Fresh Meat: Nov 15 to 21 — 21 Speculative Fiction Releases

Posted November 17, 2015 by Carmel in Fresh Meat / 3 Comments

Urban Fantasy:

	Veiled Magic by Deborah Blake Urban Fantasy
[learn_more caption=”Book Description”]Since Witches came out of the broom-closet in the early 21st century, they have worked alongside humans as police officers, healers, stock traders, and more. But they aren’t the only paranormal entities in our world… Police officer and Witch Donata Santori spends her days interrogating dead witnesses by summoning their spectral forms. Normally the job is little more than taking statements and filing reports. But when she’s called in on the case of a murdered art restorer, she finds herself suddenly in possession of a mystical portrait that both the human and paranormal communities would kill to get their hands on. Unable to take on the forces hunting her alone, Donata seeks help from two unlikely and attractive allies: a reluctant shape-changer and a half-dragon art forger. But as the three of them hurry to uncover the truth about the powerful painting, Donata realizes that she’s caught in the middle of not one but two wars—one for possession of the painting’s secrets and one for possession of her heart…[/learn_more]

	Blood of the Lost (Rylee Adamson #10) by Shannon Mayer Urban Fantasy
[learn_more caption=”Book Description”]THE EPIC CONCLUSION TO THE RYLEE ADAMSON SERIES! “My name is Rylee and I am a Tracker.” When children go missing, and the Humans have no leads, I’m the one they call. I am their last hope in bringing home the lost ones. I salvage what they cannot. My final salvage, and this time I’m playing for the survival of the entire world. Orion has swept the humans with his lies, and they follow him like mindless zombies. I have my allies, and my loved ones with me and while they fight with all they have, it is not enough. There is only one thing left for me to do. Face Orion. Seal the Veil closed and send the demons back to where they came from. But Orion knows my weakness. And he has stolen her away leaving me with a choice I never wanted to face. Do I save my daughter . . . or save the world? [/learn_more]

Paranormal Romance:

	Pia Does Hollywood (Elder Races #8.6) by Thea Harrison Paranormal Romance
[learn_more caption=”Book Description”]After making a diplomatic pact with humankind and the other leaders of the Elder Races, Pia Cuelebre, mate to Dragos Cuelebre, Lord of the Wyr, reluctantly heads to Hollywood to spend a week with the Light Fae Queen, Tatiana, before the busy Masque season hits New York in December. Dragos has never let the lack of an invitation stop him from doing anything he wanted. Unwilling to let his mate make the trip without him, he travels to southern California in secret to be with her. But when an ancient enemy launches a shattering assault against the Light Fae, Dragos and Pia must intercede. The destruction threatens to spread and strike a mortal blow against all of the magically gifted, both human and Elder Race alike. Working with the Light Fae to neutralize the danger, Dragos and Pia find their deepest vulnerabilities challenged and their most closely held secrets threatened with exposure.[/learn_more]

	The Queen’s Flight (The Emerging Queens #2) by Jamie K. Schmidt Paranormal Romance
[learn_more caption=”Book Description”]Courts, queens, and sexy dragons with wings… Viola Pierce has never had particularly great luck with guys. That is, until the day she shifts into a glorious, deadly, three-headed dragon. As it turns out, Viola is a dragon Queen. But when she’s abducted by a greedy dragon who wants to breed with her, Viola begins to realize the dragon world is filled with betrayal, deception, intrigue, and danger… As a rule, Sergei hates Queens, but Viola’s beauty and humanity reach something deep within him. Something he should not be feeling. When she names him her protector and consort–quite by accident–Sergei has no choice but to accept. Now they are bonded for life…with a growing attraction neither of them could have imagined. But the dragon court is ruthless…and what doesn’t kill Viola will only make her more dangerous. [/learn_more]

	Ice Moon (Moon #5) by Lisa Kessler Paranormal Romance
[learn_more caption=”Book Description”]One touch and she is his… Jared Ayers works outdoors, embracing a solitary life, hiding from his inner demons. But after so many of his Pack brothers have found their mates, he starts wondering if there might be a mate in his future too. His world turns upside down after he’s hired by the “Ice Queen of Lake Tahoe”. One touch is all it takes. One touch to send the wolf howling within… A gifted psychic with pyrokinesis, Taryn Goldstone wields fire beyond her control– sometimes with dire consequences. With Jared, she discovers that some flames are meant for passion–and healing. She has enemies who covet her powerful gift, but they are about to learn just how far a wolf will go to protect his mate.[/learn_more]

	Dark Alpha’s Claim (Reaper #1) by Donna Grant Paranormal Romance
[learn_more caption=”Book Description”]There is no escaping a Reaper. I am an elite assassin, part of a brotherhood that only answers to Death. And when Death says your time is up, I am coming for you… My whole existence is based on taking what Death wants. Born to eliminate Fae guilty of unforgivable crimes, my reckless, wild nature makes me the perfect assassin to carry out Death’s bidding. I’ve seen more sinister and violent dealings than anyone could ever imagine. But it was the sight of her face that stopped me cold. I’ve never wanted a woman-never mind a human-so badly; never felt my heart, hardened by death, burn brighter and hotter until it burst into flames. She is everything I desire. The kind of woman that compels you to stake your claim on her, to let the world know that she’s yours. A Reaper saving her life will only attract danger, but I vow to protect her at all costs from the Fae that hunt her, and keep safe the woman who has claimed me, body and soul.[/learn_more]

	Christian (Vampires in America #10) by D.B. Reynolds Paranormal Romance
[learn_more caption=”Book Description”]Texas . . . the heart of a territory that stretches from the golden deserts of New Mexico to the turquoise shores of the Florida Keys. It’s big, it’s rich, and it’s the next battleground for some of the most dangerous vampires in the world. Christian Duvall . . . charismatic and powerful, and determined to claim the South as his own. But with old enemies and new fighting to stop him, victory suddenly takes on a brutal, and far more treacherous, edge. Because what one of his enemies wants more than anything else already belongs to Christian . . . and her name is Natalie. Natalie Vivant Gaudet . . . brilliant and lovely, a strong Southern woman who can unravel the most intricate financial schemes designed to swindle and steal. She loves her complex job and the simplicity of her life. And then she meets Christian. He’s beautiful, he’s complicated, and she’ll fight to keep him alive. With allies trying to kill him, and enemies readying a horde of zombie vampires to roll over all of Texas, it will take every shred of Christian’s power and Natalie’s determination to win this war and give North America a brand new Lord of the South.[/learn_more]

Science Fiction / Fantasy:

	Resist (Redzone #2) by Tracey Martin Science Fiction
[learn_more caption=”Book Description”]Truth is a powerful weapon…but explosives never hurt. Sophia can run but she can’t hide. RedZone is on her tail and those of the six tech-augmented soldiers who escaped its clutches with her. If she could only focus on fighting her way to safety, she might live long enough to disappear. But it’s not just her own backside she needs to watch out for. At her side is her boyfriend, Kyle. He’s the reason she found the courage to escape, and she’ll do anything to keep him and his secrets out of RedZone’s hands. Only problem is, since she was once sent to capture him, he has good reason not to trust her. In fact, there’s not much trust to go around. RedZone keeps finding them, suggesting someone is a traitor. And if that’s not enough to recapture the group, the organization has a backup plan. One that will force Sophia and Kyle to choose between safety and risking everything one more time. Warning: Contains killer robots, mutant college students, and dangerous super soldiers. And those are the good guys. It’s enough to make a rogue assassin wish she were taking her philosophy final instead.[/learn_more]

	The Vanishing Throne (The Falconer #2) by Elizabeth May Fantasy
[learn_more caption=”Book Description”]My name is Lady Aileana Kameron. First the fae murdered my mother. Then they destroyed my world. Now I’m fighting for more than revenge. Aileana took a stand against the Wild Hunt, and she lost everything: her home, her family and her friends. Held captive by her enemy, and tormenting herself over her failure, escape seems like only the faintest possibility. But when she gets her chance, she seizes it . . . to rejoin a world devastated by war. The future is bleak. Hunted by the fae, running for her life, Aileana has only a few options left. Trying to become part of a society scarred by – and hiding from – the Wild Hunt; trusting that a fragile alliance with the fae will save her; or walking the most dangerous path at all: coming in to her own powers as the last of the Falconers . . .[/learn_more]

	Warheart (Richard and Kahlan #4) by Terry Goodkind Fantasy
[learn_more caption=”Book Description”]All is lost. Evil will soon consume the D’Haran Empire. Richard Rahl lies on his funeral bier. It is the end of everything. Except what isn’t lost is Kahlan Amnell. Following an inner prompting beyond all reason, the last Confessor will wager everything on a final desperate gambit, and in so doing, she will change the world forever. Terry Goodkind’s Warheart is the direct sequel to, and the conclusion of, the story begun in The Omen Machine, The Third Kingdom, and Severed Souls.[/learn_more]

	Angel of Storms (Millennium’s Rule #2) by Trudi Canavan Fantasy
[learn_more caption=”Book Description”]International No.1 bestselling author Trudi Canavan returns with the second novel in the Millennium’s Rule series – her most powerful and thrilling adventure yet. Tyen is teaching mechanical magic at a school respected throughout the worlds. News arrives that the formidable ruler of all worlds, long believed to be dead, is back and enforcing his old laws – including the one forbidding schools of magic. As teachers and students flee, Tyen is left with no home and no purpose… except the promise he made to Vella, the sorcerer imprisoned in a book. Tyen must decide what he is willing to do to free her. After five years among the tapestry weavers of Schpeta, Rielle’s peaceful new life has been shattered by a local war. As defeat looms, the powerful Angel of Storms appears and invites Rielle to join the artisans of his celestial realm. But what will he require in return for this extraordinary offer? Discover the magic of Trudi Canavan.[/learn_more]

	Skyborn (Seraphim #1) by David Dalglish Fantasy
[learn_more caption=”Book Description”]The last remnants of humanity live on six islands floating high above the Endless Ocean, fighting a brutal civil war in the skies. The Seraphim, elite soldiers trained for aerial combat, battle one another while wielding elements of ice, fire and lightning. The lives of their parents claimed in combat, twins Kael and Breanna Skyborn enter the Seraphim Academy to follow in their footsteps. There they will learn to harness the elements as weapons and fight at break-neck speeds while soaring high above the waters. But they must learn quickly, for a nearby island has set its hungry eyes upon their home. When the invasion comes, the twins must don their wings and ready their blades to save those they love from annihilation.[/learn_more]

	Towers Fall (Towers Trilogy #3) by Karina Sumner-Smith Fantasy
[learn_more caption=”Book Description”]War. Fire. Destruction. Xhea believed that the Lower City had weathered the worst of its troubles—that their only remaining fight would be the struggle to rebuild before winter. She was wrong. Now her home is under attack from an unexpected source. The Central Spire, the City’s greatest power, is intent on destroying the heart of the magical entity that resides beneath the Lower City’s streets. The people on the ground have three days to evacuate—or else. With nowhere to go and time running out, Xhea and the Radiant ghost Shai attempt to rally a defense. Yet with the Spire’s wrath upon them, nothing—not their combined magic, nor their unexpected allies—may be strong enough to protect them from the power of the City. From Nebula Award–nominated author Karina Sumner-Smith, Towers Fall is a fantastic climax to this amazing and thought-provoking trilogy.[/learn_more]

	The Shootout Solution (Genrenauts #1) by Michael R. Underwood Fantasy
[learn_more caption=”Book Description”]Leah Tang just died on stage. Well, not literally. Not yet. Leah’s stand-up career isn’t going well. But she understands the power of fiction, and when she’s offered employment with the mysterious Genrenauts Foundation, she soon discovers that literally dying on stage is a hazard of the job! Her first assignment takes her to a Western world. When a cowboy tale slips off its rails, and the outlaws start to win, it’s up to Leah – and the Genrenauts team – to nudge the story back on track and prevent a catastrophe on Earth. But the story’s hero isn’t interested in winning, and the safety of Earth hangs in the balance…[/learn_more]

	Grudging (Birth of Saints #1) by Michelle Hauck Fantasy
[learn_more caption=”Book Description”]A world of chivalry and witchcraft…and the invaders who would destroy everything. The North has invaded, bringing a cruel religion and no mercy. The ciudades-estados who have stood in their way have been razed to nothing, and now the horde is before the gates of Colina Hermosa…demanding blood. On a mission of desperation, a small group escapes the besieged city in search of the one thing that might stem the tide of Northerners: the witches of the southern swamps. The Women of the Song. But when tragedy strikes their negotiations, all that is left is a single untried knight and a witch who has never given voice to her power. And time is running out. A lyrical tale of honor and magic, Grudging is the opening salvo in the Book of Saints trilogy.[/learn_more]

New / Young Adult:

	Dragon Marked (Supernatural Prison #1) by Jaymin Eve New Adult
[learn_more caption=”Book Description”]As a wolf shifter with razor-sharp senses, Jessa Lebron can perceive the slightest change in the air. And her lupine instincts go into overdrive right before her mother, who abandoned her years ago, returns to the pack bearing secrets that change everything. The biggest secret of all: Jessa is dragon marked, a designation that places her in grave danger. The dragon marked are destined to resurrect the dragon king, a fearsome ancient warmonger. And they must be eliminated. Soon Jessa is locked up in Vanguard, the notorious paranormal prison that houses criminal vampires, feys, and magic users. Thankfully, she’s not alone: Braxton Compass, her best friend and a dragon shifter, has her back. Jessa and Braxton must find a way to free themselves and the rest of the dragon marked. But can her pack mates help her stop the dragon king before his deadly return?[/learn_more]

	Embraced (The Eternal Balance #2) by Jus Accardo New Adult
[learn_more caption=”Book Description”]To gain a chance at heaven, they’ll need to embrace hell… Descended from Cain, the world’s first murderer, Jax Flynn is destined to spend his life making others suffer. To shield the world from horrific chaos, he was forced to sacrifice the one and only thing he loved. Samantha Merrick. Sam is special. She doesn’t know how–or why–and she hasn’t had any luck finding out. But there’s a bright side to her life. She finally has Jax back. Sort of. They’re living life on a strict look but don’t touch policy, but with the explosive chemistry between them, keeping their hands to themselves is getting harder every day. Unfortunately, keeping their libidos in check isn’t Jax and Sam’s biggest problem. When an enemy from the past resurfaces with an ultimatum–complete a simple task or Sam dies–they’re backed into a corner. The goal? Kill a demon called Malphi. The problem? Jax’s demon, Azirak, has no intention of letting that happen… [/learn_more]

	Angels Twice Descending (Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy #10) by Cassandra Clare, Robin Wasserman Young Adult
[learn_more caption=”Book Description”]Simon’s journey to become a Shadowhunter nears its end as his Ascension ceremony draws closer. One of ten adventures in Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy. Simon’s Ascension ceremony draws near in this brilliant conclusion to Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy. This standalone e-only short story follows the adventures of Simon Lewis, star of the #1 New York Times bestselling series, The Mortal Instruments, as he trains to become a Shadowhunter. Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy features characters from Cassandra Clare’s Mortal Instruments, Infernal Devices, and the upcoming Dark Artifices and Last Hours series. Angels Twice Descending is written by Cassandra Clare and Robin Wasserman. Read more of Cassandra Clare’s Shadowhunter Chronicles in The Infernal Devices, The Mortal Instruments, and The Bane Chronicles. [/learn_more]

	The Game of Lives (The Mortality Doctrine #3) by James Dashner Young Adult
[learn_more caption=”Book Description”]Michael used to live to game, but the games he was playing have become all too real. Only weeks ago, sinking into the Sleep was fun. The VirtNet combined the most cutting-edge technology and the most sophisticated gaming for a full mind-body experience. And it was Michael’s passion. But now every time Michael sinks, he risks his life. The games are over. The VirtNet has become a world of deadly consequences, and Kaine grows stronger by the day. The Mortality Doctrine—Kaine’s master plan—has nearly been realized, and little by little the line separating the virtual from the real is blurring. If Kaine succeeds, it will mean worldwide cyber domination. And it looks like Michael and his friends are the only ones who can put the monster back in the box—if Michael can figure out who his friends really are.[/learn_more]

	Strange Girl by Christopher Pike Young Adult
[learn_more caption=”Book Description”]From #1 New York Times bestselling author Christopher Pike comes a brand-new fascinating and seductive new novel about a girl with a mysterious ability—but one that carries an unimaginable cost. From the moment Fred met Aja, he knew she was different. And she was. Aja had a gift. But her gift came with a price. After a shocking sequence of events, Fred must look back at their relationship, and piece together all of their shared moments, so he can finally understand Aja’s precious gift…and its devastating repercussions.[/learn_more]

	The Golden Braid (Medieval Fairy Tale Romance #2) by Melanie Dickerson Young Adult
[learn_more caption=”Book Description”]The one who needs rescuing isn’t always the one in the tower. Rapunzel can throw a knife better than any man around. And her skills as an artist rival those of any artist she’s met. But for a woman in medieval times, the one skill she most desires is the hardest one to obtain: the ability to read. After yet another young man asks for Rapunzel’s hand in marriage, Mother decides they need to move once again, but this time to a larger city. Rapunzel’s heart soars—surely there she can fulfill her dream. But Mother won’t let her close to a man. She claims that no man can be trusted. After being rescued by a knight on the road to the city, and in turn rescuing him farther down the road, Rapunzel’s opportunity arrives at last. This knight, Sir Gerek, agrees to educate Rapunzel in order to pay back his debt. She just has to put up with his arrogant nature and single-minded focus on riches and prestige. But this Rapunzel story is unlike any other and the mystery that she uncovers will change everything—except her happily ever after.[/learn_more]

Carmel

Owner, designer and main blogger behind Rabid Reads. Avid book reader, snowboard bunny, video gamer and Supernatural fan. I love all things paranormal, werewolves especially. Oh, and I’m Canadian, eh!