Cirrus@Austlit

'When Pellar graduates from Weishi House, his first contract is to assassinate a high-level noble in the Jadid princedom.

'Easy. Good money. And a chance to get out of Jadid's freezing miserable country.

'But all is not as it seems.

'Jadid's senior prince has more problems than he can handle. His son doesn't want to be heir. A northern visiting spy is poking his nose into every place he shouldn't. The prince's telepathic female advisor can't find the prince's son, either.

'But does she even want to find the boy?

'Maybe an assassination contract is exactly what Jadid's prince needs?

'Or not.

'Maybe Pellar has something else planned.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Welcome to all things wild and wonderful in Aiki Flinthart’s Worlds in Words. If you enjoy fantasy and science fiction, this collection is for you. Immerse yourself in 20 diverse short stories and a sumptuous gathering of 30 dark micro-fiction tales.

'From gargoyles, dryads, and goddesses of old, to superheroes, aliens, monkeys, and unexpected everyday saviours, this collection has it all and more.

'Some thought-provoking, some fascinating, some just plain fun.

'And all showcasing Flinthart’s gifts as an author – characters you’ll love (or love to hate), immersive worlds, rich writing, and excellent story twists.

'Sit down with Worlds in Words, a cup of coffee, a pile of chocolate, and a few spare hours. You won’t regret it.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Young midwife, Heather, has reached breaking point. Too many years of giving everything to save babies and women who can’t afford USA health care. Too little love left, when all men do is take strength from her. Too much hiding and running.

'But when she discovers O’Conner Inc private investigator, Kade Miller, is tracking her, the only choice is to face him. A disastrous decision. Unprepared for her attraction to Kade, she cannot hide all her secrets.

'Secrets which could be devastating for both of them if she can’t keep him at arm’s length.

'Kade Miller is forced to take on a PI job he’d rather avoid: hunting down another baby-killing illegal midwife. But when Kade finally catches the woman, he is drawn not only to her, but also into a world of intrigue and danger. For she has strange abilities that influence him in disturbing ways. Reminding him of losses he’s tried to forget.

'She’s also beautiful, frightened, and hiding something important.

'The only thing Kade knows for sure is that he needs to get Heather back to New York and uncover her truths.

'Can he do that and still protect his own heart?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'The jundom of Mamlakah is on the brink of economic collapse. Poverty is rampant and a slavery-based economy threatens the jundom’s peace and its peoples’ freedom. Only the twenty-one noble Jun families are safe.

'When Teya’s six-year-old brother, Perrin, is captured to be sold as a slave, Teya is determined to free him.

'To do so she must become what she hates most—a xintou-telepath—and co-operate with those she swore never to trust—a noble family. Working with Dallan Johnston, she must learn to harness her unique psychic gifts and help prevent slavery from gaining a foothold in Mamlakah. Only then will her brother be safe.

'But Dallan and the jun families are just out to use Teya for their own ends. And secrets from Teya’s past threaten to destroy Mamalakah’s future.

'Can she and Dallan overcome their mutual mistrust and work together? If they fail, Perrin, Teya, and the entire jundom will be enslaved; the future of Mamlakah forged into darkness and pain.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Rascals and rogues, thieves and pirates, scammers and scoundrels. Sixteen tales by sixteen fabulous Australian authors. Once more the Springfield Writers Group has delivered a rip-roaring array of short stories to keep you glued to the page.

'What’s your poison?

'Fantasy action? Steampunk pirates? Wild west science fiction? Or maybe you prefer heart-wrenching family drama; LGBTQ; murders and detectives; laugh-out-loud comedy.

'The mix of genres means every reader will find something to enjoy.

'This collection features works by award-winning Scottish thriller author, JA Henderson, Aurealis short-listed science fiction author Pamela Jeffs, and Aurealis-award shortlisted and Amazon best-selling author, Aiki Flinthart.

'If you’re looking for your next page-turner, look no further. Dive into Rogues’ Gallery today.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'The galaxy is a strange place full of weird creatures and even weirder sentient beings.

'See it through the eyes of four outcasts, banished to Asteri Station on the fringes of the Hegemon Economic Alliance. Absinthe Krull, the Aquanorian with a dark past—who runs The Zoo, the bar on the Asteri. Ori Bligh, a young Terran whose life of privilege has been destroyed by a stupid mistake she’s desperate to put right. Zev Smith, maintenance master for the station, in hiding for forty years for a poor decision; and Cordelia Bane, bounty hunter with a stack of debts to clear.

'When first Ori then Cordelia arrive on Asteri, the stories they hear at the Zoo slowly reveal not only the oddities all four have encountered in their travels, but also things all four would prefer left in the shadows of the past.

'And, in the end, will help them decide on a new future.

'Fourteen stories from all corners of the galaxy and covering five hundred years of history. If you love science fiction, weird west, humour, and darkness, then The Zookeeper’s Tales of Interstellar Oddities will keep you pinned to your seat.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Emma doesn't want to get out of bed in the morning to tame her hair for school. But what happens when Emma's parents stop helping her get ready?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.