Bards and Sages Quarterly (January 2019)


Book Description

For over ten years, The Bards and Sages Quarterly has provided fans of speculative fiction with a unique mix of tales from both new and established authors. With each issue, we strive to introduce readers to exciting and entertaining voices in the horror, science fiction, and fantasy genres. In our January 2019 issue: Laura DeHaan, Patrick Doerksen, Greg Hill, Brian James Lewis, Malcolm Laughton, Michael W. Lucht, Jennifer R. Povey, Barbara Buckley Ristine, R. Rozakis, Nilles Sonnemans, Sophie van Llewyn, and Dorothy A. Winsor.In "Close Calls," a woman contacts her dead mother using new video conferencing technology and discovers that conversations with the dead may not be as ideal as she imagined.In "The Ugly Wee Man o' The Loch," to escape the consequences of a terrible bargain, a man must venture to a distant castle in search of the laughter tree.In "Toxicity," the survivor of a workplace shooting finds herself haunted by her former colleagues.These and other fine tales await our readers.




Afro-Centered Futurisms in Our Speculative Fiction


Book Description

In this vibrant and approachable book, award-winning writers of black speculative fiction bring together excerpts from their work and creative reflections on futurisms with original essays. Features an introduction by Suyi Okungbowa. Afro-Centered Futurisms in Our Speculative Fiction showcases creative-critical essays that negotiate genre bending and black speculative fiction with writerly practice. As Afrodecendant peoples with lived experience from the continent, award-winning authors use their intrinsic voices in critical conversations on Afrofuturism and Afro-centered futurisms. By engaging with difference, they present a new kind of African study that is an evaluative gaze at African history, African spirituality, Afrosurrealism, "becoming," black radical imagination, cultural identity, decolonizing queerness, myths, linguistic cosmologies, and more. Contributing authors – Aline-Mwezi Niyonsenga, Cheryl S. Ntumy, Dilman Dila, Eugen Bacon, Nerine Dorman, Nuzo Onoh, Shingai Njeri Kagunda, Stephen Embleton, Suyi Okungbowa, Tobi Ogundiran and Xan van Rooyen – offer boldly hybrid chapters (both creative and scholarly) that interface Afrocentric artefacts and exegesis. Through ethnographic reflections and intense scrutinies of African fiction, these writers contribute open and diverse reflections of Afro-centered futurisms. The authors in Afro-Centered Futurisms in Our Speculative Fiction feature in major genre and literary awards, including the Bram Stoker, World Fantasy, British Fantasy, Locus, Ignyte, Nommo, Philip K. Dick, Shirley Jackson and Otherwise Awards, among others. They are also intrinsic partners in a vital conversation on the rise of black speculative fiction that explores diversity and social (in)justice, charting poignant stories with black hero/ines who remake their worlds in color zones of their own image.




The Ancient Realms Collection (Books 1-6)


Book Description

Welcome to Ancient Realms! This is a complete collection of 6 Ancient Realms Collection novelettes and 17 bonus stories. Viking magic is real, not all knights are honorable, and Ancient Magic comes with a price in these incredible epic fantasy tales. BONUS! Included are 17 Bonus Stories not available anywhere else! Bringing this collection to over 400 pages of incredible storytelling! Including but not limited to: The Last Oracle An award-winning Viking tale of the Draugr King and the Last Oracle. Misguided Knight of the Onyx Order No one crosses the Onyx Queen and survives. The Lunar Clash The World Ends Every Thousand Years. These tales don’t have a happy ending... dark, gritty, fantasy at its finest.




Transpecial


Book Description

A ship has vanished in the dark, in the very outer reaches of Earth's solar system. Alien invaders sweep through the void, destroying outposts and threatening humanity. The truth is known only to a few: We fired first. We fired on aliens whose very appearance and body language sent all humans into a flying rage. All but a few. Now an autistic savant from Mars and an alien diplomat seek peace...while some on both sides desire only conflict. Suza McRae and Haniyar must bridge the gap between their species, or risk a war that will destroy everything and everyone in its path.




Crown Princess Academy


Book Description

This is one crown you don't want. Born and raised in the Dregs, the last thing I expected was the "honor" of being recruited to Crown Princess Academy. And by honor, I mean fighting for my life against the fae that rule our world. Our first exam is in three weeks and not every student will make it out alive... don't these bimbos realize that? I'm not fooled. I know how ruthless the fae can be. All the princess initiates are captivated by Lucas, the sexy fae Crown Prince who, in turn, seems fixated on me. He can't know that I'm actually the most powerful Malice Caster in the Dregs. I'm sure my talents for the Criminal Guild won't earn me any extra credit in my princess classes. All my life I've stayed one step ahead of the two-faced fae and their Malice, the out of control black magic that has nearly wiped out all of humanity. This is my chance to do more than survive--this is my chance to fight back. I'll play the Crown Prince's game. I'll wear the tiny initiate crown, dance in my glittering pink dress, survive the deadly exams, and ultimately graduate as the Crown Princess all while he thinks I'm playing right into his plans. He's in for a surprise when I reveal who I am and wipe that sexy, smug grin off his face... I just hope my heart doesn't forget he's the enemy. Crown Princess Academy: Book 1 is the first of a planned trilogy. As it is a series, there will be a cliffhanger. This is an upper YA/NA paranormal and fantasy series with enemies-to-lovers romance and HEA.




Guardian of the Sky Realms


Book Description

Maree Webster--an almost-emo from the western suburbs of Sydney--hates school, has few friends, and is obsessed with angels and fallen angel stories. Life is boring until she decides to steal a famous painting from a small art gallery that has been haunting her dreams: swirling reds, greys and oranges of barely discernible winged figures. There, she meets a stranger who claims to know her and stumbles into a world where cities float in the sky, and daemons roam the barren, magma-spewing crags of the land far below. And all is not well--Maree is turning into something she loves but at the same time, fears. Most fearful of all is the prospect of losing her identity--what makes her Maree, and more importantly, what makes her human. Guardian of the Sky Realms takes the reader on a journey through exotic fantasy lands, as well as across the globe, from Sydney to Paris, from the Himalayas to Manhattan. At its heart, it is a novel about transformation.




Missing Signal


Book Description

From Seb Doubinsky, author of The Song of Synth, The Babylonian Trilogy, White City, Absinth, Omega Gray and Suan Ming, comes his highly anticipated next installment in the City-States Cycle. Missing Signal--a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside a government conspiracy? Agent Terrence Kovacs has worked for the New Petersburg Counter-Intel Department propagating fake UFO stories for so long that even he has a hard time separating fact from fiction. Especially when he's approached by a beautiful woman named Vita, who claims she's been sent from another planet to liberate Earth. Praise for The Song of Synth: "[A]t once gritty and dreamlike, somber and sexy . . . a powerful tale of guilt, addiction, and self-discovery." --Publisher's Weekly




Trials of Magic


Book Description

Aurelia "Aurie" Silverthorne and her younger sister, Pi, are the two strongest mages to apply to the Hundred Halls in decades. But their parents' death when they were kids leaves them without an easy path to join the magical university. Each Hall—the schools in charge of teaching specific kinds of magic—have expectations for entry. Pi wants to join Coterie of Mages, the most exclusive Hall at the school, but it requires sponsorship by an alumnus. In exchange for a recommendation, Pi is tasked with finding a lost artifact, but uncovering its location requires courting powerful allies and crossing forbidden lines. As the sisters delve deeper into finding the artifact—discovering they're not the only ones after it—they learn their past holds the key to the future and the survival of the Hundred Halls. Set in the Hundred Halls universe, Trials of Magic is perfect for urban fantasy fans who are waiting for their own magical university invitation. If you enjoy fantastic families, magical academies, and epic adventures, then pick up book 1, Trials of Magic, today! Season One of the Hundred Halls Universe THE HUNDRED HALLS Series Trials of Magic Web of Lies Alchemy of Souls Gathering of Shadows City of Sorcery THE RELUCTANT ASSASSIN Series The Reluctant Assassin The Sorcerous Spy The Veiled Diplomat Agent Unraveled The Webs That Bind GAMEMAKERS ONLINE Series The Warped Forest Gladiators of Warsong Citadel of Broken Dreams Enter the Daemon Pits Plane of Twilight ANIMALIANS HALL Series Wild Magic Bane of the Hunter Mark of the Phoenix Arcane Mutations Untamed Destiny STONE SINGERS HALL Series Song of Siren and Blood House of Snake and Tome Storm of Dragon and Stone Sonata of Shadow and Thorn Well of Demon and Bone THE ORDER OF MERLIN Trilogy The Order of Merlin Infernal Alliances Tower of Horn and Blood What Readers Are Saying: I just found my new book to talk peoples ears off about! I could not put this book down and have told all of my friends to get a copy to read. I can't wait for the rest of the series!!! It was a fun refreshing take on magic and creatures. The characters are so captivating. I am glad to see a magic related series that is more female based and has more of the "Supernatural" feel to it.- L. Coffing Added to my collection of urban fantasy beautifully written – Tevin I've read other things by this author, but this one stands head and shoulders above the others! Fast paced, fascinating characters, twists and turns, loved it all and am so happy I could dive right into the second. Keep them coming - don't want to go into withdrawals! – Tami Cowles This is a well-structured and exciting tale, with a magical system that any Fantasy lover would die for. This inspiring first novel shows a promising start to a series and kept a firm grasp on my attention throughout. Trials of Magic makes for an addictive read. Many times, I even found myself shouting at the characters, praying either for their safety or for them to succeed in their endeavors. A true work of fiction with great artistic flair. There is a lot of heart embedded within these pages. Trials of magic is a five-star read and a real credit to Mr. Thomas Carpenter. – Dax Munro TRA I've always enjoyed coming-of-age novels and this one is fantastic. It is Well written, well plotted, and gripping. The characters and plot do not let you go. -PRBC I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The characters are all interesting, I couldn't predict what would happen (which I LOVE), and I can hardly wait to find out what happens next. (I also appreciate that I want more, but that the book actually ended very well, and not in a cliffhanger.) Thomas Carpenter is a new favorite author for me! – Skipperdo Loved this new book. It's amazing how real Carpenter makes this world and all the people in it. – Sharon Brigham Spratt Animalians I really love how quickly you fall head over heels for the Animalian Hall. – Yorkiemom The Animalians series is easily one of the most enjoyable reads I have had in the past year. Filled with a relatable heroine, strong character building and equal doses of magic and action, the series starts strong and only gets better. – amazon customer This is an excellent series. Fun and amazing characters with each a great separate plot. – Zippy Inger This is one of the most amazing, spellbound series I have read in a long time. Loads of action, adventure, suspense and supernatural creatures. A must read series!- Liza van der Pluym Gamemakers- Fast paced and spot on descriptions will keep you turning pages well into the night. If you adore Jordan and Martin, Thomas Carpenter and his Hundred Halls series are MUST READS as sci-fantasy of today! – Lynda C. If you want lots of interesting action and characters, this book has it. – J Krug LitRPG has become very formulaic as a genre. The warped Forest steps beyond those norms and explores character development and world exploration/design in excellent ways. – Scott Reimers Stone singers I have treasured each and every one of the Hundred Halls stories. Tom Carpenter has a unique style of writing which is always brilliantly researched, detailed for easy visualization and reads like you have a master storyteller in your head. – Lynda C It’s a well written, enthralling read that grabs you from the get go. The world building is incredible, the storyline, action packed and fast paced and the characters intriguing. Thrust into a world of soul swapping, magic, music, secrets and so much more, this had me on the edge of my seat and I could not put it down. – Debbie Like all the other hundred hall series this one does not disappoint. Very unique scenarios and most unsuspecting plots. Fall in love with Minerva and follow her on her path of survival. – Liza van der Pluym KEYWORDS: contemporary fantasy, coming of age, fae, complete series, bestselling, urban fantasy, action adventure, academy, new adult, university, dark fantasy, family, young adult, YA fantasy, wizard, mage, witch, dragon, supernatural, supernatural suspense, fantasy series, fantasy series for adults, paranormal mystery, magical worlds, modern fantasy, occult, paranormal, enemies to friends, legend, folk tale, elite, dark magic, thrilling, college, hero, power, privilege, hundred halls, thomas k. carpenter, forbidden magic, strong female lead, orphans, alternate worlds, class differences, badass women, binge read, loners and outcasts, found family, enemies to lovers, sword, spellbinding, magical heist, sprawling series, assassins, spies, diplomacy, rune spells, demonology, shape changing, soul magic, arcane, divination, harry potter, magicians, hundred halls, multi-series, epic adventure, animal companion, fantastic families, magical academies Similar Authors: Christopher Nuttal, L. Jagi Lamplighter, Katie Cross, Sarah J. Maas, Leigh Bardugo, Naomi Novik, Garth Nix, Tamora Pierce, Jane Yolen, Rachel E. Carter, Richelle Mead, Holly Black, Rachel Hawkins, Lev Grossman, J.K. Rowling, Brent Weeks, Rick Riordan, Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti, Barbara Hartzler, S.W. Clarke, Marie Mackay, Alexa B. James, Lexi C. Foss, Lucia Ashta, Elisa Hennessy, G.K. DeRosa, Violet Fox, Michael Pierce, Jen L. Grey




How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy


Book Description

Learn to write science fiction and fantasy from a master You've always dreamed of writing science fiction and fantasy tales that pull readers into extraordinary new worlds and fantastic conflicts. Best-selling author Orson Scott Card shows you how it's done, distilling years of writing experience and publishing success into concise, no-nonsense advice. You'll learn how to: • utilize story elements that define the science fiction and fantasy genres • build, populate, and dramatize a credible, inviting world your readers will want to explore • develop the "rules" of time, space and magic that affect your world and its inhabitants • construct a compelling story by developing ideas, characters, and events that keep readers turning pages • find the markets for speculative fiction, reach them, and get published • submit queries, write cover letters, find an agent, and live the life of a writer The boundaries of your imagination are infinite. Explore them with Orson Scott Card and create fiction that casts a spell over agents, publishers, and readers from every world.




Godslayer


Book Description

Supreme Commander Lord Tanaros was once human. But he chose darkness and immortality when his wife betrayed him with his king. He killed them both, and fled the realms of Men and now cares nothing for their fates. A thousand years passed. His only allegiance is to his master, the dark god Satoris, who gave the gift of Life to the race of Men. Satoris, who rebelled against his elder brother God Haomane who had demanded that gift be taken away. Their fight cracked the very world in two; the name of Satoris became the word for evil throughout all the races, while the legend of Tanaros is the seminal tale of treachery. And yet not all tales told are true. A final prophecy has begun to unfold, and the races are uniting in their quest to rid the world of Satoris. The elder gods and goddesses, stranded on the other side of the world, send dreams to spur all to destroy Satoris and Tanaros, but those loyal to their god know a different side of the story and try to defend their citadel of Darkhaven, where Satoris sits in sorrow, controlling his own dominion, seeking neither victory nor vengeance. Satoris's followers capture the beautiful Elvish princess Cerelinde, and without her the Allies cannot fulfill the prophecy. All who support Satoris clamor for her death-but Satoris refuses to act like the monster that he is made out to be, for he recognizes in Cerelinde a spark of the love that he once bore for his fellow gods. She is a great danger to Satoris--and a greater danger for Tanaros and all that he holds dear. For she reminds him that not all women need be false... and that though he may be immune to death, his heart is still very much mortal. Strong storytelling with evocative, compelling, and unforgettable characters, Godslayer is the thrilling conclusion to the events begun in Banewreaker, a haunting tale of love and loss that ultimately asks the question: If all that is considered good considers you evil, are you? At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.