Book picks similar to
Flashes: Tom by Tim O'Rourke


young-adult
dying
ya-fantasy
race-against-time

Dead on Arrival


Mason Sabre - 2020
    Not that she knows it. Her magic is dud; medicated out of her. At least she hopes so. In her world, she’s a 25-year-old-girl whose life is already a mess. Between the boss, she can’t stand, the jerk she’s dating and the foul-mouthed slob who lives below her, she’s about ready to hide and never come out. The thing is, she might just need to do that. When the body she is working on in the morgue gets up and walks out the door, Harper’s pretty sure she didn’t cause it, Bounty hunter, Ethan Stone knows what Harper is, and he’s trying to help her. He has seen what is coming; who is looking for her. He knows, first-hand, what happens when a Magical denies what they are. If only she'd listen If you like Jim Butcher, Shayne Silvers, Michael Anderle, Ilona Andrews, Patricia Briggs, K.F. Breene, or Faith Hunter, you'll love the Death Dealers series

The First Dragon Rider Trilogy: The Complete Series


Ava Richardson - 2017
     Neill Torvald is desperate to prove himself—his father’s warlord kingdom depends on him. When a vicious attack on the way to the Draconis Order monastery nearly kills him, it becomes clear that grave trials await him on this path. Jodreth, the wise monk who saves his life, advises caution upon entering the sacred halls. His mission is to learn arcane magic from the monks that will help to cement his father’s power, but Neill will need more than magical arts alone to navigate the challenges before him. Among the monks’ students, Neill meets the lovely and mysterious Char, who senses evil deep within the ranks of the Draconis Order’s members. She takes him to a dragon she has raised, Paxala, and the three of them become fast friends. Neill soon grows in strength as he and his fellow students gain ancient knowledge, and his closeness to Char blossoms into something more. But when Neill ’s brothers grow impatient and attack the monastery in a bid to seize power, he will have to decide where his loyalties lie: with his warlord father’s domain, or the new friends he has made in the wider world. Dragon Dreams Sometimes, the past is best left behind… 
 Char longs for peace and escape, preferring her dreams to the ugly realities of an uncertain age. As an illegitimate daughter of the North Prince, Char has always felt deep insecurity, but she must put that aside when Zaxx gives her the task of retrieving an ancient crown from her family’s palace. If she brings him this crown, he says, he will allow the dragon hoard to choose their riders.
 When her father sends for her to return home, fearing war, she senses an opportunity. But Char’s dragon Paxala has grander ideas—she wants to become the greatest of all dragons and defeat the ancient Zaxx. But she can’t do it without Char’s guidance and aid. Employing patience and skill, Char will have to learn the secrets of dragon lore hidden away in her father's archives before Zaxx’s suspicions turn aggressive. 
 With the help of her love, Neill, Char discovers the secret of the old queen’s crown in her father’s castle, learning a tale of dark magic steeped in blood. But when her father wishes to marry her off to the leader of the Wildmen, the fate of Torvald will depend on her difficult choice: accept the role she has always played, or learn to trust her own power.
 Dragon Mage To unite a fractured kingdom, a reluctant hero must rise. 
Neill has been charged with the impossible task of bringing the Middle Kingdom together to fight the burgeoning threat posed by the rogue sorcerer Ansall and his dragon Zaxx. Neill longs for his old life as a mere foot soldier for his father responsible only for his family’s wellbeing, and is unsure about whether he is fit to lead an army. Neill’s contemplative nature forces him to consider every aspect of the problems he faces, but often makes it difficult for him to take action—and failure to act could mean the deaths of many.
 Now, echoing Char and their dragon Paxala, his duty beckons him to lead the Dragon Riders—and take his rightful place as king—but with doubt and new enemies creeping in, his resolve will be tested. When the mysterious Dark Prince arrives with an offer, Neill will have to make a decision that could change the course of history. 
As Ansall grows in strength by harnessing black magic, Neill must choose between his own desires and the welfare of the entire kingdom.

Witch Avenue Series


Karice Bolton - 2013
    Every avenue has its secrets...Devastated by the loss of her mother, Triss throws herself into uncovering clues surrounding her mother's disappearance. When the Witch Avenue Coven turns their backs on Triss, she realizes she's caught in a world that is ruled by Lonely Souls. But who is controlling them?Recognizing the herbal lore she grew up learning will do little to fight against the underworld, she is relieved when her best friend from childhood, Logan, returns to help her find answers. When they begin uncovering secrets from her family's past, she learns her mother might not have been the only target.But as Triss falls deeply for Logan, she discovers her family isn't the only one with secrets and his may be deadly.Altered Souls (Witch Avenue #2)The realm of Altered Souls brings nothing but unrest, deceit, and pain forcing Triss to come face to face with heartbreak from her past.Facing a betrayal like never before, Triss questions everything she thought she knew about her family, coven, and abilities.With the help of Logan, she embarks on a journey enabling her to confront the dark side of magic and the person who controls it. Realizing Triss's ancestors have been seduced for centuries by the dark side, Triss and Logan must ensure no more in their world fall victim to the realm of Altered Souls, even if that means ending the ones they love.Released Souls (Witch Avenue Series #3)Triss and Logan's love is becoming stronger by the day as they harness the powers between them, but will that make them blind to the evil they're facing?After uncovering startling information about her family, Triss is determined to right the wrongs of her ancestors. Triss and Logan uncover who has infiltrated the covens across the globe, and they realize the plans of the dark side are far more sinister than they'd ever imagined.As the power of this hidden world is exposed, Triss learns her role in the covens. With Logan, Dace and Bakula's assistance, Triss is now able to fully realize the abilities her ancestors have given her.It won't be long until the dark forces regain their strength, especially as their leader, Eben, continues his quest for a power that can never be revoked. Triss must stop him before it is too late.Shattered Souls (Witch Avenue Series #4)The final installment of the Witch Avenue Series.A battle is brewing among the covens...As Triss prepares to defeat the Praedivinus, a new order rises, and this one is far more deadly. Navigating her way through mystic realms, and unknown portals it is up to Triss to recognize real from imagined and stop the two from colliding.

Skin Deep


T.G. Ayer - 2013
    No idea shifters and demons walk in the shadows. And Kai prefers to keep it that way.That is, until she discovers the body of a murdered shifter. The discovery quickly embroils her in a world of supernatural drug-dealing and renegade shifters who leave a trail of blood and mayhem wherever they go. When Logan Westin, paranormal investigator and super-hot human, begins investigating the same murder, Kai refuses to allow her feelings to control her. Humans are off-limits, no matter how sizzlingly sexy they are. But can Kai keep him at bay? And does she even want to?In the blink of an eye her comfortable life is gone, a dear friend murdered, and shifters are disappearing around her. To survive and to save her loved ones, Kai must allow herself to trust Logan, to give her scarred heart to someone again.

Parrish


Shannen Crane Camp - 2015
    In a face-off between supernatural beings and Jefferson's Tim Burton-esque vibe there really was no contest. But ghosts—unsurprisingly—can’t help pay the rent. So when Sadie and her friends are offered an undisclosed sum of money from an anonymous client to find a link between four historical haunted locations, it’s an easy sell. During their cross-country investigation, Sadie finds herself forgetting about Jefferson’s macabre tendencies and falling for his sweetness, even if his idea of a love letter reads more like a note from a serial killer. And she can’t stop thinking about his annoyingly irresistible deep green eyes. As Sadie’s feelings get more tangled up with Jefferson, their group puts together the final pieces of a 100 year old mystery—one that will change Sadie’s life forever. Parrish is a Supernatural, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance Mystery story.Praise for Parrish "Parrish is un-put-downable. I could not stop reading it. Great quirky mystery with just the right amount of romance. I can't wait for the next one in the series!" Lisa R. Harris author of The Unlikely Gift of Treasure Blume. "Parrish is the perfect blend of mystery, romance, and wit. Camp pulls you in with a-dork-able characters, spooky settings, and laugh-out-loud dialogue. This book should come with a warning: Beware, you won't be able to put it down!" Heather Ostler Pead author of The Shapeshifter's Secret Series.

Holding Smoke


Elle Cosimano - 2016
    A dangerous juvenile rehabilitation center in Denver, Colorado, known as the Y, is Smoke's new home and the only one he believes he deserves. But, unlike his fellow inmates, Smoke is not in constant imprisonment. After a near death experience leaves him with the ability to shed his physical body at will, Smoke is able to travel freely outside the concrete walls of the Y, gathering information for himself and his fellow inmates while they're asleep in their beds. Convinced his future is only as bright as the fluorescent lights in his cell, Smoke doesn't care that the "threads" that bind his soul to his body are wearing thin-that one day he may not make it back in time. That is, until he meets Pink, a tough, resourceful girl who is sees him for who he truly is and wants to help him clear his name. Now Smoke is on a journey to redemption he never thought possible. With Pink's help, Smoke may be able to reveal the true killer, but the closer they get to the truth, the more deadly their search becomes. The web of lies, deceit, and corruption that put Smoke behind bars is more tangled than they could have ever imagined. With both of their lives on the line, Smoke will have to decide how much he's willing to risk, and if he can envision a future worth fighting for.

Lark


Tracey Porter - 2011
    As Lark's former best friend, Eve can't shake the guilt that this tragedy was somehow her fault. Meanwhile, Nyetta is haunted each night by Lark's ghost, who comes through the bedroom window and begs Nyetta to set her soul free. Eve and Nyetta realize that Lark is trapped in limbo, and only by coming together to heal themselves will they discover why.Tracey Porter's stunning narrative about love and loss demonstrates that forgiveness can never come too late.

Cracked


Eliza Crewe - 2013
    She eats people.Well, technically, she eats their soul. But she totally promises to only go for people who deserve it. She’s special. It’s not her fault she enjoys it. She can’t help being a bad guy. Besides, what else can she do? Her mother was killed and it’s not like there are any other “soul-eaters” around to show her how to be different. That is, until the three men in suits show up.They can do what she can do. They’re like her. Meda might finally have a chance to figure out what she is. The problem? They kind of want to kill her. Before they get the chance Meda is rescued by crusaders, members of an elite group dedicated to wiping out Meda’s kind. This is her chance! Play along with the “good guys” and she’ll finally figure out what, exactly, her ‘kind’ is.Be careful what you wish for. Playing capture the flag with her mortal enemies, babysitting a teenage boy with a hero complex, and trying to keep one step ahead of a too-clever girl are bad enough. But the Hunger is gaining on her.The more she learns, the worse it gets. And when Meda uncovers a shocking secret about her mother, her past, and her destiny… she may finally give into it.

Waking Up Dead


Margo Bond Collins - 2013
    Instead, she met her fate early thanks to a creep with a knife and a mommy complex. Now she's witnessed another murder, and she's not about to let this one go. She's determined to help solve it before an innocent man goes to prison. And to answer the biggest question of all: why the hell did she wake up in Alabama?

Echoes to Ashes


Ainsley Shay - 2018
    But, I was wrong. And it could cost me my life. When I’m sent to finish my last semester of high school in the peculiar town of Veil Rock, I thought that would be punishment enough. But when mysterious vampires, shifters, and witches come to seek me out, there’s no escaping the clutches of this new hell.They believe I am powerful enough to be their ultimate sacrifice to break a binding curse, and they will stop at nothing until they claim me as their own.I laughed at the absurd idea until unexplained and magical things began to happen to me. Now, unable to gain control of my newfound powers, I’m forced to rely on the very ones who plan to sacrifice me to keep their immortality.As my world breaks apart into a thousand pieces, it’s flight or fight. Since I’m not one to run away, the only thing left to do is decide who I can trust and who is manipulating me as I try to unearth ancient secrets that may save my life.My name is Everly Shade, and I’m not ready to die. *Echoes to Ashes is the first in this YA paranormal mystery series. Expect romance, magic, and twisting plots that will have you guessing to the very last book.*Scroll up and one click to enter the mysterious world of Veil Rock.

Dark Horse


J.R. Rain - 2010
    It doesn't take long for Knighthorse to realize that not all is as it seems at tranquil Huntington High, from a band director who preys on the innocent to a vice-principal with a secret agenda of her own. Not to mention someone's hired a professional killer to keep Knighthorse permanently off the case.As the investigation continues, Knighthorse's personal life is shattered by the discovery of new evidence relating to his mother's unsolved murder, a murder dating back twenty years. Reeling from the discovery, a determined Jim Knighthorse sets out to bring two killers to justice.

Finding Eden


Camilla Beavers - 2012
    She dreamed of a man, one with liquid gold eyes. But when she meets Sahariel for the first time she can't help but wonder if she's going crazy. People can see him, but she can't see any colors swirl around him, not like they do with other people. Feeling irrevocably tied to him, she can't figure him out. Even with her own eccentricities, Eden thought she had finally become somewhat normal, but once he stepped into her life, everything was changed.

The Thought Readers


Dima Zales - 2014
    Everyone thinks I’m a genius. Everyone is wrong. Sure, I finished Harvard at eighteen and now make crazy money at a hedge fund. But that’s not because I’m unusually smart or hard-working. It’s because I cheat. You see, I have a unique ability. I can go outside time into my own personal version of reality—the place I call “the Quiet”—where I can explore my surroundings while the rest of the world stands still. I thought I was the only one who could do this—until I met her. My name is Darren, and this is how I became entangled with all the Russians and learned that I’m a Reader.

Darker Things


Rob Cornell - 2011
    Not since he was trained to kill creatures that were supposed to exist only in nightmares.Yet the teenage girl on his doorstep not only knows his real name, she claims she's his daughter.Before Lockman can learn how the girl found him, he's attacked by a black-ops team of assassins. But these aren't ordinary killers—they're heavily armed vampires sent by his most hated enemy.Forced on the run, Lockman protects his daughter from an onslaught of horrors while searching for who betrayed him and why. The investigation leads him to Detroit, where he unwittingly sets a plan into motion that could trigger a paranormal apocalypse and cost him his soul.For fans of Jim Butcher, Simon R. Green, and Laurell K. Hamilton… Darker Things is an 82,000-word urban fantasy loaded with double-crosses, thrilling action, and shocking twists.

The Fade


Demitria Lunetta - 2018
    We want to be found. Something terrible happened in her basement. Haley can feel it. Four girls went missing several years ago, and the police never solved the case. But Haley know the missing girls were murdered. How else can she explain the hostile presence in her house? The ghostly girls need something from her. And unless Haley can figure out what they want...she might be next.