Tag: book spotlight

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Book Spotlight Special: Non-Serviam: The Hypostasis of Dissent Book 1 by Sfarda L. Gül

In a special book spotlight, ALL ROYALTIES earned from the title are donated to Doctors Without Borders, the Kurdish Red Crescent, and All For Armenia. Let’s dive in!

V FOR VENDETTA and BLOODBORNE mix in NON SERVIAM by Sfarda L. Gül. Written in the spirit of poetry and art cinema—suffused with visceral symbolism, its vividly complex worldbuilding is inspired by Venice, Sardinia, and Etruscan Civilisation, among many more. A dark and deadly web of intrigue.

The paperback edition features 25 illustrations by the author, Sfarda L. Gül, as well as one illustration each by Ayşe-Mira Yaşın, Nadia Sampellegrini, and Sophia Arnaout.

Publication Date: May 7, 2024

Genre: Gridmark Political Mystery/ Gaslamp/ Gothic Fantasy

Features

❤️‍🔥Revolution & revenge
🫀Female hysteria, dark femininity, complex womanhood
🦷Found family
🥀Slow burn yearning enemies to lovers
🕯️“Whimsical grimdark”
🏛️Philosophy
🩸Bløød & gûts
🧠Mad scïence
💐Fully LGBT cast~
🎭Baroque/Venetian setting
❤️‍🩹Tragedy & navigating tråuma

Expressing emotion is prohibited by law in the city state of Vencenza.

Beneath its tyrannical shadow, Giorgianna, a deranged former playwright turned political fugitive, flees a brothel to seek justice for the murder of a beloved friend.

When the last remnants of her bloodline are reaped by the incorrigible Minister of Dominion, Giorgianna’s crooked path to retribution crosses with Vencenza’s Machiavellian revolutionary hellbent on regime overturn.

All the while, the weight of unending tragedy erodes Giorgianna’s psyche into a vengeful bloodlust plagued by cabbalistic visions hinting at an ever-darker face of the violent Powers That Be.

The first in a grimdark political mystery duology with gothic fantasy undertones, NON SERVIAM is written with a unique, experimental style with heavy world building, several POV types with some parts in poetic prose which some readers may find detracts from the immersion experience.


Content Warnings: The book does feature sensitive topics dealing with government oppression, death, graphic gore, self-injury, mental illness, sex trafficking, sexual harassment, police brutality, violence against women and trans-identifying peoples, birth-related trauma, gun violence, religion, classism, discussions of sexual violence (humans, minors, corpses), child abuse, workplace violence, divorce, smoking (tobacco and opium), alcohol, mention of intravenous drug abuse, surgical procedures and needles (singular instance), fires and burns, strong language.

AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE HERE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

An artist and writer since her early childhood brought up in a police state, Sfarda L. Gül’s (alias) creative focus hones in on the macabre and introspective, the grotesque and juxtaposing—a deconstruction of social ideology and human suffering influenced by her upbringing, queerness, historically persecuted mixed ethnicity and dark-sided emotional disposition. Every story strives to be unapologetically anti-authoritarian, decolonial, anti-cop, anarchist, and pro-humanity.

When not engaging in art, Sfarda is enthralled in ethnography, linguistics, filmmaking, and social activism, aiding to uplift ethnic and queer minorities of her native Eastern Europe, SWANA, and Central Asia. She is the curator of independent publication Lacrimosity and Righteous Rage which hosts a Substack newsletter, and a YouTube video essayist at Anarchy on Page.

Sfarda is the May 2024 debut author of NON-SERVIAM, the first of THE HYPOSTASIS OF DISSENT duology.

EARTH HAGIOGRAPHY, a poetry collection exploring indigeneity and colonial pain, will be published in November of 2024.

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Book Spotlight Thursday: A Cure for Magic by Tala Greer

Recently released (May 28th), A Cure for Magic is starring in our spotlight today. It is the first book in a New Adult romantic fantasy trilogy featuring dark elemental magic, hidden royals, and a medium-heat romance that is secondary to the plot. Perfect for fans of dark academia and the Netflix adaptation of Leigh Bardugo’s Shadow & Bone. READ ON!

A Cure for Magic (The Ardor Magic Cycle Book 1)

Publication Date: May 28, 2024

Genre: NA Fantasy Romance

Features

💜 A Messy Bisexual Princess
👑 Black Royals
📕 Dark Academia
🔥Elemental Magic
💖 OT3/Throuple
🔮 Magic Training
🏕️ Only One Tent
🙊 Hidden Identity

Marika Cyran is destined to rule, if she survives her own power first.
When rebels attack the royal compound, Marika learns the true price of her family’s legacy. The same deadly magic her ancestors outlawed now runs in her veins, and her royal blood paints a target on her back.
Desperate to learn her powers before they destroy her, she takes shelter at Nella University, hiding her true identity. But it’s not quite the sanctuary she’s hoping for. Argent, the roommate she’s paired with, is a prickly woman who seems to despise her. The same rebels who want her family dead flourish here under the guise of a student society, and their most popular member, Harland, seems a little too interested in her dangerous power…and Marika herself.
When a spark ignites between all three of them, it complicates Marika’s quest for control. To stay is to spit upon her family’s memory. To leave is to forfeit her once chance to corral the unruly magic. And to do nothing is to risk being consumed by the very forces she seeks to understand.

A CURE FOR MAGIC IS AVAILABLE NOW ON AMAZON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Talia lives in the mountains with her gamer husband and two chaotic cat children. When she’s not writing, she’s drinking iced coffee or watching truly terrible horror movies.

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Book Spotlight Thursday: The Shadows of Wren by Jen Bliton

It’s Thursday! Today, caught in the spotlight, is The Shadows of Wren by Jen Bliton! The cover is stunning, and this is book one(#1) in what is to be “The Light in the Shadow series.“

Let’s read more!

The Shadows of Wren (The Light in the Shadows)

Publication Date: August 30, 2023

Genre: Romantic Fantasy

Features

⦁	Ancient Magic
⦁	Mythical Creatures
⦁	Friends to Lovers/ Insta Love
⦁	Large Scale Battles
⦁	Trauma Healing
⦁	Mental Health Rep

May the Valiant Prevail.

After decades of peace within the lands of Caldumn ruled by the Red Kingdom, the southern towns have come under attack. Their libraries burned and ancient texts stolen by an ominous force.
An unlikely alliance between two magic kinds is formed when Wren, a nineteen-year-old Mage, finds herself in the middle of a conflict that will take her outside of the peaceful life she's known. Along her journey, she meets Tyran, whose Necromancer magic is not widely trusted, and learns they share a deeper ancient magic that has long since disappeared.
Together with the help of all magic kinds, they must unite the towns to save their lands, and themselves, while the threat of the Red Kingdom looms.

Get it on >>>>> Amazon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jennifer lives in Southern California with her husband, a tiny human, and five cats.

Coming from a background in Content Creation, she and her husband livestream gaming content on Twitch and gaming content on YouTube, where you can find her playing World of Warcraft and Diablo IV. She loves being out in her garden and tries her best to grow various fruits and veggies throughout the year among any flowers, bulbs, or roots she can get her hands on.

Learn more about Jen at jenniferbliton.com

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Book Spotlight Thursday III: The Crystalline Crucible by Adam Rowan

The third in our triple book spotlight (yeah, I overbooked myself again, but these books are so pretty!) is The Crystalline Crucible by Adam Rowan. If you are a lover of treasure-hunting action adventure, read on!

The Crystalline Crucible

Publication Date: May 14, 2024
Genre: New Adult/ Action Adventure

Synopsis
Maxwell Jacobs, a neurodivergent 21-year-old with a passion for knights, Tetris and cheese sandwiches, harbours an audacious dream-to become the greatest treasure hunter in England. His chance comes with The Crystalline Crucible, a treasure-hunting contest promising untold wealth and answers to the world’s biggest secrets. However, Max’s mission gets off to a rocky start when he’s arrested for breaking into a museum in search of a clue. His fear of leaving his hometown, Stapleford, his cynical best friend, Rosie Shaw, and his clumsy, awkward nature only serve to complicate things further. Overall, his prospects seem dim. That is, until Max crosses paths with Khalil Ahmed, a former criminal seeking redemption and quick cash. Despite their differences, their shared desperation draws them into The Crystalline Crucible. Together, they’ll decipher cryptic clues and embark on an epic nationwide adventure, with high stakes and a singular goal: to find treasure!

Buy Now!!!!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Author Adam Rowan’s passion for writing began in childhood, although he admits his early attempts were far from perfect. After a hiatus during his teenage years, Adam rediscovered his love for writing in his early twenties and has been dedicated to improving his craft ever since. In 2022, MotherButterfly Books published Adam’s first novel. His second book, The Crystalline Crucible, is published by Spinning Monkey Press and is inspired by his experiences growing up in England.

When he’s not immersed in the world of writing, Adam is an electronic musician and avid film fan. With the support of his family, Adam continues to pursue his writing dreams, understanding that patience is key in the journey of creating a book.

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Book Spotlight Thursday II: Descended by Ingrid J. Adams

Nominated for Victorian Premier’s Literary Award 2024, Aurealis Award 2023, and State Library of Queensland Literary Award 2023. Caught in our Triple Book Spotlight this week ponder whether love can endure, life after life in Descended by Ingrid J. Adams.

Descended
Publication Date: March 15, 2024 (Second Edition)
Genre: Coming-Of-Age Fantasy Romance/ Takes Place in the 90s

1990s SYDNEY.
A LOVE THAT SPANS LIFETIMES.
FOR SOME, THE VEIL BETWEEN REALMS IS STRETCHED THIN...

An imaginative tour-de-force debut about the big and small decisions we make every day and the ripple effect they have on the rest of time – even if they’re celestially pre-determined.

Indigo Wolfe, the mysterious high school heart throb everyone wants to be or be with, is barely holding on by a thread. Because he isn't what he seems. He has secrets – secrets that consume him. Pain. Emptiness. The unending noise of all that he sees, and feels and hears that no one else can.

Why is he cursed by abilities others are not?

When he meets the ethereal Cordelia Carlisle, he's hit with a sense of recognition that traverses lifetimes. Only she can make his world silent. He’s welcomed into her family, and as they grow closer he lets her see the parts of him he keeps hidden.

The only thing he can't show her is that she's everything to him.

When they're torn apart, Indigo descends into darkness and is left standing on the precipice. He must search the depths of his soul – and his powers – and choose, whether to give up, or to fight: for himself, for answers, and for Cordelia, the one he seems destined to love and to lose over and over, life after life after life…

Descended is the award-nominated debut in the first gripping four-book series that melds paranormal romance with magical realism.

Buy Now

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

To learn more, visit ingridjadams.com

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Thursday Book Spotlight: A Chain Of Pearls by Raemi A. Ray

Caught in the spotlight this Thursday is A Chain Of Pearls by Raemi A. Ray. A Chain of Pearls is the first book in the Martha’s Vineyard Murders series. The second novel, The Wraith’s Return, will be available later this summer, followed by Widow’s Walk in the fall. 

A Chain of Pearls

Genre: Murder Mystery/Suspense/ Thriller

Published: April 9, 2024


The last thing she wants is to dig up the past…

When the body of a celebrated journalist is fished from the Edgartown Harbor, the official report rules his death accidental. But why was he alone on a senator’s yacht during a nor’easter? That’s only the first question London-based lawyer Kyra Gibson has when she arrives on the idyllic island of Martha’s Vineyard to settle her estranged father’s affairs.

She’s not looking for closure. She’s not seen him in decades since he left her with her aunt following her mother’s death. But as Kyra delves deeper into her father’s life, she learns he had many regrets and wasn’t as retired as she believed. The more Kyra discovers, the more questions she has. With the help of world-weary detective, Tarek Collins, they uncover a web of intrigue and corruption involving a powerful senator, a dubious energy company, and brutal murder.

As they chase down clues, Kyra and Tarek flirt with danger and race against time to solve the murders and uncover the dark secrets lurking beneath Martha’s Vineyard’s picturesque façade of old money wealth and privilege.

AVAILABLE NOW ON AMAZON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Raemi A Ray’stravels to Martha’s Vineyard and around the world inspire her stories. She lives outside Boston. When not writing or traveling, she earns her keep as the personal assistant to the resident house demons, Otto and Dolph Lundgren.

Follow Raemi at raemi.com. Visit her on Instagram @miss_raemi

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Book Spotlight Thursday: A Moonrise in the Fire by Tessia Ives

Drawn in by the beauty of this cover caught in the spotlight today is A Moonrise in the Fire by Tessia Ives. Dive into a steamy romantic fantasy adventure that sweeps you into an enchanting world of vast fjords, wild forests, elemental powers, and one woman searching for her destiny. 

A Moonrise in the Fire: A New Adult Romantasy (An Element of Fire, Book 1) 

Publication Date: February 2024

Genre: NA Romantasy/ Spicy

Features
✨ Star-crossed lovers
✨ Forced proximity
✨ Hidden identity, Secrets
✨ Witty banter
✨ Reluctant (& hilarious) companions on a quest
✨ Fated soulmates
✨Relatable FMC

How many realms would you cross to save your true love? 
All humans possess an element – except for Talvi. Born without magic and dedicated to being the keeper of Starstone Temple, an ancient monastery in her small forest town, she’s plunged into a world-changing struggle when a mysterious and powerful guest arrives on her doorstep.
Caelan ignites a dangerous fire in her heart... but he guards a secret that could destroy them both. After Talvi’s childhood love is abducted by a terrifying threat from a doomed world, Caelan is the only one who can help her. Alongside her two best friends, Talvi must unravel the long-lost secrets of Starstone – and embark on a dangerous quest that will transport her to unknown realms.
Four elements. Three realms. Two lovers. And one impossible choice.
Hunted by deadly enemies and unable to contain the desire burning between them, Talvi struggles not to fall for the enigmatic fire elemental. His wickedly beautiful smile. His courageous passion. The seductive amber flames of his eyes. Can she decide where her loyalty – and her heart – truly lie? Or will embracing her destiny force her to pay a devastating price?
She was born powerless. Now the fate of the realms rests in her hands.

A Moonrise in the Fire is a stunning love story that spans multiple realms, While book one in the “An Element of Fire Series,” Monrise in the Fire, can be read as a standalone. A gripping read perfect for fans of Jennifer L. Armentrout, Sarah J. Maas, and Holly Black.

Available Now on Amazon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

On Saturdays, award-winning novelist Tessia is often found daydreaming about the plot of her next book, eating mint malt balls, riding horses, and wishing she had a pet owl. She’s less whimsical the rest of the week, when she is hard at work writing heart-stopping adventures that blend accessible fantasy with burn-the-world-down-for-you romance—stories she would want to read, and hopes you will too!

Tessia lives in California with her husband and various furred and feathered beasts. She holds two degrees from Stanford University not at all related to writing.

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Book Spotlight Thursday: The Musician and the Monster by Megan Van Dyke

Being I adore fairy tale retellings it is no surprise this book is in my spotlight today. The Musician and the Monster is a gothic romantasy fairy tale retelling of Beauty and the Beast tossed in with a hint of Phantom of the Opera. Set in a gaslamp fantasy world with strong gothic vibes. Read on!

The Musician and the Monster: A Gothic Beauty and the Beast Retelling (The Castamar Duology Book 1)

Expected Publication Date: May 7, 2024

Genre: Gothic Romantic Fantasy

Featuring
💖 Forbidden love
☑️ Morally grey MMC
⚔️ Determined heroine
🎶 Music is powerful
🔥 Slow burn to steamy
❄️ Wintertime
🥀 Gothic vibes
❤️‍🩹 Hurt/comfort
🗡️ Touch her and 💀
✨ Magic
🎭 Masquerade

Music says things words never can. I love you. I miss you. I’m sorry I killed you.
Every night, Ceridwen Kinsley plays music on her rooftop for the spirit of her dead mother. A peaceful if odd ritual, until she witnesses a murder by something not quite human. The monstrous encounter earns her notoriety within the city and a visit from the reclusive Lord Protector Drystan Winterbourne.
Charged with protecting the backwater city of Teneboure by the king, Drystan is failing at his task, and he can’t afford another slip up. But when fate and the very monster he means to conquer bring Ceridwen to his notice, he seizes the opportunity and presents her with an offer: play music for him at his manor in exchange for the money her impoverished family desperately needs. Music eases the strain of his magic, and who better to hire than the woman whose tunes he secretly listens to at night?
At first, Ceridwen is put off by Drystan’s unkempt appearance and harsh demeanor, not to mention the odd ailment that plagues him. But as he embraces her passion for music and she draws the recluse out of his lonely tower, the two develop an unlikely attachment. Class lines begin to blur as fearful indifference shifts to unexpected desire, and Ceridwen yearns to help Drystan subdue the monster as well as provide for her family. However, the monster prowling the night isn’t their only enemy, and as terrible secrets come to light, protecting those they love may risk their lives and their hearts.

COMING MAY 7TH, 2024 AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Megan Van Dyke is an award-winning fantasy romance author with a love for all things magical and romantic, especially fairytales and anything with a happily ever after. Many of her stories include themes of family (whether born into or found) and a sense of home and belonging, which are important aspects of her life as well. When not writing, Megan loves to cook, play video games, explore the great outdoors, and spend time with her family. Megan currently lives with her family in Florida.

Learn more about Megan at Megan Van Dyke

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Book Spotlight Thursday: Umbra: Sentient Stars by Amber Toro

With a cover like this, the book spotlights itself! A Rogue. A Commander. And an Admiral.
Brought together by circumstance, held together by duty. Can they find a way to work together to save humanity? Read on as we celebrate the release of Umbra: Sentient Stars by Amber Toro; let’s learn more!

Umbra: Sentient Stars

Publication Date: April 24, 2024

Genre: Sci-Fi Fantasy/ Space Opera

✨Enemies-to-Lovers
✨Found Family
✨Multiple POVs
✨Intergalactic Adventure
✨Slow Burn
✨Militaristic Society
✨Fully Sentient Starships

Earth That Was has faded into myth. After millennia spent wandering, humans are no longer nomads. Twelve tribes stand allied under the United Tribal Axis, but there is a signal in the darkness that threatens to destroy everything.

All Skyla wanted after leaving the Navy was to be left alone. Just her ship, the stars, and a new adventure. But when a strange virus disables her ship, she is thrown into the middle of a conflict she doesn’t understand, forcing her to take on responsibilities she swore she never would again.

Hinata always followed the rules and honor above all else. He always won until he didn’t. Sentenced to exile for his failures, he is determined to prove himself, until a mysterious woman arrives on his station and chaos threatens to break already fragile alliances.

Freyja was always angry, an outcast, playing the part of admiral and black ops operative. But she is tired of being a pawn in the Empress’ games, and when she’s stranded on the wrong side of enemy lines after a vengeful battle, she’s forced to ally with her adversaries to clear her name.

Available Now! On Amazon

About The Author

Amber Toro is the director of data science at a machine learning startup working to make the world a better place with AI. She is a big believer in using tech for good.

Always dreaming Amber writes epic sci-fi and fantasy.

Amber grew up in Seattle with a great love of the outdoors. She now calls Utah her home and when she is not writing or coding you can find her biking, hiking, and camping in the mountains with her amazing partner and two tiny humans or curled up with a good sci-fi/fantasy book.

Follow Amber at Amber Toro

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Book Spotlight Thursday: Sin and Betrayal by Sienna Snow

This week, we are spotlighting the newly released Sin and Betrayal by Sienna Snow. Set to be book 1 in the Sin and Lies series. A mafia, dark romance what is not to love? Let’s read on!

Sin and Betrayal (Sin and Lies Book 1)

Publication Date: April 11

Genre: Mafia Romance/ Dark Romance/ MMF
Features
⦁	Mafia
⦁	Dark Romance
⦁	MMF
⦁	Bodyguard
⦁	Antiheroes
⦁	Second chance
⦁	Hurt you to save you
⦁	Enemies to Lovers
⦁	Touch her, and you 💀
⦁	Boss's wife
⦁	Forced Proximity
⦁	Hate to love you
⦁	Suspense
⦁	Forbidden Love
⦁	Super spicy
⦁	Voyeurism
⦁	Bondage

Princess in a Tower
Captive in a Cage.
There is no Power.
Only Rage.

They promised me love and devotion,
And left me with shattered dreams.
They’re back expecting forgiveness.
But my price is very steep.
Betrayal is a risky business,
Now that I’m the Queen, they wish to keep.

AVAILABLE NOW ON AMAZON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Inspired by her years working in corporate America, Sienna loves to serve up stories woven around confident and successful women who know what they want and how to get it, both in – and out – of the bedroom.
Her heroines are fresh, well-educated, and often find love and romance through atypical circumstances. Sienna treats her readers to enticing slices of hot romance infused with empowerment and indulgent satisfaction.
Sienna loves the life of travel and adventure. She plans to visit even the farthest corners of the world and delight in experiencing the variety of cultures along the way. When she isn’t writing or traveling, Sienna is working on her “happily ever after” with her husband and children.

Learn more and follow Sienna at SIENNA SNOW