Children’s / Teenage fiction: Dark fantasy

Book SynopsisMagical heists. Deadly secrets. Come along for the ride . . . if you dare. This heart-stopping, seductive fantasy is perfect for fans of Six of Crows. Evie Wilder is an orphan who has gone through most of her life unnoticed . . . until she's caught up in a dramatic heist and captures the attention of the Dark Fable. They have chosen her for a reason: she can turn invisible. This skill would make Evie a treasured asset to the legendary group of thieves known for spiriting away obscure and occult artifacts. Evie cannot resist their allure and is eager to join this newfound family. But she discovers there are more skeletons in the Dark Fable’s past than she could have ever imagined. And these secrets might be the answer to her own tragic past. No one is who they seem to be and the price of uncovering the Dark Fable’s cryptic history just might be fatal . . .Trade ReviewThe strong start and intriguing backstory quickly give way to rapid fire dialogue reminiscent of the 1930s film repartee. * School Library Journal *Fast-moving and twisty. . . . This YA fantasy is a great read for fans of magical heists and found family. * Booklist *Witty dialogue, immersive world building, original magic systems, and emotionally rich characters culminate in a tale that celebrates the intimacy of being seen and accepted. * Publishers Weekly *

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Book SynopsisAll three Shadowhunter novels in #1 New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Cassandra Clare?s The Last Hours trilogy are now together in one collectable hardcover boxed set.Cordelia Carstairs is a Shadowhunter, a warrior trained since childhood to battle demons, traveling to London in hopes of preventing her family?s ruin. Determined to be a hero rather than a bride, Cordelia soon reconnects with childhood friends James and Lucie Herondale and is drawn into their world of glittering ballrooms, secret assignations, and supernatural salons, where vampires and warlocks mingle with mermaids and magicians. All the while, she must hide her love for James, who is sworn to marry someone else. But her new life is about to be blown apart as a series of shocking demon attacks threaten London. Cordelia and her friends will discover that their connection to a dark legacy has gifted them with incredible powers?and forces a brutal choice that will reveal the true cruel price of being a hero. This dangerous and romantic hardcover boxed set includes: Chain of Gold Chain of Iron Chain of Thorns

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Book SynopsisNeurodivergent high school student CeeCee Harper has a temper and a reputation for trouble. Angry at the rumors and afraid she’ll never fit in, she makes a wrong move—and lands in the byways, a world of alleys, magic, and forgotten people . . . some that aren’t even human. And if she doesn’t escape quickly, CeeCee learns, she’ll be trapped for good.Searching for a way out, she gets lost among monsters, drug pushers, the homeless, and political upheaval, and soon finds there are those who will stop at nothing to keep her from leaving. But the byways pull people in for a reason. CeeCee must figure out why she got stuck in the first place—before her loved ones are put in danger and she loses them forever.A dark retelling of Alice in Wonderland meets Neverwhere, this contemporary fantasy will enchant Neil Gaiman and Christina Henry fansTrade Review2023 Readers' Favorite Book Awards Finalist in Young Adult (Fantasy - Urban)2023 International Book Awards Winner in Fiction (Fantasy)“. . . a smart, delightful novel that features a pinch of danger, a spoonful of political unrest, and a dash of romance . . . A fun, charming, and modern twist on an old classic.”—Kirkus Reviews “The never-ending, mind-boggling series of alleys with their sinister magic haunted me long after I finished the book. . . . This book would be perfect for the fans of Neil Gaiman and Naomi Novik.”—Readers’ Favorite, 5-star review“In Mary Pascual’s exciting fantasy novel . . . vibrant imagery abounds.”—Foreword Reviews“For anyone who has ever felt miscast or bypassed, set down or let down, this story about a girl who feels just a little too much is exciting and weird and beautiful and wise.”—Sean Stewart, New York Times best-selling author of Galveston and Mockingbird“Tautly paced, The Byways has aspects of both The Lightning Thief and Alice in Wonderland with a protagonist who must learn the language and laws of another realm in order to find herself and her way home. This lush, well-written YA fantasy tale follows CeeCee as she overcomes her feelings of being an outsider by courageously embracing herself through a series of trials rife with humor and action—all within this gorgeous paranormal universe.”—Susan Wands, author of Magician and Fool“A fun and imaginative twist on a classic tale. Pascual's world is dark and gritty, and her characters are full of spunk and charm. You'll love getting lost in The Byways!”—Lenore Borja, author of The Last Huntress“From the first page, Mary Pascual captivates and enchants with this modern, edgy take on Alice in Wonderland. Her rich and complex characters shine brightly in the dark world she paints in The Byways. The tension and the twists will keep you reading until the very end. A true delight! Wildly original!”—Stacey L. Tucker, author of The Equal Night Trilogy“The agility and caliber of imagination Mary Pascual exhibits in this book are impressive. Move over, Lewis Carroll!”—Maki Morris, author of Blood and Brume“CeeCee is a worthy and powerful heroine—filled with grit and determination. As she combats weird, dangerous, and frightening challenges in the byways, readers will root for her from beginning to end.”—Fatima R. Henson, author of Love in the Age of Dragons“The Byways is a fast-paced fantasy ideal for readers craving a perfectly mysterious adventure through a magical and unknown realm. For both the young and young at heart, this urban retelling of Alice in Wonderland guarantees gasps, laughter, chills, and excitement—and will leave you dreaming of a new self to discover.”—Yodassa Williams, author of The Goddess Twins

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Book Synopsis ‘Utterly original. Amanda Foody has a wicked imagination.’ Stephanie Garber, Sunday Times bestselling author of Caraval Reality is in the eye of the beholder… Even among the many unusual members of the travelling circus that has always been her home sixteen-year-old Sorina stands apart as the only illusion-worker born in hundreds of years. This rare talent allows her to create illusions that others can see, feel and touch, with personalities all of their own. Her creations are her family, and together they make up the cast of the Festival's Freak Show. But no matter how lifelike they may seem, her illusions are still just that—illusions, and not truly real. Or so she always believed…until one of them is murdered.Now she must unravel the horrifying truth before all her loved ones disappear.Trade Review‘I highly recommend this fantastical, wildly imagined thrill-ride of a story.’Laurie Forest, author of The Black Witch

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Book Synopsis‘An utter delight.’ Claire Legrand, New York Times bestselling author of Furyborn Name your price and claim your throne. On the quest to find her missing mother, prim and proper Enne Salta became reluctant allies with Levi Glaisyer, the city’s most famous con man. Saving his life in the Shadow Game forced Enne to assume the identity of Seance, a mysterious underworld figure. Now, with the Chancellor of the Republic dead and bounties on both their heads, she and Levi must play a dangerous game of crime and politics…with the very fate of New Reynes at stake. Thirsting for his freedom and the chance to build an empire, Levi enters an unlikely partnership with Vianca Augustine’s estranged son. Meanwhile, Enne remains trapped by the mafia donna’s binding oath, playing the roles of both darling lady and cunning street lord, unsure which side of herself reflects the truth. As Enne and Levi walk a path of unimaginable wealth and opportunity, new relationships and deadly secrets could quickly lead them into ruin. And when unforeseen players enter the game, they must each make an impossible choice: To sacrifice everything they’ve earned in order to survive… Or die as legends.

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Book Synopsis Return to the City of Sin, where the final game is about to begin… and winning will demand the ultimate sacrifice. Only days after a corrupt election and brutal street war, one last bloodthirsty game has begun. The players? The twenty-two most powerful, notorious people in New Reynes. After realizing they have no choice but to play, Enne Scordata and Levi Glaisyer are desperate to forge new alliances and bargain for their safety. But while Levi offers false smiles and an even falser peace to the city’s politicians, Enne must face a world where her true Mizer identity has been revealed… and any misstep could turn deadly. Meanwhile, a far more dangerous opponent has appeared on the board, one plucked right from the most gruesome legends of New Reynes. As the game takes its final, vicious turn, Levi and Enne must decide once and for all whether to be partners or enemies. Because in a game for survival, there are only losers… And monsters.

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