Beyond Magic and Machines: 6 Sci-Fi & Fantasy Reads That Dazzle

29 Aug 2025

Beyond Magic and Machines: 6 Sci-Fi & Fantasy Reads That Dazzle

Some worlds are built on gears and glass, while others thrive on spells and secrets. This mix of science fiction and fantasy delivers action, intrigue, and sweeping emotions. Enter and lose yourself in stories that expand the mind and ignite the soul.

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A Touch of Treachery

by Jennifer Estep

Release Date: August 26, 2025

New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Estep serves up a new, action-packed adventure in her Section 47 urban fantasy world. This series features secrets, lies, and superspies with amazing magical abilities, along with dangerous missions, double crosses, and a swoon-worthy romance. Perfect for fans of Alias, Nikita, James Bond, and True Lies.

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A Curse of Hearts and Hunger (Accursed Kingdoms Book 1)

by Alex Rose Decker

Release Date: August 26, 2025

A cursed kingdom. A forbidden magic. And a love that could burn down empires. When Elara’s rare magic draws royal attention, she’s forced into a fragile alliance with Prince Colten—the one man she vowed to hate. But as a deadly blight spreads, enemies become allies, and Elara must choose between duty, survival, or her heart.

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For the Love of My Son

by Joseph Keithson

Release Date: August 22, 2025

There are secrets here—deep, dark secrets at the place where good and evil meet. We broke an unwritten rule far stronger than the universal human incest taboo. Our son Abel is (was) a chimpanzee-human hybrid. How he came to be, lived his life, and died, you will see.

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Dark Summer (A Series of Four Seasons Book 3)

by Q.K. Petty

Release Date: August 26, 2025

The House of David is in ruins. Betrayal festers, and Judge Eden Dowler’s prime suspect may be closer than he dares admit. With Seditio on the attack and allies turning into enemies, Eden must decide—hunt the traitor or become one. This summer, justice bleeds into vengeance, and loyalty can kill.

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Human for Hire

by T.R. Harris

Release Date: August 19, 2025

With an eye on profits, Starfire Security CEO Tidus figured his company’s stock would go up if he had two Humans on the payroll. What he didn’t count on was all the added collateral damage. After all, that’s what Humans are known for, breaking stuff … lots of stuff.

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A Mate for Vasek (Tallean Mercenaries Book 11)

by Lynnea Lee

Release Date: July 31, 2025

Stranded at the edge of the galaxy, I’ll do anything to return to Earth! But first, I’m stolen right before my escape plan and dragged through the alien wilderness. Now, I’m paying for a medic… who doesn’t even want me! Vasek can’t wait to drop me off at his next destination, if we even make it there alive. The ruthless thugs after us seem to think I’m the key to untold fortunes. But I’m not! I’m just a girl who wants to go home.

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