"A Dragon of the Veil" by Nick Snape

"A Dragon of the Veil" is the first book of Warriors of Spirit and Bone by Nick Snape.

Laoch and Sura are grizzled veterans of the Crusades, thrust into a violent new conflict when a strange enemy crashes into an alchemical experiment, setting off a wave of long-forgotten spiritfire that tears through the realm, spreading fear in its wake.

Seeking the truth behind the magic, a young queen is blocked at every turn by the shadowy machinations of Lord Penance, the Gods' Overseer. And while whispers echo in the Seven Houses of an ancient evil's return, Laoch and the dishonoured elven warrior Sura must face their desperate foe alone.

With the Royal Court paralysed by inaction, they are thrown into a world of soul-magic, Gods' weapons and ancient spirits where nothing is as it seems, and the world they thought they knew unravels to reveal a deadly, long-buried secret.

One even the Gods fear.

 

About the Author

Nick Snape has been steeped in Science Fiction and Fantasy since his friends first dragged him from his schoolwork and stuck a book under his nose forty years ago. Lost to the world of imagination, he became a teacher by accident, passing on the joy of reading and writing to his pupils. Having retired after thirty years, he thought it was high time to practise what he preached. Nick's books feature everything from all out heart pounding, fast-paced action to thoughtful, character driven twists on the fantasy and sci-fi genres. Genetics to Artificial Intelligence, Artifice Dragons to Soul-Eating enemies, nothing is off the menu. 

 

 

"Here be dragon clichés..." by Richard Sexsmith

Harold and Malcolm aren't knights. Nor are they dragonslayers. But they do like to pretend that they are...

In a series of misadventures the two half-brothers / charlatans find themselves trying to live up to the stories that they've been telling about themselves. Unfortunately that means trying to kill a real dragon, instead of just pretending that they do.

When things go sideways with these two ne'er-do-wells, as it usually does, can Harold and Malcolm find the means (and the clichés) to stay alive and get the job done?

"Here be dragon clichés..." is a Comedic Fantasy by Richard Sexsmith.

WARNING - This story contains a lot of literary clichés... about dragons and other fantasy tropes. There's so many clichés your head might explode. The author takes zero responsibility for anyone whose head explodes. Or anyone who dies from laughter. Or any other means of death which is both hilarious and tragic. You've been warned!

CONTAINS MATURE HUMOUR.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Richard Sexsmith is a self-published author in Toronto, Canada who writes science fiction, fantasy, Shakespearean fiction, erotic fiction, and satire. He primarily publish short stories and novellas, typically available as ebooks and audiobooks. Sexsmith's books are available via Amazon Kindle, Audible, Waterstones and similar websites. 

"Chosen of the Dark Realm" by David Cornford

"Chosen of the Dark Realm" is Book One of the Great Plan series:

It has been over a thousand years since the seals between this reality and the dark realm of Kur were broken and the wraith-like gallus invaded the continent of Dannum.

When the former priest of An, Adaru, escapes from the tower where the restored seals lay that prevent the gallus from crossing realms, war consumes the land with Adaru's machinations. A kingdom falls, ancient powers awaken and the power of Kur is unleashed again.

The guardian Nanaya and her companions barely stopped the gallus last time, but the Darisam civilisation was annihilated those 1000 years ago, and the land reduced to a poisoned desert, but for one ancient tower. Nanaya is forced to confront the terrors of her past, terrors that took everyone she ever cared for. Nanaya, now advisor to the present king of Southcastle. fears the past will repeat itself.

Elsewhere, Baraka, a desperate treasure hunter from the arid Fringe States that border the vast desert of The Territory, discovers secrets that irrevocably change him; and Samuel, a young man working on his family's farm in the western kingdom of Royaume d'Occident, realises his dreams of adventure, but in doing so loses his innocence.

Kur corrupts the land as Adaru moves closer to realising his terrible ambition of breaking the seals again and Nanaya, now the last guardian in Dannum, knows she is not strong enough to stand against him alone.

Author Biography

David Cornford has been writing ever since David Gemmell invited him into his home, made him a cup of tea and tried to explain that Rocky was the best movie ever made. Holding Snaga The Sender, looking up at a wall of pistols from the John Shannow novels, he knew he had found his calling.

Born in Canada, raised in England and then let loose on the world, David has lived in India, America and now calls Western Australia home.

When he is not lost to his writing, David enjoys trying to grow every sort of fruit and vegetable and watching anything apocalyptic. He is supported by his wife of unfathomable patience and his bemused daughter who is a pixie-mermaid-fairy.

 

 

"Bane of All Things" by Leo Valiquette

In the Four Kingdoms, the Holy Clerisy preaches that the gods are dead, and prayer is the path to Hell. Anyone who defies doctrine is punished for heresy. But blind faith can damn a soul as surely as betrayal.

Ryn Ruscroft, once sworn to serve as the Clerisy’s loyal soldier, finds himself torn between conscience and duty one bitter winter’s night. Those slain include his best friend, felled by his own hand.

Josalind Aumbrae has been tormented all her life by the Voices and their visions—an affliction that could have her facing a witch’s pyre. If only she could understand what they want.

Banished to Dragon’s Claw Abbey at the edge of the world, Ryn and Josalind discover a place built on more than penance and forgetting. What they find at the Claw will turn them into fugitives hunted by hellspawn, heretics, and Ryn’s former commander.

But more sinister forces have awoken—ancient things eager to settle old scores and find pawns among the outcast. When they cry for vengeance, the Living Sword must have a hand to wield it. A mortal it can reshape into the Earth Breaker, the Soul Taker, the Bane of All Things.

Bane of All Things is the first book in the series: A Silence of Worlds.

 

Below: An Unboxing Video featuring "Bane of All Things" by Leo Valiquette.

 

"Dragonsown" by Erika Leigh Agnew

Traitors. Tragedy. Deadly family secrets drenched in dragon lore.
Sounds like just another day in the Kingdom of Ryk.

Kael of Renwick can’t understand why people think he is odd. 

Yes, he hears disembodied voices, occasionally sleepwalks, and sees visions of his dead mother. 

But Kael was coming of age, surely it was just growing pains? 

Kael can’t ask his twin brother. Keaton would just make fun of him. He can’t ask his father, a prominent duke, the man despised him. As usual, Kael must face his troubles alone. 

Besides, why are people concerned about Kael when Ryk had real dangers brewing?  

Wild rumors spread that dragons, long believed extinct, gather throughout the countryside. Reports come of an imminent invasion by an enemy isle. Kael is frightened. He refuses to admit he is ill, but the condition is worsening, he’s beginning to doubt his sanity.

Kael thinks his life can’t get more complicated, that is, until he is confronted by a magical beast.

The beast escorts him to the lair of a hostile, draconic society, the Dragonsown.  

They claim Kael is one of them. 

Perhaps there is validity to Kael being thought odd after all.

Dragonsown is the first book in its series. If you enjoy relatable protagonists, fantastical creatures and action, this series is for you. Buy today to embark on a journey of self-discovery, facing adversity and encounters with dragons!

Below: Unboxing video of "Dragonsown".

 

"Draconian Peace" by Eileen Troemel

Daughter of Hugh Bradon, a human who caused the Draconian people embarrassment in the interstellar arena, Dewi Bradon lives in the squatters’ camps to hide from her family and the Draconians. Half human and half Draconian, she fights to survive and stay out of the brothels.

Son of the Lord whose grief caused anti-human laws, Lachlan Camdon, Draconian Lord, is willing to sacrifice taking a true mate to promote Draconians and gain entry to a lucrative trade alliance with the human race.

Bias and prejudice have ripped Draconian and human relations apart for the last fifteen years. Corruptions and crime are profitable. Ridding their current society of the worst corruptions and crimes creates a storm of conflict with Dewi and Lachlan at the center of it all. Can they overcome their own prejudices to create a better society for their two kinds? 

Draconian Peace is a standalone fantasy book by Eileen Troemel.

"The Dragon Favorite: Beginnings" by Onika Howdyn

Welcome to Jöro…

…a land once teeming with the majestic presence of dragons, known as the Draughtrìnd, now reduced to ashes by the insatiable greed of a malevolent king. Though the war between man and dragon has faded into the past, the lingering aversion towards magic and its wielders remains.

In the river city of Rau, Amalya dreams of adventure beyond her father’s cozy farm. When she stumbles upon a wounded dragon with the farmhand, Wesley, her dreams of adventure take flight. As the years pass, love and family gradually fade that memory into the background of her life, becoming the only remaining beacon of hope.

Now, Amalya finds herself trapped in the clutches of depression, forced to observe the vestiges of her joy in the eyes of her son. The realization that she will never genuinely reclaim that joy plunges her further into the depths of despair.

When a mysterious man arrives to help on the farm, Amalya feels an unexplainable sense of familiarity. Could he be her only chance to break free from the torment that has haunted her since motherhood? And what consequences must she face to reclaim her light?

The Dragon Favorite is the first of two books written by Onika Howdyn. 

 

"Haven in Reverie" by Rachel Vickers

The existence of the supernatural is kept secret.

Evil demon parasites possess unsuspecting humans – seizing control and wielding the hosts as demonic instruments against one another. 

Dragonfire is the only weapon against demons. Alas, dragon slayers have hunted dragon shifters nearly to extinction. 

And humanity is none the wiser.


Stassi Shade has been sheltered – kept safely hidden in a picturesque lie. But her haven in the town of Reverie is nothing more than a façade. When scorched demon remains wash ashore, Stassi is thrust into a harsh reality – she is a dragon shifter and the killer. Her powers have been intentionally suppressed by dragonbane. However, she’s developing a tolerance to the poison and has been triggered into her first shift. Now she must embrace her birthright and master her powers – not to eradicate demons, but to maintain the illusion of her vanilla life. To stay alive, she must continue to hide from those hunting her.

Emerson Caballero is a prominent member of the Knights Dracslaga, a prolific faction dedicated to slaying dragons. With trouble in Reverie, Emerson and his fellow knights must risk life and limb to defend and protect the innocent residents of their town.

Stassi and Emerson are close friends and unwitting enemies. As their relationship blossoms and their ancestral secrets are revealed – Emerson questions what the Knights Dracslaga have ingrained into him, while Stassi battles with the consequences of being exposed.

Haven in Reverie is a standalone fantasy by Rachel Vickers. 

 

"The Sunset Sovereign" by E. M. McConnell

Destiny was found in a Voice. Join the Seven Supplicants as they journey to the mysterious, utopian Capital, guided by the Voices, known as the Sovereigns.

Lynn and Willow find themselves drawn to the realm of Sunrise, the quarter celebrating beginnings and the embrace of mornings. Accompanied by a resolute spirit, Fabio and Aidan venture into the realm of Day, while Isobel and Hollie seek their calling amidst the calm fire of Sunset. Yvaine, guided by a dark destiny, treads the mysterious paths of Night.

Witness their extraordinary quest as they undergo Trials, determined to find their dreams. Yet, as their path unfolds, will their dreams come to fruition, or will they instead find a nightmare? Because the once utopian Capital is crumbling, and the arrival of the Seven brings about changes even the Sovereigns did not foresee.

"The Sunset Sovereign" by E.M. McConnell is a tale of ambition, courage, and the delicate balance between triumph and belief. Follow the Seven Supplicants on their journey as they navigate their own challenges, questioning what they have been brought up to believe, unravelling the mysteries that lie ahead.

 

"The Dragon Next Door" by Vanessa Ricci-Thode

Tollar’s got a stolen dragon egg, and that’s the least of her problems.

Tollar is a hero for hire who just wants to deliver a stolen dragon egg to its kin and get on with her next adventure. But when the dragon hatches, imprints on her, and refuses to leave, Tollar enlists her pyromancer best friend and neighbour, Beenala, to help keep the dragon alive. Tollar’s chaotic life exacerbates Beenala’s overwhelming anxiety, and being stuck at home leaves Tollar feeling stifled and unwanted. To make matters worse, in order to hide an entire dragon from local and foreign hostile factions, Tollar must risk exposing the truth behind her unprecedented power as an aquamancer and face being chased out of the only home she’s ever known.

When Draminedes, perhaps the worst spy in the world, lets slip that the people Tollar stole the dragon egg from are much worse than she thought, Tollar and Beenala realize their home is in danger. Now Tollar needs to stop making herself the outsider and Beenala needs to find some courage so they can team up with this unlikely ally to save everything they love, including each other.

"The Dragon Next Door" by Vanessa Ricci-Thode is a sapphic ace romantasy is complete with mutual pining and odd-couple energy and is full of marginalized characters out living their best lives and having adventures while being nurturing and supportive in their relationships, including bonds between humans and dragons.

 

 

"Moonshadow’s Guardian" by Dianna Gunn

All Riana has ever wanted is freedom. Unfortunately, that’s the one thing her kind cannot have.

Bound by the curse in her demonic blood for millennia, Riana has tried several times to bend the rules and live out her life in the mortal realm. Now her consistent rule breaking has drawn the attention of Loki, God of Mischief, the main tormentor of Riana’s kind. But instead of punishing her, he offers her the escape she has always desired. All she has to do is save the kingdom of Moonshadow from a mysterious magical plague.

Armed only with the inherent power of her own blood and Loki’s pet dragon, Riana is determined to fight for the right to create her own destiny. However, when her mission forces her to destroy the last remnants of an ancient culture, Riana must ask – what is freedom really worth?

Moonshadow’s Guardian is a tale about the meaning of belonging, and the struggle to create a future not defined by your past.

 

"The Carnelian King and Other Stories" by Arden Powell

"The Carnelian King and Other Stories" is a collection of fifteen short fantasy stories introducing dazzling new worlds. 

From a magical second-hand shop hidden between dimensions to rolling emerald hills dotted with ancient ruins, through carnivorous winter woods and across the war-torn steppes of a crumbling empire, this collection spans beloved fantasy genres from classic to cozy, action and adventure to sword and sorcery, and gothic horror to romance. Some of these many star-crossed worlds include:

A dashing knight nostalgic for the lost myth and glory of the Golden Age, and a reclusive sorcerer who is more than he seems.

Gentlemen dragons, sapphic dragons, dragons as small as hummingbirds and as vast as rivers.

The first installments in a new sword & sorcery series, featuring a mercenary knight who cannot be killed and a horde of witches, lich-kings, and curses.

Trading tales of survival in the god-wrecked scrublands of the old west.

An eldritch house hungering for fresh meat.

A disgraced prophet, his flirtatious rival, and a foal whose birth foretells great changes for their land.

"Shades and Silver" by Dax Murray

2023 Indie Ink Awards Finalist; Writing the Future We Need: Disability Representation by a Disabled Author

The birthright of every Ástfríður is to know each metal in the earth, command it, bend it to their desires. To hear metal singing, some of it waiting just beneath the surface, so much of it deeper in the earth. If they wanted, they knew they could pluck that metal from the earth, melt it with a thought, and shape it as they pleased with a breath of air and their will.

Each Ástfríður must choose which metal they would wear upon their heads, denoting the path they would walk. They craft beautiful horns to wear on their brow, forged with the metal they wish to identify with.

But Britt does not know if they can choose the path they want, if they can overcome a past which has stolen their identity. The day has come for them to choose and they have no idea if they have any right to even try to. And Astrid has never felt the pull of the metal at all.

Wearing a forged circlet and horn, they try to navigate a world that they feel has rejected them, all the while fearing someone will learn their secret. The Veil of the Ástfríður has kept them hidden from the world, and safe from intruders. Yet Britt and Astrid feel they are imposters in their own homes. 

Shades and Silver is a duology about identity, doubt, disability, and acceptance set in the universe of Scions and Shadows.

 

"No Land For Heroes" by Cal Black

Mildred Berry is down to her last four bullets…

In a wild west where the only things more dangerous than outlaws are dragons, Deputy Berry is struggling to protect her town and keep her family fed. As a last resort, she robs a train for ammunition only to find that the cargo she needs so badly was owned by war hero Frederic Rousseau.

The same Frederic Rousseau whom she served during the Amelior Civil War. The same Frederic Rousseau she’s been hiding from for the last five years.

Millie knows a secret that could ruin Rousseau’s life, and he’ll stop at nothing to keep her from telling the truth. With her violent past bearing down on the life she’s built for herself, Millie has to decide how far she’ll be willing to go to keep her town safe.

No Land For Heroes is the first of a series. 

 

"Journey Home" by May Barros

Amara e Luiza are two witches that live in a queerplatonic relationship. When Luiza decides to embark on a journey throught the galaxy in a quest for the lost fortress of Laura, the Dragon Queen, she ends up finding more than expected, while Amara follows her footsteps, hoping it's not too late.

"Journey Home" is a standalone book by May Barros.

 

"Mercenaries of Destiny" by Daniel Cano

Book I of Mercenaries of Destiny

After learning of his unique draconic bloodline, Darvell has chosen the mission to search out and kill the man who killed his father. Unfortunately for Darvell, that same man has also stolen an artifact from the gods that has empowered him to rise to become Emperor of the Four Kingdoms.

Armed with only his greatsword, his revolvers, and just enough intelligence, he sets out on a personal quest for revenge. However, due to all the monsters and magic he’ll encounter along the way, he will soon discover that despite his strength and determination, he cannot succeed all on his own. 

Mercenaries of Destiny is the first book in a series written by Daniel Cano.

 

 

"The Girl Who Sings to Dragons" by Luke Courtney

The Girl Who Sings to Dragons:

Fionnuala Swann, rightful Queen of Demeteria, strives to overthrow her wicked uncle, sitting on her throne as a puppet king of the Holy Empire of Addanc, and break the curse that transformed her brothers into monsters.

Aiden Russ, heir to Selene-Morna, struggles to master his inner wolf, haunted by his past failures. Now he must overcome his doubts to become a desperate people's champion.

The first steps to fulfil the prophecy of the Winged Wolf must be taken...

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Luke Courtney lives and works in London, dividing his time between working in a small military museum in Whitehall by day, and by night writing an array of fantasy stories. He is the self-published author of The Girl Who Sings to Dragons, the first book in his new epic fantasy series, the Winged Wolf Saga, and has also published the Argent Blade series (urban/dark fantasy), From The Ashes (Dark fantasy) and the children's book Two-Horn. At present, he's currently working on The Wolf and The Swan, the second book in the Winged Wolf Saga.

Outside of writing, his interests include model building, reading, gaming and paleontology. He lives in London with his wife Becky and their small army of cats.

"Elves of Vacari" by T. A. McEvoy

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

T. A. McEvoy was born in Corpus Christi, Texas, and has called Anderson, South Carolina, home for the past 12 years. She has been passionate about writing since high school and has recently embarked on a journey of self-publishing fantasy fiction novels. Her debut work, 'The Wicked Phoenix,' marked the beginning of 'The Elves of Vacari' series, which is now complete and published.

In addition to her writing pursuits, Theresa holds an associate degree in paralegal studies and has gained over five years of experience working in a law firm in Texas. Since relocating to South Carolina, she has dedicated her time to being a caregiver for her mother. Beyond the world of words, Theresa finds creative expression through painting and enjoys immersing herself in the world of video games.

ELVES OF VACARI, BOOKS I to III

Book I - The Wicked Phoenix

In the enchanting realm of Vacari, where humans and elves coexist harmoniously amid the lush landscapes of Goldmoor, an ominous shadow looms. Phoenix Shadowwalker, a warlock of unparalleled darkness, hungers for dominion over the majestic city of Goldmoor, threatening to shatter the tranquility that the reigning King and Queen have worked tirelessly to maintain.

But hope flickers in the hearts of two unlikely champions—Ong, a relentless warrior with an indomitable spirit, and Lady Keisha, whose resolve matches her unwavering determination. Together, they embark on a perilous quest: to unite the disparate races of humans and elves, forging an alliance strong enough to thwart Phoenix's insidious designs.

Yet, their mission takes an even more treacherous turn. To save Vacari from the clutches of darkness, they must call upon the ancient and powerful dragons, who have been absent from the realm for centuries. These mythical beings hold the key to Vacari's salvation.
​
As destinies intertwine, a tale of valor, unity, and relentless hope unfolds. Will Ong and Keisha's determination be enough to stave off the encroaching shadows, or will Vacari's destiny be forever altered by the wicked Phoenix's malevolence? Only time will reveal the true depths of their courage in this realm of magic and intrigue."

Book II - Shadows Unveiled

In the aftermath of their hard-fought victory, the realm of Vacari thought darkness had been banished forever. Yet, the sinister warlock Phoenix Shadowwalker, believed to be defeated, secretly resurfaces, his power grown to unimaginable heights during his exile. Whispers of his newfound strength circulate, leaving the realm trembling in fear.

Fueled by a burning desire for revenge, Phoenix's malevolent intentions focus on two figures: Ong, the valiant warrior, and Lady Keisha, whose resilience once thwarted his dark ambitions. Blinded by rage and consumed by vengeance, he orchestrates a masterful plan to ensnare them in his clutches.

In a race against time, Ong, Keisha, and their allies must unravel the mysteries surrounding Phoenix's newfound power while confronting their pasts and insecurities. As the clock ticks down, alliances are forged, and battles are fought both on the battlefield and within themselves. Vacari's fate teeters on the edge, and its defenders must rise once more to protect the realm they hold dear.

"Shadows Unveiled" is a gripping fantasy tale of vengeance, redemption, and the enduring strength of unity in the face of darkness. Will Vacari survive this relentless onslaught, or will its light be extinguished forever.

Book III - Vacari's Resurgence: Healing Bonds

In the heart of Vacari, where shadows once wove a sinister ballet, the realm embarks on a subtle metamorphosis. Amidst the ruins of once-majestic cities, Keisha, Ong, and Pumpkin navigate the remnants of a bygone era, where Vacari itself undergoes transformation. Nature's power permeates the land, transforming despair into beauty as solitary flowers push through grief-stricken stone.

 Vacari's rivers flow with renewed clarity,   singing a lullaby of redemption. In the sacred realm of E'vahona, Keisha and her companions unite with ancient powers, forging an ethereal alliance between elemental forces and the spirits who once sought solace in Vacari's sanctuary. As dawn's first rays kiss the horizon, a soft melody of rebirth echoes through Vacari. 

Keisha embarks on a journey of healing, her scars mirroring the realm's wounds. The trio stands on the precipice of resurgence, inhaling deeply as Vacari promises a new day. Will they uncover the secrets needed to restore Vacari to its former glory, or will darkness threaten to reclaim the realm once more?

 

 

AVAILABLE AT

amazon.com

• The Wicked Phoenix
• Shadows Unveiled
• Vacari's Resurgence: Healing Bonds

books2read.com

• The Wicked Phoenix
• Shadows Unveiled
• Vacari's Resurgence: Healing Bonds

tamcevoy.com/shop

• https://www.tamcevoy.com/shop?Category=Elves%2520of%2520Vacari