BORN A HERO, DIE A HERO © 2017 mars

Todun born and raised by a poor mother, works at a filling station and struggles to gain admission into an higher institution having been jammed by JAMB(Joint Admission Matriculation Board) twice. She finds herself amongst well to do roommates and attempts to live up to their standards but it is so evident that she doesn't have the resources. Olakunle on the other hand has just returned from the United State of America against his wishes to continue his University education as to satisfy his politician father. How are both going adapt to their new environment ? Started: August 7 2020

A 2019 Watty Winner. For fans of Allison Pataki and Philippa Gregory, THE NYMPH OF VERSAILLES is based on the true story of Madame Montespan's rise and fall at the court of King Louis XIV. Being the Sun King's mistress is a coveted position in a court full of greedy courtiers vying for power and Athénaïs de Montespan won't let anything stand in the way of her stealing the king's heart-not even poison. When the king's interest in his mistress Louise begins to wane, Montespan sees the position as a possible escape from her husband's mounting debts and loveless marriage. Her strained friendship with Louise doesn't stop her from charming the king. However keeping his heart is tricky in a court full of plotting beauties eager to have him for themselves, especially with her jealous husband bent on ending her seduction. Then her children's governess becomes an unexpected rival for the king's heart and the only woman who can contend with Montespan. With the court swirling with rumors of poison, Montespan finds herself caught in the web of accusations. Her position with the king begins to crumble as she fights to hold on to the life she's built. Without the king's love, she fears she will lose everything as she falls from grace.

A gender study

Every Christmas Eve, King Santa Claus soars through the skies to deliver presents in a sleigh pulled by eight flying reindeer. But until midnight, if you listen closely, you can hear his merciless whip snapping across their backs. Krampus, the goat demon and punisher of naughty children, was once the king's most trusted advisor, and even named heir to Santa's throne. However, when he began to question the North Polian monarchy, he was exiled to the outskirts of Antartica. Now, after spending a century in solitude, Krampus is finally summoned back to his home. Upon his return, he learns of how tyrannous the king has become in his absence. It isn't anywhere near the holidays, but it looks like Santa won't be the only one working overtime this year. Cover by @lidlesaun

Kumo, a tapir spirit―known as 'baku' in Japan―devours children's nightmares for survival and the bustling city of Tokyo is the best place to hunt. With his sandman, Suna, they travel through dreams searching for late night snacks. But when he's attacked by a fellow baku, Suna takes him to safety in a distant village. Kumo feels a strange connection to it―one he doesn't understand. His confusion worsens when he discovers that in this town, children aren't the only ones having nightmares. Four adults in particular are plagued by haunting dreams, and Kumo's what they fear.

*FEATURED STORY* *Highest Position #21 in Horror* *2017 Rebel Awards Winner* *2017 Horror Awards Runner Up* *2017Emerald Awards Runner Up* Lester is ready to call quits on his relationship. It's been going on too long - six whole months. Lester isn't the type of guy who wastes an opportunity though. Before he walks away there is one last thing he wants from his girlfriend. Something he hasn't told her about. Something that takes them to a strange and exclusive club, deep in the heart of the picturesque countryside, where nothing is as it seems. In this place, everyone carries a secret, and before tonight ends someone is going to get a surprise. Lester's Keeper will keep you guessing as it immerses you in sights you have never before seen and will never forget.

Samuel Brandt woke up with his thoughts written all over his body. His brother woke up with his head missing. His sister woke up to find that her skin would crack open unless she stayed in water. All of the other children in the secluded Iowa town of Oak Knoll woke up having undergone strange transformations. Now, they are all forced to live at 407 West Marshall Street, the mysterious house outside of town. With the new name of The Boy with Words for Skin, Samuel wants nothing more than to hide from his new life. He painfully and unpredictably sheds his skin, there is a Voice in the entryway closet that is often cruel, and-perhaps worst of all for a naturally shy boy-the other children look to him as a leader. As his seven-year-old brother struggles with their new life, as terrifying growls start to come from the pitch black basement, and as his feelings for a girl begin to grow, The Boy with Words for Skin realizes that he wants to change. He wants to put others first, learn from his peers, and let himself hope that things will get better. The Boy with Words for Skin is the first book in the 407 West Marshall Street series. Each book will advance the story but be told from a different character. Book 2 will be The Girl without Eyes.

LIKE THEM; the cunning, the strong, the rational, the sensual, the rash. POE19 [151016]

❝ Things are only as beautiful as you make them, Charlie. Including murder. ❞ It's the opening night of Burton Abbey's production of Romeo and Juliet and all is going smoothly - that is until the climactic death scene. Romeo takes a big gulp of the poison to be with his lover, except it really is poison and Elijah, who plays Romeo, is now dead. Charlie Monet, in charge of props, is the first suspect but soon the suspicion around her turns to worry as it seems she's the next target. Khaleel Rahim, an aspiring writer, is dying for a mystery to solve at his new school. When he sees Charlie sneaking around at night he thinks he's finally found something worth writing about. After discovering Charlie's ability to see visions of the past, Khaleel decides that they're the perfect pair to solve the mystery. With threatening notes, a quiet library and poison disguised as props; somebody in the school is blurring the lines between theatre and reality and the fast friends are about to discover that there's more to boarding school than just silly rumours. [2022 Watty's Shortlist]