I have the joy of being the Art Coordinator for the Phoenix Fiction Writers (PFW), a collective of 11 indie authors of science fiction and fantasy. I talk about them a lot, but they are such incredible writers and humans. I’m thankful to call them both friends and colleagues.
We’re celebrating our third year as a collective with our annual sale! Today’s the final day to snatch up discounted books, so I thought I’d recommend a few that you might like.
Child of the Kaites
Desert fantasy retelling of the story of Moses, with magic swords, homicidal storms, and griffins.
The kaites saved baby Rai from the watery death faced by her people. They raised her in the blessed region. They told her she would be the one to free her people from slavery.
At least, that’s what Rai used to believe. Then she grew up.
Living as an exile under an assumed identity, Rai can’t lead a conversation, let alone a slave revolt. Her role in life is to be an historian. She will lead her people by reminding them of who they are, nothing more.
Yet the Izyphorn empire’s evils continue. Her people are still enslaved. Babies are dying every day.
Someone needs to do something.
A story of doubt, faith, fear, and courage.
Horseman, by Kyle Robert Shultz
If you liked the desert setting and retelling aspect of Child of the Kaites, you’ll love Shultz’s zany alternate fantasy version of the Wild West.
In the year 1790, monster hunter Ichabod Crane searched for a mysterious creature called the Headless Horseman. His quest ended in an embarrassing failure that marked his family with disgrace for generations.
Now, in 1891, his descendant (and part-time centaur) Todd Crane is determined to clear his family’s name. There’s just one problem–Todd deals in illegal magic potions. This puts him on the wrong side of U.S. Marshal Amy Crockett.
When the Headless Horseman returns to menace the western frontier, Todd and Amy must join forces to stop the monster once and for all. But if they’re going to succeed, they’ll have to make sacrifices that will change their lives forever.
Enter a Wild West where centaurs wear six-shooters and monsters roam the plains. Welcome to the United States of Neverica.
Watson and Holmes, by E.B. Dawson
If you liked the coziness, retelling aspect, and well-developed female characters of Child of the Kaites, you’ll love Dawson’s genderbent cyberpunk retelling of Sherlock Holmes.
A SOLDIER TIRED OF WAR
Born into wealth and privilege, Jenny Watson left her parents’ way of life behind when she volunteered to go fight the Shifters. After giving up her commission, she arrives in Linden hoping to make a fresh start and to put her medical degree to good use. But when her friend and fellow passenger is murdered, Jenny finds new purpose working with Detective Sharlotte Holmes.
A DETECTIVE ITCHING FOR TROUBLE
Sharlotte Holmes has lived in a three mile radius her entire life, content to pursue her varied interests and wholly unconcerned with the burden the outside world would place on her great intellect. But when Jenny’s past comes back to haunt her, Sharlotte may have to choose between staying in her comfort zone and getting answers.
EXPERIENCE SHERLOCK HOLMES LIKE NEVER BEFORE
The First of Shadows, by Deck Matthews
If you love other world fantasy, relatable characters, and dark stories with a hint of hope like some of the Steward Stories, you’ll love Matthews’s gritty fantasy novella.
How do you kill a shadow?
As a raging storm descends on the Blasted Coast, the crippled young rigger, Caleb Rusk, meets a stranger on the road. Little does he know that the encounter will pull him into a conflict that threatens everything he holds dear—and change the course of his life forever.
Meanwhile, in the Capital of Taralius, a string of inexplicable deaths have captured the attention of the Ember Throne. Second Corporal Avendor Tarcoth is tasked with uncovering the truth behind a danger that could threaten the very fabric of the Realm.
Strange Waters, by the Phoenix Fiction Writers
If you prefer short reads over long ones, love the ocean, are looking to try new authors, or want to explore the other cultures in the world of The Firstborn’s Legacy, you’ll love our second anthology.
Join Princess Kamynosa as she sails the legendary Labyrinth competition to win her own hand.
Let the Backpack Boy melt your heart as he battles his way across a fearsome island to rescue Mum from pirates.
Smuggle yourself on Dr. Barnaby Brown’s archaeological expedition in order to earn a little extra credit.
Be inspired by Charlie as she discovered her own personal battle with pain has prepared her for a much greater calling.
From stormy seas to chaotic nebulas, each story in this anthology is sure to transport, entertain, and inspire.
Have you taken advantage of the sale already? Let me know in the comments which PFW book is next on your to-be-read list! I love nerding out about these stories with other readers.