Today's Featured Books

Washington Territory's Grand Lady by Julie McDonald Zander

General Nonfiction

In 1847, Matilda Koontz set out on the Oregon Trail with her husband and four sons, only to face tragedy when her husband drowned crossing the Snake River. Determined to honor his dream, she completed the journey West and became a celebrated pioneer, known for her resilience, hospitality, and contributions to shaping the history of the Washington Territory. Currently $9.99 (free via KU), but available starting Dec. 25 via a Kindle Countdown Deal for $4.99 - SHOP NOW


Raise Your Sales Game by Frederic R. Savoye

General Nonfiction

Unlock your full sales potential with actionable insights that turn challenges into opportunities and setbacks into comebacks. Master the art of closing deals, build unshakable resilience, and craft a vision for lasting success. Transform your sales game and achieve the success you deserve! 4.7 stars, 225 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW


Spotlight on author Mark Fuller Dillon

Spotlight

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the work of author Mark Fuller Dillon, including four FREE works of horror, science fiction, and fantasy.

"Mark Fuller Dillon is an original talent, whose precise use of language, obliquely disturbing imagery and meticulous world building single him out." ~Peter Tennant, Black Static #35


At First, You Hear the Silence

Genre: Dark Fantasy, Science Fiction
4.40 stars on Smashwords
E-book price: FREE



A dark modern fantasy, suitable for Young Adult to Adult readers.

At thirteen, Philippe can see his father trapped in a world of secrets and silence, a world with no place for honesty or courage. But when the walls of that world fall apart, and something from outside breaks in, the silence becomes a warning shout...and Philippe will be tested in ways his father could never imagine.

"An enthralling encounter with mysteries from beyond." ~Jeffrey Thomas, author of Punktown

"A new twist on what used to be called science fantasy, it strikes a great balance between horror, sf, and action writing." ~David Longhorn, editor of Supernatural Tales


In a Season of Dead Weather

Genre: Horror, Fantasy, Short Stories
4.13 stars on Smashwords
E-book price: FREE



Short stories based on dreams and nightmares. (May be too intense for young readers.)

The weird, the uncanny, the strange: these are the local conditions of dead weather.

In a season of dead weather, the mind clutches at reality; but what does it find instead? Madness, or monsters? Ghosts, or things more terrible than ghosts? Illusions, or invasions? Dreams, or the darkness at the end of all nightmares? One thing is clear: these are tales that echoes tell in a season of dead weather...of things barely glimpsed in the moonrise...of places perfectly normal by day but haunted by the light of winter stars.


Doorways Unforeseen

Genre: Literary Fiction, Horror, Fantasy
New release: October 2024
E-book price: FREE



Doorways to nightmares in prose and verse.

In Doorways Unforeseen, doorways lead to nightmares...from a bone-white church in a dead town of the captured and collected, to a barren farm where floating figures mob and kill, to a cedar forest where a creature from the sky reaches out to shatter souls. In prose and verse, these horror stories and nightmares wait beyond the mind's doorways unforeseen.


All Roads Lead to Winter

Genre: Science Fiction, Erotica
4.11 stars on Smashwords
E-book price: FREE



An erotic science fiction novella.

The aliens are here, and now our lives are different: no wars, no hunger, no exploitation. For political prisoner Thomas Bridge, there can be a strange new love; for the alien delegate Avdryana, there can be companionship in a world that she finds crowded and foreign. But even with hope for the future, can there be an escape from the stifling ideas and expectations of the past?

At the heart of this story are parallel worlds, politics, the grip of memory, the strength and generosity of women, the pain of loss, the mystery of love...and all the roads that lead to winter.


Ice & Autumn Glass

Genre: Poetry
Paperback: From $14.40



Poetry from Mark Fuller Dillon.

"Mark Dillon marries the Jacobean line and gothic imagery to a colloquial, thoroughly modern, goth-punk demotic, a frenzied coupling that yields up a species of frictive, delirious lyricism, a monstrous infant both old and new." ~Richard Calder, author of Dead Girls and Babylon

"These poems have strong bones, but they also have heart. They have a soul that reveals much about the poet and even more about ourselves." ~Jason E. Rolfe, author of Clocks

"Elegantly, meticulously constructed...accessible and acutely felt." ~Jeffrey Thomas, author of Haunted Worlds and Punktown


About the Author

Mark Fuller Dillon lives in Québec, where the Gatineau Hills region has long been the central influence on his writing. He has had stories published in All Hallows, Alone On the Darkside and Weird Fiction Review. Learn more at markfullerdillon.blogspot.ca, where you can sign up to be notified about new blog posts. Be sure to also follow Mark Fuller Dillon online: 
 
    


Spotlight on the Rinyv Series: Fantasy for Young Adults

Spotlight

Spotlight on the Rinyv Fantasy Series for YA Readers!


 

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the Rinyv Series of fantasy books for young adults from author Duyu Wander. 

★★★★★ "Imaginative dark/horror fantasy suitable for YA/late teens, as well as adults." ~Amazon Review

★★★★★ "If you enjoy anime, horror, sci-fi, and apocalyptic stories, this is the book for you." ~Goodreads Review


Arrival of The Moon Hare

Book 1 of the Rinyv Series
Genre: Teen & Young Adult Fantasy
4.3 stars, 84 ratings
From $0.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)



Fear hinders one's potential.

A sinister presence delights in Rinyv's torment, relentlessly pursuing and killing her after she turns fifteen. Now, having encountered death four times already, the girl is living her fifth life hoping to alter her fate and stop the endless cycle of suffering.

As the terrifying age of fifteen approaches and chaotic events lead people down the path of despair, Rinyv can't help but do everything in her power to overcome her trauma and grow stronger.

As another death draws near, Rinyv appears to hold the key to saving not only herself but all of mankind. Armed with the knowledge of her past lives, continuous training, and a giant pair of scissors found on holy ground, she is no longer a powerless, naive young girl.


On a Grim Adventure

Book 2 of the Rinyv Series
Genre: Teen & Young Adult Fantasy
4.8 stars, 20 ratings
From $3.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)



Embrace your demons to thrive.

With Earth under invasion and no home to return to, Rinyv seeks refuge with her childhood friend, Minato Herman. Grateful for the Hermans' hospitality, she becomes their guardian, shielding them from the horrors outside.

As weeks pass without help arriving, hope dwindles and despair tightens its grip. To make matters worse, a terrifying creature obliterates their sanctuary one night, thrusting Rinyv and Minato into a world filled with dangers.

Everything spirals out of control when their bond starts to fracture, and now the girl finds herself compelled to heed the moontarian weapon's call—revive your darkest demon: Annette Valmar.


Remote Island Prison

Book 3 of the Rinyv Series
Genre: Teen & Young Adult Fantasy
New release: December 15, 2024
From $5.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)



Yesterday's wrath is tomorrow's strength.

After defeating one of El-Bona's strongest lackeys, Rinyv wakes up on the remote island she and her friends had been searching for. But instead of finding her comrades, she is trapped in a brutal prison where mutants endure relentless training under a cruel regime.

As Rinyv navigates this harsh new reality, a monstrous threat rises from the sea, ready to annihilate everyone on the island. The aliens also close in, determined to capture their queen—and this time, they’ll stop at nothing.

With time running out and danger at every turn, the girl must harness all her strength to survive.


About the Author

Duyu Wander (aka Gheata Darian) has a passion for fantasy, adventure, horror, and psychological fiction, and is focused on merging these genres to create captivating light novels with original plots. Learn more at DuyuWanderBooks.com, sign up for the author's newsletter, and be sure to follow the author online: 
 
        


Free online: Winter Solstice Writing Ritual

Events

Free online: Winter Solstice Writing Ritual. No experience necessary! Join for an evening of creativity and connection. This online event will guide you through a series of writing prompts and exercises to honor the longest night of the year. Celebrate the turning of the seasons and tap into inner wisdom through the power of words. No writing experience necessary, just bring an open heart and a willingness to explore. Saturday, December 21, 7:00 PM EST. 

"Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise." ~Victor Hugo, Les Misérables


In The Beginning…Man Created God? By Brandon Irving

Book of the Day

This examines the similarities between religion and mythology, with a focus on the origins of Christianity. The book highlights contradictions within religious texts and encourages readers to use critical thinking rather than relying solely on inherited rituals and ancient scriptures to explore life's deeper questions and find purpose. 4.0 stars, 18 ratings. From $2.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW


After the Blue, Blue Rain by A.D. Price

Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror

L.A. 1946. The client is desperate. The target has disappeared into thin air. And a routine missing person case is about to take a dangerous turn for P.I. Kit Comfort and partner Henry Richman, the LAPD's most infamous ex-cop. While on the hunt for a veteran who's gone missing from an L.A.-bound train, detectives Kit and Henry come face-to-face with an underground network of enemy sympathizers. "An exciting tale with a fast-paced plot." ~Readers’ Favorite. 4.2 stars, 200+ ratings. From $2.99 - SHOP NOW


FREE - Misha the Traveling Puppy: Australia by Natalia Hooker

Children and Young Adult

Join Misha as she explores the wonders of Australia, on a quest to find Perla's twin sister. Along the way, friendly and exotic local animals become her trusty companions. She rides an emu at Uluru, talks to a giant tree frog in the rainforest, meets cuddly koalas in the bush, and even swims with sea turtles and discovers the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef. With eight colourful Fun Facts pages about Australian animals. Perfect for children aged 3-7. FREE - SHOP NOW / 


Free e-book: Stalin's Army of Apes

Spotlight

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on a FREE e-book: Stalin's Army of Apes, a science-fiction/alternate-history novel based on actual events that asks the question, "What if Stalin's deadliest weapon wasn't nuclear, but genetic?"

★★★★★ "A crazy mashup of sci-fi, thriller and mystery." ~Goodreads Review


Stalin's Army of Apes

Genre:  Alternative History, Mystery, Science Fiction
4.1 stars, 74 ratings
Paperback: $11.99
E-book: FREE



What if Stalin's deadliest weapon wasn't nuclear, but genetic?

In the frozen wastelands of Siberia lies a secret that turns the Cold War into a blood race. While the world watches for missiles, Stalin and ruthless scientist Ilya Ivanov hunt for something far more dangerous—the power to create Humanzees—monsters engineered for destruction.

Professor Benjamin Fioretti's groundbreaking ape research is about to win him a Nobel Prize. But when his work catches the CIA's attention, he's dragged into Russia's darkest secrets. There, he uncovers the savage truth—Stalin and Ivanov are using his own research to breed an army of super soldiers.

Based on the true events of disturbing genetic experiments conducted by Stalin's chief scientist, Ilya Ivanov, in the 20th century, Stalin's Army of Apes follows one man's descent into a nightmare where loyalty crumbles and nothing is what it seems. As Benjamin races to stop his creation from being unleashed, he must face an impossible question: In a world where science and power collide, how far is too far?


About the Author

Itamar Eyal Friedman is the author of Stalin's Army of Apes, a thought-provoking novel that blends historical events with speculative fiction. The story explores the terrifying intersection of scientific ambition and political power through the lens of Stalin's secret hybridization experiments.

Friedman's journey began in 2010 when, while researching for a scientific magazine article, he uncovered the disturbing true story of Josef Stalin and his scientist Ilya Ivanov's attempts at human-ape hybridization. This historical foundation sparked a deeper exploration into questions of human nature, free will, and scientific ethics. Learn more at StalinsArmyofApes.com.


Free online: PEN/Dau Best Debut Short Stories 2024

Events

Free online: PEN/Dau Best Debut Short Stories 2024. Join six winners of the 2024 PEN/Robert J. Dau Short Story Prize for Emerging Writers as they read selections from their award-winning stories. Thursday, December 19, 7:00 - 8:30 PM EST. 

“Storytelling is the essential human activity.” ~Edward O. Wilson


A Noche Buena for Lonely Hearts by Janny L Lora

Book of the Day

Surrounded by holiday cheer that feels painfully out of reach, Luciana hides her heartache behind a flawless façade until a chance encounter with family friend Oliver Amador changes everything. Both yearning to escape their pasts, they strike a one-night deal to create the perfect Noche Buena together. As their connection deepens through shared stories, slow dancing, and steamy kisses, they must decide if they have the courage to embrace a new beginning or let their pasts overshadow the magic of the moment. 4.7 stars, 10 ratings. From $4.99 - SHOP NOW / 


Lakota Surrender by Karen Kay

Romance

Kristina Bogard arrives at her father’s Kansas outpost, eager for the adventure she’s long imagined. But the reality of the broken tribes she encounters dampens her dreams—until she meets Tahiska, a proud and striking warrior. Though his heart is consumed by a quest for vengeance against the men who murdered his father, he can’t resist the green-eyed beauty fluent in his language. As their forbidden passion grows, they must navigate the dangerous divide between their worlds while keeping their love a secret. 4.5 stars, 500+ ratings. From $0.99 - SHOP NOW / 


Cold Peril by Emily Jane Trent

Romance

Navy SEAL Garrett Flynn becomes Hollywood star Marlene Parks' bodyguard after a sudden attack at her charity event, but his dark past may hold the key to the killer’s motives. Marlene, haunted by personal loss and disillusioned with love, struggles to balance her rising career and the escalating danger. As the connection between Marlene and Garrett deepens, Marlene must decide if she can trust her heart to a man whose life is steeped in the very risks she fears most. 4.1 stars, 900+ ratings. From $0.99 - SHOP NOW / 


Bringing Sunshine Back to My Mind by Momoko Uno

Literary Fiction and Poetry

"A stunning portrait of joy, grace and beauty." ~BookLife. Sachi Kubo-Sanchez leaves behind a stifling marriage and a conservative hometown for the bustling energy of New York City in a quest for healing and self-discovery. Balancing the challenges of motherhood, online dating, newfound sexuality, and an unexpected job, Sachi's journey is filled with complexities and surprises in a heartfelt and inspiring tale of courage, self-acceptance, and personal growth. 4.7 stars, 43 ratings. From $2.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW


Quiet Quit & Fully Live by Matthew Hess

General Nonfiction

Winner of the Readers' Favorite 2024 Gold Medal for General Non-Fiction. If you have ever felt the weight of overstretched commitments, sacrificing precious time with loved ones or neglecting your own well-being in the relentless pursuit of success, it's time to challenge the status quo, redefine your relationship with work and success, and quiet quit in order to fully live. Learn how to take back your time, energy, and life through ethical disengagement. 4.6 stars, 67 ratings. From $1.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW


Operation Justified by Brian Conklin

Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror

In the Mile High City, a sinister force equipped with advanced surveillance and mind control technology sets its sights on Jack Wicker, determined to destroy him or erase him from history. As Jack battles powers beyond his understanding, his only ally is an enigmatic figure who refuses to reveal their name. Hailed as a modern blend of 1984 and The Most Dangerous Game, this gripping tale pits an ordinary man against extraordinary evil. From $1.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW


Makings of a Monster by Charlie Freelander

Science Fiction and Fantasy

Baldur’s Gate meets Paradise Lost in this deeply emotional, video game-inspired fantasy novel. Velimir escaped the mass murder of children, surviving by living on the streets and growing into a peerless warrior—one as furious as the defiant urchin he once was. But can love survive in a heart caged with steel, cast in a merciless world? From $2.45 - SHOP NOW


Break Free From The Daily Grind by A.M. Carl

General Nonfiction

Break Free From The Daily Grind: Find A Job or A Career That Motivates and Inspires You is a comprehensive guide that provides a practical approach to job hunting. This is not just another book with outdated advice. It's a treasure trove of updated insights and practical tools designed to empower you and revolutionize your job search. From $2.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW


Shock Pepper: Part 1 by Blox Widdle Manor

Science Fiction and Fantasy

Set in the Shock Pepper realm, this fantasy, sci-fi epic spans multiple storylines, mind-bending twists and gray characters. The first part of this series sets the base for how the storylines intertwine and clash, spreading across time and universes. From $0.99 - SHOP NOW


Christmas with Three Cowboys by Kai Lesy

Romance

New release: Three rugged cowboys. One magical Christmas. When I’m sent to a secluded Nebraska ranch for a second chance after prison, I expect a fresh start—not to end up snowed in with three sinfully hot cowboys. Their heated gazes promise things I’ve only dreamed of, and before long, the snow isn’t the only thing melting. A sexy, stand-alone, reverse harem romance filled with humor, danger, and generous amounts of love. HEA guaranteed. 4.7 stars, 33 ratings. $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW


Freedom Fleet Series Launch & Giveaway from Daniel Arenson

Spotlight

Freedom Fleet Series Launch & Giveaway!


Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the release of Freedom Fleet, a new science fiction series from best-selling author Daniel Arenson that asks, "What if World War II had been fought in space?"

To celebrate the launch, the author is giving away a commemorative coin. Forged from an ounce of pure silver, the coin features aliens and the message, "Invasion is Here." This unique coin is perfect for sci-fi fans or collectors of precious metals.



Freedom Fleet

Book 1 of the new Freedom Fleet Series
Genre: Science Fiction
New Release: December 17, 2024
From $2.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)



What if World War II had been fought in space?

In 1944, a secret Nazi experiment split the universe in two. In our universe, we won. Hitler died. Freedom prevailed. But in a parallel universe, the Nazis discovered the atom bomb first...and conquered the world. The light of freedom perished, and the Nazi shadow spread across Earth, the solar system, and the stars.

In 2207, a portal opens between the two universes. One universe of freedom. One of tyranny. And through this portal flies the Weltraumwaffe, the space fleet of the Third Reich.

James King was enjoying his retirement. He once commanded the Freedom Fleet, an armada of starships tasked with defending Earth. In his fifty years of service, Admiral King fought many battles. But he never faced anything like this.

He is old. Tired. Battle-worn. But he must don the uniform again. He must lead the Freedom Fleet once more. Or the shadows of our past will swallow us all.

WWII rages again. This time in space. The Freedom Fleet will face off against the Weltraumwaffe. Freedom or tyranny—only one can win.


Bonus Offer: Three Free Novels!


Join the Everrealms and receive three free fantasy and science fiction novels: Requiem's Song, Moth, and Alien Hunters. This "series starters" bundle includes 1000 pages + hours of entertainment.

Be sure to also join Daniel's Everrealms Facebook Group.

About the Author

 
Daniel Arenson is an author, bookworm, and proud geek. The Huffington Post has called his writing "full of soul." His books have sold more than 1 million copies around the world, and he has written nearly 100 novels set in the Everrealms, a multiverse of worlds. His series include:

MINTARI — Dinosaurs. Majestic giants. They've captured our imagination for generations. On planet Mintari, they live again.

EARTHRISE — They came from deep space. They came to destroy us. But we will fight back! Start reading with Earth Alone, the first novel.

STARSHIP FREEDOM — The starship Freedom is just a museum ship... until the aliens attack.

REQUIEM — An ancient kingdom whose people can grow wings and scales, breathe fire, and take flight as dragons. Start reading with Requiem's Song.

KINGDOMS OF SAND — Enter a world of sand and splendor, a world where gladiators battle in the arena, where legionaries and barbarians fight for glory, and where empires rise and fall. Start reading with Kings of Ruin.

MOTH — Discover Moth, a world torn between day and night--its one half drenched in eternal daylight, the other cloaked in endless darkness.

To learn more, visit DanielArenson.com.


Free online: MOMA Virtual Art Tour

Events

Free online: MOMA Virtual Art Tour. Join Art Historian Caterina Pierre for a virtual visit to the Museum of Modern Art's current exhibition entitled Life Dances On: Robert Frank in Dialogue. Best known for his 1958 photography book entitled The Americans, the exhibition will focus on the six decades of art Frank produced after that significant publication. Wednesday, December 18, 11:00 - 11:45 AM EST. 

“When people look at my pictures I want them to feel the way they do when they want to read a line of a poem twice.” ~Robert Frank


FREE - Misha the Travelling Puppy: Mexico by Natalia Hooker

Children and Young Adult

Misha and her Mexican friend, Paco the kitten, have an unforgettable escapade in vibrant Mexico. They savor mouth-watering tacos, explore colorful markets for sombreros, and even hop aboard a trusty donkey for a desert ride. When they receive a special invitation from friendly iguanas to a full moon party at an ancient Mayan temple, it's a celebration of friendship as they dance under the starry sky. The book includes 8 Mexico Fun Fact pages. Both fun and educational, this is the perfect book for children aged 3-7. FREE - SHOP NOW


Find Your Inner Light by David Anthony

General Nonfiction

Are you ready to unlock your potential and embrace a life of purpose, confidence, and fulfillment? Find Your Inner Light is a transformative life coaching manual designed to guide you through self-reflection, personal growth, and meaningful action. Whether you’re an individual seeking change or a coach looking for a powerful tool, this guide provides actionable steps to help you thrive. From $9.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW


Illusions of Time: Selena's Tale by Sabina Dazdarevic

Literary Fiction and Poetry

Selena, a 24-year-old grappling with feelings of emptiness and self-doubt, agrees to surgery to remove the scars on her back—marks she secretly cherishes. But just before the procedure, she is inexplicably transported to the 11th century, where time twists and reality blurs. Amidst the chaos, Selena must confront challenges that force her to reevaluate her life and discover newfound strength. This tale weaves destiny and choice together, exploring how our paths are shaped by both fate and the power to redefine our own journeys. From $4.99 - SHOP NOW