Synopsis There is much to be done when the kingdom isn’t looking. Iona Strider is a ruthless pickpocket cursed with a disobedient shadow. Violent, too. Worse, she can’t remember who cursed her, or why. But she does know one with each passing day, her control of the shadow dwindles. In her relentless pursuit of answers, […]
Fantasy
SPFBO XI Semi-finalist Review: No More Levels by Benjamin Barreth
Synopsis: Life sucks when you’re a potato farmer. That’s why Rin can’t wait to turn sixteen and conquer the nearest beginner dungeon. Only then can he acquire a powerful class in the Game of the Gods and begin the earnest grind to leveling up. With enough monster kills, he might even become someone truly strong, […]
Blade of Tyshalle (The Acts of Caine #2) by Matthew Woodring Stover
Synopsis On Earth, Hari Michaelson was a superstar. But on Overworld, he was the assassin Caine. Real monarchs lived and died at his hands and entire governments were overthrown—all for the entertainment of millions back on Earth. But now Hari, stripped of his identity as Caine, must fight his greatest battle: against the powerful corporate […]
SPFBO XI Review: Shadows of the Sundered Lands by Korbin Rook
Synopsis The walls that kept the darkness out are beginning to fall. One hundred and fifty years ago, the Sundering drowned Avoni in darkness, twisting every living thing into a nightmare. The only survivors live under the Aurora Shrouds, mystical barriers shielding isolated towns from the horrors outside. When a Vanguard Courier, uncovers evidence that […]
SPFBO XI: One Last Semi-Finalist!
Hello, hello, book fans! We’re back with one last semi-finalist announcement and an update on where we’ll be going from here. We’re also announcing our last cuts. Let’s set with the cuts: Errant Gift by Rhys Price What the judges had to say: Graham: I didn’t enjoy this as much as others seemed to. It […]
Review: The Curse of Dragon Tail Island by Jonathan Nevair
This novel blends pirates with classic fantasy, all in a Robin Hood style package.
Review: The Last Contract of Isako by Fonda Lee
Synopsis Get ready to be blown away by this searing standalone space opera where corporate samurai fight beneath merciless stars, and death is always a mere breath away. Isako is a legendary swordswoman, but every legend has to come to an end. When her long-time client unexpectedly retires, she plans to follow–to walk out into […]
Review: The Bad Apothecary (Ninth Path Book 1) by Keon Shore
Synopsis Diwu stumbles into the capital half-dead, wounded by something no healer can cure. Nestled in her flesh is a strange pathogen carrying corruption, the antithesis of the Natural Order. Desperate, she trades freedom for survival and falls into the grip of the Hierarchy, a ruthless organization that keeps power in check by any means […]
Review: Priest of Gallows (War for the Rose Throne #3) by Peter McLean
Synopsis Gangster, soldier, priest. Queen’s Man. Governor.Tomas Piety has everything he ever wanted. In public he’s a wealthy, highly respected businessman, happily married to a beautiful woman and Governor of his home city of Ellinburg. In private, he’s no longer a gang lord but one of the Queen’s Men, invisible and officially non-existent, working in […]
Review: The Sunrise Dagger (Memories of Kenjir Book 2) by Abel Montero
Synopsis: The empire is splintering, and the gods’ dominion grows weaker with every passing day. Out of the chaos, old loyalties fracture, new dangers emerge, and the line between faith and betrayal blurs beyond recognition. For Andik, survival means constant flight. Pursued across the empire, he follows a trail of secrets that lead him closer to […]
SPFBO XI: Semifinalist #4!
We’re back again with another semifinalist and a few more cuts! This is our second to last semi-finalist and second to last post with cuts! Here are the cuts: Blind Chaos: Budding Rhythm by Crimcat What the judges had to say: Isabelle: Blind Chaos: Budding Rhythm by CrimCat is a LitRPG book with a big […]
Cover Reveal: Crypt Currency: A Lesson in Orconomics by J. Zachary Pike
KICKSTARTER DATE: April 14th, 2026FORMATS: Hardcover, paperback, eBook and deluxe collector’s edition (Kickstarter) SERIES: The Dark Profits Saga (standalone adventure)COVER ARTIST: Agustin Marceillac COVER DESIGN: James T. Egan of Bookfly DesignKICKSTARTER: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jzacharypike/crypt-currency Blurb On Arth, the future of finance revolves around deep politics, hidden interests, and dark magic. Notably absent is actual money. Crypt currency is the future. The enchantments are […]