Last minute gift ideas?

Dark Fairy Queen Literary Gift Guide

‘Tis the season to support indie authors and show a little #indieluv. For your shopping pleasure, I have compiled a list of minion books. These are hard-working, talented people and if you can’t buy their stuff, sharing this post so that other shoppers can find it will be so appreciated.

Books are organized by genre and then author last name (books in a series are listed in order). All prices are current to date of post, 12/16/14 and are not guaranteed past 12/18/14. A lot of them are on sale just for this brief time, so snap them up now!

Special thanks to Joni Lynn and Blue Harvest Creative for designing our awesome #DFQ Literary Gift Guide image!

Click on the book cover or the format links (Kindle/Paperback) to buy.

And without further ado…

ANTHOLOGIES

Cutthroats and Curses: An Anthology of Pirates edited by Michael Wombat, with stories by Michael Wombat, Lisa Shambrook, Boyd Miles, Marissa Ames, Bryan Taylor, Beth Avery, Eric Martell, Michael A. Walker, Alex Brightsmith, et al. 

Genre: Anthology, adventure.

Kindle: $2.99

Flash Dogs: An Anthology by 34 authors, including Eric Martell and Rebekah Postupak

Genre: Anthology, collection of 110 stories, proceeds benefit children’s charity.

Kindle: $2.99

In Creeps the Night: An Anthology edited by Laura Jamez and Marissa Ames, with stories by authors including Ailsa Abraham, Beth Avery, Christine Fitzner, Cory John Eadson, Eric Martell, J. Whitworth Hazzard, Joni Lynn, Kevin Hammond, Laura Jamez, Leslie Fulton, Michael A. Walker, Mary MacFarlane, Marissa Ames, Michael Wombat, Nick Johns, Rebecca Fyfe, Ruth Long, Sorcha O’Dowd, Spencer Stoner and Theresa Miller, et al.

A creepy collection of flash fiction for horror lovers.

Genre: Anthology, horror

Kindle: $3.99

Paperback: $13.32

Orange Karen: Tribute to a Warrior by Christina Esdon, Jennifer Gracen, Steven Luna, Mark Ethridge, Anne Baker, Anna Meade, Jeff Tsuruoka, James Hazzard, et al.

Laugh. Cry. Swoon. Gasp. All the feels in one book.

Genre: Anthology, proceeds go to medical bills of Karen Delabar

Kindle: $3.99

Paperback: $13.35

Blood on the Ground and other Short Stories by Michael Wombat

A cornucopia of adventure that absorbs, amuses, thrills and terrifies.

Genre: Anthology, short stories by one author.

Kindle: $2.99

Paperback: $7.33

FANTASY

Minstrel: The First Book of Tir Athair by Marissa Ames

How does playing for the king spark a civil war?

Kindle: $4.99 99 cents (for three days only!)

Paperback: $13.35

Vassal: The Second Book of Tir Athair by Marissa Ames

Peasants tell stories of her sacrifice.
Soldiers tell about him.

Kindle: $4.99 $3.99 (for three days only!)

Orison by Daniel Swensen

The power to change the world is now in the hands of a sneak thief — if it doesn’t kill her first.

Kindle: $3.99

HORROR/MYSTERY (includes Dystopian, Suspense/Thriller)

Gasher Creek by J. Birch

Jack Devlin awakes with a shotgun pointed at his face. Sally, a whore, lay dead beside him. Jack remembers nothing; could he really have killed her? And if so, why?

Genre: Mystery, Western.

Kindle: $2.99

Zombie War by Jean Booth

What began as a cure…became a nightmare.

Genre: Zombie Dystopian.

Kindle Presale price: $3.95 (until Feb. 7)

Viennese Waltz by Alex Brightsmith

A calculated dance of duty and deceit.

Genre: Thriller

Kindle: $2.00

Paperback: $11.47

Find the Lady by Alex Brightsmith

Somebody’s nightmare, somebody’s dream, but who is Kathryn Blake?

Genre: Thriller

Ebook: $2.99 $1.99 (use voucher discount code MD62C)

Countenance by Joy Ross Davis

Genre: Cozy Paranormal Suspense

Haunted B&B with secrets, ghosts, demons, and angels.

Kindle: $6.00 $5.00

Paperback: $14.99

Church of Bacon by Kevin Hammond

A man ends up in prison with a transvestite and a supernatural radio

Genre: Horror

Kindle: 99 cents

Dead Sea Games by J. Whitworth Hazzard

One year after the Emergency, the island of Manhattan is a prison.  If Jeremy Walters manages not to get killed, he’ll still face every teenager’s greatest fear: an angry mother.

Genre: Zombie Dystopian

Kindle: $5.95 ($1 Kindle MatchBook program + Kindle Lending Library for Prime members)
Paperback: $15.95

Dark Holidays by Jeffrey Hollar

The holidays are not always a time of goodness and light. With this collection of tales, you’ll realize just how dark the holidays can be.

Genre: Short story collection, horror with holiday focus.

Kindle: $1.99

Paperback: $6.64

Kitchen Antics & Other Tales by LE Jamez

Collection of creepy Flash Fiction.

Genre: Flash fiction collection, horror.

Kindle: 99 cents

Not a Whisper (A Klondike Mystery Book 1) by D.B. McNicol

Cherie finds herself in the middle of a local crime wave where arson, kidnapping, embezzlement and a decades-old murder are just the tip of the iceberg.

Genre: Mystery

Kindle: $4.99 (on sale Dec. 31, 2014 – 7 am PST to Jan. 2, 2015 – 7 am PST for $1.99)

Fog by Michael Wombat

When all you know is to run for your life…

Genre: Supernatural Thriller

Kindle: $2.55

Paperback: $13.72

LITERARY FICTION

Beneath the Rainbow by Lisa Shambrook

It’s those silly dreams that keep us alive, and Freya won’t let death stand in her way…

Genre: Contemporary Drama

Kindle: $3.99 or £2.50

Paperback: $9.99

Beneath the Old Oak by Lisa Shambrook

Meg thinks her mother is broken. Is she broken too?

Genre: Contemporary Drama YA

Kindle: $3.99 or £2.50

Paperback: $9.79

NON-FICTION

The Complicated Geography of Alice by Jules Vilmur

“I’m always angry because I’m always sad, and I’m always sad because I am a girl.” These were the words that changed everything.

Genre: Memoir/Narrative Non-Fiction

Kindle: $9.99

Paperback: $14.77

ROLE-PLAYING GAMES

Becoming: A Game of Heroism & Sacrifice RPG by Brian Engard

Overthrow the tyrant. Survive the woods. What will you become?

Watermarked PDF: $9.99 $4.99

Softcover Color Book (Premium): $24.99 $13.99

Hardcover Color Book (Premium): $39.99 $19.99

 ROMANCE (INCLUDES PARANORMAL, URBAN AND EROTICA)

Choice (Origins of the Supernaturals Book 1) by Jean Booth

It was chance, guided by the hands of a god that brought them together.

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Kindle: $4.99

Paperback: $9.99

Hunted Heart by Alison DeLuca

When Tali’s hired to cut out the heart of Prince Kas, the huntress can’t refuse. Tali realizes there’s no escape from the dark magic of the queen’s mirror, though her own feelings for the prince are too complex to understand.

Genre: Adult Fairytale, Genrebent Snow White (18+ only). Proceeds go to SavetheChildren.

Kindle: 99 cents

Autumn Getaway (Seasons of Love Book 1) by Jennifer Gracen

Genre: Romantic Women’s Fiction

Kindle: $3.99

Paperback: $13.79

Winter Hopes (Seasons of Love Book 2) by Jennifer Gracen

Genre: Romantic Women’s Fiction

Kindle: $3.99

Paperback: $11.17

Love Before Honor by Nicole Zoltack

A medieval knight. A Regency lady. The magical Christmas that brings them together.

Genre: Time-travel Romance, Christmas

Kindle: $2.99

The Test of Time by Nicole Zoltack

If Katia can’t master the test of time, she’ll never be reunited with Landon.

Genre: Time-travel Romance

Kindle: $3.99

YOUNG ADULT & CHILDREN’S (Includes YA and MG)

Captured: A White Road Tales Novella by Jackie Castle

He will lose everything if their secret is found out.

Genre: YA Fantasy

Kindle: 99 cents

Illuminated: The White Road Chronicles Book 1 by Jackie Castle

If the Wizard of Oz swept you away and Narnia enchanted you, then follow the White Road Chronicles for a new kind of adventure

Genre: YA Inspirational Fantasy

Kindle: 99 cents

Storyteller, Book 1: The True World by Lisa T. Cresswell

Lily Lightfoot can make weird things happen while storytelling.

Genre: MG Fantasy

Ebook: $2.99

Storyteller, Book 2: The Quest of Galamar by Lisa T. Cresswell

The tale of half-breed fairy Lily continues.

Genre: MG Fantasy

Ebook: $2.99

Swallow Me, Now! by Melissa Gijsbers

Could life at Sam’s new school get any worse?

Genre: Middle Grade, Age Level 8-12

Kindle: $4.99

Paperback: $15.28

Flight of Blue: Keeper of the Keys Chronicles by A.E. Howard

One boy stands between the Darkness and everyone he loves.

Genre: MG Fantasy

Kindle: $2.99

Paperback: $11.45

Ghostnapped by Ashley Howland

Genre: MG

With the help of a ghost named Susan and her trusty Labrador Thuds, Alex must solve the mysteries of the present – and the past – to rescue her brother from a monster before it’s too late!

Paperback: $8.99

Obi the Super Puppy and the Mystery of the Red Mist by Ashley Howland

Who’s behind the evil red mist, which controls animals and toys? Can Obi and his friends save the day before it’s too late?

Genre: MG

Paperback: $3.61

Bump in the Night by Michael Johnson

A bedtime story for clever children who do not frighten easily

Genre: YA Horror/Dark Fantasy

Kindle: $5.99

Paperback: $13.35

Edgar Wilde and the Lost Grimoire by Paul Ramey

Everybody needs a hobby. Edgar’s is digging up a town’s dark, forgotten past.

Genre: YA Mystery

Kindle: $1.99

Thanks so much to The Dark Fairy Queen at Yearning for Wonderland for putting this fantastic list together. <3

Crimson Night by Marie Hall

5 Stars

My pulse raced throughout this entire story. While still left with more questions than answers, I can't wait to read the next in this series. I can't wait to see where Ms. Hall takes this tale. If you like sex, intrigue, and suspense, grab this book right now!

Pot Luck Reviews

A Whisper of Rue by Decadent Kane

3 Stars

A cute, short story that was a bit confusing and childish for me, even with the abbreviated sex scene. Fun for a quick 30 minute read. I guess I would've liked it told differently. The characters were ok, and the writing was good, but the story itself was just "meh" for me. 

Welcome to the Family by Caroline F. Levy

3 Stars

This is a fun, fast-paced story that has a ton of potential. While it was enjoyable, it failed to really bring you into the story and care deeply for the characters. There was a lot of repetition, and then things that came out of no-where that had you wondering what you missed. I think if Ms. Levy were to invest in a proper editor, this book would quickly go from "meh" to "Fantastic." I'd like to read more, but only after it's been edited. 

Angel's Gate by Anne Carter

5 Stars

I really enjoyed this book. Full of suspense and romance - it had me wanting more. While some things seemed to reach into the "seriously, you want me to believe that?!?" department, the book moved so well that you didn't linger on the "huh" and were able to simply enjoy the story. Maybe some people are more accepting to strangers, but I have yet to meet those people. I really, greatly enjoyed Emelie and Nate's relationship. They are too cute for words. Thanks for a fun read, and I look forward to more. :)

Zombie War Cover Reveal

I'm SO excited to reveal the cover design for Zombie War (Cover created by Blue Harvest Creative). 

Front cover for print and eBook

Blurb:

As a nurse in the genetics department, Sarah witnesses the mutation of the AIDS vaccine. Instead of a cure, the vaccine turns into a viral curse, spreading rapidly and infecting patients. Now the dead walk the earth, and Sarah is the only hope for a small group of survivors.

But zombies aren’t the only threat. Winter is on the way and supplies are running low. Now it’s up to Sarah to lead the group to warmer climates so they can survive. When a new threat reveals itself, they must fight for their lives one more time. Will anyone survive?

Zombie War Releases February 7th, 2015

Preorders begin on December 10th

Click here to pre-order your eBook copy of Zombie War

The Broken Destiny by Carlyle Labuschange

3 Stars

I wanted to love this story. I love the cover art and am reminded how you can't always judge a book by its cover. The idea behind The Broken Destiny and the world that was created was exceptional and intriguing. However, I'm left with more questions and am more confused about the story than I was before starting this book. What's the prophesy? There are some beautifully written scenes that aren't finished, leaving the reader wondering what happened. I felt that this book was in need of a good, honest editor that would shine light on the broken pieces in the storyline. It is a beautifully written book and I hope the next book in the series answers more questions than this one did.

November

Yes, I do know that it is currently December. I'm so far behind on life right now it isn't funny. I wanted to let you all know I was doing Comicon last month - and forgot. For those of you who came out for Reno's FIRST Comicon - Thanks! It was so much fun, I think I'm still recuperating from it. I met some wonderful people, both actors and non. I'm posting some of my favorite photos below. I have more, but there are so, so many. It was a great time and I hope to do it again in the future.

Our booth.

Me & Marissa Ames posing at our booth - Day 1.

Marissa Ames, Michael Rooker, & Me

I love these costumes.

Lou Ferrigno

I met Captain Kirk & Chekov - a
dream come true. Now I have to
get the rest of them...

May the Force be with you.

My husband, me, Scott Wilson, Marissa Ames, and her husband.

One of about 1,000 Deadpools

Meeting a fan - how Awesome! :)

Belle & Hercules 

This is Val - holding her book.
I thought you'd enjoy seeing who
I dedicated Lascivious to. 

Me & Captain Jack. I had to pose
or risk going against the "Pirate's
Code."

One of the coolest tattoos ever.

Backside of tattoo.

Tir Athair by Marissa Ames

5 stars

Minstrel was a fantastic read, up there with the greats like Terry Goodkind, George R. R. Martin and James Clemens. Ames weaves a tale that's gripping in its story telling and also with the suspense and intensity of her characters.

5 Stars

A tragic story of love and war. The ending brought tears to my eyes. I can't wait to find out more about how Darrion's story progresses. Fantastic fantasy short.