With Love, Juniper by Amanda Cessor

Juniper Harlow had always been a nervous young woman. Particularly when it came to the social obligations of a well-to-do family in a small village. There were only very few exceptions: her parents and her childhood friend Oleander Ambrose. He always seemed to understand her fears and often went out of his way to act as a shield against the perils of social interaction. Oleander didn’t mind. After all, he wanted nothing more than to make Juniper his wife. As far as he was concerned, it was his duty to protect her. When Oleander left to attend conservatory to gain his sorcerer’s diploma, Juniper was left to handle the overwhelming expectations of the people around her on her own. Which, for her, meant to avoid them entirely, retreating into her work as an herbalist. When Oleander did return, he was unrecognizable, and Juniper and Oleander found themselves navigating an unexpected chasm in their once intimate friendship. Oleander, ever patient with his childhood love, was more than ready to move at her pace. That is until Theo Vervain arrives in the village and sets his sights on Juniper with his own desires of courtship, seeming to have an inexplicable connection to the usually-timid young lady.

Earth Hagiography by Sfarda L. Gül

Written during a time of turmoil and heavy-heartedness, EARTH HAGIOGRAPHY collates prose poetry and lyric essays in a poignant, frank discourse of grief, police state upbringing, loss of heritage to colonialism, political ideology, earth veneration, queerness, and psychological wounds, seeking to weave and unfold the bloodied yarn of remembrance and histories forgotten or unknown.

Non Omnis Moriar by Sfarda L. Gül

The city state of Vencenza rots, and Giorgianna, vengeful, enlightened, an outlaw and witch, seeks blood—the dues she’s owed for the crimes committed against her and those she loves. As summer withers to autumn, she is faced with a deadly quest: infiltrate the ministerial court, unspool the inner circle’s darkest secrets, and aid the resistance in bringing forth a revolution to finally break the shackles of tyranny. All while remaining under pretences amidst the state’s most violent and powerful men. But explosive tensions mount among the revolutionaries, bodies pile in the streets, the church gains frightening authority, and Giorgianna’s psyche teeters along its final breaking point—made only worse by a lovesickness more agonising than hunger. With winter looming upon the horizon, civil war seems inevitable, and love could never be a saviour. How dearly will those dues cost?

Non Serviam by Sfarda L. Gül

Expressing emotion is prohibited by law in the city state of Vencenza. Beneath its tyrannical shadow, Giorgianna, a deranged former playwright turned political fugitive, flees a brothel to seek justice for the murder of a beloved friend. When the last remnants of her bloodline are reaped by the incorrigible Minister of Dominion, Giorgianna’s crooked path to retribution crosses with Vencenza’s Machiavellian revolutionary hellbent on regime overturn. All the while, the weight of unending tragedy erodes Giorgianna’s psyche into a vengeful bloodlust plagued by cabbalistic visions hinting at an ever-darker face of the violent Powers That Be.

Valiance by C. Borden

When a rural settlement at the edge of our galaxy faces a threat science cannot explain, Dr. Lau must choose: save herself and keep her secrets, or reveal her truth to save her community. In the distant future, no one questions the limitations of science and technology. But on Valiance, a planet far from Earth, everything changes when the nightly fog becomes dangerous, people go missing, and those found are comatose. Dr. Jena Lau is secretly a woman of faith. In a society where religion has been eradicated and is illegal, she grapples with the reality that neither science nor technology can resolve the threat to her community. As she recognizes the evil attacking her home for what it is, she faces a life-altering decision: save herself by keeping her secrets or try to save everyone else by revealing them. As the inexplicable danger within the fog takes more and more of her community, Dr. Lau’s forbidden faith in a god long rejected and forgotten pushes her to act. Readers who enjoy Christian Science Fiction will love this novel that boldly declares the God of Earth is also the God of all creation, to the edges of the galaxy and beyond.

A Dirge for Cascius by Calum Lott

SPSFC 2024

Chaos seeps into the Valsollas Galaxy. Cascius Carcyde is on the brink of letting his addiction to reliving his sorrows claim his mind. When the Sages demand he take a new partner, Cascius must forfeit his old ways in order to solve the twisted Red Hand murders. To unravel an interstellar mystery and stop the Red Hand, Cascius must pull himself from the very depths of despair and learn to change before the entire Velutra falls into oblivion. Stare too long into the abyss, and the abyss peers back. True Detective meets Hyperion in this epic space opera debut, perfect for fans of James S.A. Corey and Christopher Ruocchio.

A Princess of Oldir by Bryan Wilson

"Whether (this book) is your initiation to the Power of the Stars saga or you're an experienced Solara wielder, this is a must-read for sci-fantasy fans." - The Dragon Reread: SFF Insiders The Ojurn family has guided the planet of Oldir for centuries, and as the ancestors of a prophet, the world’s citizens have always honored their bloodline. However, the people’s struggles are on the rise, and their solar system’s limited resources continue to dwindle. Rhanna, the daughter of the current Lord Supreme, considers it her duty to rid the planet of its troubles. She spends most of her days training to take up her family’s mantle. But when a popular young leader from a neighboring world arrives on their soil, it becomes evident that there are those with other wishes. Set more than three decades before the events of The Forsaken Planet, this is a story of one family’s struggle to do what is right, even if it costs them their legacy. A Princess of Oldir is both a standalone story in the Power of the Stars universe and a complementary addition for those familiar with the main books. You do not need to have read the other work to enjoy this novella.

The Bartender Between Worlds by Herman Steuernagel

Low-stakes magic, crafting cocktails, and discovering the power of who we truly are. Emma grew up as a Hunter of the Cursed—those charged with eradicating monsters and magic from the Kingdom. She's revered as one of the King's most skilled hunters. At least she was—until she discovered she possessed magic herself. Before anyone else can discover her secret, Emma abandons her post and flees to the far edge of the Kingdom, where she hopes she can settle down and live a quiet life as a bartender, out of the Hunters' watchful eye. Fate, however, won't allow us to run away from who we are so easily. When Emma is confronted by an exiled fairy and a man who claims to be a scientist (though Emma is convinced he's a sorcerer), she must evaluate what she believes and the confines of who she's been allowed to be. Pulled on a journey that takes her further than she'd ever imagined possible, Emma is led on an adventure to discover where her fate lies and must confront her own biases, hopefully learning a drink recipe or two along the way. A low-stakes cozy fantasy about cocktails, magic, portals, and finding where we truly belong. If you enjoyed the themes of leaving it all behind in books like Legends & Lattes, and the fun and low-stakes magic in The Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking, then this is the book for you.

Your Brain The Engine to Your Body - Kid's Edition by Tracy L Markley

It is fun to plant your own garden and watch it grow too. Eating fruits and vegetables fresh from the garden is an extra healthy thing to do.

Rhyming Riley, The Dog That Rhymes all the Time by Tracy L Markley

I like to watch people and dogs walk by. I then bark when they do, I can not lie.

Hecate's Hollow by Tallie Rose

A Snow White and Rose Red retelling Besides the blood drinking and international crime, she’s the perfect woman… Lemon has spent the last twenty years hidden away from her abusive father in the mountain town of Hecate’s Hollow, a safe haven for witches like Lemon and her family. But that safety comes to an end the day she trips down an embankment and is honest-to-god swept off her feet by Claudia. It would be just like the romantic movies she loves, except Claudia is an international thief, cursed to live like a vampire by her witch hunter ex-boss, Julian. Lemon knows she should stay out of it, but curiosity and the urge to play the hero for a beautiful woman get the better of her. Talented at divining the ingredients for potions, Lemon agrees to help brew a cure, not expecting to find herself caught up in the very life her mother ran from years ago. Lemon thinks it will be easy enough to help Claudia — a few hikes for obscure ingredients, some clandestine kisses, and favors from farmers, nothing too dangerous — until Julian comes to claim what’s his. With her girlfriend in the hands of a monster, Lemon can’t hide anymore. She must leave Hecate’s Hollow and learn just what she’s really capable of.

They of the West (Scrublands Book 1) by Dani Finn

Dralen never could leave well enough alone. He knows better than to go near the canyons. That’s where the Logans live, wild men of the hills said to devour lone travelers in frenzied midnight feasts. But the mysterious cloaked figure he saw down by the canyons had to be there for a reason. And he can’t get his Urpa’s poem out of his head: something about “They of the West” and “Treasures buried in memory’s mine.” Folks used to mine for topaz in the canyons, and other stones too. Magical ones, some said. But the Logans and the cave-in put an end to all that. Dralen knows he’ll get in trouble if he goes after the cloaked figure, and he’s doubly sure he doesn’t care. Maybe They know something everyone else has forgotten in this little nothing town. Dralen is called to follow Them, but the closer he gets to unraveling the mystery, the more it seems his own journey is just beginning… They of the West is a fantasy novella set in a brand-new world, a coming-of-age story about friendship, family, and self-discovery. It is the first book in The Scrublands, a planned trio of novellas. It is appropriate for older young adult and adult audiences; content warnings include hunting/butchery, smoking, drinking, cursing, and brief references to sexual topics.

Through Dry Places by D.H. Gutierrez

An old Spanish mission lies beneath the surface of a serene Texas lake, its secrets hidden for decades. The receding waters of a drought expose its ruins and it becomes the source of inspiration for Matthew, an urban explorer struggling to maintain his once-popular video channel. Determined to make it his next big video, Matthew sets out to uncover the mystery surrounding San Lazaro. But as he delves deeper into the decrepit halls and forgotten rooms, he finds himself face-to-face with his own fears.

Heirs to a Flawed Creation: Stories from Near Earth by E.L. Montague

Assassin. Detective. Cop. Interrogator. Lover. Spy Master. Rebel. All of these. Purpose defines us. It will define the peoples we leave behind when we are gone. We are children playing with the powers of a god. Our creations will be as flawed as their creators. The gift of intellect comes with doubt. In the none too distant future, tools will become beings in their own right. Factory floors will be the womb of an entire people. Androids will struggle to exist alongside the lesser gods who created them, even as they surpass us. These stories explore that struggle.

Nameless by Alexander Way-B

Nameless - Born in a dusty workhouse, a mere product of his oppressive environment, that is until he discovers that there's another world beyond the shelves & windows of his toil - But who is he, & does he have the right to freedom?

The Hound of Greyvor (Silver Sights Saga #2) by W.J. Long III

Since Minerva Prime, peace, quiet, and adolescence have driven a wedge between Claude and Vision. As tempers flare in their modest home, a new danger emerges behind the Sabien veil; Levine Drarri, a disgraced servant of the Imperium, arrives on their doorstep, seeking the aid of Silver Sights. In his wake comes chaos, tragedy, and the boundless fury of a Sabien Crown. Now, the weight of Drarri’s sudden arrival threatens to shatter the already fractured bond between father and daughter, while in the shadows, the weapons of the Imperium bear down on all they have built.

Not Your Bargain (Not Your Adventures Book 2) by AJ Alexanders

When his last opportunity for closure arises, will Matradatin get answers before it's too late? It’s been 20 years since the Battle of Crab. 20 years since Matradatin Hammerbeard was crowned King of Craig'n Dell. 20 years since he last saw Samuel Floresburg and shared that earth-shattering kiss. When they parted, Matradatin was left with more questions than answers. What did Samuel mean by it? Why hasn't he kept in touch? Why did he leave so abruptly? Now, Samuel has returned, seeking the dwarf king’s help for one final adventure: one last chance to finally find the answers he's been yearning for. The Otehill dwarves of the South Wildes have unearthed a vein of Hoskonor, the dark ore that nearly destroyed Matradatin’s home. A human king has enlisted their aid to persuade the Otehill dwarves of its peril. Can they convince the dwarves to heed their warning? What secrets has Samuel kept from Matradatin all these years? Will the embers of their past finally ignite into a lasting flame? Join Samuel, the charming spellcaster, and Matradatin, the quiet sovereign, as they embark on one last, bittersweet journey. "We franchised!" - Puck "It reads different from NYM... loved seeing old characters and new fun characters pop up!"

Protector Dragon: MM Shifter Romance (Lewiston Dragons Book 1) by Liv Rider

Shifters ruined his life. How can he be falling in love with one? Growing up the only human in a shifter town, Joel has been an outcast his entire life - not even his own family let him forget how weak humans are. Running away was his only chance at a normal life, and he's been avoiding shifters ever since. But when his job working in a coffee shop puts him in a room full of shifters, he has to confront his worst fears. He's just not sure if he should be alarmed or happy that the hottest guy he's ever met is determined to talk to him. After all, everyone knows shifters aren't attracted to humans. Dragon shifter Thomas Rollins thought nothing could be more difficult than resolving arguments between the shifters in his district. But when he meets his fated mate Joel, he has no clue how to get the suspicious human to talk to him for more than five minutes, never mind go out on a date. When he learns about Joel's past, he's determined to prove shifters and humans can get along very well. Just as Joel is starting to let his guard down, his family finds him and forces him to come back to a place he refuses to call home. Can the trust Joel and Thomas have started to build survive the ultimate test? Protector Dragon is a m/m paranormal dragon shifter/human romance with a HEA and no cliffhangers. It is the first book in the Lewiston Dragons series, followed by Halloween Dragon and Wedding Dragon. All books can be read separately.

The Truth for the Lies by O. H. Phukdischidt

Is the handsome winged criminal a madman? Or has he uncovered a government conspiracy that threatens his entire race? In the country of Tar, humans and winged people called hollow-boned live side by side. Red Raven, a criminal so named by the media because of his red wings and black hair, wreaks havoc on the cities. He revels in torturing government employees and blowing up charity organizations. His true motives with these attacks, however, remain a mystery. Indigo is an agent of the Sentinels of Light, a private organization sworn to uphold justice. The skilled fighter is the Sentinel’s Master Swordsman and makes apprehending Red Raven his top priority. However, he finds the criminal beautiful and charming. The man may not be as evil as everyone seems to think. The more often they battle each other, the harder it becomes for the two men to deny their fiery attraction. And the more he learns about the alluring man’s motivations, the more Indigo questions everything he was taught about the sheltered world he was raised in.

Shadows Dark and Deadly by Andrea Marie Johnson

Slowly freezing in the snow and a knife to the gut are two awful ways to die. And Cerise would very much like to avoid both. A mysterious man steps from the shadows with an offer of food, a bed, and a roof over her head. The catch? She’ll have to become his assassin apprentice. Her hands are already stained with the blood of five men. What’s a little more? But training to be an assassin isn’t easy and learning to control her magic even less. To complicate things, Cerise can’t fight her attraction to her mentor, Keir, or his charming best friend, Damara. It wouldn’t be a problem if she wasn’t a dirty street rat. Well, that and society isn’t ready for two women to be together. Everything heats up as an arsonist stalks the streets. His targets? Brothel owners and Cerise’s aunt is at the top of his list. Can Cerise get strong enough to help Keir hunt him down or will her aunt become another tragic death that haunts her nightmares?

The Forsaken Prince by Madison Rosipal

Born in a world where her people were once deemed criminal, Princess Celestine of Yulia walks a delicate path. Not only is she a descendant of the royal family that led the massacre of people with magic, she was also born a magician. In her search for belonging, she uncovers a family secret dating back centuries and a murderous plot that's been brewing for ages. Pulled between two worlds, she struggles to preserve peace, but will her efforts pay off?

Tales of Weirderland: The Collected Volumes by Kyle Steenblik

Immerse yourself in the captivating realm of Weirderland, where the courageous royal siblings embark on six mesmerizing short stories of fantastical adventures. Join them as they defend their magical kingdom, growing in strength and wisdom with each exhilarating journey, unraveling life's mysteries along the way. In 'The Quest for Ruben,' the royal Wilding siblings must rescue a flying horse from the clutches of an evil dragon. Next, in 'The Quest for the Mermaid's Ruby,' they heroically safeguard a mermaid kingdom from imminent destruction while on a beach holiday. Then, in 'The Quest of the Fairy Fire,' they are called upon by the King and Queen to restore the magic of the forest's fairy guardians, safeguarding all humankind. In their most challenging quest, 'The Hopeless Quest,' they selflessly venture into the underworld to seek aid for their ailing grandfather from the Dwarves. Finally, 'The Luck of The Eyelash' and 'The Nameless Quest' lead them on individual journeys of self-discovery, to learn who they truly are and what the future might hold. Experience the magic and adventure as the royal heirs navigate perilous challenges, forging their destinies in a world brimming with wonder and excitement.

The Mad Man's Hope (The Commune's Curse: Book 2) by Lucy A. McLaren

Lovers become enemies, enemies become allies, and all will be tested to their limits in this second instalment in The Commune’s Curse series. Evelyn Folksman has partnered with the enemy. Desperate to save her friends, she has reluctantly agreed to travel with former Commune Commander, Jonah Sulemon, to his home islands where he has promised a weapon that will allow them to take down the Commune once and for all. To succeed, both Evelyn and Jonah must face the trauma of their pasts and learn to trust one another. Meanwhile, Raif Huntsman is searching for his sister, Rose, a young child who wields incredible and deadly powers. Alongside rebel Hector Haralambous, he travels to Nook Town, where they hope to find Rose and to stop her powers being abused by those who kidnapped her… but where they will encounter a danger just as oppressive—and perhaps even as deadly—as the Commune’s regime.

Oath Breakers by Grace Leeds

Ayden Quinn only volunteered because she had nothing left. Set in a walled city where no one knows what the outside world contains, the people of the city are under attack by mysterious monsters causing unprecedented destruction. After becoming part of an experimental ritual designed to help save the city from these monsters, Ayden becomes part of a group of four other people that now possess powers no one fully understands. They are faster, stronger, and able to heal from almost any wound. With little time to understand these new powers, the group is sent to fight the monsters. Ayden never expected that she would grow to love the other four people. She never expected to fall in love, and she has no idea how she's supposed to juggle having a family for the very first time when she's supposed to be saving the world.

Etched in Stone by Sarah Alserhaid

Imagine if who you thought you were wasn't your true identity. That is what Jade and her sister Amber discover soon after inheriting their multimillion-dollar company from their late parents. Gathering clues to understand the strange coincidences and answer the questions left unanswered for years, they come across the truth and learn that everything is two-fold. With knowledge comes consequences. The Parker sisters must navigate this new information while keeping their parents' legacy alive and each other safe. Etched in Stone is a harrowing and magic-rich novel that takes you on an incredible journey of self-discovery and teaches the power of heritage, choices, owning one's gifts, and the ultimate lesson of forgiveness.

Let Slip the Beasts by Suzanne Berget

Beneath the streets of East Resplendent, monsters are mounting a war against their masters. Kaliope Dearborne, a customer service nobody for a pharmaceutical mega-conglomerate, wants only to escape her cubicle and find true meaning for her life. But after accidentally killing her little sister’s bully, she’s taken captive by The Warren, a ragtag group of runaway medical test subjects. Kaliope learns that she and her captors are experiments owned by the VyroGen corporation. Locked away and evolving, pieces of her slough off as she grows stronger, faster, and hungrier. Only Thresher—not quite man, not quite animal—keeps her from losing her grip on reality. When Kaliope discovers the hidden truth of her genetic code, she joins The Warren in the war against VyroGen. With chemistry-altering pheromones and brain-tampering, she’s converted into a sleeper agent. But deep inside the dark heart of the corporation, Kaliope finds something that drastically changes her role in the war. She might win back her memories, her body, and her life, but will Kaliope lose her humanity in the process?

Dueling Shoulder Angels by Ben Schenkman

Selling his soul to the Devil was the best decision that Nick ever made. He got the girl, saved the day, and settled in for a comfortable career at Devil Co. That means it’s the perfect time for God to have other plans for him– and guess who shows up to try and poach Nick for Their organization? Why have one complicated job working for a personified deity, when you can have two? Caught between worlds, and moonlighting for the “good guys,” Nick learns his deal with Lucifer might not be what it seems. Uncovering a scheme to take advantage of the Devil himself rocks Nick to his core, and makes him question everything. The line between good and evil gets blurrier by the day, and Nick doesn’t know which shoulder angel to trust. His partner Amy, a witch growing into powers of her own, warns him of the danger he faces, but can’t stop Nick from running headlong into it. Can Nick save himself, or will Amy need to make an ally of a former foe to save him from a fate worse than decaf?

Garden of Secrets: Misselthwaite book one (Misselthwaite College 1) by Drake LaMarque

Alistair Lennox is disagreeable. Isolated and miserable, with parents who don’t care about him, his life has been equal parts privilege and loneliness. But when his parents die, his life is turned upside down. In order to gain his inheritance, Alistair is forced to attend a college he's never heard of - for good reason. Misselthwaite College is a school for the magically gifted Alistair has no magical gifts - unless being magically inept counts. What were his parents thinking? And what is the mysterious affliction plaguing William Carlisle, the affluent and arrogant heir to Misselthwaite? Is there a connection to the strange key Alistair discovers in a book, the stranger noises in the night, and, strangest of all, the multiple men who desire his friendship? Misselthwaite has no end of secrets. But if being disagreeable is good for anything, it's for getting to the bottom of mysteries. -- Garden of Secrets is book one in a duology, and the first installment in a magical new universe. A Secret Garden retelling with a queer twist and featuring MMMM polyamory.

The Phoenix and the Firebird by Alexis Kossiakoff & Scott Forbes Crawford

A bullet-riddled train staggers into the station, delivering an ominous message that will change Lucy Markov’s destiny: her father, a Russian officer, has been kidnapped. A refugee who lost so much before she found a home in China, Lucy refuses to lose her last remaining family. Guided by a mysterious feather, she must cross into a realm of magic and monsters to find him. Lucy’s quick-witted, spirited friend Su joins her quest. Following the clues, they discover a warlord commanding an army of human soldiers and magical beasts has seized Lucy’s father – and now plots to invade their city. To save her father and their home, Lucy and Su must confront the criminal underworld, cross a haunted forest, and outsmart creatures they thought lived only in fairytales. With each step closer to the warlord’s lair, dangers test their courage and their bonds to each other. Will they unlock the secrets of the feather in time? The Phoenix and the Firebird melds the turmoil of 1920s China with the majesty of Slavic and Chinese myth. Join Lucy and Su as they soar into a world woven from history and folklore, and learn whether friendship is the strongest weapon of all.

That Time I was Kidnapped by the Fae King by Azshure Raine

Bryn Carlisle exists within a fantasy of her own making. She consumes Fae ‘romances’ faster than the coffee she makes and loves it. Her actual love life is pretty much dead. When her best friend Cassandra decides she needs to get out of the house and maybe talk to some non-fictional men, she ends up at the Ren Faire for a cosplay contest starring the Fae King of her favorite book. There she meets one in particular who promptly kidnaps her. When Ezra Rose, the man who kidnaps her, turns out to be an actual Fae King, Bryn has to survive in his world, while also trying to not fall in love with him. Even though she absolutely wants to.

Bitterbound by A.Z. Louise

A PROMISE SEALED IN FLESH AND BLOOD Kin Jole is an indentured assassin, forced to serve those who ripped her soul from her body and stripped her of her conscience. When Kin is ordered to kill Verias Hartwell, a beaten-down sorcerer unwillingly bound to a war machine, she sees his power as an opportunity to do the one thing that will set her free—reclaim and destroy her own soul. Kin offers Verias a trade. She’ll spare his life in exchange for his help stealing her soul. To retrieve it, Verias must join the very guild of sorcerers that turned Kin into a killer. With the fate of her soul in his hands, Kin must now protect Verias from enemies new and old, including a former friend with a bitter grudge. But the closer Verias gets to Kin’s soul, the closer he gets to her darkest secrets. And if the enemies closing in on all sides don’t destroy them, those secrets just might.

The Godsblood Tragedy by Bill Adams

An orphan, without a trueborn name, returns to the city of her birth to uncover her past. Hounded by the servants of the Dark God and dying from the poisonous mist that covers the land, her path leads to one of the magical seals protecting the holy ruin of Eminence. A father, murdered and reborn, aims to bring down the floating fortress hovering over his homeland. Burdened by loss, he’s willing to sacrifice his soul to free his city and get revenge for the destruction of his family. A mother, captured and bonded to a daemon, kills in the name of the Dark God so she can free her tortured daughter. Relentless in her vengeance, she hunts the one person who could end her suffering: the man who would destroy her vile master. A drake, the banished hatchling of a failed advisor, seeks his father’s stolen horns. Untested, he desires to right his father’s wrongs in the eyes of the gods and restore his family’s honor. As all converge in the occupied desert city where the world’s fuel source is mined, one family’s bond will be tested. Old betrayals will resurface, anger and resentment will flourish, but one thing remains clear: blood rules all.

Somewhere Out There by Caroline Astiago

Benjamin didn't survive the battle of Camlann. Nor did his mentor and best friend Merlin. Nor did King Arthur. The only difference was they died, and Benjamin continued existing, forced to take on their Guardianship of a realm torn apart by war with desperate Gods. But the world didn't end - although it came close a few times. Centuries have slipped by and there hasn't been much need for Benjamin’s skills as a warlock, but at least he's had his magic, Ambrosius, for company. They've done their best to keep the realm safe, but everything changes one Halloween in Oxford when Benjamin meets April, a vampire hunter who isn't quite what she seems. As the universe begins to unravel and the Gods seek to ensure their continued freedom, Benjamin must confront conflicts of morality and his own inner demons to find the truth and save his realm. Rooted in the Arthurian legends and Norse mythology, Somewhere Out There is an enthralling exploration of betrayals, identity, tangled relationships, LGBTQ+ themes, loss and love. With a dash of horror and humour, this adult urban fantasy is as much a psychological journey as a supernatural adventure set in an ever-changing, magic-soaked world.

The Lost Erwain by Mariah Stillbrook

Embark on an enchanting journey with Makayla Wood, a 17-year-old prodigy destined for greatness in the human world. Makayla's life takes an unexpected turn when she discovers her true identity—a rare and magical being with the power to change destinies. Faced with the challenge of embracing her heritage, Makayla delves into the whimsical realm of Garlandia, where she must battle the darkness that threatens her homeland. As Makayla navigates her newfound powers and confronts the mysteries of Garlandia, she discovers an unlikely ally in Toby, the heir to the elven throne. Their forbidden connection, shrouded in intrigue and danger, adds a layer of complexity to Makayla's quest for justice. Unraveling the secrets of her past, Makayla confronts a malevolent force seeking dark magic at the cost of innocent lives. In a riveting blend of fantasy and self-discovery, Makayla's journey transcends worlds, weaving a tale of love, courage, and the pursuit of justice. Will she overcome the challenges of her magical heritage and return to her ordinary life, or will Makayla choose to embrace her destiny and confront the ancient prophecy foretelling her extraordinary future?

Heart of Vanris by Nikki McCormack

Kasiel and his unit have made a name for themselves. Enough of one that they are now being sent to the northern capital to be paraded before the people as heroes and to escort the khevarin’s daughter back south with them. It is a mission that should give them all a much-needed break from fighting and allow Kasiel time to recover from his injuries. What starts as a simple assignment becomes more complicated when the khevarin’s strong-willed daughter decides Kasiel and his unit will continue serving as her personal guards. With the war ongoing and rumors of possible political alliances in the air, protecting her may prove far more dangerous and disruptive than they imagined. Still new to life as a soldier, Kasiel is unprepared for the complex matters of royalty and politics, especially while still learning to navigate the ever-complicated challenges of leadership and love.

Blood of Vanris by Nikki McCormack

Kasiel’s healing injuries still trouble him, almost as much as the memories of what he did at the Hall in Katovan. Though he trains to become a better fighter and mind-crafter, a deeper understanding of the roles he is expected to fill makes it harder for him to come to terms with his place in Vanrian society. Then the southern kingdoms emerge with a new weapon for fighting Vanrian mind-crafters. One that could change the course of the war. The situation leads to Kasiel being required to take a more active role in the conflict sooner than planned. With his country’s growing need of mind-crafters like him, Kasiel learns what it really means to be at war, and what it feels like to lose. He is about to discover how far he’s willing to go to protect the ones he loves.

Superficial by Diane Billas

Embark on a thrilling adventure with Lea and Jake as they navigate the unexpected twists and turns at the biggest superhero fan convention of the year. When Lea finds herself trapped in an elevator during the event with superstar Jake, also known as The Amazing Boy, they realize something sinister is afoot. With everyone at the convention frozen, including Lea’s friends, Lea and Jake must team up to unravel the mystery behind the villainous acts plaguing Philadelphia. As they race against time, Lea grapples with whom to trust, while Jake uncovers startling truths about his own identity. A pulse-pounding journey filled with friendship, betrayal, and the ultimate quest for justice, will Lea and Jake save the day, or will supervillains prevail? Dive into this gripping tale that will leave you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

A Third Kind of Madness by Christiane Knight

When Denny isn’t working as a photographer, they spend their time at the local coffee shop mooning over one of the regulars, the mysterious and beautiful Peri. No one’s more surprised than Denny when she asks them out on a date. What happens that night throws the couple into a world where nothing is as it appears and everyone wants to get their hands on Peri and her powers to inspire artists – especially Joolie, the controlling and egotistical leader of Denny’s art collective. If that wasn’t enough, the powerful, capricious water elementals known as Nyxen have inexplicably taken an interest in Denny. They warn that Peri’s gifts bring nothing but trouble to those around her. It’s hard to argue with them when the magic starts to go wrong; paintings greedily come alive with grasping tentacles, an obsessed ex-lover returns to threaten the couple, and Denny begins to wonder if their grip on reality is beginning to slip…

Leech by Gabriel Ryves

Who are you feeding? New York, 1899: Working class nobody Jasper is whisked away to a castle in the mountains by his wealthy lover Leo. It’s supposed to be a romantic escape, even if Jasper is officially here as a servant. But his dreams are soon dashed as he’s worked to the bone and demeaned by Leo’s callous, conservative family. Trapped in the isolated castle, with even his lover against him, Jasper sees no choice but to accept this rotten treatment. That is, until he makes an unlikely friend: the man in the walls. Chained in a hidden room, the man won’t say who imprisoned him or why. He demands to be kept a secret, and for Jasper to bring him a steady supply of his favorite meal: leeches. Bizarre, but it becomes easier to swallow when the man promises great rewards for Jasper’s help: money, power, revenge. Jasper doesn’t see anything wrong with taking the deal. He believes his hard times will soon be over—until he’s forced to confront the monster he’s been feeding.

How to start a demonic cult and get away with it by Devi Letalis

In the gloomy alleyways of an unknown city where supernatural beings cast their shadows, Dante, a mercenary with a mysterious past and a soul touched by darkness, embarks on a dangerous mission. He is tasked with investigating the sudden disappearance of young women and the disturbing rise of the undead in the city. Accompanied by the charming vampire Lariza, whose words are sharper than her fangs, he must confront a bizarre conspiracy that will be a challenge even for their extraordinary powers to unravel. Everything points to the workings of a mysterious cult that is pulling the strings of the city and spinning its sinister plans in the shadows. But as Dante and Lariza follow the twisted paths of the investigation, they come across an even greater treat: a mysterious figure who seems to know more about Lariza than they would have liked. With each step, the between reality and nightmare blurrs, and Dante and Lariza must confront a web of schemes, betrayal and forbidden sorcery. In "How to start a demonic cult and get away with it", the boundaries between right and wrong are put to the test. Can the odd duo once again avert impending disaster and put an end to the machinations of the demonic cult, or will they themselves be devoured by its dark powers?

The Regrets I Have are Not the Ones I Say by Or M. Bialik

Aviana Aquila does not have much, but she does have structure. No home but whatever she is currently assigned to, no family, and the closest to a relationship she has is a not very clandestine affair with her emotionally inhibited commanding officer, with whom she dreams to run away. As an Imperial soldier, ever on deployment, she knows she may die at any moment. As a commander, she knows she will need to order people to their deaths. After years on years, she is dull to all of that, existing to exist. But when an Alliance Admiral comes aboard on what was just supposed to be a routine mission, her structured semblance of a life is completely overturned. The Admiral is not a normal being, and possibly insane. Yet her presence may save Aviana in more ways than one and make her rediscover the woman she loves.

Battle Calm by W.D. Kilpack III

SPSFC 2024

When Badger succeeded his father, Red Skin, as Keeper Base Leader, he was well prepared, raised to handle anything the enemy threw at him. He was the best killer, and the most respected tactician. He knew Red Skin’s Laws like he wrote them himself. Most importantly, he was always calm, no matter how frenzied the combat. These were only some of the reasons why he still had all his original parts. Trinity would die for him. Korry would follow him without question. They were Keepers. They fought, they killed, they lived to kill another day, even when it meant bugging out to another Base ... and another. That was life when life was war. They knew nothing else. But even war cannot last forever, regardless of the infallible truth of Red Skin’s Law #35: “Under conditions of peace, men attack themselves; thus, there never has been, and there never will be a time without war. It is the greatest, most perfect thing men can do.” "Battle Calm is a dystopian military science fiction novel that ... revolves around Badger, a complex character — renowned as a skilled tactician and fighter — he navigates a relentless world governed by the unyielding Red Skin’s Laws, which assert that war is humanity’s perpetual state. The narrative dives deep into the psyches of its characters, illustrating the psychological toll of endless combat and the fragile bonds formed among comrades. The book’s intense action sequences and vividly detailed world-building are highlights. Kilpack immerses the reader in the brutal realities of dystopian warfare, where moments of calm between battles carry their own form of tension and danger. The thematic exploration of war’s cyclical nature and its dehumanizing effects offers thought-provoking insights, making it more than just an action-driven tale. Not just the protagonist but the emotional depth of characters like Trinity and Korry, also bring additional dimensions to the narrative as Badger's loyal allies. Fans of hard military science fiction and dystopian sagas will likely find Battle Calm a rewarding, intense, and reflective read. It balances relentless action with philosophical underpinnings." — Jasveer Singh Dangi, author of The Hunter Genesis "Battle Calm is a visceral dystopian war novel. Kilpack builds a world that is haunting in its vivid depictions of a world at war for so long that humans remember nothing else. Born to train, fight and live to take the lives of their enemy. Following the laws of a veteran leader, the characters strive to find humanity in the loss of their compatriots, as their numbers dwindle and the enemy continues to advance with more hardware and seemly endless combatants. Kilpack brings you into the lives, histories and hopes of soldiers fighting for survival. Combat is fierce, on the battlefield and in the calm between enemy engagements. Awaiting book two - Battle Calm: Omega Message.” — Jessica Bair, former Special Agent, US Army CID

Upscaled by Joseph John Lee

It begins and ends, as things do, with a girl throwing a birthday party for a dragon. Or it would, if things were ever that simple. Generations ago, the Inquisition of the Priory of the Thrice-Dead Prophet decided that dragons were a great evil and it was their duty to banish them from the land of Nóra. The dragons weren't (they just grew tired of the bother and migrated north), and the Inquisition didn't (they just pretended otherwise), but that's beside the point. Though evidence of dragons still existed, it remained within the realm of smugglers, ne'er-do-wells, and people with too much time and money on their hands . . . until a hatching egg finds its way into the hands of a young girl named Ailís. Now, with the first newborn dragon seen in generations in her company, Ailís finds herself beset by merchants, brigands, Inquisitors, and a greedy governor, and all she wants to do is throw a birthday party for her dragon. And you thought planning a party for your kids was tough.

The Legion of the Lost by Joseph John Lee

All gods bleed. All gods die. Even those of our own making. The flames of war have left a scar through the Heart of the Land, and its once-pristine landscapes have been stained with divine blood. After a battle that has cast a shadow larger than anything the Tribes have ever seen, who memory permits to endure shall be determined by the hand to pen the tale, and for whom it may be penned: For Kamataa, who continues her centuries-long search for revenge, regardless of the cost. For Tez, who must find her place after being stripped of her greatest talent. For Aritz, who will stop at nothing to complete his conquest, and at any means necessary. And for Sen, who must rise above her gravest mistakes to carve a path for her people. But whether for friend or foe, memory shall ever remain a fickle thing, but it shall not forget the Harvests . . . and the legion who survived them.

A Witch in Isenshire by Azalea Forrest

A Witch in Isenshire is a bold cup of coffee made with determination, personal growth, and adventure. Magnolia Hanna never thought she’d forgive Basil Olivander, the witch who inadvertently upended so many lives in Lightview. Yet four months after their battle, Basil’s learning to deal with his heartache and make amends. He’s become Maggie’s roommate, her technomancy teacher, and—just maybe—her friend. Now, they’re packing for a trip to visit Maggie’s family in the hidden hamlet of Emelle. Maggie and Basil face their grief together, finding closure at her late uncle’s grave and comfort among her friends and family. If it were up to her, she would stay for a fortnight, but their trip is cut short at the behest of Lightview’s mayor, who sends the two witches on an adventure of a lifetime—to the advanced city of Isenshire, the birthplace of the automaton. To Maggie’s dismay, Isenshire’s witches can only use magic with a permit, and their jobs have been reduced to fortune telling and parlor tricks. Magnolia’s fear of her skills being replaced by tech is reignited tenfold. Are the witches in Isenshire truly happy, or are they complacent to the powers that be? Magnolia’s only wish is to make magic relevant again, but she soon finds that the power of the automaton is too awesome to ignore. Book Two in The Witch of Emelle Series

Euphrates Vanished by Leon Stevens

“This is not a drill!” He wakes up to the sound of his alarm and the announcement blaring. Looking around the room, he realizes he is a member of a starship crew. There’s only one he doesn’t remember who he is or how he got there. With no time to think, he finds his way to the bridge, while being careful not to call attention to his predicament. The first problem is piecing together the puzzle of his missing memories to reveal his knowledge, rank, and friendships. Another problem is being stranded on an alien planet during his first away mission. Mysteries abound in this new science fiction adventure by Leon Stevens

Pluralities by Avi Silver

"Wait—rewind. I was still a girl back then, before the universes converged." Guided by premonitions and a fateful car ride, a burned-out retail worker stumbles into the grand exit from womanhood. Meanwhile, in a galaxy not so far away, an alien prince goes rogue with his sentient spaceship, seeking purpose in the great glimmering void. As the two of them come together in a fusion of body and mind, they must reckon with their assigned identities. Tender, witty, and daring, Pluralities is a slipstream-meets-space-adventure story honoring the long and turbulent journey into gender euphoria.

Someone Else's Shoes by Aldrea Alien

Stepping out in borrowed shoes has never been so dangerous. Stripped of her inheritance as a child by a greedy stepmother, Alla’s future hovers between drudgery and slavery. Having spent years toiling in the mansion that was once her happy home, tending to her stepmother’s every whim, she has long since put aside any thoughts of a better future. When a chance encounter in the marketplace leaves her with an invitation to the upcoming ball, her only opportunity to play out an old dream of seeing inside the palace walls is by being someone she’s not. A farce that could see her executed or sold. But will she be able to maintain the illusion once she meets Princess Viktoriya?

Zero Marginal Value by Jason Cole

In a world, in the not too distant future, news is streamed through smart contact lenses. Liam Baron is a corporate spy managing debt and family obligations in his own unique way. Together with his partner, Keema, they can slip in, copy what they need and disappear without anyone knowing they were there. But when his sister contracts an emerging disease his next job is personal. He must risk everything to steal the treatment she helped develop. Liam must take on a ruthless pharmaceutical company to save his family and millions of others. He must decide who to trust as he races against the clock. In a society under heavily surveillance can Liam maintain his cover?

For Your Benefit by Patrick Canning

Teddy Lint is the kindest private investigator on the planet, committed to seeing the best in everyone he meets. The detective agency he runs with his brother Ralph out of a Los Angeles strip mall has seen a strange case or two before, but never anything like this. A man claiming to work for the CIA hires the Lints to find a shipping container of radioactive Agent Orange that vanished over fifty years ago. He insists someone is planning on using an army of drones to drench L.A. with the deadly chemicals before the week is out. The Lint Brothers enter a maze of bizarre suspects, from nefarious ad executives, to anarchistic Boy Scouts, to a toga-clad militia fighting for exclusive rule by women. The propaganda-obsessed society that seems to be running the world is probably worth looking into as well. The power of empathy collides with the dangers of disinformation as Teddy fights to save the people he loves. Our beloved detective doesn't give up easily, but any Angelenos with an aversion to death by herbicide might want to dust off that umbrella, just in case…