Diana Pharaoh Francis

SOMETIMES YOU CHOOSE YOUR BATTLES. AND SOMETIMES, THEY CHOOSE YOU... Once, Max dreamed of a career, a home, a loving family. Now all she wants is freedom...and revenge. A witch named Giselle transformed Max into a warrior with extraordinary strength, speed, and endurance. Bound by spellcraft, Max has no choice but to fight as Giselle's personal magic weapon -- a Shadowblade -- and she's lethally good at it. But her skills are about to be put to the test as they never have before.... The ancient Guardians of the earth are preparing to unleash widespread destruction on the mortal world, and they want the witches to help them. If the witches refuse, their covens will be destroyed, including Horngate, the place Max has grudgingly come to think of as home. Max thinks she can find a way to help Horngate stand against the Guardians, but doing so will mean forging dangerous alliances -- including one with a rival witch's Shadowblade, who is as drawn to Max as she is to him -- and standing with the witch she despises. Max will have to choose between the old life she still dreams of and the warrior she has become, and take her place on the side of right -- if she survives long enough to figure out which side that is....

A Horngate Witches Book

Bitter Night

4 1⁄2 Stars TOP PICK --RT Magazine "Best book of the year!" --Faith Hunter, New York Times Bestselling Author of the Jane Yellowrock series Even the most powerful tracers can't track you if the magical trace you leave behind is too old. But I can track almost anything, even dead trace. That makes me a unicorn, the Tooth Fairy, the Easter Bunny, and the Loch Ness Monster all rolled into one. In a word, I am unique. A very special snowflake. And if anyone ever finds out, I'll be dead or a slave to one of the Tyet criminal factions. Riley Hollis has quietly traced kidnapped children and quietly tipped the cops to their whereabouts one too many times. Now she's on the radar of Detective Clay Price, a cop in the pocket of a powerful magic Tyet faction. When he blackmails her into doing a dangerous trace for him, Riley will have to break every rule that keeps her safe. Or become a Tyet pawn in a deadly, magical war. "Diana Pharaoh Francis has crafted a winning paranormal mystery that mixes sizzling sex, magic, and a decades old search for artifacts that could change their world." --Jeanne Stein, Bestselling Author of The Anna Strong Chronicles "Trace of Magic caught me up fast and pulled me in tight for a fun, action-and-sass adventure full of deadly magic and dangerous romance. Diana Pharaoh Francis delivers a downright terrific read." --Devon Monk, nationally Bestselling Author of Hell Bent

Trace of Magic

Refusing to fulfill her destiny as one of the Lady's ahalad-kaaslanes, a servant whose soul is bonded with one of Her blessed animals, Riesil soon learns that her decision has profoundly affected the entire kingdom of Kodu Riik. Original.

Path of Fate

Forced to become the champion of a demigod in a deadly game where the losers meet a fate worse than death, warrior Max, alone and unarmed in a strange, magical city, will stop at nothing to defeat her enemies and return home to Horngate. Original.

Shadow City

THERE ARE GOOD GUYS. THERE ARE BAD GUYS. AND THEN THERE’S MAX. Max knows what trusting the wrong person can cost you. Her former friend Giselle, a powerful witch, enslaved Max years ago, turning her into a Shadowblade—a deadly warrior compelled to fight for Giselle. But there’s more at stake now than Max’s thirst for revenge. The Guardians, overseers of the magical world, have declared war on humanity and on any witches not standing with them. Max and Giselle have come to an uneasy truce in order to protect what’s left of Horngate, their coven’s home. Max would do anything for Horngate—even give herself over to a mysterious otherworldly creature in the nearby mountains in exchange for his help. But first, she intends to save the mortal family she left behind. And Alexander, the Shadowblade warrior who could be her closest ally or her deadliest enemy, is going with her. On a road trip into the unknown, Max and Alexander face wild magic, desperate enemies, and battles that bruise both body and soul. But the greatest challenge will come from unexpected revelations that test everything Max believes about who she is—and where her loyalties lie. . . .

Crimson Wind

War is coming . . . When the FBI uses an anti-magic law to arrest and torture Riley's boyfriend, they have no idea what hell they are about to unleash. If Riley can't rescue Clay before he breaks, the result will be a disaster of epic proportions. With time running out, Riley and her family must rely on two people more likely to stab them in the back than actually help. And, even if Riley manages the rescue, she's still got to deal with two kidnappings and the return of her dad from the dead--the same dad who'd been willing to see her dead to protect his secrets. What's a girl to do? Kick ass, take names, and protect those she cares about at all costs. "The characters and the world building are fantastic." --Book Junkiez on Edge of Dreams "Good pacing, a complex and layered plot, and intriguing characters illustrate why the author delivers such amazing reads!" --Jill Smith, RT Book Reviews on Edge of Dreams "A kickass thrill ride with magic, sex, guns, and mystery."--John Hartness, Bestselling Author of The Black Knight Chronicles on Trace of Magic Diana Pharaoh Francis is the acclaimed author of a dozen novels of fantasy and urban fantasy. Her books have been nominated for the Mary Roberts Rinehart Award and RT's Best Urban Fantasy. Whisper of Shadows is the third book in her exciting new urban fantasy series--The Diamond City Magic Novels.

Whisper of Shadows

Faith Hunter

Devon Monk

R. J. Blain

When the going gets tough, the tough get their hands dirty. Join NY Times Bestselling author Faith Hunter, USA Today Bestselling author R.J. Blain, and National Bestselling authors Diana Pharaoh Francis and Devon Monk on a wild romp where the damsels bring the distress and what can go wrong will go wrong. Venture into a thrilling spinoff tale from the world of Jane Yellowrock, join vacationing gods in what appears to be a quiet, ordinary town, visit a supernatural hotel where the bedbugs could very well eat you, and dive into the zany, deadly world of the Magical Romantic Comedy (with a body count) series. In this collection of all-new urban fantasy novellas and other stories, no job is too big or too small-if the price is right.

An Urban Fantasy Collection

Dirty Deeds

When the going gets tough, the tough get their hands dirty. Join NY Times bestselling authors Faith Hunter and Jennifer Estep along with USA Today bestselling authors R.J. Blain, Diana Pharaoh Francis, and Devon Monk on a brand-new romp through magical worlds where the damsels bring the distress, what can go wrong will go wrong, and nothing is as it seems. Adventure with Eli Younger, Liz Everhart, and Brute in the thrilling world of Jane Yellowrock. Face off against old gods and lost souls at a magical crossroads on Route 66. Become entangled in Ashland's dark, deadly web with side characters from the Elemental Assassin series. Return to the irreverent world of Beck Wyatt, where disaster waits around every corner and cheesecake makes it all worthwhile. And finally, meet up with the Quinns and friends in the zany world of the Magical Romantic Comedy (with a body count) series. In this collection of all-new urban fantasy and paranormal stories, the gloves are off and simply surviving might just be the dirtiest, most difficult deed of all.

Dirty Deeds 2

Welcome back to Diamond City where hell just busted loose. Senator Rice, hater of all things magic, declared martial law following the recent bombings. His goal? Arrest all magic-wielders and take control of the mines. To get what he wants, he doesn't care how many people have to die. How is Riley supposed to stop an army without starting a bigger war? It's going to take deceit, timing, sleight of hand, and a whole lot of luck. To help, she's got her family, friends, and a collection of mobsters, who will probably slide a blade between her ribs the second she turns her back. But beggars can't be choosers, and playing it safe is a losing proposition. Unfortunately, there's more going on than anybody realizes, and the real enemy has yet to show his face. When push comes to shove, can Riley risk sacrificing the people she loves to save a city of people she doesn't even know? Risk her people, her family on a plan almost certainly doomed to fail? For Riley there is really only one choice. What would you choose? "This series is one of the best." —Stacey Brutger, Netgalley Reviewer "Exceptional!" —Jill Smith, RT Book Reviews on The Diamond City Magic series Author Bio: Diana Pharaoh Francis is the acclaimed author of a dozen fantasy and urban fantasy novels. Her books have been nominated for the Mary Roberts Rinehart Award and RT's Best Urban Fantasy. Scatter of Light is the fifth book in her exciting new urban fantasy series—The Diamond City Magic Novels. Visit her at dianapfrancis.com and find her on Facebook.

Scatter of Light

"Exceptional!" --Jill Smith, RT Book Reviews on The Diamond City Magic series Riley's lost the last damned thing she's willing to lose. She's declaring war and prisoners are optional. After escaping the FBI, Riley and her family have become fugitives, and not just from the law. Every bad guy on the planet wants a piece of Riley. Gregg has been kidnapped. Worse than that, Price's newly discovered magic is dangerously out of control, and her own is trying to kill her. She has little time to worry about any of that before all hell breaks loose in Diamond City, and she finds herself smack dab in the crossfire. With the clock ticking down, Riley gathers her friends and family to execute a Hail Mary plan that will pit them against seven of the most dangerous thugs in Diamond City, a serial killer, Riley's psychopath father, and a mysterious billionaire with plans of his own. If she succeeds, she makes herself an even bigger target. If she fails, everybody she cares about dies. But the shadows hold danger even Riley will never see coming . . . . Diana Pharaoh Francis is the acclaimed author of a dozen fantasy and urban fantasy novels. Her books have been nominated for the Mary Roberts Rinehart Award and RT's Best Urban Fantasy. Shades of Memory is the fourth book in her exciting new urban fantasy series--The Diamond City Magic Novels.

Shades of Memory

The road to hell is paved with good intentions. And a pound of flesh. Magical tracking expert Riley Hollis is on a mission to save five teenagers lost inside a mountain. But nothing is what it seems, and soon Riley finds herself bruised, bloodied, and embroiled in a battle to bring down a sadistic criminal dealing in human souls and the darkest of magics. Her only hope may be to swallow her pride and ask for help from her not-quite-ex-boyfriend and his notorious brother - Tyet criminal boss, Gregg Touray. Even that may not be enough to protect her. Something has gone very wrong in the trace dimension and in Riley's head.If she doesn't figure out how to handle the past, the present, the trace, and the bad guys, the road to hell is going to look like a great alternative.

Edge of Dreams

When Benjamin Sterling, the Leader of the Earth's Last Stand cult whose power comes from a dark and terrible source, sets his sights on Horngate and its magical inhabitants, supernatural warrior Max knowingly walks into a trap to save those she loves. Original. 50,000 first printing.

Blood Winter

"Celebrating death never felt so good. Beck Wyatt has always hated her mother--enough to kill her. As luck would have it, someone beats her to murdering Mommy Dearest and now Beck gets to plan the tackiest funeral the world has ever seen for the worst woman she's ever known. But first, Beck has a few minor problems to deal with. First on the list? Avoid getting kidnapped. She also has to convince the police she didn't kill her mother. And then there's surviving a death curse .... With the help of her three best friends, cheesecake, and a little magic, Beck figures she can handle anything, even the mysterious and irritating Damon Matroviani, whose sexy good-looks light her panties on fire. All too soon, her life is turned inside out, and just when things are looking like they can't get any worse ... everything hits the fan."--Back cover.

Putting the Fun in Funeral

"Diana Pharaoh Francis delivers a downright terrific read." --Devon Monk, nationally Bestselling Author of Hell Bent on Trace of Magic "A vividly written world of magic and kick-ass action." --D. B. Reynolds, author of the Vampires in America Series The road to hell is paved with good intentions. And a pound of flesh. Magical tracking expert Riley Hollis is on a mission to save five teenagers lost inside a mountain. But nothing is what it seems, and soon Riley finds herself bruised, bloodied, and embroiled in a battle to bring down a sadistic criminal dealing in human souls and the darkest of magics. Her only hope may be to swallow her pride and ask for help from her not-quite-ex-boyfriend and his notorious brother--Tyet criminal boss, Gregg Touray. Even that may not be enough to protect her. Something has gone very wrong in the trace dimension and in Riley's head. If she doesn't figure out how to handle the past, the present, the trace, and the bad guys, the road to hell is going to look like a great alternative. Diana Pharaoh Francis is the acclaimed author of a dozen novels of fantasy and urban fantasy. Her books have been nominated for the Mary Roberts Rinehart Award and RT's Best Urban Fantasy. Edge of Dreams is the second in her exciting new urban fantasy series--The Diamond City Magic novels. Visit her at dianapfrancis.com and find her on Facebook.

"The Witchkin Murders is a supernatural police procedural with interesting characters who are full of secrets and a plot that is full of twists and turns. A fun read." --Anne Bishop, New York Times bestselling author of Wild Country Four years ago, my world--the world--exploded with wild magic. The cherry on top of that crap cake? The supernatural world declared war on humans, and my life went straight to hell. I used to be a detective, and a damned good one. Then Magicfall happened, and I changed along with the world. I'm witchkin now--something more than human or not quite human, depending on your perspective. To survive, I've become a scavenger, searching abandoned houses and stores for the everyday luxuries in short supply--tampons and peanut butter. Oh, how the mighty have fallen, but anything's better than risking my secret. Except, old habits die hard. When I discover a murder scene screaming with signs of black magic ritual, I know my days of hiding are over. Any chance I had of escaping my past with my secret intact is gone. Solving the witchkin murders is going to be the hardest case of my life, and not just because every second will torture me with reminders of how much I miss my old life and my partner, who hates my guts for abandoning the department. But it's time to suck it up, because if I screw this up, Portland will be wiped out, and I'm not going to let that happen. Hold on to your butts, Portland. Justice is coming, and I don't take prisoners. About the Author: Diana Pharaoh Francis is the acclaimed author of a dozen novels of fantasy and urban fantasy. Her books have been nominated for the Mary Roberts Rinehart Award and RT's Best Urban Fantasy. The Witchkin Murders is the first book in her exciting new urban fantasy series--Magicfall. Visit her at dianapfrancis.com, and find her on Facebook.

The Witchkin Murders

"Previously published by ROC, an imprint of New American Library, a division of Penguin Group (USA) in 2007."

The Cipher

Some dreams become nightmares . . . An invasion is headed for Crosspointe, but three friends will find themselves at war long before the first enemy touches the shore. One man will betray her. Fairlie, a master metalsmith, is discovered to have a rare magical talent that could save Crosspointe from destruction. Against her will, she is forced to make a monstrous sacrifice. What happens next could tear the world apart. One man will risk everything to save her The future hangs in the balance. Everything depends on Fairlie. Driven to the edge of sanity and endurance, she must choose who will live and who will die. One man will come face to face with his worst nightmare. The enemy is coming to Crosspointe, but a worse one lurks within. As secrets get ripped open and truths are revealed, Crosspointe's future looks ever bleaker. "An original world." - #1 New York Times bestselling author Patricia Briggs "A deftly-woven mixture of adventure, intrigue, magic and romance." - The Green Man Review ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Diana Pharaoh Francis is the acclaimed author of a dozen novels of fan¬tasy and urban fantasy. Her books have been nominated for the Mary Roberts Rinehart Award and RT's Best Urban Fantasy. Her Urban Fantasy series include The Diamond City Magic novels. Visit her at dianapfrancis.com and find her on Twitter and Facebook.

The Turning Tide

Welcome back to Diamond City where hell just busted loose. Senator Rice, hater of all things magic, declared martial law following the recent bombings. His goal? Arrest all magic-wielders and take control of the mines. To get what he wants, he doesn't care how many people have to die. How is Riley supposed to stop an army without starting a bigger war? It's going to take deceit, timing, sleight of hand, and a whole lot of luck. To help, she's got her family, friends, and a collection of mobsters, who will probably slide a blade between her ribs the second she turns her back. But beggars can't be choosers, and playing it safe is a losing proposition. Unfortunately, there's more going on than anybody realizes, and the real enemy has yet to show his face. When push comes to shove, can Riley risk sacrificing the people she loves to save a city of people she doesn't even know? Risk her people, her family on a plan almost certainly doomed to fail? For Riley there is really only one choice. What would you choose?

The “compelling” story of a gifted, heroic healer and her telepathic goshawk companion as they battle dark sorcery (Carol Berg, national bestselling author). “What’s better than a story about a stubborn, likable heroine thrust into events fraught with danger, wizards, and gods? Well, all of the above, plus a goshawk” (Kristen Britain, New York Times–bestselling author of the Green Rider series). Experience the complete epic fantasy trilogy set in a unique magical world, where an orphaned healer becomes a guardian of her land and fulfills her ultimate destiny. Path of Fate: When a goshawk named Saljane swoops into her life, young healer Reisil discovers she can communicate telepathically with the bird of prey, an undeniable sign that she has been chosen by Lady Amiya, the goddess of Kodu Riik, to become an ahalad-kaaslane—a guardian of the land. At first, Reisil resists accepting her call to service, but when a kidnapping threatens to trigger war, she embarks on a dangerous pursuit of the traitors in order to save two kingdoms. “This delightful debut . . . intrigued me . . . and swept me away.” —Carol Berg Path of Honor: As a deadly plague ravages the country, Reisil is horrified to find that she has lost her ability to heal. Without power, and with only the companionship of her goshawk, she is determined to figure out what is truly ailing the land. She soon realizes she must seek out the wizards she once fought against in order to defeat the scourge. “Likable characters and plenty of action keep things entertaining.” —Locus Path of Blood: Accompanied by her sentient goshawk, Saljane, and her loyal lover, Yohuac, Reisil travels across a war-torn land into a realm of dark sorcery. She is the only one with enough power to gain entrance to the spellbound city of Mysane Kosk and close a magical rift that threatens to consume everything and everyone she loves. “Generates a lot of page-turning.” —Booklist

Diana Pharaoh Francis

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