Dark 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 Synopsis“If this is madness,” she whispered almost against his lips, “drown me in it.”Corvina Clemm is a woman with secrets. The last thing she expects to receive is an admission letter from the University of Verenmore, a place just as secretive.A castle atop a mountain, Verenmore is steeped in shadows, deceit and death, a place where students have been disappearing every five years for over a century. As Corvina becomes caught up in unravelling the clues to solve the mystery, her path collides with Vad Deverell, her enigmatic professor.Vad, too, is a man with secrets. And he cannot allow Corvina to get close enough to discover what he hides. But whenever she is near, his heart and soul yearn to possess her.As Corvina and Vad become more and more entangled, their passion for each other could be the very thing to solve the mystery of Verenmore – or it could bring them both down in flames.Trade Review“Spine-tingling, atmospheric, sexy, and macabre,Gothikana is gothic romance and dark academia in its finest form.” — Jessica, Chatterbooks Book Blog“This story is filled with twists and turns that keeps you guessing till the very end and the steam was just chef’s kiss! This was such a phenomenal story.” — Mandy’s Book Reviews“If you are looking for a story that is unexpected and different from anything you have ever read -Gothikana is that story. I was enthralled with every word and could not stop reading.” — Bookgasms Book Blog“To sum it up into one word, this book is haunting. It consumed my mind and I lived and breathed Verenmore until the very last page. This is a gothic romance, dark academia at its finest.” — Sam, S.Rae.Reads“Favorite read of the whole DAMN YEAR.” — Jean, RomanticDeception“Details, y’all. It’s all in the freaking details. This book was creepy and haunting and gothic and heavy with both psychological and sexual tension. I think I’m obsessed.” — Lauren, Coffee and the Bibliophile“Mary Shelley would be proud” -- FanFiAddict

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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 SynopsisCollection of four dark novellas set in the Alice series universe. Lovely Creature In the New City lives a girl with a secret: Elizabeth can do magic. But someone knows her secret--someone who has a secret of his own. That secret is a butterfly that lives in a jar, a butterfly that was supposed to be gone forever, a butterfly that used to be called the Jabberwock... Girl in Amber Alice and Hatcher are just looking for a place to rest. Alice has been dreaming of a cottage by a lake and a field of wildflowers, but while walking blind in a snowstorm she stumbles into a house that only seems empty and abandoned... When I First Came to Town Hatcher wasn't always Hatcher. Once, he was a boy called Nicholas, and Nicholas fancied himself the best fighter in the Old City. No matter who fought him he always won. Then his boss tells him he's going to battle the fearsome Grinder, a man who never leaves his opponents alive... The Mercy Seat There is a place hidden in the mountains, where all the people hate and fear magic and Magicians. It is the Village of the Pure, and though Alice and Hatcher would do anything to avoid it, it lies directly in their path...

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Book SynopsisFrom the publisher that brought you Game of Thrones Prince of Thorns is the first volume in a powerful new epic fantasy trilogy, original, absorbing and challenging.Before the thorns taught me their sharp lessons and bled weakness from me I had but one brother, and I loved him well. But those days are gone and what is left of them lies in my mother''s tomb. Now I have many brothers, quick with knife and sword, and as evil as you please. We ride this broken empire and loot its corpse. They say these are violent times, the end of days when the dead roam and monsters haunt the night. All that''s true enough, but there''s something worse out there, in the dark. Much worse.From being a privileged royal child, raised by a loving mother, Jorg Ancrath has become the Prince of Thorns, a charming, immoral boy leading a grim band of outlaws in a series of raids and atrocities. The world is in chaos: violence is rife, nightmares everywhere. Jorg has the ability to master the living and the dead, but there is still one thing that puts a chill in him. Returning to his father''s castle Jorg must confront horrors from his childhood and carve himself a future with all hands turned against him.Mark Lawrence''s debut novel tells a tale of blood and treachery, magic and brotherhood and paints a compelling and brutal, and sometimes beautiful, picture of an exceptional boy on his journey toward manhood and the throne.Trade Review‘An excellent writer.’ George R.R. Martin ‘Dark and relentless, Prince of Thorns will pull you under and drown you in story. A two in the morning page turner. Jaw-dropping’Robin Hobb ‘This is a lean, cold knife-thrust of a novel, a revenge fantasy anchored on the compelling voice and savage purpose of its titular Prince. There is never a safe moment in Lawrence’s debut’Robert Redick, author of The Red-Wolf Conspiracy 'Prince of Thorns got hold of me from page one and didn’t let go until I finished it on my second reading session on the second day. There’s humour here, gut-wrenching realism, high adventure, something that might be magic in the story, and certainly is in the telling of it. It was almost as if the shade of David Gemmell had returned, somewhat nastier for the experience. Thoroughly recommended. Thanks Mr Lawrence'Neal Asher 'Prince of Thorns is one of this year’s most anticipated fantasy debuts; and now I know why! It's incredible'civilian-reader.blogspot.com

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Book SynopsisHBO's hit series A GAME OF THRONES is based on George R R Martin's internationally bestselling series A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE, the greatest fantasy epic of the modern age. A GAME OF THRONES is the first volume in the series.So vivid that you'll be hooked within a few pages' The TimesSummers span decades. Winter can last a lifetime. And the struggle for the Iron Throne has begun.As Warden of the north, Lord Eddard Stark counts it a curse when King Robert bestows on him the office of the Hand. His honour weighs him down at court where a true man does what he will, not what he must and a dead enemy is a thing of beauty.The old gods have no power in the south, Stark's family is split and there is treachery at court. Worse, the vengeance-mad heir of the deposed Dragon King has grown to maturity in exile in the Free Cities. He claims the Iron Throne.Trade Review‘Colossal, staggering… Martin captures all the intoxicating complexity of the Wars of the Roses or Imperial Rome in his imaginary world … one of the greats of fantasy literature’SFX ‘This is one of those rare and effortless reads’ ROBIN HOBB ‘George R.R. Martin is one of our very best writers, and this is one of his very best books’ RAYMOND E. FEIST ‘Such a splendid tale. I read my eyes out – I couldn’t stop till I’d finished and it was dawn’ ANNE MCCAFFREY ‘George Martin is assuredly a new master craftsman in the guild of heroic fantasy’ KATHARINE KERR ‘Few created worlds are as imaginative and diverse’ JANNY WURTS

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Book SynopsisCarissa Broadbent has been concerning teachers and parents with mercilessly grim tales since she was roughly nine years old. Since then, her stories have gotten (slightly) less depressing and (hopefully a lot?) more readable. Today, she writes novels that blend epic fantasy plots with a heaping dose of romance. She lives with her husband, her son, one very badly behaved rabbit and one perpetually sceptical cat in Rhode Island. She is the author of the New York Times bestselling Crowns of Nyaxia series, starting with The Serpent and the Wings of Night.Trade ReviewAn addictive enemies-to-lovers romance . . . Fans of dark romantasy won’t want to miss this -- Publishers Weekly, Starred Review[A] haunting, action-packed political fantasy with a doomed romance at its center, full of heartbreak and intrigue -- Library Journal, Starred ReviewCarissa Broadbent's The Serpent & the Wings of Night has all the fun of A Court of Thorns and Roses, but it will also appeal to Twilight fans because vampires are at the centre of the novel * Insider *If you are a fan of dangerous fantasy worlds, bloodthirsty vampires, swoon-worthy romance and a completely terrifying deadly competition, The Serpent & the Wings of Night is going to be a book you will love * Book Briefs *Brace yourself for an emotional roller coaster packed with action, heart-wrenching romance, dark magic, and suspense -- The Snug BookwormI read it in one sitting, in one night, and loved it. Carissa Broadbent just has a writing style that lets me fall into her books and not even notice how long I've been reading until hours later * Lauren's Bookshelf *Danger, intrigue and a hell of a lot of blood are splashed across the pages of Carissa Broadbent’s gripping fantasy romance -- BookpageUnputdownable! -- First For Women

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Book SynopsisTHE #1 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLERA sparkling debut fantasy with Celtic tones set on the magical isle of Cadence where two childhood enemies must team up to discover why girls are going missing from their clan.Enchantments run deep on the magical Isle of Cadence.The capricious spirits that live there find mirth in the lives of the humans who call the land home, but that mischief turns to malevolence as girls begin to go missing.Adaira, heiress of the east, knows the spirits only answer to a bard's music, enticing them to return the missing girls. But there's only one bard capable of drawing the spirits forth by song: her childhood enemy, Jack Tamerlaine.He hasn't stepped foot on Cadence in ten long years, content to study music at the Mainland university. But as Jack and Adaira reluctantly work together it becomes apparent the trouble with the spirits is far more sinister than first thought and an older, darker secret lurks beneath the surface, threatening to undo them all.An alluring and rich tale, at once a fast-paced mystery and a love story as warm as a hearth'Ava Reid, bestselling author of The Wolf and the WoodsmanTrade ReviewPRAISE FOR REBECCA ROSS: ‘Will capture readers from the start’Adrienne Young, New York Times bestselling author of Sky in the Deep ‘I adored this magical story about the unbreakable bond between sisters’Kristen Ciccarelli, internationally bestselling author of The Last Namsara ‘A beautifully-crafted story of sacrifice, growth, and redemption’Elly Blake, New York Times bestselling author of the Frostblood Series

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Book SynopsisHBO's hit series A GAME OF THRONES is based on George R R Martin's internationally bestselling series A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE, the greatest fantasy epic of the modern age. A CLASH OF KINGS is the second volume in the series.Nobody does fantasy quite like Martin' Sunday TimesThroughout Westeros, the cold winds are rising.From the ancient citadel of Dragonstone to the forbidding lands of Winterfell, chaos reigns as pretenders to the Iron Throne of the Seven Kingdoms stake their claims through tempest, turmoil and war.As a prophecy of doom cuts across the sky a comet the colour of blood and flame five factions struggle for control of a divided land. Brother plots against brother and the dead rise to walk in the night.Against a backdrop of incest, fratricide, alchemy and murder, the price of glory is measured in blood.Trade Review‘Colossal, staggering… Martin captures all the intoxicating complexity of the Wars of the Roses or Imperial Rome in his imaginary world … one of the greats of fantasy literature’SFX ‘This is one of those rare and effortless reads’ ROBIN HOBB ‘George R.R. Martin is one of our very best writers, and this is one of his very best books’ RAYMOND E. FEIST ‘Such a splendid tale. I read my eyes out – I couldn’t stop till I’d finished and it was dawn’ ANNE MCCAFFREY ‘George Martin is assuredly a new master craftsman in the guild of heroic fantasy’ KATHARINE KERR ‘Few created worlds are as imaginative and diverse’ JANNY WURTS

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Book SynopsisBloodthirsty, treacherous and cunning, the Lannisters are in power on the Iron Throne in the name of the boy-king Tommen. But fear and deceit are in the air: their enemies are poised to strike. The Martells of Dorne seek vengeance for their dead, and the heir of King Balon of the Iron Isles is as black a pirate as ever raised a sail.Trade Review‘Colossal, staggering… Martin captures all the intoxicating complexity of the Wars of the Roses or Imperial Rome in his imaginary world … one of the greats of fantasy literature’SFX ‘This is one of those rare and effortless reads’ ROBIN HOBB ‘George R.R. Martin is one of our very best writers, and this is one of his very best books’ RAYMOND E. FEIST ‘Such a splendid tale. I read my eyes out – I couldn’t stop till I’d finished and it was dawn’ ANNE MCCAFFREY ‘George Martin is assuredly a new master craftsman in the guild of heroic fantasy’ KATHARINE KERR ‘Few created worlds are as imaginative and diverse’ JANNY WURTS

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Book SynopsisTHE INSTANT NO. 1 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLERA wonderful, gritty, explosively violent, and beautifully realised debut'DAILY MAILGODKILLERwill have you in its grasp from the first pages'Samantha Shannon, bestselling author of PRIORY OF THE ORANGE TREEYou are not welcome here, godkiller Kissen's family were killed by zealots of a fire god. Now, she makes a living killing gods, and enjoys it. That is until she finds a god she cannot kill: Skedi, a god of white lies, has somehow bound himself to a young noble, and they are both on the run from unknown assassins.Joined by a disillusioned knight on a secret quest, they must travel to the ruined city of Blenraden, where the last of the wild gods reside, to each beg a favour.Pursued by demons, and in the midst of burgeoning civil war, they will all face a reckoning something is rotting at the heart of their world, and only they can be the ones to stop it.Trade Review A COSMOPOLITAN and INDEPENDENT best book of 2023 ‘A wonderful, gritty, explosively violent, and beautifully realised debut built around a mismatched trio’s classic quest’ DAILY MAIL ‘Kaner’s debut offers all the bloodshed, demons, and magic a fantasy fan could want, while championing contemporary values such an inclusivity’FINANCIAL TIMES ‘Fantasy lovers like me can’t wait for this one!’ COSMOPOLITAN ‘A fascinating and engaging dark fantasy adventure reminiscent of Sapkowski’s THE WITCHER’ GRIMDARK ‘Dark, gritty and highly immersive’THE FANTASY HIVE ‘Violent, bawdy, beautifully imagined, and intensely felt, GODKILLER is a bone-rattling fantasy thriller that flies by in a breathtaking rush’Joe Hill, #1 NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author of HEART-SHAPED BOX and HORNS ‘Holy heck, this book isso good. A disabled bisexual mercenary heroine who murders gods, a former solider turned baker with a troubled past, a noble child linked to the god of white lies… You need this story in your life!’Katee Robert, NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author of THE DARK OLYMPUS series ‘A fresh and confident debut, GODKILLER will have you in its grasp from the first pages. Led by a cast of spirited characters, it leaps and bounds to the beat of its own golden heart, building to an epic clash of wills. Hannah Kaner has taken her first great strides in what is sure to be an extraordinary journey’Samantha Shannon, SUNDAY TIMES bestselling author of PRIORY OF THE ORANGE TREE ‘Full of fire, each page scalding, Hannah Kaner's GODKILLER is an explosive debut that will leave you reeling’Saara El-Arifi,SUNDAY TIMES bestselling author of THE FINAL STRIFE ‘Epic and intimate, tender and sharp, GODKILLER is a triumph of storytelling and the beginning of a story that I can’t wait to follow’Hannah Whitten, NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author of FOR THE WOLF

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Book Synopsis Special unjacketed hardback edition of the first part of J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic masterpiece, The Lord of the Rings. This edition features the complete story with a unique cover design embellished with gold foil and the iconic maps of Middle-earth appearing in red and black as endpapers. Trade Review‘Extraordinarily imaginative, and wholly exciting’The Times ‘The story itself is superb’Observer ‘A most remarkable feat’Guardian ‘Masterpiece? Oh yes’Evening Standard ‘An astonishing imaginative tour de force’Daily Telegraph

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Book Synopsis''This book is bloody brilliant''V.E. SchwabA ripping read'Joe AbercrombieThe SUNDAY TIMES and NEW YORK TIMES bestseller from the award-winning author of the Nevernight ChronicleIt has been twenty-seven long years since the last sunrise.Ever since, vampires have waged war against humanity building their eternal empire even as they tear down our own. Gabriel de León, half man, half monster, and last remaining silversaint a sworn brother of the holy Silver Order dedicated to defending the realm from the creatures of the night is all that stands between the world and its end.Imprisoned by the very monsters he has vowed to destroy Gabriel is forced to tell his story a story of legendary battles and forbidden love, of faith lost and friendships won, of the War of the Blood and the Forever King and the quest for humanity's last remaining hope:The Holy Grail.Featuring the darkly beautiful illustrations of Bon Orthwick (@monolimeart)Preorder the hotly anticipated sequel, Empire of the Damned, now.Trade Review‘A gothic bloodbath that will leave any reader breathless. The story is a vast apocalyptic canvass, reminiscent of Justin Cronin’s THE PASSAGE or even Stephen King’s THE STAND, yet Kristoff’s work stands on its own ruthless merit as the opening gambit of a richer tale yet to unfold. I can’t wait to return again to this rich, lush, and bloody world. Until then, read this book now!’— James Rollins, No.1 NEW YORK TIMES author of THE LAST ODYSSEY and THE STARLESS CROWN ‘A wonderfully crafted tale, the pieces as meticulously interlocked as fine woodwork. A chilling new take on vampire lore and those who must battle that darkness. EMPIRE OF THE VAMPIRE looks fearlessly at how ruthless Good must become when confronted with unrelenting Evil’— Robin Hobb, SUNDAY TIMES and NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author 'Brilliant and unputdownable, with tenderness and light bound into the bitter dark of a grim and fascinating world'— Laini Taylor, NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author of STRANGE THE DREAMER 'This book is bloody brilliant'— V.E Schwab, NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author of THE INVISIBLE LIFE OF ADDIE LARUE Praise for The Nevernight Chronicle: ‘If you love Robin Hobb or George R.R. Martin, you will adore NEVERNIGHT’— STARBURST ‘With a delicate balance of the ancient and the magical, this tense and brutal tale is unflinching, thrilling and satisfying’— PUBLISHERS WEEKLY ‘Joins lyrical high fantasy, Pratchett-like humour and unflinching descriptions of violence . . . something special’— SCIFI NOW

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Book SynopsisThe second book in the Broken Empire series, Lawrence takes his young anti-hero one step closer to his grand ambition.To reach greatness you must step on bodies, and many brothers lie trodden in my wake. I've walked from pawn to player and I'll win this game of ours, though the cost of it may drown the world in bloodThe land burns with the fires of a hundred battles as lords and petty kings fight for the Broken Empire. The long road to avenge the slaughter of his mother and brother has shown Prince Honorous Jorg Ancrath the hidden hands behind this endless war. He saw the game and vowed to sweep the board. First though he must gather his own pieces, learn the rules of play, and discover how to break them.A six nation army, twenty thousand strong, marches toward Jorg''s gates, led by a champion beloved of the people. Every decent man prays this shining hero will unite the empire and heal its wounds. Every omen says he will. Every good king knows to bend the knee in the face of overwhelmTrade Review‘An excellent writer.’ George R.R. Martin ‘Dark and relentless, Prince of Thorns will pull you under and drown you in story. A two-in-the-morning page turner. Absolutely stunning… jaw-dropping’ROBIN HOBB ‘Excellent – on a par with George R.R. Martin’CONN IGGULDEN ‘[A] morbidly gripping, gritty fantasy tale.’Publishers Weekly ‘Lawrence’s poetic prose is amazing, far and away the best of the modern fantasy authors’PETER V. BRETT

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Book SynopsisHBO's hit series A GAME OF THRONES is based on George R R Martin's internationally bestselling series A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE, the greatest fantasy epic of the modern age.A DANCE WITH DRAGONS: DREAMS AND DUST is the FIRST part of the fifth volume in the series.Richly satisfying and utterly engrossing' Sunday TimesIn the aftermath of a colossal battle, new threats are emerging from every direction.Tyrion Lannister, having killed his father, and wrongfully accused of killing his nephew, King Joffrey, has escaped from King's Landing with a price on his head.To the north lies the great Wall of ice and stone a structure only as strong as those guarding it. Eddard Stark''s bastard son Jon Snow has been elected 998th Lord Commander of the Night's Watch. But Jon has enemies both inside and beyond the Wall. And in the east Daenerys Targaryen struggles to hold a city built on dreams and dust.Trade Review‘Colossal, staggering… Martin captures all the intoxicating complexity of the Wars of the Roses or Imperial Rome in his imaginary world … one of the greats of fantasy literature’SFX ‘This is one of those rare and effortless reads’ ROBIN HOBB ‘George R.R. Martin is one of our very best writers, and this is one of his very best books’ RAYMOND E. FEIST ‘Such a splendid tale. I read my eyes out – I couldn’t stop till I’d finished and it was dawn’ ANNE MCCAFFREY ‘George Martin is assuredly a new master craftsman in the guild of heroic fantasy’ KATHARINE KERR ‘Few created worlds are as imaginative and diverse’ JANNY WURTS

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Book SynopsisWith this rich, masterfully written extravaganza of myth and magic, the internationally acclaimed author of THE FIONAVAR TAPESTRY trilogy has created an epic that will forever change the boundaries of fantasy fiction.Set in a beleaguered land caught in a web of tyranny, Tigana is the deeply moving story of a people struggling to be free. A people so cursed by the dark sorceries of the tyrant King Brandin that even the very name of their once beautiful land cannot be spoken or remembered.But not everyone has forgotten. A handful of men and women, driven by love, hope and pride, set in motion the dangerous quest for freedom and bring back to the world the lost brightness of an obliterated name: Tigana.Trade ReviewPraise for TIGANA: ‘Flair, glamour and unstudied romance’ Sunday Express ‘An enchanting, colourful fantasy adventure’ Time Out ‘A huge book, packed with action, I enjoyed it all’ The Times ‘[Tigana] is so perfect I don’t think I could bear it if Kay wrote a sequel’ Interzone ‘One of the best fantasy novels I have read’ Anne McCaffery ‘Kay shows why he’s the heir to Tolkien’s tradition’ Booklist ‘A richly sensuous fantasy world, full of evocative history, religions, folklore, local customs, and a magical rites…a bravura performance, nearly impossible to put down’ Kirkus Reviews Praise for Guy Gavriel Kay: ‘Kay has delievered such a magnificent conclusion – I can’t praise it enough. THE FIONAVAR TAPESTRY will be read and reread for many years to com’ Fantasy Review ‘Packed with action’ The Times ‘A brilliant and complex portrayal of good and evil’ Publishers Weekly

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Book SynopsisHBO's hit series A GAME OF THRONES is based on George R R Martin's internationally bestselling series A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE, the greatest fantasy epic of the modern age.A STORM OF SWORDS: BLOOD AND GOLD is the SECOND part of the third volume in the series.Colossal, staggering . . . one of the greats' SFXThe Starks are scattered.Robb Stark may be King in the North, but he must bend to the will of the old tyrant Walder Frey if he is to hold his crown. And while his youngest sister, Arya, has escaped the clutches of the depraved Cersei Lannister and her son, the capricious boy-king Joffrey, Sansa Stark remains their captive.Meanwhile, across the ocean, Daenerys Stormborn, the last heir of the Dragon King, delivers death to the slave-trading cities of Astapor and Yunkai as she approaches Westeros with vengeance in her heart.Trade Review‘Colossal, staggering… Martin captures all the intoxicating complexity of the Wars of the Roses or Imperial Rome in his imaginary world … one of the greats of fantasy literature’SFX ‘This is one of those rare and effortless reads’ ROBIN HOBB ‘George R.R. Martin is one of our very best writers, and this is one of his very best books’ RAYMOND E. FEIST ‘Such a splendid tale. I read my eyes out – I couldn’t stop till I’d finished and it was dawn’ ANNE MCCAFFREY ‘George Martin is assuredly a new master craftsman in the guild of heroic fantasy’ KATHARINE KERR ‘Few created worlds are as imaginative and diverse’ JANNY WURTS

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Book Synopsis Special unjacketed hardback edition of the final part of J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic masterpiece, The Lord of the Rings. This edition features the complete story with a unique cover design embellished with silver foil and the iconic maps appearing in red and black as endpapers. Trade Review‘Extraordinarily imaginative, and wholly exciting’The Times ‘The story itself is superb’Observer ‘A most remarkable feat’Guardian ‘Masterpiece? Oh yes’Evening Standard ‘An astonishing imaginative tour de force’Daily Telegraph

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Book SynopsisHBO's hit series A GAME OF THRONES is based on George R R Martin's internationally bestselling series A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE, the greatest fantasy epic of the modern age.A DANCE WITH DRAGONS: AFTER THE FEAST is the SECOND part of the fifth volume in the series.Vivid, rich, multi-layered and utterly addictive' Daily Express.The future of the Seven Kingdoms hangs in the balance.In King's Landing the Queen Regent, Cersei Lannister, awaits trial, abandoned by all those she trusted; while in the eastern city of Yunkai her brother Tyrion has been sold as a slave. From the Wall, having left his wife and the Red Priestess Melisandre under the protection of Jon Snow, Stannis Baratheon marches south to confront the Boltons at Winterfell. But beyond the Wall the wildling armies are massing for an assaultOn all sides bitter conflicts are reigniting, played out by a grand cast of outlaws and priests, soldiers and skinchangers, nobles and slaves. The tides of destiny will inevitably lead to the greaTrade Review‘Colossal, staggering… Martin captures all the intoxicating complexity of the Wars of the Roses or Imperial Rome in his imaginary world … one of the greats of fantasy literature’SFX ‘This is one of those rare and effortless reads’ ROBIN HOBB ‘George R.R. Martin is one of our very best writers, and this is one of his very best books’ RAYMOND E. FEIST ‘Such a splendid tale. I read my eyes out – I couldn’t stop till I’d finished and it was dawn’ ANNE MCCAFFREY ‘George Martin is assuredly a new master craftsman in the guild of heroic fantasy’ KATHARINE KERR ‘Few created worlds are as imaginative and diverse’ JANNY WURTS

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Book SynopsisTHE INSPIRATION FOR HBO AND SKY TV'S EMMY NOMINATED HOUSE OF THE DRAGON.Centuries before A Game of Thrones, an even greater game began, one that set the skies alight with dragon flame and saw the Seven Kingdoms turned to ash.The thrilling history of the Targaryens comes to life in this masterly work by the author of A Song of Ice and Fire, the inspiration for HBO's Game of Thrones.With all the fire and fury fans have come to expect from internationally bestselling author George R.R. Martin, this is the first volume of the definitive two-part history of the Targaryens in Westeros.Centuries before the events of A Game of Thrones, House Targaryen the only family of dragonlords to survive the Doom of Valyria took up residence on Dragonstone. Fire and Blood begins their tale with the legendary Aegon the Conqueror, creator of the Iron Throne, and goes on to recount the generations of Targaryens who fought to hold that iconic seat, all the way up to the civil war that nearly tore their dynaTrade Review‘A masterpiece’SUNDAY TIMES ‘An epic take, viewed from soaring heights’DAILY MAIL ‘A feast of pure imagination’SFX ‘The sheer detail of the richly layered world [Martin] has created is astonishing, with narrative twists and turns aplenty’SUNDAY EXPRESS PRAISE FOR A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE: ‘Of those who work in the grand epic fantasy tradition, Martin is by far the best’TIME MAGAZINE ‘Colossal, staggering…Martin captures all the intoxicating complexity of the Wars of the Roses or Imperial Rome’SFX ‘Martin’s style is so vivid that you will be hooked within a few pages’THE TIMES ‘I always expect the best from George R.R. Martin and he always delivers’ROBERT JORDAN

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Book SynopsisTHE INSTANT #1 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLERExquisite fantasy, with a complex, mysterious, and sumptuous world of elves, fae, and gloriously compelling romance so enthralling, it has wrapped its magic around my heart and set it alight' HANNAH KANER, bestselling author of GodkillerA romantic fantasy of epic proportions, crackling with magic and passion' SAMANTHA SHANNON, bestselling author of The Priory of the Orange TreeA devastatingly romantic and breathtaking fantasy [] this book is unforgettable' TASHA SURI, award-winning author of The Jasmine Throne''A layered romantasy novel that interrogates the nature of legends through non-stop plot twists''Good HousekeepingDIVIDED BY BLOOD. IMPRISONED BY FATE. BOUND BY DESIRE.WELCOME TO THE INTOXICATING WORLD OF THE FAE.Yeeran is a warrior in the elven army and has known nothing but violence her whole life. Her sister, Lettle, is trying to make a living as a diviner, seeking prophecies of a better future.When a fatal mistake leads to Yeeran's exileTrade ReviewPRAISE FOR THE FINAL STRIFE ‘Featuring a love triangle, an enemies to lovers arc, and plenty of intrigue, this read will have you running the full gamut of emotions’ Huffington Post UK ‘El-Arifi is a game-changing new voice in epic fantasy, and The Final Strife is a triumph of book, full of rage, charm, and a cast of misfits you can't help but root for. There are no Chosen Ones here. Only bad choices and blood’Tasha Suri, author of The Jasmine Throne ‘Epic, gripping and searing, The Final Strife weaves a fascinating tale of destiny, magic and love set in a richly imagined yet brutally divided world. Its unexpected, gritty heroine is one you cannot help but root for, and the story will stay with you long after the last page’Sue Lynn Tan, author of Daughter of the Moon Goddess ‘El-Arifi tells a tale that is as fierce as its characters, plunging you into a sandy, stratified world until you can feel the grit between your teeth. Heart-wrenching and heart-pounding, The Final Strife is an unmissable debut’Andrea Stewart, author of Bone Shard Daughter ‘Full of rich, vivid world-building with political intrigue and characters you can’t help but root for. I loved it’Christina Sweeney-Baird, author of The End of Men ‘Epic fantasy turned on its head in the most compelling way imaginable. A heroine with bite, a supporting cast of flawed but deeply human characters, and world building that is raw, unforgiving and richly textured, The Final Strife is the real deal. El-Arifi is a bold new voice in epic fantasy and I cannot wait to read more of her work’Kalynn Bayron, bestselling author of Cinderella Is Dead and This Poison Heart ‘A rip-roaring read!’Taran Matharu, NYT bestselling author of the Summoner and Contender series

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Book SynopsisHBO’s hit series A GAME OF THRONES is based on George R R Martin’s internationally bestselling series A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE, the greatest fantasy epic of the modern age. A STORM OF SWORDS: STEEL AND SNOW is the FIRST part of the third volume in the series. ‘Martin has captured the imagination of millions’ GuardianTrade Review‘Colossal, staggering… Martin captures all the intoxicating complexity of the Wars of the Roses or Imperial Rome in his imaginary world … one of the greats of fantasy literature’SFX ‘This is one of those rare and effortless reads’ ROBIN HOBB ‘George R.R. Martin is one of our very best writers, and this is one of his very best books’ RAYMOND E. FEIST ‘Such a splendid tale. I read my eyes out – I couldn’t stop till I’d finished and it was dawn’ ANNE MCCAFFREY ‘George Martin is assuredly a new master craftsman in the guild of heroic fantasy’ KATHARINE KERR ‘Few created worlds are as imaginative and diverse’ JANNY WURTS

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Book SynopsisTHE #1 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLERFeaturing paperback exclusive bonus content THIS IS ONE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT YOU DON'T WANT TO MESS WITH''Juno Dawson is at the top of her game in this vibrant and meticulous take on witchcraft. Her characteristic wit and grit shine through''Samantha ShannonHidden among us is a secret coven of witches.Know has Her Majesty's Royal Coven,they protect crown and country from magical forces and otherworldly evil.But their greatest enemy will come from withinThere are whisperings of a prophecy that will bring the coven to its knees, and four best friends are about to be caught at the centre.Life as a modern witch was never simple but now it's about to get apocalyptic.Trade Review‘Dawson has created your new obsession. HMRC is full of her trademark heart and humour, with a delicious slick of darkness. I fell in love with her coven – and I need the next instalment now!’Kiran Millwood Hargrave ‘HMRC is such a joy to read – the world building is incredible, the writing sophisticated, and the exploration of gender and identity is done with nuance and care. Utterly compelling’Louise O’Neill ‘I absolutely DEVOURED this and adored every word. It’s a game changer. Trust me when I tell you, there will not be a better read all year’ Lindsey Kelk ‘It's genuinely thrilling and hair-raising. Juno is a magician’ Russell T Davies PRAISE FOR JUNO DAWSON: ‘Beautiful, moving and witty’Cecelia Ahern ‘Compulsively readable and touching – I loved it’Marian Keyes

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Book SynopsisThreatened by drug dealers who stalk his mother's home, 14-year-old Nick is saved by a strange and compelling boy named Peter. Now this wild boy with flaming hair and pointy ears wants Nick to follow him into a strange and unsettling mist, to a faraway land filled with fearies and monsters. Wary, yet with nowhere safe to go, Nick agrees.Trade Review"Ancient magics combine with feral logic to culminate in Brom's The Child Thief. A retelling of Peter Pan spanning America's earliest, magically rich beginnings to today's bare whispers of belief. Wickedly poetic, The Child Thief makes me want to believe." -- Kim Harrison "Brom has always been an artist who gave us his nightmares fully realized, but with THE CHILD THIEF, he paints in words. A wonderfully nasty Peter Pan reboot that stands on its own as a dark, twisted adventure." -- Christopher Golden "A gruesome and darkly fantastical twist on a classic tale. Brom injects pure horror into fantasy." -- Holly Black, New York Times bestselling author of Ironside and The Spiderwick Chronicles "Beautiful and authentically dark." -- Sci-Fi " [A] fascinating work of dark epic fantasy that blends elements of the Peter Pan story with characters from Celtic and Norse mythologies." -- Tulsa World

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Book SynopsisThe long-awaited second book of the fourth story arc Sword of the Canon in the epic fantasy series, the Wars of Light and Shadow.Lysaer's unstable integrity lies under threat of total downfall, and as his determined protector, Daliana will face the most frightening decision of her young life.Arithon, Master of Shadow, is marked for death and still hunted, when his critical quest to recover his obscured past entangles him in a web of deep intrigue and ancient perils beyond his imagining.Elaira's urgent pursuit of the Biedar Tribes' secret embroils her in the terrible directive of the Fellowship Sorcerers, while Dakar the Mad Prophet confronts the hard reckoning for the colossal mistake of his misspent past, and Tarens is steered by a destiny far from his crofter's origins.The penultimate volume of The Wars of Light and Shadow will touch the grand depths of Athera's endowment, and deliver the thrilling finale of arc IV, the Sword of the Canon.War, blood, magic, mystery and the most Trade Review‘Astonishingly original and compelling… A gifted creator of wonder’Raymond E. Feist ‘Janny Wurts builds beautiful castles in the air … where every detail is richly imagined and vividly rendered’Diana Gabaldon ‘It ought to be illegal for one person to have so much talent’Stephen Donaldson

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Book SynopsisThe stunning debut fantasy novel from author Peter V. Brett.The Painted Man, book one of the Demon Cycle, is a captivating and thrilling fantasy adventure, pulling the reader into a world of demons, darkness and heroes.Sometimes there is very good reason to be afraid of the darkEleven-year-old Arlen lives with his parents on their small farmstead, half a day''s ride from the isolated hamlet of Tibbet''s Brook.As dusk falls upon Arlen''s world, a strange mist rises from the ground; a mist that promises a violent death to any foolish enough to brave the coming darkness, for hungry corelings demons that cannot be harmed by mortal weapons materialize from the vapours to feed on the living. As the sun sets, people have no choice but to take shelter behind magical wards and pray that their protection holds until the creatures dissolve with the first signs of dawn.When Arlen''s life is shattered by the demon plague, he is forced to see that it is fear, rather than the demons, which truly crTrade ReviewPraise for The Demon Cycle: ‘Peter V. Brett is one of my favourite new authors’Patrick Rothfuss ‘There is much to admire in Peter Brett’s writing, and his concept is brilliant. There’s action and suspense all the way.’ Terry Brooks ‘[Peter V. Brett is] at the top of his game. I give this my highest recommendation.’Tor.com ‘[Brett] confirms his place among epic fantasy’s pantheon of greats amid the likes of George R.R. Martin, Steven Erikson, and Robert Jordan.’Fantasy Book Critic

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Book SynopsisPeter V. Brett, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Demon Cycle,begins a brand new epic fantasy adventure set in his beloved world, following a new generation of heroes.Fifteen years have passed since the demons were destroyed. Heroes have become legend, and those that remain live in their shadows. Olive, Princess of Hollow, has her entire life planned outa steady march toward succession. But the more her mother writes the script, the more Olive rails against playing the parts she is assigned.Darin is the son of the man people say saved the world. Everyone expects greatness from Darin, but the only thing he's ever been great at is hiding.But now it's time to fight the darkness.When Olive and Darin step across the wards one night, they learn that the demons are not all gone, and those that remain hunger for revenge.Are Darin and Olive ready to be heroes?Trade Review‘Peter Brett takes the reader with him and his characters on an electric and unrelenting charge through the demon-haunted depths of the Warded universe, full of love and death’Naomi Novik, Sunday Times bestselling author of UPROOTED ‘An intricately crafted tale of intrigue and courage where one’s station and lineage determines everything, good and bad. An exciting read. Peter Brett has outdone himself with this first book in a new series.’#1 New York Times bestselling author Terry Brooks ‘The Desert Prince is a class act. Wonderful storytelling, flawed and believable characters and a ratcheting of tension that has you reading well into the dark hours. This is a must read’John Gwynne, author of Malice ‘The Desert Prince is a deeply intimate, yet epic adventure. Heart-wrenching, smart, and modern, this book kept me wide-eyed and wide awake for many-a-nights as I struggled step-for-step alongside Olive and Darin from the green lands to the desert pits to the darkest recesses of the demon minds. The Desert Prince has set a new standard for fantasy.’Wesley Chu, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the War Arts Saga ‘Full of action and drama. With fresh protagonists coming into a deeply realised world full of ancient foes, THE DESERT PRINCE appeals to new fans and old alike’Peter Newman, author of The Vagrant ‘THE DESERT PRINCE is the work of a master at the top of his game. The new cast of would-be heroes instantly draw you into a world full of old dangers as Brett cranks up the tension to unbearable levels. If you’re going to read this book, cancel all your plans because there’s no way you’ll be able to put it down once you start. This is the best Peter V Brett book so far.’Mike Shackle, author of WE ARE THE DEAD

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Book SynopsisPublished in celebration of the twentieth anniversary of George R. R. Martin's landmark series, this lavishly illustrated special edition of A Game of Throneswith gorgeous full-page illustrations in every chapterrevitalizes the fantasy masterpiece that became a cultural phenomenon.In a land where summers can last decades and winters a lifetime, trouble is brewing. The cold is returning, and in the frozen wastes to the North of Winterfell, sinister and supernatural forces are massing beyond the kingdom's protective Wall.At the centre of the conflict lie the Starks of Winterfell, a family as harsh and unyielding as the land they were born to. Sweeping from a region of brutal cold to a distant summertime kingdom of epicurean plenty, here is a tale of lords and ladies, soldiers and sorcerers, assassins and bastards, who come together in a time of grim omens.Amid plots and counterplots, tragedy and betrayal, victory and terror, the fate of the Starks, their allies, and their enemies hangs perilously in the balance, as each endeavours to win that deadliest of conflicts: the game of thrones.Trade Review'In the grand epic fantasy tradition, Martin is by far the best … tense, surging, insomnia-inflicting' Time Magazine ‘The sheer mind-boggling scope of this epic has sent other fantasy writers away shaking their heads …Its ambition: to construct the Twelve Caesars of fantasy fiction, with characters so venomous they could eat the Borgias’Guardian ‘Colossal, staggering … Martin captures all the intoxicating complexity of the Wars of the Roses or Imperial Rome in his imaginary world … The writing is always powerful …' SFX ‘Truly epic … with its magnificent action-filled climax, it provides a banquet for fantasy lovers with large appetites.’Publishers Weekly

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Book Synopsis Concluding the story begun in The Hobbit, this is the final part of Tolkien’s epic masterpiece, The Lord of the Rings. Featuring a striking black cover based on Tolkien’s own design, the definitive text, and a detailed map of Middle-earth. Trade Review‘The story moves on with a tremendous narrative rush to its climax… extraordinary imaginative work, part saga, part allegory, and wholly exciting.’The Times ‘A triumphant close… a grand piece of work, grand in both conception and execution. An astonishing imaginative tour de force.’Sunday Telegraph ‘His astonishing inventiveness remains to the end and is continued in a series of appendices.;The Guardian

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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 SynopsisTHE DARK ROMANTASY TIKTOK SENSATION AND SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER THAT''S SOLD OVER A MILLION COPIES**PERFECT FOR FANS OF SARAH J. MAAS AND JENNIFER L. ARMENTROUT**''Read this series NOW! I felt like I was in the story watching and holding my breath the entire time'' 5***** Reader Review''I literally devoured this book in one sitting'' 5***** Reader Review_______''It''s the arrogance of men to think so little of women. And it''ll be their downfall too''Locked away in a castle on the snowy mountains in the Sixth Kingdom of Orea, I have never known freedom.No one can get in or out. Apart from him.King Midas, who rescued me from the streets. Who gave me food, shelter, and his heart. Who I promised to love forever.But when political upheaval sees me sent across kingdoms to a future I no longer understand, everything I thought I knew about King Midas is shattered . . .The world has only ever heard his story.Now it''s time to hear mine.Tropes/themes:1. Dark and angsty2. Dark King Midas retelling3. Politics and scheming4. World-building5. Spicy_______''A spectacularly written, engaging, imaginative retelling of the ancient myth of King Midas'' 5***** Reader Review''Sexy and touching all at the same time . . . and that plot twist, OMG'' 5***** Reader Review**Content warning: sexual violence**Gild, Glint and Gleam, Sunday Times bestsellers, April 2023Trade ReviewPraise for The Plated Prisoner Series * : *Gild is a heart-pounding fantasy romance, and this outstanding book will keep you gripped until the very last word. It’s beautifully written and is a truly riveting story. If you love Sarah J Maas and Jennifer L Armentrout this book is for you! This series is gripping, enticing and darkly romantic. Don’t miss out on this un-putdownable read! * Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti, Wall Street Journal Bestselling authors *This series has stolen my heart, my breath, my regard for anything else. I've never been so immersed in a story before-never read characters that have felt so real. I've cried, laughed, screamed, thrown my kindle across the room, picked it up again, swooned . . . These characters, this WORLD . . . it's everything. Raven has written a story for the ages, destined to go down as one of the epics * Sarah A Parker, author of To Bleed a Crystal Bloom *Raven writes with a magic that comes to life on the page. Every single word gleams like gold * Beck Michaels, author of Divine Blood *This is one of those series that started off phenomenal, and only gets better with every subsequent book. * Laura Thalassa, author of The Bargainer Series *Get ready to be enthralled from the first word, and begging for more by the last. Raven Kennedy crafts an astonishing world that's filled with captivating characters and a story you won't be able to put down * Ivy Asher, bestselling author of The Osseous Chronicles and The Lost Sentinel Series *This series is amazing and I can't recommend it enough. It is one of the best New Adult Fantasy books out there. * Kay Thatcher, author of Prince of Blades *TEN GILDED STARS! Remarkably original . . .and the prose, people . . . gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous * Olivia Wildenstein, USA Today Bestselling Author *An emotional rollercoaster * Elizabeth Brown, author of Blood Crown *What I've enjoyed so far about this series is how it's a metaphor about real, emotional issues * Day Leitao, author of Kingdom of Curses and Shadows Series *I devoured [the] first book and it ended on such a nice cliff-hanger that I am thirsting for the next one * Emmie Hamilton, author of Chosen to Fall *

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“All readers will find pure, often heart-racing enjoyment as they are drawn into Salvatore’s beautifully crafted world.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) “Salvatore fans will rejoice.” — Kirkus Reviews “Engagingly written, inclusive of those outside the lore, and leaving much to be discovered in future installments.Timeless is a fantastic place for newcomers to the Drizzt series to onboard as well as a continuation of a beloved and iconic character’s story.” — Nerds on Earth “Packed with fighting, intrigue, suspense and thrills [...] It is a compulsively readable fantasy novel. Readers of fantasy novels will simply rejoice.” — Washington Book Review

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Book Synopsisand the fulfillment of humanity’s desires may well prove to be its undoing.When belief defines reality, those with the strongest convictions—the crazy, the obsessive, the delusional—have the power to shape the world.And someone is just mad enough to believe he can create a god .Trade Review"Set in a world where madness equates to power, Michael R. Fletcher's Beyond Redemption is often as nightmarish as it is fascinating. An alarming, original and compulsive tale laced with a blackly comic sensibility. Highly recommended." -- Anthony Ryan, New York Times bestselling author of Blood Song, on BEYOND REDEMPTION "Fletcher populated the landscape with an array of mental disorders, turning a well-thumbed psychiatric manual into a dramatis personae...The dystopia and its victims never quite collapse under the weight of the horror, and their perseverance encourages the readers to endure the grimness until the thought-provoking conclusion." -- Publishers Weekly (starred review) on BEYOND REDEMPTION "The journey is dark and emotionally taxing, but there aren't many fantasy novels as smart, ambitious, and excellently written as this one." -- Booklist on BEYOND REDEMPTION

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Book SynopsisThe third volume, part two of A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE, the greatest fantasy epic of the modern age. GAME OF THRONES is now a major TV series from HBO, featuring a stellar cast.Trade Review‘Of those who work in the grand epic fantasy tradition, George R.R. Martin is by far the best’Time magazine ‘Colossal, staggering… all the intoxicating complexity of the Wars of the Roses or Imperial Rome’SFX ‘The sheer mind-boggling scope of this epic has sent other fantasy writers away shaking their heads… Its ambition: to construct the Twelve Caesars of fantasy fiction, with characters so venomous they could eat the Borgias’Guardian

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Book SynopsisCelehar’s life as the Witness for the Dead of Amalo grows less isolated as his circle of friends grows larger. He has been given an apprentice to teach, and he has stumbled over a scandal of the city—the foundling girls. Orphans with no family to claim them and no funds to buy an apprenticeship. Foundling boys go to the Prelacies; foundling girls are sold into service, or worse.At once touching and shattering, Celehar’s witnessing for one of these girls will lead him into the depths of his own losses.The love of his friends will lead him out again.Trade Review"I've been wanting to return to the world of The Goblin Emperor from the moment I finished that book, and The Witness For the Dead does not disappoint. At once intimate and literally operatic, it's everything I love about Katherine Addison's writing, in ways I didn't know to expect. I loved it." ? John Scalzi"The follow-up to the acclaimed The Goblin Emperor brings back a favorite character and expands the elaborate world Addison has created. Fans of the first book?and new readers?will find this novel delightful and immersive" ? Library Journal“I liked it. It’s a fantasy, a novel of court intrigue. Those of you who like that aspect of my own work will probably likeThe Goblin Emperor as well.” -- George R. R. Martin, Not a Blog“The Angel of the Crows is an entertaining ride – a compelling fantasy mystery set in an alternate but startlingly familiar Victorian London. You’ve been here before–not.” -- Tim Powers“The Goblin Emperor is the best fantasy I’ve read in quite some time. It’s certainly my favourite of the last great while, and though it’s early days yet, I suspect it may be the best single novel I read this year.” – Liz Bourke, Tor.com“Impressively elaborate worldbuilding underpins this lovely fantasy novel, but I couldn't put it down because of the heart-grippingly sympathetic main character.” ? Kate Elliott, bestselling author of the Crossroads series “I enjoyed The Goblin Emperor a great deal. I was sucked right into her world of goblins, elves, and airships, and was anxious to the very end to find out how Maia, the unwanted halfblood son of the Emperor, who finds himself unexpectedly on the throne, learns to navigate the intrigues and danger of the imperial court. An engrossing read!” ? Kristen Britain, New York Times bestselling author of Blackveil“Challenging, invigorating, and unique. If courtly intrigue is your wine of choice, The Goblin Emperor is the headiest vintage I've come across in years.” ? Scott Lynch, bestselling author of The Lies of Locke Lamora“With its subtle, intricate, fascinating worldbuilding and a hero who succeeds through empathy and patience rather than brawn, The Goblin Emperor is absolutely unique among recent fantasy novels, and it delighted me from beginning to end. I wish I could read a dozen more books set in the Elflands.” — Katherine Arden, bestselling author of The Bear And The Nightingale"I think even people who haven’t read The Goblin Emperor, or people who read Addison’s foray into Sherlockian Angelology in The Angel of the Crows, will find plenty of entry points to the Elflands in The Witness for the Dead." -- Tor.com "The Witness for the Dead is a socially realistic fantasy underpinned by superb creative power, as emotionally satisfying as it is skillfully written." -- Kate MacDonald, strangehorizons.com

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Book SynopsisTHE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER''Epic in scope, its worldbuilding as intricate as filigree,THE FINAL STRIFE sings of rebellion, love, and the courage it takes to stand up to tyranny''Samantha Shannon, bestselling author of THE PRIORY OF THE ORANGE TREEThe empire is ruled by blood: red-blooded Embers, blue-blooded Dusters and clear-blooded Ghostings. All will be shed in the coming battle for power. The Aktibar a set of trials held every ten years to find the next Ember rulers of the Empire is about to begin.All Embers can join but it requires great skill to win.Sylah was destined to become Warden of Strength, forged as a weapon to change the Empire from within. Those dreams of a better future turned to dust when her family were brutally murdered.But Sylah wasn't made to sparkle, she was born to burn. And as the trials draw near it's time for her to decidewill she rule the Empire or destroy it?Trade Review‘Featuring a love triangle, an enemies to lovers arc, and plenty of intrigue, this read will have you running the full gamut of emotions’ Huffington Post UK ‘El-Arifi is a game-changing new voice in epic fantasy, and The Final Strife is a triumph of book, full of rage, charm, and a cast of misfits you can't help but root for. There are no Chosen Ones here. Only bad choices and blood’Tasha Suri, author of The Jasmine Throne ‘Epic, gripping and searing, The Final Strife weaves a fascinating tale of destiny, magic and love set in a richly imagined yet brutally divided world. Its unexpected, gritty heroine is one you cannot help but root for, and the story will stay with you long after the last page’Sue Lynn Tan, author of Daughter of the Moon Goddess ‘El-Arifi tells a tale that is as fierce as its characters, plunging you into a sandy, stratified world until you can feel the grit between your teeth. Heart-wrenching and heart-pounding, The Final Strife is an unmissable debut’Andrea Stewart, author of Bone Shard Daughter ‘Full of rich, vivid world-building with political intrigue and characters you can’t help but root for. I loved it’Christina Sweeney-Baird, author of The End of Men ‘Epic fantasy turned on its head in the most compelling way imaginable. A heroine with bite, a supporting cast of flawed but deeply human characters, and world building that is raw, unforgiving and richly textured, The Final Strife is the real deal. El-Arifi is a bold new voice in epic fantasy and I cannot wait to read more of her work’Kalynn Bayron, bestselling author of Cinderella Is Dead and This Poison Heart ‘A rip-roaring read!’Taran Matharu, NYT bestselling author of the Summoner and Contender series

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Book SynopsisWINNER OF THE 2023 WORLD FANTASY AWAY FOR BEST NOVELNothing complicates life like Death.Lanie Stones, the daughter of crown-appointed killers, was born with a gift for necromancy—and a literal allergy to violence. For her own safety, she was raised in isolation in a crumbling mansion by the family’s mouldering revenant.When Lanie’s parents are murdered, she and her psychotic sister Nita must settle their extensive debts or lose their ancestral home. When Liriat’s ruler, too, is murdered, it throws the whole nation’s future into doubt.Hunted by Liriat’s enemies, terrorised by family ghosts and tortured by a forbidden love for a childhood friend, Lanie will need more than luck to get through the next few months—but when the goddess of Death is on your side, anything is possible.Trade Review“Wildly inventive.”—Buzzfeed * Buzzfeed *“Cooney’s prose is beautiful and intricate and glowing.”—The Colorado Sun * The Colorado Sun *“Every character arrives in a burst: fully-realized, always finding their mark, dripping with detail and a fire in their heart.”—Tor.com“Saint Death’s Daughter exemplifies what fantasy can do in the best of ways.”—Strange Horizons“Grisly, dark, lovely, funny, heartfelt.”—Kirkus, starred review“I can usually predict story beats long before they happen but the author managed to surprise me with the depth and complexity of the characters, especially the antagonists.” -- The Southern Bookseller Review“Strange and magical adventures in a colorful world where most people are gender fluid, the gods are strange and death is not an ending.” -- Thornwell Books“This is the weirdest book I have read in a long time – and yet it’s weirdness is charming. Somewhat reminiscent of What We Do in the Shadows or The Addams Family.” -- Booknest“The novel complicates and recomplicates, always to its benefit. There’s a puppy! And there is suspense, and twists, and a satisfying resolution that gives no one all they want.” -- Black Gate“I don’t want to tell you much about this book. I want you to experience it the way I did; a cake whose every layer is more delicious than the last; a gemstone that always has another glittering facet when you turn it over in your hands; a gift that never stops giving. This is a book you should go into unprepared – and unarmed.” -- Every Book a Doorway“The broad aesthetic here is ‘whimsical gothic’: early chapters have a real Ghormengast-y vibe, which Cooney balances with a story that builds increasing nuance. Saint Death’s Daughter has gone straight to the favourites list, and I can’t wait to see where the adventures of Lanie take her.” -- Nerds of a Feather“A beautiful, stunning work of literature, more art than words, and something that I recommend everyone reads.” -- Just Geeking By“Lanie’s journey from a young woman to adulthood is compelling; the rise of her necromantic power and how she learns to wield it is enthralling. The world the author has built around Lanie is intricate and beautifully realised. It is a story that rewards the time invested in it.” -- British Fantasy Society“I’ve never met a book that is so completely sure of itself. Cooney could have gone off on any tangent and I would have completely believed it. I loved Saint Death’s Daughter for its complexities and characters and chaos and I think this will remain one of my top reads of the year.” -- FanFiAddict

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Book SynopsisEnter the Underworld in an epic new fantasy, where the Gods of ancient Greece rule everything but fate.Trade ReviewI was lost to this exquisitely crafted world. Daughter of Darkness is everything I want in a fantasy and more * Mary Watson, author of BLOOD TO POISON *Steeped in blood, betrayal and mysticism, this is a deliciously dark retelling of legendary proportions - a book of smart, savage beauty that kept me reading long into the night * Josh Winning, author of THE SHADOW GLASS *Rich with mythology, this twisty adventure spins a new story from old - one that will leave you breathless, broken and desperate for more * Bex Hogan, author of the ISLES OF STORM AND SORROW trilogy *A beautiful, breathtaking adventure through the world of Ancient Greece and the Greek myths. Daughter of Darkness puts a twisty, surprising spin on the tale of Orpheus and Eurydice, with plenty of heartache and betrayal, and a trickster heroine who had me rooting for her from the very first line. Now . . . when can I read the next one?! * Holly Race, author of MIDNIGHT'S TWINS *Deliciously dark, dangerously exciting, absolutely immersive fantasy from two goddesses of storytelling * Sinéad O'Hart, author of THE EYE OF THE NORTH *Those looking for a dark read will not be disappointed, especially those interested in fantasy and mythology. A concentrated read in which reader interest and involvement never flag. * Elizabeth Finlayson, The School Librarian *

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Book Synopsis''Thick fog, shifting alliances and clever magic make the perfect backdrop for a sweeping romance - One Dark Window is enthralling from beginning to shocking end'' Hannah Whitten, bestselling author of For the WolfELSPETH NEEDS A MONSTER. THE MONSTER MIGHT BE HER.An ancient, mercurial spirit is trapped inside Elspeth Spindle''s head - she calls him the Nightmare. He protects her. He keeps her secrets. But nothing comes for free, especially magic.When Elspeth meets a mysterious highwayman on the forest road, she is thrust into a world of shadow and deception. Together, they embark on a dangerous quest to cure the town of Blunder from the dark magic infecting it. As the stakes heighten and their undeniable attraction intensifies, Elspeth is forced to face her darkest secret yet: the Nightmare is slowly, darkly, taking over her mind. And she might not be able to stop him.For fans of Uprooted and For the Wolf comes a gothic fantasy romance about a maiden who must unleash the monster within to save her kingdom.Praise for One Dark Window:''An enchanting tale with sharp claws and teeth - Gillig''s prose will pull you in and won''t let you sleep. Pulse-pounding, darkly whimsical and aglow with treacherous magic, One Dark Window is everything I love in fantasy and more'' Allison Saft, author of A Far Wilder Magic''An evocative tale of romance, mystery and alluring monsters, told in beautifully lush prose'' Lyndall Clipstone, author of Lakesedge''The steamy romance that emerges between Elspeth and Ravyn delights'' Publishers Weekly''A beautifully dark fairy tale of blood, rage and bitter choice, that whisked me away to mist-wreathed woods ripe with romance and menace'' Davinia Evans, author of Notorious Sorcerer Trade ReviewAn evocative tale of romance, mystery and alluring monsters, told in beautifully lush prose. Rachel Gillig has created a story which left me entranced -- Lyndall Clipstone, author of LAKESEDGEA beautifully dark fairy tale of blood, rage and bitter choice, that whisked me away to mist-wreathed woods ripe with romance and menace -- Davinia Evans, author of NOTORIOUS SORCERERSteeped in brooding romance, twisted magic and nail-biting intrigue, One Dark Window snares readers in its deliciously dark spell and leaves them desperate for more. I couldn't put it down -- Kat Delacorte, author of WITH FIRE IN THEIR BLOODThe steamy romance that emerges between Elspeth and Ravyn delights -- Publishers Weekly

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Book SynopsisFrom bestselling indie author and TikTok favorite Laura Thalassa comes a witch fantasy set in the world of the Bargainer series.At age twenty, Selene Bowers desperately hopes to be accepted into Henbane Coven, an academy for young witches. Since one of the requirements for entry is to connect with her powers via a quest through the wilderness, Selene books a trip to South America. When a nefarious supernatural force tries to drag her plane from the sky, Selene's magic awakens to save her life-at a cost. Using her powers devours her memories, one by one.Worse, when Selene braves the jungle and discovers the source of the attack, she finds herself awakening an ancient evil, Memnon the Cursed, who mistakes Selene for his long-dead wife. The wife who betrayed him. Selene manages to escape and begin her studies at Henbane, but when Memnon turns up at the coven and witches are found dead across campus, Selene becomes entangled in a dangerous plot. Accused of the murders on the basis of her memory loss, Selene must rely on Memnon's help for answers-and his plans for her will change everything.

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Book SynopsisThe Seven Cities Rebellion is over, Sha'ik is dead, but a last rebel force remains, holed up in the city of Y'Ghatan under the fanatical command of Leoman of the Flails. The prospect of laying siege to this ancient fortress makes the battle-weary Malaz 14th Army uneasy - for it was here that the Empire's greatest champion Dassem Ultor was slain and a tide of Malazan blood spilled... But agents of a far greater conflict have made their opening moves. The Crippled God has been granted a place in the pantheon, a schism threatens, sides must be chosen but whatever each god decides, the rules have changed - and the first blood spilled will be in the mortal world: a world in which a host of characters, familiar and new, search for a fate that they might fashion by their own will. If only the gods would leave them alone. But gods are disinclined to be kind. There shall be war, war in the heavens. And the prize? Nothing less than existence itself...

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Book SynopsisA powerhouse grimdark fantasy of bloodshed, ambition, and fate, The House of Sacrifice is the thunderous conclusion to Anna Smith Spark''s Empires of Dust trilogy, which began with The Court of Broken Knives.Hail Him. Behold Him.Man-killer, life-stealer, death-bringer, life's thief.All are bound to Him,His word is law.The night coming, the sudden light that makes the eyes blind,Golden one, shining, glorious.Life's judgement, life's pleasure, hope's grave.Marith Altrersyr has won. He cut a path of blood and vengeance and needless violence around the world and now he rules. It is time for Marith to put down his sword, to send home his armies, to grow a beard and become fat. It is time to look to his own house, and to produce an heir. The King of Death must now learn to live.But some things cannot be learnt.The spoils of war turn to ash in the mouths of the Amrath Army and soon they are on the move again. But Marith, lord of lies, dragon-killer, father-killer, has begun to falter and his Trade Review‘Anna Smith Spark is a dynamic new voice in the field of grimly baroque fantasy, a knowing and witty provisioner of the Grand Guignol, a cheerful undertaker strolling across the graveyard and beckoning you to admire her newest additions.’Scott Lynch Reviews for The Court of Broken Knives: 'Grim, gritty and fast paced, with great battle scenes! Anna Smith-Spark is one to watch'. -Andy Remic 'Holy crap this is good!' -Grim Tidings 'On a par with R. Scott Bakker.' -Grimdark Alliance

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Book SynopsisThe conclusion of the bestselling Demon War series, which began with Rides a Dread LegionRecent events have devastated the Conclave of Shadows; the discovery of the demon horde on the heels of the taredhel invasion of Midkemia, the threat of the star elves themselves, and the terrible personal cost paid by Pug and his family.But grieving must wait. At a deserted fortress in the Valley of Lost Men, the Conclave's agents witness horror beyond their imagination, orchestrated by a familiar enemy. But Belasco''s motives are as yet unclear. The Conclave must regroup and discover the true meaning behind the chaos seeded by the evil magician if they are ever to find a way to stop the destruction of Triagia before the demon horde even arrives.Trade ReviewPraise for Raymond E. Feist: ‘File under guilty pleasure’Guardian ‘Get in at the start of a master’s new series’Daily Sport ‘Well-written and distinctly above average… intelligent… intriguing.’Publishers Weekly ‘ Epic scope…vivid imagination…a significant contribution to the growth of the field of fantasy.’Washington Post

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Book SynopsisA Lord of the Rings for the 21st century. Only a lot shorter. And funnier. And completely different. Conor thought he was an average teenager. OK, so his father only had one hand, spoke to him in ancient languages and was a bit on the eccentric side but, other than that, life was fairly normal. Until, that is, two Celtic warriors on horseback and wearing full armour appear at his front door and try to kill him. After that, things get pretty weird. Shadowmagic is a fantasy adventure for young adults (although grown ups will like it too). Written by one of the most popular magicians in the country it brings a fresh approach to the genre and will have a broad appeal beyond the fantasy sections.Trade Review‘If Percy Jackson were to be hurled across dimensions into Middle Earth, you might hope to see a story like this one evolve.’ Mark Robson, author of the Dragon Orb and Imperial Spy books

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Book Synopsis''Robin Hobb meets Joe Abercrombie . . . This is fantasy with a totally legendary feel'' Fantasy Book Review''The Wolf''s Call is everything a fantasy fan could ever wish for'' Booknest''Anthony Ryan''s best work since the release of his incredible debut . . . fantastic storytelling'' Novel Notions''An immensely satisfying, top-notch adventure fantasy'' Kirkus Vaelin Al Sorna is a living legend. It was his leadership that overthrew empires and his sacrifice that saved the Unified Realm from destruction. Now he lives a quiet life, his days of warfare behind him.Yet whispers have spread across the sea of an army called the Steel Horde, led by a man who thinks himself a god. When Vaelin learns that Sherin, the woman he lost long ago, has fallen into the Horde''s grasp, he resolves to confront this powerful new threaTrade ReviewNon-stop action . . . an immensely satisfying, top-notch adventure fantasy * Kirkus *Anthony Ryan's best work since the release of his incredible debut . . . fantastic storytelling * Novel Notions *The Wolf's Call is everything a fantasy fan could ever wish for * Booknest *Robin Hobb meets Joe Abercrombie in a story that delivers so many gut-wrenching blows. This is fantasy with a totally legendary feel; it's epic in every regard * Fantasy Book Review *[A] thrilling deep dive into fantasy warfare * Publisher's Weekly *

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Book SynopsisFrom the Sunday Times bestselling historical fantasy author of THE SHADOW IN THE GLASS comes a tour-de-force of faerie bargains, perfect for fans of THE INVISIBLE LIFE OF ADDIE LA RUE, MEXICAN GOTHIC, and TEN THOUSAND DOORS OF JANUARYA dance with the fae will change everything1919. In a Highland village forgotten by the world, the young people who remain after war and flu will soon head south to make something of themselves.Moira Jean and her friends venture to the forest for a last nightof laughter before parting ways. Moira Jean is being left behind. She too planned to leave once but her lover died in France and, with him, her future. The friends light a fire and dance. But, with every twirl about the flames, strange new dancers thread between them, music streaming from the trees.The Fae have joined the dance.Suddenly Moira Jean finds herself all alone, her friends spirited away.For the Fae feel left behind and forgotten too. Led by the darkly handsome Lord of the Fae, they are out Trade ReviewPRAISE FOR HARWOOD ‘An un-put-downable historical fantasy drawn from border ballads and myths of the fae… The author has a knack for building tension, keeping the pages flying throughout. This is not to be missed.’PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, starred review ‘Deliciously dark’WOMAN MAGAZINE ‘A gothic twist on Cinderella that is truly exquisite. Chilling and beautiful – I devoured it in one sitting’Katie Lowe, bestselling author of THE FURIES ‘A thought-provoking take on a classic’SFX ‘An impresive debut’DUNDEE COURIER

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Book SynopsisTHE NO.1 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER''Juno Dawson is at the top of her game in this vibrant and meticulous take on witchcraft. Her characteristic wit and grit shine through''Samantha ShannonHidden among us is a secret government department of witches known as Her Majesty's Royal Coven.They protect crown and country from magical forces and otherworldly evil, but their greatest enemy will come from withinThere are whisperings of a prophecy that will bring the coven to its knees, and four best friends are about to be caught at the centre.Life as a modern witch was never simple but now it's about to get apocalyptic.Prepare to be bewitched by Juno Dawson's first adult series. A story of ancient prophecies and modern dating, of sacred sisterhood and demonic frenemies.Trade Review‘Dawson has created your new obsession. HMRC is full of her trademark heart and humour, with a delicious slick of darkness. I fell in love with her coven – and I need the next instalment now!’Kiran Millwood Hargrave ‘HMRC is such a joy to read – the world building is incredible, the writing sophisticated, and the exploration of gender and identity is done with nuance and care. Utterly compelling’Louise O’Neill ‘I absolutely DEVOURED this and adored every word. It’s a game changer. Trust me when I tell you, there will not be a better read all year’ Lindsey Kelk ‘It's genuinely thrilling and hair-raising. Juno is a magician’ Russell T Davies PRAISE FOR JUNO DAWSON: ‘Beautiful, moving and witty’Cecelia Ahern ‘Compulsively readable and touching – I loved it’Marian Keyes

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Book SynopsisSnow White a.k.a. the Magical-Girl Hunter is on a quest to locate her dear friend Ripple when she's summoned by one of the Three Sages, the Magical Kingdom's highest authority. Their request, however, turns out to be a job escorting a certain magical girl...

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