Children’s / Teenage fiction: Fantasy

Book SynopsisDeep beneath the sea, off the cold Irish coast, Gaia is a young mermaidwho dreams of freedom from her controlling father. On herfirst swim to the surface, she is drawn towards a human boy. Shelongs to join his carefree world, but how much will she have to sacrifice?What will it take for the little mermaid to find her voice?

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Book SynopsisWritten by the winner of the 2022 Children''s & YA Jhalak Prize.The Jade Kingdom has been taken over by Daji, evil fox spirits, and the Jade Emperor has lost his life force chi! Can Jack figure out how to use the power of the dog zodiac before it''s too late?With a brilliant cast of troublesome animal zodiac creatures, deadly demons and spine-tingling spirits, this series is for fans of Adam Blade and Percy Jackson.

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Book SynopsisTariq and his friends Livia and Artos have set sail to New Ethrial on a quest to find the Crocodile''s Tear, a Spiritstone stolen centuries ago. Deep in the forest, Tariq encounters an old enemy and makes a powerful new friend - Imex, a shapeshifting seer. Imex takes Tariq to the Temple of Beasts, where he learns how to become different animals - from a panther to an eagle. Tariq''s friends are worried - could Imex be using Tariq to reunite the long-lost Spiritstones and satisfy her own thirst for power? This richly imagined adventure blends themes of classic fantasy and world mythology with a timely message about protecting the environment.

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Book SynopsisThis beautiful hardback Ladybird Classic edition of Gulliver''s Travels by Jonathan Swift is a perfect first illustrated introduction to the classic story for younger readers.It has been sensitively abridged and retold to make it suitable for sharing with young children from 5+, whilst retaining all the key parts of Gulliver''s travels and adventures in the strange lands of Lilliput and Brobdingnag. Detailed full-colour illustrations throughout also help to bring this classic tale to life. Other exciting titles in the Ladybird Classics series include Alice in Wonderland, Black Beauty, The Secret Garden, Oliver Twist and Treasure Island.

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Book SynopsisOtto Hundebiss is tired of war, but when he defies Death he walks a dangerous path. A half beast half man gives him shoes and dice which will lead him deep into a web of dark magic and mystery. He meets the beautiful Safire - pure of heart and spirit, the scheming Mistress Jabber and the terrifying Lady of the Nail. He learns the powers of the tinderbox and the wolves whose master he becomes. But will all the riches in the world bring him the thing he most desires?Fairy tales are often the cruellest stories of all; in this exquisite novel Sally Gardner writes about great love and great loss.

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Book SynopsisA full-colour short story taken from the world of the Magic Faraway Tree. Perfect for new readers. Discover the magic!Joe, Beth, Frannie and cousin Rick go up the Faraway Tree for another fantastical adventure! This time, they reach the Land of Toys, where teddy bears, dolls and clockwork toys run around all day long. Poor Saucepan-Man gets thrown in prison by some toy soldiers and the children must rescue him before it''s too late...The stories about the Magic Faraway Tree have been entertaining children for more than 80 years. Now these colour short stories offer a great way for young new readers to discover the adventures of Silky, Moon-Face, the Saucepan Man and all of their friends in the Enchanted Wood. Also available in this short story series: A Faraway Tree Adventure: The Land of Birthdays A Faraway Tree Adventure: The Land of Magic Medicines A Faraway Tree Adventure: The Land of Do-As-You-Please A

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Book SynopsisKiki Kallira can bring her drawings to life...but when a mysterious curse threatens her newly-created kingdom and friends, how can she use her powers to save them? A fantasy adventure inspired by Hindu legends, about anxiety, creativity and finding your own strengths. For 8+ fans of Abi Elphistone and The Land of Roar.

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Book SynopsisFrom the author of Monsters Born and Made comes an action-packed South Asian inspired fantasy that will have your heart racing at every turn. Something lives in the darkness?something with teeth.Seventeen-year-old Krescent Dune is buried under the weight of her dead parents'' debt and the ruinous legacy they left behind. The only way she can earn enough money to escape her unforgiving island is by battling monstrous creatures in an underground fighting pit.After a fight goes terribly wrong, she''s banned from the pits. Now hopeless, she is offered a deal: in exchange for the erasure of her debts, she must join and protect a hunting party for a rescue mission deep within the mining caves beneath the island. Krescent is determined to keep her head down and fulfill her role as the dutiful bodyguard, even though she is trapped underground with her childhood enemy and a company of people who would gladly kill her if they knew who her parents were. As they come across creatures she believed only existed in legends, it becomes clear they are in far more danger than she could have imagined.But someone doesn''t want her to make it out alive. And she''ll have to figure out who before she''s left alone?in the dark.

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Book Synopsis‘Packed with fun, fantasy and the sort of adventure guaranteed to have sticky little fingers hungrily turning the pages’ The Mail on Sunday ‘The Royal Rabbits of London is sweet, funny and beautifully illustrated' The TimesThe adventure continues for Shylo and his Royal Rabbit friends in this charming series from bestselling authors Santa Montefiore and Simon Sebag Montefiore and illustrator Kate Hindley, which shows that even the smallest rabbit can be the biggest hero.Life is an adventure. Anything in the world is possible – by will and by luck, with a moist carrot, a wet noise and a slice of mad courage! Now that Shylo is a Royal Rabbit, his life is full of adventure and new friends, but he still misses his mother and family. So he jumps at the chance to visit his home warren! As soon as Shylo arrives he finds something strange and

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Book SynopsisBut Nicholas is deeply tainted with Free magic and Lirael must seek help for him at her childhood home, the Clayr's Glacier. But even as she returns to the Clayr, a messenger is trying to reach Lirael with a dire warning from her long-dead mother, Arielle, about the Witch with No Face.

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Book SynopsisThe much anticipated sequel to the breathtaking New York Times bestseller THE WRATH AND THE DAWN.I am surrounded on all sides by a desert. A guest, in a prison of sand and sun. My family is here. And I do not know whom I can trust.In a land on the brink of war, Shahrzad has been torn from the love of her husband Khalid, the Caliph of Khorasan. She once believed him a monster, but his secrets revealed a man tormented by guilt and a powerful curse-one that might keep them apart forever. Reunited with her family, who have taken refuge with enemies of Khalid, and Tariq, her childhood sweetheart, she should be happy. But Tariq now commands forces set on destroying Khalid''s empire. Shahrzad is almost a prisoner caught between loyalties to people she loves. But she refuses to be a pawn and devises a plan.While her father, Jahandar, continues to play with magical forces he doesn''t yet understand, Shahrzad tries to uncover powers thaTrade ReviewPraise for THE WRATH AND THE DAWN -- -Don't be surprised if the pages melt away and you find yourself racing through warm, golden sands or drinking spiced wine in cool marble courtyards. This is an intoxicating gem of a story. You will fall in love, just as I did. -- Marie Lu, New York Times bestselling author of the Legend series and The Young ElitesIn her absorbing debut, Renée Ahdieh spins a tale as mesmerizing as that of her heroine Shahrzad, filled with lush details and brimming with tension. The Wrath and the Dawn is truly an exceptional story, beautifully written. -- Carrie Ryan, New York Times bestselling author of The Forest of Hands and TeethLushly imagined and powerfully characterized, it's a potent page-turner of intrigue and romance. * Publishers Weekly *Set against a backdrop of political intrigue and a simmering revolution, this is a carefully constructed narrative of uncertain loyalties, searing romance, and subtle magic in a harsh desert city. * Booklist, starred review *Dreamily romantic, deliciously angst-y, addictively thrilling. * Kirkus Reviews *

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Book SynopsisPack your suitcase for a magical adventure! At the Strangeworlds Travel Agency, each suitcase transports you to a different world. All you have to do is step inside...Flick is now a badge-wearing member of The Strangeworlds Travel Agency so when an urgent summons arrives at Strangeworlds from Pirate Queen Nyfe, she and Strangeworlds Society guardian Jonathan immediately pack their bags for an adventure to Queen Nyfe's world: The Break, a place of magic and piracy. Nyfe's world is falling apart. The Break is used to having ships vanish without a trace, but there has been a sudden increase that can't be explained by giant squid or mer-people. The edge of their flat world is coming ever closer to them and they need to escape before it collapses entirely.But how do you sail a ship through a suitcase? How do you fit a mer-queen the size of a whale into something small enough to carry in your hand? Will Flick and Jonathan be able to find a way to transport the inhabitants of the Break to another world before theirs disappears forever?A magical adventure for 9+ readers that will take you to whole new worlds, perfect for fans of The Train to Impossible Places and Pages & Co.

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Book SynopsisThe first book in a bitingly brilliant and fangtastically feisty debut middle-grade series by New York Times bestselling author Kalynn Bayron. Fans of The Breakfast Club Adventures, Goosebumps and Stranger Things will devour this fun, thrilling and heartfelt vampire adventure. In the world of the Vanquishers, vampires were history ... until now. Malika “Boog” Wilson and her best friends have grown up idolising the Vanquishers, a group of heroic vampire hunters who wiped out the last horde of the undead decades ago. Nowadays, most people don't take even the most basic vampire precautions - the days of garlic wreaths and early curfews are long gone - but Boog’s parents still follow the old rules, much to her embarrassment. When a friend goes missing, Boog isn't sure what to think. Could it be the school counsellor, Mr Rupert, who definitely seems to be hiding something? Or could it be something more dangerous? Boog is determined to save her friend, but is she ready to admit vampires might not be vanquished after all? No one ever expected the Vanquishers to return, but if their town needs protection from the undead, Boog knows who to call ...Trade ReviewA sharp vampire tale full of bite, heart, and humour that’s sure to please any ‘thirsty’ reader. The undead don’t stand a chance with Malika ‘Boog’ Wilson and her friends on the case. * Rena Barron, author of the Maya and the Rising Dark series *A heart-pounding and hilarious reimagining of classic vampire mythology. Boog and her friends will capture your heart in an instant. You’ll cry, laugh, and ache in this stunning, unique adventure. I’m ready to become a Vanquisher! * Mark Oshiro, author of THE INSIDERS *Combining mythology and science to produce a fresh take on modern vampire lore, Bayron erects a fantastical San Antonio that is as chock-full of personality as each of the story’s characters. Pithy dialogue and sensational description make this a speedy, eerie read. * Publishers Weekly, starred review *This warm, witty friendship story with a healthy dose of vampire adventure is a page-turning read ... A lively, appealing addition to the genre. * Kirkus Reviews *Mesmerising and beautiful * Tracy Deonn, NYT bestselling author of Legendborn on THIS POISON HEART *Wholly original and captivating * Brigid Kemmerer on CINDERELLA IS DEAD *

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Book SynopsisPacked with thrilling dangers and terrifying monsters Vega Jane and the End of Time is the fourth and final title in the epic, fast-paced fantasy adventures series for children of 10+ by bestselling master storyteller David Baldacci. Illustrated in black and white throughout by Tomislav Tomic.When evil comes, heroes stand to meet it. Vega Jane has tried to outrun, outsmart, and outlast her enemy, but the showdown she has dreaded is finally here. Her ragtag crew of friends and fighters must take a stand against a fully trained army, knowing the odds are impossible. But when you face injustice, the only choice is to stand and fight.Vega Jane and the End of Time (previously published in the USA as the The Stars Below) is the fourth and final instalment of Vega's search for the truth about her past, which started with Vega Jane and the Secrets of Sorcery, Vega Jane and the Maze of Monsters and Vega Jane and the Rebels Revolt now all in revised and re-illustrated editions.Trade ReviewThis extraordinary book pulls you in and blows your mind. It's fast-paced and you won't be able to put it down. This book is full of suspense, cliffhangers and thrilling moments!... It's definitely my new favourite book * Reader Review, First News, on Vega Jane and the Secrets of Sorcery *High octane fantasy adventure from the master, David Baldacci. Combining mystery with danger, combat and magic we're left not knowing who to trust. A thoroughly enjoyable read -- Reading Zone, on Vega Jane and the Secrets of Sorcery

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Book SynopsisIn every story there is a hero and a monster.'Mind-bending, heart wrenching, and unputdownable!' Stephanie Garber, Sunday Times bestselling author of the Caraval series and Once Upon a Broken HeartIt should have been the perfect summer. Sent to stay with her late mother's eccentric family in London, sixteen-year-old Joan is determined to enjoy herself. She loves her nerdy job at the historic Holland House, and when her super cute co-worker Nick asks her on a date, it feels like everything is falling into place.Then a Good Samaritan attempt gone wrong sends Joan spinning through time, and her life quickly begins to unravel. Her family aren't just eccentric: they're monsters, with terrifying, hidden powers. And Nick isn't just a cute boy: he's a legendary monster slayer, who will do anything to bring them down.As she battles Nick, Joan is forced to work with the beautiful and ruthless Aaron Oliver, heir to a monster family that hates her own. She'll have to embrace her own monstrousness if she is to save herself, and her family. Because in this story . . .. . . she is not the hero.Dive deep into the world of Only a Monster, where the line between monster and hero is razor thin: hidden worlds dwell in the shadows, beautiful monsters with untold powers walk among humans, and secrets are the most powerful weapon of all.** Praise for Only a Monster **'Darkly delicious fun' Natasha Ngan'What a fantastic, immersive read - I couldn't stop turning the page!' Naomi Novik'A captivating new voice in fantasy' Hafsah Faizal'An absolute page-turner' Chloe Gong'A fabulous start to a phenomenal new series' Adalyn GraceTrade ReviewMind-bending, heart-wrenching, and unputdownable! Don't feel bad if this book tricks you into rooting for the monster instead of the hero. Vanessa Len has written a masterful debut novel - I loved the time-travel, the star crossed romance, and the monsters * Stephanie Garber, Sunday Times bestselling author of the Caraval series and Once Upon a Broken Heart *Darkly delicious fun. If you've been looking for your newest YA urban fantasy obsession - you've found it * Natasha Ngan, New York Times bestselling author of Girls of Paper and Fire *What a fantastic, immersive read - I couldn't stop turning the page! An exciting, original and complex fantasy about monsters, heroes, and all the people in between * Naomi Novik, New York Times bestselling author of Uprooted and A Deadly Education *Vanessa Len's Only a Monster is captivating and unique and - dare I say it - utterly monstrous (in the best possible way). This engrossing debut will have YA readers longing to steal time just so they can devour the pages over and over again! * Lynette Noni, author of The Prison Healer *Vanessa Len's world of monsters and heroes is like nothing I've ever read, utterly fresh and unique * C.S. Pacat, USA Today bestselling author *With a pace that will leave you breathless, Only a Monster introduces a captivating new voice in fantasy with a dynamic story that blurs the lines between hero and monster * Hafsah Faizal, New York Times bestselling author of We Hunt the Flame *An absolute page-turner. Only a Monster paints another vivid world inside the one we know, and uses a deft hand to bring it utterly alive. Vanessa Len blurs the age-old lines between good or evil, hero or monster, in the most captivating way * Chloe Gong, New York Times bestselling author of These Violent Delights *A fabulous start to a phenomenal new series that reminded me of why I first fell in love with YA. Fast-paced and full of clever, monstrous characters you can't help but root for, Only A Monster is a book that should be on everyone's TBR. I'm already dying to get my hands on the sequel to find out what happens next! * Adalyn Grace, New York Times bestselling author of All the Stars and Teeth *Only A Monster is a wonderfully clever and intriguing take on the classic tale of hero versus monster. Vanessa Len has crafted a rich and immersive world filled with unique magic, thrilling action, and a heart-wrenching star-crossed romance. A marvellous and twisty debut that will pull you in right from the start! * June CL Tan, author of Jade Fire Gold *Exquisitely crafted, this riveting read opens up a multitude of dimensions and turns the notion of heroes and monsters on its head. Vanessa Len has woven a spellbinding tale laced with mystery, magic, humor, and heartbreak * Cindy Lin, author of The Twelve *A thoughtful, well-constructed tale... a thumpingly enjoyable read * SFX *Readers who enjoyed epic tales like The Nightingale Floor and its sequels by Lian Hearn will appreciate this book * Armadillo Magazine *When Joan discovers her family's monstrous secret she realises she needs to find her own inner demon to protect them in this brilliantly twisty and original fantasy thriller * Waterstones *This novel perfectly encapsulated a doomed teenage love and I think it's one of the best young adult novels to hit the market this year * My London *

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Book SynopsisBefore there were dragons, there were dinosaurs...Imagine a world in which the dinosaurs weren't killed by a meteor hitting the earth. A world in which dinosaurs have learned to speak. To dream. To wage war.Eleri is an oryctodromeus, a small dinosaur raised in an underground warren. He dreams of becoming his herd’s storyteller but when he saves an enemy soldier from a pterosaur attack, he is exiled to the Deadlands. To survive this scorched desert full of carnivores, he joins a herd of other young exiles, including a peppy stegosaur, a stoic sauropod, an irritable triceratops … and a mysterious spy. Can five young misfits save their warring kingdoms?Includes bonus content: a map and extra dinosaur facts.Perfect for fans of Skandar and the Unicorn Thief, How to Train Your Dragon and Percy Jackson.Trade ReviewIf you love dinosaurs and adventure, this is the perfect book for you! * The Phoenix Comic *A gruesome, absorbing adventure about trust, courage and manipulation. * BookTrust *An entertaining and gripping story that will rekindle the reader’s interest in the age of dinosaurs. * The School Librarian *Skillfully written, packed with adventure and surprising in its depth, this is a book which deserves a place in the primary (or even secondary) school library. It could stimulate discussion around honour, peace-making and the integrity of leaders in the classroom; but I suspect that it will mostly be enjoyed for the simple pleasure of a good read. * Reading Zone *Action packed adventure story. * the Bookseller *

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Book Synopsis“High stakes, big heart, and lots of Black Girl Magic…unputdownable.” —Aiden Thomas, New York Times bestselling author of Cemetery Boys A rich, dark urban fantasy debut following a teen witch who is given a horrifying task: sacrificing her first love to save her family’s magic. The problem is, she’s never been in love—she’ll have to find the perfect guy before she can kill him.After years of waiting for her Calling—a trial every witch must pass to come into their powers—the one thing Voya Thomas didn’t expect was to fail. When Voya’s ancestor gives her an unprecedented second chance to complete her Calling, she agrees—and then is horrified when her task is to kill her first love. And this time, failure means every Thomas witch will be stripped of their magic. Voya is determined to save her family’s magic no matter the cost. The problem is, Voya has never been in love, so for her to succeed, she’ll first have to find the perfect guy—and fast. Fortunately, a genetic matchmaking program has just hit the market. Her plan is to join the program, fall in love, and complete her task before the deadline. What she doesn’t count on is being paired with the infuriating Luc—how can she fall in love with a guy who seemingly wants nothing to do with her? With mounting pressure from her family, Voya is caught between her morality and her duty to her bloodline. If she wants to save their heritage and Luc, she’ll have to find something her ancestor wants more than blood. And in witchcraft, blood is everything.Trade Review"Liselle Sambury builds a world not far from our own, where blood is both weapon and salvation. Blood Like Magic is an intoxicating, skillful blend of science fiction and fantasy that reads like an enthralling dream. Poignant, smart, and wholly unique. An ode to the spirits of Black women, this novel demands that the future never forget the enduring power of family or the long, sharp blade of history. A bold, magical debut full of heart, and an author to watch! -- Tracy Deonn, New York Times bestselling author of LEGENDBORN"With high stakes, big heart, and lots of Black Girl Magic, Blood Like Magic is everything you love about paranormal fantasy. The fast pace, painfully relatable characters, and incredible generational magic system makes Blood Like Magic unputdownable. Liselle Sambury left me with a massive book hangover that won’t be cured until I get the sequel!" -- Aiden Thomas, New York Times bestselling author of Cemetery BoysAfro-futurism meets urban fantasy in this strong YA debut. Descended from a long line of powerful Black witches and having just started her Bleeding, 16-year-old Voya Thomas anxiously plans for the Calling that will follow, an ancestor-given trial that she must pass in order to inherit magic. A Thomas hasn’t failed in 100 years, but Voya worries nonetheless. To pass a Calling, one must make the correct choice between two decisions—something Voya has notorious difficulty with. Her concerns threaten to become reality when she receives the most impossible task ever known to witches, one with equally unheard of consequences: if Voya does not destroy her first love in one month, all current and future Thomases will lose their magic. Voya’s one desire is to help her family, but she’s never been in love, and she doesn’t want to take a life. As her family tries to find loopholes around committing murder, Voya stumbles across an ancestor she’s never heard of, whom the adults insist on pretending doesn’t exist. Sambury blends technology and fantasy to create a detailed world that’s both futuristic and magical. Featuring a cast of BIPOC and queer characters of all ages, this novel focuses on familial love, individual desires, and making choices that will lead to the greatest good. Ages 14–up. Agent: Kristy Hunter, the Knight Agency. (June) -- Publishers Weekly *STARRED REVIEW* * April 26, 2021 *In Sambury's downright dazzling debut, Voya has finally started menstruating, which means she's ready to come into her family’s magic and receive her gift from her family’s ancestors. To receive this gift, each witch needs to complete a task given to them by an ancestor, and failing is not an option. To Voya’s misfortune, Mama Jova, who suffered at the hands of slavery, imparts her task: to echo the family’s mantra of “suffer and survive,” Voya is instructed to destroy her first love or risk losing her family forever. This engrossing novel features a world both familiar and unfamiliar, in a near-future Toronto. Sambury vividly captures the vibrancy of Toronto as well as the diversity within the witch community, and her dedication to world building lends authenticity to her characters. Family and heritage are two important themes, demonstrated powerfully in the novel's descriptions of history keeping, food, and daily family life. While this urban fantasy takes place in the near future, Sambury does not turn a blind eye to the persistent history of systemic racism against Black people, the evils of slavery, or police brutality targeting Black people, nor how those impact the Black community on a daily basis, all while keeping magic compellingly at the forefront. This impressive debut will wow readers and leave them eager for more from this writer to watch. -- Booklist STARRED Review * June 1, 2021 *It’s 2049 in Toronto, and sixteen-year-old Voya is about to go through her Calling, the trial that will determine whether she will have magic like the rest of her witch family. She might fail, though, since she’s directed to destroy her unknown first love, but if she doesn’t do it, her entire family will lose magic and future generations will be magicless. Billion-dollar tech company NuGene offers a solution with a beta matching program, and she’s matched with handsome trans NuGene intern and sponsor son Luc, who seemingly wants nothing to do with her; Voya’s task will only get harder as the two become closer. Sambury’s near-future Toronto is an interesting mix of cultural progressivity and capitalist nightmare, with NuGene’s high-tech modding and genetic sequencing services only available to the rich and a “sponsor” system where CEOs groom kids from “so-called ‘disadvantaged’ countries” to become heirs, but Voya’s Black family faces less discrimination than they would in the present day. The technology is additionally thought-provoking, with a rating system for everyone’s profiles to determine approachability, and the two prominent trans characters have new tech for transitioning per their preferences but also new battles to fight. It’s impossible not to root for Voya, who loves cooking Trinidadian recipes and always looks out for her big, often dysfunctional family, as she uncovers conspiracies in the witch community. Readers will certainly be holding out until the last page to see if Voya and her complex, nuanced family get their much-deserved happiness. -- BCCB * June 2021 *

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Book SynopsisAn Instant New York Times BestsellerIn a world where witches control the climate and are losing control as the weather grows more erratic, a once-in-a-generation witch with the magic of all seasons is the only one who can save earth from destruction. But as her power grows, it targets and kills those closest to her, and when she falls in love with her training partner, she's forced to choose between her power, her love, and saving the earth.For centuries, witches have maintained the climate, but now their control is faltering as the atmosphere becomes more erratic; the storms, more destructive. All hope lies with Clara, a once-in-a-generation Everwitch whose magic is tied to every season.In Autumn, Clara wants nothing to do with her power. It's wild and volatile, and the price of her magic-losing the ones she loves-is too high, despite the need to control the increasingly dangerous weather.In Winter, the world is on the precipice of disaster. Fires burn, storms rage, and Clara accepts that she's the only one who can make a difference.In Spring, she falls for Sang, the witch training her. As her magic grows, so do her feelings, until she's terrified Sang will be the next one she loses.In Summer, Clara must choose between her power and her happiness, her duty and the people she loves...before she loses Sang, her magic, and thrusts the world into chaos."Perfect for fans of Shea Ernshaw and Taylor Swift's Folklore."-Rosiee Thor, author of Tarnished Are the Stars"A bright, fresh read from a glowing new voice, THE NATURE OF WITCHES is both timely and stirring. Griffin's emotional writing that cuts to the heart will make her a new YA favorite."-Adrienne Young, New York Times bestselling author of Fable"The forces of nature and magic blend perfectly in this masterfully told story... I couldn't love this book more."-Shea Ernshaw, NYT bestselling author of The Wicked Deep and Winterwood

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A remarkable story about love, loss and the power of the imagination, from an award-winning, celebrated writer for children.On a frozen Christmas Eve, Mouse Mallory and his family set off across a snow-white valley to visit his grandparents.They never arrive.As the wheels skid off the icy road, Mouse is thrown from the car. When he wakes, he finds himself in a magical landscape, with only a talkative sheep and a very bossy horse for company.And they tell him: this is your story now.So begins Mouse's extraordinary quest through a world of wonder. A world of monsters, minstrels, dangerous knights and mysterious wizards; a world of terrifying danger but also more excitement than Mouse has ever known.All to find a castle, somewhere, beyond.But why is Mouse looking for a castle? As thoughts of his family back at the car begin to surface, Mouse realises this might be the most important journey he will ever make ...This is a novel about love and death. It's about the power of stories to change the way we view the world - and it's about the power of a child to change their own world. Emotionally arresting but ultimately uplifting, this is a remarkable novel for our times.

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Book SynopsisIn the gripping third volume of Christelle Dabos’s best-selling saga, Ophelia, the mirror-travelling heroine, finds herself in the magical city of Babel, guarding a secret that may provide a key both to the past and the future. After two years and seven months biding her time on Anima, her home ark, it is finally time to act, to put what she has discovered in the Book of Faruk to good use. Under an assumed identity she travels to Babel, a cosmopolitan and thoroughly modern ark that is the jewel of the universe, and where automata have taken over the most humble jobs from humans. But under the surface of this pacific and orderly ark social unrest stirs, fed by the memories of a fateful purge long ago, and the inhabitants’ growing fear of being replaced altogether. Will Ophelia’s talent as a reader suffice to avoid her being lured into a deadly trap by her ever more fearful adversaries? Will she ever see Thorn, her betrothed, again?Trade ReviewA great fantastic saga! * Le Monde des Ados *“Strange and compelling.” * The Guardian *“Fantasy fantastique!” * The Times *“A glowing example of the rare thing that is the YA novel in translation.” * The Irish Times *“World-building on an epic scale.” * The Bookseller *“An out-of-this-world, tugs-at-all-heart-strings, grips-you-at-every-page piece of writing.” * Stylist *“A Winter’s Promise is a beautifully structured system of mirrors, reflecting in its glittering facets many other books.” * The TLS *

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Book Synopsis"A non-stop adventure, full of spellbinding, sorcerers and selkies. Cat Gray's storytelling proves that magic really does exist." Helena Duggan, author of A Place Called Perfect"Spellstoppers is a charming page-turner and I lapped up every moment of this magical tale." Clare Povey, author of The Unexpected Tale of Bastien Bon LivreWelcome to Yowling - a secretive seaside village where magic is just one step away...Max has spent years thinking he is cursed, because whenever he touches anything electrical it explodes. But then he is sent to Yowling and discovers he is a Spellstopper, someone with the rare ability to drain dangerous build-ups of magic and fix misbehaving enchanted items.When Max's Grandad is kidnapped by the cruel Keeper of the malfunctioning magical castle that floats in the bay, only Max's gift can save him. Together with his new friend Kit, Max throws himself into an adventure filled with villainous owls, psychic ice cream and man-eating goldfish. But can he really pull off the biggest spellstop ever?The perfect summer-holiday magical adventure for fans of Diana Wynne Jones, Catherine Doyle and Thomas Taylor. Trade ReviewThe writing sings in this magical adventure about finding the power within. * The I *A non-stop adventure, full of spellbinding, sorcerers and selkies. Cat Gray's storytelling proves that magic really does exist. * Helena Duggan, author of A Place Called Perfect *Spellstoppers is a charming page-turner and I lapped up every moment of this magical tale. An ode to knowing (and growing) your strengths and finding wonder everywhere you look. * Clare Povey, author of The Unexpected Tale of Bastien Bon Livre *

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Book SynopsisMeet the princess who loves breaking the rules and her Royal Unicorn, who happens to be a pig!A madcap and much-loved adventure series for 6-8 year olds, perfectly bridging the gap from picture books to chapter books, from award-winning author-illustrator Hannah Shaw, filled with pictures in all the colours of the rainbow and interactive extra material.Princess Pea and Unipiggle are very excited to be attending ROYAL CAMP for the first time. They are looking forward to meeting other Princes, Princesses and Royal Companions, and staying in a tent.But someone is out to RUIN Royal Camp. Things are going missing, and the activities are all spoiled... Even worse, it looks like Princess Pea and Unipiggle have done it.Can Unipiggle and Princess Pea find the real culprit and stop the CAMPING CHAOS?Trade ReviewLaugh-out-loud antics all the way! * Lancashire Evening Post *[A] magical, colourful adventure * Sunday Express *

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Book SynopsisThere's a light on in the attic.I can see it from outside,And I know you're on the inside ... lookin' out.Step inside the mind of Shel Silverstein and you'll discover a magic homework machine, a Polar Bear in the fridge and a Meehoo With an Exactlywatt. But beware stolen knees, the babysitter who likes to squash children - and the nighttime peril of the Whatifs!This is the second book of beloved poems and pictures from the marvellous master of nonsense, Shel Silverstein.Trade Review'A genius ... his is an enduring influence' * The Times *'Resonates beyond words' * Guardian *'That rare adult who can still think like a child' * The New York Times *

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Book SynopsisBattle fearsome beasts and fight evil with Tom and Elenna in the bestselling adventure series for boys and girls aged 7 and up. An evil wizard has enchanted the magical Beasts of Avantia - only a true hero can free the Beasts and stop them from destroying the land. Tom journeys to the wilds of the frozen north, searching for Nanook the snow monster. Can he survive the ice and snow, and set the Beast free? There are SIX thrilling adventures to collect in Series One: Sepron the Sea Serpent; Arcta the Mountain Goat; Nanook the Snow Monster; Tagus the Horse-Man; and Epos the Flame BirdIf you like Beast Quest, check out Adam Blade's other series: Team Hero, Sea Quest and Beast Quest: New Blood!

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Book SynopsisOriginally conceived by its author as an entertaining story for Alice Liddell, the daughter of an Oxford dean, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, the fantastic tale of the young Alice’s encounters with the White Rabbit, the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter and the Queen of Hearts, has captured the imaginations of young and old throughout the world since it was first published in 1865. In addition to the vivid and unforgettable characters, it is the book’s experimental style, linguistic inventiveness and myriad of jokes and puzzles that account for the timeless fascination it inspires. Published to coincide with Alice in Wonderland’s 150th anniversary, this volume includes John Tenniel’s iconic drawings, the sequel Through the Looking Glass and a facsimile of Alice’s Adventure’s Under Ground, the early manuscript version of the novel illustrated by Lewis Carroll himself.

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Book SynopsisA stunning collection of mystical fairy tales, Blackberry Blue is packed with picturesque moments that will bewitch readers - BooktrustStep into a magical world of enchanted forests, talking animals and wicked witches . . .These six magical stories will thrill and enchant you. Watch Blackberry Blue rise from the bramble patch; follow Emeka the pathfinder on his mission to save a lost king; join Princess Desire as she gallops across the Milky Way on her jet-black horse.These beautifully written and original stories will delight readers of all ages, and the stunning illustrations by Richard Collingridge will take your breath away.Gavin's six stories are spooky, engaging and refreshing in their originality. Complemented by Richard Collingridge's atmospheric illustrations, this lovely book deserves to become a classic. - Marilyn Brocklehurst, BooksellerTrade ReviewThese joyful stories are a delight. * The Times *Love, sacrifice and endurance are foregrounded in these timeless-feeling tales, delivered in language as sharp and sweet as the ripe fruit of the title. An instant classic, subtly enriched by Richard Collingridge's delicate, shadowy illustrations. * Metro *Jamila Gavin is one of our most consistently good writers of fiction for children young and old […] the feel is timeless, but the stories are all original, touched with the magic of Gavin’s vibrant and varied imagination. * Independent on Sunday *Gavin’s six stories are spooky, engaging and refreshing in their originality. Complemented by Richard Collingridge’s atmospheric illustrations, this lovely book deserves to become a classic. -- Marilyn Brocklehurst * Bookseller *Absolutely gorgeous . . . Perfect for sharing and for reading alone, I can't recommend Blackberry Blue and Other Fairy Tales highly enough. * The Bookbag *

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Book SynopsisWelcome to the wonderful world of Patrick! For when he plays his violin, the most extraordinary things start to happen: fish can fly, and cows can dance and trees grow cakes instead of apples. There's fireworks and fun and colours everywhere, when Patrick performs his magical tunes...Trade ReviewQuentin Blake's first ever colour illustrated book, Patrick, has been re-issued - and the story of the man with the magical violin has lost none of its vibrancy. -- Rachel Carlyle * S. (Supp. to Sunday Express) *

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Book SynopsisWhat would you do if you received an invitation to run a zoo full of huge, scary monsters?The brave little boy in this story leaps at the chance, and although the monsters seem scary at first, he soon has them eating out of the palm of his hand. This is an exciting, imaginative, hilarious adventure that encourages little readers to have confidence and stand up for themselves, from the illustrator of Dogs Don't Do Ballet and Rhinos Don't Eat Pancakes.SHORTLISTED FOR THE ROALD DAHL FUNNY PRIZE 2013SHORTLISTED FOR THE BOOKTRUST BEST BOOK AWARD 2014Amy Sparkes is donating a percentage of her royalties to Tommy's (registered charity number 1060508). Tommy's exists to save babies' lives through funding research and providing information. To find out more visit www.tommys.orgTrade ReviewSparkes’ addictive rhyming text is brought to bright and colourful life by Ogilvie’s bold and painterly illustrations -- Pam Norfolk * The Blackpool Gazette *This story certainly went down well with several groups of under fives who loved the tongue tingling rhyming text and crazy mock scary monsters -- Jill Bennett * Red Reading Hub *Amy Sparkes’ text is a lovely rhythmic verse that is sharp and to the point. The story could inspire some creative monster-designing, and the ‘stand up and assert yourself’ message is a nice surprise. The illustrations provided by the consistently brilliant Sara Ogilvie are great fun and each strange monster is beautifully imagined. Colours are loud and page space is used inventively. It’s a pretty perfect picture book and will be adored by little monsters and their keepers. * Books for Keeps *Riotous rhyming fun from the illustrator of Dogs Don't Do Ballet, with an inspiring message about overcoming challenges -- Fiona Noble * The Bookseller *

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Book SynopsisIt's off to Ancient Greece for the children and the tree house! They land just in time for the exciting Olympic Games, with the athletes, wrestlers and chariot racers all ready to go. But when Annie finds out no girls are allowed, there's trouble in store...

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Book SynopsisJ. M. Barrie's Peter Pan is a thrilling adventure for all ages - the story of the boy who refuses to grow up is a tale that never gets old. It follows the Darling children, Wendy, John and Michael, who befriend the magical Peter and are whisked away to Neverland, where the villainous Captain Hook and the brave Lost Boys await.With illustrations by F. D. Bedford, gorgeously coloured by one of Britain's leading colourists, Barbara Frith, this majestic Macmillan Collector's Library edition brings to life one of the world's favourite tales.Designed to appeal to the booklover, the Macmillan Collector's Library is a series of beautiful gift editions of much loved classic titles. Macmillan Collector's Library are books to love and treasure.

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Book Synopsis Arianwyn is back for another thrilling adventure in the second APPRENTICE WITCH book - Studio Ghibli meets Diana Wynne Jones! Praise for book 1: 'Reminded me of the best of the Worst Witch books' ABI ELPHINSTONE 'The Apprentice Witch is entirely more charming, adventurous, and full of heart than a book has any right to be.' TRENTON LEE STEWART 'A delightful, witty and vivid story' KIRAN MILLWOOD HARGRAVE During an eventful holiday in Kingsport, Arianwyn is recruited for an important mission: to retrieve the Book of Quiet Glyphs from its hiding place in the Great Wood. But as she returns home to Lull, feyling refugees gather outside the town walls and hex plagues the forest. As tensions lead to fall-outs with her friends, town squabbles and magical mishaps, Arianwyn faces a sobering truth: she alone can find the Book, and wield its secrets ... A bewitching series set in a world of domestic magic – a refreshingly small-world fantasy perfect for readers aged 9 and up. A spellbinding read, tapping into important themes of overcoming failure and building self-esteem. Filled with thrills, pesky magical conundrums, outlandish creatures and an enchanted forest, yet retains its warm soul and earthy charm!

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Book SynopsisOVER ONE MILLION COPIES SOLD! Tashi is full of incredible tales. Like the one about a hideous monster that burst out of the garden workshop, or the one about slippery demons who tried to make Tashi talk, or the one about a house on chicken legs and a witch who eats children. Good thing Tashi is always ready for anything, with a clever idea and something useful in his pocket! Explore the wonderful world of Tashi in these eight monstrously exciting stories in one volume!Trade Review'All children should meet Tashi. He can be their mentor on the road to reading, feeding their imaginations with fantastic stories. The Tashi stories have the evergreen qualities of classics.' Magpies; 'The Tashi stories are some of my all-time favourites: a world within a world and a magical place for children to lose themselves in.' Sally Rippin, bestselling author of Polly and Buster and Billie B. Brown; 'I read my kids Tashi - it's this story that they love.' Angelina Jolie

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Book Synopsis From Costa Award-shortlisted author Nicholas Bowling comes a tale of adventure, myth and music to make your heart sing ... 'Cast its spell over me from the first page ... it really is my perfect book.' Jasbinder Bilan, author of ASHA & THE SPIRIT BIRD 'Nicholas Bowling is a thrilling writer.' THE TELEGRAPH Oran lives on Little Drum, where music is everything. Every islander has a birth instrument and a life song - and the ancestors, called ghasts, linger to hear the music. But when the Duchess arrives from the mainland bringing orders of silence, she threatens the ghasts' existence, the very soul of the community. When Oran hears of a mythical instrument with the power to manipulate hearts, she brings her ghast best friend, Alick, on a quest to find it, play it, and change the Duchess's mind ... From the author of the Costa Children's Book Award-shortlisted In the Shadow of the Heroes comes a thrilling Celtic-inspired fantasy adventure. The adventure and magic of Neil Gaiman’s Stardust with a Hebridean-inspired fantasy setting and lovable characters reminiscent of Pixar’s Brave. A story about how music has the power to reveal, to inspire, and to bind people together.

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Book Synopsis16-year-old Fola Oduwole is scared. She's scared of disappointing her parents, she's scared of not being able to follow her dreams, but most of all she's scared for her brother. He has cancer and his surgery's coming up soon, it could leave him paralysed, or worse. Fola deserves a break, and she gets her wish when she takes the Victoria line one stop too far and is transported to Folkshore, a magical, hidden part of London.Now she's scared of the talking animals, the mythical Shriekers and not being there when her brother wakes up. Fola wants to go back, but a thunderstorm destroys Folkshore station. As she looks for another way out, Fola stumbles on the local Assembly's nefarious plans. She realises that the only way back to her brother is to help her new friends as they resist the pugnacious police pigs and the authoritarian assembly.If she fails, the community she's come to love could be destroyed forever and she may never find her way home.

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Book SynopsisAn exquisite flagship gift edition of an iconic classic, illustrated by the former Waterstones Children's Laureate, Lauren Child.When Mary Poppins arrives at their house on a gust of the East Wind and slides up the bannister, Jane and Michael Banks's lives are turned magically upside down.Who better to reimagine this endearing children's classic than today's most instantly recognisable and best-loved artist-illustrator? Lauren Child brings the magic of Mary Poppins into the hearts and imagination of readers and fans new and old.First published in 1934, Mary Poppins has been delighting readers ever since, both in books and on film. This stunning deluxe edition is published ahead of the release of the hotly anticipated Disney film Mary Poppins Returns.Trade Review‘Child’s illustrations breathe glorious new life into Mary and her charges’ Angels and Urchins “Mary Poppins is the Good Fairy, whom we are all seeking”Times Literary Supplement Praise for Hubert Horatio (picture book): ‘Visual jokes abound … young readers will love it’ – Books for Keeps ‘Very beautiful to look at and a lot of fun’ – BookTrust Praise for Lauren Child: ‘Lauren Child is a publishing phenomenon’ – Observer Magazine ‘Lauren Child is so good it’s exhilarating’ – The Independent

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Book SynopsisWhen your best friend is a unicorn, magical adventures are guaranteed! Imagine a school where you meet your own unicorn and have amazing adventures together! That's what happens for the girls at Unicorn Academy on beautiful Unicorn Island.Scarlett and Blaze love being at Unicorn Academy. It's the perfect place to have fun and be a bit naughty, too! But magical Sparkle Lake is starting to ice over and the school might have to close! Scarlett and Blaze can't bear to be parted, so they decide to find out who's behind the big freeze and put things right...With a glittery cover and beautifully illustrated throughout by Lucy Truman, Unicorn Academy is the perfect series for 7+ readers who love magic and adventure.Check out the other titles in this series: Sophia and Rainbow, Ava and Star, Isabel and Cloud and many more!

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Book SynopsisTwo very silly and deeply dangerous Galactic Rulers, Perseus and Cassiopeia, have been battling each other across the stars. Now their struggle takes them to Earth, a manky planet, totally unworthy of anyone who has got galaxies in their pockets. It just happens to be where they've landed. And in Hillman's back garden!

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Book Synopsis''The Arrival of the Drakons'' has an irresistibly powerful premise - a teenager has a choice to make. Save his mother, or the universe.It''s a dilemma that will capture the hearts and minds of readers young and old, as they grapple with what they would do in such an impossible situation.Drakons offers readers a glimpse into an extraordinary human future, although one where the past is not quite the same as history books would have it.Marvelously detailed and vividly imagined, the book tells the story of Zade McDonald a San bushman teenager living in the wilds of Botswana''s Okavango swamps. He''s a shaman who can speak to animals, read minds, and connect with forces greater than himself. His powers are both a gift and a curse; and they haven''t gone unnoticed. Someone has been watching him. Someone who''s been studying humankind for millennia, just waiting for a person as incredible as Zade to come along. Someone who needs him for a task that could prevent the destruction of the entire universe.   But this kind of power attracts both good and evil – and dark forces already have a hold on Zade. Will he choose the right path in time to save the people he loves?The history of Earth as you know it is a lie. The future is upon us. Only Zade has the power to change it. 

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Book SynopsisThe eagerly anticipated sequel to the New York Times and Indiebound bestseller Serpent & Dove is perfect for fans of Sarah J.Trade Review“In Lou’s world she not only finds her voice, but makes men take notice and change their views of women. With so many twists and turns, this book is a must for fans of the first.” — School Library Journal “Seductive, steamy, and satisfying. Mahurin has delivered a fearless and captivating sequel that has me hooked. This is officially one of my favorite series ever.” — Adalyn Grace, New York Times bestselling author of All the Stars and Teeth “Decadent and dangerous, Blood & Honey was exactly the book I needed at precisely the right time. The rich cast of characters captivated me, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store next for this merry band of miscreants.” — Reneé Ahdieh, New York Times bestselling author of The Wrath & the Dawn series "Blood & Honey grabbed me by the throat. Shining with irreverent humor and brutal heartache, every magical word is rendered beautifully throughout the many twists and harrowing turns. Mahurin delivers a triumphant return to Belterra." — Isabel Ibañez, author of Woven In Moonlight “A breathless, breathtaking continuation of the magical world Mahurin has created pits the strength of love against the need to protect those one loves…at any cost. Would you lose your soul to save someone else’s? Blood & Honey doesn’t just address this question; it slams the reader into the story - and that existential question - in a brilliant, unending roller-coaster ride.” — Jodi Picoult, New York Times bestselling author of Small Great Things and A Spark of Light Praise for Serpent & Dove: “Drips with intrigue and shadow.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books “A brilliant debut, full of everything I love: a sparkling and fully-realized heroine, an intricate and deadly system of magic, and a searing romance that kept me reading long into the night. Serpent & Dove is an absolute gem of a book.” — Sarah J Maas, #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Court of Thorns and Roses series “Will cast a spell on romance fans.” — Kirkus Reviews “Mahurin has taken the witch and witch hunter trope and made it new again. The world-building will draw in readers and Lou’s strong but wistful nature will keep them turning pages.” — School Library Journal

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