Editor’s Note
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Featured Promotion
Revenge of the Wraith Paladin, Book 1: The Wraith Returns by Paul G Zareith. Visit the author’s website to find out more! Paul is ‘a fantasy author and an avid fiction aficionado dabbling in the grimdark, arcane and all things forbidden and forgotten.’
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New Releases
A Tender and Wildfire Body by Lauren Eve
Lauren Eve brings us the culmination of her previous two collections in the form of 125 original poems. She once again draws upon the universal feelings of love and loss whilst delving deeper into the darkness and power that lives within us all. Where ‘Graceless’ was about hope and ‘Fractured’ was about exploring one’s desires, ‘Wildfire’ symbolises the beginning of a new day.
Eve invites her readers to explore these pages and to feel soothed by the warmth of shared experiences but also to take away strength in knowing that they are never alone.
This is a collection for anyone who has taken a path unknown or listened to that voice deep inside that says it’s okay to dream bigger, to fall harder and to love endlessly.
Not/Coming Out: A Charity Anthology by Various Authors
It's true that coming out doesn't just happen once: it is a constant process that is different for everyone.
This celebration of diverse voices from across the LGBTQ+ community has been brought together to raise money for Akt. Akt is a UK charity which gives support to young LGBTQ+ people at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness or a hostile living environment.
The anthology contains poetry, short fiction, memoir and essay pieces - all around the theme of Not/Coming Out. Each piece reflects the variety of experience within the community and that wherever you are in your journey you are welcome.
Death of a Soap Star by Caroline Rebisz
Lucinda Neville had it all; fame, fortune, and style. The nation’s favourite soap icon, adored by her fans. On-screen she is Jackie Taylor, star of daily soap Caledonian Road. Jackie is loud-mouthed, opinionated and likely to get into trouble, especially when it comes to men.
Off-screen, Lucinda’s life is vastly different. Coming from a privileged background, she had been given every opportunity, from an expensive private education to a free pass to a prestigious acting school.
A reunion, held in her old school, which had been newly converted into the five-star hotel, Brandon House, thrusts Lucinda back into contact with her old school friends. There is certainly no love lost between the girls who had spent their youth together. Grudges are held, revenge is being plotted.
The following morning, Lucinda Neville’s body is found.
DCI Alan Lewis and his team rush to solve the mysterious death of the famous soap star. The investigation will undercover lies, secrets, and deceptions, with some nasty twists and turns along the way.
Empire of Shadows (Raiders of the Arcana Book 1) by Jacquelyn Benson
Nice Victorian ladies don’t run off to find legendary lost cities.
One trifling little arrest shouldn’t have cost Ellie Mallory her job, but it’s only the latest in a line of injustices facing any educated woman with archaeological ambitions.
When Ellie stumbles across the map to a mysterious ancient city, she knows she’s holding her chance to revolutionize Pre-Colombian history. There’s just one teensy complication. A ruthless villain wants it, and Ellie is all that stands in his way.
To race him to the ruins—and avoid being violently disposed of—she needs the help of maverick surveyor Adam Bates, a snake-wrangling rogue who can’t seem to keep his dratted shirt on.
But there’s more than Ellie’s scholarly reputation (and life) on the line. Her enemies aren’t just looters. They’re after an arcane secret rumored to lie in the heart of the ruins, a mythical artifact with a power that could shake the world.
Between stealing trousers, plummeting over waterfalls, and trying not to fall in love with her machete-wielding partner, will Ellie be able to stop the oracle of a lost empire from falling into the wrong hands?
News Round-Up
Quill and Crow Publishing are open for submissions from June 1st.
Zooloo’s Book Tours has recently toured Crystal Heart by W R L Morris, Grandad’s Chair by Michael Price and Sinthetica by Keith Anthony Baird.
The Raven Short Story Contest edited by Pulp Literature will be open from 1st September - 15th October.
Book Review
The Switchboard (Connections Book 1) by Christina K Glover, reviewed by Jamedi
The Switchboard is a delicious queer low fantasy novel, first on the Connections series, written by Christina K. Glover. Two great main characters, an original magic system and many feelings are some of the elements that made of this book a really enjoyable one, and which if you are looking for a nice queer fantasy, this is that kind of book.
With a thrilling style, we will follow the adventures of Kit and Henley in the Between, trying to fight against the Shield while looking to restore the order and magic; but in this enigmatic place, there are more secrets than what the eye can see. And not only that, because between our characters a bond will be formed, and losing this battle means the disappearing of the Between, Kit included.
To be fair, it's quite easy to relate with both, Henley and Kit. Kit is all responsibility, and even without knowing all about his identity, he tries to do what is correct; I also find adorable his tea addiction. Henley might be more brave, and excellently complements Kit's weaknesses; despite having his own problems, he will fight together with a complete unknown person for him.
Glover does an excellent job introducing this queer romancing sub-plot over the bigger arc; relative slow-burn in comparison with the pacing of the whole novel, but an addition that, in my opinion, helps you to create a emotional bond with the characters, as they are extremely cute.
Despite having some rough edges (such as throwing you directly into the world), Glover's debut is a great novel, perfect for those looking for a queer fantasy novel; she has a talent at creating characters and giving a original layer to the world. Can't wait to read her next books!
Free Book
The Forgotten Sons of Wyoming by Brady Koch will be free from June 6 - 10th.
The Indie Books & Authors Newsletter is compiled and edited by N S Ford, indie author and book blogger.