Personal blog of Yzmir Ramirez

Some more free books for you from some tremendous fantasy and sci-fi authors!

Some of these books are free on Amazon (or your favorite retailer) and some are yours, gratis, when you sign up for the authors' free newsletters. I regularly talk to all the authors below and they're a great bunch of folks. I'm sure you'll love their books.

Why sign up for a newsletter? You usually become the first to hear about new releases, special offers, and often freebies. It's a great way to stay in touch with an author whose books you love. 

I know you are eager to check out the books, so scroll away…

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A Wizard's Forge

(Book 1 in The Woern Saga)

by A. M. Justice

Sci-fi/Fantasy novel

Scholar. Slave. Warrior. Wizard.

On a planet far from Earth, descendants of marooned space travelers fight a decades-long war. Shy scholar Victoria knows nothing of this conflict until pirates kidnap and sell her to the sadistic tyrant behind it. He keeps her naked and locked in a tower, subjecting her to months of psychological torture. After seizing an opportunity to escape, Vic joins the fight against her former captor and begins walking a bloody path toward revenge.

As the Blade, Vic gains glory raiding her enemy’s forces, but the ordeal in his tower haunts her. Bitter memories keep her from returning the love of the kindhearted Prince Ashel, whose family has fended off the tyrant’s invading army for a generation. When enemy soldiers capture Ashel, Vic embarks on a quest to rescue him and, on the journey, discovers a source of spectacular power. With wizardry, Vic can rescue the prince, end the war, and wreak the vengeance she craves, but she might also destroy her only chance for peace.

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Stories from the War

(Book 1 in Friends of my Enemy)

by Autumn M. Birt

Military Dystopian Thriller

A dark future awaits…

After a decade of storms, disease, drought, and riots, the US conquers its troubles by militarizing its government. Old democratic allies in Europe respond uneasily to the change.

in 2055 Arinna and Michael Prescot are just two of the many former soldiers sent to foreign embassies in the hopes of strengthening faltering US alliances. But as the US becomes embroiled in new internal terrorism, its agents in Europe are offered intimidation and lies rather than explanations. And the price of seeking the truth to events back home is steep.

As the growing conflict in the US threatens the peace of Europe and tips the world toward World War III, choices of loyalty need to be made – if Michael and Arinna can determine who to trust and if the price of their help is worth the cost. Global events hinge on a few individuals as an apocalyptic war threatens Europe, and no one is more unprepared than its potential saviors.

Stories from the War consists of eleven interlinked short stories that are a prelude to the military dystopian thriller trilogy Friends of my Enemy.

Set in Europe, this near future fiction series of novels unfolds through the intersecting lives of a small handful of people and explores adult themes, both dark and hopeful, of friendship, romance, and family, including how these influences direct everyday choices which ripple outwards to impact governments on the verge of an apocalypse. Because not all influence is good, and not all decisions can be made in time.

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Born of Water

(Book 1 in The Rise of the Fifth Order)

by Autumn M. Birt

Elemental Magic & Epic Fantasy Adventure

In the buried archives of the Temple of Dust may lie the secret to defeating the Curse, a creature which seeks to destroy 16-year old Ria for the forbidden gifts she possesses.

Begin the epic fantasy adventure described as “fast paced and … a wonderful fantasy trilogy” and “a rich fantasy full of interesting characters,” “the author’s imagination is mindblogging!”

It is from among the ranks of those who control the Curse where Ria will find her best chance of success. Only the Water Priestess Niri can save Ria from the forces that hunt her, if Niri doesn’t betray the girl first. Along with Ria comes Ty and his sister, Lavinia, both bound to defend Ria from the Church of Four Orders. However, Ty has been living a life less than honest and keeping it from his sister. To survive a journey that takes them across the breadth of their world, the four must learn to trust each other before pursuit from the Church and Ty’s troubled past find them.

Born of Water is the first book in The Rise of the Fifth Order Saga full of elemental magic and epic fantasy adventure. Welcome to the mythical world of Myrrah, ruled by the Church of Four Orders – Fire, Earth, Water, and Air.

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Desolation

(Book 1 in The Keystone Bone Trilogy)

by Jesper Schmidt

Fantasy

Just as Aea had finally found happiness in her troubled life, everything starts to fall apart. When she discovers that her sister, Isota, is still alive, Aea ventures to save her, well aware that every Duian who leaves the forest realm of Thaduin will inevitably catch a deadly disease, the Field Blight. Aea finds herself in a race against time.

Arkum'Sul really wants nothing but to be left alone. Being the sole survivor of his race, and the son of a dragon god, makes such desires difficult to fulfill.

Meanwhile, Ayida, another Duian, resides in the Bronze Tower, far north of Thaduin, where she has grown to become a powerful spellcaster. However, it requires all of her skills to heal herself of the Field Blight daily. This place is the heart of the Magio Order, a dominant organization of female magic-wielders, where Ayida has tried for decades to ascend from Apprentice to the rank of Sienna… and failed every time. As she makes another attempt, all goes horribly wrong.

Will the world of Erisdün survive as ancient myths and reality become one?

“Desolation” is the first book in the fantasy trilogy, “The Keystone Bone”. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but if you like fast-paced fantasy, with dragons, demons, and magic, then you will love “Desolation”.

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Dead Letter

(Prelude to Epic Fantasy Best Seller, Dragon Choir)

by Benjamin Descovich

Epic Fantasy Mystery

An outcast sorcerer is lost in the city of gold, boiling in a cauldron of lies.

Novice Kettna is commissioned to solve a string of robberies, but is haunted by a forbidden secret. Murder, blackmail and espionage drive her investigation into the shadows of danger where she must confront Bloody Agnus, the queen of the criminal underworld. Can a mage with failing magic discover the truth to find her lost love and save the city from itself?

Sword and Sorcery simmering with Mystery and Mayhem.

Dive into the magical world of Oranica and steel yourself for adventure. From the boundless imagination of bestselling author, Benjamin Descovich, comes a turbulent tale set in the City of Gold, Calimska. The daughter of the Archmagus has an impenetrable intellect, but her talent with magic is waning. To her shame, she is incapable of passing the trials of sorcery and is sent to serve on the city guard. With the help of a caustic, yet beautiful, guardian and a poor kitchen hand, Kettna uncovers a deadly conspiracy that threatens the great city.

Only one thing can keep a secret buried, a Dead Letter.

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Agent Darcy and Ninja Steve in…Tiger Trouble!

(Volume 1)

by Grant Goodman

SECRET MISSIONS. SPIN KICKS. SINISTER GHOSTS.

Thirteen year-old Agent Darcy is one of the top students at the Bureau of Sneakery, where there are three rules every agent must follow: never make friends with an outsider, never speak of the Bureau, and never reveal your real name. Lately, Darcy has hit a rough patch: her rival, Agent Serena, keeps outdoing her. If things keep going this way, Darcy is convinced that no one will ever assign her a real mission.

Ninja Steve's city, Ninjastoria, is the home of sword fights, throwing stars, and Tae Kwon Donuts. Unlike his genius older sister, twelve year-old Steve isn't the best ninja student. He'd rather be swinging a sword instead of taking notes in class. Steve, however, is about to learn that being a true ninja means far more than being able to use a sword.

When Darcy is sent to Ninjastoria as an exchange student, it will turn both of their lives upside-down and raise all kinds of questions:

What do the mecha-moles want? Who is the man in the gray mask? What do ninjas eat for lunch? And why is there a menacing tiger on the cover of this book?

Time to read and find out!

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Necromancer

by Graeme Ing

Dark Fantasy novel

A primeval fiend is loose in the ancient metropolis of Malkandrah, intent on burning it to a wasteland. The city’s leaders stand idly by and the sorcerers that once protected the people are long gone.

Maldren, a young necromancer, is the only person brave enough to stand against the creature. Instead of help from the Masters of his Guild, he is given a new apprentice. Why now, and why a girl? As they unravel the clues to defeating the fiend, they discover a secret society holding the future of the city in its grip. After betrayals and attempts on his life, Maldren has reason to suspect everyone he thought a friend, even the girl.

His last hope lies in an alliance with a depraved and murderous ghost, but how can he trust it? Its sinister past is intertwined in the lives of everyone he holds dear. Can only evil defeat evil?

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Here's a great new release – one of the best books I've read this year. See my review below and then an interview with the author LX Cain. Don't miss the giveaway at the end! Bloodwalker isn't fantasy or sci-fi but I totally recommend it as a tremendous read.

Lightning flashes. Another child disappears…

Zorka Circus’s big top roars with laughter and cheers, but when it moves on, children vanish.

Circus Security Chief Rurik suspects a killer hides among the performers, but they close ranks—they’ve always viewed lightning-scarred Rurik as the monster. He must find the culprit before anyone else disappears and his home is destroyed by the murders.

Into Zorka Circus comes the Skomori clan, despised as gravedigging ghouls. A one-day truce allows bloodwalker Sylvie to marry. Instead, she finds a body. Alerting others will defy her clan’s strict code, break the truce, and leave her an outcast.

When more bodies turn up, the killer's trail becomes impossible to ignore. Rurik and Sylvie must follow the clues—even if they lead to something unimaginable…

Buy Now: Amazon | B&N | Kobo | Dancing Lemur Press
Add on Goodreads

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MY REVIEW

I highly recommend this book. Very different to the usual Urban Fantasy or murder-mystery. I can tell the author did phenomenal research on Romania and the circus life, because the setting is incredibly vivid and rich – it sucked me right in so that I was among the circusfolk, along with their family and talent squabbles, walking through the thick mud between tents and trailers.

The mystery is a strong and chilling current flowing through the core of this book. It forced me to keep turning pages. Who was the villain? No shortage of suspects. Every time I thought I had it – another twist.

And then there is the plotline of a fascinating, almost sinister tribe of women to which the title refers. Their matriarchy is steeped in history, lore and ancient knowledge. Riveting. I became so invested in all of the characters, but rooted especially for the little Bloodwalker.

The climax is dramatic, intense and outright spooky in one of the most incredible settings I've ever read about. Once there I could not stop until I turned the last page.

One of the best books I've read this year. You'll love it, whatever genre you usually enjoy.

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INTERVIEW WITH LX CAIN

Give us a short teaser about Bloodwalker. What should we expect? What genre is it?

Children are disappearing. The strange part is it seems to happen every time the Zorka Circus leaves one of the Eastern European towns on its tour. Rurik, the circus’s Security Chief, thinks someone in the circus is behind it. But who?

Readers can expect a riveting mystery with lots of action and a streak of horror. It’s a genre mash-up of mystery, thriller, horror and fantasy—something for everyone!

What inspired you to write Bloodwalker?

I was fascinated with the idea of a sheltered society that’s superstitious and oppressive. Very often people in closed-off societies are so used to the rigid rules they live under, they don’t see them as wrong or believe in questioning them. If it was good enough for their grandparents, it’s good enough for them. It would take a lot for a young woman from such a group to begin to question and finally rebel against unfair rules, so I gave Sylvie plenty of problems to push her over the edge.

Making our characters miserable—it’s what authors do best!

The locations in your book are so rich and authentic. Have you been to or lived in Eastern Europe?

I’ve never been to Eastern Europe, but I did a lot of research. I became really good at using Mapquest maps and satellite pictures to scour countries for cities where I could put my circus. Once I had the locations, I read news articles about the places, browsed tourist review sites for details, researched flora and fauna, and looked at every picture I could find. Originally, I wanted the climax of the novel to be in Russia, but I stumbled on a polluted town in Romania with two abandoned factories. It became the town that’s featured in the finale (with a name change and some fictitious additions to make it super scary!).

How did you come to learn so much about the circus life? You really bring it to life in the book!

Research. Research. Research. I read everything I could find about circuses and performers. I watched lots of videos, including several of the big top being put together and raised. Fascinating stuff!

What’s your favorite part of the book? No spoilers!

Sylvie is a “bloodwalker” for her village, which means she prepares dead bodies for burial the way they did a hundred years ago, before mortuaries or funeral homes. My favorite parts were the anecdotes about times she was doing her job and things went wrong. The stories are a bit macabre and filled with black humor. I could write a whole novel on the weird ideas I came up with about mishaps when dealing with corpses!

How long did it take you from idea to formatted book?

Almost two years. The research, writing, getting feedback and revising took about a year. Then finding a publisher took 4 months (the first one I subbed to went out of business while I was waiting to hear from them!), and then cover design, final edits, getting ARC (Advanced Reader Copies) to reviewers, and final proofing took another 6 months.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I read a lot when I was a kid. I loved the sense of being taken away to other worlds full of adventure and scary things. I especially loved Sci-Fi, Thrillers, and Horror. The Horror novels of the 70s (like The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty, The Amityville Horror by Jay Anson, and The Fog by James Herbert) inspired me as a young teen, and I wished I could become a Horror writer. I eventually did, after a thirty-year detour called real life and work.

What is an interesting or bizarre writing habit or quirk you have?

If I’m stuck on a plot point or can’t decide on something, I do the dishes or clean. The mindless activity helps my mind wander and find the answer. Or maybe it’s just the pretty soap bubbles…

Tease us about your next book? Will it be along similar lines to Bloodwalker?

I’m writing a novel now called Coldest Night. It’s about a wanted man who must come out of hiding when the tiny Alaskan town his wife and daughter live in suffers a toxic gas attack. It’s a Thriller but not very much like Bloodwalker.

However, I’m researching my next book, which will be more like Bloodwalker. It’s tentatively called Paris Underworld and is about a secretive society living in the Paris Catacombs who are being hunted by a serial killer. Since they’re illegals, they can’t go to the police. They know there’s only one man who has a chance to catch the killer. But that man was banned from their group for being a murderer himself.

Tell us a bit about yourself. What do you like to do when you're not writing?

I spend time on the internet and watching TV. But surfing the net and good TV shows inspire me with plot ideas, so even when I’m not actually writing, I’m usually thinking about writing!

What was the hardest part of writing Bloodwalker?

Everything. Coming up with the premise. Doing all the research. Outlining and then changing the plot ten times as I went along. Writing and re-writing. Getting feedback. Revising again and again. And again.

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GIVEAWAY

Win a free copy of Bloodwalker!

Click here if you can't see the entry form: https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/8f089dda5/

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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CONTACT LX CAIN

Blog / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads

Have I got a treat for you! Scroll your way through 35 –free– spec-fic books. There's something for everyone here: sci-fi, space opera, epic fantasy, dark fantasy, vampires, paranormal, post-apocalypse, genetic engineering, arcane horror, time travel, and more.

Some of these books are free on Amazon (or your favorite retailer) and some are yours, gratis, when you sign up for the authors' free newsletters. I regularly talk to all the authors below and they're a great bunch of folks. I'm sure you'll love their books.

Why sign up for a newsletter? You usually become the first to hear of new releases, special offers, and often freebies. It's a great way to stay in touch with an author whose books you love. 

I know you are eager to check out the books, so scroll away…

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The Backworlds

(Book 1 in The Backworlds series)

by M. Pax

Sci-fi novel

In the far future, humanity settles the stars, bioengineering its descendants to survive in a harsh universe. This is the first book in the science fiction series, The Backworlds. Try it for free. A galactic adventure. 

After the war with the Foreworlders, Backworlders scatter across the remaining planets. Competition is fierce, and pickings are scant. Scant enough that Craze’s father decides to improve his fortunes by destroying his son. He tells his only boy their moon isn’t big enough for them both and gives Craze a ticket for the next transport leaving the space dock. 

Treated worse than a stranger, like the scuzzbag of the galaxy, Craze is forced to flee his home. Cut off from everyone he knows with little money and no knowledge of the worlds beyond his, he must find a way to forge a new life and make sure his father regrets this day.

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Stopover at the Backworlds' Edge

(Book 2 in The Backworlds series)

by M. Pax

Sci-fi novel

In the far future, humanity settles the stars, bioengineering its descendants to survive in a harsh universe. This is the second book in the science fiction series, The Backworlds. A space opera adventure.

Revenge is on Craze’s mind. He chews on it every day along with the relentless dust on Pardeep Station. He dreams of grander wealth, enough to make his father choke.

That’s the dream consuming him when the interstellar portal opens, spitting out a ship that should no longer exist. A battleship spoiling for a fight. Yet the war with the Foreworlds ended two generations ago.

One wrong move and the shaky truce will end. So will Craze and his friends.

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When subscribing to M. Pax's newsletter, you can choose EITHER Stopover or The Initiate.

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The Initiate

(Book 2 in The Rifters series)

by M. Pax

Sci-fi novel

A junction erupts between the worlds in Settler, Oregon, a rift from which horrors attack our world. The Rifters defend us. 

To trust unquestioningly is the first lesson Daelin Long must learn as the newest Initiate of the Rifters. Her first day is a disaster. She stands on a deserted street in a town smaller than a city district, courting killer rocks from another world with her ancestor from the Revolutionary War. Normal no longer exists. 

While she struggles, Earl Blacke grapples with atoning for his past ill deeds, running far and fast from Settler, Oregon. The Shaman of the Desert promises him redemption, and an old mine puts the possibility of a gold strike in his grasp. His luck has changed for the better, but he can’t have both. 

You're never a hero until you are. 

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When subscribing to M. Pax's newsletter, you can choose EITHER Stopover or The Initiate.

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A to Z Flashes of Foxwick

(Book 1 in The Foxwick Chronicles)

by Cherie Reich

Fantasy Flash fiction collection, 67 pages

Draw back the curtain and glimpse the extraordinary world of Foxwick and its neighbors!

Magical creatures abound. A phoenix flies proudly while a little dragon makes a new friend. Siblings fight and let their magic light up their lands. A future queen's love can turn a man's heart to ice. Lady Death meets an unusual companion and more stories from the kingdoms of Foxwick, Wintermill, Valdale, and Lochhollow.

These twenty-six flash fiction fantasy pieces will take you on a journey through the alphabet and to faraway, magical lands.

This collection includes the bonus short story "Lady Death" from People of Foxwick and Their Neighbors. In "Lady Death," the king's assassin, Princess Umbria agrees to her brother's insane idea to assassinate Death so that she can save the king’s wife and unborn child.

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The 13th Floor

by Christine Rains

Collection of novellas

The 13th Floor:

Six supernatural tenants 

Living in a haunted apartment building 

On a floor that doesn't exist. 

 

Six novellas telling their tales. 

 

A retired demon acquires a price on his head. 

A werewolf is hunted by her pack. 

A modern day dragonslayer misses his target. 

A harpy challenges Zeus for the soul of the man she loves. 

A vampire is obsessed with a young woman he can't find. 

A banshee falls in love with someone whose death she has seen in a vision. 

And a sweet ghost must battle a primal monster to save them all. 

 

All the stories take place at the same time intertwining their lives together on the 13th Floor. 

Includes the new short story, "The Shadow."

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When subscribing to Christine's newsletter, you can choose EITHER of her two titles here.

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Of Blood and Sorrow

by Christine Rains

Urban Fantasy Novel

Erin Driscol works the perfect job consoling fellow demons by feeding off their grief at Putzkammer & Sons Funeral Home. 

When fledgling vampire Nicolas Reese comes to Erin for help, she learns the truth behind the legends and hides him from his sire and the vampire hunters who seek him. But when the Putzkammers begin to die one by one, Erin is caught between her act of kindness and the need to save her adopted family. Only by facing her own personal demons can she stop the slaughter and still rescue Nicolas from his dark fate.

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When subscribing to Christine's newsletter, you can choose EITHER of her two titles here.

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The Ivy and the Walnut

by Jeff Chapman

Short story fairy tale

What wickedness did jealousy wrought when two sisters vied for the same man. "The Ivy and the Walnut" is a standalone fairy tale.

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Frailties of the Bond

(Book 1 of the NEO Chronicles)

by Angela Brown

Novella, 69 pages

It only takes one bite to change a life… 

After a hiking trip gone wrong, sixteen-year-old Luca should have been dead. Since then, he’s drifted from one school day to the next, annoyed by the looks of suspicion. When a vampire attack claimed his mother and forced his first shift into animal form, Luca set out for Texas, vengeance bound, only to discover so much more when Aimee crossed his path. 

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Atone

(Book 2 of the NEO Chronicles)

by Angela Brown

Novella, 56 pages

Caine Fordham never kisses and tells. 

He's the Kill Circuit’s top lady-killer and business is good. Yet Caine knows the life of an assassin can't last forever, just as love is impossible for him. Who could love a man with poison lacing his veins and a kiss that kills? 

When Caine decides to take one last job, he discovers there’s more to life than death, and more to love than pain. 

Atone is the second in a series of Characters Revealed novellas/short stories with clean romance

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The Way of the Black Beast

(Book 1 in the Malja Chronicles)

by Stuart Jaffe

Post Apocalyptic Fantasy novel

Start your adventures with Malja in this action-packed, post-apocalyptic fantasy! 

In a parallel world destroyed by magic, one woman fights all odds to survive and find the answers behind her mysterious past. 

Malja searches for the two magicians who stole her at birth, trained her to be a killing machine, and then tossed her away at ten. She wants to know why this happened and most importantly, who she really is. 

But facing unrelenting challenges – crazed magicians, guitar-playing assassins, mutated beasts – she pushes through with a single-mindedness that may destroy all she holds dear. 

Find out why Fictitious Chronicle called The Way of the Black Beast "incredible and impressive" and Workaday Reads called it "a great start to a series, and I can't wait to see where it goes next."

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The Way of the Sword and Gun

(Book 2 in the Malja Chronicles)

by Stuart Jaffe

Post Apocalyptic Fantasy novel

"This book convinced me that I actually do like fantasy!" MH Grigsby, reader 

Malja and her companions face a self-made ruler obsessed with taming the destructive magical energies pulsing from a place known as the Library. 

But magic this powerful can do more than destroy. It can unlock a path toward the desires Malja buries in her heart. Desires that may tear her from those she cares for the most.

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Seeds of a New Birth

(Book 1 in The Kindred Series)

by Orrin Jason Bradford

Genetic Engineering sci-fi thriller novel

 

Unlocking the Potential of the Human Mind

Scientific Breakthrough… Or a Really Bad Idea? 

Research geneticist and genetic engineer, Lionel Adams is onto something hot –the key to unlocking the vast reserves of the human mind. Everyone is interested in it. Bio Vita Tech, the genetics research lab he works for, is excited about the possibilities and the potential mega-profits. So are their foreign competitors who are counting on their inside man at Bio Vita to deliver Adam's secret into their hands. 

Everyone seems to want a sample of Adam's formula, except his college buddy, Flip MacDougal, who makes a surprise visit to Bio Vita to play a practical joke on his old friend. Unfortunately, it's Flip who ends up with the sample. His world is turned upside down as he struggles and maneuvers his way through the trouble he has gotten himself into as he unwittingly spreads his "gift" to others. 

For a limited time, Seeds of a New Birth, book one of the Kindred Series is free for your reading pleasure. It is a genetic engineering science fiction thriller with a hint of romance about a future where the highly volatile formula of genetic engineering coupled with corporate and personal greed threatens the course of human evolution and perhaps mankind's very existence. 

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Her Sweetest Downfall

(Prequel to Forever Girl series)

by Rebecca Hamilton

Paranormal Romance / Fantasy novella

*Her Sweetest Downfall is a short story/novella of 30,000 words. This is not a novel/full-length read, but works as a companion novel to THE FOREVER GIRL, Rebecca Hamilton's bestselling paranormal fantasy debut.* 

Ophelia's been successful at hiding her true identity, until the mark of the serpent appears on her neck—a death sentence, should it be seen by anyone in her town. Hiding the mark might save her from falling victim to the witch hunts of her era, but the scorching sensation it carries can’t be ignored. 

When the mysterious Ethan is sent to collect her for a life of something more, she learns concealing the mark is the least of her worries. She’s destined to don a new mask—to join a dark, supernatural world and protect the future of people she may never meet. 

What she doesn’t know—what she learns too late—is that her initiation won’t be complete until she kills the man she loves. 

Set in an alternate Regency England, "Her Sweetest Downfall" is a standalone novella in the "Forever Girl" series, written as a gift to fans of the Forever Girl series. 

HER SWEETEST DOWNFALL will appeal to lovers of paranormal romance, fantasy, and vampire fiction.

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Embattled

(Em and Yves Book 1)

by Darlene Jones

Sci-fi novel

My face is on every television, in every newspaper. They say I’m saving the world. I know better. I’m a school principal not a superhero. 

Of course that doesn’t explain the blood on my hands. Or the strange languages coming out of my mouth. Or the feel of swinging a machete. Or the sensation of lifting off the ground before I lose all memory. 

Someone or something has hijacked my life. How do I get it back? 

Alien contact leads to adventure and love as the characters/aliens involve themselves in world affairs in this science fiction novel series. But are humans given second chances after our superhero fights war or will the gods decide our fate?

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Empowered

(Em and Yves Book 2)

by Darlene Jones

Sci-fi novel

I do what I do to make the world a better place because of these visions I had when I was a kid. I’m sort of invincible too. Crazy, huh? And I’ve found my promised soulmate. Victor doesn’t believe he’s the one. Not yet, anyway. 

Damn, damn, damn. I’ve been kidnapped. Victor will find me. He has to. Doesn’t he? The visions can’t be wrong. 

With her bodyguards in the hospital it’s up to her watcher, the ex-cons, her dad, and friends to save her. Will they and Victor come to the rescue in time or will her delusions be her ruin? 

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Born of Water

(Book 1 of The Rise of the Fifth Order)

by Autumn M. Birt

Elemental Magic & Epic Fantasy novel

In the buried archives of the Temple of Dust may lie the secret to defeating the Curse, a creature which seeks to destroy 16-year old Ria for the forbidden gifts she possesses. But it is from among the ranks of those who control the Curse where Ria will find her best chance of success. 

Only the Priestess Niri can save Ria from the forces that hunt her, if Niri doesn’t betray the girl first. Along with Ria comes Ty and his sister, Lavinia, both bound to defend Ria from the Church of Four Orders. However, Ty has been living a life less than honest and keeping it from his sister. To survive a journey that takes them across the breadth of their world, the four must learn to trust each other before pursuit from the Church and Ty’s troubled past find them. 

Born of Water is the first book in the Rise of the Fifth Order Saga full of elemental magic and epic fantasy adventure. Welcome to the mythical world of Myrrah, ruled by the Church of Four Orders – Fire, Earth, Water, and Air.

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Rule of Fire

(Book 2 of The Rise of the Fifth Order)

by Autumn M. Birt

Elemental Magic & Epic Fantasy novel

Six friends stand against the combined Orders of Fire, Water, Air, and Earth, protecting a girl whose forbidden abilities have condemned her to death. Now they are joined by a man who was once the Curse, the Church's most powerful weapon and Ria's greatest threat. 

Left with no name and no memory, the decision to aid this stranger will cost friendships and more as the group of friends journey north to seek a tribe of people lost to time amid an ancient war. The path home is riddled with dangers as the Church of Four Orders still seeks Ria and the former Water Priestess Nirine. For one High Priest, the desire for vengeance is personal. 

Ria must unravel the mysteries of her power to find acceptance in a world where her abilities are considered a taint. Is the strange gift of magic an aberration that should be destroyed or something far more, related to the skills held by the Elementals who rule Myrrah? 

The sequel to Born of Water, Rule of Fire is the second book in the epic fantasy trilogy, the Rise of the Fifth Order full of elemental magic and epic fantasy adventure. Return to the world of Myrrah ruled by the Church of Four Orders.

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Germination

(Feast of Weeds, Book 1)

by Jamie Thornton

Post apocalyptic Young Adult novella

A GROUP OF RUNAWAYS. A HORRIFYING VIRUS. 

Mary knows how to thrive on the street. She makes it her mission to keep other kids away from everyday monsters. But when she’s attacked by a crazed man clutching a bloody heart she realizes—there’s a new kind of monster in town. 

A single drop of blood, and now Mary’s one of the infected. Unless she can stop the virus and save her friends, the new monster in town might just be her. 

This is the opening novella to a post-apocalyptic Young Adult series where the runaways are the heroes, the zombies aren’t really zombies, and you can't trust your memories—even if they're all you have left. 

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Contamination

(Feast of Weeds, Book 2)

by Jamie Thornton

Post apocalyptic Young Adult novel

HER MEMORIES WON'T STAY DEAD. 

More than anything, eighteen-year-old Corrina wants Dylan to love her as much as her parents loved each other. But when a new virus unleashes violence that devastates their neighborhood, Dylan is kidnapped and Corrina uncovers a terrible secret. 

A crude vaccination, and now Corrina’s immune from the virus ravaging the city—but the cure changes her memories in bizarre ways. 

With help from a group of runaways, Corrina must survive a world gone mad if she’s to find the boy she still loves. But when Dylan discovers what she's become, will he still love her? 

A post-apocalyptic Young Adult series where the runaways are the heroes, the zombies aren’t really zombies, and you can't trust your memories—even if they're all you have left. 

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The Kalarthri

(Book 1 of The Way to Freedom series)

by H.M. Clarke

Epic Fantasy Action Adventure novel

"This Hatar Kalar has more natural Talent than any Second Born found in the Empire."

Every ten years the Imperium Provosts travel the provinces of the Great Suene Empire and take every second born child as the property of the Emperor. His Due for their continued protection.

Kalena, taken from her family and friends finds herself alone and scared in the imperial Stronghold of Darkon. And when she cries out to the darkness for help, Kalena is shocked when it answers her back.

If you found out that you were different from everyone else, what would you do?

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The Dream Thief

(Book 2 of The Way to Freedom series)

by H.M. Clarke

Epic Fantasy Action Adventure novel

Get The Way to Freedom: The Complete Season One (Books 1-5) 

This collection contains the complete first season of the epic fantasy saga, The Way to Freedom – all FIVE debut season episodes. Save 40% versus buying the individual episodes! 

The Empire is on the verge of war. 

The ancient enemy has returned and betrayal is thick in the air. 

Eight years after Kalena became a Flyer, she is being sent North with her wing to garrison the mountainous Northern Pass. They are the first line of defense against unknown enemy numbers. 

But what she encounters there, no one could have foreseen and is more dangerous than what the Empire faces to the North.

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From Away

(Series 1, Book 1)

by Deke Mackey Jr.

A serial Thriller of Arcane and Eldritch Horror novella

Impossibly ancient. Eternally patient. 

Something is lurking in the cold, black waters surrounding Mossley Island. An arcane and eldritch horror. Hungry. Craving the flesh – and perhaps the very souls – of all who live there. 

For fifty years it’s waited. As those who so valiantly defended the island against its last invasion have succumbed to age. Died off. Allowing it to fade from secret history into half-forgotten myth. 

Now It’s mounting a new attack. It wants the island and this time… Its evil intentions will not be denied. 

The first eerie chapter in a suspense-filled seven-part serial of buried secrets, dark places and the occult follows Dawn, a teenager from the mainland, as she accompanies her wayward father back to his hometown and the family he abandoned before she was born. 

Hoping to understand where she comes from, Dawn gets more than she bargained for as she begins to uncover the island’s secret societies, a dark conspiracy that may endanger all of mankind, and her own shocking blood destiny. 

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From Away

(Series 1, Book 2)

by Deke Mackey Jr.

A serial Thriller of Arcane and Eldritch Horror novella

The second eerie chapter in a suspense-filled seven-part serial of buried secrets, dark places and the occult introduces newcomer Dawn to her island family, as they struggle to pick up the pieces in the aftermath of Book One’s devastating climax.

But not everyone welcomes her with open arms. Some take advantage of the return of her wayward father to seek vengeance for past wrongs, even as Dawn begins to uncover the island’s secret societies, a dark conspiracy that may endanger all of mankind, and her own shocking blood destiny. 

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Snow Blood

by Carol McKibben

Vampire Romance novel

Join the dark world of Brogio, the first vampire!

The Book that Launches an Unusual Vampire Romance Series!

When Brogio must turn Snow, a beautiful white husky, in order to save the dog, a series of events are unleashed that reveal a sinister plot against the father of all vampires. As life and true death experiences bond the master vampire and his newly transformed vampire canine together, they unravel a conspiracy that when resolved may return Selene, the love of Brogio’s life, back to him and set him free from the lonely existence that has plagued him for thousands of years!

??? Begin the Adventurous Paranormal Romance Series

From the author of Luke’s Tale, follow Snow Blood, an epic story of the first vampire as told through the eyes of his kindred dog! Called an "Exquisite Vampire Novel like nothing you've ever read before" filled with amazing twists, turns, suspense, excitement, mystery, romance and wonder!

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Carol is offering Season 2 of her Vampire Romance series, but when you get it free, there is a link inside to get Season 1 free too!

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Heart of the Dead

(Perpetual Creatures Book 1)

by Gabriel Beyers

Vampire/Ghost Dark Fantasy novel

A fledgling vampire must use her ability to see ghosts to hunt down a savage flesh-eater.

"Holy cow! I mean, yeah it’s that awesome. Those books that draw you in immediately and keep you hanging onto the edge of your seat are the ones we all love right? Well this is definitely one where you will find yourself so close to the edge you almost fall off. Talk about nail biting, heart racing and down-right worrisome! This is one heck of a thrill ride! I would have to recommend this book to every single paranormal and fantasy lover out there."

"You have it all in one book, vampires, ghosts, flesh-eaters… what more do you need!"

"Let's face it, vampires have been done over and over and over again, yet he found a new angle to approach it all. And what an angle that is!!! Even though there is a lot of horror and suspense, it is by no means too gory to read, and I love gory. This book is fantastic and I am dieing to read the next one."

Jerusa Phoenix has always been close to death — and not just because of the congenital heart defect she's bore since birth. Jerusa can see the lingering spirits of the dead. She is bright and beautiful, but her sickness, along with her otherworldly gift, has made her an outcast. 

When she ventures out one night, despite the warnings of her best friend, Alicia (who happens to be a ghost), and stumbles upon a group of vampires, a battle rages between immortals over Jerusa. She is transformed into a vampire, and is surprised to find that she enjoys it. For the first time in her life she doesn't feel sick. But every light casts a shadow, and from the ashes of the battle arises a creature of incredible destructive potential—a savage flesh-eater whose very existence violates the most ancient of vampire laws. 

Now Jerusa must join with the other vampires and use her ghostly power to hunt down the savage beast before he can wreak havoc on the town and make others like himself. 

Jerusa has never been so powerful, but will she be able to find the savage before he attracts the attention of the rulers of the vampire race and bring their wrath down upon them all? 

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Beauty & Power

(Perpetual Creatures Book 2)

by Gabriel Beyers

Vampire/Ghost Dark Fantasy novel

Jerusa Phoenix must face the judgment of the Stewards and earn her right to immortality.

"Wow, this is one amazing roller coaster ride. I absolutely loved the first book and was looking forward to reading the second one. The first one had quite an intriguing plot but the second one blew it out of the water. The plot is beyond amazing, with so many twists and turns that it was a thrill to read it all. It is an absolute must read for any lover of the paranormal. It has a new take on vampires and so far probably one of my favorite ones to date."

Since becoming a vampire, Jerusa Phoenix has been dreading the day that she must go before the Stewards of Life to be judged. Then comes the night she returns home to find a pair of Hunters waiting for her. 

Jerusa and her coven are whisked away to meet with the Stewards, and she cannot rely on her maker, Silvanus, to save her this time. Silvanus has been gone for months, searching for the truth of who he really is. Jerusa is unsure what’s worse, her pending judgment or that she may never see Silvanus again. 

The Stewards hold only two attributes worthy of immortality: beauty and power. Jerusa is strong and fast, far more than any fledgling, but the scar that remains on her chest from her heart transplant as a human will almost surely condemn her to death. Jerusa has one hope. She is the only vampire who can see the spirits of the dead. She has been warned to keep this gift secret from the Stewards, but what choice does she have? 

Something is amiss. A new enemy has risen from the ashes of the mountain prison where Silvanus was kept. Rumors abound of a growing army of savages. Jerusa can’t bother with any of that right now, though. If she hopes to win her right to remain a perpetual creature, she must find a way to survive the Stewards’ cruel and twisted tests. 

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Crapkiller

(prequel to The Solarian War Saga)

by Felix R. Savage

Sci-fi novella

She just graduated from the Space Corps Academy.

Her first job: staying alive.

Elfrida Goto was expecting a holiday on Ganymede. Not a vermin hunt.

The colony is plagued by rogue genetically engineered critters, and the newly-minted Space Corps agents are expected to pitch in. Elfrida and her best friend take up the challenge, but the hunt turns into a nightmarish ordeal when they get lost in the subterranean caverns.

And, worst of all … they’re not alone.

In this explosive prequel to the Solarian War Saga, Elfrida Goto’s first assignment takes her to the underbelly of the solar system, where nice girls finish last.

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The Galapagos Incident

(The Solarian War Saga, Book 1)

by Felix R. Savage

Sci-fi novella

Asteroid squatters. A genocidal enemy. Saving lives has just been added to her job description…

Evicting people from their homes is a crappy job, but Elfrida Goto knows that somebody has to do it. If she can't evict the squatters from asteroid 11073 Galapagos, it'll further delay a project she cares deeply about: terraforming Venus. Unfortunately, Elfrida's remote telepresence robot isn't cooperating, and neither are the asteroid's inhabitants. When an enemy fleet attacks her home base and heads straight for Galapagos, her mission changes in a hurry.

Teaming up with a wannabe Star Force pilot, Elfrida hits on a plan to save the squatters. If she survives long enough to put it into practice, she'll go up against the most dangerous enemy humanity has ever known…

The Galapagos Incident is the first installment in The Solarian War Saga, a series of suspenseful space operas with a strong comedic edge. If you like fast-paced space thrillers, geeky references, and books that keep you thinking, then you'll love Felix R. Savage's extraordinary look into our interplanetary future. Readers of Iain M. Banks, Neal Stephenson, and Kim Stanley Robinson have discovered their new go-to space obsession.

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The Eye of Hastur

by Scott King

Make your Fate Choosable Adventure book

MAKE YOUR FATE CHOOSABLE ADVENTURE books are interactive fiction, meaning the choices you make affect the story.

In The Eye of Hastur, a mysterious cult is summoning The Yellow King. Should the dark entity walk upon the earth he will use The Eye of Hastur to plunge all of mankind into a horrible madness.

Only you have the power to find the cult and stop The Yellow King. Will you go on this adventure and be a hero, will you hold onto your sanity, or will you let the world burn? The choice is yours because you make your fate.

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Touchstone

(The Sins of the Fathers, book 1)

by Andy Conway

Time travel historicakl adventure novella

One touch… and you're who knows when?

A brilliant paranormal mystery that Kicks off this series of books for kindle with an Edwardian thriller that blends science fiction with historical adventure and just a hint of the romance that grows over the series… 

In a small corner of Birmingham, England, Rachel and Danny are a pair of mismatched History students from opposite sides of the tracks. But they find their lives thrown together when an old gravestone catapults them back into their neighbourhood’s dark Edwardian past, where they have just three days to prevent the murder of a teenage girl. 

There they find that every action has an unforeseen consequence that can ripple through generations. 

Touchstone builds into a moving coming of age fantasy series that has won plaudits from young and old readers alike with its intelligent blend of time travel adventure, science fiction, historical romance and urban fantasy. 

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The Reluctant Time Traveller

(The Sins of the Fathers, book 1)

by Andy Conway

Time travel historical adventure novella

“A cracking, spooky short story which is a real head wrecker…” – Jack Turner, author Valentine’s Day.

When journalist Veronica Wethers discovers a local author has placed her dead uncle in his fictional universe, she sets to investigate the truth behind the Touchstone series. Full of paranormal twists and turns, some chills and spills, a few head-wrecking moments, and a dash of meta-fiction, this free short story is a great introduction to the time travel series.

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Misfits

(Time Travel Geek-out, Book 1)

by Micah Joel

Sci-fi novella

Something unlikely is happening on Matheson Station, 500 light-seconds out from Earth. Paymonia, a trader on the probability exchange, can't believe her feed: Steve Jobs, Ada Lovelace, and William Shockley have returned and are working together. While the architects of modern age battle an unseen foe, Paymonia scrambles to uncover a probability thief in her midst, before the ensuing leakage collapses the solar system's economy. 

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Few Are Chosen

(K'Barthan Series, book 1)

by M.T. McGuire

Humorous science fiction fantasy action adventure with a dash of clean romance

The Pan of Hamgee isn't paranoid. There must be some people in K'Barth who aren't out to get him. Unfortunately, right now, he's not sure where they are. 

His family are dead, his existence is treason and he does the only thing he can to survive –getaway driving. As if being on the run isn't bad enough, he finds a magic thimble. He decides to keep it, which can only mean trouble. Sure enough, it does. He unwittingly sets himself on a collision course with Lord Vernon, K'Barth's despot ruler. 

The Pan is forced to make choices and stand up for his beliefs. It's a challenge, since previously he had no beliefs he was aware of. Faced with a stark moral dilemma, he realises his new found integrity may even stick … if he can stop running. 

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The Wrong Stuff

(K'Barthan Series, book 2)

by M.T. McGuire

Humorous science fiction fantasy action adventure with a dash of clean romance

The Pan of Hamgee is not a natural knight in shining armour. Yet he has escaped from police custody in K’Barth, switched realities and foiled Lord Vernon’s attempt to kidnap Ruth, the Chosen One, from the Festival Hall. Pretty good, he thinks. 

However, Ruth thinks otherwise. Being pursued by Lord Vernon is bad enough. Now, thanks to The Pan, she’s on the run. They are both alive, of course, but with Lord Vernon on their tail neither of them can be sure how long for. 

To save K'Barth and Ruth, the woman of his dreams, The Pan must introduce her to the Candidate, who is prophesied to be the man of her dreams. And he must do it fast – before Lord Vernon finds her. But the gentleman in question is in hiding and no-one knows where. Only The Pan can find him, if he can bring himself to unite them. 

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Necromancer

by Graeme Ing

Dark Fantasy novel

A primeval fiend is loose in the ancient metropolis of Malkandrah, intent on burning it to a wasteland. The city’s leaders stand idly by and the sorcerers that once protected the people are long gone.

Maldren, a young necromancer, is the only person brave enough to stand against the creature. Instead of help from the Masters of his Guild, he is given a new apprentice. Why now, and why a girl? As they unravel the clues to defeating the fiend, they discover a secret society holding the future of the city in its grip. After betrayals and attempts on his life, Maldren has reason to suspect everyone he thought a friend, even the girl.

His last hope lies in an alliance with a depraved and murderous ghost, but how can he trust it? Its sinister past is intertwined in the lives of everyone he holds dear. Can only evil defeat evil?

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Do you like vampires? Do you like demons? If you also like urban fantasy then this is a great read for you.

Erin might look like a human but she's part demon and works in a funeral home – how's that for an original setting? When a cadaver wakes up, surprised to find himself a vampire…. well, let's just say that things go from bad to worse. This book will keep you turning the pages to discover just how many types of demon walk among us, and some of them are bad-ass! As is the head-vampire-woman, and of course the book can't end without a confrontation with her! Great action. Great emotion! It's well-written books like this (And the author's 13th floor series) that are luring me into the urban fantasy genre.

 

 

 

Erin Driscol works the perfect job consoling fellow demons by feeding off their grief at Putzkammer & Sons Funeral Home.

When fledgling vampire Nicolas Reese comes to Erin for help, she learns the truth behind the legends and hides him from his sire and the vampire hunters who seek him. But when the Putzkammers begin to die one by one, Erin is caught between her act of kindness and the need to save her adopted family. Only by facing her own personal demons can she stop the slaughter and still rescue Nicolas from his dark fate.

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Add on Goodreads

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CHRISTINE RAINS

Christine Rains is a writer, blogger, and geek mom. She's married to her best friend and fellow geek living in south-central Indiana. They have one son who is too smart for his parents' own good and loves to pretend he's Batman. Christine has four degrees which help nothing with motherhood, but make her a great Jeopardy player. When she's not reading or writing, she's going on adventures with her son or watching cheesy movies on Syfy Channel. She's a member of Untethered Realms and S.C.I.F.I. (South Central Indiana Fiction Interface). She has several short stories and novellas published.  Of Blood and Sorrow is her first urban fantasy novel.

Connect with Christine: Website / Blog / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads

 

Do you like suspenseful horror? Do you like vampires? Do you like Alaska?

Combine the two and you get a great couple of books by Julie Flanders. In 2013, she brought us Polar Night. Now, brand new last week, is the sequel, Polar Day. I've yet to read it, but I loved Polar Night, it was a real page turner! (Read my review of it.)

 

 

 

 

 

"The midnight sun bakes Fairbanks, Alaska as residents gather for the annual summer solstice baseball game. Amidst the revelry and raucous shouts of “Play ball,” a spark alights and a jogger bursts into flames. Detective Danny Fitzpatrick, still reeling from his near death at the hands of vampire Aleksei Nechayev, watches in horror as the man burns alive.

Someone is burning Fairbanks and its residents and leaving nothing but smoldering embers behind. As the city sweats under a record-breaking heatwave and unexplained fires claim more victims, Danny and his colleagues struggle to find an arsonist who can conjure fire out of thin air.

To Danny’s horror, the only one who may be able to help him stop the arsonist is his nemesis Nechayev. Will the vampire help in the hunt for a witch?"

Buy on Amazon ~ Amazon Kindle ~ Barnes & Noble

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Julie Flanders

Julie Flanders is a librarian by day and a writer all the rest of the time. She is also a television show addict with a particular fondness for Game of Thrones and The Walking Dead and a slightly obsessive sports fan who cheers for the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Cincinnati Reds. Julie is an animal lover and animal rescue advocate who shares her home with her rescued dog and cat. She has written about the joys of pets for outlets such as Cat Fancy, Thrive in Life, and Best Friends Animal Society.

Website / Blog ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Goodreads

 

I don't often feature erotica on my blog, but I want to recommend a geek-inspired book with more than a passing connection to D&D. My good friend, Christine Rains (member of our Untethered Realms group) has written Loose Corset, Book 1 of the Dice & Debauchery series. (Isn't that a great series title?) Continue reading for a post by Christine on how D&D inspired her, and her great giveaway.

 

 

 

 

 

Dice and Debauchery, Book 1

A weekend away at a convention is exactly what overworked student Morgan needs. Dressed as her character from her favorite online game, Morgan is braced—seriously, could her corset be tighter?—to meet the other players. As Lady Gyrfalcon, she’s ready for everything—except her intense attraction to Dean. A clandestine meeting in the hallway of the hotel and Morgan’s corset is looser but now she can’t breathe for entirely different reasons.

Utterly charmed, Morgan decides to roll the dice and indulge in a fantasy-worthy weekend of sexy roleplaying, scorching sex and life-altering orgasms. Still, through it all Morgan is too smart to believe the chemistry constantly stripping her of costumes and control can last more than the length of the convention. But if she wants to keep a relationship so intense she thought it only existed in fiction, she’s going to have to let go of her cool-headed logic and allow herself to fall far and fast for the perfect guy.

A Romantica® contemporary erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave

Buy Now: Amazon | B&N | Kobo | Ellora's Cave
Add on Goodreads

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How Dungeons & Dragons inspired Christine:

I wish I could say I've been playing Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) since I was a kid, but I wasn't so lucky. My husband is that nerd. One of the first things I did when I met him was play D&D with him and his friends. I fell in love. With him and the game.

Since then, I've played countless hours as brave rangers, steadfast clerics, and wild berserkers. I have an awesome collection of dice and characters. I've sat down on solo quests, with a small group of good friends, and with large groups strangers at conventions. Never once have I been bored or disappointed. Even the most lame stories created by a Dungeon Master (DM) can be made fantastic by the players.

The game itself has aroused many stories in me, but it is the players that inspired my Dice & Debauchery series. These people hiding behind their game books and dice are some of the most fascinating and creative folks you'll ever meet.

I confess I like to be behind the DM screen. Not because I like to be in control – every DM knows that if they think they're in full control of the game, the players will remind you that you're not! – but because I love creating worlds and watching how the story unfolds as the players take on their quest. I'm a voyeur peeping over the top of my screen and eagerly awaiting to see what they will do when faced with the next challenge.

There are characters that run blindly into battle just wanting to hack and slash. Or those that check for traps every step. Don't forget the highly skilled that devise elaborate plans, and of course, those who go totally off-track and end up in a tavern demanding more ale.

I watch the people behind those characters. The geeks playing footsie under the table where they think their affections go unnoticed. The gamer who memorized all the rules but can't remember where he left his house key. The shy nerd who blushes when a guy smiles at her, but she becomes a fearless leader in the game.

Where are their stories? I want to read them. Books about gamer geeks are sadly few in number. So I wrote my own series.

D&D has inspired many writers over the years. Great fantasy tales fill bookshelves because of this incredible role-playing game.

Geeks are sexy. It's time for a story about the players.

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Christine is giving away some cool prizes, including a personalized d6 dice: 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

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CHRISTINE RAINS

Christine Rains is a writer, blogger, and geek mom. She's married to her best friend and fellow geek living in south-central Indiana. They have one son who is too smart for his parents' own good and loves to pretend he's Batman. Christine has four degrees which help nothing with motherhood, but make her a great Jeopardy player. When she's not reading or writing, she's going on adventures with her son or watching cheesy movies on Syfy Channel. She's a member of Untethered Realms and S.C.I.F.I. (South Central Indiana Fiction Interface). She has several short stories and novellas published. The Dice & Debauchery series is her first contemporary erotic romance.

Connect with Christine: Website / Blog / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads

 

Gwen Gardner is author of the popular young adult Indigo Eady Paranormal “Cozy” Mystery series that began with Givin’ Up the Ghost. With Halloween approaching, I wanted to mention her latest ghostly book: Secret Keepers.

 

About Secret Keepers:

 In Second Death, Indigo and her team of sleuths escape the clutches of underground evil.

In Ghostly Gallows, Indigo and the gang managed to dodge the falling ruins and free those spirits trapped by the evil spell that bound them to Gallowsgate Prison.

Now in Secret Keepers, even though Indigo speaks to ghosties, there is so much about the afterlife she doesn’t understand. Such as…how can spirits be sick? They’re dead, for goodness sake! But once again Indigo is forced to go where she made it a point to never go: the hospital. There, the mystery of the sick and missing spirits explodes into a frenzied battle for souls where dawn may bring life or final death.

Indigo Eady:

Much to her chagrin, Indigo Eady is a celebrity among spirits. She’s the girl who can see and speak with them. She has a proven track record in helping spirits find their murderers, so it’s no surprise when she’s drafted onto the Missing Paranormal Committee. Who better to help them than the experienced teenage ghost whisperer- investigator and her friends?

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Gwen explains her Excerpt

In honor of Halloween, I’m giving you a short excerpt from a chapter called Asylum. It’s a haunted hospital after all, and a lot of the book ending takes place there with the final showdown against the demons and dark spirits.

This scene is where Indigo, Badger and Simon are approaching the hospital for the first time. Councilman Diggles has become ill enough to be admitted (yes, he’s a ghost, and yes, apparently ghosts can get sick!), so they are going to brief him on the updates of their investigation into the missing paranormals.

Simon, as usual, is worried about the crazy…

 

We stared up at the gray and dilapidated building. It was almost like the village had shrunken in on itself, with all the abandoned buildings that sprang up around the edges of Sabrina Shores. Or maybe I had just never noticed them before. Stucco and plaster peeled and fell off in chunks. Four stories high, what was still standing, and every window broken, the jagged edges like monsters ready to take a bite.

I shivered.

Why did I always seem to be hanging out in broken down buildings lately? Look at the bright side, Eady. It’s better than being underground.

We approached the door. Oval shaped and shored up with metal strips riveted to the heavy wood, probably oak. The strips were once painted black according to the specks remaining. Now it was rusted and the door splintered.

Next to the door a sign hung sideways by one nail, squeaking slightly in the breeze. Simon lifted the loose side and read. “Belgrave Asylum.” He turned to me. “Oh great. The crazy potential just kicked up a notch. As if we didn’t have enough already, now we’re expected to enter the insane asylum?”

“Short answer?” I asked. “Yes.” I pushed on the door and it creaked open relatively easy. The boys and I stood just inside, our shadows standing before us while we waited for our eyes to adjust to the dark.

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GWEN GARDNER

Gwen Gardner is a native Californian living in sunny San Diego, where her love of reading and writing led to a BA in English literature. Life is now complete with her husband, two dogs and a daily call from her daughter.

Since ghosts feature prominently in her young adult Indigo Eady Paranormal “Cozy” Mystery series, she has a secret desire to meet one face to face – but will run screaming for the hills if she ever does. Gwen adores travel and experiencing the cultures and foods of different countries. She is always up for an adventure and anything involving chocolate – not necessarily in that order.

Connect with Gwen here: Blog / Twitter / Facebook / Pinterest / Amazon / B&N

 Secret Keepers available here: Amazon / B&N / Google Play / iTunes

Here’s a great new series you might want to read from M. Pax who wrote the classic sci-fi series Backworlds. The first book in the series, Rifters is free and the sequel, Initiate is only $1 right now. How can you go wrong?

 

“A junction erupts between the worlds.

The Gold Rush trickles to a fool’s quest and a string of stagecoach heists. In 1888, Earl Blacke decides to make a new start and become a better man. He escapes into the mountains, heading north. In the wilds of Oregon, a rift inside an ancient volcano opens and sends him into the future, into the present day. It also shaves forty years off his age, forty years to live over again and atone for what he’s done.

Starting over is hard to do. In current day New York, Daelin Long’s dream job at a publishing house goes the way of the dinosaurs her sister chases. With no money and nowhere else to go, Daelin accepts the librarian position in her sister’s dinky town in the middle of Oregon. Nestled inside ancient volcanic peaks, the town of Settler holds onto many secrets. Residents roam the streets with weirdly fashioned devices, and odd lights pulse in the night skies. People whisper of a phantom outlaw and start dying, murdered and missing their heads. On top of it all, Daelin’s sister is missing, and Daelin doesn’t know who to trust.

Earl knows more than he’s saying. He shares a notorious history with the phantom, one he’ll see remains buried. Keeping Daelin’s sister’s secrets is his only chance at redemption, and the only way to keep this world safe.”

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My Review

What an imaginative ride! Rifters is a great start to a new series, continued in Initiate. It’s a bizarre mix of contemporary, western, paranormal and sci-fi with hints of steampunk, sort of. Certainly like nothing I’ve read. It’s a lot of fun with plenty of action and mystery. If you want something out of the ordinary then you’ll enjoy this.

It’s set in a sleepy Oregon town that is wonderfully brought to life and realistic, with plenty of odd but memorable characters. Just outside of town lurks a rift between worlds and time, through which emerges a nasty creature that delights in stealing people’s heads. A secret society exists in town to try to hold the inhabitants of the Rift at bay, and they have some curious technology to help them.

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M. PAX

M. Pax is a Browncoat and SG fan, she’s also slightly obsessed with Jane Austen. In the summers she docents as a star guide at Pine Mountain Observatory where the other astronomers now believe she has the most extensive collection of moon photos in existence. No fear, there will be more next summer. She lives in stunning Central Oregon with the Husband Unit and two lovely, spoiled cats.

Website / Blog ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Goodreads;

You can also find M. Pax on LinkedIN, Pinterest, YouTube, and Wattpad

 

NEW RELEASE

Second Daughter (The Dharian Affairs #2)

Assassins, skyships, and royal intrigue…

Kindle, Kobo, AllRomance

Second Daughter is the second book in The Dharian Affairs trilogy (Third Daughter, Second Daughter, First Daughter). This steampunk-goes-to-Bollywood (Bollypunk!) romance takes place in an east-Indian-flavored alternate world filled with skyships, assassins, royal romance and intrigue.

I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in the series, Third Daughter and this new book is right at the top of my To Read list. I have no review yet (obviously) but here’s what others have said:

Reviews of the first book, Third Daughter:

“The author fuses carriages, steam trains, airships and clockwork with the rich eastern culture that underlies Bollywood storytelling…” – Cherie Reich, Author

“The political intrigue, the steampunk gadgets, and the beautiful costumes kept me in wonderment.” – Tony Benson

“Third Daughter is vividly breathtaking. Quinn delivers royal intrigue, exotic locations, and sweeping romance. Not to be missed!” – Pavarti Tyler, author of Shadow on the Wall

 

ON SALE – 99cents until 7/21

Third Daughter (The Dharian Affairs #1)

Kindle, Nook, Kobo, iTunes, AllRomance

(also available in print)

The Third Daughter of the Queen wants her birthday to arrive so she’ll be free to marry for love, but rumors of a new flying weapon may force her to accept a barbarian prince’s proposal for a peace-brokering marriage. Desperate to marry the charming courtesan she loves, Aniri agrees to the prince’s proposal as a subterfuge in order to spy on him, find the weapon, and hopefully avoid both war and an arranged marriage to a man she does not love.

NEW
Both books now have a super cool map!

 

Speedy Tweets to Share:

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WIN Gift Card and PAPERBACK Third Daughter (Dharian Affairs #1) #steampunk #fantasy #romance http://www.susankayequinn.com

Skyships, saber duels, royal romance: Third Daughter (Dharian Affairs#1) ON SALE 99cents http://bit.ly/ThirdDAmaz

 

Win
paperback copy of Third Daughter
$10 Amazon Gift Card

check out the gorgeous formatting of the print book!