Book picks similar to
The Quickening by Fiona McIntosh


fantasy
australian
australian-author
en-ebook

The Pioneer


A.R. Holloway - 2019
    A world that operates similar to the video games Daniel has always enjoyed, Ethria is a place where power can be found in many forms, both light and dark, and whose true purpose is unknown even to most of its denizens. Taking the long way home, Daniel will make another choice, to help a group of persecuted people whose story mirrors that of his pioneer ancestors. But In a time when Gods are changing, the people of every race suffer, the foundations of nations shift, and change and danger are in the very air, what can one under-leveled, foreign wizard do? All the while at the roof of the world, at the base of the Sawtooth Mountains a darkness grows, a creature plots, and an ancient evil from the foundations of the world seeks to re-emerge onto Ethria.”

Leaving Pimlico


P.B. North - 2014
    I can never get used to this, Alexi. Having you, that is. How did I deserve you? Deserve me? You don't have to do anything to deserve me. I love you. It's as simple as that. I love you for what you are. All you need to do is love me back. You don't earn love, as a payment in return.Peter Kingsmill's life had run into the sands since the death of his wife. What was a glittering London career had lost its shine. Until, that is, his life is turned upside down by an unexpected collision of events. He inherits the family estate, meets a girl seventeen years his junior and receives an anonymous letter which casts doubt on all the certainties on which he has built his past life.What follows is a journey of discovery which takes him back in time to war-torn Europe. To a story of betrayal in the secret world of spies and double agents, and ultimately to redemption and a bright new life.The narrative moves at speed from the dusty plains of pre-war Poland to the frozen winter landscapes of German-occupied Norway and finally to the gentle pastoral of the north Yorkshire hills. It is a story of a search for the pieces that make up a human life; and of the love that binds those pieces together....Do you remember the Snow Queen story? I can complete the pattern now. I have everything I need.

The Larmenius Inheritance


John Paul Davis - 2013
    Hidden amongst his cargo is a legendary treasure – its very existence known only to those deemed worthy.500 years later, esteemed history professor William Anson is found murdered in La Rochelle. Around his neck, an ancient medallion, one that has not been seen since 1307. He is the grandmaster of the Knights of Arcadia: a society of men deemed worthy. His killers, a ruthless brotherhood, whose existence is equally legendary. And they will not rest until they have reclaimed what was once theirs.For Anson’s son, navy outcast Matt Anson, his father’s death is just the start of a series of events that turn his life upside down. Meanwhile, in London, journalist Nicole Stocker is sent to look into a string of deaths, including the mysterious demise of Anson. But as progress starts to be made, she is dragged off the case, attacked, and soon running for her life.As the futures of Anson and Stocker become intertwined, it becomes clear there is more at stake than mere history. An explosive secret remains buried, one that threatens to bring half the world to its knees. And some want it exposed…

IN WINTER'S GRIP: A 1940s' Mystery Thriller


Gordon John Thomson - 2014
    The action of this period romantic mystery takes place in the city of Newcastle-upon-Tyne two years after the end of the war, as Britain is caught in the grip of the worst winter in a thousand years. As blizzards rage and the country grinds to a frozen standstill, on Tyneside a young German woman, Elsa Platten, goes on trial for her life, accused of deliberately burning a man to death... Alexander Galbraith is the lawyer hired to defend her, a man undergoing a personal crisis of his own, since his vengeful wife, Virginia, has discovered evidence of a homosexual affair and is threatening to ruin him... Jack Raisbeck is the owner of the Tyneside shipyard where the murdered man, a Dutchman called Jeroen van Rijn, worked. Jack is a physically scarred and cynical survivor of the war in the North Atlantic but his developing romantic relationship with Elsa in the months before the murder has rejuvenated him. Yet, as Elsa begins her trial, Jack is also struggling to keep his shipyard business alive, beset with a rebellious workforce led by union leader Ernie Wilmot, and with the financial future of his yard hanging in the balance after a recent arson attack and an act of embezzlement by his former chief accountant, George Hetherington. As the evidence against Elsa unfolds in the course of the trial, she re-lives her past life in Germany and Holland: the rise of the Nazis and the invasion of Holland, her subsequent betrayal and deportation to the East, and her escape and struggle to survive the fall of Berlin. Jack and Alexander Galbraith both believe in Elsa’s innocence but that belief is strongly tested as the evidence against her grows. The trail to find the truth leads both men in unexpected directions. For Jack it leads to a confrontation with his brother-in-law on a frozen cliff top, and to other disturbing family revelations. For Galbraith it is something even worse - he has to make the ultimate choice between preserving his own career and reputation, or saving his client from the hangman...

The Five Kingdoms Books 1-3


Toby Neighbors - 2012
    Throughout the realm, magic lies dormant, sleeping, almost forgotten until Zollin discovers that he is a wizard. While he revels in his new powers and the realization that his life has purpose, malevolent wizards from the Torr, led by the scheming Branock, tirelessly seek him out. When at last they discover Zollin, a confrontation will ensue that will change the five kingdoms forever. Zollin is forced to flee his home and, with a small group of friends, find a way to survive until he can learn to use his powers to protect the people he cares about. Wizard Rising is a coming of age story that dives headfirst into a realm where magic is about to reawaken. So buckle up and hang on; the action comes fast and you won’t be able to put it down. Magic Awakening Power always comes at a price. In the Realm of the Five Kingdoms magic has been strictly controlled for centuries. Only a small group of wizards, known as the Torr, exercise the greatest magical powers, but their quest for control has pushed magic in the Five Kingdoms to the brink of extinction. When a young wizard named Zollin refused to submit his power to the Torr, he started more than just a desperate race for survival, his defiance sparked a magical awakening. As Zollin wrestles to understand and control his amazing powers, the world will change forever. Fantastic creatures will once again roam the Five Kingdoms, prompting a frenzied struggle from the people who seek to exploit Zollin’s power for their own gain. As nations clash and the powerful maneuver for supremacy, no one is safe, especially those closest to Zollin. Will the people he cares for the most be lost? Or can a young wizard, only just beginning to comprehend his purpose, risk everything to save what has become most precious to him? Hidden Fire What does it take to face a dragon? When a young wizard named Zollin begins to awaken the magical world, he also sets events in motion that will change the Five Kingdoms forever. In the north a dragon ravages villages and towns. The King's armies are powerless to stop the beast. Refugees begin fleeing to the larger cities in hope of finding safety. In the south, the Council of Kings plot an invasion. Under the influence of the Torr, a group of wizards who have held the Five Kingdoms in their power for three centuries, they turn their attention to bringing Zollin into their fold. They will stop at nothing to control his power, even if it means the assassination of the Crown Prince. As Zollin and his friends strive to bring peace to the Kingdom of Yelsia, they are faced with harrowing dangers and heart wrenching decisions that threaten to tear them apart.

Killing Time: Serial Killers Never Retire - They Just Go On Hiatus


Stephen Leather - 2021
    

The Forbidden Spacemage


Dan Oakley - 2018
     Tomas longs for adventure. Rejected by the villagers of Terrano all his life for his magical abilities, he knows peasants like him are not permitted to serve aboard the Seven Kingdom’s Starships. But when someone reports him for practicing the dark art of magic and Tomas has to run from his accusers, he finds himself caught up in a world of starships, alien worlds and mutant creatures. Join Tomas on his adventure through space!

BLACKBURN : A Bear Shifter Romance Bundle


Katharine Belle - 2017
    When her past comes crashing down on her will he protect her despite his father's warnings? Not even a prophecy of recreating the world in magic can stop him. Book Two: Markus Blackburn Markus Blackburn and Valeria Sanchez have been running hot and cold since they were teenagers, and it doesn't look like it's about to stop now. When a magical explosion in the town of White Rock Creek has the Huntress being reassigned to the area they can't quite seem to keep their hands off of each other, though they keep pretending it's all just for fun. When things go cold again and he goes rushing into the arms of a shape shifting woman will Val let her own stubborn streak keep her from seeing the truth of the matter? Book Three: Robert Blackburn Talking to the dead seems like a great idea until they just won't shut up. Janice learned a long time ago that it's not places that get haunted, it's people. The necromancer is ready to end it all until Robert Blackburn, grade A hottie and bad boy rescues her, but he's not doing it to be nice. All he wants from Janice is her help in bringing his vampire girlfriend back to life. But when, during a forced road trip, Janice becomes the target of a villainess' schemes Robert is forced to keep her safe. When things turn hot and heavy between them will Robert admit his feelings? Then again, maybe she is just a tool for his own means, like she has been for everyone else. Book Four: Dmitri Blackburn Being a single mother of three is hard enough, but add in being a witch in a place where the land is slowly becoming more and more corrupted with tainted magic, and a son who shows the gift for witchcraft too? That's a recipe this kitchen witch knows is going to end badly. When mysterious Blackburn brother Dmitri, son of one of the most powerful practitioners in all of Russia, offers his help how can she say no? What will she do with the unexpected chemistry between them? What about when her magically gifted son goes missing? Book Five: Kyle Blackburn Terry Miller put a stopper in her love life a long time ago, what else was she supposed to do when she found out that her kisses could kill? It doesn't matter if Kyle Blackburn, nerdy and sweet, says that he's willing to risk it, Terry knows her demon blood better than that. Kyle is a tasty treat and she just can't give in. When the pair of them have to rescue the town, and possibly the world from Elenore, living bride to a god of destructive magic, will Terry find time to come to terms with who she is and what she feels?

Nebula


L.E. Miranda - 2021
    In order to save himself and others, Liam must reach his full potential as the last hope.He must become the last shining star that guides his people.This is the story of a man's desperate attempts to save humanity from certain extinction, as well as find out who's behind it all. He dreams of creating a fairer, more just reality and through the System, finds a ray of hope. Follow his journey as he struggles to build up his power while withstanding the trials of Fate.

One-Night Stand


Simon Taylor - 2021
    A one-night stand with Natasha Peters has got her pregnant. Now he has two options: give up on his dream as a comedian and get a day job or abandon his responsibility and be a total dick. Only when Tash tells the full truth does a third possibility emerge...This story recounts the all too relatable experience of a fleeting sexual encounter and the hilarious mess it can create. It details all the things you think you know about safe sex and is inspired by the true story of a comedian in crisis.'The honesty shines through this funny, poignant page-turner. Finished it in one sitting. I just had to know!' — Dave Hughes'Simon is one of the top comedy writers out there.' — Jay Leno'This book will enable you to enter the mind of a comedian, but then you may have to call someone to help you get out.' — Akmal Saleh

The Harvesting Boxed Set, #1-3


Melanie Karsak - 2017
    Carnie. Ride jockey. Roustabout. White trash. Tilt girl. Gypsy. Cricket has been called a lot of things, but she never thought survivor of the zombie apocalypse would be one of them.Book 3: The Shadow AspectLayla and Cricket must join forces if they hope to survive the end of days. But when the world burns, mankind's shadow side rises. Do we deserve to survive?Book 4: Witch WoodHarm none, and be ready for zombies. In the little town of Brighton, Amelia's practice of Wicca marks her as a curiosity both at home and at school. But when modern treatments fail to make a dent in the flu outbreak sweeping the globe, those who once ridiculed her white witchcraft turn to Amelia for help.Book 5: The Torn WorldWith the undead walking, vampires hunting, and kitsune closing in, everything seems lost. Layla, Cricket, and Amelia will need help if there is any hope of survival. Will they prevail in the dying world? Bonus Read: The Clarion Call The spirits warned Vasilisa the end was coming. Who knew her actions might save the world?

Lady Death


Laer Carroll - 2019
     In the star-spanning Human Interstellar Confederation she is know as a Guardian who, in a war ship the size of a small moon, finds and neutralizes star-traveling predators. But how and why did she become a Guardian? In Lady Death we find out.

Merchant System: Book 1: Growing Stronger While Getting Rich


Cobyboy - 2018
    Equipped with the power to become the best merchant, our hero ventures forth in an adventure unlike any other. The Merchant System-3rd edition— revised and reformatted (9/30/2018) Jacob Rolfe's life took a turn for the worse after being abandoned at a very young age. Persecuted by his home village and cursed by misfortune, the only fortunate turn in his melancholic existence appeared when he became a slave to a noble house. Good things didn't last for Jacob, though. One fateful day– his short, sad life ended at the tender age of 14. But even death wasn't the end of it for him. Awakening, Jacob feels just the same as ever, except for one minor change... "Ding... System Initializing... Now activating the [Merchant's Hack]."

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.

Reborn: Apprentice: A LitRPG Adventure (Reclamation Book 1)


Luka Petrov - 2019
    Being an avid RPG player, Ed excelled at logic and reason, and when he enters the afterworld, he is met with a figure who offers him an appealing proposition, to reincarnate as Edward MacAra, a black magic user. The only stipulation, Edward must save the universe from being taken over by the Demon Lord, Abraxas. Abraxas is thought to be dormant, but he is slowly taking over the surrounding villages, and Gilmore is next. Ed risks losing his own soul in the process if he is not able to prevent Abraxas from claiming the universe. After deliberation, Ed reincarnates to the village of Gilmore as Edward MacAra, an 8-year old boy. Does Edward have what it takes to become a black magic user? Find out if Edward can save the village of Gilmore in Reborn: Apprentice.