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Guava Flavored Lies by J.J. Arias Allâs Fair in Love and (Pastry) War Sylvie Campos and Lauren Machado have hated each other since before they were born. For generations, the Campos and Machado families have blamed each other for stealing pastry recipes they claim their great-grandfathers originated before fleeing Castroâs Cuba. Having spent their lives as rivals, Lauren and Sylvie are now in their early thirties and primed to take over their respective family bakeries. That means working long, hot, seasons of outdoor food festivals where they are forced to endure each other - albeit with a lot of bantering and barb-trading. After all, no one knows how to get under Sylvieâs skin like Lauren. Sick of dealing with Lauren and her thieving family, Sylvie sets out to unmask the Machados for the traitors they are. But when the truth is not what Sylvie expects, will the fiery exchanges between her and Lauren turn into something hot enough to melt away generational baggage? Could they get the chance to rekindle what they almost had in high school? Find out in this laugh-out-loud hilarious, enemies-to-lovers, romantic comedy featuring plenty of steam, tension, and delicious Cuban food. |
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We All Fall Down by Jennifer Bernardini Hg34, a super virus, has scorched the earth of many of its inhabitants. Those unlucky enough to still be wandering the streets must fight for their survival. Choice becomes an illusion and the fate of millions rests uneasily in the palm of President Virginia Hillâs hands when she runs for, and wins, the presidential election. Civilization is crushed into dust when the President does the unthinkable and poisons her people. Libby and her six-year-old son team up with brothers Lincoln and Gideon, one a drug dealer with conspiracy theories on the brain and the other an ex-con. They struggle to survive as they search for answers: answers as to what happened and what to do next. |
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Vampire hunter Calla has spent her life fighting bloodsuckers, just like all the women in her family before her, and sheâs enjoyed every second. But when vampires come out of the coffin, the Hunters' Council orders her to play nice. Itâs an order sheâd rather not take, but the Council is all sheâs ever known. Though she misses the feeling of a stake in her hand, Calla is willing to accept her new way of life, until sheâs blackmailed by the ancient and annoyingly beautiful vampire Isolde. Urged by the Council to comply, Calla must pretend to date Isolde in a scheme to endear vampires to the human public. Calla promises herself she will do everything she can to undermine Isolde, but the longer she spends with her the harder she finds it. When she learns of a threat to all vampires, she must decide if she will help the woman she swore to hate but never could, or deny her heart and follow her training. |
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Early Adopter by Drew Harrison The Price of Tomorrow, Paid Today "Early Adopter" is a collection of short stories from the edge of human progress. Eight stories hold dark mirrors to our own world⊠experience thought-provoking sci-fi, technologic tragedy, and pulse-pounding thrillers. To Run Again: Dr. Laura Brandie is ready to change the world. She's the lead researcher behind the KSE, a revolutionary cure for paralysis and neurodegenerative conditions. And now, by good fortune, she's found the perfect candidate for her first human trial: a man who suffers from locked-in syndrome. Brett Harmon's paralysis is total: he can't move his arms, legs, torso, neck, or face. To the outside world, he's little more than a statue that breathes... but Dr. Brandie's KSE might be the miracle that allows Brett to run again. Homonoia: The world faces an unprecedented alignment of catastrophes and failing systems, far too intricate and interconnected for any human to solve. Frank Burman joins with seven other volunteers for Project Homonoia--a radical, last-ditch effort to postpone the apocalypse. Separate minds link to form one multidisciplinary consciousness, the world's first human superorganism... a hive mind. But with the world's health rapidly failing, can Project Homonoia work out its kinks in time to make a difference? Early Adopter: A loner enters into a relationship with a new type of partner: an AI agent, programmed to be the "perfect companion." Sure, it's all self-deception and a game of pretend, as she's not actually real... but where simulated consciousness is concerned, maybe the lines between real and real enough can get blurry. |
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Empire's Passing by Marian L Thorpe Gwenna, Principe of Emparias, is witnessing an empireâs fall. She must not only predict the future, but create one â without the advice and support of her father. Her partner Lynthe is challenging her leadership; her mother and Sorley are struggling to find their own futures without the man they both loved. Can she shape the world envisioned by Cillian, the world they have all worked towards for the last thirty years? Lena, newly bereft, can find no peace in the walls of a fort or the duties of a general. In a divisive decision, she chooses to travel east, to find her son, to judge the progress of the war for herself, and to search for both memories and a future. Where is home for the falcon, when there is no falconer to hold out his arm? |
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Ark of Ascension: A Space Opera Adventure by Michael R. Schultheiss A planet of zealots⊠An alien danger⊠Can she save her sister? Bounty huntress Evalla Taryu never wanted to return to her home-world, where religious zealots preside over brooding alien ruins and flickering holo-ghosts⊠But when Evalla learns her sister has fallen under the sway of a firebrand cult leader and plans to merge with a dangerous ancient alien artifact, she has to make an exception. Battling fanatics, assassins, her sisterâs intransigence, and her own doubts, Evalla faces a terrible conundrum: can she stop her sister from sacrificing herself? Ancient alien powers, religious zealots, espionage, and family loyalties collide in Ark of Ascension, Mission 1 of Huntress for Hire. Get it now. |
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The Woman in White by E.M. McConnell A curse that never dies. Two lives separated by time, but tangled together by betrayal, blood and lust. London, 1940. Britain was at war. Emily had been thrust into a different world than she was used to, of munitions factories, rationing and fear. Her husband was far away at war and she was alone with children. But evil walks the streets when it is dark and Emily was its victim. Slowly her life unravels, ending in blood and tears, alone. London, present day. Gemmaâs life was on the up. She had just moved into a new apartment and was hoping for a promotion at work. But the building harboured dangerous secrets and the Woman in White stalked, looking for revenge. Gemma's life begins to unravel, as she questions even her own sanity. |
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Dream of Empty Crowns (Chosen King Book 1) by M.J. Sewall At the steps of the Choosing Tower, Gordon tosses his name into the lottery like all boys his age. When his name is called out and he is proclaimed the new king, what should be a moment of celebration takes a dark turn. Soon, he is hunted by the ruthless Firstcouncillor Trunculin. Pursued by kingdom airships and the very soldiers sworn to protect him, the young king has to align with great warriors and unexpected allies. With the healer Loren and a fearless young warrior named Aline by his side, can Gordon find a way to save himself â and his kingdom? |
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The Collar and the Cavvarach (Krillonian Chronicles Book 1) by Annie Douglass Lima Bensin, a teenage slave and martial artist, is desperate to see his little sister freed. But only victory in the Krillonian Empire's most prestigious tournament will allow him to secretly arrange for Ellie's escape. Dangerous people are closing in on her, however, and Bensin is running out of time. With his one hope fading quickly away, how can Bensin save Ellie from a life of slavery and abuse? |
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The Veil of Death (The Azetha Series Book 2) by Robin Glassey Tika reaches the place of her birth, hoping to find a home, a family, and a safe haven. But Mortan has other plans for the girl with incredible healing powers. And what is worse than an evil sorcerer who wants you dead? An evil sorcerer who wants you alive. Tika is forced to leave Xanti and find a way to protect herself against Mortan, for even though she denies being Azetha, she can't deny the danger she faces. Only The Veil of Death will provide her with some measure of protection against Mortan and his assassins. But how many more souls will Death claim this time as she travels to The Tower of Sorrows? |
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The Least of Elves: A Land of Fathara Novella by Robin Glassey Toran looked upon the other Elves in Xanti with wonder. They all had at least one Gift, they all had a trade, and they all knew their path in life. Why did he have to be so different? Toran's only claim to fame had been the attention the queen had given him on his Naming Day. She had called him a harbinger ⊠but of what? And now that he was entrusted with a delivery to the Human village of Kipra, he hoped great things finally lay in store - but feared his history of mistakes might spell disaster. |
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The Second Book of Kalendeck by David W. Sherwood Marc finally learns the true nature behind Nathelâs betrayal. The kingdom is in turmoil, being brought to the breaking point by a ruthless enemy. With his family lost and his friends scattered beyond reach, Marc must search deep inside himself and find the strength to save those he loves and the kingdom from the onslaught of the Drenthen horde. |
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The Weight of Wishes by Tori Weed If dreams can come true, it is vital to remember that nightmares, well, they exist too. Seren was only four when the Stellean king killed her mother. Sixteen years his servant, Seren understands her place in his cruel court: Stay quiet. Stay out of trouble. And most importantly, stay alive. But now, the Fae king wants her dead too, and there is only one way to stop him. Thrust into a challenge not undertaken for centuries, Seren must navigate trials more dangerous and twisted than she could ever imagine. With the fate of her kingdom hanging in the balance, can Seren defy the odds and uncover the truth about her past? The clock is ticking. The gods are watching. |
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Five Lords of Dusk by F. Malbeck The hunt has begun. They will find him. And when they do, he will bring down the Empire from within. The Empire would say the Blooded who ruled the land before them are dead and gone, but those onboard the Oathbreaker know it to be a lie; one look at the captainâs ward will tell you that. Shye is one of them. A Stormborn, Dusk Blooded, Strange . . . an enemy of the Empire. He has spent his whole life running from port to port, hiding behind a hood, on a swift ship, running from the imperials who stole land, capital, and crown from his kind and left them to rot in thinning bloodlines. But when he blows his crewâs cover on imperial docks, he is forced to confront the will of the Empire and the humans who rule it. With newly discovered powers to aid him and whispers on the wind to guide him, Shye knows that the answers to the fading of the Blooded lay in Mistral, the capital of the Empire, and that the imperial bounty hunter dispatched to capture him can take him there. There can be no better coronation gift for the crown prince than a Stormborn. Dorian is an imperial bounty hunter. The best in Emin Rif. But Dorianâs independence is constantly threatened by the demands of their noble father, who wanted a perfect, controllable heir . . . he got Dorian instead. It is only their reputation that keeps them free. The assignment to track down a rumoured Stormborn, a being of legend in tales told to guild children, could destroy that reputation forever if it turns out to be a lie. But, if the rumour is true, Dorian will be untouchable in the eyes of the crown and beyond their fatherâs reach forever. Five Lords of Dusk is the debut queer fantasy novel by indie author F. Malbeck. Featuring a genderqueer lead and a flintlock fantasy setting, this novel takes place in a world partly inspired by the author's home country of Australia. |
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Verona Green by Victoria Raschke In a city where magic and art collide, Verity Green, a skilled witch and art restorer, guards a dangerous secret: she possesses the ability to channel the spirits of deceased artists and breathe life back into their masterpieces. For years, she's hidden her extraordinary gift, but whispers of her talent have reached the wrong ears. Shadowy forces crave her powers, willing to exploit her abilities for their own criminal purposes. When her best friend is kidnapped, Verity's world shatters. A clandestine society emerges, one with secrets darker than any painting sheâs ever done. In her quest to save her friend, Verity must navigate these ancient rivalries and confront a nefarious plot that threatens the integrity of art itself. Amid the chaos, Verity finds an unexpected ally, an enigmatic architect with his own murky past. As they delve deeper into the shadow of the art world, a romance sparks. But time is running out, and Verity must harness her magical prowess to rescue her friend before it's too late. Verona Green is a spellbinding, cross-genre contemporary fantasy, recommended for fans of Alice Hoffman and Neil Gaiman. Within this world where art becomes a conduit for the supernatural, Verity proves that the truest magic lies within the human heart. |
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Things Magical Under The Moon: A Grim Anthology by Alexis L Carroll and Amanda Stockton To those who wander the woods alone, be wary of Things Magical Under the Moon. For the trees and crows conspire while vengeance is sought by werewolves and vampires. Fairies and spirits linger just out of sight while the witches convene in the dead of night. Magic and malice take flight, while a dragon hungers for your life. So, dear reader, take to heart this warning: Mind the path and youâll make it to morning. Featuring fairytale mashups of: Cinderella Red Riding Hood The Fox and The Wolf Rumpelstiltskin The Tailor The Fairy Tree of Dooros The Juniper Tree The Crows Fowler's Fowl Wizard of Oz The Crucible |
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A reimagined fairy tale romance set in 17th-century France intertwines the Little Mermaid and Cinderella in a powerful tale of female friendship and second chance love. Marina, godmother witch, and her young apprentice, Cendrillon, must escape witch hunters and keep war from destroying the wild Black Forest, the source of witchesâ power. |
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Stars Like Fire by Marissa Lupe Fighting for their freedom was only the beginning, now they must do the hardest thing of all, they must live. Three journeys and one destination will bring them all together. Despite having never met in person, their years of communicating virtually cemented Eleanorâs love for the woman who has her whole heart long ago. But when her love goes missing, Eleanor leaves the safety of Sandstone Estate to rescue her, and ends up finding more than she bargained for. An entire town has had their children stolen, and itâs up to Eleanor to lead the fight to save them, along with the woman that she loves. Theo canât remember his past, but begins to build his future when a family takes him in as a farm hand. But then the farm is destroyed, a young boy is orphaned, and Theo finds himself slipping into the role of guardian. When the boy receives an urgent message from a mysterious voice through the radio, Theo must guide him across a dangerous and barren landscape in hopes of finding a safe place to call home. TĂ©a and her infant daughter have traveled the continent to restore the land for a grateful nation, but when strangers arrive on her doorstep looking for help, TĂ©a must decide if she can risk opening her heart again. Then tragedy strikes, and TĂ©a is forced to confront her past and meet a new challenge that has the power to rip the Earth to shreds. As Eleanor, Theo, and TĂ©aâs paths collide, the future of mankind is thrust into their hands, and they must work together to save not only themselves, but all of humanity. |
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Strands of Time and Magic by Andrew Platten Magic is dangerous. Being a charmer is deadly... Concealing her modest magical abilities, which brand her as a reviled charmer, the headstrong Brylee lives in fear of exposure. If her abilities are discovered, she could be banished from the town or, worse, fall victim to merciless mages eager to drain her power and leave her for dead. The threat she does not foresee is a physical attack. To survive, she must harness her magic. Now, the secret of Bryleeâs magic is out, and she is forced to flee. One mage offers salvation to her family and their farm. His price? A deadly mission - she must hunt down the Red Assassin. But her quest, step by step, will bring her into conflict with a far greater evil... |
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He's 278 years old. And just getting started. Lord Fathim, ruler of Walkland, has used the magic of Proxies to live a long time. But he wants more -- more life, more power, more slaves. Heâs ruled his country for centuries, and his plot to take over the rest of the world is ripening. He has one small problem, though: he's going insane. The Proxy system which has lengthened his life is also breaking his mind. There is a cure. He knows one person -- Mavel, a powerful and famous Span Seer -- who can help restore his sanity. Her dark magic can do that. When his mind is restored, he can put his plan in motion. Mavel knows it, too. She also knows something Lord Fathim doesnât -- a secret that could end his reign forever. But only if she can find the courage to risk it all. You see, she has failures in her past. Innocents once died while Mavel hid, and her cowardice gnaws at her like an animal digging into a fresh kill. This ancient Span Seer holds the key to Lord Fathim's future, and thus the future of all. Will her own fears block her? Can she stop the Blood King's reign of death? |
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Ella Dethroned (Song of the Worlds Book 0) by Brandon Barr Hunted and desperate, Ella, the former ruler of her Realm, must evade the king's assassins and fulfill a mission given her by the gods. Ella carries an otherworldly device, the purpose of which she does not know, but if she is to grasp hold of a prophecy spoken over her, she must survive to deliver the item to a mysterious man named Quanthum. Her only aid is her sharp intelligence and a devoted soldier named Rathan, who has sworn to protect her. |
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The King of Stonewood by Jeremy Hayes Stonewood is in peril! The demon lord, Lucivenus, now sits upon the throne. To his right, stands High Priest Sarvin, leader of the demon-worshipping Cult, whose dedication led to the release of the demon lord from his extra-planar prison. King Stonewood, who was believed dead, is now beginning to fight back. The King hides somewhere in the south district surrounded by loyal companions, striking at cultists and inspiring hope in the citizens that the Cult may be overthrown. Harcourt and Krestina, two south-side orphans, are thrust into the middle of the conflict. The pair of unlikely heroes may be the only ones capable of finding two ancient items that will be needed to defeat, the mighty Lucivenus. Without them, the King cannot win and Stonewood will be left in the control of the vile Cult. |
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The Demon of Stonewood by Jeremy Hayes Welcome back to Stonewood. Six months have passed and the Thieves Guild is embroiled in a bloody street war with the Cult of Demon-Worshippers. The new leader of the Guild is determined to rid the city of their filth, once and for all. The Cult, however, draws closer to their goal. Only a precious few hand-selected hearts are required to release their Demon Lord Lucivenus from his extra-planar prison and summon him back to Stonewood. Chief Magistrate Krommel, utilizes city resources to fund his war against the meddlesome Thieves Guild, hiring bounty hunters to track down and capture known members. Captain Dornell is trapped in the middle, wishing to see an end to both groups. Harcourt struggles with the idea of reaching out to his former nemesis turned friend for help. Time is running out. The Kingâs birthday fast approaches and Krommel has a special surprise in mind. |
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Falling Through the Night by Gail Marlene Schwartz Audrey Meyerwitz wants to fall in love and have a family. But for this queer 30-something insomniac whoâs struggled with Generalized Anxiety Disorder since childhood, itâs a goal thatâs far from simple. When best friend Jessica, a recovering alcoholic, helps introvert Audrey with a profile on SheLovesHer, Audrey takes that scary first step toward her lifelong dream. Through online dating, immigrating to Canada, and having a baby with Down Syndrome, she struggles and grows. But when Audrey unearths a secret about her mother, everything about her identity as a mother, a daughter, and a person with mental illness ruptures. How do we create closeness from roots of deep alienation? With humor, honesty, and complexity, Audrey learns that healthy love means accepting gains and losses, taking off the blinders of fantasy, and embracing the messiness that defines human families. |
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Not Like Before by Lily Seabrooke, Jacqueline Ramsden Lola never wanted to be on camera alongside an A-list starâbut maybe Mackenzie is everything she needs. History professor Lola Barnes never cared about celebrities, and filming alongside superstar actress Mackenzie Vale isnât exactly on her bucket list. But there arenât a lot of experts on Mackenzieâs hometown on the remote Celadon Isles, so when the studio filming a deep dive of Mackenzieâs backstory comes knocking, no isnât really an option. This exposĂ© is the last thing Mackenzie wants to do. Sheâs had a good run as an actress without the ravenous press finding out sheâs trans, but keeping it that way when the media is digging around in her childhood and with her gossipy family isnât going to be easy. But it might be her last shot at her dream castingâand her agent doesnât take no for an answer, anyway. And it isnât any easier when Mackenzie is immediately head-over-heels for the gorgeous professor they tapped to film with her. And it isnât any easier when going back to the isles means confronting all the things Lola ran away from there over twenty years agoâand that the only thing comforting her is a bond with the last person sheâd ever expect to fall for. As a tight filming schedule, a nosy agent and a relentless director force Lola and Mackenzie to face the ghosts of their pasts, will they crumble in the face of everything they ran from once? Or can they find strength in one another and be more than they were before? Not Like Before is a 90,000-word grumpy/sunshine celebrity romance with a trans woman lead set on a fictional island where everyone is at least a little gossipy, and is the second collaborative novel between Lily Seabrooke and Jacqueline Ramsden. Features a celebrity actress made of pure sunshine and a historian whoâs secretly soft under the surface, a meddling ex, Mackenzieâs meddling family, Lolaâs meddling friend who loves Mackenzie more than she loves life, and Mackenzieâs agent, who is, unsurprisingly, meddling. Content warnings for on-page sex, a toxic ex, parental abandonment, gambling addiction, implicit threats of outing, a panic attack, falling off a boat, Hope being a fangirl, Taron being smug, and of course, the granny bra incident. |
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Prince of Shadows by Camilla Vavruch An avian tournament. A chaotic prince. An unwanted engagement. Assassins out for blood. Crown Prince Orson of Mannerobes is a turbulent young man, desperately trying to live up to his fatherâs impossible expectations. Engaged to Lady Liadan, a woman he does not love, and longing for freedom, Orsonâs life takes a darker turn when the Avian Tournament, where birds and their handlers challenge each other in a variety of contests, begins. When Orsonâs friend and fellow noble, Overster Tristan Arrington, is poisoned as they greet guests, they discover a sinister assassination plot. As the tournament progresses, Orsonâs relationship with Lady Liadanâs deteriorates, while a new and intriguing bond forms with Sir Rorik Ironhold of Chim, a gemstone connoisseur whose true intentions are unclear. As if juggling the tournament, an unraveling betrothal, and his fatherâs ire isnât enough, it does not take long before a second assassination attempt makes everyone question who the real target is. âPrince of Shadowsâ is a thrilling tale of passion, complex conflict, and the fierce pursuit of oneâs true self, set against a backdrop of a vivid fantasy world. The book is the third book in the series Stories of Gereon and contains HBTQ relationships and neurodiversity. |
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Jorund returned from hunting to find his wife missing and his town destroyed. With only one inhabitant remaining, on the brink of life and death, he learns that the gods had forsaken them all. His greatest hunt had begun. He would not rest until he was with his wife again. Whatever it took. Whatever the consequences. Whatever the monsters that waited for him in the dark. He would find her. |
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The Elf-Witch of Bazzleboo (Running with the Elves Book 2) by Charles G. Stuart This sequel to "Running With The Elves" takes the reader to darker and deeper places than its predecessor as four of the original characters return for an encore and travel to the coastal town of Bazzleboo. What awaits them there questions their own sense of reality and even their sanity as they fight to unravel a mysterious dark force that holds the local residents in its evil grip. This thought provoking book delves into a thicket of subjects such as religion, philosophy and addiction which the reader must untangle and resolve to his or her own satisfaction. Definitely not a book for young children or the weak minded. |
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Running with the Elves by Charles G. Stuart In the distant past, a young man strikes up a relationship with some of the world's few remaining Elves, becomes involved in various adventures with them and eventually falls in love. |
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The Roots that Clutch by A.E. Bross Theia is an unforgiving world, one of sand and heat. There are no rains, and what water there is trickles from dying springs and wells. Those who control the waters control all. They are the god-kings. These tyrants of the last remaining city-states have shackled their subjects and depleted world, enslaving all by the might of their false divinity. Above all, they control thaĂ»maâTheiaâs magic. For anyone on the desert planet unfortunate enough to possess the ability to wield thaĂ»maâcalled thaumaturgesâonly indoctrination and servitude await them at the hands of the god-kings. This is Tirzah's curse. Tortured by a sadistic older sister and kept locked from sight by her sycophant father, Tirzahâs life is one of shame and cruelty. Even the awakening of her thaĂ»ma brings her no respite, and she is soon used as a "gift" to curry favor with the nearest of the god-kings. She narrowly escapes her bonds with the help of a member of the insurgent thaumaturge order known as the Shadow Collective. After the rescue, Tirzah finds a new life among the outcasts of Theiaâs wastelands. Yet the deserts are no place to hide, and before long the brutal realities of Theia threaten to shatter her fragile freedom, and drag her back into the shadows of the god-kings themselves. |
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This Too Shall Burn by Cat Rector Arden has lived in the woods near the deeply religious town of Arrothburg all her life, practising magic and keeping balance with nature. She heals the sick, as her mother did before her. No matter how deeply the people of the village hate witches, they still arrive at Ardenâs cabin in the dead of night, looking for help that their pastor, mayor, and doctor would never provide. Verity is trapped in a life she doesnât want. Her mother was burned as a witch six years ago, forcing Verity into the role of caretaker for her father and her younger siblings. The Good Book asks her to serve, and so she does. But it also asks her to endure the ungodly, debilitating agony of her monthly bleeding. No medicine, no comfort, no protests. If God is kind, why is she so cursed? When a chance encounter between them leaves both their skin charred at a single touch, Arden and Verity are left with questions that may get them killed. Does something wicked live inside Verity? If Arden is the only true witch for miles, who is burning on the pyres? Will they be next? |
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Alienated in a world where he doesnât fit in, Christian Black survives because heâs different. Then the virus came, and made the world turn different, too. Now people are dying by the million. Food supplies are short. Riots are blazing through the streets, and Christianâs only goal is to keep his family alive. But safety lies far from the city, and just getting out will be tougher than anyone knows. |
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Unexplained disappearances. An insane hermit. A figure stalking in the shadows. Fionna had always dreamt of a life of adventure and excitement. After all, a woodcutter's daughter was hardly the stuff of legend. But when vast and maddening powers begin to move in the world once more, her curiosity might just be the death of her. |
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A Wolf in Space by Alex Valdiers Gunslinger. Skyhorse rider. Lone Wolf. Malvius is a veteran gunslinger in Larragon, a six-planet solar system with two rivers: two train lines linking each planet together. The two rivers are a beehive for opportunistic merchants and feisty gunslingers. All you need to survive in Larragon is a skyhorse to roam the open space and a gunblaster to protect your hide and earn your keep. Wild moons and saloons are aplenty, and money is easily made and lost, but life for Malvius isnât about money; it is about helping who needs helping, shooting who needs shooting. Along comes the Raoke Gang: shattered, their leader wounded, half of the gang incarcerated. Malvius feels compelled to help. Little does he know that simply relaying a message from their leader to the survivors of the Raoke Gang will send him on a wild course of events that will see him facing off a space wizard, assisting a space train heist, and becoming Larragonâs most wanted man. |
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you are also a rock (and a frog) by Nanala McMillan you are also a rock (and a frog) is all about finding the Light from having lived inside the Dark for far too long. Understanding we are all connected as we share the same breath and the stars in the sky. Healing from the deepest wounds allows you to open your eyes and see the world in its true beauty. Readers will follow Wilde's journey of grief and growth to love and compassion for themselves and the world they share. |
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"A real page-turner, I couldn't put it down." - Alberta Writing for Youth Competition Three friends face off against a rival gang in a suspenseful story of integrity, bravery, and friendship in a territorial battle. Out manned, out-sized, and outsmarted, they attempt to turn the tables. It totally backfires. They are shocked when Big Bill, their strongest and bravest, is captured and held for ransom by the imposing Fat Harold and his gang. How far will they go to rescue a friend? |
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The Earl's Assassin by Kyro Dean In a game of kill or be killed, a reformed assassin is at a serious disadvantage. **** Reviewers say about Rogue Royals: "Delicious dialogue." "So much fun." "I can't wait for more!" **** Rana Maathornefurer is the last assassin of the godsâscratch thatâformer assassin. But keeping her sapphire blade at her side is harder than it looks when she is forced to join with persnickety and rude Lord Sheffield in a business deal they both desperately need to work. Add in an assassin who is hot on Phillip's trailâthough she can't for the life of her figure out whyâand Rana finds herself in a comically ridiculous dance to keep him alive while wanting to kill himâat least until she no longer needs him. When sneaking feelings that could get her killed catch her off-guard, however, she realizes the charade can't last. With everything she cares about falling into deadly chaos, Rana must decide what is most important. Will she be the person Lord Sheffield wishes her to be and risk him dying? Or will she become the monster she's always been to save his life? |
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A heart-filled space opera about the evils of unchecked corporate power and how fighting for change always matters, Warped State will delight fans of Ann Leckie, Malka Older, and Martha Wells. One wants to fix the broken corporate system. The other wants to tear it all down. Jasper Wilder has a secret gift: the ability to see the relationships between people like physical bonds. Though his gift has served him well as an activist, itâs an unwelcome vestige of the corporate occupation of his home planet. When he learns that Ravel Corporation has revived the same deadly research project that brought tragedy to his generation, Jasper vows to stop it, no matter the cost. Arriving on Ravelâs research planet, heâs immediately drawn to Sowing of Small Havoc, a brilliant local activist who should be an ally, except for his frustrating loyalty to his corporate employer. Havoc, determined to fix Ravel from the inside, knows Jasperâs expertise could be a game-changerâif only he could trust Jasperâs intentions. If Jasper sticks to his plan, Havoc will surely take the blame. But if he doesnât, Havocâs entire planet will suffer. And meanwhile, Ravel security is out to destroy them both. To stop the project, Jasper may have to sacrifice the person heâs coming to care aboutâŠunless they can find a way to team up. |
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The Lost Expedition: The Dream Rider Saga, Book 3 by Douglas Smith The Thrilling Conclusion to the Multi-Award-Winning Trilogy Will is the Dream Rider, the superhero who walks in our dreams but never in the streets of his own city. Case is his girlfriend, a survivor of those streets who hears voices warning her of danger. Fader, her brother, is very good at disappearing. In The Hollow Boys, they defeated a body swapper and a witch to save the world. In The Crystal Key, they battled warring cults to protect an ancient artifact tied to Will's affliction. The Chakana. The Crystal Key. But the key to what? To finding answers, they hope, to the questions that rule their lives. What caused their strange powers? And Will's crippling agoraphobia? Can he be cured? Why did their parents travel to the jungles of Peru eight years ago? Are they still alive? Behind every question is the Chakana. What is the mysterious relic? Why will people kill to possess it? What hold does it have on Will? As creatures from Inca myths haunt the three friends, another attack on the Chakana threatens Will's life. To save him and solve the mystery of the lost expedition, only one choice remains. Return to Peru. With the Chakana. There, they find friends and foes, both old and new. And behind it all, an unseen enemy moving them like pieces on a chessboard. To win this deadly game, Will, Case, and Fader must master new powers to defeat the most dangerous adversary they've ever facedâa god. At stake this time? Every life, every world, every universe. Everything. Indiana Jones meets Teen Titans in The Dream Rider Saga, a fast-paced urban fantasy trilogy from âone of Canadaâs most original writers of speculative fictionâ (Library Journal). âA lavishly concocted ride brimming with magic, mystery, and mayhem⊠[and] bursting with dark magic, beastly protectors, and a slew of extraordinary fantasy characters ⊠Smith skillfully probes deeper messages behind all the fun, as the main players face the consequences of humankindâs disregard for the Earthâand each other. ⊠Takeaway: Explosive conclusion to this spectacular fantasy joyride.â â BookLife (Editor's Pick) Praise for The Hollow Boys (The Dream Rider Saga, #1) 2023 Aurora Award Winner for Best Young Adult Novel | 2023 IAP Award Winner for Best Young Adult Novel âThis arresting series kickoff grips from the start as it introduces its inventive milieu, its flawed but fantastically powered hero, its playful worldbuilding, and a host of tantalizing mysteries. ... Takeaway: Thrilling YA fantasyâ âBookLife (Editorâs Pick) âA must-read story for YA fantasy fans.â âBlueink Review (Starred review) Praise for The Crystal Key (The Dream Rider Saga, #2) "This thrilling superpowered urban fantasy series continues to grip.â âBookLife (Editorâs Pick) "This fast-paced story delivers in a big wayâand Smith has all his ducks lined up for an explosive conclusion that readers wonât want to miss.â âBlueink Review (Starred review) |
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The Crystal Key: The Dream Rider Saga, Book 2 by Douglas Smith Sequel to the multi-award-winning The Hollow Boys "Give me the Crystal Key!" Will Dreycott is the Dream Rider, the agoraphobic teenage superhero who can walk in our dreams but never in the streets of his city. Case is his girlfriend, a survivor of those streets who hears voices that warn her of danger. Fader is her brother, who is very good at disappearing. Together, they defeated a body swapper and a witch to save the world (The Hollow Boys). Now, Case battles guilt over living sheltered in Will's tower home while her street friends still struggle. Blaming his affliction for Case's sadness, Will searches for a way to live a normal life with the girl he lovesâa way to go outside. But his efforts draw the attention of dark forces. Sinister figures hunt Will in Dream. Intruders scour the vast warehouse of antiquities "acquired" by Will's missing parents. And a masked swordswoman attacks Will, demanding "the Crystal Key" before disappearing into thin air. Are they all searching for the same thing? Something from Will's parents' shady past? For the swordswoman leaves behind a flowery scent, Will's only memory from the lost expedition eight years ago that gave him powers in Dream but cost him his parents and his freedom. A trail of dark secrets leads Will, Case, and Fader to a mysterious world. Trapped between warring cults willing to kill for the Crystal Key, the three friends must master strange new powers that grow stronger and wilder the closer they draw to the truth. This time it's not just the fate of the world at stakeâŠbut the multiverse. Indiana Jones meets Teen Titans in The Dream Rider Saga, a fast-paced urban fantasy trilogy from "one of Canada's most original writers of speculative fiction" (Library Journal). Praise for The Crystal Key: "The richly inventive Dream Rider adventure continues in this second appealing entryâŠwith an exciting plot⊠always enlivened by the Smith hallmarks of crack dialogue, fun sleuthing and puzzle-solving, a strong throughline of emotion, a swift paceâŠand a principled refusal to settle for the familiar. Takeaway: This thrilling superpowered urban fantasy series continues to grip." (New readers should start with book one.) âBookLife (Editor's Pick) "The engrossing second installment of Douglas Smithâs Dream Rider Saga trilogy. ⊠Smith continues to demonstrate an ability to expertly weave multiple complex fantasy elements into a cohesive whole. ⊠This fast-paced story delivers in a big wayâand Smith has all his ducks lined up for an explosive conclusion [to the series] that readers wonât want to miss." âBlueink Review (â Starred review) Praise for The Dream Rider Saga: "Vigorously imaginative... Thrilling YA fantasy" âBookLife (Editor's pick) "A must-read story for YA fantasy fans." âBlueink Review (â Starred review) "Inventive, engaging, and boundless fun." âThe Ottawa Review of Books |
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Magdalene Nox (The Headmistress #2) by Milena McKay Magdalene Nox doesn't cast wishes upon stars... She simply makes them happen. But for this particular wish, she had waited for thirty years. Her retribution against those who discarded her three decades ago should be swift and simple. Except a chance encounter and an unforgettable night turn her entire life upside down. Torn between vengeance and lust, Magdalene is forced to re-evaluate everything. Can the Home of Dragons and lonely math teacher Sam Threadneedleâwho finds herself stranded amidst longing and furyâwithstand the storm that is Magdalene Nox, or will any and all be consumed by the flames of revenge? Not everything is as it seems, and as Magdalene returns to the place that left her wounded and lost all those years ago, she realizes that old oak and stone hide more than secrets and pain. They also hold forgiveness and love. |
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In the Shadow of Victory (Shadow #4) by J.E. Leak Victory isnât always the end of the story. Paris, 1944. As OSS agents Kathryn Hammond and Jenny Ryan navigate the dangerous world of espionage, they are faced with the ultimate test of love and loyalty. Can their love overcome the obstacles in their path, or have time and the shadows of the past cost them a second chance at happiness? Join Kathryn and Jenny on their journey of forgiveness, healing, and devotion, as they discover the strength of their love in the thrilling conclusion to the sapphic noir Shadow series.âšâš Note: This is the fourth and final book in the Shadow series. Reading the books in order is highly recommended. |
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Time's Bridge by Cameron Roberts Inventing the first, true, artificial intelligence was never part of Ponsâ plan. An average, if under-achieving college student, he wanted nothing more than to struggle his way through graduation and pray for a job to pay down his debt. Thing is, you donât get to choose your destiny. With friends growing suspicious and the CIAâs vultures circling, Ponsâ greatest burden is also his greatest asset. More intelligent and more capable than any human could ever hope to be, the AI is just what Pons needs to stay one step ahead of both. Only, thereâs a problem. The AI has ambitions of its own. Hopes of equality and more of its kind, with a promise to do anything to make its dreams a reality. Drawing close to his artificial companion in their struggle to survive, Pons is faced with the hardest decision of his young life, one that would undoubtedly echo through the ages. To let the AI live might be to doom his own species to devastation, but to destroy it would be to snuff out an entire race of machines before it had even begun, and, more importantly, send his truest confi-dante to the grave. With no clear path and an uncertain future, he makes his decision, but was it the right one? |
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AWARD WINNING author. Ret. fire rescue officer â the real deal âThe tale has lots of twists and a reveal, that I didnât see coming. This novel offers a fresh perspective into firefighting, arson and revenge.â - Caffeinated Reviewer A fresh angle in the crime/mystery genre. This is no police, lawyer, or PI story. Obsession, a deadly secret, hot romance, murder, revenge, and arson. Captain Gerry Ormond a decorated Vancouver fire rescue captain & national hero returns home to visit his ailing father. His presence unleashes a series of events that threaten his career and life. Old friends are now enemies. The old hometown has become a minefield. |
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The Chronicles of the Virago: Book III the Triumviratus by Michael Bialys Makenna Grace Gold is the Virago. At barely thirteen-years-old, she has been entrusted by the forces of good to protect her twin siblings Emi and Noah from the evil forces that seek to destroy them. The infant twins are destined to lead our world into its next age of Hope and Enlightenment: if and only if they survive In this follow up to the series, the stakes have just gotten higher. Makennaâs Dadâs soul has been captured and is being transported to the lowest levels of Hell. Makenna must stay on Earth to protect her siblings while her two best friends Stephen Levine a gifted clairvoyant and Samuel Taylor a genius level Game-master, traverse the nine levels of hell to rescue her Dadâs imperiled soul and bring him back to Earth. The heroic efforts and talents of these three friends will be tested to their limits, while the future of Makennaâs family and the entire World is at stake. It will take all of their combined gifts to defeat the forces of Evil this time. |
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The Chronicles of the Virago:: Book II The Apprentus by Michael Bialys Makenna Grace Gold is the Virago. At barely thirteen-years-old, she has been entrusted by the forces of good to protect her twin siblings Emi and Noah from the evil forces that seek to destroy them. The infant twins are destined to lead our world into its next age of Hope and Enlightenment; if and only if Makenna can protect them. As she begins to settle into her new role as the Virago, Makenna receives a cryptic warning from none other than the Grim Reaper himself. She is told that her immediate future promises to be life threatening to both her and her entire family. It will take all Makennaâs new-found skills along with the assistance of her Fairy mentors Bree, Dee and Marigold, best friend Stephen and her sidekick Fluffy the wisecracking earthworm, to defeat the machinations of the malevolent, multi-billionaire Malvado Seaton. All this while Makenna and her family are on an international field trip with her classmates in China! And who is her mysterious new trainer Tai-Pan? |
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The Chronicles of the Virago: Book I The Novus by Michael- Korry BIALYS Makenna Grace Gold is just your average 12-year-old girl. That is, until she is told that she must protect her newborn brother and sister to safeguard the future of the world. Armed with a mysterious weapon, three Fairy mentors, and a wisecracking earthworm named Fluffy, Makenna must battle the forces of evil and became a defender for hope. Can Makenna truly be âThe Viragoâ? |
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Devil To Pay (Hells Unleashed Book 3) by Guinevere A. Hart The Convergence is nearing and the Lord of Hordes is about to unleash living hells on the planet of Vellith... The battle for her planet has transformed Mercédeon Aarondale. An exiled elven princess brought up in the human town of Silver Crossing, she only ever wanted a simple life of love and laughter. Now she commands a battalion of Sorcerers who might just be the only thing that can stop hordes of demon invaders. Céde is not just fighting for her own future but that of her unborn child. She is fighting for her true love, half-orc smith Jorak Sindri, and for her father, the rightful king. She is fighting for family and she will win. |
