Member Since: Dec. 09, 2022

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Ashley Capes

Series

The Bone Mask Cycle by
The Bone Mask Cycle (1-3)
Price: $9.99 USD.
A Path of Silk
Price: $0.99 USD.
City of Masks
Price: Free!
The Lost Mask
Price: $2.99 USD.
Greatmask
Price: $3.99 USD.
The Last Sea God
Price: $4.99 USD.
Exiles Trilogy by
A Drifting Sun
Price: $2.99 USD.
The Faceless Moon
Price: $3.99 USD.
Stars Burning
Price: $3.99 USD.
Reed Lavender by
Graves Robbed, Heirlooms Returned
Price: Free!
The Radiant King
Price: $2.99 USD.
Summer in the City
Price: $0.99 USD.
The Book of Never by
The Book of Never, Volumes 1-5
Price: $9.99 USD.
The Amber Isle
Price: $0.99 USD.
A Forest of Eyes
Price: $2.99 USD.
River God
Price: $2.99 USD.
The Peaks of Autumn
Price: $3.99 USD.
Imperial Towers
Price: $3.99 USD.
The Five Furies by
War Heart
Price: $3.99 USD.
Slaves of the New World by
The Red Hourglass
Price: Free!
The Ruby Heart
Price: $2.99 USD.
A Crimson Wolf
Price: $2.99 USD.

Books

A Path of Silk by
Series: The Bone Mask Cycle, Book 0. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 6,100. Language: English. Originally Published: March 22, 2024 by Close-Up Books. Categories: Fiction » Anthologies » Short stories - single author, Fiction » Fantasy » General, Fiction » Fantasy » Epic
Led by the bitter veteran, Notch, a small team of mercenaries stumble across a foreign noble while attempting to foil a silk-smuggling operation.
The Yellow Butterfly & Other Stories by
Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 56,810. Language: English. Originally Published: March 23, 2024 by Close-Up Books. Categories: Fiction » Anthologies » Short stories - single author, Fiction » Science fiction » General, Fiction » Science fiction » Steampunk & retropunk, Fiction » Fantasy » Dark
A collection of short fiction featuring steampunk, cyberpunk, fantasy and even a little horror!
A Whisper of Leaves by
Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 32,990. Language: English. Originally Published: March 23, 2024 by Close-Up Books. Categories: Fiction » Horror » Ghost, Fiction » Thriller & suspense » Action & suspense, Fiction » Thriller & suspense » Supernatural
When young teacher Riko finds an old journal buried in the forests beneath Mt Fuji, a malevolent, untraceable force begins to threaten her at every turn.But is it all in her head?
A Drifting Sun by
Series: Exiles Trilogy, Book 1. Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 51,480. Language: English. Published: March 1, 2024 by Close-Up Books. Categories: Fiction » Coming of age, Fiction » Fantasy » General, Fiction » Fantasy » Epic
Born without a face, Iggy is an outcast in his own village, surrounded by those who both fear his powerful telekinesis as much as they rely upon it for survival. But Iggy's gift often feels closer to a curse, and after a tragic accident, he disappears on the day of his Exile. Only his sister Mei follows, chasing Iggy into the hostile nation of Nasaru...
Stars Burning by
Series: Exiles Trilogy, Book 3. Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 58,460. Language: English. Published: March 1, 2024 by Close-Up Books. Categories: Fiction » Coming of age, Fiction » Fantasy » General, Fiction » Fantasy » Epic
Thorn has drawn his pieces together, at last. But to finally release and then devour the Moon Father, the imposter knows he must rely on Mei and Iggy, neither of whom will simply agree to his madness. Nor will they give up seeking to undermine him at every turn. All the while, others are converging upon fateful shores where the Moon Father stirs. Anyo and his companions flee across the...
The Faceless Moon by
Series: Exiles Trilogy, Book 2. Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 65,080. Language: English. Published: March 1, 2024 by Close-Up Books. Categories: Fiction » Coming of age, Fiction » Fantasy » General, Fiction » Fantasy » Epic
Luminous spawn of the Moon Father creep across kingdoms. Yet neither Mei nor Iggy, still separated, realise the depth of the threat – nor their role in stopping it. One, however is aware. Thorn, the imposter seated upon Nasaru's throne, moves his pieces to manipulate them. Thankfully, not all who take an interest in the siblings harbour such dark intent, and as their paths start to converge...
The Moss Dragon of Brittlekeep by
Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 42,290. Language: English. Published: January 27, 2023 by Close-Up Books. Categories: Fiction » Young adult or teen, Fiction » Young adult or teen » Fantasy, Fiction » Young adult or teen » Adventure
When Penny stumbles across a dragon's tooth beneath the city cemetery, she unwittingly becomes a target of the Brittlekeep's master and his dark magic.Worse, Lord Masamor seems to know about her Fire-Hands – a magic he wants to possess...
Graves Robbed, Heirlooms Returned by
Series: Reed Lavender, Book 1. Price: Free! Words: 43,820. Language: English. Originally Published: November 19, 2021 by Close-Up Books. Categories: Fiction » Urban, Fiction » Fantasy » General, Fiction » Fantasy » Urban
At least when you're Death's nephew the bad guys literally have no-where to hide, right? Meet Reed Lavender, a mostly-human detective with the uncanny ability to hear the final words of the dead. But on this case he'll need more than his usual tricks to solve the murder of a teen runaway – he'll need something that just might be more trouble than it's worth – the help of his ragtag Reaper...
The Young Stag by
Series: The Book of Never, 6.5. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 7,940. Language: English. Originally Published: May 19, 2020 by Close-Up Books. Categories: Fiction » Adventure, Fiction » Fantasy » General, Fiction » Fantasy » Epic
Rejoin Never in this short story as he fights to take back Tsolde's inn from the clutches of a greedy nobleman. After returning from Kiymako, Never discovers that Tsolde's inn, the Young Stag, is now owned by Lord Taginus - a wastrel and a cad. Yet the man hides a troubling secret, and when Never stumbles upon it he quickly finds a far darker adversary than he first imagined.
The Radiant King by
Series: Reed Lavender, Book 2. Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 39,570. Language: English. Originally Published: November 19, 2021 by Close-Up Books. Categories: Fiction » Urban, Fiction » Fantasy » General, Fiction » Fantasy » Urban
Things aren't exactly getting easier for Reed Lavender. Old obligations and new cases are piling up but in the aftermath of Feronia's defeat, answers are still too thin on the ground. But one clue – his father's knucklebone – might just lead to something big. To learn the truth about his parents' disappearance, Reed will have to take the fight to whoever is behind the growing turmoil in his...
War Heart by
Series: The Five Furies, Book 1. Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 85,420. Language: English. Originally Published: February 18, 2020 by Close-Up Books. Categories: Fiction » Adventure, Fiction » Fantasy » General, Fiction » Fantasy » Epic
Life is unfair, even when you meet a powerful Goddess. While searching an old temple, Kilek and his friends stumble across the Goddess Avendria who transforms them into heroes – all grown up, with weapons, magic, and skills.But when she gives Kilek nothing at all – nothing except the impossible task of saving the lands – he must fight bitter doubts. And bitter odds.
The Red Hourglass by
Series: Slaves of the New World, Book 1. Price: Free! Words: 59,900. Language: English. Originally Published: November 13, 2021 by Close-Up Books. Categories: Fiction » Adventure, Fiction » Fantasy » General, Fiction » Science fiction » Steampunk & retropunk
Escape isn't the hardest challenge for a slave – it's staying free afterwards. Siblings Thomas and Mia find themselves fleeing across a desolate land, hounded by the monstrous sand-hog, a steam-powered war machine bent on recapturing them at all costs. Thomas fears the worst. He knows the tyrannical King Williams seeks Mia and her mysterious powers of foresight, but it seems even her gift...
The Peaks of Autumn by
Series: The Book of Never, Book 4. Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 43,870. Language: English. Originally Published: June 1, 2020 by Close-Up Books. Categories: Fiction » Adventure, Fiction » Fantasy » General, Fiction » Fantasy » Epic
At Snow's urging, Never climbs into the Folhan Mountains to search for the Altar of Stars, which he must reach by the new moon. Yet he cannot shake off his doubts; will the answers he seeks even reside with the altar? Or is Snow manipulating him once more? Never soon finds that the mountains harbour their own threats, from avalanches and enemy troops to ancient creatures deep within abandoned...
Teeth of the World (Haiku & Senryu) by
Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 820. Language: English. Originally Published: June 22, 2020 by Close-Up Books. Categories: Poetry, Poetry » Australian & Oceanian, Poetry » Themes & motifs » Nature, Poetry » Themes & motifs » Places
A new collection of haiku and senryu from poet and novelist Ashley Capes. teeth of the world brings together previously uncollected and brand new haiku and senryu, some verging on gendai but most dealing with nature and the range of human foibles.
Summer in the City by
Series: Reed Lavender, Book 3. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 29,820. Language: English. Originally Published: November 21, 2021 by Close-Up Books. Categories: Fiction » Fairy tales, Fiction » Fantasy » General, Fiction » Fantasy » Urban
Reed is about to snap - and this time, nothing is going to stand in his way when it comes to getting answers for Elise, not even a supposedly long-vanished Sumerian God. Or so Reed thinks. But summer in the city isn't going to be like the others. The city itself isn't quite the same either, and even if you're lucky (or cursed) enough to count the children of Gods among your friends, nothing is...
Imperial Towers by
Series: The Book of Never, Book 5. Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 64,250. Language: English. Originally Published: June 1, 2020 by Close-Up Books. Categories: Fiction » Adventure, Fiction » Fantasy » General, Fiction » Fantasy » Epic
Only one thing stands between Never and answers – his brother. Driven toward the enemy-occupied Imperial City, Never's doubts grow. Even with new knowledge about his powers, can he truly keep his friends safe in a warzone? Or, like too many times before, will he end up responsible for the deaths of those he should have protected? Never faces a bitter choice between finally winning the answers...
The Ruby Heart by
Series: Slaves of the New World, Book 2. Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 51,670. Language: English. Originally Published: November 13, 2021 by Close-Up Books. Categories: Fiction » Adventure, Fiction » Fantasy » General, Fiction » Science fiction » Steampunk & retropunk
Thomas, Mia and Ethan have finally discovered the long-lost rebellion airship Clara - only to learn that it cannot grant them their freedom, since none know how to fly the mighty ship. A desperate search for a pilot follows but disaster strikes when Thomas falls into the clutches of their old tormentor, Lady Elisabeth; master of the Sand-Hog and lieutenant to the King. Yet Elisabeth has her own...
The Phoenix of Kiymako by
Series: The Book of Never, Book 6. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 64,310. Language: English. Originally Published: June 1, 2020 by Close-Up Books. Categories: Fiction » Adventure, Fiction » Fantasy » General, Fiction » Fantasy » Epic
Rejoin Never as he searches for his father's legacy and the sister he hadn't known existed. In The Phoenix of Kiymako Never must navigate a secretive new culture ruled by warrior monks. Distrusted and hunted for his blood, he must forge new alliances while following the dark trail his father has left. If Never can survive, it will lead to both his long lost sister and - finally - the truth...
The Raven's Price by
Series: The Bone Mask Cycle, Book 5. Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 71,100. Language: English. Originally Published: October 26, 2020 by Close-Up Books. Categories: Fiction » Coming of age, Fiction » Fantasy » General, Fiction » Fantasy » Epic
At last, Notch escapes the city of vipers and starts his quest to find Qu-Sitka, the only mage able to restore Sofia. Yet Casselli and the Prince have other plans for Notch and the mysterious bracers he bears, sending along an Inquisitor to watch his every move. And before he knows it, the power of the bracers begins to change him... Across the sea, Flir finds herself prisoner and servant to...
The Book of Never, Volumes 1-5 by
Series: The Book of Never. Price: $9.99 USD. Words: 202,840. Language: English. Originally Published: March 20, 2021 by Close-Up Books. Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » General, Fiction » Fantasy » Epic
(1.00 from 1 review)
Adventure? Check. Magic? Check. Sarcasm? You bet. After years of running down dead-end clues, the rogue Never has nearly given up his quest for answers; his blood is cursed and his true name a mystery, yet no library, no healer, and none who claim to know dark magics have ever been able to help. Until he steals a map to the mysterious Amber Isle, which might just hold the answers he needs. But...
Lionsheart by
Series: The Bone Mask Cycle, Book 6. Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 64,660. Language: English. Originally Published: October 26, 2020 by Close-Up Books. Categories: Fiction » Adventure, Fiction » Fantasy » Epic, Fiction » Fantasy » Dark
Conclusion to the Bone Mask Cycle! Notch finally holds the answers he sought, along with an unsuspecting Sacrifice... but drawing all the pieces together will prove a greater challenge – especially when it becomes clear that the Fura Leones does not approve of such desperate measures. In Renovar, Flir must find a way to salvage the bones of the frozen Sea God but Chelona has other plans for the...
Crossings by
Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 53,950. Language: English. Originally Published: June 2, 2020 by Close-Up Books. Categories: Fiction » Horror, Fiction » Horror » Occult, Fiction » Thriller & suspense » Action & suspense, Fiction » Thriller & suspense » Supernatural
Deep in the Australian forests, something dark is stirring. When wildlife ranger Lisa Thomas finds a pile of animal entrails on her doorstep she immediately suspects her abusive ex, but the sudden spate of deaths that follow seem beyond even Ben's vindictiveness. Worse, her father's health is deteriorating fast and when the harassment and deaths continue, it only fuels her feelings of...
A Forest of Eyes by
Series: The Book of Never, Book 2. Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 30,470. Language: English. Originally Published: May 31, 2020 by Close-Up Books. Categories: Fiction » Adventure, Fiction » Fantasy » General, Fiction » Fantasy » Epic
Never's quest for a name continues... Poisoned and furious, Never must add a desperate quest for a cure to his existing search for truth. His path takes him deep into the White Wood where he faces vengeful spirits, giant leeches and Commander Harstas himself, whose lust for revenge is an ever-present threat.
River God by
Series: The Book of Never, Book 3. Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 34,150. Language: English. Originally Published: June 1, 2020 by Close-Up Books. Categories: Fiction » Adventure, Fiction » Fantasy » General, Fiction » Fantasy » Epic
Never's quest for a name is becoming more deadly... Armed with disturbing news about Snow, his unpredictable brother, Never picks up a cold trail on the rivers of Hanik. There he must face both new dangers and demons from his past, all the while doing his best to avoid becoming entangled in a brewing civil war.
The Last Sea God by
Series: The Bone Mask Cycle, Book 4. Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 79,670. Language: English. Originally Published: October 26, 2020 by Close-Up Books. Categories: Fiction » Coming of age, Fiction » Fantasy » General, Fiction » Fantasy » Epic
A dark sorceress sinks her talons into the land… War-hero Notch has abandoned his king and city to wage a war against his own guilt. With the giant Alosus at his side, Notch must search the Land of the Sun for ancient magic to bring a loved one back from the dead. But when he arrives in the city of vipers, Notch quickly finds himself entangled in a web of conspiracy and hidden motives as...
Stepping Over Seasons by
Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 5,260. Language: English. Originally Published: June 22, 2020 by Close-Up Books. Categories: Poetry » Australian & Oceanian, Poetry » Themes & motifs » Death, Poetry » Themes & motifs » Nature, Poetry » Themes & motifs » Places
Stepping Over Seasons artfully depicts the finer details of life, encapsulating change within people and places as the seasons unfurl. Ashley Capes explores subtle links between human nature and the natural world. Using spare and evocative language, these graceful poems display a curiosity and empathy which make for accessible and rewarding reading - Jane Williams. (Expanded reissue of the 2009...
Selected Poems 2006:2016 by
Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 8,920. Language: English. Originally Published: June 22, 2020 by Close-Up Books. Categories: Poetry, Poetry » Australian & Oceanian, Poetry » Themes & motifs » Death, Poetry » Themes & motifs » Nature, Poetry » Themes & motifs » Places
Selected works from Australian poet Ashley Capes, 2006:2016 draws on material from previous volumesandalso includes previously uncollected pieces. Ashley Capes explores subtle links between human nature and the natural world. Using spare and evocative language, these graceful poems display a curiosity and empathy which make for accessible and rewarding reading - Jane Williams.
The Fairy Wren by
Price: $5.99 USD. Words: 58,890. Language: English. Originally Published: June 2, 2020 by Close-Up Books. Categories: Fiction, Fiction » Literature » Literary, Fiction » Visionary & metaphysical, Fiction » Fantasy » Contemporary
From the moment a fairy wren drops his lost wedding ring at his feet, Paul realises there's more magic to the world than he thought... When Paul Fischer receives a strange phone call asking for help, from a woman who might be his estranged wife Rachel, he's drawn into a mysterious search that threatens not only his struggling bookstore, but long-buried dreams too. Unfortunately, the only help...
The Amber Isle by
Series: The Book of Never, Book 1. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 31,750. Language: English. Originally Published: May 31, 2020 by Close-Up Books. Categories: Fiction » Adventure, Fiction » Fantasy » General, Fiction » Fantasy » Epic
Adventure? Check. Magic? Check. Sarcasm? You bet. After years of running down dead-end clues, the rogue Never has nearly given up his quest for answers; his blood is cursed and his true name a mystery, yet no library, no healer and none who claim to know dark magics have ever been able to help. Until he steals a map to the mysterious Amber Isle, which might just hold the answers he needs. But...
The Bone Mask Cycle (1-3) by
Series: The Bone Mask Cycle. Price: $9.99 USD. Words: 358,350. Language: English. Originally Published: October 30, 2022 by Close-Up Books. Categories: Fiction » Adventure, Fiction » Fantasy » General, Fiction » Fantasy » Epic
From Book 1, City of Masks: When a royal conspiracy topples the noble House Falco, Sofia must take up the burden of her father's mantle and assume guardianship of his Greatmask. Yet the sentient bone mask, powerful enough to Compel those around her, will not speak, and Sofia, the first female Protector in a hundred years, is left defenceless. Hunted by the king, she is driven from the palace...
VI by
Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 6,030. Language: English. Originally Published: June 22, 2020 by Close-Up Books. Categories: Poetry » Australian & Oceanian, Poetry » Themes & motifs » Death, Poetry » Themes & motifs » Nature, Poetry » Themes & motifs » Places
New poetry from Australian author Ashley Capes. His first new collection since between giants in 2012. VI brings together published and unpublished work from the intervening years.
Small Town Lazarus by
Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 7,970. Language: English. Originally Published: June 22, 2020 by Close-Up Books. Categories: Poetry » Australian & Oceanian, Poetry » Themes & motifs » Death, Poetry » Themes & motifs » Nature, Poetry » Themes & motifs » Places
A new free verse collection from Ashley Capes - 'small town lazarus' is his fifth work and features both familiar and new themes, with a clear focus on aging and change, of childhood and memory. The collection also explores the double-edged sword of new media technology, doing so via a mix of his usual focus on the intimate details, but also, at times, through somewhat more experimental forms.
Throne of Leaves by
Series: The Book of Never, Book 8. Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 72,650. Language: English. Originally Published: December 18, 2021 by Close-Up Books. Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » General, Fiction » Fantasy » Epic
The Burnished King has escaped his tomb. In the demi-god's wake, a stone-plague creeps across the lands and Never must stop the ancient decay before it swallows everyone he cares for. Despite his determination, there is no cure and no guarantee that even his Amouni blood will be enough. Never's search for the means to fight back leads him to the Amber Isle once more, where the island continues...
Spectre by
Series: The Book of Never, Book 7. Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 48,090. Language: English. Originally Published: June 1, 2020 by Close-Up Books. Categories: Fiction » Adventure, Fiction » Fantasy » General, Fiction » Fantasy » Epic
Darkness is gathering deep within the land of Vadiya as the Red Seed Cult perform twisted experiments on human flesh. Never has already tangled with the foul creatures and knows no-one else can stop them... but if he charges into enemy territory now, he will have to face old flame Sacha, who has promised to kill him should they meet again. Yet when he learns that she has been captured by the...
Greatmask by
Series: The Bone Mask Cycle, Book 3. Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 118,210. Language: English. Originally Published: October 26, 2020 by Close-Up Books. Categories: Fiction » Coming of age, Fiction » Fantasy » General, Fiction » Fantasy » Epic
The Ecsoli have taken Anaskar, raiding the city for bones of the Sea God and holding King Oseto captive in his own palace. Yet there he discovers an even greater threat in the form of his own Greatmask, who grows impatient for the Sacrifice. Hiding in the blackened streets, Flir must deal with her uncertainty regarding Kanis while gathering a resistance force, where she discovers even her vast...
The Lost Mask by
Series: The Bone Mask Cycle, Book 2. Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 128,240. Language: English. Originally Published: October 26, 2020 by Close-Up Books. Categories: Fiction » Coming of age, Fiction » Fantasy » General, Fiction » Fantasy » Epic
The enormous corpse of the Sea Beast has breached the walls and an invasion from across the sea is threatening. Cut off from the mysterious golden egg and bereft of the hope of ever seeing his family again, Ain remains in prison, at the mercy of the new king who obviously wants something from him. Meanwhile, Flir and Luik struggle to contain the illness spreading from the Beast, as Notch and...
A Crimson Wolf by
Series: Slaves of the New World, Book 3. Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 66,670. Language: English. Originally Published: November 13, 2021 by Close-Up Books. Categories: Fiction » Adventure, Fiction » Fantasy » General, Fiction » Science fiction » Steampunk & retropunk
Still separated, Thomas and Mia are each closing in on final secrets to unlock the Clara, the mighty airship that can win them their freedom at last. And while their hopes are pinned on the mysterious Alita's Shell, none know what lies behind the ancient doors. Nor are Thomas and Mia the only ones who seek the airship. Elisabeth continues to conceal her true motives and more, new players are...
City of Masks by
Series: The Bone Mask Cycle, Book 1. Price: Free! Words: 119,700. Language: English. Originally Published: October 26, 2020 by Close-Up Books. Categories: Fiction » Coming of age, Fiction » Fantasy » General, Fiction » Fantasy » Epic
When a royal conspiracy topples the noble House Falco, Sofia must take up the burden of her father's mantle and assume guardianship of his Greatmask. Yet the sentient bone mask, powerful enough to Compel those around her, will not speak, and Sofia, the first female Protector in a hundred years, is left defenceless. Hunted by the king, she is driven from the palace and must fight for survival...

Ashley Capes' tag cloud

adventure    asian    assassin    australia    australian bush    australian haiku    australian poetry    bone    bone mask    brothers    coming of age    crime    dark    dark fantasy    dragons    epic adventure    epic adventure fantasy    epic fantasy    epic fantasy adventure    epic fantasy adventure book    epic fantasy series    faceless    fantasy    fantasy box set    fantasy comedy    fantasy hero    gods    haiku    horror    humour    italy    japan    kangaroo    magic    magic blood    mask    masks    melbourne    mercenary    nature    poetry    quest    quest fantasy    reapers    revenge    rogue    roman gods    sarcastic    sarcastic hero    senryu    short stories    siblings    small town    small town horror    small town magic    small town thriller    small towns    social commentary    strong female main character    supernatural suspense    telekinesis    treasure    urban fantasy comedy    urban fantasy detective    urban fantasy humour    war    ya fantasy    young adult