Children’s / Teenage fiction: Historical fantasy

Book SynopsisCelebrate 20 incredible years of Ology with this special edition of Dragonology - the journal of dragonologist Dr Ernest Drake.Do you believe in dragons? Said to originate from the library of eminent Victorian dragonologist Ernest Drake, this book imparts to readers the secrets of the ancient science of dragonology, bridging the gap between dragon legend and fact. The meticulous Dr. Drake assigns Latin names to various dragon species, ruminates on why dragons are able to speak, speculates on how they could fly, and explains the true purpose of their notorious hoarding habits. It includes a host of novelties, such as old letters, magic dust and dragon scales.In his afterword, Dr. Drake reveals that one of the crucial goals of dragonologists is to preserve and protect the magnificent creatures of their study wherever possible - a goal this lavishly illustrated volume most affectionately achieves. An incomparable gift for secret dragonologists everywhere! For true believers only. Don't let it fall into the wrong hands!The groundbreaking Ology series has sold more than 18 MILLION copies worldwide.Trade ReviewTemplar's brilliant Dragonology books create a set of resources on the wildlife and science of raising or studying dragons to gladden the heart of any would-be student of these magnificent creatures. Dr Ernest Drake gives us all manner of fascinating details on habitats, temperaments and training regimes, which play into that greatest of desires for children (and let's be honest, many adults too) - that dragons might really exist. * Middle Grade Strikes Back *

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Book Synopsis Evil and hope clash and burn in the epic and shocking conclusion to the Shadow of the Fox trilogy. ‘One of my all-time favourite fantasy novels!’ Ellen Oh, author of the Prophecy and Spirit Hunters series, on Shadow of the Fox All is lost. Kitsune shapeshifter Yumeko has given up the final piece of the Scroll of a Thousand Prayers, in order to save everyone she loves from imminent death. Now she and her ragtag band of companions must journey to the wild sea cliffs of Iwagoto in a desperate last-chance effort to stop the Master of Demons from calling upon the Great Kami dragon and making the wish that will plunge the empire into destruction and darkness. But even with their combined skills and powers, this most unlikely team of heroes knows the forces of Evil may be impossible to overcome. And there is another player in the battle for the scroll, a player who has been watching, waiting for the right moment to pull strings that no one even realized existed…until now. Readers are loving Julie Kagawa’s Shadow of the Fox series! ‘[An] action-packed adventure… a textured and tangible world overflowing with culture, tradition and history… I would highly recommend this book’ Paper Lanterns magazine ‘Hands down one of the best books I've read this year!’ ‘Julie’s writing is pure magic’ ‘Buy this book, read it!’ ‘If you have school or work, you'll be sleep deprived because you won't be able to put it down!’ ‘Shadow of the Fox is one of the best fantasy books I've ever read.’ ‘If you want an action-packed fantasy set in historical Japan, with samurais, spirits, and demon-slayers, and a dash of romance, please pick up this book!’ ‘This book was amazing! ‘It’s breathtaking!’ ‘This book was simply put epic!’ ‘I cannot wait for the next book’ ‘MIND BLOWN!’ *** Shadow of the Fox series Book #1: Shadow of the FoxBook #2: Soul of the SwordBook #3: Night of the Dragon

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Book Synopsis A mesmerising Gothic mystery from Costa Award-shortlisted author Nicholas Bowling. 'Nicholas Bowling is a thrilling writer' THE TELEGRAPH To the horror of young gravedigger, Ned, bodysnatchers have been visiting his churchyard in the dead of night. Until now, he'd been daydreaming about another visitor – daughter of the manor, Obedience Wellrest. But sixteen-year-old Obedience has troubles of her own: her loving but overbearing father, and his wish to see her married to a rich man of science, Phineas Mordaunt. When Mordaunt starts to poke his nose into her family history – in particular, the ruinous research of late Uncle Herbert – Obedience enters into a dangerous game with Death, and Ned might be the only person who can save her … A mesmerising tale of magic, death and science, wrapped up in a delicious Gothic mystery Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell meets Dangerous Remedy – for young adult readers From highly acclaimed Costa Award-shortlisted author, Nicholas Bowling

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Book SynopsisBuild your child's reading confidence at home with books at the right levelCollins Big Cat is a guided reading series for ages 411 edited by Cliff Moon. Top children''s authors and illustrators have created fiction and non-fiction books that your children will love to read, banded to help you choose the right book for every child. Practical ideas for guided reading are included at the back of each book.Pearl/Band 18 books offer fluent readers a complex, substantial text with challenging themes to facilitate sustained comprehension, bridging the gap between a reading programme and longer chapter books.Text type:Curriculum links:

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Book SynopsisThe fourth book in the thrilling SEVEN WONDERS series. “A high-octane mix of modern adventure and ancient secrets… I can’t wait to see what’s next.” Rick RiordanTrade Review“A high-octane mix of modern adventure and ancient secrets… I can’t wait to see what’s next” Rick Riordan.

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Book SynopsisAilesse and her friends change the afterlife in the gripping conclusion to the fantasy duology that began with Bone Crier’s Moon from New York Times bestselling author Kathryn Purdie—perfect for fans of Stephanie Garber and Roshani Chokshi.Trade ReviewPRAISE FOR BOOK 1, BONE CRIER'S MOON: "Purdie’s Bone Crier mythology is rich, with classic mythological roots and a French-inspired setting . . . [with a] genuinely unexpected plot twist and imaginative fantasy world." — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books "A sparkling new fantasy . . . " — Kirkus Reviews “Brimming with rich mythology, deadly romance, and fantastically flawed characters—absolutely spellbinding!” — Stephanie Garber, New York Times bestselling author of Caraval “Beautiful, entrancing, deadly.” — Evelyn Skye, New York Times bestselling author “A magical story of compassion, forgiveness, and self-acceptance. This book might break your heart, but it will also warm your soul.” — Jodi Meadows, New York Times bestselling co-author of My Plain Jane “Richly imagined, compelling, and darkly romantic, this book will leave you begging for more!” — Sara B. Larson, author of the Defy trilogy Praise for the Burning Glass trilogy: “Sonya’s first-person narration is filled with descriptions of the emotions of those around her. With this second installment, the Burning Glass trilogy hits its stride.” — Kirkus Reviews “Filled with mystery and intrigue, betrayal and passion, Purdie’s political debut will sweep readers away to a world that is not that different from their own.” — School Library Journal “Purdie expertly weaves a complex storyline with well-developed characters in a vividly described world to entrance readers with her words.” — Deseret News “Dark, intricate and utterly immersive, Burning Glass will take you on a journey you’ll never forget. Heart-pounding action meets deadly intrigue and aching romance, drawing you deep inside a story full of complex questions.” — Amie Kaufman, New York Times bestselling author

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Book SynopsisA Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection!It?s a new star-crossed romance about the magic of first love from the acclaimed author ofWe Are the AntsandBrave Face, Shaun David Hutchinson.Jack Nevin?s clever trickery and moral flexibility make him the perfect assistant to the Enchantress, one of the most well-known stage magicians in turn-of-the-nineteenth-century Europe. Without Jack?s steady supply of stolen tricks, the Enchantress?s fame would have burned out long ago.But when Jack?s thievery catches up to them, they?re forced to flee to America to find their fortune. Luckily, the Enchantress is able to arrange a set of sold-out shows at Seattle?s Alaska?Yukon?Pacific World?s Fair Exposition. She?s convinced they?re going to rich and famous until a new magician arrives on the scene. Performing tricks that defy the imagination, Laszlo?s show overshadows the Enchantress, leaving Jack no choice but to hunt for the secrets to his otherworldly illusions. But what Jack uncovers isn?t at all what he expected.Behind Laszlo?s tricks is Wilhelm?a boy that can seemingly perform real magic. Jack and Wilhelm have an instant connection, and as the rivalry between the Enchantress and Laszlo grows, so too does Jack and Wilhelm?s affection. But can Jack choose between the woman who gave him a life and the boy who is offering him everything?It?s a stirring tale about the magic of love from award-winning author Shaun David Hutchinson.Trade Review"Like all good magic acts, the novel will keep readers on the edges of their seats as they follow the twists and double-crosses that fill the lives of con artists and magicians. The book flawlessly combines magic and suspense in a well-crafted heist story that's sweetly sprinkled with queer romances." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “A lovely, fun, rollicking book that belongs in every library.” — School Library Journal (starred review) "Hutchinson’s novel has an intriguing setup and historical milieu, and the final trick, which relies on magic, fraud, planning, and friendship, makes for a bravado ending." — Publishers Weekly "Hutchinson’s evocative writing [...] delights in the reality of found families" — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books "Its strength lies in the captivating relationship between Jack and Wil. Now there’s real magic." — Booklist "Fans of historical fiction, fantasy, and slow-burn romance will find Jack and Wilhelm’s story truly…magical.” — Horn Book Magazine

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Book SynopsisIn the grounds of Castlemaine is a peculiar mound, hidden by yew trees. People say it's the grave of Wild RobertHeather finds the mound when she tries to escape the hordes of tourists who invade the stately home where she lives.Wild Robert, I wish you were really under there! she cries. You could come out and deal with the tourists!All of a sudden, there is a smell like earth and strange spices. A voice says, Did somebody call?Heather gets her wish, and nothing is ever the same again!Wild Robert is a gentle, charming ghost, who is half a magician [on his mother's side]. He returns after 350 years and is horrified by the antics of the tourists at his once home Castlemaine House. Since he's a ghost who haunts by day, he plays some wonderfully wicked pratical jokes which drive the tourists away

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Book SynopsisCollins Big Cat supports every primary child on their reading journey from phonics to fluency. Top authors and illustrators have created fiction and non-fiction books that children love to read. Book banded for guided and independent reading, there are reading notes in the back, comprehensive teaching and assessment support and ebooks available.Altan is living in the Gobi Desert with his family and his faithful camel when one day a dust cloud gathers followed by motorcars carrying an explorer and his entourage all the way from America! We join Altan as he travels with the Americans across the Mongolian plains in search of something the explorer had heard tell of in ancient myth dragon eggs! Will they survive the difficult journey and find what they were looking for? This exciting adventure story by Hawys Morgan is based on a real explorer from the 1920s the American naturalist Roy Chapman Andrews.Lime Plus/Band 11+ books provide challenging plots and vocabulary as well as opportuniti

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Book SynopsisCollins Big Cat Phonics for Letters and Sounds features exciting fiction and non-fiction decodable readers to enthuse and inspire children. The 7+ books are designed for children aged 7+ who need more practice to acquire phonics skills. They have age-appropriate content, more mature images, and are fully aligned to Letters and Sounds Phases 35.On a school trip to a museum, Lucas sees a Tudor painting of a boy who looks just like him. As he looks at it longer he is transported into the painting! He finds himself alongside a young African free diver who has come to the Tudor court to salvage treasures from the king's best ship that recently sank. This thrilling historical adventure story is written by Jasmine Richards.Green/Band 5 books offer early readers patterned language and varied characters.The focus sounds in this book are: /ai/ ay, a-e, ey /ee/ ie, ea /igh/ i-e, i /oa/ o /oo/ ue, ui, ew, ou, u, oul, u-e.Pages 30 and 31 allow children to re-visit the content of the book, supportin

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Book Synopsis A prince fights for his crown Trade Review"The magic of C. S. Lewis's parallel universe never fades,"The Times

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“Eerie and elegant. Roux suffuses House of Furies with constant, creeping dread.” — Chuck Wendig, New York Times bestselling author “House of Furies takes the reader on a twisting path down a dark hall we’re compelled to travel, no matter what is behind the door at the end. Darkly captivating.” — Mindy McGinnis, Edgar Award-winning author of A Madness So Discreet “House of Furies is absolutely terrific! Devious and fun, weird and scary, heartbreaking and triumphant. Madeleine Roux always—always—enchants and surprises!” — Jonathan Maberry, New York Times bestselling author of Rot & Ruin and Mars One “Atmospheric, moody, and great fun.” — Kirkus Reviews “From eerie prologue to gory end, this gothic tale is imbued with a lingering sense of unease, offering up a Faustian plot that explores the darkest pits of human nature. Atmospheric and troubling, this series starter will sink its hooks into readers as surely as it frightens them.” — Booklist “Roux (the Asylum series) brings her gothic setting to rich life in this darkly delightful (and frequently gruesome) series opener.” — Publishers Weekly “House of Furies digs its claws into you and won’t let go; a mesmerizing, haunting, gorgeously written journey into the heart of darkness.” — Michelle Gagnon “Madeleine Roux’s House of Furies is both thrilling and effortless, catapulting the reader forward through a labyrinth of gothic mystery, tantalization and suspense.” — Andrea Portes, author of Anatomy of a Misfit Reviews for the Asylum series — ; “A strong YA debut that reveals the enduring impact of trauma and terror on a place.” — Publishers Weekly “A good choice for readers who enjoy books with scary situations that lead to a solid climax.” — Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) “Horror readers and fans of the TV show American Horror Story will delight in its fast-paced plot.” — Booklist “Page-turning and visually creepy.” — Kirkus Reviews “Days after reading Asylum, I’m still haunted by the images that Madeleine Roux’s words conjured. Brilliant!” — New York Times bestselling author Zac Brewer “Madeleine Roux’s Asylum takes the fondest dream of our collective nerdy childhood and handily turns it into the scariest collective nightmare.” — Tor.com “I started reading this one at my desk in broad daylight and still got goose bumps.” — Glamour “Seriously spooky.” — School Library Journal “With plentiful old photographs of carnival acts, Roux works the creepy verisimilitude that made Asylum such a page-turner. The haunted-house explorations are especially cinematic and spooky...Roux knows how to keep the action rolling and the reader hooked.” — Booklist

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Book Synopsis''Electrifying . . . breathtaking.'' The Times''Truly stunning and original.'' Kirkus''Highly original, multidimensional tale.'' Booklist''Richly emotional and lavishly written.'' TLSThis stunning Carnegie-winning tale takes us to a world of darkness and ice, where a shaman and a prince fight for their freedom.In the darkest hour of a freezing Midwinter, a night-walking witch adopts a newborn baby and carries her off in her house on chicken legs. She names her Chingis and teaches her the Three Magics. She grows into such a powerful witch that she rouses the jealousy of Kuzma, the bear-shaman.The Czar of this cold realm fears his newborn son, Safa, will out do him, and so imprisons the baby at the top of a tall tower, to live and die there without ever glimpsing the real world. Loneliness and confinement drive him to rage and despair until Chingis hears the crying of his trapped spirit

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Book SynopsisAn Instant New York Times Bestseller!A total, rollicking delight. Gwen & Art gave me the same cheeky, swoony, giddy, irresistible high of the first time I saw A Knight's Tale. Lex Croucher is one of my favorite romcom authors, and they should be yours, too. - Casey McQuiston, #1 New York Times bestselling author of I Kissed Shara WheelerHeartstopper meets A Knight's Tale in this queer medieval rom com YA debut about love, friendship, and being brave enough to change the course of history.It's been hundreds of years since King Arthur's reign. His descendant, Arthur, a future Lord and general gadabout, has been betrothed to Gwendoline, the quick-witted, short-tempered princess of England, since birth. The only thing they can agree on is that they despise each other.They're forced to spend the summer together at Camelot in the run up to their nuptials, and within 24 hours, Gwen has dis

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Book Synopsis'A wild, adventurous romp that will leave you breathless at every turn' Hafsah FaizalOnce upon a time, there was a horrible girl . . . Vanja Schmidt knows that no gift is freely given, not even a mother's love. The adopted goddaughter of Death and Fortune, Vanja has long made her own way in the world as the dutiful servant of Princess Gisele. Until a year ago, when her otherworldly mothers demanded payment for their care, and Vanja decided to steal her future back . . . by stealing Gisele's life. With the help of an enchanted string of pearls, Vanja transformed into her former mistress and took her place, leaving the real Gisele a penniless nobody. Now, Vanja leads a lonely but lucrative double life as princess and jewel thief, charming the nobility while emptying their coffers to fund her great escape. Until, one heist away from freedom, Vanja crosses the wrong god and is cursed to turn into jewels, stone by stone. With a feral guardian half-god, Gisele's sinister fiancé, and an overeager junior detective on her tail, Vanja has just two weeks to pull off her biggest grift yet, or she risks losing more than her freedom - she could lose her life. In this delightfully irreverent retelling of 'The Goose Girl', Margaret Own crafts an unputdownable tale about stolen lives, thorny truths, and the wicked girls at the heart of both.Trade ReviewGorgeous prose, delicious magic * VE Schwab, author of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue *A wild, adventurous romp that will leave you breathless at every turn. Expect sharp edges balanced with delightful humor and good fun - but I'll warn you: Vanja will steal your heart * Hafsah Faizal, New York Times-bestselling and award-winning author of We Hunt the Flame *Margaret Owen has done it again, yanking me between surety and nail-biting anticipation the whole way * Brittney Morris, bestselling Author of Slay *With Six of Crows and The Cruel Prince as readalikes, this will find an audience anywhere there are fantasy fans. Highly recommended and not to be missed * School Library Journal, starred review *A lush and lively adventure replete with romance, revenge, and robbery * Kirkus, starred review *Owen flips the tale of the Goose Girl on its head for a breathlessly inventive, never-a-dull-moment adventure of found family and second (or fourth or fifth) chances. If you're not careful, it'll steal your heart, too * Booklist, Starred Review *Masterpiece of storytelling... This is YA fantasy at its very best * Armadillo Magazine *Little Thieves really does have all the elements for a truly memorable fantasy fable. It's a book for anyone who loves classic fairytale retellings with hear-stealing characters and a thrilling cat-and-mouse adventure at its heart * Culturefly *Margaret Owen has written my favourite fantasy novel of 2021. I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys fairy tales, murder mysteries, heists and clever twists * Reach Plc Regional *Fantasy fans will love this YA reimagining of Brothers Grimm classic Goose Girl * Heat Magazine *This book spools out a plot you think you've seen before but then delights in gleefully wrong-footing you. A perfectly delightful Picasso ... will leave you chock-full of joy * SFX *A great read for this time of year with curses and a range of terrifying creatures to keep you spooked to the end * Reach Plc (BirminghamLive) *A sparky and irreverent reimagining of Goose Girl, the German fairytale by the Brothers Grimm, Little Thieves is rich with detail and zippy dialogue... I wasn't prepared for quite how much I loved this book * Culturefly - Best Books of 2021 *Margaret Owen has clearly thrown all her ideas at the wall to see what sticks and, amazingly, not only have they stuck but they've formed a Picasso * SFX *Thrilling and laced with frightening magic and irreverent humour * Metro *

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Book SynopsisPenny Dreadful meets The Gilded Wolves in this captivating sequel to young adult historical fantasy The Bones of Ruin that follows immortal Iris as she desperately tries to thwart her destructive destiny.Iris Marlow can’t die. For years, she was tormented by her missing memories and desperate to learn her real identity. So when the mysterious Adam Temple offered to reveal the truth of who she was in exchange for her joining his team in the Tournament of Freaks, a gruesome magical competition, it was an offer she couldn’t refuse. But the truth would have been better left buried. Because Adam is a member of the Enlightenment Committee, an elite secret society built upon one fundamental idea: that the apocalypse known as Hiva had destroyed the world before and would do it again, and soon. But what the Committee—and Iris—never guessed is that Hiva is not an event. Hiva is a person—Iris. Now, no matter how hard Iris fights for a normal life, the newly awakened power inside her keeps drawing her toward the path of global annihilation. Adam, perversely obsessed with Iris, will stop at nothing to force her to unlock her true potential, while a terrifying newcomer with ties to Hiva’s past is on the hunt for Iris. All Iris wants is the freedom to choose her own future, but the cost might be everything Iris holds dear—including the world itself.

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Book SynopsisIn a city besieged by monsters and ruled by her perfect sister, plus-size sixteen-year-old Gia grows up desperate to prove her worth. As the powerful temple leader Ennio makes Gia the target of his affection, he uses her to overthrow her sister, and asks Gia to rule at his side. When Ennio turns her sister and any dissenters to stone, Gia turns her sword against him - and he traps her in stone, too. Centuries later, autistic Milo lovingly tends Gia’s statue. He hopes to earn a place in the temple of Ennio, the immortal protector. When Milo’s prayers free Gia from Ennio’s curse, she awakens to a world that worships the man who betrayed her. Now she must break the city’s faith in Ennio and avenge her sister. Even if she has to kill his followers to do it. Even if she must hunt the boy who woke her.

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Book SynopsisFrom the #1 New York Times bestselling author of These Violent Delights and Our Violent Ends comes the “fast-paced…impressive” (Kirkus Reviews) second book in the captivating Foul Lady Fortune duology following an immortal assassin in 1930s Shanghai as she races to save her country and her love.Winter is drawing thick in 1932 Shanghai, as is the ever-nearing threat of a Japanese invasion. Rosalind Lang has suffered the worst possible fate for a national spy: she’s been exposed. With the media storm camped outside her apartment for the infamous Lady Fortune, she’s barely left her bedroom in weeks, plotting her next course of action after Orion was taken and his memories of Rosalind wiped. Though their marriage might have been a sham, his absence hurts her 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 leave the city and 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 into the people? When the tour goes wrong, however, everything Rosalind once knew is thrown up in the air. Taking refuge outside Shanghai, old ghosts come into the open and adversaries turn to allies. To save Orion, they must find a cure to his mother’s traitorous invention and take this dangerous chemical weapon away from impending foreign invasion—but the clock is ticking, and if Rosalind fails, it’s not only Orion she loses, but her nation itself.

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Book SynopsisTime-twisting powers, visions of the future and a missing dad she adores – join Izzy on a breathless adventure to discover her true destiny and save the world. This fast-paced debut novel from Stuart Rowson is the first in the new Time Child Saga for 8–14-year-olds that readers won’t be able to put down. Living above a clock shop in the heart of West London, Izzy’s life is changed forever when she receives a mysterious pocket watch – a Tumble Thunder – on her 13th birthday. Thrust into a quest through history, Izzy battles to control her growing powers as she attempts to reunite her family and avoid the clutches of her murderous pursuer, the Time Shadow.Trade ReviewAmazon Reviews from the first edition; Angela - I raced through this book as I really wanted to know what was going to happen to Izzy. She was a well rounded, likeable character. I loved the time travelling element and the knowing references to history. This is clever because parents will know these, whereas children may not yet, so you can discuss it together. Really well written and brilliantly paced with an incredibly exciting twisty ending!! I’m fascinated to see what happens next to Izzy in subsequent books. I would highly recommend to older kids and younger teens especially if they like Harry Potter/His Dark Materials; Molly - I’m 11 nearly the same age as Izzy so I wanted to read this. It was the best adventure. I wish I was as brave as Izzy. I kept imagining what I would do when she faced all those challenges. She’s my hero. I can’t wait for the second book; Nigel - If you've read the Harry Potter series and Golden Compass, then this book will be for you. My 10 year old daughter has finished it already having only received it a few days ago. She just couldn't put it down. Looking forward to the release of the next one in the series; Erinn - Read in one sitting - couldn’t put it down! Izzy instantly leaps off the page and her story compellingly weaves you through time, adventure and peril following clues left by her dad. Brilliant engaging story for 8+. Can’t wait for the next book; Charlotte - I loved this book! I really liked Izzy and I want a tumble thunder. I liked how the time shadow followed her and the bits where she went through history were really good. Drina was my favourite!; James - I really enjoyed reading this book, I was genuinely excited to pick it back up everyday! The ending left me eager to know more and I can’t wait for the next two books!; Cathy - As a senior school librarian I was asked to read this in order to assess whether it would be of interest to our youngsters - it didn't disappoint and we have now booked Stu for an author event with our year 7 and 8's. Superb plot and characterisation. Will be of interest to both boys and girls who adore fantasy. Strong female lead in Izzy with Porter an interesting sidekick. Looking forward to book number 2...

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