For shop girl Evin, alchemy is an understood part of life. She learned how to brew superior potions at a young age and can't imagine her life without the use of Alertness, For General Pain, and Menstrual Cramp Cure. Though already apprenticed to a local master alchemist, she can't help feeling that there might be more for her to achieve. In a different part of the continent, Master Bricot teaches alchemy at the University of Craestor and is working feverishly at his residency project--translating the sacred document The Facerum--when a student of his approaches him seeking help on an unprecedented issue. And south of Craestor in Daitak Capital, the Seat of the World, Emperor Regent Bryn Beynon can't stand potions or those who make and sell them, believing their use, especially martially, to be barbaric and cruel. His first act when coming of age will be to begin imposing legal strictures on the use and sale of such items. Out in the Wilds of Tief, Craix, who travels alone, has never been safe. Not since she was born. Forever trying to evade her pursuers, she travels across the country, constantly intercepting important messages. And over all people in the realm of Heladrith, a pantheon of powerful gods sits in judgement and benevolence, silent for centuries--but not for much longer. Potent is an original, third-person omniscient, past-tense, low fantasy tale with an ensemble cast of approximately eight characters of different genders, orientations, colors, and classes. --Seeking beta readers for this manuscript! Please comment and leave feedback!--

"It is your choice," he said, stepping so close to me that our lips were almost touching. "Either do what I say - or get another job." My heart stood still as I gazed up into his deep, dark, dangerous eyes... In a world where women's only role in life is to sit at home and look pretty, Lilly is determined to fight for her freedom. There's only one problem: a powerful man blocking her way.

Sam is the most promising swordsman among this year’s crop of Paladin trainees...and knows it. Brash, cocky, and unbeatable with a sword (well, almost), Sam is the kingdom of Thule’s best hope against the violence wrought by demons. The only problem is that Sam is really Lady Samantha, daughter of the seventeenth Duke of Haywood, and if her father has his way, she’ll be marrying a Paladin, not becoming one. But Sam has never held much interest in playing damsel-in-distress, and so she rescues herself from a lifetime of boredom and matrimonial drudgery. Pity that Tristan Lyons, the Paladin assigned to train her, is none other than the hero of her childhood. He hasn’t recognized her as Lady Samantha--yet-- but if he does, he’ll take away her sword and send her packing. Sam is not the only trainee hiding secrets: Braeden is a half-demon with a dark past that might be unforgivable. Sam, Braeden and Tristan set out for the western coast, charged with rooting out an infestation of demons that has made the West unlivable. As they travel, they uncover a deep-seated corruption of power that threatens to derail everything they stand for. Rebellion stirs, led by a rival faction of warriors who tempt Sam to join them with an irresistible offer. A war between men is coming, and Sam must pick a side. Will saving the kingdom cost her life -- or just her heart? Reminiscent of Mulan, but with a medieval fantasy twist, Paladin is a tale of adventure, action, and romance.