Contemporary fantasy / Low fantasy

Book SynopsisTrade ReviewBLACKWELL’S BOOK OF THE YEAR A WATERSTONES BOOK OF THE YEAR FINALIST DAILY MAIL BEST BOOK OF 2022 ‘Absolutely phenomenal. One of the most brilliant, razor-sharp books I've had the pleasure of reading that isn't just an alternative fantastical history, but an interrogative one; one that grabs colonial history and the Industrial Revolution, turns it over, and shakes it out’Shannon Chakraborty, bestselling author of THE EMPIRE OF GOLD ‘A masterpiece that resonates with power and knowledge. BABEL is a stark picture of the cruelty of empire, a distillation of dark academia, and a riveting blend of fantasy and historical fiction – a monumental achievement’Samantha Shannon, bestselling author of THE PRIORY OF THE ORANGE TREE ‘A masterpiece. Through a meticulously researched and a wholly impressive deep dive into linguistics and the politics of language and translation, Kuang weaves a story that is part love-hate letter to academia, part scathing indictment of the colonial enterprise, and all fiery revolution’Rebecca Roanhorse, NYT bestselling author of BLACK SUN ‘Kuang has outdone herself. BABEL is brilliant, vicious, sensitive, epic, and intimate; it's both a love letter and a declaration of war. It's a perfect book’Alix E. Harrow, bestselling author of A THOUSAND DOORS OF JANUARY ‘A book that confirms Kuang as a major talent’SFX ‘Brainy, brilliant, and fuelled by righteous anger, Babel is a towering tour-de-force of fantasy’DAILY MAIL ‘BABEL has earned tremendous praise and deserves all of it. It’s Philip Pullman’s THE GOLDEN COMPASS by way of N.K. Jemisin’s THE FIFTH SEASON: inventive and engaging, passionate and precise’NEW YORK TIMES

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Book SynopsisTHE #2 SUNDAY TIMES AND #1 NYT BESTSELLEROne for Philip Pullman fans'THE TIMESThis one is an automatic buy'GLAMOURAmbitious, sweeping and epic'EVENING STANDARDRazor-sharp'DAILY MAILAn ingenious fantasy about empire'GUARDIANTraduttore, traditore: An act of translation is always an act of betrayal.Oxford, 1836.The city of dreaming spires.It is the centre of all knowledge and progress in the world.And at its centre is Babel, the Royal Institute of Translation. The tower from which all the power of the Empire flows.Orphaned in Canton and brought to England by a mysterious guardian, Babel seemed like paradise to Robin Swift.Until it became a prisonBut can a student stand against an empire?An incendiary new novel from award-winning author R.F. Kuang about the power of language, the violence of colonialism, and the sacrifices of resistance.''A masterpiece that resonates with power and knowledge. BABEL is a stark picture of the cruelty of empire, a distillation of dark academia, and a rivetingTrade ReviewBLACKWELL’S BOOK OF THE YEAR A WATERSTONES BOOK OF THE YEAR FINALIST DAILY MAIL BEST BOOK OF 2022 ‘Absolutely phenomenal. One of the most brilliant, razor-sharp books I've had the pleasure of reading that isn't just an alternative fantastical history, but an interrogative one; one that grabs colonial history and the Industrial Revolution, turns it over, and shakes it out’Shannon Chakraborty, bestselling author of THE EMPIRE OF GOLD ‘A masterpiece that resonates with power and knowledge. BABEL is a stark picture of the cruelty of empire, a distillation of dark academia, and a riveting blend of fantasy and historical fiction – a monumental achievement’Samantha Shannon, bestselling author of THE PRIORY OF THE ORANGE TREE ‘A masterpiece. Through a meticulously researched and a wholly impressive deep dive into linguistics and the politics of language and translation, Kuang weaves a story that is part love-hate letter to academia, part scathing indictment of the colonial enterprise, and all fiery revolution’Rebecca Roanhorse, NYT bestselling author of BLACK SUN ‘Kuang has outdone herself. BABEL is brilliant, vicious, sensitive, epic, and intimate; it's both a love letter and a declaration of war. It's a perfect book’Alix E. Harrow, bestselling author of A THOUSAND DOORS OF JANUARY ‘A book that confirms Kuang as a major talent’SFX ‘Brainy, brilliant, and fuelled by righteous anger, Babel is a towering tour-de-force of fantasy’DAILY MAIL ‘BABEL has earned tremendous praise and deserves all of it. It’s Philip Pullman’s THE GOLDEN COMPASS by way of N.K. Jemisin’s THE FIFTH SEASON: inventive and engaging, passionate and precise’NEW YORK TIMES

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Book SynopsisJohn Gwynne studied and lectured at Brighton University. He's been in a rock 'n' roll band, playing the double bass, travelled the USA and lived in Canada for a time. He is married with four children and lives in Eastbourne, running a small family business rejuvenating vintage furniture. Malice is his debut novel.Trade ReviewInfluenced by Gemmell's Rigante and GRR Martin's Game of Thrones - two good strands of DNA. Great characters and plot - it gets faster and more fascinating by the page. All I want now is for the author to put everything else aside, including his health - and write two or three more as fast as humanly possible. Hell of a debut: Highly recommended -- Conn IgguldenWith all manner of battles, betrayals and revelations. I particularly enjoyed the battle scenes and duels ... If it sounds like your thing, then it probably is -- Mark LawrenceWith its warring clans, sleeping giants, Banished Lands and omens and portents . . . is a strong contender for the “if you like Game of Thrones, why not try this?” award. * Independent blog *It’s exciting when you find a strong new voice ringing out through the halls of fantasy, and John Gwynne hits all the right spots in his epic tale of good vs evil, the first in the Faithful & The Fallen series . . . there’s a lot of pleasure to be had in this debut novel; Gwynne is definitely one to watch. * SFX *Malice is easily one of the best fantasy novels I read this year, and one which will appeal to most fans of the genre. * Iwillreadbooks.com *With three-dimensional characters, a gripping plot, and a world that became real to me, John Gwynne’s Malice is a great debut. In short, this is the kind of fantasy I love to read and I truly can’t wait for the next volume in The Faithful and the Fallen! * Fantasy Book Critic *

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Book SynopsisShortlisted for the 2016 David Gemmell Legend Award for Best Novel.The third in The Faithful and the Fallen series, Ruin by John Gwynne continues the gripping battle of good vs evil.The Banished Lands are engulfed in war and chaos. The cunning Queen Rhin has conquered the west and High King Nathair has the cauldron, most powerful of the seven treasures. At his back stands the scheming Calidus and a warband of the Kadoshim, dread demons of the Otherworld. They plan to bring Asroth and his host of the Fallen into the world of flesh, but to do so they need the seven treasures. Nathair has been deceived but now he knows the truth. He has choices to make; choices that will determine the fate of the Banished Lands. Elsewhere the flame of resistance is growing - Queen Edana finds allies in the swamps of Ardan. Maquin is loose in Tenebral, hunted by Lykos and his corsairs. Here he will witness the birth of a rebellion in Nathair's own realm. Trade ReviewMythical, magical, intense, brutal, poignant . . . utterly brilliant. * Fantasy Book Review *The battles are brutal and bloody, just as they should be (especially when you chuck giants, bears, draigs and huge wolf like beasts into the mix). All through the book it builds, the smaller battles leading towards bigger and bigger ones and leading to a climax that will knock you for six . . .don’t expect to come out of it with your heart in one piece. * Ebookwyrm *Triumphant . . . A masterful thrill ride of a book. * Dominish Fantasy Reviews *Dark, thrilling and bloody. But Ruin’s strongest point is, for me, its characters. The author takes character relationships crafted throughout the first two novels – between friends, family, loved ones and, especially, animals – and brings them beautifully to the fore without overstating them, whilst also forging new ones along the way. * Half Strung Harp Reviews *This was an incredible follow-up . . . Ruin is probably the strongest novel in the series so far. Gwynne did an incredible job leading things to their logical conclusions for massive payoffs, while shuffling things up just enough to make me both dread and anticipate the finale. * Reading Lamp Reviews *

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Book SynopsisEmpire in Black and Gold is the first instalment in the critically-acclaimed epic fantasy series Shadows of the Apt by Adrian Tchaikovsky.The days of peace are over . . .The Lowlands’ city states have lived in peace for decades, hailed as bastions of civilization. Yet that peace is about to end. A distant empire has been conquering neighbours with highly trained soldiers and sophisticated combat techniques. And the city states are its desirable new prize.Only the ageing Stenwold Maker – spymaster, artificer and statesman – foresees the threat, as the empires’ armies march ever closer. So it falls upon his shoulders to open the eyes of the cities’ leaders. He sees that war will sweep through their lands, destroying everything in its path.But to warn his people, he must stay alive.Empire in Black and Gold is followed by the second book in the Shadows of the Apt series, Dragonfly Falling.Trade ReviewBrimming with imagination -- SciFiNowThe Shadows of the Apt series is simply one of the best epic fantasy series out there -- LEC Book ReviewsSuper worldbuilding, great characters and extreme inventiveness -- Fantasy Book CriticEpic fantasy at its best. Gripping, original and multi-layered storytelling from a writer bursting with lots of fascinating ideas -- Walker of WorldsFull of sparking, speculative innovation -- Stephen Baxter on The Doors of EdenBreathtaking scope and vision. Adrian Tchaikovsky is one of our finest writers -- Gareth Powell on Children of RuinA joy from start to finish. Entertaining, smart, surprising and unexpectedly human -- Patrick Ness on Children of Time

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Book SynopsisJohn Gwynne studied and lectured at Brighton University. He's been in a rock 'n' roll band, playing the double bass, travelled the USA and lived in Canada for a time. He is married with four children and lives in Eastbourne, running a small family business rejuvenating vintage furniture. His first novel, Malice, won the David Gemmell Morningstar award for best debut fantasy. Valour is his second novel.Trade ReviewThe prose is sharp, the pace works wonderfully well and when added to a whole cast of complex character that bring not only the world in which they inhabit to life but bring their own thoughts and desires to the reader with space to spare. All round, this series is building into one of favourites of the last few years and to have an author who can produce a second book of high quality in good time and schedule shows that this author has a bright future. Great stuff. * Falcata Times *Valour is hands down, the best fantasy I have read in an age. I thought Providence of Fire might have claimed it, but Valour came swooping in and stole the title . . . may be becoming one of my all time favourite fantasy series . . . I’d probably class it with early Eddings, Gemmell and Goodkind, but with more maturity, stronger characters.. And more Omph! (technical term) * Bookfrivolity *Valour manages to surpass what was already a very strong debut, somehow managing to be even better than Malice . . . John Gwynne is a writer good enough to create characters you can love, and confident enough to kill them off when the time is right . . . A great read. Real characters in a well crafted world you can really immerse yourself in to. * Dominish Reviews *The ‘Chosen-One’ offspring of George R R Martin and J K Rowling, raised on the bedtime stories of Tolkien and whipped into fighting shape by David Gemmell . . . but still 100% Gwynne . . . John Gwynne wades in with a depth of world building that’d see most newbie authors flounder. * Written With a Sword Reviews *I really enjoyed the parts of the story that were set in the Celtic-influenced areas. The settings are beautiful and vivid, and the forests and mountains and castles distinctly brought to my mind the time I’ve spent in Wales and Scotland. * Half Strung Harp Reviews *A real gem . . . the traditional good versus evil tale in with very nontraditional twists. * Power and Page Reviews *

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Book SynopsisThe fourth in The Faithful and the Fallen series, Wrath by John Gwynne is the breathtaking, pulse-pounding conclusion to an epic series.It’s time to brave the final battle . . .Events are coming to a climax in the Banished Lands, as the war reaches new heights. King Nathair has seized the fortress at Drassil, and now possesses three of the Seven Treasures. And with Calidus and Queen Rhin, Nathair will do anything to obtain the rest. They will allow him to open a portal to the Otherworld - so Asroth and his demon-horde can break into the Banished Lands and finally become flesh.Meanwhile Corban has been captured by the Jotun, warrior giants who ride enormous bears into battle. His warband scattered, Corban must make new allies to survive. But can he bond with competing factions of warlike giants? Somehow he must, to counter the threat Nathair represents. His life hangs in the balance - and with it, the fate of the Banished LanTrade ReviewA breathtakingly perfect finale to a series that has grown from strength to wonderful strength. Poignant, pulse-pounding and phenomenally paced, Wrath is a satisfying – and heart-breaking – climax that Tolkien himself would be proud to have penned * Fantasy Faction *A masterpiece in modern fantasy and a breathtaking finale to what is my all-time favourite fantasy series * The Tattooed Book Geek *Unpredictable, exhilarating * Fantasy Book Review *Engrossing . . . excellent writing * Sunday Sport *Masterpiece . . . damn near perfection * Booknest *

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Book SynopsisIn Lost Gods, Brom, the artist and author of The Child Thief and Krampus, brings readers into a dark, fantastical, masterful mix of brilliant illustrations and dazzling prose.A young man descends into Purgatory to save his wife and unborn child in this gorgeous, illustrated tale of wonder and terror from the mind of master storyteller and acclaimed artist Brom.Fresh out of jail and eager to start a new life, Chet Moran and his pregnant wife, Trish, leave town to begin again. But an ancient evil is looming, and what seems like a safe haven may not be all it appears . . .Snared and murdered by a vile, arcane horror, Chet quickly learns that pain and death are not unique to the living. Now the lives and very souls of his wife and unborn child are at stake.To save them, he must journey into the bowels of purgatory in search of a sacred key promised to restore the natural order of life and death. Alone, confused, and damned, Chet steels himself against the unfathomable terrors awaiting him as he descends into death’s stygian blackness. With Lost Gods, Brom’s gritty and visceral writing takes us on a haunting, harrowing journey into the depths of the underworld. Thrust into a realm of madness and chaos, where ancient gods and demons battle over the dead, and where cabals of souls conspire to overthrow their masters, Chet plays a dangerous game, risking eternal damnation to save his family.

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Book SynopsisBlood of the Mantis is the third novel in Adrian Tchaikovsky's richly imagined Shadows of the Apt series, following Dragonfly Falling. Stenwold must rally his allies for battle against the Empire, even as it seeks a dangerous artifact of enormous power.A dread ritual casts a deadly shadow . . .Achaeos the seer has finally tracked down the stolen Shadow Box. But he has only days before this magical artefact will be lost to him forever. Meanwhile, the Empire's dread forces are mustering for their next great offensive. Stenwold and his followers have only a short time to gather allies, before the enemy's soldiers march again – to conquer everything in their path. If Stenwold cannot hold them back, the hated black and gold flag will fly over every city in the Lowlands before the year's end.Yet a more insidious threat awaits. Should the Shadow Box fall into the hands of the power-mad Emperor, nothing will save the world from his relentless ambition.Blood of the Mantis is followed by Salute the Dark, the fourth book in the Shadows of the Apt series.Trade ReviewBrimming with imagination -- SciFiNowThe Shadows of the Apt series is simply one of the best epic fantasy series out there -- LEC Book ReviewsSuper worldbuilding, great characters and extreme inventiveness -- Fantasy Book CriticEpic fantasy at its best. Gripping, original and multi-layered storytelling from a writer bursting with lots of fascinating ideas -- Walker of WorldsFull of sparking, speculative innovation -- Stephen Baxter on The Doors of EdenBreathtaking scope and vision. Adrian Tchaikovsky is one of our finest writers -- Gareth Powell on Children of RuinA joy from start to finish. Entertaining, smart, surprising and unexpectedly human -- Patrick Ness on Children of Time

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Book SynopsisSeal of the Worm is the tenth and final book in the critically acclaimed epic fantasy series Shadows of the Apt by Adrian Tchaikovsky.An ancient enemy stirs once more . . .The Empire has vanquished its enemies at last, but at a terrible price. With her chief rival cast into the abyss, Empress Seda must face the truth of what she’s unleashed in her hunger for power. Now the Seal has been shattered, the ancient Worm stirs towards the light for the first time in a thousand years. Already it is striking at the surface, consuming everything in its voracious path. Unchecked, it will ravage the world.As her victory seems hollow indeed, Seda knows that only the most extreme solution can lock the Worm in the dark once more. But if she’ll go to such horrific lengths to save them all from the Worm, who’ll save the world from her?Start the epic journey with Empire in Black and Gold, the first book in the Shadows of the Apt series.Trade ReviewBrimming with imagination -- SciFiNowThe Shadows of the Apt series is simply one of the best epic fantasy series out there -- LEC Book ReviewsSuper world-building, great characters and extreme inventiveness -- Fantasy Book CriticEpic fantasy at its best. Gripping, original and multi-layered storytelling from a writer bursting with lots of fascinating ideas -- Walker of WorldsFull of sparking, speculative innovation -- Stephen Baxter on The Doors of EdenBreathtaking scope and vision. Adrian Tchaikovsky is one of our finest writers -- Gareth L. Powell on Children of RuinA joy from start to finish. Entertaining, smart, surprising and unexpectedly human -- Patrick Ness on Children of Time

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Book SynopsisA Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick‘Alix E. Harrow is an exceptional, undeniable talent’ - Olivie Blake, author of The Atlas SixStep into Starling House – if you dare . . . Alix E. Harrow reimagines Beauty and the Beast in this gorgeously modern Gothic fantasy, perfect for fans of V.E. Schwab and Naomi Novik.Nobody in Eden remembers when Starling House was built. But the town agrees it’s best to let this ill-omened mansion – and its last lonely heir – go to hell. Stories of the house’s bad luck, like good china, have been passed down the generations.Opal knows better than to mess with haunted houses, or brooding men. But when an opportunity to work there arises, the money might get her brother out of Eden. Starling House is uncanny and full of secrets – just like Arthur, its heir. It also feels strangely, dangerously, like something she’s never had: a home. Yet Opal isn’t the only one interested in the horrors and the wonders that lie buried beneath it.Sinister forces converge on Eden – and Opal realizes that if she wants a home, she’ll have to fight for it. Even if it involves digging up her family’s ugly past to achieve a better future. She’ll have to go down, deep down beneath Starling House, to claw her way back to the light . . .This is a romantic and spellbinding Gothic fairytale from Hugo, Nebula and Locus Award-shortlisted Alix E. Harrow.'Starling House is Alix E. Harrow’s greatest work yet' - Ava Reid, author of Juniper and ThornTrade ReviewThis book has everything you could possibly want this fall . . . a cursed town, a haunted house, a vivid and eerie setting—plus, characters willing to risk everything -- Reese Witherspoon, Reese’s Book Club October 2023 PickAlix E. Harrow is an exceptional, undeniable talent, and Starling House, with its gentle reassurances of the homes we make and the love we deserve, is more than satisfying. It’s pure loveliness in book form -- Olivie Blake, author of The Atlas SixGorgeous, poignant, and honest—an unforgettable read -- Andrea Stewart, author of The Bone Shard DaughterThe gaudy, dark seam between horror and romance. Starling House is Alix E. Harrow’s greatest work yet – if you can survive its slow belly-crawl into hell -- Ava Reid, author of Juniper and ThornThis is gothic fairy tale at its best and truest: dark and romantic, angry and hopeful . . . I loved it -- H.G. Parry, author of The Magician's DaughterThis book is as knife-edged and sharp as its protagonist, a rich and strange exploration of home and need and want . . . A smart, spectacular contemporary Gothic -- Kat Howard, author of An Unkindness of MagiciansThis is one you’re going to love -- Glamour MagazineTender and triumphant . . . Starling House will no doubt take its place alongside fiction’s most memorable haunted houses -- Publishers Weekly, Starred ReviewHarrow’s mash-up of twisted fairy tales and Southern gothic fiction is a haunting story of longing, lies, and generational curses -- Library Journal, Starred ReviewAlix E. Harrow is a fantasy author who just does not miss. This magical, heartfelt haunted house tale is no different -- Paste MagazineDevastating, eerie and upbeat -- SFXA spooky story about how hidden truths always come back to haunt you -- Kirkus, Starred Review

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Book SynopsisThe Air War is the eighth book in the critically acclaimed epic fantasy series Shadows of the Apt by Adrian Tchaikovsky.An empress demands her birthright . . . All is in turmoil as the world moves towards war. In Solarno, spies eye one another and ready their knives – while the people of Myna watch troops gather at its borders. Emotions run high as old fears reawaken. And in Collegium students argue politics, too late to turn the tide.At the heart of the Empire, new pilots complete their secretive training, generals are recalled to service and armies are readied to march. Their Empress, heir to two worlds, intends to claim her birthright. For nothing – either within the Empire or beyond it – will stand in her way. The Air War is followed by the ninth book in the Shadows of the Apt series, War Master’s Gate.Trade ReviewBrimming with imagination -- SciFiNowThe Shadows of the Apt series is simply one of the best epic fantasy series out there -- LEC Book ReviewsSuper world-building, great characters and extreme inventiveness -- Fantasy Book CriticEpic fantasy at its best. Gripping, original and multi-layered storytelling from a writer bursting with lots of fascinating ideas -- Walker of WorldsFull of sparking, speculative innovation -- Stephen Baxter on The Doors of EdenBreathtaking scope and vision. Adrian Tchaikovsky is one of our finest writers -- Gareth L. Powell on Children of RuinA joy from start to finish. Entertaining, smart, surprising and unexpectedly human -- Patrick Ness on Children of Time

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Book Synopsis'Has the energy of The Hitch-Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy and the inventiveness of Alice in Wonderland' Sunday TimesThe Discworld is very much like our own - if our own were to consist of a flat planet balanced on the back of four elephants which stand on the back of a giant turtle, that is .Trade Review'Has the energy of The Hitch-Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy and the inventiveness of Alice in Wonderland...It has also an intelligent wit and a truly original grim and comic grasp of the nature of things' * The Sunday Times *'Our best comic novelist' * New Scientist *I'm addicted to Terry Pratchett' * A.S. Byatt *

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Book SynopsisDragonfly Falling is the second book in the critically acclaimed epic fantasy series Shadows of the Apt by Adrian Tchaikovsky, author of the Arthur C. Clarke Award-winning Children of Time.Every hero must be tested . . .The Wasp Empire’s armies are on the move – and the city of Tark will be first to feel their might. Salma and Totho prepare for battle, alongside their Ant-kinden brethren. And within Tark’s walls, they’ll face a force greater than any Lowlander has ever seen. Stenwold Maker predicted this threat, and the Empire's secret service now deems him too dangerous to live. So he’s to be eliminated, and his beloved city of Collegium destroyed. For if this centre of learning is lost, it will crush Lowland resistance.As the Empire's troops continue their relentless advance, their young Emperor pursues another, even darker goal. And his success would trigger a reign of blood lasting a thousand years.Dragonfly Falling is followed by the third book in the Shadows of the Apt series, Blood of the Mantis.Trade ReviewBrimming with imagination -- SciFiNowThe Shadows of the Apt series is simply one of the best epic fantasy series out there -- LEC Book ReviewsSuper worldbuilding, great characters and extreme inventiveness -- Fantasy Book CriticEpic fantasy at its best. Gripping, original and multi-layered storytelling from a writer bursting with lots of fascinating ideas -- Walker of WorldsFull of sparking, speculative innovation -- Stephen Baxter on The Doors of EdenBreathtaking scope and vision. Adrian Tchaikovsky is one of our finest writers -- Gareth Powell on Children of RuinA joy from start to finish. Entertaining, smart, surprising and unexpectedly human -- Patrick Ness on Children of Time

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Book SynopsisDiscover The Atlas Paradox, the electric dark academia sequel to viral sensation The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake – a No.1 Sunday Times bestseller. Inside the Alexandrian Society alliances will be tested, hearts will be broken and all must pick a side.Six magicians were offered the opportunity of a lifetime.Five are now members of the Society.And two paths lie before them.In this thrilling next instalment, the secret society of Alexandrians is unmasked. Its newest recruits realize the institute is capable of raw, world-changing power. It’s also headed by a man with plans to change life as we know it – and these are already under way. But the cost of this knowledge is as high as the price of power, and each initiate must choose which faction to follow. Yet as events gather momentum and dangers multiply, which of their alliances will hold? Can friendships hold true and are enemies quite what they seem?Reader reviews for The Atlas Paradox:‘Olivie Blake has done it again’‘More of everything I loved from the first book’‘I was completely shocked. NOW I NEED BOOK 3’Trade ReviewAs much a delicious contest of wit, will, and passion as it is of magic, this book is half mystery, half puzzle, and wholly a delight -- Holly Black , author of Book of Night on The Atlas SixLethally smart. Filled with a cast of brilliantly realized characters, each entangled with one another in torturously delicious ways, The Atlas Six will grip you by the throat and refuse to let go. Olivie Blake is a mind-blowing talent -- Chloe Gong, author of These Violent Delights on The Atlas SixThe Atlas Six will thrill those who love twisted plots, twisted relationships, and morally grey characters ready to kill for knowledge and power. Dark, ambitious, and engaging -- H. G. Parry, author of The Magician's Daughter on The Atlas SixBlake brilliantly uses fantasy trappings, and plenty of cliff hangers and twists, to tell a story that leaves readers questioning everything they believe to be true in the world she has created -- Library JournalSet in The Alexandrian Society, a secret group with responsibility for the long famous long-lost library, this is a story of magic, love, competition, and betrayal. This series is a serious obsession for #booktok and fantasy lovers -- GlamourCoolly horrific, brilliantly brainy and utterly compelling -- Daily Mail on The Atlas Six

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Book Synopsis''Fairy Tale is vintage, timeless King, a transporting, terrifying treat'' - Guardian''A blazing flash of creativity . . . King''s best book in over a decade'' - EsquireLegendary storyteller Stephen King goes into the deepest well of his imagination in this spellbinding novel about a seventeen-year-old boy who inherits the keys to a parallel world where good and evil are at war, and the stakes could not be higher - for their world or ours. Charlie Reade looks like a regular high school kid, great at baseball and football, a decent student. But he carries a heavy load. His mom was killed in a hit-and-run accident when he was seven, and grief drove his dad to drink. Charlie learned how to take care of himself - and his dad. Then, when Charlie is seventeen, he meets a dog named Radar and her ageing master, Howard Bowditch, a recluse in a big house at the top of a big hill, with a locked shed in the backyard. SometTrade ReviewThere is a splendid climactic battle . . . King's delight in the world he has created is infectious and there's much to revel in here * Daily Telegraph *With ogres and castles, maidens and pots of gold, this is a fairy story through-and-through. Because it's Stephen King's, it's a Once-Upon-A-Time tale like no other * Daily Mail *Fairy Tale is a multiverse-traversing, genre-hopping intertextual mash-up, with plenty of Easter eggs for regular King devotees . . . allusions and homages abound . . . a page-turner driven by memorably strange encounters and well-rendered, often thrilling action * New York Times Book Review *Fairy Tale is vintage, timeless King, a transporting, terrifying treat born from multiple lockdowns which, in true King style, puts its finger right on that tender point which is the threshold between childhood and growing up * Guardian *The latest addictive thriller from King * The List *King's reputation precedes him, and his spellbinding new novel is magnificent and terrifying * Living North Magazine *The hailed King of masterful writing has pierced the page with mighty words once again, releasing a whopping fantasy novel, reminiscent of the haunting magnificence of those Brothers Grimms . . . Fairy Tale soars, allowing you to bask happily ever after in its unforgettable spell * Buzz Magazine *A blazing flash of creativity . . . King's best book in over a decade * Esquire *A really enjoyable and enthralling read, both exciting and enchanting, and yet another captivating tale from the pen of Stephen King * The Afterword *A fantasy gem . . . King tells this wonderfully fantastical tale with such effortless skill that the reader cannot help but fully invest in Charlie and all the characters, his evocation of late 20th-century small-town USA and its people pitch perfect, and his descriptions of the parallel world of Empis . . . vividly terrifying * Irish Independent *Some brilliantly written escapism . . . featuring a loyal dog, a grieving hero and childhood fears and dreams made real . . . King at his finest * Evening Standard *A spellbinding tale that bursts with imagination * Woman's Own *Stephen King is the world's greatest storyteller. Fairy Tale had me enchanted from page one. I remain in total awe at his genius * David Walliams *Magnificent . . . a doorstop chronicle of small-town America, and the battle between good and evil. Classic King, and clearly written with joy . . . He is one of the best writers on childhood and teenagers, which continues in Fairy Tale * Richard Osman, The Sunday Times *The master storyteller returns with a spellbinding story of mysterious houses, parallel worlds and reluctant heroes as an ordinary high school kid discovers a portal to a universe populated by classic fairy tale archetypes * Waterstones *If you've ever enjoyed classic King - coming-of-age stories grounded as much in suburban neighbourhoods as in supernatural fairylands - you will enjoy this * Literary Review *A dark, dazzlingly inventive fantasy novel * Daily Mirror, Best Books of 2022 *

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Book SynopsisThe Sea Watch is the sixth book in the critically acclaimed epic fantasy series Shadows of the Apt by Adrian Tchaikovsky.Danger lurks beneath dark waters . . . A shadow is falling over Collegium. Despite the tenuous peace, Stenwold Maker knows that the Empire will return for his city. Even as he tries to prepare for the resurgence of the black and gold army, a hidden threat is working against his people. Ships that sail from Collegium's harbour are being attacked, sunk by pirates. Some just go missing . . . Lulled by the spread of lies and false promises, Stenwold's allies are falling away. He faces betrayal on every side, and the Empire is just waiting for the first sign of weakness to strike. But they are not the only power that has its eyes on Collegium. And even with all their military strength and technology, they may not be powerful enough to stave off the forces massing in the darkness.The Sea Watch is followed by the seventh book in the Shadows of the Apt series, Heirs of the Blade.Trade ReviewBrimming with imagination -- SciFiNowThe Shadows of the Apt series is simply one of the best epic fantasy series out there -- LEC Book ReviewsSuper worldbuilding, great characters and extreme inventiveness -- Fantasy Book CriticEpic fantasy at its best. Gripping, original and multi-layered storytelling from a writer bursting with lots of fascinating ideas -- Walker of WorldsFull of sparking, speculative innovation -- Stephen Baxter on The Doors of EdenBreathtaking scope and vision. Adrian Tchaikovsky is one of our finest writers -- Gareth Powell on Children of RuinA joy from start to finish. Entertaining, smart, surprising and unexpectedly human -- Patrick Ness on Children of Time

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Book SynopsisWitty, haunting and kind, Under the Whispering Door is a gift for troubled times. TJ Klune brings us a warm hug of a story about a man who spent his life at the office – and his afterlife building a home.From the author of joyous New York Times bestseller The House in the Cerulean Sea.Welcome to Charon’s Crossing. The tea is hot, the scones are fresh and the dead are just passing through.When a reaper comes to collect Wallace from his own sparsely-attended funeral, Wallace is outraged. But he begins to suspect she’s right, and he is in fact dead. Then when Hugo, owner of a most peculiar tea shop, promises to help him cross over, Wallace reluctantly accepts the truth.Yet even in death, he refuses to abandon his life – even though Wallace spent all of it working, correcting colleagues and hectoring employees. He’d had no time for frivolities like fun and friends. But as Wallace drinks tea with Hugo and talks to his customers, he wonders if he was missing something.The feeling grows as he shares jokes with the resident ghost, manifests embarrassing footwear and notices the stars. So when he’s given one week to pass through the door to the other side, Wallace sets about living a lifetime in just seven days.Fans of A Man Called Ove and The Good Place will fall for this queer love story by TJ Klune.Praise for TJ Klune:'I loved it. It is like being wrapped up in a big gay blanket. Simply perfect' – V. E. Schwab, author of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue'A modern fairy tale about learning your true nature and what you love and will protect. It's a beautiful book' – Charlaine Harris, author of the Sookie Stackhouse series'A whimsical, warm-hearted fantasy' – Guardian'Fans of queer fantasy won't want to miss this' – Publishers WeeklyTrade ReviewUnder the Whispering Door is a kind book, full of faith in the goodness of people . . . It broke my heart with its unflinching understanding that grief never goes away, never empties, only settles into the room of your soul like a strange souvenir. And then it healed me in the next breath -- Cassandra Khaw, author of Nothing But Blackened TeethA whimsical, warm-hearted fantasy that suggests it is never too late to make a positive change in life – or afterwards * Guardian *Tenderness, wit, and skillful worldbuilding elevate this delightful tale. Fans of queer fantasy won’t want to miss this * Publishers Weekly *TJ Klune is doing powerful work that inspires and impresses. He is a gift to our troubled times, and his novels are a radiant treat to all who discover them * Locus Magazine *Enchanting * Daily Mail *I loved it. It is like being wrapped up in a big gay blanket. Simply perfect -- V. E. Schwab on The House in the Cerulean Sea

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Book SynopsisThe first in the Echoes of the Fall series, The Tiger and the Wolf is an epic fantasy novel by Adrian Tchaikovsky, winner of the Arthur C. Clarke Award and British Fantasy Award for Best Novel.‘One of the most interesting and accomplished writers in speculative fiction’ – Christopher PaoliniIn the bleak northern crown of the world, war is coming . . .Maniye’s father is the Wolf clan’s chieftain, but she’s an outcast. Her mother was queen of the Tiger and these tribes have been enemies for generations. Maniye also hides a deadly secret. All can shift into their clan’s animal form, but Maniye can take on tiger and wolf shapes. She refuses to disown half her soul so escapes, rescuing a prisoner of the Wolf clan in the process. The killer Broken Axe is set on their trail to drag them back for retribution.The Wolf chieftain plots to rule the north, and controlling his daughter is crucial to his schemes. However, other tribes also prepare for strife. Strangers from the far south appear too, seeking allies in their own conflict. It’s a season for omens as priests foresee danger and a darkness falling across the land. Some say a great war is coming, overshadowing even Wolf ambitions. A time of testing and broken laws is near – but what spark will set the world ablaze?Continue this sweeping coming-of-age fantasy with The Bear and the Serpent.Trade ReviewIt's addictively brilliant! The protagonist is vivid and sympathetic – and I love both the story and the world Adrian has created -- John GwynneA classically brilliant fantasy writer, a pusher of boundaries, a great storyteller -- Paul CornellA brilliantly conceived and executed shape-changer Bronze Age saga featuring a heartbreaking heroine . . . Readers will be captivated by the well-realized characters, splendid action, and a satisfying conclusion that promises more wonders to come -- Publishers Weekly, starred reviewThis is a satisfying read, a story you can really lose yourself in -- SFXOne of the most interesting and accomplished writers in speculative fiction -- Christopher Paolini

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Book SynopsisThe Bear and the Serpent is the second book in Adrian Tchaikovsky’s epic fantasy trilogy, Echoes of the Fall, following The Tiger and the Wolf.‘Addictively brilliant’ – John Gwynne on The Tiger and the WolfAs the south is in turmoil, an old terror emerges in the north . . .Maniye, child of both Wolf and Tiger clans, has been named Champion of her people. But they’re unsure if she’s an asset – or a threat. To buy time, she joins Prince Tecuman’s warband of outcasts and heads south, to help him gain his crown. She wants to discover her true place in the world, but instead heads into the jaws of a fierce new conflict.Civil war threatens as Tecuman and his twin sister battle for the throne, for only one can rule. Yet whoever triumphs will carry a heavy burden, as a great doom has been foreseen that will fall across their whole world. And soon Maniye finds herself at the heart of a political storm.Danger is also shadowing her old home, where Loud Thunder and his Bear clan are attempting to unite the northern tribes. But only extreme peril will end age-old rivalries. An adversary from the most ancient of times is preparing to strike, putting their lands and their very souls in danger. And neither north nor south will be spared the terror to come.Complete this sweeping coming-of-age fantasy trilogy with The Hyena and the Hawk.Trade ReviewA classically brilliant fantasy writer, a pusher of boundaries, a great storyteller -- Paul CornellOne of the most interesting and accomplished writers in speculative fiction -- Christopher PaoliniIt's addictively brilliant! The protagonist is vivid and sympathetic - and I love both the story and the world Adrian has created. It's meticulously thought out and utterly believable -- John Gwynne on The Tiger and the WolfEqually deft in the realms of science fiction and fantasy adventure, Adrian Tchaikovsky knows how to take you to a place, no matter the setting -- SciFiNow on The Tiger and the WolfA joy from start to finish. Entertaining, smart, surprising and unexpectedly human -- Patrick Ness on Children of Time

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Book SynopsisTJ Klune is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling, Lambda Literary Award-winning author of Under the Whispering Door, The House in the Cerulean Sea, The Extraordinaries, Wolfsong and more. Being queer himself, TJ believes it's important now more than ever to have accurate, positive, queer representation in stories.Trade ReviewWolfsong is so well written that I'm in awe of TJ Klune's talent. The primary character, Ox, has huge feelings he can't articulate. But we know all of them, and we love him. The complex and startling world of Green Creek is the perfect setting -- Charlaine Harris, author of the Sookie Stackhouse seriesBeautiful, poetic, unbelievably compelling. ALL the stars -- Juliette Cross, author of the Stay a Spell seriesFans will be delighted -- Publishers WeeklyAn exciting start to the [Green Creek] series -- Library JournalI loved it. It is like being wrapped up in a big gay blanket. Simply perfect -- V. E. Schwab, author of the Shades of Magic series on The House in the Cerulean SeaThe House in the Cerulean Sea is a modern fairy tale about learning your true nature and what you love and will protect. It’s a beautiful book -- Charlaine Harris, author of Dead Until DarkUnder the Whispering Door is a kind book, full of faith in the goodness of people . . . It broke my heart with its unflinching understanding that grief never goes away, never empties, only settles into the room of your soul like a strange souvenir. And then it healed me in the next breath -- Cassandra Khaw author of Nothing But Blackened TeethA whimsical, warm-hearted fantasy that suggests it is never too late to make a positive change in life – or afterwards -- The Guardian on Under the Whispering DoorTJ Klune is doing powerful work that inspires and impresses. He is a gift to our troubled times, and his novels are a radiant treat to all who discover them -- Locus Magazine on Under the Whispering Door

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Book SynopsisDiscover The Atlas Paradox, the electric dark academia sequel to viral sensation The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake – a No.1 Sunday Times bestseller. Inside the Alexandrian Society alliances will be tested, hearts will be broken and all must pick a side.Six magicians were offered the opportunity of a lifetime.Five are now members of the Society.And two paths lie before them.In this thrilling next instalment, the secret society of Alexandrians is unmasked. Its newest recruits realize the institute is capable of raw, world-changing power. It’s also headed by a man with plans to change life as we know it – and these are already under way. But the cost of this knowledge is as high as the price of power, and each initiate must choose which faction to follow. Yet as events gather momentum and dangers multiply, which of their alliances will hold? Can friendships hold true and are enemies quite what they seem?Reader reviews for The Atlas Paradox:‘Olivie Blake has done it again’‘More of everything I loved from the first book’‘I was completely shocked. NOW I NEED BOOK 3’Trade ReviewBlake brilliantly uses fantasy trappings, and plenty of cliff hangers and twists, to tell a story that leaves readers questioning everything they believe to be true in the world she has created -- Library JournalThe Atlas Six introduces six of the most devious, talented, and flawed characters to ever find themselves in a magical library, and then sets them against one another in a series of stunning betrayals and reversals. As much a delicious contest of wit, will, and passion as it is of magic, this book is half mystery, half puzzle, and wholly a delight -- Holly Black on The Atlas SixLethally smart. Filled with a cast of brilliantly realized characters, each entangled with one another in torturously delicious ways, The Atlas Six will grip you by the throat and refuse to let go. Olivie Blake is a mind-blowing talent -- Chloe Gong on The Atlas SixThe Atlas Six will thrill those who love twisted plots, twisted relationships, and morally grey characters ready to kill for knowledge and power. Dark, ambitious, and engaging -- H. G. Parry on The Atlas SixCoolly horrific, brilliantly brainy and utterly compelling -- Daily Mail on The Atlas Six

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Book SynopsisThe second adventure in the exhilarating British Fantasy Award-nominated Copper Cat Trilogy. Epic fantasy for fans of Robin Hobb and Jay Kristoff''s Nevernight series. ''A fast-paced and original new voice in heroic fantasy'' Adrian Tchaikovsky , author of Children of Time Beware the dawning of a new mage...Wydrin of Crosshaven, Sir Sebastian and Lord Aaron Frith are experienced in the perils of stirring up the old gods. They are also familiar with defeating them, and the heroes of Baneswatch are now enjoying the perks of being very much in demand for their services. When a job comes up in the distant city of Skaldshollow, it looks like easy coin - retrieve a stolen item, admire the views, get paid. But in a place twisted and haunted by ancient magic, with the most infamous mage of them all, Joah Demonsworn, making a reappearance, our heroes soon find themselves thrTrade ReviewA fast-paced and original new voice in heroic fantasy -- Adrian TchaikovskyThe Copper Promise is dark, often bloody, frequently frightening, but there's also bucket loads of camaraderie, sarcasm, and an unashamed love of fantasy and the fantastic -- Den Patrick, author of The Boy with the Porcelain BladeWilliams has thrown out the rulebook and injected a fun tone into epic fantasy without lightening or watering-down the excitement and adventure... Highly recommended * Independent *A fresh take on classic tropes, this debut novel of dragons, lost magic and dungeon adventure is 21st century fantasy at its best * SFX magazine *The Copper Promise is near-perfect fantasy-adventure fun and a breath of fresh air . . . Read it and remind yourself what made you fall in love with fantasy * Starburst Magazine *A gripping, fast-paced adventure that's a must-read * SciFiNow *

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Book SynopsisIn the little town of Palomo Grove, two great armies are amassing; forces shaped from the hearts and souls of America.In this New York Times bestseller, Barker unveils one of the most ambitious imaginative landscapes in modern fiction, creating a new vocabulary for the age-old battle between good and evil. Carrying its readers from the first stirring of consciousness to a vision of the end of the world, The Great and Secret Show is a breathtaking journey in the company of a master storyteller.Trade ReviewPraise for Clive Barker: ‘An invocation of both magic and the imagination… A majestic maze of mythmaking’WASHINGTON TIMES ‘Passionate and ingenious… A ride with remarkable views’TIMES LITERARY SUPPLEMENT ‘A fabulous, engrossing war of the worlds’PEOPLE MAGAZINE ‘Barker dislocates your mind’MAIL ON SUNDAY

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Book SynopsisIn this extraordinary stand-alone novel, the authors and translator of Vita Nostra return with a story about creation, music, and companionship filled with their hallmark elements of subtle magic and fantasy.Late one night, fate brings together DJ Aspirin and ten-year-old Alyona. After he tries to save her from imminent danger, she ends up at his apartment. But in the morning sinister doubts set in. Who is Alyona? A young con artist? A plant for a nefarious blackmailer? Or perhaps a long-lost daughter Aspirin never knew existed? Whoever this mysterious girl is, she now refuses to leave.A game of cat-and-mouse has begun.Claiming that she is a musical prodigy, Alyona insists she must play a complicated violin piece to find her brother. Confused and wary, Aspirin knows one thing: he wants her out of his apartment and his life. Yet every attempt to get rid of her is thwarted by an unusual protector: her plush teddy bear that may just transform into a fearsome monster.Alyona tells Aspirin tTrade Review“Vita Nostra—a cross between Lev Grossman’s The Magicians and Elizabeth Kostova’s The Historian . . . is the anti-Harry Potter you didn’t know you wanted.”— Washington Post on Vita Nostra “Vita Nostra has become a powerful influence on my own writing. It’s a book that has the potential to become a modern classic of its genre, and I couldn’t be more excited to see it get the global audience in English it so richly deserves.”—Lev Grossman on Vita Nostra

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Book SynopsisFrom Olivie Blake, the bestselling author of The Atlas Six, One For My Enemy is a captivating fantasy story of ambition, sacrifice and the enduring power of family legacies.'Olivie Blake is a mind-blowing talent' - Chloe Gong, author of These Violent DelightsIn New York City, two rival witch families fight for the upper hand.The Antonova sisters are beautiful, cunning and ruthless, and their mother – known only as Baba Yaga – is the elusive supplier of premium intoxicants. Their adversaries, the influential Fedorov brothers, serve their crime boss father. Named Koschei the Deathless, his enterprise dominates the shadows of magical Manhattan.For twelve years, the families have maintained a fraught stalemate. Then everything is thrown into disarray. Bad blood carries them to the brink of disaster, even as fate draws together a brother and sister from either side. Yet the siblings still struggle for Trade ReviewThe Atlas Six introduces six of the most devious, talented, and flawed characters to ever find themselves in a magical library, and then sets them against one another in a series of stunning betrayals and reversals. As much a delicious contest of wit, will, and passion as it is of magic, this book is half mystery, half puzzle, and wholly a delight -- Holly Black on The Atlas SixLethally smart. Filled with a cast of brilliantly realized characters, each entangled with one another in torturously delicious ways, The Atlas Six will grip you by the throat and refuse to let go. Olivie Blake is a mind-blowing talent -- Chloe Gong on The Atlas SixThe Atlas Six will thrill those who love twisted plots, twisted relationships, and morally grey characters ready to kill for knowledge and power. Dark, ambitious, and engaging -- H. G. Parry on The Atlas SixCoolly horrific, brilliantly brainy and utterly compelling -- Daily Mail on The Atlas Six

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Book SynopsisTJ Klune is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling, Lambda Literary Award-winning author of The House in the Cerulean Sea, Under the Whispering Door, In the Lives of Puppets, Somewhere Beyond the Sea, the Green Creek series for adults, the Extraordinaries series for teens and more. Being queer himself, Klune believes it's important now more than ever to have accurate, positive queer representation in stories.Trade ReviewWolfsong is so well written that I'm in awe of TJ Klune's talent. The primary character, Ox, has huge feelings he can't articulate. But we know all of them, and we love him. The complex and startling world of Green Creek is the perfect setting -- Charlaine Harris, author of the Sookie Stackhouse seriesBeautiful, poetic, unbelievably compelling. ALL the stars -- Juliette Cross, author of the Stay a Spell series on WolfsongFans will be delighted -- Publishers WeeklyAn exciting start to the [Green Creek] series -- Library Journal on WolfsongI loved it. It is like being wrapped up in a big gay blanket. Simply perfect -- V. E. Schwab, author of the Shades of Magic series on The House in the Cerulean SeaThe House in the Cerulean Sea is a modern fairy tale about learning your true nature and what you love and will protect. It’s a beautiful book -- Charlaine Harris, author of Dead Until DarkUnder the Whispering Door is a kind book, full of faith in the goodness of people . . . It broke my heart with its unflinching understanding that grief never goes away, never empties, only settles into the room of your soul like a strange souvenir. And then it healed me in the next breath -- Cassandra Khaw, author of Nothing But Blackened TeethA whimsical, warm-hearted fantasy that suggests it is never too late to make a positive change in life – or afterwards -- The Guardian on Under the Whispering DoorTJ Klune is doing powerful work that inspires and impresses. He is a gift to our troubled times, and his novels are a radiant treat to all who discover them -- Locus Magazine on Under the Whispering Door

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Book SynopsisFrom the bestselling author of THE GREATCOATS: seven war mages with dark pasts must come together to fight an unknown enemy - but the stakes are higher than anyone can imagine . . . and someone's setting the seven up for a fall. Picture a wizard. Go ahead, close your eyes. There he is, see? Skinny old guy with a long straggly beard. The hat's a must, too, right? Big, floppy thing. Wouldn't want a simple steel helmet or something that might, you know, protect the part of him most needed for conjuring magical forces from being bashed in with a mace (or pretty much any household object). Yep. Behold the mighty wizard. Now open your eyes and let me show you what a real war mage looks like . . . but be warned: you're probably not going to like it, because we're violent, angry, dangerously broken people who sell our skills to the highest bidder and be damned to any moral or ethical considerations. My name is Cade Ombra, and though I currently make my living as a mercenary wonderist, I used to have a far more noble-sounding job title - until I discovered the people I worked for weren't quite as noble as I'd believed. Now I'm on the run and my only friend, a homicidal thunder mage, has invited me to join him on a suicide mission against the seven deadliest mages on the continent. Time to recruit some very bad people to help us on this job . . .Trade ReviewThere is no way you can read this book without a grin on your face * Financial Times *Chaotic energy, clever ideas and characters that stay with you after the final page * SFX *Brilliant and vivid world-building . . . riveting * Chad Stahelski, director of John Wick *With a contemporary style, relentless pace, and a unique and exciting magic system, The Malevolent Seven is an action-packed adventure that not only questions the true nature of heroes but the very meaning of good and evil * Michael J. Sullivan *Irreverent, foul-mouthed fun * Track of Words *A dark, comedic and bleak fantasy . . . breakneck and filled with twists and turns * Grimdark Magazine *A novel that wears its anti-hero credentials proudly on its sleeve * Geek Dad *de Castell doesn't get bogged down in the philosophizing. He lets his characters express the complexity and themes of the book through a propulsive and very fast-paced plot . . . this would make for a perfect summer beach read * The Fantasy Review *If you enjoy fantasy with clever plots, witty dialogue and characters with a keen sense of humour, you should keep The Malevolent Seven on your radar * Bibliosanctum *A march through mayhem. A unique mix of murderous mages, polymorphic angels, cunning demons, found family, and much more . . . one of my favourite books of the year, no question * FanFiAddict *This is de Castell without any restraints and writing complete chaos. It was a pleasure to read * Just Geeking By *A great time with bad people. The magic is fun, the cast is funny, and the quest is hopeless. I highly recommend you strap in and watch this diverse cast of rogues fall upward toward their goal with as much cursing and calamity as possible * The Quill to Live *Suffice to say if you enjoy your characters, magic and world on the darker side, aren't afraid of a little blood and enjoy found families who try to kill each other... this is the book for you * Becky's Book Blog *Full to the brim with magic, mayhem and danger. If you're looking for a book that will keep you guessing and keep you hooked right to the very last page, this one should definitely be on your wishlist * The Bibliophile Chronicles *This pulled me in from the first moments; it just felt like it was going to be fun - and it was * British Science Fiction Association *

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Book SynopsisThe crowning achievement of an astonishing career, Boneland' concludes the story that began over fifty years ago in The Weirdstone of Brisingamen'.If the sleeper wakes, the dream diesProfessor Colin Whisterfield spends his days at Jodrell Bank, using the radio telescope to look for his lost sister in the Pleiades. At the same time, and in another time, the Watcher cuts the rock and dances, to keep the sky above the earth and the stars flying.Colin can't remember; and he remembers too much. Before the age of twelve years and nine months is a blank. After that he recalls everything: where he was, what he was doing, in every minute of every hour of every day.But Colin will have to remember what happened when he was twelve, if he wants to find his sister. And the Watcher will have to find the Woman. Otherwise the skies will fall, and there will be only winter, wanderers and moonTrade Review‘From Harry Potter to The Hunger Games, adults have been enthusiastically been reading children’s books over recent years. Garner predates the cross over phenomenon by decades, but he has never been just a children’s writer: he’s far richer, odder and deeper than that’ Guardian ‘He deploys short, accurate words better than anyone else writing in English today, and he makes it look simple. Boneland is the strangest, but also the strongest of Garner’s books. It feels like a capstone to a career that has taken him, as a writer, to remarkable places, and returned him to the same place he started, to the landscape of Alderley Edge and to the sleepers under the hill’ The Times ‘Boneland hooks into the mind, haunting, provoking…This novel functions like a dream, containing hints at insights that, once we wake, we yearn to grasp again’ Telegraph ‘There is much left unexplained. However, this is a novel for all the children who loved ‘The Weirdstone Of Brisingamen’ but who have now grown up.’ Four out of Five stars. Sarah Kingsford, Express

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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 SynopsisSet in modern and ancient Provence, this exhilarating,moving novel casts brilliant light on the ways in whichhistory whether of a culture or a family refuses to be buried.Ned Marriner, fifteen years old, has accompanied his photographer father to Provence for a six-week shoot of images for a glossy coffee-table book. Gradually, Ned discovers a very old story playing itself out in this modern world of iPods, cellphones, and seven-seater vans whipping along roads walked by Celtic tribes and the Roman Legions.On one holy, haunted night of the ancient year, when the borders between the living and the dead are down and fires are lit upon the hills, Ned, his family, and his friends, are shockingly drawn into this tale, as dangerous, mythic figures from conflicts of long ago erupt into the present, claiming and changing lives.Trade Review"Evocative writing … fascinating characters … will enthrall mainstream as well as fantasy readers."Publishers Weekly [starred review] "Ysabel is a pure pleasure to read for fans of history, mythology or pure highspirited adventure. It works on all levels."Interzone "An explorer of history and myths, Kay has a special affinity for the people behind the larger-than-life legends that persist through time. His latest fantasy blends time and place in a crossing of worlds and universal truths. Highly recommended."Library Journal (starred review) "Outstanding characters, folklore, and action add up to another Kay must-read."Booklist "Blending historical fantasy and psychological thriller with a paranormal-powered coming-of-age tale, Ysabel will not only appeal to adult fantasy readers but also to adolescents who have enjoyed authors that feature compelling teen protagonists-such as J. K. Rowling and Christopher Paolini."Barnesandnoble.com Kay's Ysabel is a wonderful read for lovers of historical novels, and has all the qualities necessary to turn teenagers on to historical novels, and to history."Canadian Literature "Kay's language is poetic and thought-provoking, and his sensitively drawn characters are the perfect complement. This is a mythic tale that will linger in the reader's mind long after the book is finished."January 2007 Top Pick: Romantic Times

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Book SynopsisThis mischievous Malaysian-set novel is an adventure featuring family, ghosts and local gods - from Hugo Award winning novelist Zen Cho.'A sharp and bittersweet story of past and future, ghosts and gods and family, that kept me turning pages into the dark hours of the night' – Naomi Novik, author of UprootedHer grandmother may be dead, but she's not done with life . . . yet.As Jessamyn packs for Malaysia, it’s not a good time to start hearing a bossy voice in her head. Broke, jobless and just graduated, she’s abandoning America to return ‘home’. But she last saw Malaysia as a toddler – and is completely unprepared for its ghosts, gods and her eccentric family’s shenanigans.Jess soon learns her ‘voice’ belongs to Ah Ma, her late grandmother. She worshipped the Black Water Sister, a local deity. And when a business magnate dared to offend her goddess, Ah Ma swore revenge. Now she’s decided Jess will help, whether she wants to or not.As Ah Ma blackmails Jess into compliance, Jess fights to retain control. But her irrepressible relative isn’t going to let a little thing like death stop her, when she can simply borrow Jess’s body to make mischief. As Jess is drawn ever deeper into a world of peril and family secrets, getting a job becomes the least of her worries.‘This may be Zen Cho's best work yet’ – Karen Lord, author of The Best of All Possible Worlds‘A compelling and deftly written ghost story' – Kate Elliott, author of Cold MagicTrade ReviewZen Cho's brilliant and distinct voice brings worlds to life on the page. A sharp and bittersweet story of past and future, ghosts and gods and family, that kept me turning pages into the dark hours of the night -- Naomi Novik, author of UprootedTold with love and humour, Black Water Sister is both ode and accusation to all the ties that bind - to family, duty and home. Thrilling and terrifying, honest and hopeful, this may be Zen Cho's best work yet -- Karen Lord, author of The Best of All Possible WorldsA creepily atmospheric and surprisingly heartwarming tale of gangsters, family, and spirits -- Aliette de Bodard, author of The House of Shattered WingsZen Cho’s Black Water Sister is a perfect blend of ghosts, gods, and the eternal bonds of family ties. Set in the gorgeous backdrop of Penang, Jess reunites with her extended family and navigate the world of spirits and gangsters. This novel is perfect for readers craving an otherworldly, atmospheric fantasy -- Roselle Lim, author of Natalie Tan's Book of Luck and FortuneZen Cho’s Black Water Sister is the diaspora fantasy of my dreams – funny, creepy, and heartfelt. Jessamyn Teoh never wanted to be haunted by her sassy, score-settling grandmother, but when she moves from America to her parents’ hometown in Malaysia, she must navigate family, gods, ghosts and old grudges in this compelling and heartwarming ghost story -- Vanessa Len, author of Only a MonsterA thrilling modern fantasy tale packed to the brim with deliciously petty spirits, intriguing family secrets, and an achingly tender personal journey for our thoroughly relatable heroine. I absolutely loved it -- Sarah Kuhn, author of the Heroine Complex seriesA compelling and deftly written ghost story of a young woman's passage through the grudges and tragedies of her family's past to find a path into a future she chooses for herself -- Kate Elliott, author of Cold MagicGhosts, gods, and supernatural vengeance collide in vividly-depicted modern day Malaysia to create a contemporary fantasy story that’s full of voice and heart. At turns suspenseful, poignant and hilarious, Black Water Sister is an addictive tale of personal identity, family secrets, and culture clash -- Fonda Lee, author of Jade CityCho’s multifaceted characters, like her masterful plot, are never quite what they first appear. Unpredictable twists keep the pages turning while the comic but endearing relationship between Jess and her sassy grandmother provides the story’s heart. This is must-read fantasy -- Publishers WeeklyClever, funny and compulsively readable – I loved it! -- Lavie Tidhar on The True QueenAn enchanting cross between Georgette Heyer and Susannah Clarke, full of delights and surprises. Zen Cho unpins the edges of the canvas and throws them wide -- Naomi Novik on Sorcerer to the CrownA captivating debut . . . tells an entertaining story with wit and consummate skill -- Guardian on Sorcerer to the Crown

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Book SynopsisMexico City, 1988. Long before iTunes or MP3s, you said "I love you" with a mixtape. Meche, awkward and fifteen, discovers how to cast spells using music, and with her friends Sebastian and Daniela will piece together their broken families, and even find love... Two decades after abandoning the metropolis, Meche returns for her estranged father's funeral, reviving memories from her childhood she thought she buried a long time ago. What really happened back then? Is there any magic left?Trade Review"Haunting and beautifully nuanced, Signal to Noise is a magical first novel." -- The Guardian * The Guardian *“Plenty of books use magic to talk about coming-of-age stories and the secrets that people bury… but few of them are as sad, or as evocative, as Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s new novel Signal to Noise.” -- io9 * io9 *“Vibrantly new… one of the most important fantasy debuts of the year.” -- Locus * Locus Magazine *“Numerous ’80s musical references make this unusual story a welcome blast from the past.” -- Publisher’s Weekly * Publishers Weekly *“In many ways, Signal to Noise is a coming-of-age tale, but it’s also the tale of what comes after – and what happens when forces beyond our control, magical or otherwise, are better left that way.” -- NPR * NPR *“The book is this rich, elaborate symphony of awesome that defies simple definitions.” -- Kirkus * Kirkus Reviews *“Signal to Noise is a perfect young adult crossover novel, full of appeal, diverse characters & setting, wonderful writing–and magic.” -- School Library Journal * School Library Journal *“This charming literary fantasy will resonate for readers of all ages.” -- Barnes & Noble Sci-Fi and Fantasy Blog * The Barnes & Noble SF&F Blog *“If you like well drawn characters, cool tunes and lashings and lashings of nostalgia, then you should check this out.” -- Starburst Magazine * Starburst Magazine *“Refreshing, lively and unique, Moreno-Garcia’s debut novel is a triumph.” -- RT Book Reviews * RT Book Reviews *

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Book SynopsisOx Matheson was twelve when his father taught him a lesson: Ox wasn’t worth anything and people would never understand him. Then he left.Ox was sixteen when the energetic Bennett family moved in next door, harbouring a secret that would change him forever. For the family are shapeshifters, who can transform into wolves at will. Drawn to their magic, loyalty and enduring friendships, Ox feels a gulf between this extraordinary new world and the quiet life he’s known. He also finds an ally in Joe, the youngest Bennett boy. Joe is charming and handsome, but haunted by scars he cannot heal.Ox was twenty-three when murder came to town, and tore a hole in his heart. Violence flared, tragedy split the pack and Joe left town, leaving Ox behind. Three years later, the boy is back. Except now he’s a man - and Ox can no longer ignore the song that howls between them.Wolfsong is the first book in the Green Creek series by bestselling author TJ Trade ReviewI loved it. It is like being wrapped up in a big gay blanket. Simply perfect -- V. E. Schwab on The House in the Cerulean SeaThe House in the Cerulean Sea is a modern fairy tale about learning your true nature and what you love and will protect. It’s a beautiful book -- Charlaine HarrisUnder the Whispering Door is a kind book, full of faith in the goodness of people . . . It broke my heart with its unflinching understanding that grief never goes away, never empties, only settles into the room of your soul like a strange souvenir. And then it healed me in the next breath -- Cassandra Khaw on Under the Whispering DoorA whimsical, warm-hearted fantasy that suggests it is never too late to make a positive change in life – or afterwards -- The Guardian on Under the Whispering DoorTJ Klune is doing powerful work that inspires and impresses. He is a gift to our troubled times, and his novels are a radiant treat to all who discover them -- Locus Magazine on Under the Whispering Door

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Book Synopsis'Kimberly Lemming is doing god's work, I swear. Finally, well written, funny, steamy (the sex scenes, whoa) fantasy romance with heroines who look like me. Finally!' Amazon reviewAnyone else ever thrown a drink at someone's head, only to miss entirely and hit a stranger behind them? Then have that stranger fall madly in love with you because it turned out that drink you threw was a love potion? No, just me? Well, damn.Dealing with a pirate ship full of demons that just moved into town was hard enough. Now on top of it, I have to convince a werewolf that I'm not his fated mate, he's just drugged. Easier said than done.Though I have to say, having a gorgeous man show up and do all of your chores while telling you you're beautiful isn't the worst thing to happen to a girl.'[P]erfect entertainment for my stressed out brain, and I was definitely rooting for those two wacky kids to have their HEA' Smart Bitches, Trashy Books on That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a DemonTrade ReviewThe one thing you can expect from Lemming is superb banter, humor, and sexy time. I thought I was going to be able to just read a few pages before bed, nope I devoured book 2 * Goodreads review *Lighthearted, spicy as hell, and legitimately laugh-out-loud funny, I would absolutely recommend for anyone looking to escape for a couple of hours into a romantic romp involving cheese puns, banter, and even a giant lobster! * Goodreads review *This book, this series. Phenomenal. A perfect blend of a modern girl in a fantasy world * Amazon review (of the US edition) *One of the freshest voices in fantasy romance! This book has it all: spice, humor, and a world I want to get lost in! * Katee Robert on THAT TIME I GOT DRUNK AND SAVED A DEMON *

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Book SynopsisThe Atlas Complex marks the much-anticipated, heart-shattering conclusion in Olivie Blake's trilogy that began with the internationally bestselling dark academic phenomenon, The Atlas Six.Only the extraordinary are chosen. Only the cunning survive.An explosive return to the library leaves the six Alexandrians vulnerable to the lethal terms of their recruitment.Old alliances quickly fracture as the initiates take opposing strategies as to how to deal with the deadly bargain they have so far failed to uphold. Those who remain with the archives wrestle with the ethics of their astronomical abilities; elsewhere, an unlikely pair partner to influence politics on a global stage.And still the outside world mobilizes to destroy them — while the Caretaker himself, Atlas Blakely, may yet succeed with a plan foreseen to have world-ending stakes. It’s a race to survive as the six Society recruits are faced with the question of what they're willing to betray for limitless power — and who will be destroyed along the way.Discover the stunning finale to The Atlas Six trilogy that fans are dying to read'Desperately excited to be emotionally devastated' - @literamie'I never want the series to end but I need answers!' - @thelibraryofdais'Until I have a copy of the book in my hands, I will not know peace' - @vivafalastinleen'Words can't express how excited I am' - @joereadsTrade ReviewThe Atlas Six introduces six of the most devious, talented, and flawed characters to ever find themselves in a magical library, and then sets them against one another in a series of stunning betrayals and reversals. As much a delicious contest of wit, will, and passion as it is of magic, this book is half mystery, half puzzle, and wholly a delight -- Holly Black, author of Book of Night on The Atlas SixLethally smart. Filled with a cast of brilliantly realized characters, each entangled with one another in torturously delicious ways, The Atlas Six will grip you by the throat and refuse to let go. Olivie Blake is a mind-blowing talent -- Chloe Gong, author of These Violent Delights on The Atlas SixThe Atlas Six will thrill those who love twisted plots, twisted relationships, and morally grey characters ready to kill for knowledge and power. Dark, ambitious, and engaging -- H. G. Parry, author of The Magician's Daughter on The Atlas SixBlake brilliantly uses fantasy trappings, and plenty of cliff hangers and twists, to tell a story that leaves readers questioning everything they believe to be true in the world she has created -- Library Journal on The Atlas Paradox

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