Book picks similar to
The Gauntlet by Rebecca Ethington


fantasy
paranormal
young-adult
new-adult

Haven


A.R. Ivanovich - 2011
    Outside the safety of her homeland’s borders, Katelyn meets Rune, a young soldier who will die without her immediate aid. She never considered that helping him would lead to her capture. While being held prisoner by the handsome Lord Dylan Axton, she learns that the outside world is rife with war and controlled by people with extraordinary powers. It becomes clear that there was a very good reason the founders of Haven locked their people away from the rest of the world. The depth of her peril reaches a fever pitch when a ruthless Commander wants Katelyn dead. Her only hope is to return to Haven, but can she survive long enough to find her home? HAVEN is an exciting young adult fantasy novel, set in a unique, rural steampunk world, by debut author A. R. Ivanovich.

Between the Blade and the Heart


Amanda Hocking - 2018
    The balance of the world rests on her ability to carry out orders. But when Malin discovers that her mother spared the life of an immortal who was destined to die, her world is thrown into chaos.As Malin wrestles with the knowledge that her mother might not be who she thought, she’s also thrust into the path of a gorgeous blue-eyed guy named Asher who needs her help slaying the rogue immortal who destroyed his family. Malin, along with her best friend and her ex-girlfriend, must decide where her loyalties lie...and whether helping Asher enact his revenge is worth the risk—to the world and to her heart.

Supernatural Academy: Year One


Jaymin Eve - 2019
    WTF?Secondly … she is one, even though no one seems to know exactly what kind. Double WTF.Thirdly … she’s about to go back to school. Well, things just got a little more interesting.The Supernatural Academy is where shifters, vampires, magic users, and fey are educated. Where they are taught about their abilities, and how to function in the human world. Maddison already has the human part down, but this supernatural thing is an entirely new dangerous game.Example one: mean girls who can actually turn you into a frog.Example two: Asher Lock, a god at the Academy. Not literally … well, who knows for sure. He certainly acts the part, as do all of his minions who worship him.Asher drives her crazy, because apparently snarly, gorgeous, and arrogant is her thing, and despite their mutual dislike, sparks fly between them. The more they’re thrown together, the more Asher is determined to figure out what’s been blocking her abilities.Until the moment the truth is revealed, and they find out nothing in this supernatural world is what they thought.

Teaching the King


D.D. Chance - 2021
    Good luck with that.For centuries, Hogan witches were bound in a trumped-up contract to teach magic to the High King of the Fae. Then, a hundred years ago, we escaped that prison sentence and never looked back.Now there's a new king in town. Brutally gorgeous, mouthwateringly fierce—and seriously pissed.He's coming for me, and he won't take no for an answer.But I don't care how much Mr. Tall, Dark, and Deadly makes my heart pound and head spin, a ridiculously unwanted side effect of that goddess-forsaken contract. I've dedicated my life to creating a safe haven for those in need—whether they’re rogue witches escaping their persecutors or monsters desperate for somewhere to hide. If I leave my tavern unprotected, every last soul I’ve helped will be hunted down, recaptured. Killed.Not gonna happen.So I'll just have to find the contract that’s bound me to the most deviously sexy ruler across all the realms…and break it for good.Before the High King of the Fae breaks me.

Her Kind of Magic


May Dawson - 2019
    I grew up training for battles he hoped I’d never fight. Until the night my school dance sucks, and he takes me out for ice cream after. When the screaming starts, my chocolate-chip-cookie-dough cone splatters on the street. My uncle and I race to help. An hour later, I’m covered in his blood, shell-shocked, being loaded in a police car for a crime I could never commit. The Hunters’ Academy rescues me. Or maybe imprisons me. The details are a little dicey, and the men training me—handsome Cade and cruel, cold, perfect Nix—try to avoid the subject. But nothing matters to me now except getting revenge. I know I’ll make those responsible for my uncle’s death pay. But after my revenge, how will I go on with life, now that the last person who loved me is dead? Will I be able to come back to the academy and create a new family, find a new home? Or will I have destroyed my chance here? I’ll think about that tomorrow. Today, I’m out for blood. Her Kind Of Magic is book 1 in the Academy of Supernatural trilogy. Scroll up and download now to enroll in the Academy, where you'll find yourself with a quip on the tip of your tongue, handsome men by your side, and a sword in hand as you face down the geists and vamps that plague our world.

Shadow Caster


Debbie Cassidy - 2019
    Doesn’t matter if you don’t remember doing the crime.I killed a human, and no, it wasn’t on purpose, but that shit doesn’t matter to the council. I’m facing death. So, when I’m offered a deal to avoid execution, I’d be a fool not to take it, even if it means leaving the human world and urban life behind to enroll in the Nightwatch Academy – a gothic monstrosity hidden from human eyes, located way too close to the largest tear in the fabric of our reality.It would be fun if I had any inclination of becoming a member of the Watch or supporting the shadow knights at keeping the Formorian threat at bay. But heck, the monsters beyond the mist aren’t my problem. I have personal demons to deal with.Once I’m out, the Watch can shove it.But one sip from the ceremonial goblet and my plans to coast are out of the window as my powers spark to life.I’m an anomaly, one the Watch won’t be letting walk any time soon.My only comfort is a man who prides himself on his ability to harness pain. Battle scarred and formidable, he’s my tutor, my mentor, and the object of some super saucy dreams. He’s completely off limits and my only hope of surviving my first test.I’ll need to harness my powers fast.There can be no distractions.But when my fellow cadets start going missing then returning with no memory of who they used to be and my best friend is taken, turning a blind eye is no longer an option.Allies are limited when you’re a freak. Luckily, I don’t need a cheer squad to get shit done. Whoever is responsible better watch out. I’m coming for them, and I’ll be bringing the pain.The Vampire Academy meets Game of Thrones in this kick-ass, supernatural academy, Urban Fantasy with a slow burn Why Choose Romance.

A Dance With Darkness


Jenna Wolfhart - 2018
    Until my eighteenth birthday, I didn’t know how true that was. First, I started seeing strange things. Then, the tips of my ears began to shift. Now, even touching something made of iron makes me sick. Am I losing my mind?When four mysterious fae males corner me in the street, they bring terrifying news: I’m not human. I’m a changeling, a fae swapped at birth. Under their powerful yet infuriating guidance, I return to Otherworld to train at their academy and determine to which of the four faerie courts I belong. But there’s something much more dangerous than the four fae vying for my attention. And if I don’t unravel the fae’s secrets, none of the changelings will survive. Including me.

Something Wicked


Emma Dean - 2019
    Kenzie Kavanagh exposed her father and brother's betrayal. So Mika is starting at the University of Morgana a semester late and praying to the Fates that she'll be able to catch up and graduate with her class. But as a witch with an undeclared specialty she's trying not to bring too much attention to herself. Because Mika has a secret and if she doesn't learn to control her powers, people will die.

Of Light and Darkness


Shayne Leighton - 2011
    Raised among a secret society of Witches, Shifters, and Elves, human-born Charlotte Ruzikova finds that she is the freak in her world of magic and monsters. When she stands before an army of impossible obstacles, the likelihood of survival in this coming-of-age modern fairy tale is slim. After Charlotte captures the attention of the young Elven prince, her scorn results in an all-out war between light and darkness.Charlotte knows no other home than the one nestled deep in the woods of the Czech Republic, where Witches draw spells of enchantment, Shifters throw tea parties, and Elves are the closest in kin. But as genocide and war threatens life as she knows it, Charlotte will fight for what she believes in...truth, bravery, and most importantly...love. Fighting with a coven of rogue monsters is tougher than it seems, but she will stop at nothing to save them...and she'll do it before the sun comes up and light takes over forever.Filled with Slavic folklore, Of Light and Darkness is the first part of an epic series not to be missed!.

The Fire Prophecy


Megan Linski - 2018
     Sophia I'm Sophia Henley, your typical college freshman. I never expected a lion to be stalking me, nor for fire to come shooting out of my hands to protect my sister. Next thing I know, a drop-dead gorgeous guy shows up on my doorstep to sweep me away to a magical school, where I'll learn to control my element and bond with a powerful creature called a Familiar. I don't believe I'm the savior of an ancient tribe, or the missing piece of a prophecy that's more myth than reality. Worst of all, I'm forced to enter the Elemental Cup, where I'll either earn my place in this society… or die trying. Liam The night I met Sophia, I didn't think we'd form an undeniable connection. But I'm from the Water tribe, and she's fire. I'm forced to push her away even as I'm falling for her. I lost everything, yet Sophia makes me whole again. Our world is fixed on keeping us apart, but we're in this tournament together. We have to keep each other alive at any cost — or I'll give my life for hers. It's pretty clear. If I continue to play with fire, I'm going to get burned. *** The Fire Prophecy is the first book in the incredible and breathtaking Academy of Magical Creatures series. This New Adult college fantasy is packed full of laughter, romance, and extraordinary worlds. Discover why fans of Harry Potter and The Hunger Games love this book!

Bound by Prophecy


Melissa Wright - 2013
    He never wanted to take Morgan’s place among council, never wanted to rule their hidden world. But when the key to the prophecy is found, a young girl named Brianna whom Morgan will destroy, Aern knows he has to take action.What he really wants, is for things to go back to normal. But now he’s kidnapped a girl, and his brother’s men are after him. His only hope is to join with the Division, but they have plans of their own, and it’s the last thing Aern is willing to do.Emily just wants her sister back. She doesn't care about the prophecy, or realize what’s at stake. But when she goes after Aern, the truth of the matter uncoils, and Brianna isn't the only one who’s in danger.Suddenly, they’re at the center of a secret war, and unless they can work together, they’ll both have a sacrifice too big to make.

Necromancer Academy


Lindsey R. Loucks - 2019
     Last spring, Dawn found her older brother dead in a pool of his blood. His killer stood over him, wearing a smile as sharp and ghastly as his knife.Last summer, she tracked the killer down. He’s a student at Necromancer Academy and part of a secret fraternity known as the Diabolicals. This fall, Dawn will scrap her admission to the prestigious White Magic Academy. She’ll trade sparkly healing charms and bright dresses for death charms and black cloaks. She’ll melt into the shadowy halls of Necromancer Academy. And she will have her revenge. Necromancer Academy is the first book in a four-book series. Each book ends in a cliffhanger.  One-click now for your acceptance into Necromancer Academy! Book 2 – Releases November 21 Book 3 – Releases January 2 Book 4 – Releases February13

Angeles Vampire


Sofia Raine - 2019
    A secret society. A mysterious stranger who could take her breath away for good…Fiona Winter refuses to give up the search for her estranged father. But after spending years chasing down dead ends, those she loves most refuse to support her quest any longer. Just when all hope seems lost, a dark, mysterious stranger promises answers… for a price…Fiona reluctantly agrees to Matthew Mercer’s intriguing proposal, and she’s tossed headfirst into an underground world of monsters that shouldn’t exist. To find her father, she’ll need to venture into the dark with a guide who might be just as dangerous as the creatures she’ll face. Can she trust the captivating Matthew or is he leading her to a fate worse than death?Angeles Vampire is the first book in an addictive new paranormal series that’s perfect for fans of Twilight, The Vampire Diaries, and A Shade of Vampire. If you like unearthly plot twists, heart-stopping chemistry, and characters with dark secrets, then you’ll love this new take on the lore you crave.

The Change


Teyla Branton - 2013
    By fluke of a recessive gene, she has become Unbounded, a nearly immortal being with paranormal abilities. Erin’s Change separates her from her loved ones and alters everything she believes to be true. A week earlier she was considering a marriage proposal; now she contemplates the best way to stay alive. Caught in a battle between two Unbounded groups, she is also hunted by a secret mortal society sworn to eradicate the Unbounded gene. Worse, a new identification software could mean death for all Unbounded—or enslavement for the entire mortal world. As Erin plunges into this dangerous new life, she must carve out her own place in the madness, protect her mortal family, and decide which group she should join. Her powerful attraction to Ritter Langton, whose family was massacred by opposing Unbounded two hundred and forty years ago, complicates her choices. There are no second chances. Death, life, or love—Unbounded always play for keeps. Non-stop action, terrifying consequences, and powerful romance make this an exciting addition to the world of urban fantasy.

Red


Alyxandra Harvey - 2015
    Fires that Kia can start…just by thinking about them.When her latest “episode” gets her kicked out of school, Kia is shipped off to her grandmother, who works for the wealthy Blackwoods. It's an estate shrouded in secrets, surrounded by rules, and presided over by a family that is far from normal…including the gorgeous and insolent Ethan Blackwood.Ethan knows far more about the dangers of the forest surrounding the estate than Kia can ever imagine. For this forest has teeth, and Ethan is charged with protecting the outside world from its vicious mysteries.But inside, even the most vibrant shade of red doesn't stand a chance against the dark secrets of the Blackwood family…