Children’s / Teenage fiction: Dark fantasy

Book SynopsisBrought to you by Penguin.Presenting a giganticus new reading of Roald Dahl''s The Witches, read by the hugely talented comedian Lolly Adefope. This immersive audiobook is bursting with ree-volting sound effects, dynamic sound design, and original music composed by Rusty Bradshaw.This is a story about REAL WITCHES.Real witches dress in ordinary clothes, have ordinary jobs and look very much like ordinary people.But they are far from ORDINARY . . .The Grand High Witch, leader of all the witches, has a plan to make each and every child disappear.That is, unless one boy and his grandmother can stop her . . .Listen to The Witches and other fantastical Roald Dahl audiobooks including:George''s Marvellous Medicine, read by Romesh Ranganathan.James and the Giant Peach, read by James Acaster.Matilda, read by Kate Winsle

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisA teen girl and her family return to her mother''s childhood home, only to discover that the house''s strange beauty may disguise a sinister past, in this contemporary gothic horror from the author of What We Harvest.The house was supposed to be a fresh start. That''s what Libby''s mom said. And after Libby’s recent bipolar III diagnosis and the tragedy that preceded it, Libby knows she and her family need to find a new normal.But Libby’s new home turns out to be anything but normal. Scores of bugs haunt its winding halls, towering stained-glass windows feature strange, insectile designs, and the garden teems with impossibly blue roses. And then there are the rumors. The locals, including the mysterious boy next door, tell stories about disappearances tied to the house, stretching back over a century to its first owners. Owners who supposedly hosted legendary masked séances on its grounds

Read more less

Book SynopsisTHE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLERReady your blade. Defeat the undead.Gideon the Ninth meets the Game of Thrones White Walkers in this dark young adult fantasy about a disgraced ghost-fighting warrior who must journey into a haunted wasteland to rescue a kidnapped prince.In the Dominions, the dead linger, violent and unpredictable, unless a bonesmith severs the ghost from its earthly remains. For bonesmith Wren, becoming a valkyr - a ghost-fighting warrior - is a chance to solidify her place in the noble House of Bone and impress her frequently absent father. But when sabotage causes Wren to fail her qualifying trial, she is banished to the Border Wall, the last line of defence against a wasteland called the Breach where the vicious dead roam unchecked.Determined to reclaim her family''s respect, Wren gets her chance when a House of Gold prince is kidnapped and taken beyond the Wall. To prove she has what it takes toTrade ReviewI've been dying for a YA novel with unique magic, and Bonesmith delivered it on a ghostly-green platter. With a fascinating world, absolutely delightful characters, and enemies-to-lovers romance - this book is one readers will devour before begging for more. * Tricia Levenseller *[An] eerie atmospheric read packed with action and betrayal * Rebecca Schaeffer *Gripping and action-packed in its plot, tender yet fierce in its romance, haunting and gritty in its worldbuilding, Bonesmith is a dark fantasy thrillride from start to finish. Wren Graven is the perfectly stubborn, witty, and courageous heroine to navigate a world of ghosts and undead that will remain with readers long after the last page * Amélie Wen Zhao *Action-packed from the start ... not for the faint hearted * ReadingZone *[A] combination of swords and sorcery with a teenage goth aesthetic (death! ghosts! eyeliner!) . . . and it's nice to see you can still come up with an original approach to magic in this day and age. The plot is taut and - once in motion - doesn't let up * Concatenation.org *

Read more less

Book SynopsisA glorious new edition of Robin Jarvis's classic and the inspiration for The Power of Dark and its sequels. Contains bonus material specially produced for this Egmont Modern Classics title.When orphans Ben and Jennet arrive in the seaside town of Whitby to stay with Alice Boston, they have no idea what to expect. A lively 92-year-old, Miss Boston is unlike any other foster mother they've known.Ben is gifted with the sight', which gives him the power to see things invisible to other mortals. He soon encounters the mysterious fisher folk who live under the cliffs and discovers that Alice and her friends are not quite what they seem.But a darkness is stalking the streets of Whitby, bringing with it fear and death. Could it be a ghost from the Abbey? Or a beast from hell? Unless the truth is uncovered, the town and all its inhabitants is doomed.Robin Jarvis started writing in 1988 and quickly became a bestselling author with his Deptford Mice and Whitby Witches series. The Whitby Witches i

Read more less

Book SynopsisHilarious sequel to The Caravan at the Edge of Doom, perfect for fans of Terry Pratchett, David Walliams and Roald Dahl!Twelve-year old Harley is happy to be back home after her adventures in the Land of the Dead. But strange things soon start happening.A bunch of Restless Souls turn up in at school, the portal of doom breaks AND everyone thinks Harley has blown up her best friend Bess. Is this all connected to a mysteriousancient prophecy that everyone in the Land of the Dead keeps talking about? There's only one thing for it. Harley has to unleash her inner Legendary Hero and head Beyond Life for more monsters, mysteries and mayhem!This must-read sequel to the The Caravan at the Edge of Doom is full of heart, humour and heroism.Trade ReviewFor The Caravan at the Edge of Doom: ‘This is a book that combines the mundane with the otherworldly and the high stakes of a brilliant adventure story, all laced with an unapologetic light-hearted humour. . . With the beautiful, fitting and scene-setting black and white illustrations by Olia Muza, an endlessly funny protagonist and role model, and a mature discussion on more serious themes like familial relationships and handling the concept of death over the course of the book, it is exactly the kind of story I gravitated to when I was younger, and that still has a distinct charm today.’ The National ‘I loved the unique sense of humour’The Herald

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe first title in a thrilling, fiery and powerful Caribbean-inspired YA fantasy duology. Trust no witch . But every day brings her closer to freedom - and vengeance. But revenge is a bloody pursuit, and nothing is certain - except the lengths Iraya and Jazmyne will go to win this game. Two witches.Trade ReviewAuthor Ciannon Smart has successfully soaker her Jamaican heritage into this debut novel, bathing her pages in the culture, patois and descriptions of that beautiful island. This is a magic-filled fantasy world stuffed to the rafters with powerful women. * SFX *If you enjoy vibrant fantasy with complex characters, shifting loyalties and magic that crackles through each page like lightning, then you're bound to love Witches Steeped In Gold. It's a fierce and magnetic book of witchcraft, revenge and political intrigue, with an end that sets the scene for more witchery, vengeance, complicated alliances and fiery romance as the story continues. * Culturefly *This Jamaican-inspired fantasy debut about two enemy witches who must enter into a deadly alliance to take down a common enemy has the twisted cat-and-mouse of Killing Eve with the richly imagined fantasy world of Furyborn and Ember in the Ashes. * United by Pop *A Jamaican-inspired fantasy world filled with matriarchy, magic, and betrayal. * Book Riot *Smart's Jamaican-inspired YA fantasy debut novel is a fascinating read full of rich worldbuilding, complex magical systems, and high-stakes drama. * Buzzfeed *Deadly, fierce, magnetically addictive: this Jamaican-inspired fantasy debut is a thrilling journey where dangerous magic reigns supreme and betrayal lurks beneath every word. * Nerd Daily *A bloody and deadly delight, Witches Steeped in Gold puts power into the hands of Black girls - the true, beating heart of magic! * Dhonielle Clayton, New York Times bestselling author of the Belles series *

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe gripping final instalment of the acclaimed fantasy trilogy ... In a darkening city of dreams, can the light return?For Londoner Fern King, Annwn is her second home - the dream mirror of London, the city she loves.Trade ReviewAction, heart, political intrigue, and a showdown worthy of the fantastic build-up. This was the perfect end to the trilogy! -- Kat EllisUnique and utterly enthralling, the Midnight's Twins trilogy is a vivid, spellbinding testament to the power our imaginations can wield. -- Kate Dylan, author of MindwalkerHolly Race's debut novel is a complex, inventive fantasy adventure that builds suspense and holds our attention...Race is an author to watch * BOOKS FOR KEEPS (praise for MIDNIGHT'S TWINS) *Midnight's Twins had me gripped from the very first line. It's wildly imaginative, and I love that it's focused on the sibling bond (Fern and Ollie completely captured my heart!) and set in an alternative, dreamscaped London. The world building is excellent - the streets and inhabitants of Annwn really came to life in Race's prose. A brilliant combination of urban fantasy and Arthurian legend, Midnight's Twins will appeal to fans of Gaiman's Neverwhere or Schwab's A Darker Shade Of Magic. -- Katharine CorrLyrical writing, powerful politics, & epic world-building, Race's Midnight's Twins is a unique and vivid story of hope & belonging, I couldn't put it down -- Michelle KenneyA gripping YA fantasy that plunges the reader into a nightmarish mirror world where dreams can literally kill you. I could not put it down. -- Elizabeth CorrA Midnight Dark And Golden is everything I hoped it was going to be, and much more. A beautifully written, devastatingly emotional finale to this epic trilogy, it's shot through with the best kind of magic: the magic of hope, sacrifice and love. Both heartbreaking and joyful, I know that Fern and Ollie's story will be one I return to time and time again. -- Katharine Corr

Read more less

Book Synopsis"A grown-up gothic fairy tale" — The Guardian's "five best young adult books of 2023""With its silver-sprinkled jacket, this elegiac story . . . is perfect"Children's Book of the Week – The Sunday TimesThe award-winning, bestselling Frances Hardinge and Emily Gravett unite for the first time to conjure up a thrilling fairy tale of ghosts and magic, highly illustrated throughout with a luscious blue ink.On the island of Merlank, the Dead must not be allowed to linger. The very sight of their ghosts can kill you. When young Milo is thrust into the role of Ferryman following his father’s sudden death, he is the one who must carry away the Dead.Pursued by a vengeful lord and two malignant magicians, Milo must navigate strange and perilous seas where untold threats whisper in the mist. Does he have the courage and imagination to complete his urgent mission?From the Costa Book Award-winning Frances Hardinge, author of The Lie Tree and Unraveller, with spectacular illustrations from double Kate Greenaway Medal winner Emily Gravett, this riveting coming-of-age tale will sweep you away on an unforgettable journey.Island of Whispers is a beautiful hardback glittering all over with silver moths, making the most exquisite gift for anyone who loves mysterious fantasy worlds and graphic novels. Perfect for fans of Neil Gaiman and Kiran Millwood Hargrave.Trade ReviewA fabulously eerie tale that boldly confronts mortality.. the stunning illustrations by Emily Gravett cleverly capture the narrative's haunting mood.. the book is deceptively multi-layered * The Telegraph *With its silver-sprinkled jacket, this elegiac story, part way between picture book and novella, is perfect for autumn.. with each word carefully and often surprisingly chosen, this gothic fable weaves a frisson-filled spell. * The Sunday Times *Heightened by Gravett’s blue-white expanses and stark black bricks and timbers, Hardinge’s spare coming-of-age parable is laced with her trademark wisdom and subtlety.. this is ideal for 11+ readers who enjoy highly illustrated storytelling. * The Guardian's 'five best young adult books of 2023' *Island of Whispers is a melancholy, mist-shrouded triumph * TLS's best children’s books of 2023 *The book features beautiful illustrations from Elisa Paganelli and perfect for children aged from nine. * School Reading List *Frances Hardinge.. is a terrific YA author * The Observer *Hardinge is an extraordinary writer for teenagers.. atmospheric illustrations add to the ghostly drama * Daily Mail *An ideal gift book for both reluctant teen readers and enthusiastic readers with a penchant for the macabre. * Irish Times *A dazzling coming-of-age story by the Costa-winning author. * i news *Young readers will be in thrall to this unforgettable and ultimately heartwarming adventure. * Lancashire Evening Post *Full of powerful images – in text and illustration – it should be read and reread * Books for Keeps *Island of Whispers is a page turner until the end. * Big Issue *

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

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 *

Read more less

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

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

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

Read more less

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

Read more less

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.

Read more less

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.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less