It took just one discovery for humanity to fight for survival. One iceblock with a body, with a virus that went undetected, was all it took for a zombie outbreak to take place... It was a special day for Connor and his bandmates; after years of playing in local bars and an garage, they finally had their first tour, in America. Little did they know was that their gig would be a bloodbath... TW: Graphic Violence, Gore, Mutilation, Strong Language, "Cannibalism" (Zombies devouring humans), Mental Health, Body Horror

⚠️ This edition has been discontinued. The Shackled Flame has been completely rewritten and is now being published as a new, updated edition. This version is discontinued and will not receive any further updates. If you're a new reader, please read the rewritten edition instead. Same dragon. Same emotional damage. Much better book.

Eliza Okafor has had enough of two things: relationships and, well... men. After a brutal breakup that left her questioning her self-worth, the last thing she needs is a new distraction. But when her professor pairs her with Lucky Ashford-cocky, unpredictable, and annoyingly good at everything-Eliza finds herself in for more than just a challenge. Their mission? Build a revolutionary prosthetic leg that can feel. Their problem? They can't stand each other. Too bad she swore off love. Too bad Lucky might just be the exception. Break a leg? More like risk a heart.

"It felt almost...depressing, having one person dictate all I was feeling. Though it was one I've always had, and one I couldn't resist. Like a moth to a flame. Everyone knows it'll harm the moth, but the moth, simply, does not care." In a small town, we follow the lives of two individuals. Steven, raised by an authoritarian father, and a timid mother. While James is raised with a neglectful mother and an absent father. They trek down the halls of fragmented memories of their past friendship that was ripped away from them alongside the security they used to give each other. Navigating their voyage of feelings on if they want something more or if they just crave nostalgic comfort while dealing with the turmoils of home? They venture through shattered dreams of what could've been, constantly haunting them...all while pushing each other away out of fear. Will they be able to rekindle what has been lost, or will it forever be a downward spiral of heartbreak and betrayal of oneself and others? A testament of resilience that binds us all and makes us human. That even in our darkest moments, the essence of who we are lies in our struggles and our hopes. Humanity isn't meant to be viewed in black or white. Rather an array of reflective shades...some buried deeper than one wants to realize.