Explore the latest books of this year!
Bookbot

Diana Pharaoh Francis

    Raised on a Northern California cattle ranch, this author spent her early years mastering horseback riding and immersing herself in books, often to the exclusion of the world around her. After pursuing higher education with degrees in creative writing and literature and theory, she now teaches. Her work is informed by a fascination with the Victorian era, weather, geology, horses, plants, and mythology, all filtered through a distinct sense of humor and sharp wit.

    Crimson Wind
    Trace of Magic
    Shadow City
    The Cipher
    Whisper of Shadows
    The Turning Tide
    • The Turning Tide

      • 282 pages
      • 10 hours of reading

      In a gripping exploration of fear and ambition, the story delves into the darker side of pursuing one's dreams. As characters navigate their aspirations, they confront unexpected challenges that transform their hopes into haunting realities. The narrative weaves together elements of suspense and psychological tension, revealing how the pursuit of success can lead to devastating consequences. Themes of ambition, betrayal, and the fragility of dreams are intricately explored, making for a compelling and thought-provoking read.

      The Turning Tide
    • Whisper of Shadows

      • 218 pages
      • 8 hours of reading
      4.2(10)Add rating

      Amidst rising tensions, the narrative unfolds in a world on the brink of conflict. Characters grapple with their loyalties and the impending chaos that war brings. Themes of sacrifice, courage, and the moral dilemmas faced during tumultuous times are explored. As alliances shift and battles loom, individuals must confront their destinies and the impact of their choices on loved ones and their homeland. The story delves into the complexities of human emotions in the face of an inevitable struggle.

      Whisper of Shadows
    • The Cipher

      • 314 pages
      • 11 hours of reading

      Lucy Trenton harbors a perilous secret: her extraordinary ability to sense majick. This unique gift complicates her life as she navigates a world where such powers can attract unwanted attention and danger. As she grapples with the implications of her talent, Lucy must confront the challenges and threats that come with it, revealing the complexities of her character and the intriguing world around her.

      The Cipher
    • Shadow City

      • 384 pages
      • 14 hours of reading

      The world is falling apart. The magical apocalypse has come. Now is the time to guard the covenstead against both raiders and refugees. But Max has been stolen by a powerful demi-god who is determined to force her to find a way to use a magical power she never knew she had—even if it kills her. Meanwhile, back in Horngate, a Fury is birthing. When the creature breaks free of the fragile bonds that enclose her, her rage will scour the covenstead from the earth. Max finds herself in the Shadow City, a place of mysteries and magic, where she must battle for her freedom or become a slave to creatures of dreadful greed and power. Back in Horngate, Alexander must swallow his anger and pride if he hopes to defeat the Fury, a creature that no one has ever successfully fought before. In the end, it will be courage, friendship, faith and loyalty that win the day. Or else so one will live to see tomorrow.

      Shadow City
    • Trace of Magic

      • 252 pages
      • 9 hours of reading
      4.1(21)Add rating

      The protagonist possesses a rare ability to track even the oldest magical traces, setting them apart in a world where such skills are coveted. This uniqueness comes with peril, as the discovery of their talent could lead to deadly consequences or enslavement by powerful criminal factions. Balancing the weight of their extraordinary gift with the threat it brings, the character navigates a dangerous landscape filled with magic and intrigue.

      Trace of Magic
    • Crimson Wind

      • 353 pages
      • 13 hours of reading
      4.0(2444)Add rating

      THERE ARE GOOD GUYS. THERE ARE BAD GUYS. AND THEN THERE’S MAX.Max knows what trusting the wrong person can cost you. Her former friend Giselle, a powerful witch, enslaved Max years ago, turning her into a Shadowblade—a deadly warrior compelled to fight for Giselle. But there’s more at stake now than Max’s thirst for revenge. The Guardians, overseers of the magical world, have declared war on humanity and on any witches not standing with them. Max and Giselle have come to an uneasy truce in order to protect what’s left of Horngate, their coven’s home. Max would do anything for Horngate—even give herself over to a mysterious otherworldly creature in the nearby mountains in exchange for his help. But first, she intends to save the mortal family she left behind. And Alexander, the Shadowblade warrior who could be her closest ally or her deadliest enemy, is going with her.On a road trip into the unknown, Max and Alexander face wild magic, desperate enemies, and battles that bruise both body and soul. But the greatest challenge will come from unexpected revelations that test everything Max believes about who she is—and where her loyalties lie. . . .

      Crimson Wind
    • The Black Ship

      • 294 pages
      • 11 hours of reading
      3.9(321)Add rating

      Set in a richly imagined world, the second installment of The Crosspointe Novels continues to explore the intricate dynamics of power, betrayal, and loyalty. Characters face moral dilemmas and navigate complex relationships as they confront external threats and internal strife. With a blend of adventure and political intrigue, this book deepens the overarching narrative, revealing secrets that could change the fate of their realm. Themes of sacrifice and redemption resonate throughout, keeping readers engaged in the unfolding saga.

      The Black Ship
    • Blood Winter

      • 388 pages
      • 14 hours of reading
      3.9(1140)Add rating

      NEW GAME. SAME RULES. SHE FIGHTS. THEY DIE.Max always does her job, no matter how brutal and bloody. That’s how it’s been ever since she was enslaved by a witch, turned into a supernatural warrior, and assigned to protect the coven of Horngate. But her job just got harder....Waves of wild magic have returned much of the world to a time when fairy tales were real and danger now lurks behind every tree and bush. As winter descends and food, heat, and water are harder to come by, many have turned to Benjamin Sterling for protection. Leader of the Earth’s Last Stand cult, Sterling claims to be the Hand of God, but his power and charisma secretly come from a dark and terrible source. With devout followers eager to do his sadistic bidding, he has his eyes on Horngate and its magical inhabitants. To save those she loves, Max will knowingly walk into a trap. But when the cult strips Max’s soul bare for all to see, will even Alexander—her lover and her strength—remain? And if she were to lose him, what does it matter if she gains the whole world....

      Blood Winter
    • SOMETIMES YOU CHOOSE YOUR BATTLES. AND SOMETIMES, THEY CHOOSE YOU... Once, Max dreamed of a career, a home, a loving family. Now all she wants is freedom...and revenge. A witch named Giselle transformed Max into a warrior with extraordinary strength, speed, and endurance. Bound by spellcraft, Max has no choice but to fight as Giselle's personal magic weapon—a Shadowblade—and she's lethally good at it. But her skills are about to be put to the test as they never have before....The ancient Guardians of the earth are preparing to unleash widespread destruction on the mortal world, and they want the witches to help them. If the witches refuse, their covens will be destroyed, including Horngate, the place Max has grudgingly come to think of as home. Max thinks she can find a way to help Horngate stand against the Guardians, but doing so will mean forging dangerous alliances—including one with a rival witch's Shadowblade, who is as drawn to Max as she is to him—and standing with the witch she despises. Max will have to choose between the old life she still dreams of and the warrior she has become, and take her place on the side of right—if she survives long enough to figure out which side that is....

      Bitter Night. In the fight to save humanity, she's the weapon of choice
    • Shades of Memory

      • 272 pages
      • 10 hours of reading

      The Diamond City Magic series captivates readers with its exceptional storytelling and rich world-building. It features a blend of magic and adventure, focusing on unique characters who navigate a vibrant city filled with intrigue and danger. The series is praised for its engaging plotlines and the depth of its magical elements, making it a must-read for fans of fantasy.

      Shades of Memory