Clean Fiction Digital Reviews

Seven stasis bio-pods hold Astrid’s entire family. She needs nanites to save them. An insane amount. THE BEAUTY: When a mysterious man offers Astrid the credits she needs to save her family in exchange for marriage in name only, she has little choice but to agree. And when she arrives at the remote moon near Jovian on which he lives, he will not even let her see his face. All she knows about him is his name, who he was, and that he is dying, unable to be saved by a nanite influx. But why not? What happened to Vasily? Her new husband is a puzzle she is unable to truly solve. THE CYBORG: The one called Vasily knows the horror of what he is, and what has been done to him, is not for the faint of heart or weak of will. The bond between his soul and his mostly cyborg body will soon fail. With his new wife by his side he has made peace with death, for he is no longer alone. Then a shocking revelation reveals that he may be saved from his cursed life. But only if Astrid is brave enough to look into the face of who he once was

What if superhumans weren’t considered heroes? When Scarlett Marley is attacked by an illegal super with fire powers, she doesn’t get burned, but now she has a fire-like glow flickering in her eyes. With superpowers criminalized, she has no choice but to turn herself over to the Superhuman Containment Facility, or risk hurting everyone she loves. Her normal life seems lost forever, until she is selected to be one of the first to receive the experimental cure to destroy her powers. In exchange, she must first complete one mission: Infiltrate and capture one of the largest gangs of supers in the remains of once-great Rapid City. With the cure and all her future at stake, Scarlett is prepared to do whatever it takes to bring these criminals to justice so she can return to her family. But this gang and their leader, Rez, aren’t what everyone says, and Scarlett begins to question everything she was ever told about the SCF and the fire flowing in her veins. The cure is her only hope for returning her life to what it was before, but is that life worth returning to after all?

A retelling of Beauty and the Beast, but in space. The human race is at war with the Rox, a ferocious race of horned, demonic humanoids from space, and humanity is losing. When the humans and Rox agree to a hostage exchange, Lieutenant Zayn is asked to volunteer because of her social standing. She will be housed with a prince of the Rox, and their good behavior will ensure that peace talks will go forward between their races. Zayn is terrified of sharing living space with one of the demons, but she agrees in order to bring about an end to the war. Alnair l’Nath is a prince and commander in the Rox fleet. He is nervous about being shut in with a human princess who might knife him in the back, but he wants the war to end, too. He and Zayn despise each other on sight, even though Alnair finds her oddly attractive. Zayn and Alnair gradually make peace as they discover that humans and Rox are not so different. But when a rogue agent of the Rox kidnaps Zayn and Alnair in order to end the peace talks and escalate the war, it will fall to a human and a Rox, and the growing love between them,

She’ll change this supervillain's image—if they can both stay alive. Cassie Robinson, junior representative of Power-Up Publicity, is just trying to keep her head down and her career moving. Not easy when she’s required to work with supervillains for the first year of her contract...or else. But when a new villain client, Mick, announces he’s switching sides, maybe things are looking up. Even if she has to leave her job a bit earlier than the contract and trust a thieving speedster. Then the heroes find Mick—including the relentless Snailman. And her bosses seem absurdly focused on getting Cassie back Caught between the hovering heroes and her menacing company, Cassie must team up with the villain who literally swept her off her feet and whisked her away to his secret lair. Speaking of which, that lair could use some redecorating…

A sinister threat. A shocking betrayal. A single rose. Jan has poured her grief over her brother’s death into finishing his work—crippling the terrible system they’d unknowingly helped to build. But when a strange gift beckons her to seek out Kevin’s betrayer, will she find the answers she needs? Or will hate and anger shatter everything she holds dear? Semi-finalist Indie E-Con 2018 Writing Contest, with extended and deleted scenes

Once a villain, always a villain? Optimistic and idealistic superhero Prism is determined to redeem her father’s legacy by rebooting his supervillain rehabilitation program. To do so, she sets her sights on Fade, the relapsed supervillain who was the reason the government canceled the original program in the first place. However, when she petitions for Fade to be released into her custody, she finds out things might not be as simple as she thought. Convicted of an unforgivable crime, Fade received a choice: surrender to trial and possible execution or endure a memory erasure so he could start fresh. Now with no recollection of his time before incarceration, Fade doubts he has the ability to be anything but the villain the public believes him to be. A series of attacks by a mysterious power-swapping villain points back to Fade’s past and the crime that cost him his freedom and memory. With her father’s legacy and her own reputation on the line, even Prism has to wonder: can a villain truly be reformed?

Humanity has spread and colonized regions of the galaxies. As their reach expanded, countries, colonies, and planets joined to form the Federated Nations, providing a centralized government among the stars. Along with the Science Conglomerate—who explores and researches the unknown regions—and the Judicial Clerical Court—purveyors of truth, history, and justice—humanity discovers new beings, wondrous worlds, old temptations, and strength in horrendous trials.

The end of Earth was their beginning. Kaity Anderson was a new bride on her wedding day. Samantha Harris was an engineer who had given up all to follow God. Kaity’s reception is ruined when an alien gunship incinerates the surface of Earth. Rescued from the apocalypse by a strange prophetess, Kaity, her husband, and five others are drawn across the galaxy. While the prophetess promises God has a plan, Kaity grows increasingly desperate as their chances of survival—and water supply—dwindle. Samantha didn’t ask to be God’s prophetess. Yet once she answers the call, the Spirit leads her to an inhospitable world with Kaity and several of Earth’s survivors. Hounded by the master of the gunship, the Earthlings search for water as their alien pursuers and dehydration close in. Only God’s promise of a future in a distant city gives Samantha any hope of survival. But could the answer to all their problems lie in eight, mysterious orbs? The discovery of these crystals will change their lives—and the destiny of galaxies—forever.

In a ruined world, mankind survives in a society that values intelligence above all else. Recent graduate Anna has earned an esteemed position working in genetic science, but risks it all smuggling restricted goods to her less fortunate foster sister. Anna is caught at the border crossing, where a militant guard promises he’ll overlook her crime in exchange for slides of altered DNA she must steal from the lab. When chaos erupts, Anna escapes into the depths of the city among an underground community with a revolution on its agenda. Now, not only is she a smuggler and a thief, but she’s also a traitorous rebel. Her crimes have taken her further than she ever intended and out of touch with the sister she desperately wants to save. Her struggle to make things right spins out of control when she collides with a man from the life she left behind. He hides powerful secrets. Convincing him to help her prevent the government from culling the people she’s grown to love will take much more than the underhanded scheming she’s relied upon in the past.

Stand alone short story, part of the Empire Saga -- Mark and Michelle sunk everything they had, everything friends and family could invest, in the giant Sojourner gas-collection balloon ship. Now it was a simple matter of surviving to suction a full load of Methane from Titan. Massive gas storms, a tiny life pod that might not keep them from freezing, and the looming shadow of government seizure of ship and cargo "for the greater good" might interfere with their sleep even more than the insane work schedule.

The Consortium is All. But Recorder Can No Longer Obey. Recorder has no family, no friends, and no name. Donated to the Consortium before birth, her sole purpose is to maintain and verify the records. A neural implant and drone ensure compliance, punishing for displays of bias. Suddenly cut off from controlling technology, Recorder tastes what it means to be human. But if the Consortium discovers her feelings, everyone she knows will be in danger. With no name, no resources, and only an infinitesimal possibility of escape, Recorder's time is running out.

Once upon a time, way out west...Back when they were young'uns, Fleur Guardstone proposed to Rosette Thornbriar with a cigar band ring. However, not long after, she disappeared back into the forest and hasn't been heard from since. However, when Fleur hears reports of smoke coming from that woods, he's determined to find out if it is, indeed, his dear Rosette. If he can get past all of the briars.

In a world full of elves, woodwose, gargoyles, and brownies among others, humans can’t help crossing paths with all of the magical species. Well, everyone except Avril. She manages to avoid all elves. Then one day, her master orders her to steal a dagger from the very elf she wishes to evade most, the elven spymaster of Eldarlan. Bound by her indenture, she has no choice but to obey. She plans a swift sneak and grab mission, but things go awry. Illeron knows more than any elf should. The gathering, analyzing, and disseminating of information consumes his life to the point his brother suggests he needs a distraction. So, when a human woman breaks into his study to steal his dagger, he seizes the opportunity and offers her a bargain she can’t refuse. And a fate he never imagined.

Imagine waking up in a world you do not know, with no recollection of how you got there. Alecia found herself in the world of Gia, a living, breathing, sentient dimension. Gia begins to show her the story of a girl named Evie and Alecia is able to experience Evie’s life as if she were part of the story. Alecia soon realizes there’s so much more to this adventure than she could ever imagine. During her journey, Alecia discovers the dark truth about the world around her. With the help of angels, she must ultimately face evil beyond anything she has ever encountered. Experience this beautiful fantasy adventure mixed with page-turning mystery in The Book of Evie.

A dark prince and a princess of snow. Divided by war. Bound by a kiss of true love. Elisabeth is the heir to a kingdom trapped in an eternal winter, however, her stepmother Ismena rules as regent until she can come of age. When Ismena comes to kill her, she is forced to flee into an enchanted forest—only to discover that she has entered the realm of an exiled dark prince and his band of mercenary dwarfs. Cedric of Mooraven is the son of Elisabeth’s enemy, but he might just be her only hope of defeating her stepmother. The only thing he asks for in return is that Elisabeth lift his exile and allow him to return to the rest of the world. Elisabeth doesn’t want to trust him, but neither can she trust herself or her magical powers over ice and snow. An ability that she must keep under tight control for fear of making the winter worse. With Ismena bent on killing her and the dark prince bargaining for his freedom, the fate of a kingdom rests on Elisabeth’s choice. Ismena, Cedric, or herself… who should she protect her people from? Mirror, mirror…All will fall, Till I’m the fairest…Of them all.

A new Judge has been chosen, now a new path must be taken… Leon Rhise has been chosen. He is the latest Judge to walk amongst civilization. Saving villages, slaying undead, and bringing the light of a forgotten God back to the world was proving to be no easy feat. Recently, it had become even more difficult after being branded a criminal. Hidden behind a heroic identity, he attempts to atone for his past deeds– including ones that left the Kingdom without its prince. After uncovering and witnessing a long forgotten truth, Leon and his friends rush to aid Princess Schalae who had once been betrothed to Leon’s commanding officer, Prince Gelan. A massive army of undead is bearing down on her home, and they must help her decide whether her people should stand and fight against impossible odds, or run and save what they can. Pasts and paths converge, and the fate of the last kingdom will be decided. But what form will that fate take when it seems as if all hope is already lost?

My city is under attack by shadowfiends. Apparently, this is my fault, thanks to the family I’ve never met. At least the attack interrupted my first couples therapy session with Cendric. Small blessings, right? Then my long-lost dad—yeah, the one that’s supposed to be dead—shows up to tell me that the shadowfiends are controlled by Raith, an old family member who’s here to recharge his magical batteries by any means necessary, including destroying Pittsburgh and me. Oh, and centuries ago, Raith picked a fight with the local dragons, so they’re after me as well. Now I have to learn my family’s magic, stop Raith’s path of destruction, and make nice with the dragons. Speaking of which, did I mention my oh-so-quiet secretary has eloped with one of the dragons’ worst enemies? Personally, all I want for Christmas is to survive until New Year’s. And maybe, a vacation.

Everyone dreams of marrying a prince—except for me. I am nothing more than a pawn in my adoptive mother’s diabolical plot against the seven kingdoms. I was the chosen tool, her sharpened blade that would cut the deepest into the heart of the Kingdom of Baist. But like all deadly weapons, my wedding is a two-edged sword that could cost me my soul. For I am Rosalie, one of the adopted daughters of Lady Eville, and it is my duty to enter into a loveless and hate-filled marriage with the narcissistic Crown Prince of Baist. My choices and heart are not my own to give. Yet even in the thick of dire situations, beastly vengeance can give way to beautiful attraction.

Princess Zhenya is in love with the rain. Heir to a century-old curse, she spends her life in royal captivity lest she be carried away by the wind. Her one solace is Yori, the handsome storm wraith who comes to her window on rainy nights. But he can never be part of her constrained palace life, where she must tread cautiously and follow the rules. On the eve of an arranged marriage, she makes a fateful choice that sets the curse in motion. But the wind she fears may hold the key to her freedom. Hounded by vengeful wraiths, Zhenya must risk her soul and uncover the truth about the curse. Or else she may become the very terror she flees.

Bree Faro learns early in life that she can only depend on herself. Due to her feisty nature and unusual ability with a sword, she is educated in every fighting style imaginable and excels at them all. When she’s sent to infiltrate the city of Azriel, Bree does not expect to find her place among the Watchmen of the Keep, but they welcome her as one of their own. Little does Bree know that her new companions are in danger. An immortal creature lies in wait for any Keeper of the Flame, the city’s water source has dried up, and they are under constant attack from the Yirtzi - former Watchmen reduced to vengeful spirits, who sold their souls for power only to realize the enemy of Yahweh does not translate to the friend of mankind. Not only that, but the Watchmen are fraying. Hostilities come to a head when a Watchman is murdered. Only a Watchman can kill another Watchman, and all eyes shift to Bree. Bree finds herself faced with a choice. Does she engineer the betrayal of the powerful city, or does she embrace her destiny as a true Watchman of Yahweh and find the killer before it’s too late?

An assassin trainee fleeing his profession. A princess risking her reputation. A talking ship with a mad captain. Ravin should be dead. No one forsakes the assassin profession and lives. Attempting to evade capture and certain death, Ravin hides on a ship as part of the crew. Then his name is announced on Selection Day for the annual Scaera Dumeda, despite him never taking the entry test, declaring to the entire world—and the assassins hunting him for revenge—that he is alive. Princess Adima Radi Kashinda dreams of more than someday ruling Antovan. She desires to make a true difference for her people. When her name is called on Selection Day, she throws away her title, despite the uncertain future ahead. This may be the opportunity she hoped for. When some of the other selectees are murdered, Ravin and Adi are among the suspects. With the help of Ravin’s captain and crew, they sail away to hunt down the killer and clear their names. Can they catch the murderer when he always seems to be at least one step ahead?

Nadja’s life was perfectly planned: marry Luca, learn his trade, and have their children. But the night of their betrothal celebration, an accidental murder changes everything. Now on the run, she’ll have to leave behind the only life she’s ever known. And to stay alive, she’ll have to become something that defies everything she’s been taught to believe. But Nadja isn’t the only one changing. In Amrantir, where music is magic, nature bends to the will of the Musicians. But an echo from the past threatens the balance between Man and nature. With her newfound security in jeopardy, can Nadja evade capture and certain death? Can she unravel the mysterious circumstances linking her to Amrantir’s checkered past? And can she fend off the advances of the handsome woodsman, determined to help her?

The Electrical Menagerie, one-of-a-kind robotic roadshow, is bankrupt. Sylvester Carthage, illusionist and engineer, has the eccentric imagination the Menagerie needs to succeed creatively -- but none of the people skills. Fast-talking Arbrook Huxley, meanwhile, has all the savvy the Menagerie needs to succeed commercially -- but none of the scruples. To save their show, Carthage & Huxley risk everything in a royal talent competition, vying for the once-in-a-lifetime chance to perform for the Future Celestial Queen. In this stardust-and-spark-powered empire of floating islands and flying trains, The Electrical Menagerie’s bid at fame and fortune means weathering the glamorous and cutthroat world of critics, high society, and rival magicians -- but with real conspiracy lurking beneath tabloid controversy, there’s more at stake in this contest than the prize. Behind the glittery haze of flash paper and mirrors, every competitor has something to hide... and it’s the lies Carthage & Huxley tell each other that may cost them everything. This book was recommended to me by a friend as a “must-read”. Knowing that she reads as much, if not more, than I do, I dove into Reeder’s world with glee and anticipation. There are several comparisons to “The Greatest Showman”, but though the flavor of show business might be the same, this story gives the reader something more.

Their love is true...but is it real? Fear of inheriting his father’s hallucinations and memory loss have brought Jacob’s life to a screeching halt at age nineteen. Now he spends his days alone on the beach behind his home, staring into the endless Hawaiian waves. Mermaid Sevencea is eager to explore life above the water--and cheer up the handsome, lonely young man strolling on the shores. Forming a bond with him is as natural as swimming. All she needs are legs to walk beside him, so Sevencea disappears to trade for the necessary magic. Yet when she returns, Jacob is gone, convinced she was a hallucination after all. And the more Sevencea searches for him, the more she doubts what they have will last. Can love truly exist between land and sea?