Dead Drops and Dragons by Seann Barbour

Terry Graham is a loser. But that changes when he and his buddies find a trash bag full of cash stuffed beneath a dumpster. Now they're rich, and everything they ever wanted is within their grasps. But before they can enjoy more than a taste of that high life, the money's original owners track them down-- and they're mad. Terry and his buddies will need to pay back what they stole, but they might not survive the experience. After all, now they know things that they were never meant to... The world is full of secrets, and secrets have keepers. The mysterious Paktritter now have Terry in their sights, and they won't rest until they have him in their hands. At every turn, he is hunted; by a man with too many teeth, by a billionaire who saw the fall of Rome, by a woman who can turn into a wolf. He'll have to fight tooth and nail to survive in a world that's nothing like he thought it was. His life will never be the same. --- DEAD DROPS AND DRAGONS is book one of 'The Pact,' a new urban fantasy series about a secret organization of supernatural misfits who keep magic a secret from the world. Combining horror and thriller, noir and soap opera, 'The Pact' is an exciting, queer-inclusive series starring a diverse cast of memorable characters!

Another Worlds Hommunculus by Samuel Act

Ellis died an unexpected death. Before he could experience the sweet bliss of eternal rest, a God-like being whisked him away to parts unknown. The God told a tale of another world in grave jeopardy and the need for a hero (or several heroes) to go there and save its people. It looked to be a typical story of transmigration when suddenly, something unexpected happened. Now, Ellis finds himself standing in the middle of an ancient tomb, with a lineage that wasn’t exactly normal and a body that wasn’t entirely human.

Misfit's Rise by Sara E Tall

A century after the Magi of Earth found sanctuary in an underground Realm, those whose magic is sub-par or are halfbreed outcasts are forced into exile back on Earth. As a powerless Fae/Human hybrid, Billie should fit right in. Except, she’s anything but powerless, making her a misfit among misfits. When her powers nearly destroy a human home, she's given a chance to return. Returning to the Realm has always been Billie’s dream, but the Realm is anything but a fairy tale. Despite its claims of acceptance and equality, ancient rivalries between the Realm’s magical species are threatening to rip it apart. Billie somehow manages to land herself in the middle, a dangerous place for an outcast to be. What’s more, the powerful magic that brought her there suddenly vanishes, leaving her vulnerable to the attacks of those who think a misfit doesn’t belong in the Realm. Staying in the Realm is her only chance to live life as a true Mage, but staying could cost her life.

Bane Song by Bryan Gifford

Some people just need a knife in the back… For Adera, that man is Urel Arellis: traitor, murderer, and king. Thought dead and lost to the world, Adera stalks the shadows, a revenant striking fear in the hearts of all, earning her names only whispered in the dark. Years spent dissecting his networks, cutting down his supporters, daring to stir hope in the populace, have all come down to this moment. She has vowed to tear him from his throne. Rebellion stirs in her wake, and beyond the seas, new threats loom. A mysterious enemy ravages across the continent of Edonia, one that whispers from the fires of Adera’s past. She must face her past to face her future, for Urel is not the only one with blood on his hands. One thing is certain, however: some people just need a knife in the back. And for Urel Arellis… That knife is a sword.

Stowaway (Aeolus Investigations Book 1) by Robert E Colfax

The year is 2026. When Lexi first met Ron, she was a 24-year-old doctoral student at a university on the west coast of the United States. She had a plan with clear goals for her life. Lexi hoped to be on the first space mission to Titan, although, in a pinch, Mars would do. Ron was a student there too, except it turned out he already had a job as an insurance investigator. One with an undercover mission. While it wouldn't be fair to say that Lexi was knocked off her feet, she certainly felt a strong attraction. Ron abruptly left after their first date without much of an explanation. Bummer! What does a bright young woman brimming with curiosity and an overabundance of determination do? She followed him. Of course. Who knew he was an alien? Right? Determined to save Earth from (an imagined) invasion, what could a girl do other than to stow away on his small starship. Her plans of space missions quickly go out the window. Joining forces with her alien boyfriend Ron, his mother Geena, and the sentient starship Urania, they manage to recover the 50,000 year-old, alien, artifact known as the Rose of Light. That’s when the fun starts, or more precisely, the havoc begins. Aeolus Investigations is a lighthearted space adventure with tongue-in-cheek humor and a dash of romance. Join Lexi, Ron, Geena, and Urania, the Aeolus Investigations team, in Stowaway, the first of their ongoing adventures.

The Blacktop Blues: A Dieselpunk Adventure (The Crossover Case Files Book 1) by Richard Levesque

He's lost his girl and now his mind. Jed Strait survived the war, but will his homecoming be the death of him? Jed Strait made it through the war unscathed. Or at least, that's what he thought. But now that he's home, he's not so sure, because he’s plagued by horrifying flashbacks. Only, they're visions of events that never occurred. All he wants is to reconnect with the woman he left behind and get on with his life, but according to the visions, that's the worst thing he could do. If he follows Annabelle to LA, his nightmares could actually become real, but staying in New York with no Annabelle and no explanations will surely drive him mad. Damned if he goes and damned if he stays, the only path forward is the one leading west, to the final crescendo of either marriage, misery or madness waiting for him at the end of a road that’s paved with The Blacktop Blues. Fans of hard-boiled detective stories and Dieselpunk science fiction will enjoy The Blacktop Blues, the first installment in the thrilling Crossover Case Files series.

Water Music by Christopher Botkin

Imagine you are Monwyrt. You were born in the mountain caves of a rigidly communal culture, selected at birth to be a hunter. Without any tribal concept of love or family, you were raised outside on the slopes in the hunters' school, while others were raised in the caves, to become miners or craftsmen. Like the legendary hunter Smaelaer before you, your natural talents make you the most successful hunter of the tribe. You run further, you hunt longer, you always find game -- or it finds you. You always surpass your quota, much to the envy of the other hunters. One day, your talents draw the attention of the lore-master. She sends you on an errand far from the caves -- so far other hunters dare not go -- to a forbidden region of myth and mystery. She asks only that you report to her what you find there. It seems a pointless journey -- until myths and mysteries become real, and leave you in doubt of your true purpose. They called Smaelaer insane, and he was condemned for it. But if Smaelaer was insane, then, perhaps, so are you. Thus begins your quest to discover who you really are, and why the voice inside your head echoes, “a race of destiny.” "Water Music" is the epic story of Monwyrt's quest. The saga spans cultures and generations, civilizations and vast eras, even life and death. Is it real, or is it a dream? You -- that is, Monwyrt -- can be forgiven for suspecting it is a dream. Because it just might be. Enjoy your stay, and welcome back.

The Key of Amatahns (Argetallam Saga) by Elisabeth Wheatley

In a land where those with magic are esteemed and revered, Janir guards a secret that would send her to the headsman's block at a word. As one of the reviled Argetallams, she has the power to destroy enchantments and steal others' magic—an ability that has caused bloodshed for generations.Raised as the illegitimate daughter of an influential lord, she was determined to turn her back on her heritage, but when her power manifests, leaving a nobleman dead, she has no choice but to flee her adoptive home. In exile with the help of a fearless young enchanter and an elf sworn to protect her, she finds herself entangled in a quest to hide an ancient artifact from the kingdom’s enemies. But they are not the only ones after the relic and soon their paths cross with a rival from Janir's distant childhood. With no hope of help or rescue, the fate of nations will depend on a fifteen year old girl and her mastery of powers she doesn't understand.

The Ghostlands, Part 1: Erie Energy by CN James, Amy Joy

Landscapes shift. Ghosts whisper. People disappear. A dark secret looms… There’s a hollowness inside of Anastasia, a deep longing to be normal. But that’s not what she is. She can do what no one else can: she can understand the ghosts. There are millions of them. So many, in fact, that every city is now surrounded by an energy barrier designed to protect them from the ghosts. And her boyfriend, the only person who understood her, has disappeared. Desperate to find him, she must make a deal with her duplicitous brother and travel outside the protection of the city, into the haunted wastelands known as the ghostlands. What she will discover there will change her life and her world forever.

Nightmares & Stars by Kat Satava

A decade has passed since the Convergence Massacre that took Princess Alora's father and plunged her beloved Noctourne into war with the fire-wielding Soldaynians. Alora being next in line for the throne, her mother, Queen of Noctourne, diligently shielded her from the fighting for years. But Alora refuses to hide quietly in court while Soldaynia continually gains footing in their lands. To complicate matters, Alora’s 25th birthday is rapidly approaching. If her familiar does not present itself by her birthday then her Royal Ascension would inevitably drive her to insanity. It was the stuff of daymares. Her best friend and assigned protector, General Bist Tinshale, has returned from the frontlines to manage her safety during the upcoming birthday festivities. But there is a new awkwardness between them, one that's charged with feelings forbidden between royal Witches and Tinkers. Like a wish on a falling star, Alora hears a rumor of an ancient weapon that could turn back the dawning of the Soldaynian forces. When Alora steals the map to locate it. She forces herself and Bist out of the moonlit safety of Luminae Castle and Noctourne to lands they have only heard about from the memories of the ancients. Alora must risk everything to defend her family’s throne, their people, and their lands. Will she survive long enough to rule?

Heavenly Bodies by Imani Erriu

In a world ruled by the Stars, cruel and merciless gods that watch over the world, Elara has been cursed by fate. A prophecy that promises that she will fall for a Star, and it will kill them both. But when one descends to wreak havoc on Elara's kingdom, she is forced to flee into the arms of her enemy in the neighboring country. As she learns more about her own magic, and the depth of the Stars' deceit, she finds herself also learning more about the country she takes refuge in, and the enemy prince forced to train her into a weapon. Something dark brews within her, a power made of night and shadows, that begs to be broken free.

Disrupting Destiny (Book 1 Naturae Series): A thrilling Tudor fantasy romance where forever isn't certain - trust no-one... (The Naturae Series) by Jan Foster

She thought she was safe. Hidden. Happy. She was wrong. And now her life, her race and her heart will pay the price for trying to disrupt destiny. Once a mortal, when homebody Joshua is torn apart from his wife, only his belief in her innocence and the kindness of strangers keeps him alive. In a dangerous quest through the turbulence of Reformation England to find his lover, he finds himself questioning his own faith as much as being a fae. Heartbroken and alone, Annabella refuses to comply with the future envisaged for her until a darker secret threatens to destroy the realm and fae immortality. The fate of an entire race rests on their shoulders, but can destiny be changed? Rebellion, danger and intrigue threaten the future in a thrilling journey, weaving Tudor times with magical fantasy. Disrupting Destiny – forever isn’t certain, trust no-one…

Treachery of Water by Angela J Ford.

Foul magic stirs in the depths of the sea where sirens are ruled by the whims of powerful water nymphs. But when fever sweeps the watery kingdoms, threatening to destroy the race of sirens forever, a new hero must rise. Darya, a water nymph, is chosen to find a magical remedy to save her people. But the spell for the cure lies ashore in the Great Library of Nomadia. Forsaking the depths, Darya begins a desperate quest to save her home, her people and everything she loves. But her quest goes awry when she is captured by slave traders who bind her magic. Nurimil is a legendary hunter known for his skills in procuring magical creatures and artifacts. Unfortunately, a bounty is on his head and he’s on the run with a risky plan to secure his own freedom. A plan that becomes twisted once he lays eyes on Darya. Araceli the Faun works in the capital city of Nomadia as a librarian. When traveling mages leave behind a mysterious tome she becomes obsessed with it. As she unravels the secrets of the book, it shows her how to summon a dark and devious jinn. As Darya, Nurimil and Araceli wrestle with their own endeavors, they will soon discover they have the potential to sway the fate of Nomadia. For unrest plagues the empire of Nomadia. A darkness rises, fueled by a cruel sorceress with a hideous desire to throttle magic and rule all races with an iron fist.

Zena the Lesbian Space Pop Star by Summer Rena

A brilliant scientist, skilled fighter, adored pop star, and incredibly modest about it all, Zena Starr is the most beloved woman in the galaxy. And only a few people want to kill her for it. One of them? A bloodthirsty aristocrat from Zena's past. The other? The mutant assassin she hired to bring back Zena's head. There’s nothing Zena hates more than losing, and the assassin’s trap awaiting her at an empty lunar amusement park risks the loss of everything Zena’s ever given a damn about: her stardom, her reputation, and her eccentric crew of misfits that have become Zena’s family. To protect what she loves, Zena must survive a life or death battle with the most dangerous assassin to ever cross the stars, facing off with murderous singing robots, rogue petting zoo monstrosities, and off-the-rails hyperspeed trains along the way.

Kershin the Fire mage by Stephen J Wolf

How do you control a power you hate? Kershin's attempts at a normal life have always been fruitless, but now he's sure he'll be cursed forever. After shunning his fire magic for years, he's now forced to either tame it himself or be tamed by a persistent mage hunter. The harder he tries, the worse the situation gets, and as he's hunted across the land, he leaves destruction in his wake. Hessia has been scarred by a fire mage before, but she's determined to never be helpless again. On her mission to tame the destructive fire mage, she faces trials that shake her to her core. Trials that test her mettle, threaten her beliefs, and decimate the villages she's trying to protect. Will she fall prey to her own hunt? The fire takes. The fire consumes. The fire kills. These two know that very well. As they clash, they discover that the threats they face may be greater than either of them imagined.

Dusted by Stars by G.A. Matiasz

Stacy Jones is a small-time contractor and proud citizen of socialist Mars. But she barely makes ends meet as an independent starship pilot and freight hauler. When Stacy takes a commission to transport the mythical sangrael possessed by the legendary Medea Aeëtes she unknowingly puts her life and livelihood at risk. Stacy teams up with Kryz, a diminutive Rarj, to battle thieves and hijackers across a galaxy swarming with aliens and riddled with danger. Together they maneuver through bar brawls and mercenaries, armed seizures and dogfights, suicide attacks and death squads to protect her precious cargo. Stacy’s action-packed mission culminates on Kapala in a transcendental experience that exposes secrets and lies before new paths forward are revealed. This far future science fiction adventure thriller is a rollicking space opera with a touch of fantasy. Set in the universe of the author’s previous books, Dusted by Stars is lavishly illustrated by Jon Hunt and comes with a bonus near-future cyberpunk mystery The Death of David Pickett.

A Manx Daisy Chain and other stories: Tales of witches, fairies and mermaids from the Isle of Man by Jane Davis

How did the Laxey Wheel get its name? What goes on at a mermaid’s wedding? How can you stop fairies from leaving footprints in your butter? The Isle of Man’s supernatural inhabitants are out in force in A Manx Daisy Chain – a set of interlinked short fairy tales that answers all these questions...and more besides. And in Other Stories, an apprentice witch needs one last ingredient to pass her final exam, a woman is surprised to find herself the owner of a robot dinosaur, and a Bake Off competitor living on a space station has more than just the action in the tent to contend with. Born and raised on the Isle of Man, translator and writer Jane Davis can trace her Manx roots back to the 1400s. So when she decided to write a series of short pieces inspired by Christmas tea sachets, it was no surprise when they turned out to be set on this magical island.

A Willows Dream by Arifel Fae

Feel the magick of anshu's life force energy, as it courses through violeta veins, in a healing wave of sparkling vitality. From the safe embrace of her elvin hometown, a decade after the loss of her family to human raiders, Solial must flee the clutches of Kweane Ninra's Whyte Knyghte, General, Haleng-Ku. Follow her on a journey through vaporwave forests of Goddesses, Unicornis and other fantasy creatures of lore. Learn anshu from her grandmothers, while in search of knowledge hidden within the pages of a forbidden Book of Sajori. To keep its newly found secrets safe, she must traverse the emptiness of the red Bedorvish desert and its otherworldly creatures with the guidance of friends and Spirit Guides met along the way. Can she reconnect with her Eldarvish heritage in time to master the art of Meta and keep the mechlan from destroying her beloved Gaiann's Wood? Or, will she lose her way in Anaan’s Forest and ultimately conform to humans’ forceful scientific ways?

Realms: Volume 1 by Andrea Rollins

Astrid, a young woman living in the small, cozy town of Crimson Barrow, has always been different. Phenomena she cannot explain plague her every day of her life. One day, after a wretched morning in the square, she finds herself the unlikely target of a mysterious faction desperate to capture her. Fleeing from the only home she has ever known, she becomes wrapped in an adventure to find a new place to belong and a new way of life while being continuously hunted. Secrets are uncovered as she slowly learns who she is, but can she control what she is?

The hand that feeds by Frankie Sullivan

The Age of Industrialization launched humans into the modern era with the advent of new technologies. There was, however, an unfortunate side effect. Vampires, long pushed to the edges of myth and legend, obtained a degree of freedom and mobility never dreamt of before. With trains and steamer ships, they could travel the world without ever seeing the sun. Their numbers exploded, and it wasn't long before huge swaths of territory were under their control. One hundred and fifty years later, vampires have built a thriving society in the ruins of the United States. However, it is all about to come crashing down as famine looms on the horizon. A strange new disease has infected the human livestock and the one person with the answers is a lowly thrall, a human taken by vampires to be raised and one day turned, to become part of the new vampiric generation, whether she wants it or not.

The serpent of time by Jim Shanahan

A story like the Hobbit or the film Krull. A desperate quest in a strange and beautiful land. Ember Willowleaf is afraid -- but she must not give up -- the Outer Lands are waiting for those brave enough to enter them and fate has dealt the cards that she now must play. Join her on a quest to save herself, her friends and the world she has known -- a voyage that will take her to the edge of eternity itself. This story is similar to a Lord of the Rings type story or the Hobbit or the film Krull in that it can be enjoyed by all ages. It contains no swear words.

Vagabonds by Kyle Olson

A modern world has little need for old myths and gods that have crumbled to dust. Or so it believes. Time has not been kind to those forgotten gods, but some live on, hiding in plain sight. Some have grown weary of hiding. Sejit has rejoined the world, driven by a vow made to her mortal son to steer mankind away from the path of self-destruction. But, she must tread carefully. She may be a lion-goddess of war and the hunt, but humanity—those reckless children—possess weapons capable of slaying the mightiest of gods. Should she be discovered, doubtless would they wield those terrible devices against her. In her homeland, she labors to gather military and political might. Marshaling a fractured region, shaping it into an instrument able to bring her will to the world at large won’t be an easy task. She is not the only powerful god left in the world. Others have their own agendas and ideas about how best to guide—or rule—mortals. Alliances are forming as lesser deities choose their sides, given a reason to exist once more. The goddess Tess is Sejit’s closest ally, harboring a secret she intends to wield against her foes. Yet, that same secret may serve to be her own undoing. Fangs are bared and claws unsheathed as the gods maneuver in the arena of mortals. Who, if anyone, will back down? The world may just again tremble beneath the feet of giants.

Librarian (Lenna's Arc Book 1) by Brian Fence

Lenna Faircloth thought she was content enough to be junior librarian at one of the grandest libraries on the Continent, so long as at the end of the day she can enjoy a glass (or two) of wine and some decent shut-eye. Reticent and unconcerned with trivial matters, Lenna is almost laughably nonplussed the day her childhood friend, Gilbert, appears at her door, asking her to help smuggle stolen goods across national borders. LIBRARIAN is the first part of a young woman's long journey set in an alternate, sparsely-populated world. When unfortunate circumstances leave a bizarre, out-of-place artifact of immense power in the sole custody of Lenna, she is forced to question her own wants, the source of her withdrawal from others, and the curious nature of the Continent's magic -- all the while being the target of numerous political factions longing to possess the strange item bound to her by a child's promise.

The language of the wind by M.R Grand

There aren’t enough bodies to harbor the demons of Olenore Allas. One demon —a nameless and star-skinned creature—is plagued by the search for a perfect body, every day of their wispy life. Guided by nothing but the winds, they know they want nothing more than to be themself: mortal, beautiful, and loved. And who better to grant them that, than Junovere Krauss? A thief, a witch, hungry for a perfect demon to strike a deal with, to create a bond that will grant her the magic she’s longed for all her life. And in exchange, Juno promises her demon everything. A name, a voice, sight, hearing…and, of course, beauty. The vain creature fights their devouring insecurities as Juno guards her secrets: that she needs this completed demon for her aunt, who has threatened to destroy her reputation before it's even started. Complete the demon’s body, and their deal is complete, their bond broken. But Juno loses her magic forever. As Juno’s bond with her demon manifests into something more powerful than magic itself, she has to choose: magic, or freedom? Follow the demon and witch as they adventure over the bewitching Olenore Allas, a land that thrives on the law of balance. As they outsmart mortals, demons, and witches alike, they may slowly understand how willing they are to break the laws of balance for one another. A dark fairytale rich with romance and a diverse cast that dives into the meaning of identity, and the relationship between a body and a soul, THE LANGUAGE OF THE WIND is the first installment of the BROKEN CHIMERA duology.

Bringing Home The Rain: The Redemption of Howard Marsh 1 (The Jubal County Saga) by Bob McGough

Howard Marsh is a lot of things: a liar, a thief, a poor man’s wizard. He’s the product of a miserable county with more dirt roads than paved; where poverty and loss is the order of the day. He’s a man haunted by his past, and has yet to find any reason to try and piece himself back together. Where we find him is at the bottom, eking out a living as a water witch, a copper thief, a finder of lost things. Living in a storage shed and trying to maintain what's left of the frayed relationships of the few family members who will still talk to him. Untrained, he uses the drugs that ravage his body to fuel his magic. Within these pages Marsh will work to unravel two supernatural mysteries as only a redneck wizard can: poorly, and with much cursing. In Bringing Home the Rain he has to piece together just why it hasn’t rained in months within the bounds of a perfect circle just south of town. And in Dancing With Your Demons he’s on the trail of a missing woman whose now infamous son once burned down a church. He is Howard Marsh, the Methgician. He’s a travesty...but he’s the best hope Jubal County has. (Warning: This book contains much cursing and foul language, as befits a tale told by a drug addled white trash wizard.)

A plague of ruin Book One: Son of Two Bloods by Daniel T Hylton

For generations, the world of humans has suffered war, death, and devastation, unleashed upon the earth by the strange and mysterious race of darkings. Powerful and terrible; no one can stand against them. Those that try and do so, die. Many believe that the masked fiends serve someone even more powerful who dwells in the far east of the world, a god, perhaps, or a mighty sorcerer. Into this troubled world, Brenyn is born. An unusual boy, he came into the world possessed of magic powers that he does not understand and cannot control. Brenyn's father was human, and his mother, who died at the moment of his birth, was, some believe, of the race of Sylvans, a magical folk. But how can this be? Long ago, the gods decreed that humans and Sylvans, should they mate, could not conceive a child, for they feared that a union of the two Great Gifts - human will and Sylvan magic - would produce someone, either male or female, who would be different, powerful, like unto the gods themselves - someone... like Brenyn.

Two Moons of Merth: A Mythic Tale of the Royal Karda Family by Ruth Mitchell

Written in the whimsical tone you will find in Neil Gaiman’s Stardust, the Two Moons of Merth takes readers to an extraordinary planet—where adventure and danger await. Aadya, the main character, begins life as a lowly peasant, but her goals are mighty, and she finds her way to becoming the queen of all the land. Her mission in life is to gain respect for herself and all the other women of Merth. Through her heroic efforts, she changes her society and elevates the status of all women once referred to as ‘breeders.’ Follow the Karda family through two generations in this alluring tale as they lead their people with the guidance of the Matong and kinetic sight. This imaginative saga of quests, romance, intrigue, and magic will have you spellbound as you turn each page to find out what happens next.

Gatekeeper: Planetary Colonization meets Elemental Fantasy (The Berikatanyan Chronicles Book 1) by John Beresford;

He went to the stars to start over. His troubles have just begun. Earth, 2072. Jann Argent has no memory of committing the murder that landed him in prison. So when he’s offered a chance at freedom, he accepts the price of exile to humanity’s first colony planet. But when the ship crash lands on the new world’s surface, he’s shocked to discover an indigenous population and a strange sense of familiarity. Stunned when he and several other shipmates develop mystical powers, Jann discovers previous colonists have all joined one of two rival native houses. And with a tyrant’s power play set to devastate the realm, he’s about to become the lynchpin in a magical war that could destroy him. Can Jann uncover his destiny in time to stop a terrifying plot? Gatekeeper is the first book in the genre-bending Berikatanyan Chronicles science fiction fantasy mashup. If you like gritty heroes, elemental magic, and journeys to other worlds, then you’ll love John Beresford’s towering tale. Buy Gatekeeper to fulfill an interstellar fate today!

Neon District: ALPHA(The Neon District Trilogy, Book 1) by Chad Campbell

NEON DISTRICT, Caiden Nyx, a brooding prodigious black-hat hacker living his life on the fringes of criminality. Plagued by clouded memories of his past, and haunted by his extraordinary mental and physical capabilities. His desire to learn his past thrust him toward a thrilling, perilous journey uncovering dangerous government conspiracy, and cathartic self discovery. Forming unlikely friendships, he presses forward into the unknown madness of the sprawling city-state that will not only test his willingness to adapt, but his will to survive.

Tales of Lunari and the Witch's Last Cast by E.E Martin

In our world she is a thief. In Lunari there is much more to her story. When Layne is hired to break into a safe, she finds a book of unusual fairy tales. The tales suddenly put her father in danger, and she must enter the book and weave through the strange kingdoms of Lunari to find him. The characters from the tales are real, and Layne soon learns their stories are more complicated than the book described. She discovers her own story inspires some and strikes fear in others. What she cares about most is saving her father before his story ends with him as a prisoner to the darkness that dwells in the shadows of Lunari.

Necromancer's Lament by David Balog

The son of a village blacksmith, Mithron never expected that the path of wizardry would be an option, for it is well-known that the profession is reserved for the wealthy elite. That is until a travelling wizard recognizes his latent talent, and offers to teach him, much to the chagrin of his family. He proves to be an able student, but uncomfortable with the niceties of society. When tragedy results in him crossing paths with Glitter, a fellow mage who he has unintentionally humiliated, the mismatched pair must put aside their differences and work together along with new friends to save a kingdom.

Koinobi: Book one of the Koinobi Trilogy by Reid Minnich

How far would you go to help a parasitic insect from the stars? Tweeskzaht nudges human civilization and technology forward from the shadows. Unaware of the war in the stars above it, Earth is in the cross-hairs of both sides. To save her adopted home, she must reveal herself to a small band of humans. Will Mike’s self-sacrifice, Kindra’s cunning, and David’s intelligence be enough to save Earth from becoming a hunting ground?

The Endless Forest by Ever Hobbes

Freyja's village is on the brink - pushed to the edge of the world by the trees. They grow so fast that if left untended for a week would be sprouting in every nook and cranny of her town. But worse than that is what lives within the cursed growth. Freyja is a nahvel - a knight protector tasked with defending her people from the horrible creatures that spill forth from the woods. She inherits a great treasure, and great burden - her sword, shield, and suit of armour. All of them are relics of the old magic, now long forgotten. So when something attacks from the shadows, being the only one with the means to do so, she is duty-bound to hunt it down. However, she soon finds out the forest holds much more than monsters. It harbours secrets that could change her perception of the world as she knows it. She is poised to discover them all, and more, when she enters... The Endless Forest.

Butterfly Islands (Chronicles of the Twenty-One Butterflies Book 1) by Chris Seabranch

Casey is only fifteen years old when her stepfather tries to marry her to a perverted and brutal man twice her age. However, minutes before the wedding, Casey flees into the jungle where she is rescued from her pursuers by a mysterious woman who sets the terrified young girl on a path to becoming a pirate - a path full of adventure, danger, personal struggles, and self-discovery. Struggling with her own fears and desires, Casey hovers between being an innocent teenage girl confused about love and her own sexuality, and becoming a ruthless pirate seeking revenge on those who have taken all she cherished away from her. Casey strives to win the trust of the Twenty-One Butterflies, a group of female pirates living on Butterfly Islands, a mystic place filled with dazzling butterflies by day and swarms of moths carrying terrifying parasites by night. A disastrous trip by the Twenty-One Butterflies to a floating city in the sky known as God's Mercy, changes everything. While trapped once more in the hands of her former husband-to-be, Casey discovers that there is a traitor in their midst. From that point on, it is a race to save her new friends' lives and to escape from the man who wishes to make the young girl his wife and a slave to his twisted desires.

Wrath of Olympus: Ships of Britannia by E. M. Kkoulla

The Roman Empire never fell. The Gods are real. Ships are alive. In the Province of Britannia, ruled by descendants of King Arthur and on the brink of an industrial revolution, young Maia Abella is on the run. Something unseen has murdered her cruel mistress and she’s being blamed. The streets and factories of Portus are no place for a friendless girl, trapped in events beyond her control. The city authorities and the Royal Navy are both desperate to find her - one investigating a killer, the other to recruit her, while the deadly legacy of a tragic past stalks her every step. Aided by Raven, an ancient, blind Mage with a terrible secret and Milo, Crown Agent and spy, Maia must discover and overcome the fatal consequences of her birth. Meanwhile, the Gods are making their moves. And not all of them are friendly.

Children of Artifice by Dania Ware

An ancient city, sealed in a vast crater. A history of metallurgical magic, and of Builders that could craft the living, breathing stone. Caphen Talmar is the high-born son of an elite family, descended from the Builders themselves, his artistic career ruined when his ex-lover broke his fingers. One night, gambling down at the wharfside – somewhere he shouldn’t have been in the first place – he meets Aden. An uncomplicated, rough-edged dockworker, Aden is everything Caph needs to forget the pressures of his father’s constant criticism. But this isn’t just another one-night stand. Aden is trying to find his sister, and he needs Caph’s help. Soon, they find themselves tangled in a deadly game of trust, lies and political rebellion. And, as Caph begins to understand the real depth of the horrors they’ve uncovered, he learns that Aden is not what he seems. And Aden knows more about the coming destruction than Caph could ever have guessed. ‘A skilful alchemy of raw emotion, renegade sensuality and emboldened fantasy. Ware tears out her readers’ hearts and dips them in molten gold.’ – Kim Lakin-Smith Excerpts of a Review by Tej Turner Children of Artifice is one of those novels where, from the very beginning, it is hard to know what to expect (and I mean that in a good way!). The author has described it as an ‘urban fairy tale’, which is very fitting. It does have that feel of old and new. It is quite gritty at times, and yet full of beautiful moments. I am particularly pleased with this novel’s diverse voices. Both same-sex and heteronormative romances take place during the story but none are presented as bring particularly shocking and the characters are never given labels, and yet it still examines issues of identity, prejudice, and sexual fluidity which are relatable to a modern day reader. It is refreshing to read a novel written in such a way. Children of Artifice has a fantastic story, one I would recommend to readers of any genre and age. It conjures beautiful imagery and puts you in a state of living dream, taking you on an emotional journey which stays with you. I am looking forward to the sequel.

Beyond Human by Angel Martin

We have integrated science and technology into all levels of our daily lives. But imagine if this continued technological innovation took us into a world of cybernetics and a post-human universe where nothing is familiar. This collection of science fiction short stories dares to take that step towards redefining the concept of what we call humanity, just as the earliest pioneers of sci-fi have always done. As we become more and more dependent on science and technology – from prosthetics to mobile phones – biology and technological innovation come closer to being merged into cybernetics. Can we truly say now that we don't live in a post-human universe? At what point do we delineate between human and post human? Each of the science fiction short stories in 'Beyond Human' deals with characters whose lives have been twisted by the new era of technology.

Curse of the Fallen (Fallen Light Book One) by H.C Newell

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This Child is not the chosen one. She is a demon to be destroyed. Born of magic, Nerana is labeled a demon and forced into hiding by the Order of Saro. Living with a curse that binds her to their leader, Nerana seeks to free herself from their hold and soon learns that the path to redemption may prove more fatal than the Order itself. But for Nerana, this is more than a quest for survival... It’s a promise of revenge.

Cog In The Machine (Archive:Automatae) by Brian L. Mack

Edward was content. 'Every cog has its purpose, and the ability to fulfill that purpose.' So it was stated by the Celestial Krugg at the end of the Enlightenment, and thus the City of Automatae has sat untouched for years, content to toil away at Machineworks. Edward was no different. He tinkered away the years, waiting to shoot to the top with his innovations, but as circumstance would have it... more obstacles than planned for were popping up. The rumblings of unsettlement in the Lower Points were embroiling him and the rest of Automatae in a power struggle that was giving him a lot more than what he wanted, and the brutal assassination of an alien ambassador wasn't making it any easier either. Honestly, it was thrusting them into an ideological war. One entirely above his ability and paygrade. But what did he really know about all that? He was just another Cog In The Machine.

Sins of Greed: A Tale of Two Fools by C. Tarradell

Following the death of his famous scribe and author father, Abben Dindle is thrown into life at court, expected to serve his nation and perform his duties just as his father did; but when both his King and his King’s Royal Seer are broken people, hurt and full of personal vengeance, Abben finds his job to be harder than he expected as he’s thrown into the middle of the plotting and scheming of nations and the greed and sins of men. No one betrays the Gods - and survives. Unrest simmers within the once magical realm of Lurinlia. A broken king sits on the Ivory Throne, corrupted by his own paranoia. His vengeful royal seer condemns to death all who stand in her path. Under binding rituals they swore oaths to the Gods to rule and wield their powers with benevolence. But now their vows are broken, and the once great nation of wizards and sorcery stands on the brink of war. One enemy crouches upon the doorstep, waiting for the opportune moment to strike. The other conjures treachery from within. Abben Dindle seeks only to follow in his father's esteemed footsteps. His sworn and honored duty is to protect and cultivate the kingdom's knowledge as Royal Scrivener to the court. But when he is caught between the plots and schemes of arrogant men and the complex crusades of nations, Abben faces an impossible choice: serve his country and honor his duty, or betray his oath to his Sovereign to save the human race. And face the wrath of the Gods.

Fox Hunt (Fox Meridian Book 1 by Niall Teasdale

A spree killer with a purpose? A creative dispute taken to extremes? It’s up to Tara ‘Fox’ Meridian to untangle the mess before more people die. Fresh back from a training visit to Luna City on the Moon, Fox Meridian is called to the murder of the main writer on an internet video show, Murder is My Business. Business has become very cutthroat. While it seems that the case may resolve down to a ratings war between two channels, as the trail of deaths continues, Fox begins to believe that the killer may have a more personal agenda, and that events from her past may be coming back to haunt her. Soon her job and her life are on the line as she races to stop the deaths and save her friend.

Dark Fangs Raging by C. Thomas Lafollette

An old friend becomes a new enemy… …and Luke is left playing catchup as the vampires turn up the heat. Can Luke and the North Portland Werewolf Pack unravel the vamps’ evil plan before it’s too late? Luke thought he knew what the vampires were up to. Same old enemy, same old tricks. But when a flood of heavily armed vampire mercenaries show up in Portland led by an old friend, Luke and his newly assembled crew of misfits are the ones left dodging bullets. For Luke and his new friends, it’s a race against time to stem the flow of heavy arms coming into Portland while also trying to find out how deep the connection goes between Portland’s police and Luke’s ancient enemy. Will Luke get to the bottom of how the vampires are smuggling weapons into Portland? Or will the vampires finally eliminate their deadliest enemy? You’ll love this thrilling urban fantasy sequel because danger is better with friends. Get it now! Dark Fangs Raging is the second book in the Luke Irontree & The Last Vampire War urban fantasy series.

Wraith Knight by C.T. Phipps

The King Below, Enemy of the World, is dead. Will his successor save the world...or rule it? Jacob Riverson was once the greatest hero of an age. Cut down during what should have been the final battle against the King Below, he was condemned to centuries of torment as a Wraith Knight in the service of said monster. With the destruction of his master, Jacob finds his free will returning and discovers he is in a world torn by civil war between the King Below's former slaves and the heroes who "saved" them. Joining forces with the overly-idealistic but brilliant warrior Regina Whitetremor, Jacob must determine whether he has any place in the new world and whether his destiny is as a hero or monster. Or both. Wraith Knight is book one of the Three Worlds saga by C.T. Phipps.

The Ghostly Groom by Helen Whistberry

Reporter Jim Malhaven is riding on top of the world. June is busting out all over, and he’s about to marry the love of his life. He has no idea everything will come crashing down when he’s called out to investigate the news of a woman found dead in the local movie theater. Now he’s been arrested by Joey Flanagan, his best and oldest friend, and on a charge of Murder in the First, no less. Will it be up to his new bride to save the day? This is Book Three in the Malhaven Mystery Series, light noir novels with a cozy mystery feel and a touch of the paranormal that pay loving tribute to the wise guy detectives of the 40s and 50s. (Content warning: child endangerment, child loss, drug use, racism, anti-Semitism)

The Melody of Trees by Helen Whistberry

Experience the unforgettable magic of these original stories and illustrations from the imagination of writer and artist Helen Whistberry. You’ll discover an elder god keeping a loving eye on their forest, a girl made of glass and other characters fighting for their lives against both impossible odds and monsters (human and otherwise), some wise guys having a supernaturally bad day, and the exploits of a loner gun-for-hire and his loyal dragon. From fantasy and folklore to horror and sci-fi, these tales are tied together not only by their forest settings but by a sense of humanity (even in those characters who aren’t quite human), empathy for all creatures, and the weird beauty to be found in moments both light and dark. And be warned! There are dark and sometimes violent themes ahead and not all stories have a happy ending, but for those brave enough to venture into these wild woods, 10 unforgettable experiences await. (Visit author's website for complete list of content warnings.)

Shackin' Up: Shackin’ Up: Short Stories of Queer Romance and Forced Proximity by Augusta Connor

Get cozy with Space Fruit Press’s collection of stories, where queer couples find themselves getting unexpectedly close. Whether it’s a vacation rental, cabin in the woods, or a run-down motel, any port in a storm can get awfully hot when it’s the right pair trapped inside. There may only be one bed, but there’s plenty between these covers to keep you warm.

Me Too by Eli B

When NADIA COLEMAN crashes into the cold and aloof CEO, LUCA SHOLA. She’s embarrassed by her calamitous first impression and he’s not amused by her either. Until they meet again on the dance floor and they can’t deny the intoxicating pull they feel for each other.   But, they’ve got secrets to hide and there’s no place for love in their lives. Nadia’s determined to rid her life of a man that's abused her by destroying the secret society that’s allowed him the freedom to do so. Luca’s tied to an abusive woman of his grandfather’s choosing while being groomed as the next leader of the Syndicates. The more Nadia and Luca learn about each other, the more their lives become entangled, but for two people scarred by trauma, can they find the strength in themselves to hold on to each other and the love blossoming between them? Me Too is an interracial romance filled with comedy, suspense and subtle hints of the Myth of Hades and Persephone sprinkled amongst the pages of this sweet love story.

Petition by Delilah Waan

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A 2023 SELF-PUBLISHED FANTASY BLOG-OFF (SPFBO9) SEMI-FINALIST! In the Dominion of Aleznuaweite, anyone can rise to the greatest heights—if they are willing to pay the price. Failure is a luxury Rahelu can’t afford. Her family sold everything, left their ancestral home, and became destitute foreigners for the sake of her resonance skills. Now she can manipulate emotional echoes to discern truth from lies, conjure the past, and even foretell the future. But an act of petty revenge by her rival destroys her chance at joining one of the great Houses. Desperate to prove her family’s sacrifices were not in vain, Rahelu calls upon the most dangerous magic of all—altering fortune. A slight twist of fate is enough to restore her way forward…with deadly consequences she never bargained for. The Houses make a pawn of her in their bitter struggle for control of the Dominion. A shadowy cult grows ever closer to completing an ancient ritual. And Rahelu discovers that fulfilling her oath to her family might come at the cost of her mother’s life.

Menace and Memory by Whitney Hill

Book 3 of Otherside Heat, the paranormal romance spin-off to the Shadows of Otherside series. Happily ever after has a price, and it all comes due now. Everything seems to be working out for Lya and Cade. But if they aren’t careful, all their efforts to be together will be undone by the people they swore they’d left behind. Cade has enough to worry about with the blood witch he suspects is still hunting Lya. Adding his former partner in crime from the bad old days to the mix doesn’t help—especially when a misstep gets Lya hurt. Lya feels closer to Cade than ever, but she can’t help thinking he’s still hiding something. Between that and unexpected news from home, she’s forced to look at what she really wants—and ask herself whether she’ll find it with Cade. To finally break free of the menace of their pasts and the grips of their memories, they’ll have to walk a dark road together…and decide what they want once and for all. This red-hot, action-packed vampire romance is told from two perspectives and has no cheating, no cliffhangers, and a happy ending. Content warnings: strong physical violence and gore, blood-drinking, on-page death, swearing, slurs (not toward any real racial or ethnic group/identity), alcohol use, knife violence, threat of sexual violence, mention of the off-page death of a parent, and consensual on-page sex scenes involving bondage, knife play, and consensual non-consent. Out Oct 29, 2022 from Benu Media.

Curses and Faith by Whitney Hill

Book 2 of Otherside Heat, the paranormal romance spin-off to the Shadows of Otherside series. When there’s blood in the water, vampires aren’t the only ones looking for a bite. Lya is enjoying the new terms of her exile with her vampire lover—until the debt she accepted in exchange for their freedom comes due. When she’s ordered to North Carolina’s Outer Banks to complete a solo job, she knows there’ll be trouble. She doesn’t expect Cade to be part of it. Cade thinks the dangers of bygone days are finally behind him, but old curses have a long life. When a blood witch from his past comes slinking into the present, Cade is desperate to keep Lya safe—even if it means undermining her. Nothing stays hidden forever and when the choice is between treason and treasure, nobody makes it out unscathed. Staying alive and together will force Lya and Cade to choose between the siren songs of their pasts or their faith in the future…and each other. This red-hot, action-packed vampire romance is told from two perspectives and has no cheating, no cliffhangers, and a happy ending. Content warnings: consensual on-page sex, physical violence, gore, non-fatal car accidents, blood-drinking, on-page death, swearing, slurs (not toward any real racial or ethnic group/identity), alcohol use, knife violence, threat of sexual violence, and a scene where a character is unable to breathe. Out now from Benu Media. Buy the ebook at all booksellers. Find the paperback at your local indie bookseller or on Amazon.