A stunning return to the Scars of Magic series, improving on just about everything while retaining the brutal survivalist tale of Esterra Stake.
Self Published
Review: Crownfall by Michael Vadney
Synopsis: The gritty underworld and razor-edged found family of Six of Crows collide with the mysterious magic and sweeping intrigue of The City of Brass, all against the vivid industrial backdrop of Arcane in Michael Vadney’s nobledark fantasy debut. Nearly a decade under the empire’s grip has left Burunt a troubled land. Kyndel Heim knows […]
Review: Mushroom Blues (The Hoffman Report #1) by Adrian M. Gibson
Synopsis ENTER THE FUNGALVERSE. Blade Runner, True Detective, and District 9 meld with the weird worlds of Jeff VanderMeer, Philip K. Dick, and China Miéville in Adrian M. Gibson’s award-winning fungalpunk noir debut, now with a foreword from acclaimed author Nicholas Eames and six pieces of original interior artwork. Two years after a devastating defeat […]
SPFBO XI Review: Blackwater (Serpents and Shadows Book 1) by Emily Blakeney
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, […]
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, […]
ESSAY: The Rise of Nobledark Fantasy and What It Says About Us Right Now
The Rise of Nobledark Fantasy, an essay detailing the origins and future of this unique fantasy sub genre. This essay is part of the Crownfall digital book tour. You can find the full tour HERE. BOOK INFORMATION Book/Author: Crownfall by Michael VadneyCover Artist: Katerina Belikova – InstagramTypography/Cover Design: Adrian M. Gibson – PortfolioGenre: Fantasy / Nobledark / New Adult […]
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 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: 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 […]