Children’s / Teenage fiction: Fantasy

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Book SynopsisThe fourth book in the fantastically fun, magical cycling adventure series from Sir Chris HoyThe District Championships are coming up and the Hercules' Hopefuls are nervous. It's high time he got Dad back from Nevermore, but he'll need a little help from his friends Princess Lily and Unlucky Luke .Trade ReviewI liked Fergus and that he likes biking like me * Ni4kids *What you have here is a winning combination of adventure and fun, magical and real-life experiences which younger readers can relate to, while Clare Elsom's illustrations are superb, and make you wish you were one of the gang yourself * Press & Journal, Aberdeen, Your Life *

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Book SynopsisA brilliant story of adventure, wit and philosophy from the origins of the SPELLSLINGER series to enrapture devotees as well as newcomers alike. New to the ways of the Argosi, the tribe of wandering philosophers who seek to defeat evil by wit and guile, Ferius Parfax encounters a hideous plague - the Red Scream.

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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 *

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Book SynopsisShelley loves bedtime, especially reading with her dad. But her dad starts a new job, and it gets in the way of their bedtime routine. So Shelley takes action! She fires her dad, posts a Help Wanted sign, and starts interviews immediately. She is thrilled when her favourite characters from fairy tales line up to apply. But Sleeping Beauty can''t stay awake, the Gingerbread Man steals her book, and Snow White brings along her whole team. Shelley is running out of options. Is bedtime ruined forever?

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Book SynopsisA spooky, quirky adventure of curses and magic, perfect for fans of Malamander and A Place Called Perfect. Welcome to Barrow. A spooky old town filled with strange birds, terrible floods and cursed by the infamous Barrow Bogwitch... When Lewis and his family move to Barrow, he doesn't think much of the stories at first. Until weird things start happening at midnight. Realizing they are in grave danger, Lewis and his new friend Moira must unearth old secrets and follow clues to break the curse. But the Bogwitch is stirring again...and she has eyes everywhere. Halpin knows how to weave a thrilling story Lancaster Guardian

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Book SynopsisWelcome to your new fantasy obsession . . .In a world where anyone can create life-destroying curses, only one person has the power to unravel them. Kellen does not fully understand his talent, but uses it to help those who have been cursed, including his ally and closest friend, Nettle. But Kellen himself is cursed, and unless he and Nettle can release him, he is in danger of unravelling everything - and everyone - around him.For fans of Leigh Bardugo and Neil Gaiman comes Frances Hardinge’s spectacular novel Unraveller. Called her ‘best yet’ by the Guardian, Hardinge expertly weaves together mythology and mystery in a richly-detailed world besieged by curses.‘Exquisite . . . sheer perfection’– Liz Hyder, author of The Gifts‘Instantly engrossing, effortlessly clever, and completely magical’ – Freya MarskeTrade ReviewExtraordinary. Exquisite and compelling. Sheer perfection. -- Liz Hyder, author of The GiftsIt’s gothic and twisty and witty and gripping: dark and delicious and fresh and I loved it. -- Katherine RundellThis multilayered, humane and brilliant YA fantasy is the Costa-winning Hardinge’s best yet. -- Imogen Russell Williams * The Guardian *A gloriously creepy, intricate masterpiece full of tangles and knots for the reader to get caught up in. -- Adrian TchaikovskyOne of the most mesmerising journeys I’ve ever taken within the pages of a book. -- Hilary McKayIf you like your children’s books gothic, rich in language and occasionally baffling, you will already know Frances Hardinge. The author — who won the Costa prize in 2015 for The Lie Tree — is distinguished by a prose style that is often described as “beautiful” or “luminous” and her latest is no exception. -- Alex O'Connell * The Times *This detailed, thoughtful, original read is not one to rush, but to savour. -- Nicolette Jones * The Sunday Times *Hardinge is a worthy successor to Pullman, yes, but in fact, she is in a league that is entirely her own, a writer whose ideas are modern yet timeless, their execution compelling, eerie, sublime. -- Marianne Levy * iNews *Themes of humanity and redemption play out against this intricately woven backdrop, illuminated by characteristically sublime prose. - YA Book of the Month * The Observer *I would trust Frances Hardinge to lead me blindfolded into the wildest of marshes, and this is my favourite tale of hers yet. Instantly engrossing, effortlessly clever, and completely magical, with a stubbornly compassionate heart. -- Freya MarskeBeguiling and uncanny. Hardinge masterfully crafts modern folklore with the wisdom and wit of the ancients. I fell in love with this strange and satisfying novel! -- Tendai HuchuCurses grow like wildflowers in this beautifully written fantasy * SFX *Spellbinding storytelling — the inimitable Frances Hardinge has woven a wonderfully weird, richly imaginative and profoundly thought-provoking tale. -- Katherine WoodfineComplex and clever . . . I was sucked into this magical epic. * The Times *Hardinge’s work is always exquisite; this latest volume is no exception. * Irish Times *Superior fantasy from a winner of the Costa Book of the Year prize. -- Suzi Feay * The Financial Times *

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Book SynopsisChosen as one of Time Magazine's 100 Best Young Adult Books of All Time, Gullstruck Island is a vibrant and exciting novel, in a beautifully imagined setting, by Frances Hardinge, the Costa Award winning author The Lie Tree.On Gullstruck Island the volcanoes quarrel, beetles sing danger and occasionally a Lost is born . . .In the village of the Hollow Beasts live two sisters. Arilou is a Lost - a child with the power to depart her body and mind-fly with the winds – and Hathin is her helper. Together they hide a dangerous secret, until sinister events threaten to uncover it. With a blue-skinned hunter on their trail and a dreadlocked warrior beside them, they must escape, or risk everything. Can the fate of two children decide the future of Gullstruck Island?'Everyone should read Frances Hardinge. Everyone. Right now' - Patrick Ness, author of A Monster Calls.

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Book SynopsisFeisty girls take to the helm of a pirate ship in this new Emily Windsnap adventure! Ordinary girl on land, magical mermaid in water... Bubbling with magic, fun, friendship and oceans of adventure. A must-read for girls aged 8+.When Emily Windsnap's boyfriend Aaron is captured by pirates there's only one option - join a rival pirate crew and persuade them to help rescue him. The Pirate Prince agrees, as long as Emily assists in finding the Trident's Treasure first.But as if boarding a pirate ship weren't dangerous enough, Emily soon discovers that pirates hate mermaids. If her true identity is revealed, her life - and Aaron's - will be at risk.How will Emily keep her secret when the only way to win the treasure is by turning into a mermaid?

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Book SynopsisA brand-new edition of the Carnegie Medal-winning THE CHANGEOVER - written by internationally bestselling author, Margaret Mahy.'A gorgeous, strange, unforgettable story . . . I more than loved it' Laini Taylor - author of Daughter of Smoke and Bone'A clammy hand pressed Laura down onto her knees beside Jacko's bed. It was the hand of terror, nothing less.'It was a warning. Laura felt it when she looked in the mirror that morning. There had been others: the day her father left home, the day she met Sorensen - the boy with the strange silver eyes.But nothing had prepared Laura for the horror of today. And now her little brother, Jacko, was fighting for his life after being sucked dry of his youth by the sinister Carmody Braque.Laura knows there is only one way to save Jacko; she must join Sorensen and use his supernatural powers to change over if there is to be any hope for her little brother.An unforgettable, supernatural romance.Trade ReviewOriginal and unforgettable - a seamless combination of supernatural thriller and teenage love story * Guardian *A gorgeous, strange, unforgettable story . . . I more than loved it * Laini Taylor - author of DAUGHTER OF SMOKE AND BONE *

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Book SynopsisWith the landscapes of her world in danger from a spreading poisonous greed, Ember and her friends are off on a rescue mission. Filled with illustrations that bring the magic to life, this is an adventure series perfect for fans of Alice in Wonderland and Jennifer Bell.Ever since Ember Shadows freed her world from the Fate Cards that fixed everyone''s fates, things have been changing in her world ... and not always for the better.Now that people are learning about the existence of the magical landscapes, they want to explore them. But the landscapes are delicate, and the desire to access them is causing a terrible reaction: the Emocean is producing far, far too much greed, poisoning the lands. With both the realms and the creatures within them at risk, Ember and her friends have to travel through tunnels and across the world to administer an antidote to the greed. But with more and more people learning about the landscapes, planting an antidote may not work for long...Can Ember find a way to protect the landscapes for good?With hints of Alice in Wonderland, shades of The Phantom Tollbooth and echoes of Pixar''s Inside Out, this a thrilling, warm-hearted series, a classic magical adventure, beautifully illustrated throughout by Raquel Ochoa.

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Book SynopsisThe Archibald Finch saga continues with another thrilling adventure! It’s been months since our hero returned from Lemurea, but nothing is back to normal. When Archibald realises he isn’t the only thing that crash-landed at the manor that night, he knows he’ll need to return to the dark world he only just left. Archibald is a changed boy. He stands up to bullies and hangs out with the gargoyles that used to scare him. But for all his new toughness, he's also a lost boy who misses his friends in Lemurea. When strange footprints are discovered on the manor grounds, he realizes a piece of that world has followed him home... Without golems, witches or magic, Archibald knows there's little to stop what's prowling the London suburbs, which means he'll have to return to Lemurea to seek Faerydae's help. In a new adventure for Archibald, Hailee, Oliver, and Faerydae, two worlds collide—two worlds with more in common than any of the kids could’ve imagined. A hunt for clues, golems, and Marodors unearths some shocking answers and hard truths as Archibald and his companions embark on yet another daring journey that tests each of them in different ways.

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Book SynopsisSofia is the other princess. Not the crown princess – that’s her perfect big sister, Katrin. Sofia is the princess who always says the wrong thing; who hates going to parties; who doesn’t like people; who just wants to sit and read her books. So when Sofia is shipped off on a stomach-churning dragon flight to make another royal visit, she decides it’s time for this princess to take a little break. In disguise, Sofia soon finds herself discovering a magical city of learning, new friends and freedom. In short, everything is going wonderfully … right up until it goes horribly wrong. And that’s before the ice giants show up. From the author of The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart comes a magical third adventure about acceptance, family and friendship, perfect for fans of Cressida Cowell and Cornelia FunkeTrade ReviewWitty and smart and generous – an utterly delicious book * Katherine Rundell on The DRAGON WITH A CHOCOLATE HEART *A glorious whirlwind: city streets, royal courts, dragons, princesses and the dark webs and darker designs of the fairies under the earth. The colours leave you spinning, the air is chocolate scented, there is a storytelling heroine with a quest … You couldn’t ask for more! * Hilary McKay on THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON HEART *Funny, moving and deliciously full of chocolate, I loved it! * Holly Webb on THE DRAGON WITH A CHOCOLATE HEART *

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Book SynopsisMagic comes from within ... When Sonny first finds himself waking up in different parts of his house with objects moving all by themselves, he thinks it’s a recurring dream. Then one day he automatically teleports himself from school to the local park and realises he has extraordinary powers. He can’t wait to start testing them out! Just as Sonny plans to tell his dad his awesome news, his dad is involved in a road accident that puts him in a coma. Suddenly the only thing that becomes important to Sonny is his dad waking up. And then Auntie Cleo, who Sonny hasn't seen in years, arrives to take care of everything. But Auntie Cleo isn't all that she seems. In fact, she's very interested in his powers. Does she know about the history of magic in Delmere? Or does she want to use his powers for her own means? Sonny is about to have a stupendous adventure to find out! The Stupendous Sonny is the second book in a series about remarkable children from the same neighbourhood. Following on from The Wondrous Prune, this next book is poignant with deft storytelling that reinforces the message that extraordinary adventures can happen to anyone!Trade ReviewA wondrous story about being brave and doing the right thing * Efua Traoré on THE WONDROUS PRUNE *A delight. A wonderful tale about family and friendship and dealing with emotions * Aisha Bushby on THE WONDROUS PRUNE *A warm and charming journey of self-discovery, I particularly liked the irresistible voice of heroine Prune -- Fiona Noble * Bookseller on THE WONDROUS PRUNE *

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Book SynopsisPacked with sticker scenes, puzzles, games and over 400 stickers, Sugarlump and the Unicorn Sticker Book is ideal for unicorn lovers and perfect for birthdays, rainy days and school holidays – a great gift for any child. Based on the bestselling picture book by the unstoppable creative team of Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks, who also created the modern classic What the Ladybird Heard series.Join a beautiful unicorn with a silver horn and sparkling blue eyes as she grants a rocking horse's wish and turns him into a real horse. But after trotting around the farm, galloping around a racetrack and even dancing at the circus, Sugarlump the rocking horse learns to be careful what he wishes for. Luckily the unicorn has one more wish to grant . . .

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Book SynopsisNominated for the CILIP Carnegie Medal 2022Waterstones Children's Book of the Month for October 2021Winner of the Honour Award for Fiction, KPMG Irish Children's Book Awards 2021'A magnificent, shadowy, gothic adventure full of heart' – Emma Carroll, author of Frost Hollow Hall.A thought-provoking, chilling and beautifully written novel, Pádraig Kenny's The Monsters of Rookhhaven, stunningly illustrated by Edward Bettison, explores difference and empathy through the eyes of characters you won't want to let go.Sometimes the monsters take us. Sometimes we become the monsters.Mirabelle has always known she is a monster. When the glamour protecting her unusual family from the human world is torn and an orphaned brother and sister stumble upon Rookhaven, Mirabelle soon discovers that friendship can be found in the outside world.But as something far more sinister comes to threaten them all, it quickly becomes clear that the true monsters aren't necessarily the ones you can see.'A stunning book . . . a brand new take on the monster story' – Eoin Colfer'A wildly imaginative story . . . a triumph' – Irish Examiner'Kenny is a thrilling writer and knows how to chill his readers' – TelegraphTrade ReviewKenny is a thrilling writer who knows how to chill his readers * Telegraph *A stunning book . . . a brand new take on the monster story -- Eoin ColferKenny embraces a new Gothic sensibility in this memorable, nuanced novel that pairs real chills with empathy and emotion. He's certainly a name to watch... * The Bookseller *A gloriously gothic and thought-provoking story * Metro *A magnificent, shadowy, gothic adventure full of heart -- Emma CarrollOne of the most startlingly original children’s books I’ve read in years. It feels like Pádraig Kenny, with Edward Bettison's mesmerizing illustrations, has created a whole new genre -- Piers TordayUnique, thrilling and moving . . . with its timely - yet timeless - message of choosing empathy over fear, The Monsters of Rookhaven is proof that Pádraig Kenny is one of the best children's writers around -- Shane HegartyConfidence, imagination and an ability to pluck the reader's heartstrings confirm confirm Kenny as a writer of serious talent * Guardian *Original and inventive, this fantasy adventure with a touch of the macabre features some of the most unusual monster characters I've ever come across in children's literature. Written with such confidence and delight, it's the perfect read for fans of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. -- Sarah WebbI loved this quirky tale of family and friendship, set in the Shirley Jackson-esque small town of Rookhaven -- Kelly McCaughrainThis is a wonderfully gothic, funny, and spooky tale about all kinds of monsters, from the frightening beasts with sharp teeth and too many eyes to the kind who look just like anybody else. Some of Mirabelle’s family are the kind of creatures you’d be terrified to find under your bed, but Padraig Kenny’s humorous and careful characterization makes each of them feel like an old friend – uncle Bertram’s diary of every human food he’s ever tasted is a funny and sweet glimpse into what monsters might find fascinating about the human world – whilst the evil Malice stalking Rookhaven is straight out of a nightmare * Booktrust *A totally absorbing tale . . . magnificently illustrated by Edward Bettison * Guardian *A wildly imaginative story . . . And if the opening sentence is extraordinary, the last line is a triumph * Irish Examiner *The (much) older reader will thrill at how this book subverts hackneyed monster tropes with glee, and how Kenny drops an S-bomb on page one (“sibilance”), crediting readers with the wherewithal to handle a polysyllable. But make no mistake, this is a children’s book, in a big font size, magnificently illustrated by Edward Bettison. * Guardian *A gloriously gothic and thought-provoking story * Metro *Sinister, sophisticated… infused with a gentle charm… children of ten and up will be enraptured * Literary Review *Written with confidence, verve and a touch of the macabre * Irish Independent *

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Book SynopsisPádraig Kenny's The Shadows of Rookhaven is a story about family and forgiveness, the sequel to The Monsters of Rookhaven.Shadows are gathering over Rookhaven.It is the time of The Great Configuration, a once in a hundred years event. Family and monsters descend on Rookhaven from all over the country to take part. But amid the guests there is an interloper. One who is disguised and has an eye on their destruction.Meanwhile Mirabelle – part human, part monster – discovers that to those from outside Rookhaven she is not considered family at all . . . and, forced to search further afield for knowledge of her true history, she risks everything – and everyone.Praise for The Monsters of Rookhaven:'A stunning book . . . a brand new take on the monster story' – Eoin Colfer, author of Artemis Fowl'A magnificent, shadowy, gothic adventure full of heart' – Emma Carroll, author of Frost Hollow Hall'A wildly imaginative story . . . a triumph' – Irish ExaminerTrade ReviewOne of the most startlingly original children’s books I’ve read in years. It feels like Pádraig Kenny, with Edward Bettison's mesmerizing illustrations, has created a whole new genre -- Piers Torday, on The Monsters of RookhavenA sequel to The Monsters of Rookhaven, this new Gothic dark-fantasy adventure doesn’t disappoint. -- Sarah Webb * The Irish Independent *

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Book SynopsisReturn to the world of Amy Wilson's A Girl Called Owl in this sparkling seasonal novel Owl and the Lost Boy, from 'the rising star of children's fantasy'. Being stuck in an eternal summer is not fun. Especially when you're Jack Frost's daughter. Owl's friend Alberic – who also happens to be the Earl of Autumn's son – is missing. Determined to find him and end the perpetual summer, Owl and her best friend Mallory embark on an adventure that will take them deep into the magical world of time itself. But Alberic's disappearance is shrouded in secret, and there's more going on than meets the eye. As an epic battle of the elements approaches, will Owl and Alberic be able to control their magic and restore the natural world?Lose yourself in this glittering story of friendship, nature and the elements told with Amy Wilson's trademark magic and heart.'A story of wild winds and bitter frosts with the warmth of friendship at its heart' Abi Elphinstone, author of Sky Song on A Girl Called Owl'It was such a treat to be back in Owl’s world - Amy Wilson spins her magic like a glittering winter cloak' Jasbinder Bilan, author of Asha & the Spirit BirdTrade ReviewThe rising star of children's fantasy * Telegraph *Wilson is conjuring up a reputation for darkly mystical stories based on myths and legends * Daily Mail *It was such a treat to be back in Owl’s world - Amy Wilson spins her magic like a glittering winter cloak. This story of friendship, loyalty and the power of nature is so beautifully told I felt myself sinking deeper under its spell. -- Jasbinder Bilan

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Book SynopsisFull of thrills, mystery and danger, Vega Jane and the Maze of Monsters (previously published as The Keeper) is the second title in the fast-paced fantasy adventure series for children of 10+ by bestselling master storyteller David Baldacci. Illustrated throughout by Tomislav Tomic.Everything Vega Jane has ever known is a lie. But if she and her best friend Delph are to find the truth about who they are and where they came from, they must first survive the Quag, a wild, enchanted place filled with monsters and dark sorcery. It will stretch their courage to the limit. The Quag will throw everything at Vega. It will try to break her. It will try to kill her. And survival might come at a price not even Vega is willing to pay.Vega Jane and the Maze of Monsters (previously published as The Keeper) is the second installment in master storyteller David Baldacci's bestselling Vega Jane series for children, now in a revised and re-illustrated edition. Vega and Delph continue the story that began with Vega Jane and the Secrets of Sorcery.Trade ReviewPulls you in and blows your mind. It's fast-paced and you won't be able to put it down * reader review, First News, of 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 * reader review, Reading Zone, of Vega Jane and the Secrets of Sorcery *

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Book SynopsisPacked with monsters, excitement and danger, Vega Jane and the Rebels' Revolt is the third thrilling title in the fast-paced fantasy adventure series for children of 10+ by bestselling master storyteller David Baldacci. Illustrated in black and white throughout by Tomislav Tomic.Lied to her whole life, Vega Jane broke away from the only home she'd ever known in search of the truth. She has battled monsters, with her best friend Delph alongside her, only to arrive in a place that's even more dangerous. The people there are enslaved and don't even know it. It's time for Vega and Delph to take up the fight against a cunning new enemy – and their success or failure will decide the fate of the whole world.Vega Jane and the Rebels' Revolt (previously published as the The Width of the World) is the third instalment of Vega's search for the truth about her past, which started with Vega Jane and the Secrets of Sorcery and Vega Jane and the Maze of Monsters, 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 . . . it's definitely my new favourite book. -- reader review, First News, of Vega Jane and the Secrets of SorceryHigh 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. -- Reader Review, Reading Zone of Vega Jane and the Secrets of Sorcery

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Book SynopsisFly off on an adventure with Magical Dragon and his royal friends to a floating castle in the sky in My Magical Castle!With a sparkly foil cover and push, pull and turn mechanisms, little ones will have lots of fun playing hide and seek with their favourite magical creatures.Yujin Shin's beautifully coloured illustrations are paired with gentle rhyming text to create a perfect magical world, with bright, sparkling detail and things to spot in four magical scenes.My Magical Forest is another exciting addition to the My Magical series, based on the popular Busy Book format.Perfect for little fingers and inquisitive minds, enjoy more magical adventures with My Magical Unicorn, My Magical Dragon, and My Magical Rainbow.Trade ReviewWe're big fans of this range of books in our house. My 3 year old loves them. * Toppsta Reviewer *

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Book SynopsisThe mesmerising sequel to the NYT bestselling Girls of Paper and FireThe Girls of Paper and Fire did the impossible. They escaped.But out in the unforgiving wild, hunted like prey, Lei and Wren learn that the most terrifying prisons have no walls.Lei, the naive country girl who became a royal courtesan, is now known as the Moonchosen, the commoner who managed to do what no one else could. But slaying the cruel Demon King wasn't the end of the plan - it's just the beginning. Now Lei and her warrior love Wren must travel the kingdom to gain support from the far-flung rebel clans. The journey is made even more treacherous thanks to a heavy bounty on Lei's head, as well as insidious doubts that threaten to tear Lei and Wren apart from within.Meanwhile, an evil plot to eliminate the rebel uprising is taking shape, fueled by dark magic and vengeance. Will Lei succeed in her quest to overthrow the monarchy and protect her love for Wren, or will she fall victim to the sinister magic that seeks to destroy her?'Beautiful and heart-breaking and meaningful . . . Ngan's writing is stunning' Young Adult ReadsTrade ReviewFull of appealing new characters, wild twists and heartbreaking sacrifices, it's a novel that's difficult to put down once you start it. * Culturess *Brutal, engaging, visceral yet tender, Girls of Storm and Shadow is a must read. * Biliophile BookClub *A solid fantasy pick with a strong LGBTQ pairing * Kirkus *A powerful and exhilarating read * Word of the Nerd *In her rich, evocative series, Natasha Ngan takes readers on a fantastical journey through a historical fantasy version of Asia. With its powerful themes of female agency, survival, and the intersectionality of racism and sexism, Ngan forges a heated and engaging romance set against a backdrop of revolution * Tor.com *An ode to survival. To resilience and solidarity, to trauma and nightmares, to hope and finding light . . . will inspire you and wrench your heart with an iron grip * Utopia State of Mind *Lush and evocative . . . a powerful narrative about what exactly the victims of sexual abuse endure. * The Nerd Daily *

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Book SynopsisA lover in peril. A nation under threat. The clock is ticking . . .'AMAZING, SHOW-STOPPING, SPECTACULAR' XIRAN JAY ZHAOThe captivating sequel to Foul Lady Fortune, by the New York Times bestselling author of These Violent Delights.Winter is drawing thick in 1932 Shanghai, as is the threat of a Japanese invasion. Rosalind Lang's identity as a national spy has been exposed. With the media camped outside her apartment, she's barely left her bedroom in weeks, plotting her next course of action after Orion was taken and his memories wiped. Their marriage might have been a sham, but his absence hurts more than any physical wound. She won't rest until she gets him back. But with her identity in the open, the task is near impossible. The only way to rescue Orion is under the guise of a national tour. It's easy to convince her superiors that the countryside needs unity more than ever, and who better than an immortal girl to stir pride and strength? When the tour goes wrong, everything Rosalind once knew is thrown up in the air. Taking refuge outside Shanghai, old ghosts return and adversaries turn to allies. To save Orion, they must find a cure to his mother's invention and steal this dangerous weapon away from foreign invasion -but the clock is ticking, and if Rosalind fails, it's not only Orion she loses, but her nation itself . . .PRAISE FOR CHLOE GONG'A glamorous spy thriller that will leave you breathless' DUSTIN THAO'Brilliant pacing and utterly dynamic characters' ELIZABETH LIM'The chemistry was crackling, the revelations hair-raising, and I was so taken by the world that I did not see the reveals coming' JOAN HE'A thrilling historical fantasy packed with action, intrigue, and swoon-worthy romance' JUNE HUR'A dark delight . . . Captivating' RENEE AHDIEH'Equal parts intoxicating and dazzling, Gong's newest duology is enchanting and unmissable' ROSHANI CHOKSHITrade Review** PRAISE FOR CHLOE GONG **Deliciously dark * Natasha Ngan, New York Times bestselling author of Girls of Paper and Fire *Heady, smart, and vicious * Tessa Gratton, author of The Queens of Innis Lear *Chloe Gong's debut is a terrific, deliciously unputdownable read! * June Hur, author of The Silence of Bones *Equal parts intoxicating and dazzling, Gong's newest duology is enchanting and unmissable. Each page is a finely honed blade that goes straight to the heart * Roshani Chokshi, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Last Tale of the Flower Bride *An electrifying, swashbuckling tale of intrigue and assassins, romance and betrayal * Cassandra Clare, bestselling author of The Mortal Instruments series *Foul Lady Fortune is a thrilling historical fantasy packed with action, intrigue, and swoon-worthy romance. I will read anything Chloe Gong writes * June Hur, bestselling author of The Silence of Bones *A glamorous spy thriller that will leave you breathless. Chloe Gong masterfully blends romance, political drama, and Black Widow-esque action sequences into a familiar world with new characters you'll fall completely in love with * Dustin Thao, New York Times bestselling author of You've Reached Sam *With tense, lush storytelling, a complicated heroine and her swoon worthy foil, Foul Lady Fortune invites you into a dark chapter of twentieth century China where intrigue lies behind every corner. Intoxicating! * Stacey Lee, author of Under a Painted Sky *Amazing, show-stopping, spectacular. Chloe Gong does it again with her fantastical take on the classic Chinese genre of Minguo-era spy thrillers, where no loyalties are certain and no one can be trusted in the shadowy political battle between the Nationalists, communists, and imperialists. A enthralling mystery that is sure to stun as it unravels * Xiran Jay Zhao, New York Times bestselling author of Iron Widow *Foul Lady Fortune had my heart pounding from the first chapter. With brilliant pacing and utterly dynamic characters, Gong transports us to 1930s Shanghai-into a high stakes game of war, love, and espionage-and conquers every page with cinematic precision * Elizabeth Lim, New York Times bestselling author of Six Crimson Cranes *When I think Republican era spy story, I think thrills, triple agents, and twists. Foul Lady Fortune delivers on all these fronts and more. The chemistry was crackling, the revelations hair-raising, and I was so taken by the world that I did not see the reveals coming, in the best way possible. Chloe Gong has outdone herself, without a doubt * Joan He, New York Times bestselling author of The Ones We're Meant to Find *Chloe Gong's Foul Lady Fortune is an electric, action-packed jewel of a story, brimming with vivid prose, exhilarating twists and turns, and incredible characters who will steal your heart. This book dazzles * Claire Legrand, New York Times bestselling author of Furyborn *This book is a dark delight. I found myself transported to a different place and time, which is exactly what I look for in my favorite books. Gong's writing is evocative, and her dialogue crackles. Mesmerizing and mysterious in equal turns, Foul Lady Fortune is a captivating read, and I look forward to the next installment in the series * Renée Ahdieh, New York Times bestselling author of The Beautiful Quartet *

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Book SynopsisThey are each other's fiercest love, greatest danger, and only hope.'Devastating and delicious' Holly Black, New York Times bestselling author of The Cruel PrinceReturning to the dark and glamorous 19th century world of her New York Times bestseller, The Gilded Wolves, Roshani Chokshi dazzles us with another riveting tale full of mystery, danger, and romance.Séverin and his team members might have successfully thwarted the Fallen House, but victory came at a terrible cost - one that still haunts all of them. Desperate to make amends, Séverin pursues a dangerous lead to find a long-lost artefact rumoured to grant its possessor the power of God. Their hunt lures them far from Paris and into the icy heart of Russia, where crystalline ice animals stalk forgotten mansions, broken goddesses carry deadly secrets, and a string of unsolved murders makes the crew question whether an ancient myth is a myth after all. As hidden secrets come to light and the ghosts of the past catch up to them, the crew will discover new dimensions of themselves. But what they find out may lead them down paths they never imagined.'Wholly immersive' Renée Ahdieh, New York Times bestselling author of The Wrath and the DawnTrade Review** Praise for The Gilded Wolves series ***A masterpiece of imagination * Stephanie Garber, New York Times bestselling author of Caraval *This is a book to swan-dive into, swim around in, luxuriate in. Trust me, you won't want to come out * Laini Taylor, New York Times bestselling author of Strange the Dreamer *The Gilded Wolves is part political misadventure, part puzzle, and thoroughly charming, with a band of rapscallions and a string of surprises! * Holly Black, New York Times bestselling author of The Cruel Prince *A gorgeously layered story, with characters that make you laugh and ache and cheer * Renée Ahdieh, New York Times bestselling author of The Wrath & the Dawn *The Gilded Wolves is the smart, dark adventure YA readers have been waiting for * Adrienne Young, New York Times bestselling author of Fable *Wildly inventive and wildly representative * The New York Times Book Review *Leigh Bardugo's Six of Crows and Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code converge in this dazzling new fantasy * Kirkus Starred Review *Mesmerizing and haunting * Booklist Starred Review *A delectably intriguing adventure * School Library Journal, starred review *

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Book SynopsisThe future of war-torn Cretacea hangs in the balance, in this exhilarating finale to The Deadlands series.Having dealt the Carrion Kingdom a devastating blow, the heroic outcasts return home to face the herds that cast them out. But Eleri's treacherous brother is now Lord of the Battlefield, and the outcasts are condemned to die as traitors. Meanwhile, an Army of Beasts is marching towards the Mountain Kingdom, hellbent on revenge. With enemies on all sides, how will the exiles survive long enough to convince their kingdoms of the real threat, and prevent a massacre?

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Book SynopsisIllustrated in a sophisticated muted palette, this is a classic quest story with a modern twist from two Irish Children's Laureates.After his father’s death, Prince Lir is tricked into embarking on a perilous quest to rescue a maiden from a dragon. The studious young prince is no warrior, but he uses his brains to make himself indispensable to the grumpy dragon. However, neither prince nor dragon have bargained on the dark magic which manipulates them both, and it may be left to maiden herself to save them all…Trade ReviewThe story of a prince, a girl and a dragon may seem familiar, but it’s the way the story is told that makes it so special. Three Tasks for a Dragon reads like a forgotten fairytale. Combining the talents of two former Laureates na nÓg, this is an instant classic. * The best Irish children’s books of 2023, The Times *A carefully crafted traditional quest from two of Ireland’s former Laureate na nÓg, this is a tale that will have you lost in time. * Irish Examiner *Lyrically written with a fair few thrills and awesome illustrations of the dragon, this is a magical fairy tale that will assuredly keep readers turning the pages, albeit slowly so they can savour P.J. Lynch’s magnificent artistry. * Red Reading Hub *Three Tasks for a Dragon is a classic quest with a modern twist in a gorgeous picture book that is exciting, appealing with a fairy-tale feel and is perfect for its targeted audience. […] This book is perfect for KS2 primary libraries and classrooms and will make a stunning present for young readers and will be a classic that is read for many years to come. * Little Blog of Library Treasures *A very modern ‘traditional’ tale of quests, treachery, dragons, maidens in distress, a magic curse and the power of love that will keep readers of all ages enthralled. * The Letterpress Project *

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Book SynopsisA lavishly illustrated woodland tale with a classic sensibility and modern flair, from the author of the novel Wicked, which inspired the hit musical.Gregory Maguire turns his trademark wit and wisdom to an animal adventure about growing up, moving on and finding community. When Papa doesn't return from a nocturnal honey-gathering expedition, Cress holds out hope, but her mother assumes the worst. It’s a dangerous world for rabbits, after all. Mama moves what’s left of the Watercress family to the basement unit of the Broken Arms, a run-down apartment oak with a suspect owl landlord, a nosy mouse superintendent, a rowdy family of squirrels and a pair of songbirds who broadcast everyone’s business. Can a dead tree full of annoying neighbours, and no Papa, ever be home?In the timeless spirit of E. B. White and The Wind and the Willows – yet thoroughly of its time – this read-aloud and read-alone gem for animal lovers of all ages features an unforgettable cast that leaps off the page in glowing illustrations by David Litchfield.Trade ReviewEvery now and then, along comes a story with all the hallmarks of a children’s classic… a magical world of animals with an irresistible nostalgic flavour, and fabulous illustrations which leap off the page. […] With the feel of a timeless classic but still retaining a contemporary vibe, this unforgettable and tender meditation on coming-of-age is brought to vivid life by the colour, vibrancy and dynamism of Litchfield’s extraordinary illustrations. A read-aloud or read-alone gem for animal lovers of all ages. -- Pam Norfolk * Lancashire Evening Post *Cress Watercress is a classic in the making and is one of the most stunning books I have ever seen. A wonderful woodland tale full of adventure which will pull on the heartstrings of any reader. Covering themes of loss within the family this book will not only support young readers but educate them about grief too. * Little Blog of Library Treasures *Full of heart, with some sadness, essentially this is a charming story of moving on, growing up, forming friendships and learning to love, becoming part of a new community and flourishing. * Red Reading Hub *At times humorous and always touching, this story manages to be both timeless and modern, and would make a wonderful gift for fans of Charlotte’s Web and Wind In The Willows. * My Book Corner *With Christmas just around the corner, Cress Watercress would make a great present for an animal lover. * Story Snug *

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Book SynopsisFrom Hans Christian Andersen Medal-winning author David Almond comes a heartwarming story that shows anything is possible with imagination and trust.What should a puppet master do when he's old and alone, and all his puppets are gone? Sylvester makes one last puppet. But this one is different. When the old man speaks to him, Puppet speaks back. And then he walksWhile Sylvester shows Puppet the town, the playground and the wonders the world holds, Puppet in turn helps Sylvester to make a new friend, and share his puppet-making skills with the next generation in this wonder-filled story of creation and the circle of life.Illustrated with sequences of wordless spreads by an award-winning artist, this is a modern-day classic.

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Book SynopsisGeorgia Peach Award Nominee • Florida Teens Read Award Nominee • ABC Best Books for Young Readers • Bank Street College Best Children’s Books of the Year • A Junior Library Guild Selection • Hugo & Locus award finalistIn Other Lands is an exhilarating novel from bestselling author Sarah Rees Brennan about surviving four years in the most unusual of schools - friendship, falling in love, diplomacy, and finding your own place in the world — even if it means giving up your phone.Excerpt:The Borderlands aren’t like anywhere else. Don’t try to smuggle a phone or any other piece of technology over the wall that marks the Border — unless you enjoy a fireworks display in your backpack. (Ballpoint pens are okay.) There are elves, harpies, and — best of all as far as Elliot is concerned — mermaids."What’s your name?""Serene.""Serena?" Elliot asked."Serene," said Serene. "My full name is Serene-Heart-in-the-Chaos-of-Battle."Elliot’s mouth fell open. "That is badass."Elliot? Who’s Elliot? Elliot is thirteen years old. He’s smart and just a tiny bit obnoxious. Sometimes more than a tiny bit. When his class goes on a field trip and he can see a wall that no one else can see, he is given the chance to go to school in the Borderlands.It turns out that on the other side of the wall, classes involve a lot more weaponry and fitness training and fewer mermaids than he expected. On the other hand, there’s Serene-Heart-in-the-Chaos-of-Battle, an elven warrior who is more beautiful than anyone Elliot has ever seen, and then there’s her human friend Luke: sunny, blond, and annoyingly likeable. There are lots of interesting books. There’s even the chance Elliot might be able to change the world.Trade Review"In Other Lands is at once a classic school story, a coming-of-age tale and a parody of Harry Potter. It’s hilarious and sneakily moving. Elliot Schafer is Harry Potter if Harry had been abandoned instead of merely orphaned. Convinced of his unlovability, he wields sarcasm and braininess as weapons. . . . Brennan subverts the familiar Y.A. love triangle in uproarious, touching, unexpected ways, and her commentaries on gender roles, sexual identity and toxic masculinity are very witty. Elven culture, for instance, views men as the weaker sex. “A true gentleman’s heart is as sacred as a temple, and as easily crushed as a flower,” Serene informs Elliot. When another elf tells him, “I was saddened to hear Serene had launched a successful attack on the citadel of your virtue,” Elliot assures her, “The citadel was totally into surrendering.” Best of all, over four years in the otherlands, Elliot grows from a defensive, furious, grieving child into a diplomatic, kind, menschy hero.” — New York Times Book Review “It has been a long time since I’ve loved a book this much.” — Seanan McGuire, author of Every Heart a Doorway “Sarah Rees Brennan’s brand-new novel, In Other Lands, was first published in serial installments on the author’s blog, where the story became so popular she decided to make a book out of it. It’s easy to see why: The young adult fantasy author is known for her delightful characters, and In Other Lands’ hero, Elliott, is a precocious, snarky wunderkind who’s whisked away to wizarding school, where he’s given his choice of becoming a warrior or a diplomat. But Elliott has his two best friends at his side — one a matriarchal elf princess, the other a quiet jock with a secret — and he isn’t about to play by the rules. If you enjoy stories about magical boarding schools, In Other Lands is a treat. It’s full of romance in all directions, plenty of fantasy trope subversions, Brennan’s typical insouciant wit.”— Vox “This takes on the portal fantasy with a good dose of silliness, but also draws complex, captivating characters.” — Danika Leigh Ellis, Vulture “The four sections of the novel each follow a year in Elliot’s life, from when he comes to the Borderlands to when he, Serene, and Luke graduate the training camp. The reader follows conflicts both political and personal, watching Elliot grow into himself and his skills as he turns the politics of the world around him on their head one small maneuver at a time. He isn’t, of course, a savior figure; he also isn’t magically gifted. He’s just dedicated, smart, and willing to risk himself to better the world around him. It’s a delightful look at how personal and how influential politics can be: Brennan isn’t saying that one person can change the world, but she’s showing how one person can push it in the right direction if they try hard enough.” — Brit Mandelo, tor.com “Above all, In Other Lands is a novel about growing up and growing into oneself, a task that is ultimately more difficult than dealing with unicorns or negotiating treaties with harpies.” —Electra Pritchett, Strange Horizons “I have rewritten the first paragraph of this review a half-dozen times, trying to find some way to make clear that Sarah Rees Brennan has created a nearly perfect YA fantasy without gushing. I can’t do it. In Other Lands is brilliantly subversive, assuredly smart, and often laugh-out-loud funny. It combines a magic-world school setting with heaps of snark about everything from teen romance to gender roles, educational systems and serious world diplomacy.” — Locus “This brilliant novel becomes more and more intense and funny and engaging with each page and is so utterly enjoyable that it was the easiest thing in the world for me to fall in love with it. This is what we need more of in YA fantasy, this is what we need more of in YA fiction. Buy the book, read the book, recommend the book. In Other Lands is the real deal and by far what everyone needs to be reading this year. I loved it. I loved every damn minute of this book and I’m so glad it is out in the world.” — Colleen Mondor, Guys Lit Wire “In Other Lands is a stunning example of Sarah Rees Brennan’s style; her characters are hysterically funny with complex and nuanced inner lives that could break a reader’s heart. Elliot, cranky and obnoxious teen that he is, desperately longs to be loved best by someone, but covers with immense sarcasm and general unkindness. Luke and Serene, both exceptionally talented and good-looking, also struggle with feeling displaced. The depiction of misandry in Elf culture is one of the funniest concepts that Rees Brennan has come up, and even that she turns into a deeper lesson for Serene, Elliot, and Luke. In Other Lands can come off as a parody of fantasy, but it delves deep into issues of race, gender, sexuality, and war, and absolutely nails the struggles and triumphs of growing up.” — Sami Thomason, Square Books “Snarky, self-aware, smart, funny, and tremendously sweet, In Other Lands works equally well for adults and genre-versed young adults.” — Borderlands Books “I loved this book. I loved it. But early on I wanted to smack Elliott, the fourteen-year-old boy who is cho- sen, from our world, to go to the Borderlands because he can see magic. And I might have stopped reading, had I not distinctly heard (not making this up, I swear) a voiceover saying: Once there was a boy named Eustace Scrubb, and he almost deserved it.” — Michelle West, F&SF “I expected this book to give me magic. I expected an adventure. I expected many lols. And sure enough, I got everything I expected plus a whole lot more! I was already laughing before I finished the first page and by the time I finished the first chapter I was deeply in love.” — Booktopia “Four years in the life of an unloved English schoolboy who’s invited to a secret magical school and learns that even in fantasyland, real life is messier than books. . . . But over the course of four years training among child soldiers, Elliot, unsurprisingly, grows up. His slow development into a genuinely kind person is entirely satisfying, as is his awakening to his own bisexuality and to the colonialism, sexism, and racism of Borderlands society. . . . A stellar . . . wholly rewarding journey.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “Elliot Schafer is a small-for-his-age 13-year-old who is prone to being bullied—largely due to his personality, which slots somewhere between insufferable know-it-all and sarcastic jackass. When Elliot’s class travels to a ‘random field in Devon, England’ for a supposed scholarship test, he instead winds up in a strange world known as the Borderlands, which are filled with elves, mermaids, and other creatures. So begins Brennan’s hilarious, irreverent, and multilayered coming-of-age fantasy, set over several years. Elliot quickly befriends (and falls for) Serene, a fierce elven warrior, and arranges a reluctant truce with Luke Sunborn, the son of one of the Borderland’s founding families. All three—along with every young person there—are training in war or as councilors, charged with protecting the fragile barrier with the human world. Amid shifting relationships, the threat of war, and substantial growth among the characters, Elliot’s razor-edged wit and general inability to keep his mouth shut make for blissfully entertaining reading. Smart explorations of gender stereotypes, fluid sexuality, and awkward romance only add to the depth and delight of this glittering contemporary fantasy.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) “Irritable and annoying, 13-year-old Elliot Schafer becomes the unlikely protagonist of Brennan’s novel after receiving an invitation to attend a unique school in the magical realm, which is protected from the real world by an invisible wall that few can see. There he spends the next four years learning about elves, mermaids, trolls, treaties, and falling in love. This is a school story for older youth, with freewheeling (but not explicit) sexuality, a dedicated pacifist as a main character, and slightly cynical humor that masks great heart. . . . Brennan turns stereotypes upside down: elves view men as the delicate flowers, and the shining blond hero is a shy, half-breed boy conflicted since birth.” — Booklist Online “Brennan brilliantly turns the very genre she occupies on its head with this YA fantasy. In her latest, the human who falls into a magic world isn’t a strong, beautiful, charismatic hero. It is Elliot, a hero who might annoy, but who is also the most intensely relatable character to emerge from fantasy lately. For anyone who has ever wondered how they would fare in the fantasy worlds they enjoy reading about, In Other Lands is a novel that might answer that question. Even though Elliot is never painted as a prodigy at any of the new things he encounters, Brennan allows him to be heroic, and in the end, all the happiness he may receive feels earned.” — RT Book Reviews (4 stars) “The existence of mythical creatures seems more plausible to snarky, studious teen Elliot Schafer than making friends or having a loving family. After enrolling at Borderlands Academy, a training school for the magical realm’s soldiers and scholars, Elliot forms an unlikely trio with Serene-Heart-in-the-Chaos-of-Battle, an Elven warrior-scholar, and Luke Sunborn, a gifted golden boy. Narrator Matthew Lloyd Davies skillfully suggests the vulnerable qualities hidden beneath Elliot’s sarcasm as he navigates gender, war, sexuality, and friendship in the Borderlands. Humor, delightfully wrought in this production, permeates each section. Davies populates this world with vivid performances of fantastical beings such as harpies, mermaids, and elves. His clear enunciation of Elvish certainty and the sharp, grating vocal qualities of harpies and mermaids make the students’ forays into battle and diplomacy memorable.” — Audiofile Magazine “Brennan delivers witty, nervy, romantic adventure that fizzes with feeling and giddy imagination.” — Leigh Bardugo, bestselling author of Six of Crows and Crooked Kingdom “A subversive, sneaky, glorious tale of magic, longing, and growing into your wings.” — Holly Black, author of The Darkest Part of the Forest

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Book Synopsis“Sharp and exciting, always vivacious and sensory . . . All I want is more—more of these sweet vicious girls and their helplessly loving leader, changing themselves, one another and the world.” —Amal El-Mohtar, The New York Times Book ReviewThe Craft for Gen Z: The Scratch Daughters, indie bestselling author H. A. Clarke crafts a brilliant, award-nominated sequel to The Scapegracers: a raw and roiling tribute to queer lineage, to finding oneself, and to the deep love of chosen family.Sideways Pike is desperate. It turns out that Madeline Kline didn’t want to make out with her; infinitely worse, she was only flirting to get access to Sideways’ specter. Madeline has ripped the magical soul out of Sideways’ throat, and with it, everything that makes a witch feel whole. Madeline would know: the Chantry boys took hers, and she’s going to use Sideways’ specter to hunt them down and get it back.Sideways Pike, lesbian witch extraordinaire, isn’t going to let little things like a treacherous crush or a brutal family of creepy witch hunters stop her, even if it means tracking down Madeline without the Scapegracers—her best friends, her coven, the girls she’s come to love ferociously above all else. But Sideways and her trusty bike are in for a bumpy ride . . .Trade Review“Sharp and exciting, always vivacious and sensory . . . All I want is more—more of these sweet vicious girls and their helplessly loving leader, changing themselves, one another and the world.” —Amal El-Mohtar in the New York Times Book Review“The Scratch Daughters is a sharp, scathing sophomore novel from H. A. Clarke. Middle books in trilogies often function more as table setting to the main event, but not this one. As much as I long for the next entry, if the series should end here at least it would go out on a high note.” —Tor.com“August Clarke’s witchy 2020 banger The Scapegracers is . . . sharp, it’s queer, it’s techy, it’s spiky, it’s magical . . . Sideways Pike is her own force to be reckoned with.” —LitHub, “October’s 8 Best SF and Fantasy Books” Praise for The Scapegracers series: ★ “Magic is palpable, urgent, and simply marvelous in this must-have debut.” —Kirkus★ “Unapologetically queer . . . and seething with raw emotion, this fantasy opens strong while leaving much to be explored in future installments.” —Publishers Weekly“Loner, lesbian teenage witch Sideways bubbles with nerves, insecurities, and longing in this action-packed debut from a young queer writer.” —Chana Porter, author of The Seep“This is the dark, twisty, witchy book I’ve always wanted. [Clarke’s] writing is brilliant and gorgeous and firework bright.” —Kat Howard, author of An Unkindness of Magicians“Spooky and weird and dangerous, but addictive.” —Shveta Thakrar, author of Star Daughter

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Book SynopsisHolly Liddell has been stuck with crimped hair since 1987 when she agreed to let her boyfriend, Elton, turn her into a vampire. But when he ditches her at a gas station a few decades into their eternity together, she realises that being young forever actually means working graveyard shifts at Taco Bell, sleeping in seedy motels, and being supernaturally compelled to follow your ex from town to town - at least until Holly meets Elton’s other exes. It seems that Holly isn’t the only girl Elton seduced into this wretched existence. He turned Ida in 1921, then Rose in 1954, and he abandoned them both before Holly was even born. Now Rose and Ida want to kill him before he can trick another girl into eternal adolescence, and they’ll need Holly’s help to do it. And once Holly starts falling for Elton’s vulnerable new conquest, Parker, she’ll do anything to save her. To kill Elton for good, Holly and her friends will have to dig up their pasts, rob a bank, and reconcile with the people they’ve hurt in their search for eternal love. And to win the girl, Holly will have to convince Parker that she’s more than just Elton’s crazy ex - even though she is trying to kill him.

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Book SynopsisThe reader gallops through the story on the back of the unicorn, which will find shelter in the heart of a secret garden, a peaceful alcove where love is awaiting. The Lady and the Unicorn is an adventure tale of love and magic. The Unicorn's horn was known to have supreme powers and was a prize possession. It could turn polluted lakes and streams into drinkable water for woodland creatures. Hunted by a Feudal Lord, the Unicorn escapes into a secret garden to find a young lady in the middle of the garden playing an organ. She turns a mirror towards the Unicorn, who is magically transformed into a knight. He immediately declares his love for the lady, who smiles at him. The Unicorn Tapestries in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, and the Cluny Museum in Paris, serve as the inspiration for the story. The book ends with information about the tapestries, that connects the illustrations to the reproductions of the tapestries in order to decipher the symbols and their meanings at the heart of the work. Kids and adults of all ages are sure to enjoy this beautifully illustrated and engaging story.

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Book SynopsisA thrilling middle grade fantasy about a girl who must participate in a deadly game with a ragtag team of players to save her grandfather from a terrible fate—perfect for fans of James Riley and Shannon Messenger! In the opulent, sinking city of Dantessa, the Great Game rules all. Pia Paro believes that so long as you follow the rules, you always have a chance at winning. But after her beloved Gramps is sentenced to a life of servitude, Pia accepts a dangerous offer and joins a team of players seeking to win the most perilous game of all: Noctis. The Seafoxes—Pia’s new teammates—are unlike anyone she’s ever met. There’s brash, bold Carlo; macabre Serafina; kindhearted Pasquale; and their dashing ringleader, Vittoria. Each has their own reason for playing, and soon, Pia begins to question all her long-held beliefs. Maybe the rules Pia once trusted to lift her up have only been keeping her—and thousands of others li

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Book SynopsisClimb aboard the Nautilus with Captain Nemo and embark on an undersea journey around the world in this Jules Verne classic with an arresting new look!When word about sightings of a sea monster spread, three men embark on a journey to find the creature. But when they get thrown overboard, they soon find themselves in the belly of the beast—the underwater vessel named the Nautilus, manned by Captain Nemo. Having discovered his secret submarine, the sailors are taken as Nemo’s captives. The trio’s expedition shifts to an entirely new adventure beneath the vast ocean with giant sea creatures, sunken treasure, and even the lost world of Atlantis. Though the voyage is wondrous, they are still Captain Nemo’s prisoners and seek freedom from their mysterious kidnapper.

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Book SynopsisAward-winning storyteller Donna L. Washington has cooked up a delightfully spooky tale in this imaginative twist on the classic "Goldilocks."Curly Locks is a good-hearted girl, but she''s an awful cook. All the townspeople of Toadsuck Swamp know to steer clear of her peculiar dishes?like batwing brownies and toad eye toffees. So it''s quite a mystery when one of her dishes goes missing from her windowsill.Next morning, chaos breaks out in town and word spreads how the Scares of Toadsuck Swamp are running wild and terrorizing the town at mealtime. They shriek "Gitchey Boo, Gitchey Bon! Gitchey Goo, Gitchey Gone!" and send folk running for their lives! But Curly Locks isn''t frightened, and she has an inkling her unsavory cooking can help corral those Scares for good.Exercising tremendous narrative skill, internationally known storyteller Donna L. Washington breathes a spirited new life into an old classic. Her clever, can-do protagonist and joyful language pair brilliantly with Jeffrey Ebbeler''s fantasy-like illustrations. This enchanting read is a treat for any time of the year!

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Book SynopsisThe sequel to the hilarious fantasy adventure, perfect for tabletop role-playing games devotees, featuring the most unexpected, underdog heroes – ORCS! After our unlikely heroes return from their travels and celebrate with a dance party, a prank gone wrong inadvertently unleashes something ancient and evil. Even worse, in a tower in the middle of a dark forest, the same necromancer that fought the legendary Drod One-Eye has sinister plans for the Orcish tribe. Meanwhile, Pez finds an unexpected friend amongst the Elves, who have their own stories of a terrible presence long since slumbering. There’s trouble brewing in the wide Known World, and soon the Orcs might find that a necromancer is the least of their problems! The fun and fantastical ORCS! series from cartoonist Christine Larsen (Adventure Time) returns with a new installment featuring Bog, Pez, Zep, Utzu, and Gurh! Collects ORCS! The Curse #1-4.

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Book SynopsisHow far would you go to save your home? When Sybaline's enchanted valley in the Appalachian mountains is about to be flooded, she decides to stay. But will Sybaline's magic be powerful enough to stop the flood from destroying everything she loves?A Wilder Magic is the perfect…fantasy book for girls 9-12middle school chapter book for fans of the supernaturaltween book for girls age 9-12preteen gift for girlsFor generations, Sybaline Shaw's family has lived in an enchanted valley in the Appalachian Mountains, using their magic to help grow the land. But now the government has built a dam that will force the Shaws to relocate, and they're running out of time before their home will be flooded.Sybaline and her cousin Nettle can't imagine life without the valley and its magic, so they decide to stay. Using magic, they build an invisible wall around their home. As the water rises, they learn a terrible truth: the water will continue to rise, leaving them to live beneath the lake itself.There is also a consequence to using magic selfishly, one that might transform both her and Nettle forever. If she can't find a way to escape, Sybaline and the ones she loves could be trapped in the valley forever.Praise for The Wolf of Cape Fen:"A stunning seaside fairy tale that will absorb readers until the very end."—Booklist"A mesmerizing piece of magical realism packed with mystery, suspense, and, most important, love."—School Library Journal"Intriguing mystery… Laced with dreams, this perplexing fantasy rewards persistent readers."—Kirkus Reviews"Softly spangled black and white chapter title illustrations preface brief dream interludes belonging to other Fenians, emphasizing that the whole community is bound up in the baron's magic and helping to harmonize the novel's contrasting moods of coastal-town hominess and stark unease."—BCCBTrade Review"Readers who enjoyed the Savvy series by Ingrid Law and Drizzle by Kathleen Van Cleve will love this little gem." - Rebecca Williams, Portland Book Review"The relationship between magic, nature, and intent adds a thoughtful level of complexity and cost to this sophomore novel by Brandt....a poignant blend of loss and optimism as readers empathize with Sybaline's rebellion against inevitable change." - Publishers Weekly"[Kids] expecting a big move may find comfort in Sybaline's eventual acceptance of her need to leave the valley." - The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

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Book Synopsis*A Book Riot Must-Read South Asian Book of 2022**A BuzzFeed Highly Anticipated YA Book of Summer 2022*She grew up battling the monsters that live in the black seas, but it couldn't prepare her to face the cunning cruelty of the ruling elite.Perfect for fans of The Hunger Games and These Violent Delights, this South Asian-inspired fantasy is a gripping debut about the power of the elite, the price of glory, and one girl's chance to change it all.Sixteen-year-old Koral and her older brother Emrik risk their lives each day to capture the monstrous maristags that live in the black seas around their island. They have to, or else their family will starve.In an oceanic world swarming with vicious beasts, the Landers-the ruling elite, have indentured Koral's family to provide the maristags for the Glory Race, a deadly chariot tournament reserved for the upper class. The winning contender receives gold and glory. The others-if they're lucky-survive.When the last maristag of the year escapes and Koral has no new maristag to sell, her family's financial situation takes a turn for the worse and they can't afford medicine for her chronically ill little sister. Koral's only choice is to do what no one in the world has ever dared: cheat her way into the Glory Race.But every step of the way is unpredictable as Koral races against competitors-including her ex-boyfriend-who have trained for this their whole lives and who have no intention of letting a low-caste girl steal their glory. As a rebellion rises and rogues attack Koral to try and force her to drop out, she must choose-her life or her sister's-before the whole island burns.Perfect for fans of:Dystopian FantasySea MonstersExes-to-Rivals-to-?Golden Boy x PariahDeadly CompetitionRebellionAngsty TeenagersFans of Chloe GongFemale FriendshipPraise for Monsters Born and Made:"An exhilarating race of willpower and defiance, set on an utterly unique world filled with glorious monsters." -Xiran Jay Zhao, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Iron Widow"Monsters Born and Made takes well-beloved YA tropes and turns them on their heads, creating an action-packed rallying cry against oppression and a riveting tale of one girl's desperation to survive no matter the odds." -Roseanne A. Brown, New York Times bestselling author of A Song of Wraiths and Ruin

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Book SynopsisMeet Marissa, a caring, curious, and brave eleven-year-old girl whose summer stroll on a quiet beach becomes an epic adventure that pulls her into a mysterious undersea world. Lured by the simple sounds of a unique seashell, Marissa finds herself pulled into a battle between an ancient marine species and advanced life forms not of this planet. Her survival and only path home is that of legends as she befriends magical creatures and battles an evil nymph while in quest of a simple flower. The petals of the Neptius flower hold the answers and are the salvation for Marissa and an entire undersea universe.

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Book SynopsisHere are the three Laws of Quill, carved in stone outside every town hall, and learnt by every schoolchild:There shall be No Witches.There shall be No Dragons.There shall be NO SECRETS.Ten-year-old Brim has been sent to the Quillian School for Prevention of Witches, but she''s sure it''s a mistake. It''s true that she has tiny feathers sprouting from her elbows, and that she''s the only person who remembers the odd-looking calf that has been following her. But she is most definitely Not a Witch.Meanwhile, Queen Rose of Hallow has received reports of a secret weapon in the mountains of Quill, and goes to investigate. Alone. Luckily, she''s not just a twelve-year-old girl with red hair and a wilful nature. She is also a dragon.Before long, Rose and Brim find themselves trapped in Quill, in the worst possible danger. Just a witch, a dragon and a LOT of secrets.A bewitching tale of bravery, betraya

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Book SynopsisAt the outbreak of World War I, eleven-year-old Elsie Clarke is shipped off to Wales to attend Miss Coleridge’s Academy for Gifted Youths. What at first appears to be an institution for talented academics soon reveals that ‘Gifted’ means something else entirely, and only the mysterious Madam Tryll holds the answers. Only she can open the Gateway to The Place Where Lost Children Go - a sentient forest called Elsewhere with the power to enhance the talents, desires, and fears of unique souls. And then there’s Elsie, the newest Guardian, with the power to open the Gateways into Elsewhere, borrow Gifts in emergencies, and enhance other Gifts with her touch so that her Gifted friends can grow stronger. But Elsie’s powers are unpredictable and her new role as mentor comes with a lot of responsibility. Meanwhile, the war rages on, and the headmistress believes the students are the solution. She intends to push them to their academic limit, training them in the art of war, stripping them of their childhood. The Gifted must use their newfound talents to bring down her awful regime and win a battle of their own. But with the war growing ever closer to home, Elsie can’t help but feel like Elsewhere has been recruiting them too, training them for something bigger than just school.

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