixia to prepare the Training Grounds for an imminent attack. Not only must Anders juggle the external threats of Belladonna and the Unified Republic, but a new foe emerges, threatening to destroy the school from within. The stakes are higher as cataclysmic battles bring Merchant Valley to the brink of annihilation. Will the new weapons Anders creates for his prize students be enough? Can they possibly withstand the inevitable onslaught destined for the school? This time everyone must fight to stay aliveâor die trying. |
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Season One: Iris and the Crew Tear Through Space! by Cait Gordon In a galactic network known as the Keangal, where space is accessible⊠Lieutenant Eileen Iris and the command crew of the S.S. SpoonZ havenât a clue what it means to be disabled. An unexpected conversation with an intergalactic janitor brings up the question but offers no answers before heâs âported away. Unfazed, duties resume as Iris manages an overprotective guidebot; Security Chief Lartha and her sentient prostheses offer kick-ass protection; Mr. Herbertâs inventiveness is a godsend (although heâs not quite grasped how to flirt); Commander Davanâs affable personality comes through whether trumpeted, texted, or signed; and Captain Warqâs gracious but firm leadership keeps everyone at their best. Until on one mission, where the crew tears through space. Just a little bit. |
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Mythic: Shadow of the Spark by Adrian Santiago Thousands of years after Ancient Earth, Humanity has forgotten its past, and is doomed to repeat it. MYTHIC: For centuries the last of humanity traveled the galaxy aboard a fleet of ARK ships searching for a new home. They warred amongst themselves, formed alliances, and eventually split off into factions. The peace-seekers that broke away found a ringed and moonless planet they renamed Gaia in homage to Ancient Earth, orbiting a star they renamed Sol. They gifted Gaia a moon in the form of a giant space station called The Spark; built by combining their fourteen ARKs, ending their nomadic ways, and committing to their new home. For three centuries there was peace for the last of mankind. The era of Peace is over. The age of Shadow has begun. BOOK ONE: SHADOW OF THE SPARK Newly-appointed Detective Migdalia Vandersey's first murder case was supposed to be open-and-shut. Wishful thinking. Armed with the latest technology she unravels the mysteries of the victims, the killer, and The Spark itself. The complex web of crime and corruption entangles her professionally, and romantically, with a bounty hunter seeking redemption (Llyr Varyan) and a witch exploring the depths of her power (Faye Noelani). At the center of all the sex, drugs, secrets, magic, and violence waits a prolific killer who hunts the streets with impunity. This murderer works to cover his tracks and stay ahead of Detective Vandersey, and her partners, as they race against the clock to stop him from taking his next victim, and tying off his final loose end. Will the help of Llyr and Faye be enough, or will Migdalia's career end before she even closes her first case? |
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Mythic: The Death & Rebirth of Bella Erdmann by Adrian Santiago A farm girl out in the big city. The drug dealing black sheep of the family. And a hippie chick guiding them on a mushroom trip. What could go wrong? (A Psychedelic Sci-Fi Short Story) Bella Erdmann's time had come. She was made to leave The Farm; the only home she'd ever known, for a full year of life in the wild city streets. The Spark, a moon-sized space station and home to the last of humanity, was a terrifying place for someone as naĂŻve and uncultured as she. With nowhere else to turn, she settled for the drug-dealing black sheep of the family, her cousin Mitch, who immediately whisked her off in his hover-car to make a delivery to a hippie. The night grew stranger from there with the introduction of wine, cannabis and magic mushrooms. A memorable first and final night of life on the town for Bella Erdmann. This short story serves as a prologue or direct lead-in to the novel, MYTHIC: SHADOW OF THE SPARK |
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Have You Decided on Your Question: A Novelette by Lyndsey Croal If you could live your life over again, what would you ask to change? Something big? Something small? A single moment? Have you decided on your question? Zoe has. Tired of feeling alone and lost, Zoe seeks out an experimental virtual therapy experience from Alternative Reality Tech, which offers patients the opportunity to explore life's biggest "what if?" questions via virtual reality. During her first assessment, Zoe glimpses a past in which she would have met the love of her life years ago, if not for a split-second decision. Wanting to find out more about what could have been, she returns regularly to her alternative life, slowly falling in love with the man she should have met. And so begins a dangerous obsession... |
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The Babel Apocalypse by Vyvyan Evans Language is no longer learned, but streamed to neural implants regulated by lang-laws. Those who can't afford language streaming services are feral, living on the fringes of society. Big tech corporations control language, the worldâs most valuable commodity. But when a massive cyberattack causes a global language outage, catastrophe looms. Europol detective Emyr Morgan is assigned to the case. His prime suspect is Professor Ebba Black, the last native speaker of language in the automated world, and leader of the Babel cyberterrorist organization. But Emyr soon learns that in a world of corporate power, where those who control language control everything, all is not as it seems. As he and Ebba collide, Emyr faces an existential dilemma between loyalty and betrayal, when everything he once believed in is called into question. To prevent the imminent collapse of civilization and a global war between the great federations, he must figure out friend from foeâhis life depends on it. And with the odds stacked against him, he must find a way to stop the Babel Apocalypse. |