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Summary: Months before World War I breaks out, two young Jewish girls just on the edge of adolescence—one from a bustling Russian city, the other from a German estate—meet in an eerie, magical forest glade. They are immediately drawn to one another and swear an oath to meet again. Though war and an ocean will separate the two for the rest of their lives, the promise that they made to each other continues through the intertwined lives of their descendants. This epic tale of the supernatural follows their families from the turn of the 20th Century through the terrors of the Holocaust and ultimately to the wonders of a future they never could have imagined. The History of Soul 2065 encompasses accounts of sorcery, ghosts, time travel, virtual reality, alien contact, and elemental confrontations between good and evil. Understated and epic, cathartic and bittersweet, the twenty connected stories in Nebula Award finalist Barbara Krasnoff’s debut form a mosaic narrative even greater than its finely crafted parts. Jane Yolen, Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America Grand Master, says in her introduction: “If you, like me, love quirky and original fantasy stories, I advise you to dive right in. If you, like me, admire tough writing that’s not afraid of the grit, dive right in. If you, like me, want to hang out a while with characters rich in their own traditions, dive right in. This is storytelling at the top of the heap.”
Word Count: 31000
Summary: Daren Novak and Gunny Schuler have known each other since freshmen days at the University of Washington, where they'd started a romance Daren assumed would last. But at the start of winter break, Gunny bowed to the dictates of his lifelong religion and his overbearing father and left UW never to return. After a failed marriage, Gunny built a quiet life embracing his gay identity, and left his North Dakota home, his marriage, and his father's business for a forestry and teaching career in Oregon. Meanwhile, Daren has built up his own life around managing a unique holiday venue, the Holiday Home Hotel, and performing for the guests in drag as "Dare." A decade has passed since they last saw each other, but now winter’s harsh weather brings them face to face—helped along by a minor goddess and powerful forest spirit. Too much hurt might lie between them now to fix things, but interfering supernatural beings are determined to force them to try.
Word Count: 92459
Summary: Ben and Alysia, sole mates, cursed to be separated by age and social norms until they live a life and raise a child together in love, struggle to defeat the curse. Meanwhile, the originator of the curse, Dorry, hounds them from life to life in a selfish and self- destructive vendetta. Follow these souls through Albert, Bernidine and Darius, nobles in fifteen hundreds France when the curse begins. To Abigail and Bernia Sapphic lovers in the year 1774 who are hounded by Donald, a false pretender to Abigail’s Estates. Later still in the Colorado Territories of the American west shortly after the civil war Ada and Bailey, a young emancipated slave and a radical Doctor from the North, struggle to love against the bias of their time and the plots of Deigo. Then in our current times, the lovers strive to break the curse and let love triumph. But is love enough when the world is against you?
Word Count: 47421
Summary: Mercy must bring justice to Kanta. After months of being held captive in her childhood home, Mercy returns to Farrell Mill, expecting a warm welcome from her friends. But there is none. Farrell Mill has been raided and left to rot. Everyone she knows and loves is missing and even her research is gone. Thomas and Andrei have been arrested, accused of reselling werewolves, a crime they did not commit. But if they declare their innocence and reveal their true purpose at the mill of curing and freeing werewolves, they could put many lives in danger. Mercy will need to face her most terrifying opponent yet: the people of Kanta. She will need to rally the goodwill of the werewolves she has helped and hope it will be enough to turn the tide in her favor. This time without masks, without lies, and without a disguise. Can Mercy find her allies and free her friends without losing everything? The clock is ticking. An execution date looms closer and Mercy is scrambling to keep from losing the only family she has left. Book 5 in The Wolves of Kanta series.
Word Count: 124500
Summary: Magic and mayhem continue as Taryn, her drunken faery companions, and the rest of their crew find out that the list of people trying to destroy them just keeps growing. And the worst-case scenarios leave Taryn alive. Taryn has spent her life hunting relics. As of late, she’s become the hunted, and going to the south to rescue people she loves only pointed out how bad things were. Saving her friends, exposed a deadly threat to the entire world. The race is on to find allies to fight a massive battle that should have been resolved thousands of years ago. But the list of enemies grows larger, as a unified force breaks apart—sending danger toward Taryn, Alric, and the rest from too many directions. Fighting on many fronts is deadly for a small crew, no matter how fierce they are. And even the faeries find themselves pushed to their limits. Betraying elves, dangerous ghosts, soul-stealing relics, ancient spells, and horrific creatures back from the dead seem to be one step ahead of them. And they know secrets about Taryn’s past that even she didn’t recall. Come along for more adventures from the Lost Ancients series!
Word Count: 56024
Summary: Mercy is on a mission. She plans to administer her partial cure to as many werewolves as she can find, giving them a new chance at life. That means leaving Kanta and convincing werewolves of her good intentions. But finding their campsites during the day isn’t easy. Hot on the heels of a large camp somewhere near Crowsmirth, Mercy and Andrei get side-tracked by an unexpected rescue mission. They soon learn that there are far more werewolves in those woods than they expected. They’re outnumbered, completely unprepared for the sheer numbers against them, and worse yet, running out of daylight. Desperate to get out of the forest before night falls and the slaughter begins, they run straight into a team of highly organized werewolf hunters. Surrounded by vicious killers and countless werewolves, can Mercy and her friends survive the long night in Crowsmirth? Book 3 of The Wolves of Kanta series.
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Summary: In the "Old World," a gifted race known as the Laxens evolved, bringing new creativity and innovation to a primitive world. The group lived together with people for centuries in relative peace, until the year that Eine was born and a mysterious order called the Indigo took over a thriving trade center and began to hunt down all the Laxens. Seventeen years later, Eine -- a half-Laxen in hiding -- scrapes together a meager existence in the alleys of the once great city of Thela, where the oppressed people are terrorized by giant guards and cut off entirely from the outside world. Stoic Eine barely dreams of a different kind of existence until she stumbles across someone else hiding out: a nameless but charismatic soldier sent as a spy from a foreign city, where politicians and scholars are investigating the Indigo’s power. Together they join Noname’s fatherly companion in an escape under the Thelan walls and travel to the beautiful but aging city of Enahala, where the ruling order must decide how best to prevent the Indigo’s destruction from spreading beyond Thela. Along the way, Eine discovers that the world holds wonders of which she’s never dreamed, including technology, legends, romance, and a power she never suspected was hers, one that will be the Indigo’s downfall.
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Summary: A meteorite fragment cures a teenaged trans girl’s schizophrenia, but leaves her with visions of ancient warring gods annihilating each other in space. As the Earth hurtles toward the cloud that is the shattered bodies of those eternal enemies, their eons-old conflict is rekindled on Earth to divide and destroy humanity. Can she and her brother stop the spread of global disaster?
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Summary: Trapped behind enemy lines in World War I France, Lieutenant Charles Clee stumbles upon an illegal time-travel experiment and finds himself catapulted 850,000 years into the future. Marooned in a nightmare world where prehistoric behemoths tread side-by-side with genetically-altered monsters from the laboratories of tomorrow, hunted by the eon-spanning Time Police and Earth's alien overlords, Clee races across the globe searching for the fabled last time machine—his only chance to go home. If he returns, he can save the men of his command and turn the tide of the war—but if he remains, he can become the symbol of Earth's resistance to centuries of slavery. In the end he must choose: Honor his oaths and rescue the men he swore to protect in the past, or honor his humanity and accept the leadership of mankind in the struggle to save the future? No matter his decision, a world is doomed.
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Summary: Fabren Lacalian never foresaw consequences like this. Teaming with his master for a vengeful prank, the half-human magician forged a false prophecy to embarrass the wizards who belittled them. But after his teacher is murdered by a sinister pretender claiming to be the heir they foretold, the terrified apprentice flees for his life as the sole custodian of the truth. Riddled with guilt and hunted by assassins, Fabren finds an unlikely ally in an archivist who believes wholeheartedly in the escalating lie. And with only his meager keyhole magic to protect them from the vile usurper’s minions, the sham seer may be the author of everyone’s destruction. Can Fabren end the madness before the realm falls to its doom? The Keyhole Wizard is the thrilling first book in The Doorway to Magic high fantasy series. If you like underdog heroes, dire stakes, and unique systems of sorcery, then you’ll love Susan and John Ruff’s dive into destiny.
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Summary: The chase is on for the soul of San Francisco! Norton, Iria, and Madge's grand plan has fallen through at every turn. Now they find themselves scrambling to improvise in a battle across time against a new and unexpected foe! Jaunt across the centuries by these scrappy heroes' sides as they dive headlong into eras both familiar and strange to each. With allies old and new, they must weave a magic spell on the fly to save their beloved city from the clutches of Mammon--and from something even worse!
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Summary: The South is being invaded…by vampires. That’s nothing new, but Vlad Chemare isn’t some angst-filled paranormal hero longing for his soulmate, nor does he sparkle like stardust in the night. He’s up-to-date, travels by jet, and is seeking revenge. Armed with an unlimited credit card and a Kevlar vest, Vlad’s out for blood—specifically, Baslo Rigla’s—for burying him alive as punishment for leading a revolt back in the 15th century. With the vampires of Georgia and their American defiance of tyranny rallied around him, he not only has his army but the local werewolf population volunteers as his K-9 Corps. As the fight begins, with the city of Savannah the battleground and the entire world the prize, Vlad is faced with something he didn’t expect…his feelings for mortal Meredith Swanson. Will his love for Meredith get in the way? After all, a woman’s just a woman, but revenge is a dish best served cold, and six hundred years can make for some pretty chilly morsels.
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Summary: Stories of wonder and courage from the farthest stars to the ground beneath our feet Charging selflessly into danger, facing the mortality of an artificially extended life, plumbing the deepest depths of space, fighting to expose truths others want to keep hidden... This collection of all-new stories from Brain Lag authors features never-before-seen glimpses into favourite worlds as well as new characters and places to love. From starkly beautiful to brashly funny and everything in between, these stories showcase the range of voices Brain Lag has been proud to publish over the years. Why do we tell such tales of hardship and bravery, honesty and reflection? Because in the darkness between the stars, there are no heroes. There are only regular people who step up.
Word Count: 148,860
Summary: Three disparate women; one common goal: survive. Jorunn holds fast to duty and honor. The stalwart shieldmaiden is admired for her skill and courage in a harsh landscape beset by dangers and enemies. Would she sacrifice it all for the love of a beautiful, mysterious woman? Madlen, a revered holy sister of the Eldríss Hringr, bears a sacred mission to guard Miðgarðr from Surtr and the monstrous fire giants of Muspelheim on an island dominated by a volcanic passage between the realms. While inexplicably drawn to Jorunn, her obligation to the sisters and their tasks must remain her priority. Young, quick-witted, and sharp-tongued Yngvi, forced into a marriage she didn’t want, would much rather be safeguarding the world with Jorunn and Madlen. However, she loves her children with a fierce passion that guides her every action. Omens, prophecies, and visions from the gods hint at monstrous threats looming over the land—attacks by the draugr of folklore and a bitter, dark winter to surpass previous ones. When the unthinkable happens, many proclaim Ragnarök has come. Can Jorunn’s, Madlen’s, and Yngvi’s diverse talents save their kingdom, or will the gloomy nightmare spell the end of mankind? Edale Lane presents another Tale from Norvegr, a thrilling historical fantasy kissed by sapphic romance. Micheal Crichton’s Eaters of the Dead (The 13th Warrior) meets George R. R. Martin’s A Game of Thrones with lesbians! If you enjoy watching the past unfold through epic battles, historic disasters, and the love and perseverance of strong women, don’t miss The Long Winter of Miðgarðr.
Word Count: 54000
Summary: A young magic user who wants desperately to live. A jaded recluse who has forgotten what living means. They’re each other’s only chance. Toby’s wild magic is killing him. The mage guilds have given up on him, and it’s only a matter of time before he dies in a spectacular, catastrophic bang. His only hope is an exiled wizard who lives in seclusion—and is rumored to have lost his mind. The years alone on his hilltop estate have not been good for Darius Valstad. After the magical accident that disfigured him and nearly drowned Pittsburgh, he drifts through his days, a wraith trapped in memories and depression. Until a stricken young man collapses on his driveway, one who claims Darius is his last chance. For the first time in fifteen years, Darius must make a choice—leave this wild mage to his fate or take him in and try to teach him, which may kill them both. The old Darius, brash and commanding, wouldn’t have hesitated. Darius the exile isn’t sure he can find the energy to try.
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Summary: First of the Virian Chronicles This is the first of the Virian Chronicles, introducing the sorcerer Odo Babaloney, who features in some of the other novels in this series. Follow his life story from his childhood in an obscure sorcerers' enclave, through his formative years and into his adult life. Experience the joys and sorrows with him as he learns and grows. He was born with a secret gift, which he also considers a curse, and it could be dangerous for him if the wrong people discover his secret. Will he be able to avoid its discovery? Travel with Odo from Viria to Malvania, Sartoria and Varathusia as he embarks on a difficult mission to spread peace and unify the fragmented tribes and societies on these other worlds. Will he succeed in uniting the disparate peoples against a common enemy?
Word Count: 128600
Summary: I escape into a twisted wilderness with a stolen relic protecting me from madness. Behind me is the mysterious stalker from across the plains. He’s caught up to us. My sisters are out there somewhere out, and my unborn is here with me. Struggling to tell guardians from beguilers on a warped battlefield, I worry for all our fates. Somehow, I must bear the terrifying risk of bargaining with Surfacers in ways which ensure enslavement back home. No Red Sister can give up her mission when compelled by her Queen to see it through. Surrounded by allies and enemies alike seeking to influence the only free Davrin Elf on the Surface, I must relearn my limits when confronted by those who have none. The true scope of Etaski's saga arises in The Mark of Gold. Tangible peril meets cryptic visions, forcing a driven few to redefine what it takes to break the shackles of compulsion and forge them as bonds of loyalty. Sister Seekers is dark epic fantasy for adults with an ever-broadening scope. The saga genre-hops a bit so things never get stale. Found Family is a core theme throughout. Perfect for fans of entwined plots, challenging themes, immersive worldbuilding, and elements of erotic horror. Sexuality and inner conflict play into character growth with nuanced intrigue, intense action, and fantastical magic.
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Summary: Josephine Mann is down to her last five dollars and in desperate need of a job when a chance encounter with Professor Alistair Conn completely upends her life. Soon she (and her cat) have steady employment, a new home, and a string of adventures that quite takes her breath away! Steampunk meets Dime-Novel in this first volume of The Conn-Mann Chronicles series. Thrill to the escape from an airship disaster. Take part in the battle aboard a moving train. Travel by steam car and mechano-velocipede to thwart the villain and reclaim the professor's automaton, The Marvelous Mechanical Man. And as a special bonus, read an excerpt from one of Jo's favorite dime-novels at the beginning of each chapter. Told from the first-person perspective of the very forward-thinking Jo, you will meet a collection of quirky characters that will charm and delight you.
Word Count: 105600
Summary: Never trust mer-folk! Dr. Nettie Jones is an agent for The Society for the Exploration of the Unexplainable, a secret organization protecting England from unnamed sources. She also recently helped defend Mother England, and possibly the world, from an alien invasion. And she’s half-vampire on her mother’s side. While working in the London Society headquarters, Nettie becomes caught up in a new conspiracy—one coming from the ocean itself. Tracing the attacks to a small area in Northern Wales, Nettie and the rest of the London contingent troop north to try and stop it before things get worse. Fairy tales tell of loving mermaids wishing to come to the land. The truth is far more brutal, and the mer-people want far more than just to come on land for a visit. Join the second adventure in an alternative world where things aren't always what they seem.
Word Count: 106100
Summary: Faelen, cousin to the prince and son of a diplomat, has finally come home to Tournai after years away. The pull to return was almost tangible, and the sense of rightness at being back is absolute. He wants nothing more than to put down roots and build a life among family while pursuing his linguistic studies. Becoming involved in magic meant to protect Tournai isn’t part of his plans…and falling in love is even more unexpected and unfamiliar, but he finds himself doing just that as his friendship with Maxen deepens into something more. Maxen, second son of a wealthy merchant family, longs to leave Tournai and visit everywhere he can. All his life, he’s found places on maps and dreamed, planning out routes to get to them. For now, he’s tied to Tournai’s capital city by family obligations and his position in their shipping business. Someday, though, he’ll be able to travel. His sudden attraction to Faelen shocks him, but their friendship soon becomes a necessary part of his life. Love, however, has no place in his plans, especially not love for a royal cousin with secrets who wants nothing more than to stay in one place. For Faelen and Maxen to build something real between them, they must resolve their differences, but when magic goes awry and all Faelen’s secrets are revealed, will Maxen remain at his side?
