Today's Featured Books
FREE - Irrelevant by Sarah Addison-Fox
Perception by Faith Johnson
FREE - October by J. Grace Pennington
Intent: In the Shadows by Krista Wagner
Spotlight on The Fate of Our Union by Hildebrand Hermannson
Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on The Fate of Our Union, Book 1 in The Fate Series by Hildebrand Hermannson.
"A phenomenal work of high fantasy." ~Self-Publishing Review
The Fate of Our Union
New release: September 24, 2024Genre: High Fantasy, Ancient Historical Fiction, Mythology
4.3 stars, 22 ratings
Hardcover: $19.99
Paperback: $13.99
E-book: $0.99
A miraculous seven-headed horse, a symbol of unity, assembles three struggling youths with extraordinary origins into a journey of self-discovery. There, Sunu the Saxon Poet, Rufus the Roman Stoic, and Keresaspa the Sarmatian Priestess must overcome pride, aversion, and unforgiveness; there they must learn from historical heroes, philosophers, and the gods that strengthen them to battle an unseen monster and its rising wolfmen—dividing the Sons of Man.
Praise for The Fate of Our Union
"Sunu’s character arc, while epic in scope, is charming and fun... There’s also an engaging secondary character in the warrior Keresaspa... An enjoyable, well-researched historical adventure." ~Kirkus Reviews
"A brilliant first piece of a new series that boldly leans into philosophy, anthropology, ethics, history, religion, and magic, for a phenomenal work of high fantasy." ~Self-Publishing Review
"Well-written and thought-provoking." ~Amazon Review
"Perfect for lovers of complex world building, strong historical and mythological themes." ~Goodreads Review
"An epic tale that feels both ancient and timeless." ~Goodreads Review
About the Author
Hildebrand Hengest Hermannson’s deep-rooted fire for Indo-European culture and Western Philosophy ignites his first novel, The Fate of Our Union, the inaugural piece in a planned series. His work draws inspiration from a range of national epics, including The Saga of the Volsungs (Norse), Mahabharata (Indian), Aenid (Roman), Odyssey (Greek), Táin Bó Cúailnge (Celtic), and the Shahnameh (Iranian). He crafts these rich cultures into original stories featuring fantasy world-building, dynamic characters, and intricate plots and themes. His iron weaving is further strengthened by the Stoics, Cynics, and Yogis, who feared not pain, death, or poverty, ordained by the Thunderer and the Fates, and who embraced their destiny like epic heroes. Hildebrand’s Wild Hunt of thought breathes life into his spiritual, ethical, and cultural interests, inspiring us to live in accordance with our immortal heroes and philosophers.
Learn more at hhhermannson.com and be sure to follow him online:
Spotlight on Paula Cappa, author of supernatural, metaphysical & mysterious fiction
Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the work of Paula Cappa, award-winning author of supernatural, metaphysical, and mysterious fiction. Paula's novels have earned awards and recognition from the prestigious Eric Hoffer Book Awards, the Global Book Awards, the Chanticleer Book Awards, the American Book Fest Best Books Awards, the Readers' Favorite International Awards, and the Gothic Readers Book Club Awards. If you are not familiar with Paula's work, read on to learn more!
"Paula Cappa is a master of the metaphysical mystery genre." ~Midwest Book Review
Draakensky: A Supernatural Tale of Magick and Romance
New release: September 27, 2024Genre: Ghost Suspense; Horror Suspense; Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Literary Fiction
4.4 stars, 10 ratings
Paperback: $13.99
E-book: From $4.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)
A murder. A wind sorcerer. A dark spirit. On Draakensky, magick dictates destiny.
The Chief of Police discovers an elderly woman dead in the Mianus River. There is a ghost who resides here and flings its words through the spinning air. River magic too, streams across Draakensky Windmill estate, conjuring a secret in Bedford, New York.
Sketch artist Charlotte Knight arrives on Draakensky to a bright opportunity. She is hired to illustrate the poetry of Rainer Maria Rilke under the direction of Jaa Morland, the recluse spinster of Draakensky. Jaa, a believer in ghosts, instructs Charlotte to ‘draw the ghosts.’
From the first night, Charlotte hears the watery voice of Draakensky’s ghost speak to her. Sinister dark eyes watch at the window. Fear mounts when a strange man stalks her through the village cemetery and shops. When a wicked force of nature strikes Charlotte, warning her to flee Draakensky, she is shaken to the bone.
Needing solid ground, Charlotte meets the local restaurant owner, Marc Sexton, who knows the ghostly Otherworld and the magickal practices from his Celtic ancestry; he sports a silver wolf amulet at his neck. Their romance takes Charlotte into a piercing adventure through darkness and doubt, passion and aching love.
As dark magick accelerates on Draakensky, Charlotte is driven into realms of owl magick, witchcraft, and necromancy. She battles her own fear of ghosts and wrestles with how to trust Marc Sexton, a man with hidden realities.
If magick is destiny, then Charlotte must survive the world of ghosts or surrender to a more powerful source in this literary tale of mystery, sorcery, and love.
If you enjoy Gothic fiction like Woman in Black by Susan Hill or The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson, you will enjoy Draakensky.
Praise for Draakensky
★★★★★ "An immersive novel weaving magic and romance into a tapestry of fantasy, poetry, and horror.." ~Richard Thomas, Bram Stoker Award Finalist.
★★★★★ "Intricately crafted and lavishly realized...a feast for lovers of the modern gothic." ~Christopher Hawkins, author of Downpour
★★★★★ "A gorgeous, gothic novel that has all the potential to become a modern classic. Dripping with dark, delicious prose and packed with sinful secrets and intricate lore." ~Stephen Black, author of The Famine Witch
★★★★★ "Dazzling storytelling! A stunning, adventurous, romantic fantasy!" ~Carol B Allen, Amazon Bestselling Author & Global Gold Medal Award Winner of the Sci-Fi Fantasy Virago Trilogy
"A novel steeped in the rich dual attractions of Gothic romance and ghosts.." ~Midwest Book Review
"Spine-tingling, atmospheric mystery." ~San Diego Book Review
Greylock
Genre: Ghost Suspense, Horror Fiction, Ghost Thrillers4.2 stars, 127 ratings
From: $2.99
Pianist Alexei Georg harbors a dark secret. He is haunted by a creature of darkness that relentlessly pursues him from Boston to Russia to Mt. Greylock. Whenever Alexei performs an old Russian sonata, a menacing presence appears in the audience, in the aisle, and on the stage with him. Is there a ghost inside Alexei's music?
When Alexei's wife, Carole Anne, a prima ballerina is found murdered, Alexei becomes the prime suspect. Trapped in an unhappy marriage, broken by secrets and obsession, Alexei flees Boston to Russia. But Alexei cannot flee the supernatural powers living within his music.
Alone on the summit of Mt. Greylock, Alexei escapes into an affair with the ravishing Lia Marrs. But the creature of darkness knows no bounds. Alexei must find a way to halt the dark force threatening his life or become a prisoner to its power.
Praise for Greylock
Gold Medal Winner, Global Book Awards.
Chanticleer Book Award Winner, First Place.
Best Book Award Finalist, American Book Fest.
"A plot replete with all the wonderful trappings of a romance-laced mystery with unexpected twists and turns." ~U.S. Review of Books.
"A smart, entertaining supernatural thriller. Think Stephen King meets Raymond Chandler with a score by Tchaikovsky." ~David Corbett, best-selling author of The Mercy of the Night
Night Sea Journey, A Tale of the Supernatural
Genre: Ghost Suspense, Horror Fiction, Ghost Thrillers4.1 stars, 98 ratings
From: $2.99
From the land of ghosts, a dark and powerful visitor invades a woman’s consciousness. This is a tale of angels and demons, supernatural forces, murder, and the power of love.
Artist Kip Livingston is haunted. Each night, a winged creature invades her dreams and drags her to the bottom of a ghost-grey sea. Even Kip's Jungian therapist, Dr. Laz Merlyn, cannot help Kip out of this ghostly world. Then she meets the charming but lost Raymond Kera. Raymond can't resist the seductive Kip. When Raymond is drawn into Kip’s night sea journeys, her nightmare becomes his own.
Can Raymond rescue Kip? What risks will he have to take? Or will Kip pay the ultimate price?
Praise for Night Sea Journey
Eric Hoffer Book Award Winner
Silver Medal Winner, Global Book Awards
"Stunning and absorbing plot on par with—if not better than—a Dan Brown novel." ~U.S. Review of Books
"A continual thrill ride, impossible to put down, a fast-paced thriller." ~San Francisco Book Review
The Dazzling Darkness
Genre: Occult Suspense, Ghost Thrillers, Ghost Suspense3.9 stars, 370 ratings
From: $2.99
A mysterious cemetery. An ancient secret. A little boy, lost.
Elias Hatch protects the secrets of Old Willow Cemetery and the enchanted woods that host the spirits of Emerson, Thoreau, and Alcott.
On a cold March afternoon, five-year-old Henry Brooke goes missing. Elias cannot fathom how the boy got inside the cemetery's locked gates, unless...
Henry's parents are frantic as the days pass in a futile search of the cemetery gardens for their little boy. They face their deepest fears—is their child dead? Alive? Where is he? Matters are made worse by a series of ominous hauntings and the horror that their Henry will never be returned.
Detective Mike Balducci suspects the truth lies in the shadowy apparitions drifting through the oaks and elms. An Emerson enthusiast, Mike uses his transcendental instincts to hunt, chase, and track the leads to locate little Henry. But to do so, he must combat a power source far stronger than he's ever imagined.
Set against the metaphysical world of Concord, Massachusetts' historical Transcendentalist philosophy that still pervades modern society in Concord, this supernatural mystery is about a family who confronts the secrets of the dead and everlasting hope.
Praise for The Dazzling Darkness
Gold Medal Winner, Global Book Awards
Bronze Medal Winner, Readers' Favorite International Book Awards
Gothic Readers Book Club Choice Award Winner
“A lovely mesh of mystery and the supernatural." ~Leigh M. Lane, author of Finding Poe
“An adventure into dark and mysterious places.” ~Cathryn McIntyre, author of Honor in Concord
"The spirit of Dan Brown meets the darkest and most somber ruminations of Ralph Waldo Emerson." ~Jonathan Stone, author of The Cold Truth
About the Author
Paula Cappa is author of four novels and recipient of multiple book awards, including the prestigious Eric Hoffer Book Award. Her short fiction has appeared in The Lorelei Signal, ParABnormal Magazine, Coffin Bell Literary Journal, Unfading Daydream, Dark Gothic Resurrected Magazine, Whistling Shade Literary Journal, SmokeLong Quarterly, Sirens Call Ezine, Every Day Fiction, Fiction365, Twilight Times Ezine, and in anthologies Journals of Horror: Found Fiction, Mystery Time, and Human Writes Literary Journal. Many of her published short stories are now Kindle Singles. Paula is also Co-Chair of the Pound Ridge Authors Society in Pound Ridge, NY. Learn more at Paula's website and be sure to follow her online:
Free online: Stratford-upon-Avon Walking Tour
Free online: Stratford-upon-Avon Walking Tour. Looking to get away without leaving the comfort of your own home? Take this virtual tour of Stratford-upon-Avon, a quaint medieval market that also happens to be the birthplace of William Shakespeare. This virtual demand tour is available anytime on YouTube.
“I like this place and could willingly waste my time in it.” ~Rosalind from As You Like It by William Shakespeare
Twisted Planet Book One by Peter Schinkel
Journeys: the Archers of Saint Sebastian by Jeanne Roland
Fifteen-year-old Marieke disguises herself as a boy at the all-male archers' guild of Saint Sebastian to elude her father's killers. Soon she's vowing to help a charming young journeyman win the guild honors robbed from her own father. Robin Hood meets Mulan and Princess Bride in this frothy slow-burn romantic adventure set in medieval Belgium. "It felt like I was reading the most romantic prose of my life." ~Goodreads Review. 4.7 stars, 393 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW /
FREE - The Science-Backed Mediterranean Diet Cookbook for Beginners by Elena Florenz
Rejuvenate Your Health with 150 Easy & Quick 30-Min Delicious Recipes, and 100 Lifestyle Tips. Inside this book, you will discover the secrets to prepare quick and easy, healthy, delicious meals while grasping the big "why" behind the diet to achieve optimal health. "A comprehensive cook book with healthy and flavorful recipes." ~Amazon Review. 4.9 stars, 48 ratings. FREE - SHOP NOW /
Sudden Onsets by Jennifer Jackson
Memoir and Creative Nonfiction
All the Way to the Moon by Rose Titus
Bob and Fluffy's First Adventure by Hong Lee
The Dark Road by Kathleen Rhodes
Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror
FREE - Bonethinner by Talia Vines
Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror
Get The Chimera Snare: Fragments - Book 1 of a new dark fantasy series
Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on The Chimera Snare: Fragments, the recently released first book of a new dark fantasy series from authors S & E Black.
★★★★★ "A riveting journey into the realm of mystical secrets." ~Amazon Review
BONUS: Enter a giveaway on Facebook or Instagram to win one of two handmade and signed art prints!
The Chimera Snare: Fragments
Book 1 in a Dark Fantasy SeriesNew release: August 17, 2024
4.7 stars, 12 ratings
Special editions, signed copies & gifts at Clay Urn Publishing
Paperback: $24.99 from Amazon
Ebook: $4.99 from Amazon
High school chaos clashes with an other-worldly feud as two earthbound teenagers work together to thwart a reality-bending showdown.The Chimera Snare: Fragments plunges the reader into the middle of an otherworldly feud between the distant realms of Celestine and Daeva. Notable characters from each realm are vying for the possession of a powerful set of artifacts known as The Order of Existence that grants the user control over all reality. While the Celestines have established themselves as the guardians of The Order, a sect within the persecuted realm of Daeva aims to assume control of it and exact a long-awaited vengeance.
When two Celestine guardians are expelled from their realm and trapped within the bodies of two earthbound teenagers, a race begins between the feuding realms: Will the Celestines find a way to free their guardians, or will the Daeva succeed in their quest to alter the fabric of existence?
Meanwhile on Earth, high schoolers and best friends Rayshell and Trish are thrust into the story when they realize that they are living vessels in this realm for the two banished Celestine guardians, putting Rayshell and Trish in a race against time to connect with the Celestines before the Daeva find them.
The Clay Urn Publishing Store
In addition to signed and limited edition copies of The Chimera Snare, Clay Urn Publishing offers a variety of artisan gifts, including a Triple Moon Pendant, hand-painted artwork, fragrances in the form of artisan candles, soaps, and incense, and other curated goods. Visit Clay Urn Publishing to learn more.
About the Authors
Shannon Vierra is an urban gardener and avid seed collector—last clocked in with over 3500 different varieties. In the makeup community, Shannon goes by zoomzoommacaron where she collaborates with fellow MUAS across the world. She hosts a monthly zombie-themed makeup group called the #zombabescollab and adores SFX and other creative makeup. Shannon is also the owner of ShopCorpsicle which specializes in handmade props, fake food, miniatures, prosthetics, and other accessories. She uses the alias Silence In Shadows for her traditional art. 
Edward Ayllon first discovered the joys of creative writing through his early high school studies, and has spent many years exploring and developing a deep appreciation for the arts. Since first collaborating with his wife, Shannon, he has sprouted a passion and true affinity for storytelling and crafting literature. In addition to refining his skill in creating written works, his other interests include playing bass guitar, listening to music, and dabbling in photography.Shannon and Edward write together as S&E Black, and The Chimera Snare: Fragments was released on August 17, 2024, which was their anniversary. (Happy Anniversary, Shannon and Edward!) Both are originally from California and now live in the Chicago area with an a clowder of rescue cats. Learn more at TheChimeraSnare.com.
About Clay Urn Publishing
Clay Urn Publishing LLC, co-founded in 2023 by Edward Ayllon and Shannon Vierra, is home to The Chimera Snare series and is open to other imaginative and captivating literary works. Committed to supporting independent voices, this publishing house seeks to create a platform where unique stories can flourish. Clay Urn has also developed a creative way to promote animal welfare and independent animal rescue organizations. Visit ClayUrnPublishing.com to learn more, and be sure to follow Clay Urn online:
Free online Friday: Larksong Writers Place presents author Terese Svoboda
Free online: Larksong Writers Place book talk and reading with Terese Svoboda, author of The Long Swim (Winner of the Juniper Prize) and the speculative novel Roxy and Coco. Friday, October 4, 12 PM CT.
"I come from patriarchy, and I would like to have written myself out of it." ~Terese Svoboda
In The Beginning… Man Created God? by Brandon Irving
The Latina President and The Conspiracy to Destroy Her by Joe Rothstein
Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror
FREE - My American Heritage by Peter Snyder
Memoir and Creative Nonfiction
Our country is in a continuous adolescent, defiant, deceitful, morally bankrupt decline. But there is hope! Ride with me on my rambling motorcycle. Fly with me as I soar on hang-gliders high above mountains. Feel the wind in my sails on inland lakes. Witness this journey through our American landscape and gain a deeper understanding of the forces driving our personal and national destinies. 4.7 stars, 36 ratings. FREE - SHOP NOW /
Extraordinary Billionaires' Club Box Set by Aria McDow
Off-Limits Besties Boxset by Eliza Sloan
New release: A Ben & Blue Mystery for young readers
Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on Ben & Blue: Searching for Lucky #3002, a new mystery for young readers ages 8 - 12 from author Ellen Melissa Cohen and Red Chair Press.
★★★★★ "Educational and told from the heart." ~Readers Favorite
BONUS: Get the FREE Discussion Guide for educators and parents.
Ben & Blue: Searching for Lucky #3002
NEW RELEASE: October 1, 2024Genre: Juvenile fiction (Ages 8-12, Grades 3-6)
Available in hardcover, softcover, audiobook, and e-book from $8.99
Ben knows only three things about his dad: 1) he has green eyes, 2) he has a number, and 3) at one point in his life, he made a deposit at a bank.
Ben’s mom is usually good about answering Ben's questions. But not this one. So, when Ben is assigned a family tree project at school, he confronts his mom (for the zillionth time), and instead of telling Ben the truth, she buys him a dog (Blue).
With the dreaded day of oral reports looming, Ben enlists the help of his best friend, Cooper, and Blue to uncover his dad’s whereabouts and complete his family tree. But what Ben discovers is stranger than anything he could have ever imagined. And to make matters worse, Blue’s former owner enters the story and unusual things start to happen.
Praise for Ben & Blue
"This sweet story tackles the complicated topic of nontraditional families with sensitivity and humor. An excellent read for middle grade readers and their parents looking for suspense, action, and uplifting entertainment." ~Lisa Parker Hayreh, Independent Book Review full review
"Combining the very adult topic of donor-conceived birth with a fun mystery for youngsters...was a stroke of genius on the part of this author." ~Feathered Quill Book Reviews full review
"An outstanding addition to middle-grade fiction. A heartwarming, insightful, and thoroughly enjoyable read that both children and adults will appreciate." ~Literary Titan full review
"Heartfelt and full of surprises." ~Courtney Sheinmel, author of My So-Called Family
(Spoiler Alert!) "A solid introduction...for elementary readers into what it means to be born by sperm donation." ~Booklist
"An informative and engaging story about reproduction and a different, more scientific, approach to how babies are made. Told in simple language so young readers can follow along. Educational and told from the heart." ~Readers Favorite
2024 International Book Awards: Finalist for Best in Children's Fiction
About the Author
Ellen Melissa Cohen, M.D. is a psychiatrist on faculty at Harvard Medical School and a board member of the New England Society of Clinical Hypnosis. She graduated Barnard College as a creative writing major before going to medical school. Her short story “The Mystery of the Northern Lights” was published in the Nancy Drew Anthology (Silver Birch Press; 2016). Ellen lives with her husband near Boston, Massachusetts. Learn more at EllenMelissaCohen.com.About the Illustrator
Donald Wu was born in Hong Kong and grew up in Oakland, California. His passion for drawing and comic books led him to attend California College of the Arts where he studied illustration. Donald currently lives in the San Francisco Bay area with his wife, Leanne, son, daughter, and dog. Learn more at DonaldWu.com.About the Publisher
Red Chair Press is committed to learning and literacy (and laughter!). Founded in 2009, Red Chair Press has been dedicated to publishing series to engage children in stories that provide models for strong character and good behavior. By working with only the highest-quality artists from around the world, Red Chair Press ensures that their books will appeal to a wide range of readers. Learn more at RedChairPress.com, and be sure to follow them online:
Free online Tuesday: B&N Book Club
Free online: B&N Book Club. Author Danzy Senna discusses her novel Colored Television, a brilliant dark comedy about love and ambition. Tuesday, October 1, 1 - 2 PM CDT.
“Much privilege leads to bad manners.” ~Danzy Senna, Caucasia
Martha's Notebook by C. Fulster
