Book picks similar to
Hearts Before Diamonds by Bryan Fields


fantasy
keep-an-eye-out
not-quite-steampunk
steampunk

This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things During the Zombie Apocalypse


Scott M. Baker - 2019
     Every teenage girl has a diary in which she vents her frustrations with siblings and parents. But a zombie apocalypse? This Is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things During the Zombie Apocalypse is a comedic adventure about a teenage girl, her frustrating family, two high-spirited dogs, and a neighborhood of loveable rednecks coming together to survive a zombie outbreak.

The Half Life of Joshua Jones


Danny Scheinmann - 2016
    On the precipice of homelessness and defeat, he has a chance encounter with a beguiling stranger, Angela, triggering a series of surreal events that will blow his world wildly off course.Angela, an impulsive femme fatale, has also reached a low point. Seeking refuge from her troubles in the arms of a stranger, they share an intimate moment of tenderness in a café. But as she walks away from Josh, she steps quite deliberately into the path of an oncoming bus.As Angela lies in a coma, Josh – magnetically drawn to her and unable to shake the effects of their brief but powerful encounter – pretends that he is her boyfriend, inextricably binding their fates. But as his obsession grows, so does the danger of his situation. With his life continuing to unravel, he begins to question his own sanity until the shocking discovery of Angela's real identity finally reveals the chilling truth about himself.The Half Life of Joshua Jones is a striking blend of psychological drama and romantic fairy tale, full of dark humour, mystery and wonder that will grip you from first page to last.

The Gift of Magic


P.J. Sobol - 2014
    His un-extraordinary life is turned upside down as rival factions of magicians seek to gain control over his new-found gift. Escaping from life-threatening dangers, Alex quickly realises there is more to being a magician than he thought. With the help of the Order, a small group dedicated to upholding the Laws of Light, Alex learns to control his power and fights to prevent an ancient darkness from returning and destroying our world.

Gates of Eden: The Druid Legacy 1-3


Theophilus Monroe - 2020
    Book 1: Druid’s Dance (newly revised/edited edition) Elijah Wadsworth lost his parents and twin sister in what he thought was little more than a tragic accident. But five years later, when Elijah begins manifesting strange abilities--which he neither understands nor can control--he discovers his family has been at the center of a cosmic battle for centuries... and his family's death was likely no accident at all. A mysterious "girl in black" with dark, magical abilities pursues him, hoping to lure him to her cause. After coming into possession of a mystical stone, which transports Elijah into his deceased father’s ancient memories, Elijah and his closest friends must discover the source of his power together lest his newfound abilities drain his very soul, and open up our world to the blight of Samhuinn. When a girl he loves, however, is threatened he must make a choice to either save her by joining the sorceress, the "girl in black," or save the world. Book 2: Bard’s Tale The Tree of Life—the source of Elijah’s power—is failing. Creatures from Samhuinn are breaking through the veil and terrorizing St. Louis. As the Tree weakens, Elijah’s abilities are failing. Will Elijah be able to stop the incursions before his powers fade completely? Book 3: Ovate’s Call Elijah’s Ovate—Tyler—is visited by a strange, but alluring, princess from Annwn. He's immediately captivated by her--but Elijah fears the princess has ulterior motives. Is the princess who she claims to be, or is she another pawn in the Morrigan's scheme? The cosmic struggle between Elijah, his Order, and the Morrigan and her legions comes to a head in the final installment of the Gates of Eden: the Druid Legacy Trilogy. Readers of Theophilus Monroe’s Voodoo Academy from the Gates of Eden: The Voodoo Legacy series will naturally adore the Druid Legacy. Combined with Celtic mythology and Arthurian lore, this druid urban fantasy is a compelling installment in the Gates of Eden world. With magical fantasy adventure romance, a snarky male hero, and a plethora of characters taken straight from Arthurain lore and the Celtic world of myth, this time travel epic fantasy will keep readers enthralled from start to finish.

Ghosts of Gods


Sydney Allen - 2019
     After my time in the army and then finding myself in the mountains of Tibet, I was ready to lay low, to relax. It was time to go home. Or so I thought. No sooner had I set about returning to the normal life then I found myself swept up in a mission to kill the gods in order to save the life of someone very dear to me. The only problem with killing gods aside from, well, having to kill gods? First I had to be able to reach them through a ritual of intimacy and death. Yeah, you can see where that might be problematic. What follows is a tale of godly proportions with harem elements and downright dirty deeds.

Moving Targets


C.L. Werner - 2013
    Amid the last refugees fleeing the advance, the duo is caught up in an assignment that will prove to be either their salvation or undoing.From the stinking mists of the Bloodsmeath Marsh to the back alleys of Five Fingers, Taryn & Rutger will do everything in their power to survive a game of Moving Targets.

Assault on Dread Fortress Paine (The King Henry Tapes)


Richard Raley - 2018
     But even in victory, the legacy of Obadiah Paine is not so easily washed away. His hidden lair yet remains, Dread Fortress Paine yet stands! Within it . . . none can be sure what monstrous acts are waiting to be uncovered or guess the number of Paine loyalists who linger. It falls on the shoulders of ESLED Strike Alpha to answer these questions and to seize Paine's hideout for the Elemental Learning Council. Led by spectromancer Ramses Lamprey, joined by civilian observer Tyson Bonnie, and aided by Council fixer Eva Reti, failure is not an option. This volume is a can't miss for Foul Mouth fans, acting as an action packed epilogue for "The Foul Mouth and the Pit of No Return" while priming many plot points for the next main volume and even those well beyond. Dread Fortress Paine must fall! THE KING HENRY TAPES Book 1 - "The Foul Mouth and the Fanged Lady" (released) Book 2 - "The Foul Mouth and the Cat Killing Coyotes" (released) Book 3 - "The Foul Mouth and the Troubled Boomworm" (released) Book 4 - "The Foul Mouth and the Headless Hunny" (released) Book 5 - "The Foul Mouth and the Mancy Martial Artist" (released) Book 5.5 - "King Henry and the Three Little Trips" (released) Book 6 - "The Foul Mouth and the Pit of No Return" (released) Book 6.5 - "Assault on Dread Fortress Paine" (released) Book 6.75 - "The Glassbreaker Goes Home" (forthcoming) Book 7 - "The Foul Mouth and the Runaway Rumble" (forthcoming)

Dumb Luck


J.G. Jerome - 2019
     My name’s Jack. I’m a relatively average guy working as an IT consultant. I had some interesting experiences as a soldier before I took up my current profession, but basically, I'm an average normal guy since then. It was pure dumb luck that I met a gorgeous woman on an airplane, and we hit it off. I’m usually seated next to the fat, talkative guy, sweating alcohol out of his pores. Instead, I got to sit next to an exotic beauty, and she decided to be my companion for the day. You can’t make this stuff up! It all started with that ‘truth stranger than fiction’ scenario, and yet...that is the least crazy thing about everything that followed in my life after that day. Beings of myth and legend exist. No, really! If you ever read about fantastic beings in a fairy tale or myth, the odds are they exist - or they are based on something equally fantastic. I always enjoyed reading about them, but never dreamed they existed. What really twisted my noodle is that apparently, I am one. Hold onto your knickers, while I tell you about this crazy ride I’m on. WARNING: This story is an adult fantasy for mature folks. As such, this story includes unusual interpretations of myth and legends, faerie violence, descriptions of genitalia, descriptions of sexual activities, mixing of US, UK, and Indian idioms, panamorous relationships, harem relationships, romance, bromance, BFFs, cursing, bathroom selfies, off-beat humor, eating food while naked or partially naked, drinking, going to the bathroom, the insurance industry, the IT consulting industry, and many other things that might possibly offend someone in our judgemental society. If you are offended by any of those things, then go forth to enjoy life elsewhere. I wish you the best. If you’re not dissuaded, then...

The Rise of Malbeck


Jason L. McWhirter - 2012
    An army of darkness marches from the north, crushing all who oppose it under its muddy black boot. The drums of war echo throughout Kraawn as the struggle between light and dark teeters in the balance, fueled on the one hand by the greed of the Forsworn, and on the other by the ultimate desire for all that is good to survive.Tarsis, the last city in the north, is laid waste, decimated by Malbeck’s army. Kromm, the King of Tarsis, battles for his life as the dark hunters of Malbeck relentlessly pursue him through the Tundren Mountains. His mighty army has been destroyed and its remnants are now scattered throughout the lands. But he is not alone. He is surrounded by his elite guard, along with Addalis, his court wizard, and Allindrian, the half-elf Blade Singer. But will that be enough to thwart that which hunts him?The road to Finarth is now open and few are left to stop the Dark One. The hope of the land rests in the combined power of its last remaining heroes. Jonas Kanrene, cavalier to Shyann, has been given his next mission. He must find King Kromm and bring him to Finarth. The bow of Taleen, cavalier to Bandris, and the sword of Fil Tanrey, warrior of Finarth, accompanies Jonas on this perilous task. Their quest is fraught with death, sacrifice, and courage. But will their courage see them through their mission? Can Jonas and his companions prevail against the Forsworn and protect the king? These are questions that can only be answered by the strength of their blades, and more importantly, the courage in their hearts.

Yes, Master


Simon Archer - 2020
    What if you had a genie who wanted your every last desire to come true? What if you had two? And what if they were competing to see who could do a better job?What would you wish for?

The Messengers Menagerie


Joey Anderle - 2017
      Now, Sterling Booker Wells hasn't been in charge of her for 24 hours and they have already busted up one effort on her life, and even worse, there is a crossbow bolt hole in Alphonse's prized, painstakingly accurate, exquisitely restored, vintage replica of Steve McQueen's 1968 Mustang from the hit movie Bullitt.However, Booker argues in his defense, the Princess hasn't suffered a scratch. The Messengers Menagerie continues the first weekend when Sterling Booker Wells meets the Royal Elven Princess Auralee, what (else) could possibly go wrong? How about a new crew sent to do him in? And the Princess who will be by his side. Join Runner Sterling Booker Wells as he attempts to keep the Elven Princess out of harm's way... Again.

King of Sin: A Dark Lord Urban Fantasy Mashup


Nick Freo - 2019
    Villains want to be him.Tired of nice guy heroes?Want to tear the flesh from the bones of your enemies? Plunder their riches and return home to celebrate with your loyal band of warrior women?If that's you, indulge yourself in a guilt-free trip to the dark side.After a great battle, Cain awakens to find himself in a new world, the modern age of man.All traces of his former kingdom are gone. Of his personal guard, only one, the majestic elf-queen Pride, remains.This soft world seems ripe for the taking, and Cain wastes no time in making it his own. But Cain quickly discovers that the world is not as defenseless as it first appears, and he will have to content with powers, old and new, who stand in his path. When might and magic are not enough, Cain must adapt, gaining allies and resources to once again become the true King of Sin.Come, join Cain, and learn how you can be the next great dark lord.Sauron plays Grand Theft Auto with a harem in this dark lord reverse portal fantasy. This book contains adult themes.

A Sacred Pact


Michael Todd - 2018
    However, with Pandora on her side, who is going to win if they argue with them?Whether it is possible or not, plenty try. How much of what Katie does is due to her recent heartache? In the end, the enemy steps up their efforts to bring down these sisters in heart and deed. Do they finally have the answer?  Others need legal documents, these two women have a Sacred Pact. The World is in Good Hands... Ok, one set of good hands, one set of mischievous hands.

Tomb of Atlantis


Christopher David Petersen - 2012
    This was to address reader's concerns. There are 6 books in the Atlantis series: Hidden Courage; Tomb of Atlantis; Curse of Atlantis; Tomb of Zeus; Weapon of Atlantis; and Atlantis: The Sacred Orb. Please see recommended order of reading below. Hidden Courage: is the back story of the main character in the Atlantis series (Interesting, but not essential) Tomb of Atlantis: is book 1 Curse of Atlantis: is book 2 Tomb of Zeus: is book 3 Weapons of Atlantis: is book 4 Atlantis: The Sacred Orb: is book 5 Tomb of Atlantis: Young Jack Roberts is an adventurer. While flying up through the Caribbean many years ago, he spotted what he believed was a golden artifact resting on the ocean’s floor. Without the resources to investigate further, he snapped some photos and flew home. Years later, he makes a startling discovery. While watching an interview on TV, he sees an exact duplicate of the symbol he photographed now displayed on a set of ancient tablets reported to be 7,000 years old. With his curiosity piqued, he knows he must return. Jack’s new adventure leads him back to the Caribbean Sea in search of the golden artifact. While diving, he finds other ancient relics that point to the first real evidence of Atlantis. Excited and energized, he returns to the dive zone once more. Tragedy strikes and Jack is now forced to fight for his life. Violent storms and vicious predators force him beyond even his own endurance as he clings to an improvised raft, driven not just to survive, but to solve the 7,000-year-old mystery of Atlantis. 82,000 words For those interested in updates on book releases, please sign up for my news letter: http://ow.ly/gqFbo

Seal Team 13: Liberation


Evan Currie - 2021
    A little work, a little luck, and a kid goes home to his parents and Ray moves on to the next job. When the job becomes bigger than he realized, and bigger than he can handle, Ray is faced with horrors he'd never imagined, a world that by rights should not exist... and only one number to call.Thirteen.