Amare Bellamy is not a witch. Orphaned as a child and raised on a ship by the most dangerous men in the Caribbean, Amare is one thing and one thing alone: a pirate. And pirates hate magic.
After a fateful storm plunges her to the depths of the ocean, Amare wakes to find herself in a strange new world: an underwater kingdom, where magic exists, but is strictly outlawed by the King—a man who claims to be her true father.
As Amare struggles to fit into her new role as Princess of the Sunken City, she finds herself tangled in a web of love between two brothers—one good, one not so good. And as strange powers manifest within her, she must question everything she was raised to believe—especially if she has any hope of stopping the evil brewing at the bottom of the ocean.
I’m always browsing for new (or new to me) books to read, especially those in the KU program. Here is a list of some upcoming books for 2022 (release dates may change).
In Cursed Shadow by Clara Sutton – January 8, 2022
Rowan loves her life in the small town of Chillery, or she would if children weren’t going missing every few nights. When Rowan has what she thinks is a chance to stop the disappearances, she takes it. But she fails and brings the wrath of a powerful witch down upon her family in the process. The witch curses her family and her heroic act has only made things worse.
Now to undo what she has done she must team up with Bather Bane, a hot-headed dragon with little love left in his heart for humanity and a curse of his own.
Will their adventure to find a witchkiller bring about the end of both their curses, or will Rowan be damned to lose everything she loves?
The first book in a new series of YA fantasies by Clara Sutton, In Cursed Shadow is perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo, Sarah J Maas, and Holly Black, among others.
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Wave Dancer (Fairytale Hour #3) by Aelth Faye – January 14, 2022
This little mermaid is determined to secure an alliance to protect her people at all costs. But how will she navigate a world of lander girls without being able to speak while catching and keeping the attention of the prince all without her voice? Don’t miss this new take on the original “Little Mermaid” tale by Hans Christian Anderson. ~
The only way to beat death is to chase it. ⠀ Newly crowned, Red blames one person for his father’s murder: the secret sorceress sworn to protect the king. ⠀ Alyana Barron, Royal Sorcerer to the throne of Tandera, fears her magic is weakening. ⠀ When Red is cursed, his life entwines with Aly’s in ways neither of them expected. Together, they chase after a cure that will heal the king and restore her magic, but the closer they get to a cure, the nearer they step toward death, for the path to the cure is as dangerous as the curse itself. ⠀ Blade of Ash is the first in a new, epic YA fantasy series perfect for fans of enemies-to-lovers romance packed full of royal intrigue, legends, and plenty of ballgowns. If you like female bodyguards and forced proximity with life-and-death stakes… this story is for you!
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The Oasis Trials by Tamar Sloan & Heidi Catherine – May 27, 2022
Three tests to prove your worth. Two teens with everything to lose. One chance to escape.
In a world ravaged by global warming, an eccentric tycoon plans to sail away and start again. He’s decided to take one hundred young lives with him…if they pass a series of tests.
Fyve’s grown up in the poverty and violence molded by environmental and economic collapse. Passing is his only ticket to escape a life of starvation and struggle.
Halo has trained all her life for the tests. It’s an advantage that makes her certain she’ll pass. Until she uncovers a secret that could undermine the entire promise of salvation.
As the fight to leave becomes the fight to survive, as passing the tests means leaving behind everything and everyone they love, Fyve and Halo are about to discover that being chosen comes at a price.
From the best-selling authors of The Thaw Chronicles, get ready to be blown away by a breathtaking new series for lovers of Divergent and The Hunger Games.
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Roses and Cream by M.J. Marstens – September 30, 2022
To survive in this world, I must remain invisible.
The Cream Empress is dead, and a new selection begins. One girl from each of the six faery courts—the crème de la crème—will fight in a series of trials to become the new ruler.
Until the day I’m forced to step out of the shadows.
Elowynne Grim is chosen, except she’s far from being an elitist in this realm. The nineteen-year-old is one of the shadow court’s darkest secrets, but no one can defy the selection.
Into the spotlight.
Now, she must fight for a throne she’s never wanted—or die. Enemies lurk around every corner and keeping her secret hidden becomes a daunting task. Will Elowynne be able to compete with the other five girls, or is Fate playing its cruelest trick yet?
Roses and Cream begins this spellbinding series full of adventure, new friendships, love, and heartbreak. Just beware of a sweet smile and generous offering—the sweeter the fairy, the darker their nature.
What if Cinderella’s slipper fit someone else? Jade’s life is boring, but certainly not as bad as Ella’s. Ella has an evil, abusive step-family, while Jade’s family is only determined to marry their daughters well. But when a ball is announced, who should Jade see there but poor Ella in a stunning ball-gown? And what will happen when Jade is mistaken for Ella, and is faced with the decision of a lifetime?
She isn't a beautiful young maiden hoping to erase the Commander's memory.
Title: Reviving the Commander (Crowns Legacy #1) Author: Nadine C. Keels Pub Date: June 4th 2019 Pages: 170 Amazon|Goodreads
Opal Whilstead knows she has a reputation: a reputation as a bright, giving, upright woman—smiling and laughing her way through hopeless spinsterhood. It’s been so long since she’s had serious feelings for a man, but now she finds herself taken with the Commander Exemplar of Diachona’s army. And she regrets it. Not only is the Exemplar a widower still longing for his wife, but he’s the father of the reigning king. Even if a man of such prestige could find love again, he’d be unlikely to search for it among the kingdom’s old maids. Besides, Opal dreads being found, due to a grievous secret she carries…
About the Author
Nadine. A French name, meaning, “hope.”
With her lifelong passion for life-enriching fiction, Nadine C. Keels enjoys reading and writing everything from short stories to novels. Her fiction works include Love Unfeigned and The Movement of Crowns Series, and select pieces of her lyrical poetry can be found on her spoken word album, Hope. Lyricized. As the founder of Prismatic Prospects, her communication company, Nadine has served as editor for a number of titles, and through her writing, from her books to her blog posts, she aims to help spark hope, inspiration, and genius in as many as she is privileged to reach.
Indie Fantasy Review 