Comic (humorous) fantasy

Book SynopsisA mysterious archive. A powerful enemy. And a cunning plan. Danger is part of the day job for a Librarian spy. So Irene’s hoping for a relaxing weekend. However, her jaunt to Guernsey proves no such thing. Instead of retrieving a rare book, she’s almost assassinated, Kai is poisoned and Vale barely escapes with his life. Then the attacks continue in London – targeting those connected with the Fae-dragon peace treaty.Irene knows she must stop the plot before the treaty fails. Or someone dies. But when Irene and friends are trapped underground, in a secret archive, things don’t look so good. Then an old enemy demands vengeance, and a shocking secret is revealed. Can Irene really seize victory from chaos?The Dark Archive is the seventh book in the Invisible Library series by Genevieve Cogman. Genevieve is also the author of the Sunday Times bestselling Scarlet - which reimagines the tale of the Scarlet Pimpernel, but with vampires, mages and magic. . . Praise for the series:'I absolutely loved this' - N. K. Jemisin, author of The Fifth Season'Irene is a great heroine: fiery, resourceful and no one's fool' - Guardian'Brilliant and so much fun. Skullduggery, Librarians, and dragons – Cogman keeps upping the ante on this delightful series!' - Charles Stross, author of the Merchant Princes seriesTrade ReviewI absolutely loved this . . . flavoured with truly unique mythology and a dash of the eldritch. Such clever, creepy, elaborate worldbuilding and snarky, sexy-smart characters! -- N. K. Jemisin on The Invisible LibraryIrene is a great heroine: fiery, resourceful and no one’s fool, she has a wonderfully droll sense of humour – much like the novel itself -- Guardian on The Masked CityBrilliant and so much fun. Skullduggery, Librarians, and dragons – Cogman keeps upping the ante on this delightful series! -- Charles Stross on The Burning Pagea fantastic addition to Genevieve Cogman’s oeuvre, and paves the way for a deeper exploration of the fantastic world that she has created. -- FantasyBookReview on The Lost PlotCogman fills a captivating story with animated characters and propels the narrative at a cracking pace, planting perfectly timed plot twists and reversals of fortune along the way -- Guardian on The Mortal WordSimply a joy to read - deeply atmospheric where it should be, properly exciting when anything's going on as it generally is, and tender too. This is a series that shows absolutely no sign of losing pace, and I'm already impatient for the next -- BlueBookBalloon on The Secret ChapterWithout sacrificing the adventure that is a hallmark of the series, Cogman pulls Irene through a multilevel maze of doubts and paranoia that will have readers jumping at shadows, too. Fans will be delighted to find this series still going strong -- Publishers Weekly

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Book SynopsisReturn to the world of the Invisible Library for Irene's most perilous mission yet . . . Librarian Spy Irene is heading into danger. Not for the first time, but could this be her last? She’s tasked with a terrifyingly dangerous solo mission to eliminate an old enemy, which must be kept secret at all costs. But even more troubling news emerges. Multiple worlds are disappearing – and the Library may have something to do with it.Determined to uncover the truth behind the vanished worlds, Irene and her friends must descend into the unplumbed depths of the Library. And what they find will change everything they know. This may be Irene’s most dangerous assignment of her hazardous career.The Untold Story is the unputdownable eighth book in the Invisible Library fantasy series by Genevieve Cogman. Genevieve is also the author of the Sunday Times bestselling Scarlet - which reimagines the tale of the Scarlet Pimpernel, but with vampires, mages and magic. . . Praise for the series: ‘I absolutely loved this’ – N. K. Jemisin, author of The Fifth Season‘Irene is a great heroine: fiery, resourceful and no one’s fool’ – Guardian‘Brilliant and so much fun. Skullduggery, Librarians and dragons – Cogman keeps upping the ante on this delightful series!’ – Charles Stross, author of the Merchant Princes seriesTrade ReviewI absolutely loved this . . . flavoured with truly unique mythology and a dash of the eldritch. Such clever, creepy, elaborate world-building and snarky, sexy-smart characters! -- N. K. Jemisin on The Invisible LibraryIrene is a great heroine: fiery, resourceful and no one’s fool, she has a wonderfully droll sense of humour – much like the novel itself -- Guardian on The Masked CityBrilliant and so much fun. Skullduggery, Librarians and dragons – Cogman keeps upping the ante on this delightful series! -- Charles Stross on The Burning PageA fantastic addition to Genevieve Cogman’s oeuvre, and paves the way for a deeper exploration of the fantastic world that she has created. -- Fantasy Book Review on The Lost PlotCogman fills a captivating story with animated characters and propels the narrative at a cracking pace, planting perfectly timed plot twists and reversals of fortune along the way -- Guardian on The Mortal WordSimply a joy to read - deeply atmospheric where it should be, properly exciting when anything’s going on as it generally is, and tender too. This is a series that shows absolutely no sign of losing pace, and I'm already impatient for the next -- Blue Book Balloon on The Secret ChapterWithout sacrificing the adventure that is a hallmark of the series, Cogman pulls Irene through a multi-level maze of doubts and paranoia that will have readers jumping at shadows, too. Fans will be delighted to find this series still going strong -- Publishers Weekly on The Dark Archive

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Book SynopsisThe second Dirk Gently book by Douglas Adams, The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul is a witty detective story perfect for fans of his phenomenally successful The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.When a passenger check-in desk at Terminal Two, Heathrow Airport, shot up through the roof engulfed in a ball of orange flame, the usual people tried to claim responsibility. First the IRA, then the PLO and the Gas Board. Even British Nuclear Fuels rushed out a statement to the effect that the situation was completely under control, that it was a one in a million chance, that there was hardly any radioactive leakage at all and that the site of the explosion would make a nice location for a day out with the kids and a picnic, before finally having to admit that it wasn't actually anything to do with them at all. No rational cause could be found for the explosion – it was simply designated an act of God. But, thinks Dirk Gently, which God? And why? What God would be hanging around Terminal Two of Heathrow Airport trying to catch the 15:37 to Oslo?'A thumping good detective-ghost-horror-who dunnit-time travel-romantic-musical-comedy-epic' - Douglas Adams, on Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency.Continue this surreal series with the unfinished The Salmon of Doubt.Trade ReviewRich and endlessly entertaining -- Stephen ManganAn astonishing comic writer -- Neil GaimanA pleasure to read * New York Times *Few recent writers have had such an infectious prose style as Adams. With his fondness for paradox, his galactic perspective on things and his wonderful way with meaningful nonsense his are the books which have launched a trillion quips -- Robert McFarlane

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Book SynopsisIn this bookish fantasy adventure, a Librarian spy must fall in with a villainous group to achieve her goals. Imagine Ocean’s Eleven meets James Bond with a pinch of magic. The Secret Chapter is the sixth novel in Genevieve Cogman’s Invisible Library series.Irene and Kai have to team up with an unlikely band of misfits to pull off an amazing art heist. Or they must risk the wrath of a dangerous villain, in his secret island lair. . .As Irene tries to manage a fraught Fae–dragon truce and her overbearing parents, she’s given a hot new mission. The world where she grew up is in danger and only one book can save it.This is held by Mr Nemo, secretive Fae villain and antique dealer, so Irene and Kai travel to his Caribbean retreat to strike a deal. But in return for the book, they must steal a painting from twenty-first-century Vienna. They’ll join a team of dragons, Fae gamblers and thieves, so their greatest challenge may be one another. And some will kill to protect this painting, which hides an extraordinary secret from a past age.Genevieve is also the author of the Sunday Times bestselling Scarlet - which reimagines the tale of the Scarlet Pimpernel, but with vampires, mages and magic. . .Trade ReviewThe ensuing shenanigans are wittily told, with some great one-liners and comic set pieces, and the resourceful Irene is a delightful protagonist. This is light-hearted fantasy at its page-turning best -- GuardianI absolutely loved this . . . flavoured with truly unique mythology and a dash of the eldritch. Such clever, creepy, elaborate worldbuilding and snarky, sexy-smart characters! -- N. K. Jemisin on The Invisible Library (Book One)Irene is a great heroine: fiery, resourceful and no one’s fool, she has a wonderfully droll sense of humour – much like the novel itself -- Guardian on The Masked City (Book Two)Brilliant and so much fun. Skullduggery, Librarians, and dragons – Cogman keeps upping the ante on this delightful series! -- Charles Stross on The Burning Page (Book Three)Reminiscent of the works of Diana Wynne Jones and Neil Gaiman . . a true treat to read -- Publishers Weekly on The Invisible Library (Book One)Cogman fills a captivating story with animated characters and propels the narrative at a cracking pace, planting perfectly timed plot twists and reversals of fortune along the way -- Guardian on The Mortal Word (Book Five)

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Book SynopsisWelcome to Dungeon Academy, where monsters and creatures train for the dark world that awaits just beyond the Dungeon walls.Something BIG has come knocking on the gates of Dungeon Academy! The undefeated Waterdeep Dragons have arrived for the Tourney of Terror games, which happens every fifty years and features every monster's favourite sport: Goreball!The Dungeon Academy Flumphs are outnumbered, outsized, and outmonstered! But our hero, Zelli Stormclash (a forbidden human, secretly disguised as a minotaur), is no stranger to impossible odds. Just a few weeks ago, Zelli and her crew, the Danger Club, came face-to-face with a maniacal necromancer and his army of undead!If this wasn't enough to raise scales Zelli's reoccurring nightmare of a dark entity annihilating her world may be more than just a bad dream. Something sinister is lurking in the halls of the academy, and only Zelli seems to notice. But when Zelli uncovers a dark past hidden beneath Dungeon Academy, she unlocks something

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Book SynopsisThe Sacred Kingdom is surrounded on all sides. As the army of feral creatures closesin, the country's strongest paladin Remedios leads her exhausted troops in a valiantdefense. It will not be enough to save them. Their only chance of survival is to place alltheir bets on the King of Darkness-Ainz Ooal Gown!

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Book SynopsisThe world is all yours. In search of lost rune technology, Ainz heads for the dwarf country with Aura and Shalltear in tow. On his arrival, instead of a welcoming party, he's greeted by an army of creatures known as the kuagoa, poised to lay waste to a dwarven city. In his quest to obtain the secrets of the runes and even the rune crafters themselves, Ainz may find himself facing not only these strange subterranean creatures, but also the most powerful race that calls the Azerlisia Mountains homefrost dragons!

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Book SynopsisA #1 New York Times bestseller from the creator of a viral TikTok series about the sunshine assistant to the evil villain and their unexpected romance. ASSISTANT WANTED: Notorious, high-ranking villain seeks loyal, level-headed assistant for unspecified office duties, supporting staff for random mayhem, terror, and other Dark Things in General. Discretion a must. Excellent benefits.With ailing family to support, Evie Sage's employment status isn't just important, it's vital. So when a mishap with Rennedawn's most infamous Villain results in a job offer-naturally, she says yes. No job is perfect, of course, but even less so when you develop a teeny crush on your terrifying, temperamental, and undeniably hot boss. Don't find evil so attractive, Evie.But just when she's getting used to severed heads suspended from the ceiling and the odd squish of an errant eyeball beneath her heel, Evie suspects this dungeon has a huge rat...and not just the literal kind. Because something rotten is growing in the kingdom of Rennedawn, and someone wants to take the Villain-and his entire nefarious empire-out.Now Evie must not only resist drooling over her boss but also figure out exactly who is sabotaging his work... and ensure he makes them pay.After all, a good job is hard to find....Readers have fallen head over heels for Assistant to the Villain: 'The slow burn romance was done so well - all the tension and build up with the characters' relationship had me grinning like crazy''I absolutely raced through this novel . . . I loved this book so much, it was laugh out loud funny, the characters were amazing and the tension was high!''The perfect one-sitting binge read for any fantasy or rom-com lover''Perfect blend of fantasy, romance and laugh out loud writing!'Number 1 New York Times bestseller, September 2023Trade ReviewThe most fun you’ll have whilst reading a fantasy book * CultureFly *A must-read * Booklist (starred review) *A greatly entertaining read, with characters you get to like and care about * SFF World *

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Book SynopsisThe Sacred Kingdom is surrounded on all sides. As the army of feral creatures closes in, the country's strongest paladin Remedios leads her exhausted troops in a valiant defense. It will not be enough to save them. Their only chance of survival is to place all their bets on the King of Darkness-Ainz Ooal Gown!

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Book SynopsisThe Empire deploys a vast army over 900,000 soldiers strong to invade the Forest ofJura. In response, Ramiris evacuates Tempest's inhabitants into the Dungeon forsafety. While Primal Demons Testarossa and Ultima duke it out with the Empire on thefront lines, the rest of the imperial army attempts to invade Ramiris's labyrinthineshelter. Little do they know, however, that the only thing they'll find there is adevastating bloodbath courtesy of Tempest's own mighty forces...

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Book Synopsis'A definite must for all fans of comic fantasy' - ENIGMA'Wacky humour bubbles through the polished narrative ... Holt doesn't skimp on the flashes of brilliance' - SFXEver been offered a promotion that seems too good to be true? You know - the sort they'd be insane to be offering to someone like you. The kind where you snap their arm off to accept, then wonder why all your long-serving colleagues look secretly relieved, as if they're off some strange and unpleasant hook ...It's the kind of trick that deeply sinister companies like J.W. Wells & Co. pull all the time. Especially with employees who are too busy mooning over the office intern to think about what they're getting into. And it's why, right about now, Paul Carpenter is wishing he'd paid much less attention to the gorgeous Melze, and rather more to a little bit of job description small-print referring to 'pest' control ...Books by Tom Holt: Walled Orchard Series Goatsong The Walled Orchard J.W. Wells & Co. Series The Portable Door In Your Dreams Earth, Air, Fire and Custard You Don't Have to Be Evil to Work Here, But It Helps The Better Mousetrap May Contain Traces of Magic Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Sausages YouSpace Series Doughnut When It's A Jar The Outsorcerer's Apprentice The Good, the Bad and the Smug Novels Expecting Someone Taller Who's Afraid of Beowulf Flying Dutch Ye Gods! Overtime Here Comes the Sun Grailblazers Faust Among Equals Odds and Gods Djinn Rummy My Hero Paint your Dragon Open Sesame Wish you Were Here Alexander at World's End Only Human Snow White and the Seven Samurai Olympiad Valhalla Nothing But Blue Skies Falling SidewaysLittle PeopleSong for NeroMeadowlandBarkingBlonde BombshellThe Management Style of the Supreme BeingsAn Orc on the Wild SideTrade ReviewA definite must for all fans of comic fantasy * ENIGMA *Wacky humour bubbles through the polished narrative ... Holt doesn't skimp on the flashes of brilliance * SFX *

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Book SynopsisAs Ainz and the twins continue working with the dark elf villagers, the Slane Theocracy's invading force draws ever closer. When it seems the kingdom of the elves is finally about to fall, it's time for Ainz to make his move.

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Rimuru and his crew are off to visit the demon lord Luminus in the Holy Empire ofLubelius for a music recital. Everything seems to be going smoothly...until Rimuru andLuminus get caught up in some crafty schemes that threaten to put the performanceon hold! Will this big event manage to go off without a hitch?!

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Book SynopsisIt's festival time in Tempest, and this exuberant ectoplasm knows how to throw a party! After reconciling with Hinata and securing his title as demon lord, Rimuru's pulling out all the stops to hold a massive bash in his nation of monsters, along with a little help from his many friends and allies!

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Book SynopsisThe Nation of Darkness continues to expand its territory, and in preparation for a potential looming war, the Slane Theocracy plans to overthrow the elven king. Unaware of this plot, Ainz heads to country of elves for vacation with Aura and Mare in hopes of helping them make new friends only to get caught in the political crossfire!

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Book SynopsisBrave, Resourceful, Deceitful, Double-Crossing... Charming.Prince Jean-Marc Charming Arundel, known to friends and enemies alike as "Prince Charming," is handsome, well-mannered, brave, a peerless swordsman, a cunning tactician – and a liar, a con man and a fraud. For years he has been travelling from one kingdom to the next, rescuing endangered princesses and maidens, securing their troths and his place in their fathers' palaces, then looting their treasuries and having it away before dawn.Until a chance meeting of three of his victims – raven-haired Marie Blanche de Neige, the sorceress Doctor Emilia Rapunzel and the long-slumbering Bella Lucia dei’ Sogni – suggests a course of revenge...Trade Review“Delightful” -- Booklist“A delightfully twisted mash-up of fairy tales… Fans of Alix E. Harrow’s Fractured Fables series or Kevin Hearne and Delilah S. Dawson’s The Tales of Pell series will enjoy this story” -- Library Journal

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Book SynopsisThe Tempest Founder's Festival was a roaring success, and Rimuru's next goal is to join the infamous Council of the West. However, a certain influential figure within the Council has no intention of letting someone as powerful as Rimuru have a seat at the table, and they will stop at nothing to quietly snuff him out before he makes any moves!

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Book SynopsisGoblin Slayer receives a request from Sword Maiden to look for Noble Fighter, who has disappeared while on a goblin hunting quest. He and his party go to the snowy mountain in the north to find her.But from the way the goblins attack the frozen village to the mysterious chapel they keep, everything about this horde gives Goblin Slayer pause.'You say they're... learning?'Exploring the dungeon despite one of their companions being wounded, the party discovers something.'The God of Wisdom, of external knowledge...'Something has brought these goblins together to build a nest in an ancient fortress - and Goblin Slayer and his friends are knocking at the door! Kumo Kagyu and Noboru Kannatuki bring you the fifth volume of this dark fantasy!

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Book SynopsisA masterly new translation of Rabelais’s robust scatalogical comedy Parodying everyone from classic authors to his own contemporaries, the dazzling and exuberant stories of Rabelais expose human follies with mischievous and often obscene humor. Gargantua depicts a young giant who becomes a cultured Christian knight. Pantagruel portrays Gargantua’s bookish son who becomes a Renaissance Socrates, divinely guided by wisdom and by his idiotic, self-loving companion, Panurge.

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Book SynopsisThe start of a fantastic new series.Johannes Cabal has never pretended to be a hero of any kind. There is, after all, little heroic about robbing graves, stealing occult volumes, and being on nodding terms with demons. His purpose, however, is noble. His researches are all directed to raising the dead. For such a prize, some sacrifices are necessary. One such sacrifice was his own soul, but he now sees that was a mistake - it''s not just that he needs it for his research to have validity, but now he realises he needs it to be himself. Unfortunately, his soul now rests within the festering bureaucracy of Hell. Satan may be cruel and capricious but, most dangerously, he is bored. It is Cabal''s unhappy lot to provide him with amusement.In short, a wager: in return for his own soul, Cabal must gather one hundred others - in one year.One year to beat the Devil at his own game. And isn''t that perhaps just a little heroic?

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewPraise for the InCryptid series:"The only thing more fun than an October Daye book is an InCryptid book. Swift narrative, charm, great world-building...all the McGuire trademarks." —Charlaine Harris, #1 New York Times-bestselling author of the Sookie Stackhouse series"[Half-Off Ragnarok] is kind of like taking a tour through a very deadly theme park made up of alternating parts awesome and terrifying. Come to think of it, that sums up this series quite nicely.... This book effectively acts as a jumping-on point to those just coming in." —Tor.com "Half-Off Ragnarok is my favorite book in the InCryptid series thus far.... If urban fantasy, intriguing animals, and fast-paced adventure is your thing, you’re going to love Half-Off Ragnarok. Highly recommended." —Jennifer Brozek"McGuire creates a sense of wonder and playfulness with her love for mythology and folklore.... Her enthusiastic and fast-paced style makes this an entertaining page-turner." —Publishers Weekly"McGuire’s InCryptid series is one of the most reliably imaginative and well-told sci-fi series to be found.... McGuire’s heroine is a brave, resourceful and sarcastic delight, and her intrepid comrades are just the kind of supportive and snarky sidekicks she needs." —RT Reviews"While chock-full of quality worldbuilding, realistic characters, and a double helping of sass, at its core, Half-Off Ragnarok is a book about judging others according to stereotypes, how nurture can overcome nature, and the importance of family." —Ranting Dragon"The InCryptid series continues to be storytelling at its best. Tricks for Free sends us on a rollercoaster of emotions and thrills with its engaging plot and ever-expanding and fascinating world." —All Things Urban Fantasy

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Book SynopsisThe irreverant, hilarious, touching and philosophical caper about the end of the world.''Still makes me laugh 25 years later'' Ben AaronovitchThere is a hint of Armageddon in the air. According to the Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch (recorded, thankfully, in 1655, before she blew up her entire village and all its inhabitants, who had gathered to watch her burn), the world will end on a Saturday. Next Saturday, in fact. So the Armies of Good and Evil are massing, the four Bikers of the Apocalypse are revving up their mighty hogs and hitting the road, and the world''s last two remaining witchfinders are getting ready to Fight the Good Fight. Atlantis is rising. Frogs are falling. Tempers are flaring, and everything appears to be going to Divine Plan.Except that a somewhat fussy angel and a fast-living demon are not particularly looking forward to the coming Rapture. They''ve lived amongst Humanity for millennia,Trade ReviewThe Apocalypse has never been funnier. - Clive BarkerWickedly funny. - Time OutA superbly funny book. Pratchett and Gaiman are the most hilariously sinister team since Jekyll and Hyde. If this is Armageddon, count me in. - James HerbertHilarious Pratchett magic tempered by Nail Gaiman's dark steely style; who could ask for a better combination? - Fear

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Book Synopsis'A joyous fantasy for grownups' Guardian 'A funny, offbeat adult fantasy novel' Independent'A dazzling first adult novel from bestselling children's author Colfer' Daily MailHighfire is a genre-bending tour-de-force of comedy and action by the million-copy-selling master storyteller.Squib Moreau may be swamp-wild, but his intentions are (generally) good: he really wants to be a supportive son to his hard-working momma Elodie. But sometimes life gets in the way - like when Fake Daddy walked out on them leaving a ton of debt, or when crooked Constable Regence Hooke got to thinking pretty Elodie Moreau was just the gal for him . . . An apprenticeship with the local moonshine runner, servicing the bayou, looks like the only way to pay off the family debts and maybe get Squib and his momma a place in town, far from Constable Hooke's unwanted courtship and Fake Daddy's reputation. Unfortunately for Squib, Hooke has his own eye on that very same stretch of bayou - and neither of them have taken into account the fire-breathing dragon hiding out in the Louisiana swamp . . . For Squib Moreau, Regence Hooke and Vern, aka Lord Highfire of Highfire Eyrie, life is never going to be the same again.'Told in crunchy prose, with lashings of earthy dialogue, it reads like an Elmore Leonard Thriller, but with dragons . . . Colfer clearly had a blast writing this, and his sheer storytelling panache brushes aside the quibbles of fantasy-genre agnostics with infectious glee' Mail on SundayFrom the internationally bestselling author of the Artemis Fowl series: Eoin Colfer's first adult fantasy novel is a hilarious, high-octane adventure about a vodka-drinking, Flashdance-loving dragon who's been hiding out from the world - and potential torch-carrying mobs - in a Louisiana bayou . . . until his peaceful world's turned upside down by a well-intentioned but wild Cajun tearaway and the crooked (and heavily armed) law officer who wants him dead.Trade ReviewA funny, offbeat adult fantasy novel * Independent *A dazzling first adult novel from bestselling children's author Colfer * Daily Mail *Told in crunchy prose, with lashings of earthy dialogue, it reads like an Elmore Leonard Thriller, but with dragons . . . Colfer clearly had a blast writing this, and his sheer storytelling panache brushes aside the quibbles of fantasy-genre agnostics with infectious glee * Mail on Sunday *It's a heady caper with elements of southern gothic, urban fantasy and airport thriller. The exotic swelter of the American South is playfully conjured, while Vern's unlikely friendship with a poor Cajun teenager called "Squib" Moreau gives a rich, emotive underpinning to the vivid action sequences... Colfer has served up a stomping, flamespurting romp sure to delight fantasy fans whose passion for dragons somehow survived Game of Thrones and its dreadful denouement * The Daily Telegraph *A briskly entertaining outing . . . With this satisfying and at times hugely joyous novel, Colfer is, like his engaging scaly protagonist, cooking on gas * Guardian *A romp fuelled by great characters * The i *A high-velocity action-adventure . . . The hilarious, violent and pop culture-packed tale blends the lavishly fantastical with the amazingly realistic - awesome in the truest sense of the word * Press Association *Very engaging. It's messy, it's weird, it's funny * Starburst *With plenty of smart-ass humour, Highfire is a fine genre-bending yarn few would fail to enjoy * Weekend Sport *A fun, unusual contemporary fantasy that doesn't skimp on violence * Kirkus *A twisty, tongue-in-cheek fantasy that's part thriller, part action movie, and wholly irreverent. . . . Colfer's catchy narrative voice suits the characters and their setting perfectly, capturing Vern's world-weary nature, Squib's youthful adaptability, and Hooke's malicious cunning. This no-holds-barred yarn is good fun from start to finish * Publishers Weekly *Colfer has come up with something new here, a real genre-blending treat, and I applaud him for it * Peter McLean, author of Priest of Bones on HIGHFIRE *Having grown up reading the Artemis Fowl books and absolutely loving them, I just had to read Eoin's first adult fantasy book and it did not disappoint! . . . This book is dark, brutal and violent at times, but also filled with hope and finding where you belong. * The Tsundoku Chronicles *Hilarious and suspenseful . . . Highfire is funny, menacing and unlike anything else I've read recently * BookPage Magazine *Witty, well-developed characters, action, and fantastic violence from the author of the Artemis Fowl series will appeal to a wide range of readers * Library Journal *A delightfully funny page-turner * Booklist Starred Review *Highly recommend * Don Jimmy Reviews *Brilliant . . . I highly recommend you read Highfire, it's the dragon tale I never knew I needed * Not Another Book Blogger *Fun, interesting and entertaining . . . truly an amazing read * KBook Reviews *Charming characters, lots of action and ridiculous conversations made this a hugely enjoyable read * The Bookish Gurl *A hell of a lot of fun . . . packed with vivid, authentic-feeling characters driven by distinctive, sassy voices marinated in Cajun spice and a brackish atmosphere. . . Part Pratchett, part Gaiman, part American Pie * SFX *A real joy to read. It was entertaining, heart-warming yet dark, funny, had a great villain and some of the best characters I've encountered in a long time * SF Crowsnest *Colfer's sheer storytelling panache brushes aside the quibbles of fantasy-genre agnostics * Irish Mail *Highfire is a fast-paced, action-packed ride from start to finish and worth a read if you're already a fan of his work * The British Fantasy Society *Conceived out of Colfer's incredible originality a high-velocity action-adventure ensures. The hilarious, violent and pop culture-placed tale blends the lavishly fantastical with the amazingly realistic * Irish News *Deliciously funny * Irish Times *Awesome * Western Mail *The great charm of this entertaining novel lies in its characters and generosity of spirit * The Times *A beautifully judged pitch-perfect black comedy * Irish Examiner *'Highfire is a 4-star story, with 5-star characters by a 10-star author.??I'm firmly convinced that Eoin Colfer is one of the funniest fantasy writers out there * Ink and Plasma *From start to finish this is an absolute blast, packed full of character and paced to keep the pages turning. It's the sort of book that will have you in hysterics one moment, wincing at the insane amounts of violence laid down the next, and stopping to think about what life is really like for these characters soon afterwards. In short, it's an absolute joy to read * Track of Words *Highly entertaining and exciting, Highfire is my kind of book; in fact if you could marry books, I'd be Mrs Highfire in no time! * LOVEREADING *A wild fantasy tale featuring, among much else, a vodka-swilling dragon. Huge fun * READER'S DIGEST *

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Book SynopsisAfter a series of successful adventures, the Rat Queens have returned to Palisade with piles of gold and are in a mood to party. But the town has a new resident; a strange wizard with the power to erase people from existence. Join the baddest mercenary gang in the land as they face down the villain with swords and sassery!

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Book SynopsisMealtars was a bust! All it accomplished was bring even more attention to the small kingdom of Natra. After that debacle, Wein has his eyes locked on Marden, which has seen explosive growth in recent days. Most importantly, it serves as their gate to the West. To keep the country in check, Wein decides it might finally be time to form ties...with King Gruyere from Soljest.

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Book Synopsis'When Tom Holt's on form, the world seems a much cheerier place' - SFX'Frantically wacky and wilfully confusing ... gratifyingly clever and very amusing' - MAIL ON SUNDAYOnce upon a time (or last Thursday, as it's known in this matrix) everything was fine: Humpty Dumpty sat on his wall, Jack and Jill went about their lawful business, the Big Bad Wolf did what big bad wolves do, and the wicked queen plotted murder most foul.But the humans hacked, cried havoc, shut down the wicked queen's system (mirrors 3.1) and corrupted her database - and suddenly everything was not fine at all. But at least we know that they'll all live happily ever after. Don't we?Computers and fairy tales collide to hilarious effect in the latest sparkling cocktail of mayhem, wit and wonder from the master of comic fantasy.Books by Tom Holt: Walled Orchard Series Goatsong The Walled Orchard J.W. Wells & Co. Series The Portable Door In Your Dreams Earth, Air, Fire and Custard You Don't Have to Be Evil to Work Here, But It Helps The Better Mousetrap May Contain Traces of Magic Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Sausages YouSpace Series Doughnut When It's A Jar The Outsorcerer's Apprentice The Good, the Bad and the Smug Novels Expecting Someone Taller Who's Afraid of Beowulf Flying Dutch Ye Gods! Overtime Here Comes the Sun Grailblazers Faust Among Equals Odds and Gods Djinn Rummy My Hero Paint your Dragon Open Sesame Wish you Were Here Alexander at World's End Only Human Snow White and the Seven Samurai Olympiad Valhalla Nothing But Blue Skies Falling SidewaysLittle PeopleSong for NeroMeadowlandBarkingBlonde BombshellThe Management Style of the Supreme BeingsAn Orc on the Wild SideTrade ReviewUniquely twisted ... cracking gags * Rob Grant, THE GUARDIAN *Frantically wacky and wilfully confusing ... gratifyingly clever and very amusing * MAIL ON SUNDAY *Frothy, fast and funny * SCOTLAND ON SUNDAY *Dazzling * TIME OUT *

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Book SynopsisNewly-minted Demon Lord Slime Rimuru has received word of a special assembly of all the demon lords, known as the Walpurgis Council. It just so happens that the topic of this year's meeting is how best to punish Rimuru for assuming his new demonic title... Will this hotshot slime go and crash this council himself?!

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Book SynopsisIn this new volume of adventures for Brenda and Effie we do battle with vampires and mummies and haunted cats! We uncover the mystery of both Elephant Men and meet Tolstoy the Long-Eared Bat out of Hell! Brenda also gets to go back to her roots with Baron Frankenstein, and we even share an investigation at the Christmas Hotel with the famous Sherlock Holmes. Whitby has never felt so hectic, and everyone here is very glad to welcome you back..!

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Book SynopsisThe demon army is on the march, rushing toward the decisive battle that will rid theworld of the elves and their evil once and for all. Meanwhile, the time is fastapproaching for Shun and his friends to reunite with their friends and classmates whothey assumed were long dead. But when that moment comes, who will they standwith-the elves they’ve been fighting alongside with, or people they knew in theirformer lives?

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Book SynopsisIn the transformed world, Demon Lord Ard squares off against Alvarto, mightiest of theFour Heavenly Kings. Yet, just as their fated showdown nears a brutal, tragicconclusion, the voice of someone dear to Ard sounds across the battlefield! The saga ofthe Demon Lord versus the Four Heavenly Kings is reaching its climax, but who will beleft standing?

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Book SynopsisWhen she turns ten years old, Adele von Ascham is hit with a horrible headache--and memories of her previous life as an eighteen-year-old Japanese girl named Kurihara Misato. That life changed abruptly, however, when Misato died trying to aid a little girl and met god. During that meeting, she made an odd request and asked for average abilities in her next life. But few things--especially wishes--ever go quite as planned

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Book SynopsisAfter receiving the right to succession, Euphyllia is facing a future where she becomes ruler, while Anisphia is released from her obligations and continues her research. How will this affect the future of Palettia—and Anis and Euphie’s blossoming relationship?

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Book Synopsis''A NEW, ACTION-PACKED, ENCHANTINGLY FUN SERIES'' Booklist on Ink & SigilFrom New York Times bestselling author Kevin Hearne comes Paper & Blood, the second book in his hugely entertaining new Ink & Sigil series. Set in the world of the Iron Druid Chronicles, it follows Al MacBharrais - an eccentric master of magic solving uncanny mysteries in Scotland . . .Packed to the brim with mystery, magic and mayhem, the Ink & Sigil series is perfect for fans of Rivers of London and Rotherweird.Praise for the Ink & Sigil series:''You are in for a great treat. Ink & Sigil is great escape reading, and I loved every word'' Charlaine Harris, New York Times bestselling author of the Sookie Stackhouse books''Will transport you right in the Scottish realm of fey and fairies . . . The magic is both familiar and new, believable and extraordinary'' Charlie Holmberg, author of TTrade Review[A] terrific kick-off of a new, action-packed, enchantingly fun series * BOOKLIST *You are in for a great treat. Ink & Sigil is great escape reading, and I loved every word * Charlaine Harris *Kevin Hearne's Ink and Sigil is a novel that will transport you right in the Scottish realm of fey and fairies and have you thinking the "other" is real. The magic is both familiar and new, believable and extraordinary -- Charlie Holmberg, author of THE PAPER MAGICIANKevin Hearne has used ink and paper to craft his own brand of magic. Ink & Sigil is filled to the brim with the Hearne-anigans we've all grown to love. Fans of ribald humor, literary puns, and the odd hobgoblin will be enchanted by this paranormal mystery -- Jaye Wells, author of the Prospero’s War seriesA delightfully grimy journey through the hidden underworld of Glasgow, Ink & Sigil vividly blends Kevin Hearne's unique take on urban fantasy with the grit of Scottish magic -- Adam Christopher, author of EMPIRE STATE

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Book SynopsisThirteen years after the smash-hit Shades of Grey, Eddie Russett and Jane Grey are about to embark on a new adventure ...

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Book SynopsisNews of demon lord Clayman's defeat by Rimuru shakes the Holy Empire of Lubelius to its core, especially since the Chief Knight of their Holy Imperial Guard, Hinata Sakaguchi, had once attacked Rimuru not long ago. In an attempt to avoid total warfare at all costs, Hinata shoulders the blame for all the bloodshed and decides of her own accord to head for Tempest...!

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Book SynopsisFor decades, George R.R. Martin bestselling author of A Song of Ice and Fire and creator of A GAME OF THRONES has collaborated with an ensemble of science fiction and fantasy icons to create the amazing Wild Cards universe.Tales of Love & Lust from the World of the Wild Cards An alien virus has ravaged the world. Survivors may draw an ace and receive superpowers, or the joker and become bizarrely mutated. And yet love still reigns supreme.In this fantastical collection of all-new stories A jewel thief seduces a popular actor just so she can track down a long-lost treasure A teenager trapped in the body of a giant snail attempts to win his love A man discovers his purpose in life after meeting a beautiful butterfly woman. A young hero by the name of Hero McHeroface finds solace in the arms of an astrologer hiding her own unique powersSuperheroes and villains do battle over the human heart in this anthology set in the Wild Cards universe.Contributors: Kevin Andrew Murphy, Christopher RTrade Review PRAISE FOR THE WILD CARDS SERIES ‘Deep and complex’STARBURST ‘Perhaps the most original and provocative of the shared worlds books’Peter S. Beagle, author of THE LAST UNICORN ‘Martin has assembled an impressive array of writers. . . . Progressing through the decades, Wild Cards keeps its momentum to the end’LOCUS 'Delightfully imaginative speculation'TORONTO STAR 'A treat for any fan of superhero stories'PUBLISHERS WEEKLY 'New readers and fans of the long-running series will both love the fast-paced plotting and the ever-expanding history of the Wild Card virus on this alternate Earth, where even the superheroes are human'SHELF AWARENESS ‘The shared-world series known as Wild Cards has had a long and illustrious history of contributors and achievements’ SCIFI.COM

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Book Synopsis.It’s not every afternoon that an enigmatic, comely blonde named Stilton (like the cheese) walks into the scruffy gin joint where Sammy "Two Toes" Tiffin tends bar. It’s love at first sight, but before Sammy can make his move, an Air Force general named Remy arrives with some urgent business.Trade Review“Raymond Chandler meets the SyFy Channel… Fans of noir film and fiction will find a lot to enjoy in this loving genre tribute, and those already familiar with Moore’s books will simply be in love.” — Library Journal (starred review) “There is a laugh-out-loud moment every couple of pages. And possibly a space alien, because, hey, this is a Christopher Moore book, after all.” — BookPage “The master of satire is back . . . Noir is a fun parody of detective fiction that has everything Christopher Moore fans have come to love and expect from his work: humor, fantasy, absurdity, and a cast of outrageous characters you won’t soon forget.” — Bustle “Witty, satirical, and hilarious with a delicious quiver of crime noir hovering over all.” — New York Journal of Books “[A] pedal-to-the-metal, exquisitely written comic romp through a neon-lit San Francisco that may never have actually existed, but that, in Moore’s supremely talented hands, sure feels like it could have.” — Booklist (starred review) “[Moore’s] latest novel Noir only shows a strengthened propensity for snappy dialogue, perverse scenarios, sharp satire, and oddball characters… delivered alongside steady helpings of the pun-laden prose, sick sight gags, and wicked, occasionally raunchy humor that readers have come to expect from one of America’s funniest living writers.” — barnesandnoble.com “Christopher Moore gives us dizzy dames and shadowy gangsters in Noir. Sammy, Moore’s comic revision of Sam Spade, will take you on a silly-thrilly ride through late-1940s San Francisco, and you’ll be laughing all the way.” — Washington Post “Noir turns a legendary genre on its side and offers grand entertainment at every level.” — Los Angeles Review of Books “Moore is a master of metaphor and a sultan of simile. . . .It takes an author of remarkable talents to keep a profitably urinating snake, a dame named for a dairy product, and a slimy extraterrestrial all running through a narrative.” — Washington Independent Review of Books “Moore spoofs hard-boiled detective fiction in this irreverent send-up set in 1947 San Francisco. . . . [A]n amusing spin on the noir subgenre.” — Publishers Weekly “Laugh out loud funny… it is always great fun to read an exceptional humorist at work.” — Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star “We get plenty of Moore’s trademark linguistic hijinks, oddball characters, and a cartwheeling plot in danger of spinning out of control before miraculously sticking the landing.” — San Antonio Express-News

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“Smart and funny and all sorts of raunchy in the best way. . . Dazzles, entertains and squeezes in more than a few laughs. . . Razzmatazz is another success for Christopher Moore.” — San Francisco Chronicle “Moore and his merry band of miscreants are firmly on the right side of history—and they will make you laugh until it hurts.” — BookPage (starred review) "There is literally a laugh on every page of this book (several, on some pages), and with its fast-paces, deliberately helter-skelter storyline, it sinks its hooks deeply and never lets go." — Booklist "A humorous romp. . . . Moore’s fans and those who like their noir with a side of slapstick and the supernatural will enjoy." — Publishers Weekly “Razzmatazz is marked with the same sort of coarse charm that permeates all of Moore’s books. . . . There’s chaos at play throughout—there’s a LOT going on—yet Moore handles it deftly, resulting in a book whose myriad fractured storylines ultimately come together in a delightfully droll denouement.” — The Maine Edge "Razzmatazz is Christopher Moore once again at his unique best. Bravo!" — Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star "Moore’s trademark humor is on full display with his cast of strangely lovable characters. This is Shakespeare with an edge and will not only appeal to Moore’s fans but garner new ones." — Library Journal (starred review) on Shakespeare for Squirrels “This book is so funny, so full of gloriously ludicrous characters and plausibility-defying goings-on that reading it in public should only be undertaken if you don’t mind making a spectacle of yourself. Because you will laugh. Out loud.” — Winnipeg Free Press “Buckle in for Shakespeare for Squirrels, an uproarious take on Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream—transformed into a murder mystery. . . A funny, fast-paced, and wild read.” — Huffington Post "It takes a certain amount of guts and wild abandon to recast a Shakespeare comedy as a hard-boiled detective story, but if anyone can pull it off, it’s master satirist Moore, whose gift for funny business apparently knows no bounds. . . . A welcome return of a fan-favorite character in a romp of a tale that will delight not only mystery buffs but also fantasy fanatics, and, of course, Bard lovers." — Booklist (starred review) on Shakespeare for Squirrels “Christopher Moore gives us dizzy dames and shadowy gangsters in Noir. Sammy, Moore’s comic revision of Sam Spade, will take you on a silly-thrilly ride through late-1940s San Francisco, and you’ll be laughing all the way.” — Washington Post “[A] pedal-to-the-metal, exquisitely written comic romp through a neon-lit San Francisco that may never have actually existed, but that, in Moore’s supremely talented hands, sure feels like it could have.” — Booklist (starred review) on Noir

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Book Synopsis A deal struck in a dark place set an outlaw mage on the path to revenge. And now that it’s led to places even darker, she and everyone she knows may pay the price for her bargain in the final novel of “an unforgettable epic fantasy” trilogy (Publisher’s Weekly). Sal the Cacophony has made few friends, but many enemies. Many, many enemies. When her magic was taken from her, she cried out for revenge. And a power she never understood promised her vengeance. A deal for a bloody price was made. And now the bill has come due. In one of the last free cities of the burned-out ruin of the Scar, Sal’s many foes—old and new—have hunted down her and her few allies—willing and otherwise -- and all her plans to save them might not be enough. One last stand. One more story. One final blade to be drawn.  For more from Sam Sykes, check out:   The Grave of Empires: Seven Blades in Black Ten Arrows of Iron Three Axes to Fall   Bring Down Heaven: The City Stained Red The Mortal Tally God's Last Breath   The Affinity for Steel Trilogy: Tome of the Undergates Black Halo The Skybound Sea

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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