TBR Page 4

Play of Shadows: Court of Shadows: Book 01

by Sebastien de Castell.

Swordplay, magic, intrigue and friendships stronger than iron: the first volume in the new swashbuckling fantasy series set in the universe of THE GREATCOATS.

Damelas Chademantaigne picked a poor night to flee a judicial duel.

He has precious little hope of escaping the wrath of the Vixen, the most feared duellist in the entire city, until he stumbles through the stage doors of the magnificent Operato Belleza and tricks his way into the company of actors. An archaic law provides a temporary respite from his troubles - until one night a ghostly voice in his head causes Damelas to fumble his lines, inadvertently blurting out a dreadful truth: the city's most legendary hero may actually be a traitor and a brutal murderer.

With only the help of his boisterous and lusty friend Bereto, a beautiful assassin whose target may well be Damelas himself, and a company of misfit actors who'd just as soon see him dead, this failed grandson of two Greatcoats must somehow find within himself the courage to dig up long-buried truths before a ruthless band of bravos known as the Iron Orchids come for his head.

Oh, and there's still that matter of the Vixen waiting to duel him . . .

Dark Drinker: Gunmetal Gods Saga: Book 04

by Zamil Akhtar.

Yes, it is true Micah the Metal reconquered the holy land for the Faith. It is true he buried the Shah’s children alive, then marched his army over them. And it is true he copulated with a Fallen Angel.

But what about the rumors of his death?

Most say he wandered the hollows of Labyrinthos until the skin withered off his bones. Others say he was shot by a mercenary boy no older than ten. Some even say he was hanged at the gallows by the Imperator himself.

But the truth, as always, is stranger than myth.

The Reluctant Necromancer of Larag-Mor

by G.M. White

Sometimes all is not as it seems... 

But actions always have consequences.

Join Ekabah the Eligible and her nefarious crew of adventurers as they set out to terminate the Reluctant Necromancer of Larag-Mor...

The Gods Below: The Hollow Covenant: Book 01

by Andrea Stewart.

After a divine war shattered the world, humanity struck a pact with the god Kluehnn: in return for regular tribute of magical gems, Kluehnn would restore the world to its former glory. But as each land is transformed, so too are its people changed into strange new forms - if they survive at all.

Hakara is not willing to pay such a price. Desperate to protect herself, and her sister Rasha, she flees her homeland for the safety of a neighbouring kingdom. But tragedy strikes when they're separated, and Hakara is forced to abandon Rasha to an unknown fate.

Yet when Hakara discovers she can channel the power of the magical gems, she's invited to join a clandestine plot to destroy the God Pact. To win Hakara to their cause, the conspirators reveal a startling secret: Rasha is alive - and they can help rescue her.

But only if Hakara goes to war against a god.

Herald: Age of the God Eater: The God Eater Saga: Book 01

by Rob J. Hayes.

In her blood hides a secret...

In the wintry town of Riverden, Renira Washer lives the dreary life of a laundry girl, dreaming of adventure. When a wounded friend of her mother comes begging for aid, Renira defies the law to lead him through the darkness of the Whistle Woods.

But the world is changing. Demons stalk the deep forests, and ancient Terrors are breaking free of their prisons beneath the World Vein. As Renira faces the forbidden truths of history, one thing becomes clear: her blood is the key.

Hunted by the last of the Godless Kings, Emrik Hostain, and his savage daughter, the Wolf Princess, Renira soon discovers one wrong move will not only spell her own end, but also doom an entire people.

Only the Herald can ring in the Fifth Age.

Only the Herald can bring God back to life.

... the Angels are not all gone.

The Inquisitors' Guild: A collection of three novels from Frosthelm

by Dave Dobson.

This is a three-book collection of novels from the Inquisitor's Guild of Frosthelm. The three books included are:

• Flames Over Frosthelm

• The Outcast Crown

• The Woeling Lass

These stories tell the tale of investigators from the Inquisitors' Guild, a group of detectives, soldiers, and spies in the city of Frosthelm. Expect magic, swordplay, intrigue, scheming nobles, dire threats, and a grand adventure in each book. Each story is a complete stand-alone mystery.

Flames Over Frosthelm

Sometimes, your case takes a left turn. Or three or four. Marten Mingenstern and Boog Eggstrom are provisional inspectors, fresh out of Inquisitor’s Guild training and eager to prove themselves. Assigned the mundane task of tracking down stolen jewels, they instead uncover a mysterious cult set on destroying the city. After a thief explodes, they earn the enmity of a vicious noble, the Chief Inquisitor gets bought off and goes rogue, they are seized by barbarians, and they are sentenced to death at least a couple of times. In a final, frantic race with prophecy, they face ruthless fanatics, a city turned against them, and terrible forces long buried.Flames Over Frosthelm is the first novel about the Inquisitor's Guild, the investigative arm of the government of Frosthelm, a medieval city-state where criminals thrive, nobles scheme, and dark secrets lurk. Expect intrigue, mystery, swordplay, adventure, politics, romance, and the strong bonds of friendship. And a little magic along the way. Described as Princess Bride meets CSI, this new novel is a tale of classic adventure with a healthy dose of humor.

The Outcast Crown

The Inquisitors' Guild stands as a bulwark against both the criminal and mysterious in Frosthelm. Now, there's a new threat. Or is it a threat? A strange phenomenon afflicts the city - a troubling manifestation, always accompanied by a buzzing sound, sometimes taking almost human form. An unlikely pair of inspectors, one a young investigator with one big case under his belt, the other a brand new apprentice, set out to solve the mystery. As they search for clues, they come across the murder of someone who should probably already have been dead, and they find hints of treachery and intrigue from a far distant land. The city they love may be under a threat as dire as it has ever known, and they are thrust into the twisting machinations of an ancient, deadly mistake and a curse that afflicts an entire nation.

The Woeling Lass

An assassin hunts Inspector Gueran Declais through the streets of Frosthelm, and she is not acting alone. Just as he learns that his family may have been attacked and slain, Gueran is struck down as well. Despite the odds, he lives. Barely. Whisked away from the city for his safety, he struggles to recover from his injuries, learn his family's fate, and uncover the identity of those who want him dead. Far from Frosthelm, he becomes caught up in investigating another bloody attack, one that may or may not have been perpetrated by vengeful spirit of a woman wronged long ago, and one that threatens to expose him to his enemies. The locals are certain, though: the killer had to be the Woeling Lass, her hands cold as the grave and her feet aflame.

Back in Frosthelm, Urret Milton is an apprentice in some difficulty at the Guild. She receives a mysterious note for Gueran, a man everyone thinks is dead. Rapidly embroiled in the effort to unravel the reason for the killings and bring the assassins to justice, Urret struggles to shed her troubles and show that she has what it takes to be an inspector. But all this leads her into far more peril than she bargained for, for which she can't possibly be ready. Her position at the Guild, the security of the city, and her life itself are all at stake.

Rivers of London: Rivers of London Series: Book 01

by Ben Aaronovitch.

My name is Peter Grant, and I used to be a probationary constable in that mighty army for justice known to all right-thinking people as the Metropolitan Police Service, and to everyone else as the Filth.

My story really begins when I tried to take a witness statement from a man who was already dead...

Probationary Constable Peter Grant dreams of being a detective in London's Metropolitan Police. After taking a statement from an eyewitness who happens to be a ghost, Peter comes to the attention of Detective Chief Inspector Thomas Nightingale, who investigates crimes involving magic and other manifestations of the uncanny.

Suddenly, as a wave of brutal and bizarre murders engulfs the city, Peter is plunged into a world where gods and goddesses mingle with mortals and a long-dead evil is making a comeback on a rising tide of magic.

Life for a Life: Hero of Darkness: Book 0.5

by Andy Peloquin.

The Hunter, legendary assassin of Voramis, does not forgive or forget. But his thirst for vengeance against a deceitful client could lead to consequences far graver than he realizes. Plus, you’ll be the first to know of the new release of Hero of Darkness and other fantasy series. You won’t regret it! 

Blood of the Bear: Fire Born: Book 05

by Angus Donald.

Battle calls the berserker once again...

AD 781. Pagan Saxony groans under the Christian yoke. The invincible armies of Karolus, King of the Franks, occupy all this freedom-loving land and every Saxon must submit to baptism and pay tithes to the Church, or face death by beheading.

Duke Widukind, leader of the Saxon rebels, is sheltering in the North, beyond Karolus’s reach. He hopes to persuade Bjarki Bloodhand – once a famous berserker, but now a father and family man – and his fierce sister the shield-maiden Tor, to join his revolt against tyranny.

But Bjarki has eloped with Widukind’s sister Edith, who was betrothed to Abbio the Crow. In revenge, Abbio uses seithr to strike at Bjarki – a powerful spell to drive him insane. Can Bjarki resist the long slide into madness? And will Widukind finally liberate Saxony from the Franks?

The Night Ends With Fire

by K. X. Song.

RAISED TO OBEY. DESTINED TO REBEL.

The Three Kingdoms are at war, but Meilin's father refuses to answer the imperial draft. Trapped by his opium addiction, he plans to sell Meilin for her dowry instead - but when she discovers that her husband-to-be is violent and ill-tempered, she decides to take matters into her own hands.

The very next day, she disguises herself as a boy and enlists in her father's place.

In the army, Meilin's hard work brings her recognition, friendship - and a growing closeness with Sky, a prince turned training partner.

But as her kingdom barrels towards destruction, Meilin must decide who to trust: Sky, who inspires her loyalty and love; a sea dragon spirit with the power to grant her impossible magic; or an infuriating enemy prince who makes her question everything she once knew - about her kingdom, her loyalty and her own heart.

Oblivion: The Slayer's Dark Rebirth: Book 01

by Andy Blinston.

Once a god. Now a target.

Darius arises soaked in the blood of foes he doesn't recall slaying. Someone stole his strength, powers, and memories, and all that remains are his adept fighting instincts. And he’ll need them to survive.

Caught amidst a raging war between the gods of the human empire and savage invaders, he's hunted by both sides, and flees with the only person willing to help him. The woman claims to be an old friend, but she'll only reveal one thing about his past.

He once walked amongst the gods that now hound him. And he betrayed them.

Now, they're coming to finish their revenge. Darius must rediscover why he turned against them, and if he's to survive, he must reawaken the powers that once earned him the title he's forgotten…

The Slayer of Gods.

Dragon Rider: The Soulbound Saga: Book 01

by Taran Matharu.

FROM THE ASHES OF AN EMPIRE, A HERO WILL RISE…

Jai has spent his life forced to serve the cruel empire that killed his family and now rules his people.

To grow ever more powerful, the emperor’s young son is betrothed to Princess Erica of the Dansk Kingdom. An unconquerable realm, where ancient beasts roam. The princess brings with her a priceless gift: dragons. Only Dansk Royalty can bond with these magical beasts to draw on their power and strength. Until now.

When the betrothal goes wrong, a bloody coup leads to chaos at court. Finally, Jai has a chance to escape. He flees with a fierce Dansk warrior, Frida, but not before stealing a dragon egg.

To vanquish the empire, he must do the impossible: bond with a dragon. Only then he can seize his destiny, and seek his revenge …

The Silverblood Promise: The Last Legacy: Book 01

by James Logan.

Lukan Gardova is a cardsharp, academy dropout, and - thanks to a duel that ended badly - the disgraced heir to an ancient noble house. His life consists of cheap wine, rigged card games and wondering how he might win back the life he threw away.

When Lukan discovers that his estranged father has been murdered in strange circumstances, he finds fresh purpose. Deprived of his chance to make amends for his mistakes, he vows to unravel the mystery behind his father's death.

His search for answers leads him to Saphrona, fabled city of merchant princes, where anything can be bought if one has the coin. Lukan only seeks the truth, but instead he finds danger and secrets in every shadow.

For in Saphrona, everything has a price - and the price of truth is the deadliest of all.

Rising: The Avant Champion: Book 01

by C.B. Samet.

An unlikely heroine faces impossible odds. A healer longs for adventure.

Magic and mayhem collide in this award-winning epic fantasy adventure.

Turn your soul

Toward Mother Moon,

Let the demons

Fall behind you …

When Marrington Castle falls to a dark and ancient evil, I find myself in the impossible position of protecting Queen Rebekah. Me—a simple girl caught in the chaos of a kingdom on the brink of ruin. With a healer by my side, I set out across the continent, searching for the lost artifacts that could awaken a legendary warrior.

But we’re not the only ones hunting them. An army of monsters is closing in, and time is slipping through our fingers.

Raging waterfalls, pitch-black caves, and treacherous mountain cliffs stand between me and my mission. Each challenge tests my strength, my courage, and my very soul. The more I fight, the more my resolve hardens—I must summon The Avant Champion.

But the cost may be more than I can bear.

How far am I willing to go? What sacrifices must I make? The fate of the kingdom rests in my hands, and one wrong choice could doom us all to eternal darkness.

Black Talon: Dragonblood Assassin: Book 01

by Andy Peloquin and Jaime Castle.

Kullen is the Emperor’s assassin. The sharp hand of justice. The Black Talon.

Gifted a soul-forged bond with his dragon, Umbris, Kullen is tasked with hunting any and all who oppose the Empire.

But when the secretive Crimson Fang murders two noblemen before his very eyes, Kullen must discover the truth of who they are and what they want. What he uncovers is a web of lies and deceit spiraling into the depths of Dimvein.

Natisse, a high-ranking member of the rebellion known as the Crimson Fang, has no greater goal than to rid Dimvein of power-hungry nobles. Haunted by her past, fire, flames, and the death of her parents, she sets out to destroy the dragons and those who wield them as unstoppable weapons of destruction.

Until she too finds herself buried beneath the weight of the revelations her investigations reveal...

The Empire is under siege from within, and one man, dressed in black like the night, stands at the epicenter of it all.

Red Claw: Dragonblood Assassin: Book 02

by Andy Peloquin and Jaime Castle.

Treachery simmers beneath the Empire’s surface.

Powerful dragonblood vials have been stolen from their murdered owners. Magisters, answering to a shadowy figure known only as Red Claw, seek to undermine the emperor.

Kullen’s work as Black Talon will only grow bloodier as his path crosses with the Crimson Fang, hopeful they might know where to find a kid-napped Prince Jaylen.

Natisse yearns for vengeance against the one who has taken so much from her. Yet, for the sake of the mission—always the mission—she must put her hate aside and attempt to trust the Crimson Fang’s greatest enemy.

With her new Ember Dragon Golgoth by her side, the playing field is even—assuming she can learn to control the fires that rage within her.

Together, assassin and rebel must delve into deep waters and high towers to discover the truth behind so many secrets—secrets that threaten to destroy the very Empire itself.

Silver Spines: Dragonblood Assassin: Book 03

by Andy Peloquin and Jaime Castle.

War has come to Dimvein.

The Empire’s ancient foes have come to destroy, bringing with them threats new and old. The Blood Clan pirates and the savage Hudar Horde cavalry are joined by the magic of the Vandil, long believed lost to the ages.

Kullen and Natisse must fight to preserve the threads that hold Dimvein together. Only together can they and their allies keep the enemy from burning everything they’ve built to the ground.

It’s a race to the end, blades slashing and fire raging.

Golden Flames: Dragonblood Assassin: Book 04

by Andy Peloquin and Jaime Castle.

The battle grows dire. The death toll rises. The end is nigh.

Natisse, believing Kullen has fallen to a traitor’s blade, fights on to honor his memory and to complete his final mission: to save their Empire from the enemy fleet threatening destruction. Together with Golgoth, she must stand before the very fires of Hell to protect the city and people she has come to love.

Kullen, gravely wounded, finds himself dragged back from the brink of death. But if the gods are kind, he might just find allies to aid in his battle to avenge the dead and hold the chaos-gripped city together in the most unexpected of places.

United by common purpose, they and all of Dimvein must stand strong—or face total annihilation at the hands of a power older and crueler than even the dragons they command.

Empire of the Damned: Empire of the Vampire: Book 02

by Jay Kristoff.

Gabriel de León has saved the Holy Grail from death, but his chance to end the endless night is lost.

After turning his back on his silversaint brothers once and for all, Gabriel and the Grail set out to learn the truth of how Daysdeath might finally be undone.

But the last silversaint faces peril, within and without. Pursued by children of the Forever King, drawn into wars and webs centuries in the weaving, and ravaged by his own rising bloodlust, Gabriel may not survive to see the truth of the Grail revealed.

A truth that may be too awful for any to imagine.

The God is Not Willing: Witness: Book 01

by Steven Erikson.

Many years have passed since three Teblor warriors brought carnage and chaos to Silver Lake.

Now the tribes of the north no longer venture into the southlands. The town has recovered and yet the legacy remains. Indeed, one of the three, Karsa Orlong, is now revered as a god, albeit an indifferent one. In truth, many new religions have emerged and been embraced across the Malazan world. There are those who worship Coltaine, the Black-Winged Lord, and the cult of Iskar Jarak, Guardian of the Dead, is popular among the Empire's soldiery.

Responding to reports of a growing unease among the tribes beyond the border, a legion of Malazan marines marches towards Silver Lake. They aren't quite sure what they're going to be facing, but, while the Malazan military has evolved and these are not the marines of old, one thing hasn't changed: they'll handle whatever comes at them. Or die trying.

And in those high mountains, a new warleader has risen amongst the Teblor. Scarred by the deeds of Karsa Orlong, he intends to confront his god even if he has to cut a bloody swathe through the Malazan Empire to do so.

But further north, a new threat has emerged and now it seems it is the Teblor who are running out of time. Another long-feared migration is about to begin and this time it won't just be three warriors. No, this time tens of thousands are poised to pour into the lands to the south. And in their way, a single company of Malazan marines . . .

It seems the past is about to revisit Silver Lake, and that is never a good thing . . .

Moon Over Soho: Rivers of London: Book 02

by Ben Aaronovitch.

Body and Soul. The song. That's what London constable and sorcerer's apprentice Peter Grant first notices when he examines the corpse of Cyrus Wilkins, part-time jazz drummer and full-time accountant, who dropped dead of a heart attack while playing a gig at Soho's 606 Club. The notes of the old jazz standard are rising from the body - a sure sign that something about the man's death was not at all natural but instead supernatural.

Body and soul - they're also what Peter will risk as he investigates a pattern of similar deaths in and around Soho. With the help of his superior officer, Detective Chief Inspector Thomas Nightingale, the last registered wizard in England, and the assistance of beautiful jazz aficionado Simone Fitzwilliam, Peter will uncover a deadly magical menace - one that leads right to his own doorstep and to the squandered promise of a young jazz musician: a talented trumpet player named Richard "Lord" Grant - otherwise known as Peter's dear old dad.

Strange Cargo: Mennik Thorn: Book 03

by Patrick Samphire.

What do a smuggling gang, a curse that won't go away, and a frequently lost dog have to do with each other?

Answer: they're all here to disrupt Mennik Thorn's hard-earned peace and quiet.

As the sole freelance mage in the city of Agatos, Mennik is used to some odd clients and awful jobs. But this time, one of his clients isn't giving him a choice. Mennik might have forgotten about the smugglers whose operations he disrupted, but they haven't forgotten about him. Now he is faced with a simple ultimatum: help them smuggle in an unknown, dangerous cargo or flee the city he loves forever.

Time is running out for Mennik to find an answer, and things are about to get completely out of control.

Legacy of a Hated God: Mennik Thorn: Book 04

by Patrick Samphire.

Nik Thorn should know better than to get involved with gods.

But when a priest of a hated god asks Nik to save his life, Nik can hardly refuse, particularly when the priest knows exactly how, where, when, and why he is going to be killed. How hard can it be?

Of course, that’s not Nik's only problem. When is it ever? A god has been murdered, the city’s high mages are about to go to war, and fury is rising in the streets.

Agatos will burn.

The final book in the Mennik Thorn series.

1776: The Washington Divergence: Infinity Engines: Missions: Book 01

by Andrew Hastie.

What if George Washington was killed before taking office?

The year is 1776. New York is on fire. The British fleet are in the harbor, and Special Agent John Anderson still can’t believe he’s here...

It began when the FBI counter-terrorism system picked up suspicious activity at Mount Vernon. Anderson was assigned to find out why a crazy old man dressed as a British Redcoat was trying to break in and how the same guy could show up five minutes later at the Smithsonian.

The Colonel claims he is trying to change the past and prevent the assassination of General Washington. Anderson assumes he’s just off his meds – until the old man runs into a broom closet and disappears.

Infinity Engines: Missions takes you on a journey into an alternate history, one that might have been if it wasn’t for the work of the Oblivion Order and their mission to save the future, by changing the past.

Deceptions: Intricate: Book 01

by Jennifer Rayes.

Waking up in a desolate cell, Gaia realizes she has been kidnapped by a human trafficking organization, doomed to be sold to the highest bidder and unable to remember anything before her capture. An opportune rescue by Raoul, the Prince of Kayamato, saves her from a gruesome future, and throws her into a world of luxury and privilege. As she struggles to regain her memory, Gaia learns that her rescue was no accident and finds herself in even more danger. Fighting for sanity and survival, she works to unravel the truth behind her capture, each revelation more shocking than the last. The intricate web of deceptions spun around her will shatter her world, leaving her unsure if she will ever trust again.

Intentions: Intricate: Book 02

by Jennifer Rayes.

Blow after blow has tried to knock her down, but Gaia is determined to fight till the end. Now Queen of Ica, the tables have turned. The hunter becomes the hunted as the balance of justice is forced to shift. As her name and actions begin to spread across the kingdoms, she sets out to wage war against the corrupt, and be the voice of the oppressed. Is her will strong enough to withstand? Or will it break?

Obsessions: Intricate: Book 03

by Jennifer Rayes.

Gaia and Raoul have recovered from the poisoning, but the assassination attempt has fractured their relationship beyond repair. Dominique has lost his mother, his crew, and his purpose, and is trying not to lose his sister, while playing a dangerous game with the Governor. Salim has confessed his treason and has threatened to eradicate Kayamato with the release of a deadly disease, unless he's given reigning power. Beneath it all, Antione's obsession simmers as he moves his final pieces into place. Will the players be able to fight their individual threats by coming together, or will they be picked off, one at a time, one after the other?

Four Ruined Realms: The Broken Blades: Book 02

by Mai Corland.

The King of Yusan may be the greatest liar of them all.

His sister's ring is in his sights, and he will do anything to get what he wants. Even manipulating the five blades to steal it...

Bonded by deceit, the blades must rely on their skills to pull off King Joon's pursuit or risk his legendary wrath.

A foreign rule of law stands between them and Quilimar, the Queen of Khitan. Now they have one month to steal the powerful Golden Ring of the Dragon Lord. But that impossible task might be easier than trusting one another, even though their lives, their families, and the realms depend on it.

They can all agree on one thing: the king can't win. But can they beat him at his own game?

Because for the blades, this time it's not just personal, it's revenge. Lies may have torn them apart, but now vengeance will bring them together.

The lies have only just begun...

A Language of Dragons

by S. F. Williamson.

EVERY FIRE STARTS WITH A SINGLE SPARK.

Welcome to Bletchley Park… with dragons.

London, 1923. Dragons soar through the skies and protests erupt on the streets, but Vivien Featherswallow isn’t worried. She’s going to follow the rules, get an internship studying dragon languages, and make sure her little sister never has to risk growing up Third Class. By midnight, Viv has started a civil war.

With her parents arrested and her sister missing, all the safety Viv has worked for is collapsing around her. So when a lifeline is offered in the form of a mysterious ‘job’, she grabs it. Arriving at Bletchley Park, Viv discovers that she has been recruited as a codebreaker helping the war effort – if she succeeds, she and her family can all go home again. If she doesn’t, they’ll all die.

At first Viv believes that her challenge, of discovering the secrets of a hidden dragon language, is doable. But the more she learns, the more she realises that the bubble she’s grown up in isn’t as safe as she thought, and eventually Viv must decide: What war is she really fighting?

The Witches of Scotland: Series 1: The Akashic Chronicles: Books 01 - 08

by Steven P Aitchison.

It’s one thing to read about witches; it’s another thing to discover you are one.

When Glasgow law student David Hunter survives a mysterious attack, he discovers he's a descendant of a long line of witches known as Dream Dancers. Thrust into a hidden world of magic, government conspiracies, and perilous quests, David must master his newfound abilities to protect the mystical Akashic Records—the key to humanity's past, present, and future. Alongside the fiery Jessica Campbell, wise Aunt Gen, and the underworld creature Terence, they face malevolent forces aiming to manipulate reality.

Their adversary is the sinister media mogul Alicia Collins and her clandestine organization, which seeks to drain the world's energy and control the masses through manipulation and deceit. With the British and American governments entangled in conspiracy, the Witches of Scotland are the last line of defence against a global catastrophe known as "The Big Reset." As prophecies unfold and the threat of the Akashic Records being destroyed looms large, alliances are tested, secrets are unveiled, and the ultimate battle between good and evil reaches its climax.

Tracking Trouble: Complete Series Box Set: Books 01 - 05

• Marked by Magic

• Bound by Blood

• Driven by Destiny

• Pursued by Peril

• Tested by Temptation

by Lindsay Buroker.

Half-elf Arwen Forester might be a socially awkward introvert who’s never been kissed, but she’s an expert hunter and tracker who can find anyone.

Yes, even a haughty half-dragon criminal with the power to incinerate enemies with his mind.

But Azerdash Starblade is more than he seems, and Arwen soon questions whether hunting him down is the right choice. What if he’s wrongfully accused? What if, as a half-breed, he understands what it’s like not to fit in? What if… she develops feelings for him?

Find out in the Tracking Trouble complete series bundle!

Awakener: Darkblade: Book 06

by Andy Peloquin.

The Hunter’s foes are myriad…

…but all will come to know the true meaning of fear when the legendary assassin comes for them.

Charged to uncover the secrets of an ancient tower, the Hunter’s journey takes him into the lands known to the outside world as “Ghandia”, a realm harsh yet beautiful, filled with mysteries lost to time and marvels yet to be discovered.

There, he is drawn into bloody conflict between the people who call the vast plains their home and the cruel Vassalage Consortium, masters of the flesh trade.

But more than human enemies lurk in the shadows. In the heart of these wild lands, he will face magic both dark and arcane, battle monstrous beings of immense power, and unearth secrets buried for millennia.

And in the darkness, an ancient power stirs, hungry to be awakened.

Defender: Darkblade: Book 07

by Andy Peloquin.

The Hunter has worn countless faces, played countless roles.

Conqueror. Savior. Assassin. Protector. He is all of them and more…

But one performance for which he is truly ill-suited is that of father.

Particularly to a daughter who seeks to use him only to her own ends, willing to manipulate, deceive, and murder to gain access to the arcane power hidden around Einan by the ancient Serenii.

The Hunter is left no choice in the matter, for hunting Jaia is a foe far more deadly and implacable than any he has faced: the Secret Keepers.

The tongueless alchemists and warrior-priests will stop at nothing until they have their prize. Even if that means leaving a trail of blood and bodies in their wake.

Will the Hunter’s legendary skill suffice to outrun his daughter’s pursuers, or will even his inhuman abilities falter in the face of such overwhelming odds?

The stakes have never been higher—not only for the Hunter, but for everyone he loves.

Reckoner: Darkblade: Book 08

by Andy Peloquin.

The Hunter’s enemies will soon learn a bloody truth:

No foe is more dangerous than a cornered assassin.

Trapped in a city under siege, where even high walls, strong gates, and brave hearts will inevitably fail against overwhelming odds.

With both his daughter Jaia and his gathered “family” of Kiara, Evren, and Hailen to fight for, he will stop at nothing to shatter the forces bent on the destruction of Shalandra.

But in the City of the Dead, every shadow conceals hidden daggers and murderous intent.

The greatest threat to the Hunter may be the very people he’s battling to protect.

Voyager: Darkblade: Book 09

by Andy Peloquin.

The Hunter rides for vengeance…

…and embarks on a voyage of bloodshed and death.

His pursuit of the escaped Groebus Dayblood and his assassin accomplices leads to the shores of Einan and beyond, across the Frozen Sea.

But danger follows wherever the Hunter goes. Sailing with him are parties unknown plotting bloody murder. Their deadly blades are aimed at him, and trapped aboard a ship in the middle of the ocean, there is nowhere to run or hide.

Pirates, cutthroats, and dark arcane magic capable of mind-shattering horrors, the Hunter must fight them all to protect the one person who matters most: his daughter.

Successor's Promise: Millennium's Rule: Book 03

by Trudi Canavan.

Five years have passed since the Rebels confronted the Raen. Five years, in which Qall - the boy Rielle rescued - has grown up among the Travellers, with no memory of the life that was stolen from him. Five years of chaos, barely contained by Baluka and the Restorers. Worlds are at war, some overrun by deadly machines, some drained of magic by power-hungry sorcerers.

As Qall comes of age, and Rielle and Tyen's hard-won peace is threatened, their loyalties are tested - and Qall's very existence is at stake. Because Dahli is still determined to restore Valhan to power, and he will stop at nothing to succeed.

Maker's Curse: Millennium's Rule: Book 04

by Trudi Canavan.

Rielle is the Maker, restorer of worlds. She has lost count of the number of worlds she has been sent to save.

Tyen has cast off his old identity. No longer a spy, he now attempts to teach new sorcerers and find ways to counteract the war machines that are spreading throughout the worlds.

But when an old enemy brings news of a dark threat - something far worse than magically dead worlds and dangerous sorcerers - Rielle and Tyen must reunite if they are to have any chance of saving humanity.

The Traitor Queen: Traitor Spy Trilogy: Book 03

by Trudi Canavan.

Events are building to a climax in Sachaka as Lorkin returns from his exile with the Traitor rebels.

The Traitor Queen has given Lorkin the huge task of brokering an alliance between his people and the Traitors. Lorkin has also had to become a feared black magician in order to harness the power of an entirely new kind of gemstone magic. This knowledge could transform the Guild of Magicians - or make Lorkin an outcast forever.

The Crippled God: The Malazan Book of the Fallen: Book 10

by Steven Erikson.

The final, apocalyptic chapter in one of the most original, exciting and acclaimed fantasy series of our time . . .

The Bonehunters are marching to Kolanse, and to an unknown fate. They are exhausted - an army on the brink of mutiny. But their commander will not relent. If she can hold her forces and their fragile alliances together, Adjunct Tavore Paran means to challenge the gods...

Ranged against Tavore and her allies are the Forkrul Assail. Their desire is to cleanse the world - to eradicate every civilization, to annihilate every human - in order to begin anew.

And outside the abandoned city of Kharkanas, thousands have gathered upon the First Shore. Led by Yedan Derryg, they are preparing for the coming of the Tiste Liosan - and a battle they cannot win.

It had long been known that there would be a reckoning, but not the true, terrifying scale of what was to come. For the Elder Gods seek to shatter the chains that bind a force of utter devastation and set her free. It seems that, once more, there will be dragons in the world...

And so begins the last chapter in Steven Erikson's extraordinary, genre-defining Malazan Book of the Fallen.

Faithbreaker: The Fallen Gods Trilogy: Book 03

by Hannah Kaner.

War has come. The fire god Hseth is leading an unstoppable army south, consuming everything in her path. Middren’s only hope of survival is to unify allies and old foes against a common enemy.

Elo navigates an uneasy alliance with Arren; his friend, his enemy, and his king. Now they each must decide how much they're willing to sacrifice to turn the tides of war.

Meanwhile, Inara joins her mother on their ship, the Silverswift, to seek aid. Still grappling with her powers, Inara must reconcile who she is and where she belongs, while Skediceth has to question if their bond will be enough to keep them safe.

Kissen has no allegiance to the old ways of Middren. But, as she tries to find her family, she is forced to question what, and whose, future she is fighting for.

Tower of Blood and Flame: Fate of the Furycks: Book 02

by A.E. Rayne.

Someone is seeking to destroy the Furycks, but who?

As Axl works on strengthening Brekka’s defenses, he discovers he has more enemies than he realised. Help arrives in the form of a dreamer, though he doesn’t know the woman, so how can he trust her? Yet, with so much at stake, how can he not?

After a disastrous time on the island of Aggralaia, Edela finds a new ally, and just in time. With his help, she travels to the Fire Lands, once again forced to flee for her life. Hunted by the determined band of Siluran warriors, she must make a stand to free herself of her pursuers once and for all.

And Jael comes face to face with her true enemy. Though vulnerable and weak, there is little she can do to stop the man from achieving his goal.

He has claimed her.

Now he will kill her…

Ice and Stone: Sword and Sorcery: Book 04

by Dylan Doose.

A novella-length tale of raiders, ancient gods, and brutal survival—perfect for fans of fast-paced, binge-worthy dark fantasy.

When a vicious storm drives Northern raider Therick and a band of survivors onto a strange shore, they expect to fight the land’s people—not defend them.

But something ancient and monstrous stalks the jungle ruins and frozen cliffs. As the sky burns with cosmic light and ancient ziggurats whisper forgotten names, Therick must lead enemies-turned-allies against a foe born of myth and madness.

Will tradition damn them all—or can unity defy the wrath of the old gods?

From the frozen North to the jungles of Azria, this dark fantasy novella is a journey through gods, monsters, and the brutality of survival.

As They Burn: Sword and Sorcery: Book 05

by Dylan Doose.

A tale of desperate magic, broken bonds, and a journey through death itself.

After a devastating battle, wizard Aldous Weaver awakens to a nightmare—his companions are gone. infamous fugitive Kendrick the Cold and arrogant monster hunter Theron Ward have vanished, and a red-eyed stranger with otherworldly power stands in their place.

Determined to find his friends, Aldous sets out on a harrowing journey that takes him beyond the veil of death itself. But ancient magic blocks every path, and enemies close in from all sides. As time runs out, Aldous must decide: trust the mysterious stranger—or stand alone in a world tearing itself apart.

When loyalty is tested and darkness reigns, even reluctant heroes must burn to rise again.

Black Sun Moon: Sword and Sorcery: Book 06

by Dylan Doose.

A standalone dark fantasy murder mystery packed with twisted magic, grim prophecy, and brutal truths.

Veteran inquisitor Cullum Shrike has seen horrors—and dealt death—with his massive sword and unwavering faith. But even he is unprepared for what waits in the village of Wardbrook: green pastures, babbling streams, and a string of occult murders no one dares speak of.

As the bodies pile up and ancient sorcery festers beneath Wardbrook’s tranquil charm, Shrike is drawn into a deadly web of betrayal, illusion, and monstrous secrets. To survive, he must question not only what he believes—but who he becomes when the truth is revealed.

Justice runs red. And some villages are better left to burn.

Embers on the Wind: Sword and Sorcery: Book 07

by Dylan Doose.

A brutal dark fantasy of twisted realms, corrupted woods, and a desperate journey home.

Stranded in a world not their own, wizard Aldous Weaver and his companions—infamous fugitive Kendrick the Cold and monster hunter Theron Ward—must fulfill a deadly contract if they ever hope to return home.

The task: reach the tower and slay the beast.

The problem: between them and the tower lies the Werewood—a cursed forest where shadows come alive, monsters stalk the trees, and the line between man and demon begins to blur.

Desperation forces Aldous to reach for new, untested magic. But in a place where nothing is real, not even your own reflection, the cost of casting light may be your soul.

When every road leads to ruin, how far will you go to bring your friends home?

Graves of the Gods: Sword and Sorcery: Book 08

by Dylan Doose.

The journey ends. The tower awaits. And the gods are watching.

After barely surviving the horrors of the Werewood, wizard Aldous Weaver and his companions—infamous fugitive Kendrick the Cold and monster hunter Theron Ward—must descend into the cursed depths of the Tower of Aldrone.

Within its twisted halls, their greatest fears take form, illusions deceive the senses, and magic turns friend into foe. As they push deeper, the tower reveals something far more dangerous than monsters—the truth.

Aldous’s past. The future he never wanted. The dark force that has shaped their fates from the start.

To stop what’s coming, they must face what they’ve become.

To rise, something must fall.

The final battle has begun.

Tyrant's Throne: Greatcoats: Book 04

by Sebastien de Castell.

Would you - could you? - uphold the law at the cost of those you love?

Falcio val Mond, First Cantor of the Greatcoats, is on the brink of fulfilling his dead King's dream: Aline is about to take the throne and restore the rule of law once and for all.

But for the Greatcoats, nothing is ever that simple. In neighbouring Avares, an enigmatic new warlord is uniting the barbarian armies and even worse, he is rumoured to have a new ally: Falcio's old nemesis Trin. With the armies of Avares at her back, she'll be unstoppable.

Falcio, Kest and Brasti go racing north to stop her, but in those cold, treacherous climes they discover something altogether different - and far more dangerous: a new player plans to take the throne of Tristia, and the Greatcoats, for all their determination and skill, may not be able to stop him.

A Tide of Black Steel: The Age of Wrath: Book 01

by Anthony Ryan.

A NEW AGE HAS DAWNED. AN AGE OF BLOOD AND STEEL.

AN AGE OF WRATH.

The land of Ascarlia, a fabled realm of bloodied steel and epic sagas, has been ruled by the Sister Queens for centuries. No one has dared question their rule.

Until now.

Whispers speak of longships of mysterious tattooed warriors, sailing under the banners of a murderous cult of oath-breakers long thought extinct. A tide of black steel that threatens to vanquish all in its path.

Thera of the Blackspear, favoured servant of the Sister Queens, is ordered to uncover the truth. As Thera sails north, her reviled brother, Felnir, sets out on his own adventure. He hopes to find the Vault of the Altvar - the treasure room of the gods - and win the Sister Queens' favour at his sister's expense.

Both siblings - along with a brilliant young scribe and a prisoner with a terrifying, primal power - will play a part in the coming storm.

The Age of Wrath has begun.

Grey Sister: Book of the Ancestor: Book 02

by Mark Lawrence.

In Mystic Class Nona Grey begins to learn the secrets of the universe. But so often, knowing the truth just makes our choices harder. Before she leaves the Convent of Sweet Mercy, Nona must choose her path and take the red of a Martial Sister, the grey of a Sister of Discretion, the blue of a Mystic Sister or the simple black of a Bride of the Ancestor, entailing a life of prayer and service.

Standing between her and these choices are the pride of a thwarted assassin, the ambition of a would-be empress wielding the Inquisition like a blade, and the vengeance of the empire’s richest lord.

As the world narrows around her, and her enemies attack her using the very system she has sworn to, Nona must forge her own path in spite of the pulls of friendship, revenge, ambition, and loyalty.

In all this only one thing is certain. There will be blood.

Holy Sister: Book of the Ancestor: Book 03

by Mark Lawrence.

THEY CAME AGAINST HER AS A CHILD.

NOW THEY FACE THE WOMAN.

THEY CAME AGAINST HER AS A CHILD. NOW THEY FACE THE WOMAN.

The ice is advancing, the Corridor narrowing, and the empire is under siege from the Scithrowl in the east and the Durns in the west. Everywhere, the emperor’s armies are in retreat.

Nona faces the final challenges that must be overcome if she is to become a full sister in the order of her choice. But it seems unlikely that Nona and her friends will have time to earn a nun’s habit before war is on their doorstep.

Even a warrior like Nona cannot hope to turn the tide of war.

The shiphearts offer strength that she might use to protect those she loves, but it’s a power that corrupts. A final battle is coming in which she will be torn between friends, unable to save them all. A battle in which her own demons will try to unmake her.

A battle in which hearts will be broken, lovers lost, thrones burned.