Children’s / Teenage fiction: Fantasy romance

Book SynopsisKing Harristan rules Kandala with an iron fist. He’s had to ever since he and his brother Prince Corrick inherited a kingdom on the verge of collapse after a deadly illness killed most of the population before a cure was found. The one thing keeping his people alive is also driving them apart . . . the cure, made from the nectar of a rare flower. As sickness lingers among the people of Kandala, a sharp divide has formed, as those who control access to the medicine live in luxury--while the rest live in suffering. The only way to keep the peace is to kill anyone who threatens it, and that task falls to young Prince Corrick. Tessa Cade is a masked outlaw marked for death, but she likes it that way. At night, she and her best friend Weston Lark ride through the streets of the poorest towns, distributing food, money, and medicine they’ve stolen from the elite ruling class. Tessa has reason to hate the king: her parents were publicly executed after they were caught selling medicine on the black market. She has reason to love Weston: he saved her life when she nearly followed her parents to the same fate. She’s come to hate the dawn, which signals that it’s time for Weston to return to his home on the other side of the city, where he spends his days working in the grueling iron forge. Lately, rumors have been spreading that the cure no longer works, and people are starting to act on their worst impulses. Tessa knows that the only way to save her people--the poor--is to assassinate King Harristan. It’s a mission that is more likely to kill her than save anyone, but if her parents were willing to risk their lives, then so is she. What Tessa doesn’t expect to find is that everything she believed about her kingdom is a lie, and that tipping the balance of power will require her to work with the very people she intended to destroy. . . Set in a fantasy world startlingly similar to our own, Brigid Kemmerer's newest series illuminates the divide between those with power and those without. . . and what happens when someone is brave enough to flip the system upside down.Trade ReviewHas everything you'd want in a retelling of a classic fairy tale. * Jodi Picoult, New York Times bestselling author of A SPARK OF LIGHT and SMALL GREAT THINGS, on A CURSE SO DARK AND LONELY *Absolutely spellbinding. * Stephanie Garber, #1 New York Times bestselling author of CARAVAL and LEGENDARY, on A CURSE SO DARK AND LONELY *I couldn't get this creative, suspenseful take on 'Beauty and the Beast' out of my head. * Sara Holland, New York Times bestselling author of EVERLESS, on A CURSE SO DARK AND LONELY *Heartwarming, thoughtful, and romantic: Brigid Kemmerer took me on a magical journey with this dark fairy tale about growing up, falling in love, and making impossible choices. * Jodi Meadows, New York Times bestselling co-author of MY LADY JANE and MY PLAIN JANE, on A CURSE SO DARK AND LONELY *Harper is the undisputed hero . . . Avoiding disability inspiration tropes, she is a fallible, well-rounded character who fights for the vulnerable and resists being labeled as such herself despite how others perceive her. A fast-paced, richly detailed feminist epic. * Kirkus Reviews, starred review, on A CURSE SO DARK AND LONELY *This enthralling modern fable champions altruism while illustrating intimacy’s relationship with honesty, respect, trust, and consent. * Publishers Weekly, starred review, on A CURSE SO DARK AND LONELY *Fans of Cassandra Clare, Marissa Meyer, or Alex Flinn, as well as any reader looking to sink into a top-notch story with great characters, will want to read this book. * VOYA, starred review, on A CURSE SO DARK AND LONELY *

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Book SynopsisAn instant New York Times bestseller! Would you tempt even the most dangerous fate to save the ones you love? Briseis has one chance to save her mother, but she’ll need to do the impossible: find the last fragment of the deadly Absyrtus Heart. To locate the missing piece, she must turn to the blood relatives she’s never known, learn about their secret powers, and take her place in their ancient lineage. But Briseis is not the only one who wants the Heart, and her enemies will stop at nothing to fulfill their own ruthless plans. The fates tell of a truly dangerous journey, one that could end in more heartache, more death. Strengthened by the sisterhood of ancient magic, can Briseis harness her power to save the people she loves most? Bestselling author Kalynn Bayron continues the story of Briseis and her family’s unique magic in the sequel to This Poison Heart.Trade ReviewThe book centers Black characters, and its prose sings. . . . This Wicked Fate is a delightful novel about literal Black Girl Magic, found family, and queer love, with adventures and a satisfying twist on Greek mythology. * Foreword Reviews, starred review *This duology closer delves deeper into mythology while depicting textured, realistic relationships. * Kirkus Reviews *Sharp banter, dynamic characters, and a warm sapphic romance give this even more verve. * Booklist *Kalynn Bayron's writing is alchemy itself, blending contemporary fantasy with a dose of haunting mystery and a dropper of gothic fiction. An intoxicating tale about the power of about Black motherhood and daughterhood, and family bonds that can't be broken. Like the poisonous plants Briseis tends to, This Poison Heart is mesmerizing and beautiful. * Tracy Deonn, New York Times bestselling author of LEGENDBORN, on THIS POISON HEART *Kalynn Bayron does more than re-write a fairy-tale . . . She breaks it apart and rebuilds it into a wholly original and captivating story where girls finally decide for themselves who lives happily ever after. * Brigid Kemmerer, New York Times bestselling author of A CURSE SO DARK AND LONELY, on CINDERELLA IS DEAD *Flipping the Cinderella tale on its head, Bayron’s take challenges patriarchy with kick-butt heroines and a counter-story that will forever change how readers perceive fairy tales. * Booklist, starred review, on CINDERELLA IS DEAD *Readers looking for dystopia, queer romance, LGBTQ inclusiveness, and women sticking it to the patriarchy will be pleased. * School Library Journal Online, on CINDERELLA IS DEAD *A queer dystopian fantasy that questions written history and societal expectations. * Shelf Awareness Pro, on CINDERELLA IS DEAD *Bayron’s deconstructive reimagining of the classic fairy tale is ambitious, replacing the happily-ever-after with a tragic legacy and a defiant, feminist tone. * Publishers Weekly Online, on CINDERELLA IS DEAD *

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Book SynopsisAward-winning authors David Bowles and Guadalupe García McCall join forces to craft a sweeping fantasy romance about falling in love despite all odds. In modern-day Mexico, Sitlali is all alone after the death of her beloved abuela. Targeted by a dangerous gang member, she flees to the United States to find her father. The night before her journey, she finds an ancient conch shell on the beach and takes it with her as a memento of home. In 1521, Calizto is trapped in the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan, which is besieged by Spanish invaders. He has fought valiantly, but hope for his people is running out. Desperate to escape, he takes up his mother's sacred conch and sounds a plea to the gods. The conch holds magic neither Sitlali nor Calizto understand, magic that allows them to communicate across centuries--and find comfort in each other as they fight to survive. With each conversation, they fall deeper in love, and as the moon waxes, they become more present to each other. But as danger threatens at every turn, will they ever find a way to truly be together?Trade ReviewAn excellent romantic fantasy woven with timeless themes. The authors juxtapose historical aspects of Aztec civilization with today’s current events, calling attention to strains that migrants experience in modern-day detention centers. Young adults will thoroughly enjoy this riveting, long-distance love story. * Booklist, starred review *By turns heartfelt and heart-pounding, this story will grip readers to the final pages. * The Horn Book *The alternating perspectives brim with vitality, pulling the reader into each moment while intertwining ever more closely the shared threads of indigeneity, colonial oppression, and hope for a more peaceful future. * BCCB *A gentle love story and action-packed sequences elevate this sobering read. * Publishers Weekly *

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Book SynopsisIn the thrilling conclusion to the Defy the Night series, New York Times bestselling author Brigid Kemmerer crafts heartrending twists and devastating turns that will keep readers breathless to the very end. Left for dead, but desperate to survive . . . they have one last chance to save their kingdom. Prince Corrick is out of options. Held captive by the vicious Oren Crane, he’s desperate to reunite with Tessa, but will need to ally with the rebel leader Lochlan, who until now wished him dead. An unlikely but deadly pair, Corrick and Lochlan must plot their next moves carefully. . . An island away, Tessa Cade is heartbroken and angry. Grieving Corrick, and unsure how to find a way back to Kandala, she doesn’t know who to trust. Until Rian--the man she trusts least--makes an offer: aid in a plot to finally oust Oren Crane and see what the future holds. . . Meanwhile in Kandala, Harristan is dethroned and on the run. He’s struggling to unite the rebels in his fractured kingdom, but he finds support--and maybe more--in unexpected places. Can Harristan be the king his people need? Can Corrick and Tessa find their way back to each other? As outside threats loom and the fires of revolution burn from within, time is running out to save their kingdom.Trade ReviewBrigid Kemmerer has woven her compelling heroine into a kinetic tale of the tension between duty, love and trust. * Cassandra Clare, #1 New York Times bestselling author of THE LAST HOURS, on DEFY THE NIGHT *Immersive and engaging, Defy the Night is a romantic epic that blends magic and politics with a deft hand. * Adrienne Young, New York Times Bestselling author of FABLE, on DEFY THE NIGHT *Defy the Night is a twisty, edge-of-your-seat fantasy that has it all--outlaws, court intrigue, rebellions, and romance. Addicting from page one! * #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout, on DEFY THE NIGHT *A captivating combination of thrilling adventure, swoon-worthy romance, and royal intrigue, Defy the Night is everything I crave in a fantasy romance. * Stephanie Garber, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Caraval series, on DEFY THE NIGHT *

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Book SynopsisGrowing up in the dark tourism capital of the United States, sixteen-year-old Olive should be comfortable with death. But ever since an allergic reaction almost sent her to the wrong side of the grass, she's been terrified that there is no afterlife. And after the death of her surrogate grandmother, Olive has kept everyone at arm's length because if there's Nothing after we die, relationships and love can only end in sorrow. When she summons a spirit to answer her questions about death, Olive meets Jay, a hitchhiking ghost trapped in the woods behind the poorhouse where he died. Olive agrees to help Jay find his unmarked grave in exchange for answers about the other side and what comes next. Meanwhile, someoneor somethingis targeting Olive's classmates, and the longer Jay lingers, the more serious the attacks become. Blaming herself for having brought Jay back, Olive teams up with maybe-nemesis, maybe-crush Maren, ex-best friend Davis, and new girl Vanessa to free Jay's spirit before he's trapped as a malevolent shade and the attacks turn deadly. But in doing so, Olive must face her fear of death and risk losing another person she loves to the Nothing.

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Book SynopsisAfter adults morph into monsters and everyone under eighteen barricades themselves inside their schools to survive, a political exile seeks asylum from her schoolâs hard-partying crosstown rival, which has adopted the neo-feudal trappings of a popular video game and all the competing factions, love triangles, and palace intrigue that go with it.

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Book SynopsisFast-paced, endlessly romantic, and answering fans' questions while posing exciting new ones, the sequel to Sara Wolf's Bring Me Their Hearts is a tour de force.

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Book SynopsisZera is a Heartless - the immortal, unageing soldier of a witch. Bound to the witch Nightsinger ever since she saved her from the bandits who murdered her family, Zera longs for freedom from the woods they hide in. With her heart in a jar under Nightsinger's control, she serves the witch unquestioningly. Until Nightsinger asks Zera for a Prince's heart in exchange for her own, with one addendum; if she's discovered infiltrating the court, Nightsinger will destroy her heart rather than see her tortured by the witch-hating nobles. Crown Prince Lucien d'Malvane hates the royal court as much as it loves him - every tutor too afraid to correct him and every girl jockeying for a place at his darkly handsome side. No one can challenge him - until the arrival of Lady Zera. She's inelegant, smart-mouthed, carefree, and out for his blood. The Prince's honor has him quickly aiming for her throat. So begins a game of cat and mouse between a girl with nothing to lose and a boy who has it all. Winner takes the loser's heart. Literally.Trade Review"Zera is an exemplar of confident, capable, relentlessly witty young womanhood. She is assertive, proactive, and, above all, a fun character to follow, yet she's sufficiently well-rounded. ... A zesty treat for YA and new-adult fantasists." -Kirkus Reviews "Captivating and unique! Sara Wolf has created a world quite unlike one I've ever read in Bring Me Their Hearts. Readers will fall in love with Zera, the girl with no heart who somehow has the biggest heart of all." --Pintip Dunn, New York Times bestselling author of the Forget Tomorrow series "Thrilling, hilarious, addictive, and awesome! I absolutely loved it!" --Sarah Beth Durst, award-winning author of The Queens of Renthia series "Everything I need from a story. A standout among fantasies!" --Wendy Higgins, New York Times bestselling author of Sweet Evil "Sara Wolf is a fresh voice in YA, and her characters never fail to make me laugh and think." --Rachel Harris, New York Times bestselling author of My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century "From the start, this book completely stole my heart! Sara Wolf has woven a mesmerizing tale in Bring Me Their Hearts that had me glued to each page, unable to put it down until the end." --Brenda Drake, New York Times bestselling author of the Library Jumpers series "The battle between good and evil bleeds over the pages of this exquisite fantasy." --Olivia Wildenstein, USA TODAY bestselling author of The Lost Clan series "Original, authentic, and enchanting! Sara Wolf creates a vivid fantasy world like no other. Bring Me Their Hearts is a breath of fresh air in YA fantasy!" --D.D. Miers, USA TODAY bestselling author of the Relic Keeper series "Absolutely blown away by this world, with its harsh realities and amazing characters." --Pop Reads Box "The world Sara Wolf created was full of magic, witches, villains, love, and struggle." --As Told By Michelle blog "Sara Wolf is a national treasure...Bring Me Their Hearts is everything." --Jennifer H., Goodreads reviewer "Bring Me Their Hearts weaves a tale of fighting for your freedom and deciding what your freedom is actually worth." --FaeCrate "This book was everything I hoped it would be and more." --Rebekah, Goodreads Reviewer ..".damned if I didn't just eat this up." --The Book Rat ..".this one was a lot of fun with a unique female lead." --Jackie at YA Book Junkies "This author's worldbuilding is simply magical and you quickly find yourself becoming attached to the very witty Zera..." --YA/NA Book Divas "This book was amazing. I have never read a book by this author and she moved straight up there to the top 5." - Rustic Book Reviews by Tonya "Filled with unique magic, action and a generous sprinkling of romance..." - Of Stacks and Cups "Bring Me Their Hearts is a luscious tale of court intrigue, magic and bloodshed, with a dash of sass and a sprinkle of darkness." - Booknest.eu "Bring Me Their Hearts is filled with killer, heart stealing witches, mischievous royalty, magic and swords... and so much witty and sarcastic humor. I am so excited to see how the series progresses!" - MyBookAcademy "This blew my mind. I can't, it was so amazing. " -FoxReadx "I am completely blown away by this books epicness. It has won the whole of my heart, and I wouldn't wish it back for the world." -KestrelofHerran "This was such a ride... brilliant, bloody and funny all at once." - Kristin's Books "Zera's journey is intense and wonderful with moments of love and humor..." - Goodreads Reviewer

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Book SynopsisWhen Emile's aunt declares he must marry or be disowned for being gay-he runs away to hide as a servant in Count Montoni's mansion. In their service, Emile tends to the family who all suffer a strange affliction on the full moon. And after overhearing suspicious family arguments, he finds a body on the estate, drawing the attention of a handsome doctor as well as the count's charismatic nephew, Henri. Before Emile can sort out his affections or unravel the growing Montoni family mystery, his identity is revealed and his aunt comes to collect him. When she arrives, Count Montoni forces everyone to depart to the remote Udolpho Castle-where there are no witnesses and no chance for escape. There, Emile realizes that he will have to risk his life to find the love he deserves-and survive the Montoni family.

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Book SynopsisThe Seven-the Divine beings meant to protect the world-just declared war. On Harley. They took Ray, her baby sister, and they're using her boyfriend, Draven, to do their dirty work. But she's not about to stand for that. She may not be able to wipe them off the face of the earth right now, but she knows what can. Thanks to an Ather connection, she's found out about the Seven Scrolls. An ancient incantation made by the Creator to counteract the Seven's great power, scattered into pieces across the world. With the help of her new crew, Harley's on the hunt. And with each located scroll, she faces new battles, bloodier and harder than she's ever known before. But now the stakes are even higher, because Ray has always been her bright light in the darkness, and Draven is her hope when all seems lost-so what's left if she doesn't get them back? Harley will become the scariest legend the world has ever known.

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Book Synopsis"What to read after A Court of Thorns and Roses! Full of twists you'll never see coming!" -UppercaseYA I've never been a stranger to the darkness. But when darkness comes knocking and looks that good, who wouldn't invite him in? Draven is mysterious, evasive, and hot as sin. The only thing more infuriating than how much he won't say is how obnoxious he is every time he does open his mouth. But when a group of strangers attacks me and he fights back, causing them to vanish into a cloud of black dust, I know Draven is more than he seems. He finally shows me there's a veil separating the world I know from a world of demons living all around us. Turns out, good and evil are just words. Some of the demons don't fall into either category. And I'm realizing just how easily I fit in among the ancient warlocks, the divine soldiers, and the twisted supernaturals... There's so much more to me. To my past. And to what I am truly capable of than I ever thought possible. So when all signs point to me having the ability to unleash Hell on earth? I'll have to decide if I want to do the world a solid and save it, or give it one hell of a makeover.

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Book SynopsisThere are worse things than death. With the rise of Varia d’Malvane comes the fall of the Mist Continent. Cavanos is overrun by the brutal rampage of the valkerax, led by its former crown princess. Vetris is gone. Helkyris is gone. As each mighty nation falls, the grip of the crown princess closes around the throat of the world. But Zera Y’shennria isn’t out yet. Alongside Malachite, Fione, Yorl, and her love Lucien, Zera seeks aid from the High Witches and the Black Archives, with the valkerax horde hot on their heels. Seemingly unstoppable, Varia can track Zera through her dreams, ensuring there is nowhere to run. Thankfully, an ancient book holds the key to stopping the incursion forever. But at what cost comes freedom? At what cost comes love? At what cost comes the end of the world, and the beginning of a new one?

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Book SynopsisA young technomancer teams up with a handsome thief to save her sister in this propulsive, magic-filled young adult fantasy that is perfect for fans of Gearbreakers and Iron Widow.Adya wants nothing more than to be left alone. Content to be loyal to no one but herself in the isolated jungles of South India, she dreams only of finding her lost sister, Priya, and making enough money to take care of their family. It’s too bad that her rare ability to wake electric machines—using the magic that wiped them out five centuries ago—also makes her a coveted political pawn. Everyone seems to believe that her technomancy can help them win the endless war for control over the magic’s supernatural source. These senseless power struggles mean little to Adya. But when her enemies dangle news of her sister before her, she’s all too quick to leap at the chance to bring Priya home—even if it means teaming up with a rakish, disreput

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Book SynopsisA baker’s apprentice reluctantly embarks on an adventure full of magic, new friendships, and a prince in distress in this “appealingly breezy” (Kirkus Reviews) and “deftly written” (School Library Journal, starred review) young adult fantasy that’s perfect for fans of Margaret Rogerson and Gail Carson Levine.It’s not all sugar and spice at Basil’s Bakery, where seventeen-year-old Aurelie is an overworked, underappreciated apprentice. Still, the job offers stability, which no-nonsense Aurelie values highly, so she keeps her head down and doesn’t dare to dream big—until a stranger walks in and hands her a set of Seeking stones. In a country where Seeking was old-fashioned even before magic went out of style, it’s a rare skill, but Aurelie has it. The stranger, who turns out to be a remarkably bothersome bounty hunter named Iliana, asks for Aurelie’s help rescuing someone from the dangerous Underwood—which sounds suspiciously like an adventure. When the someone turns out to be Prince Hapless, the charming-but-aptly-named prince, Aurelie’s careful life is upended. Suddenly, she finds herself on a quest filled with magic portals, a troll older than many trees (and a few rocks), and dangerous palace intrigue. Even more dangerous are the feelings she’s starting to have for Hapless. The more time Aurelie spends with him, the less she can stand the thought of going back to her solitary but dependable life at the bakery. Must she choose between losing her apprenticeship—or her heart?Trade Review"This novel has in-depth character development with a fantasy world that comes alive as the story progresses. . . Strongly recommended for Dungeon & Dragons enthusiasts. With a unique world, characters to root for, and a deftly written plot, this book is highly ­recommended." -- School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW"Nuanced, profound scenes mingle with lighter, humorous moments, making the characters feel real and their growth believable. . . Mills’ mastery of language is on full display here, with fun, clever prose and dialogue that are bound to make readers laugh out loud. . . Classic fairy-tale settings, compelling mysteries and a charismatic cast of characters make Something Close to Magic an entertaining, fast-paced read, and its ending strikes the perfect balance between satisfaction and the promise of more adventures. Readers will be reminded of The Princess Bride." -- Bookpage"Teens who relish light, character-driven stories will enjoy this fantasy . . . The dialogue is filled with dry repartee that is also highlighted in a particularly well-crafted epistolary interlude showcasing the growing feelings, despite their social class differences, between Aurelie and the prince. . . This appealingly breezy novel will whet readers’ appetites for magic and adventure." -- Kirkus Reviews

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Book Synopsis● This Audience Is Growing: Dog ownership has skyrocketed 77.2% across high income households that earn $150,000/year in the last 10 years, with a 26% increase in the last 2 years alone. ● This Audience Is Spending More: Consumer spending on the pampering and ‘humanization’ of pets has become a lucrative trend, with the US pet market estimated to be worth over $72 billion.● Women Lead This Trend: 60% of women between 18-44 years old in the US have a dog. 68% of women would choose their dog over a significant other, and 91% would sell a prized possession to pay for her dog’s surgery.● Doodles Are Most Popular Breed: Seven of the top ten most common mixed breed dogs in the world are poodle mixes. On Instagram, #doodlesofinstagram has 3.4 million posts, while #goldendoodle has 4.5 million posts and #Labradoodle has 2.4 million posts. AUDIENCE: Women doodle (poodle-mix breed) ownersPeople thinking about raising a doodleNew doodle ownersSpouses and relatives of doodle women owners - will buy as gifts

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