Epic fantasy / high fantasy

Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book SynopsisPART MAN. PART MONSTER. ALL VENGEANCE…In the war-torn lands of Krandin, a kingdom fighting against the Worm King of the Penullin Empire and his dark magic, a stranger wakes, knowing only that his name is Stratus.He possesses great strength and magic, but only fractured memories of his past, and a growing certainty that he is not, in fact, human.As he explores this new world, disoriented, making few friends and many enemies, the battle for his mind will determine the fate of the world.Trade Review"Infernal proves to be an incredibly strong start for this series. With drama, mystery, bloodshed, and grim humour abound, fans who favour the likes of The Elric Saga or The Silerian Trilogy will definitely have some fun with this one" -- Starburst * Starburst Magazine *"Infernal is magical, fast-paced and imaginative" -- Culturefly * Culturefly *"Epic fantasy without any pretensions of changing literature or establishing itself in the canon, Infernal is only concerned with being entertaining. And it definitely succeeds." -- SciFiNow * SciFiNow *"De Jager takes his time with the mystery of Stratus’s identity, punctuating the internal conflict with adrenaline-fueled action sequences that notch up the tension and suspense. This promising series launch brings the goods." -- Publishers Weekly * Publishers Weekly *"It’s fast-paced, easy to read, enthralling and in places amusing." -- fantasybookreview.co.uk"Infernal is fast-paced, speckled with intense action, magic, mayhem, a whole lot of bloody fun and entertaining as hell. Simply, if you like your fantasy, brutal, grim and dark with a vein of mystery running through the pages then you will love this book." -- The Tattooed Book Geek

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Book SynopsisThe Emperor is dead. Long live the Empire.General Bordan has a lifetime of duty and sacrifice behind him in the service of the Empire. But with rebellion brewing in the countryside, and assassins, thieves and politicians vying for power in the city, it is all Bordan can do to protect the heir to the throne. Apprentice Magician Kyron was assigned to the late Emperor’s honour guard escorting his body on the long road back to the capital. But even a magician’s power may fail when enemies emerge from the forests intent on seizing their precious cargo. Whoever controls the Emperor’s body, controls the Empire...Trade Review“The plot’s surprising twists and turns will wow fantasy fans.” -- Publishers Weekly * Publishers Weekly *"Matthews delivers visceral descriptions of battle, the cut and thrust of gladius and pila, the shouldering of shields, the smell of blood and fear – and weaving through this, the delicate nets of magical constructs that can still snap, inflame or explode." -- The Fantasy Hive * The Fantasy Hive *"This is fantasy at its finest." -- Grimdark Magazine * Grimdark Magazine *“Refreshingly original” -- SFX Magazine * SFX *"Matthews delivers on the bigger picture stakes" -- British Fantasy Society * British Fantasy Society *"It's exciting at every turn with a wonderfully spun plot that keeps you guessing the entire time." -- FanFi Addict * Fanfiaddict *"A cracking read that will burn the candle in the night." -- Aurealis * Aurealis *"Older teens and adults will enjoy the novel’s political intrigue and struggle to survive, which are reminiscent of George R. R. Martin’s Game of Thrones or a slightly less fantastical version of Jim Butcher’s Codex Alera series." -- Library Journal * The Library Journal *"A magnificent, thoughtful, highly readable account, full of political intrigue and dripping with potent, dark atmosphere. This is a must read for fantasy fans who enjoy political machinations." -- Bookworm Blues * Bookworm Blues *“It has all the elements you expect from fantasy: magic, battles, power-struggles and impossible odds keeping you gripped.” -- A Rambling Reviewer * A Rambling Reviewer *“It’s been a long time since a book made me swear out loud in horror... This is a story about politics, faith, betrayal and the loss of innocence, and I for one will be eagerly looking forward to a sequel.” -- Set the Tape * Set the Tape *

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Book SynopsisAll Tastes! • All Species! • All Currencies!You can find anything in Scalentine, the city of portals, but you won’t find a better brothel than the Red Lantern. And its proprietor, Babylon Steel (ex-mercenary, ex-priestess, ex… lots of things), means to keep it that way.But a prurient cult are protesting in the streets, sex workers are disappearing, and Babylon has bills to pay. When the powerful Diplomatic Section hires her – off the books – to find a missing heiress, she has to take the job.And then her past starts to catch up with her...Originally published as Babylon Steel in 2011 to critical acclaim, this trope-busting, inclusive, sex positive fantasy is back to delight and entertain readers, complete with a gorgeous new cover from Discworld artist Stephen Player.Trade Review"A pacy fantasy romp – idiosyncratic, but an entertaining slice of fun." -- The Guardian -- Keith Brooke * The Guardian *"Sebold has a flair for storytelling... you’ll enjoy this if you appreciate the better end of female-friendly fantasy. -- SFX * SFX Magazine *"Worth a hearty recommendation." -- Fantasy Book Review * Fantasy Book Review *“Sebold’s world is vibrant and so fully fleshed out that exploring the many twists and turns is a pleasure.” – Aurealis * Aurealis *

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Book SynopsisOrec Blackblade missed the fall of the Kinslayer, tasked instead with leading his elite band of warriors on a diversionary battle where he split the head and pulsating crown of the enemy’s sorcerer, causing a blast that killed almost everyone in a 100-meter radius. Just four months later the broken circlet finds its way to Doctors Catt and Fisher, collectors of rare artefacts, and their innate curiosity and tinkering with the crown unleashes a new terror on the land. Only Orec and his surviving men can stop it, but will the black sword he carries be enough to stop the coming darkness?Trade Review"I really enjoyed Redemp­tion’s Blade, and I’d like to see more." -- Liz Bourke, Locus"If you’re looking for something that celebrates the genre, while working to interrogate and question how that genre works, look no further than Redemption’s Blade. I can only hope there are more tales to tell in this world to come." -- Tor.com"Salvation’s Fire... it’s a damn good book in its own right." -- Liz Bourke, Locus"All in all, four different takes on two great characters, each author bringing something different and interesting to make a lovely little collection. You don’t have to have read the other books to enjoy them, though you probably get a bit more out of them if you do." -- fantasy-hive.co.uk"Catt and Fisher, or Catty and Fishy to their friends, are a delight... I just have to have more of these characters in my life." -- theeloquentpage.co.uk"If Jack Reacher came to Westeros and started beating the hell out of everybody, you’d have Mark De Jager’s Infernal ... daring, dangerous, and full of surprises" -- Sebastien de Castell"Clever, funny and cheerfully brutal" -- Snorri Kristjansson (on Infernal)"Infernal proves to be an incredibly strong start for this series. With drama, mystery, bloodshed, and grim humour abound, fans who favour the likes of The Elric Saga or The Silerian Trilogy will definitely have some fun with this one" -- Starburst"Epic fantasy without any pretensions of changing literature or establishing itself in the canon, Infernal is only concerned with being entertaining. And it definitely succeeds." -- SciFiNow (on Infernal)

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Book SynopsisFor 312 years the rotstorm has blighted the ruins of the Ferron Empire. Born of an unholy war between gods themselves, it scours the land with acid mists and deadly lightning, spawning twisted monstrosities from its nightmarish depths. On the Stormwall, the men and women of the Stormguard maintain their vigil — eyes sharp, blades sharper — defending the Undal Protectorate from the worst of the rotstorm’s corruption. But behind the storm front, something is stirring, kindling the embers of an ancient conflict and a plan to kill a god. Will Stormguard steel be enough to meet the coming tempest? --- Floré returns to the Undal Protectorate to find it blighted by the deadly ice and bitter winds of a Claw Winter. Her people are dying, and she is sworn to save them... but she can think only of her daughter Marta, slowly succumbing to her skein-sickness, trapped somewhere in the far, far north. Now Tullen One-Eye – the man they call the ‘Deathless’ – has been freed and roams the land once more. There are rumours that the great god-wolf Lothal hunts again. And, deep in Orubor’s Wood, the god-bear Anshuka stirs from her slumber... Floré must raise her gauntlet one final time if she is to save her daughter and her people. But will steel alone be enough to take down the gods?Trade ReviewPRAISE FOR THE GAUNTLET AND THE FIST BENEATH: 'Excellent, vivid worldbuilding... A gripping story with cinematic detail' British Fantasy Society. 'An exciting and action-packed fantasy novel... Some disturbing and interesting ideas give the book a twist, but it also feels comfortably like a fantasy novel that any fan of the genre can enjoy' SF Book Review. 'Green's worldbuilding is unique and creative... This book appeals to both enthusiasts of high fantasy as well as the more everyday fantasy reader. Epic action, deep world-building, and colourful characters make for a magical debut, forged in compelling inspirations... There's plenty more magic to come' The Publishing Planet. 'The unrelentingly dark tone enables Green to maintain a high level of suspense throughout. Fans of Anthony Ryan will welcome this and its sequels' * Publishers Weekly *

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Book SynopsisA man wakes in the wilderness, amid scattered corpses and inquisitive crows. He has no memory of who he is or how he came to be there. The only clues to his former existence lie in his apparent skill with a sword and the fragmented dreams that permeate his sleep.Alone in a hostile world he moves from village to village, masquerading as a god to obtain food and shelter. But the shadow of his past pursues him relentlessly. It whispers to him a riddle far more complex than he could ever have imagined - and a truth he may not wish to believe.Look out for more information about this book and others at www.orbitbooks.co.ukTrade ReviewUtterly compelling * THE ALIEN ONLINE on Shadow *This is exactly what the fantasy genre needs. Mature, confident prose from a talented writer...compelling, assured, intelligent - five stars * SFX *

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Book SynopsisBefore Robert Jordan conquered the bestseller lists with his phenomenally successful Wheel of Time series, he revived the legendary fantasy hero, Conan the Cimmerian. These widely acclaimed adventures introduced the world-famous barbarian to a new generation of readers.This volume contains three tales, CONAN THE INVISIBLE, CONAN THE DEFENDER and CONAN THE UNCONQUERED, all of which feature the storytelling magic and epic splendour that have made Robert Jordan one of the best-loved fantasy authors of all time.Trade ReviewThe bloodthirsty barbarian hero Conan the Cimmerian was created by Robert E. Howard in 17 stories written between 1932 and his suicide at age 30 in 1936. This influential saga of swords and sorcery has been rearranged and extended by other authors and Robert Jordan--now famous in fantasy for his Wheel of Time sequence--wrote seven new Conan novels in the early 1980s. The Conan Chronicles is an omnibus of the first three: Conan the Invincible, Conan the Defender and Conan the Unconquered. Though perhaps lacking that touch of inspired madness that shone through Howard's clumsy writing and made Conan immortal, these are competent, full-blooded fantasy thrillers. Conan clashes with typical Howard foes, such as Amanar the Necromancer, servant of that snaky god-demon the Eater of Souls; Albanus the intending royal usurper, who has assembled an armoury of magic weapons to take a throne which Conan finds himself defending; and Jhandar the chaos mage of the Cult of Doom, who unwisely decides to eliminate Conan as an obstacle to his planned empire. Throughout there are lashings of swordplay, blood, loot, sex, human sacrifice, supernatural nasties and battles against impossible odds. Conan always ends up footloose, underfunded and ready for fresh exploits. As in soap opera, the charm of sword-and-sorcery fantasy is that the adventures go on forever. * David Langford, AMAZON.CO.UK *

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Book Synopsis Concluding the story of 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 SynopsisTen years ago Kate Winters'' parents were taken by the High Council''s wardens to help with the country''s war effort. Now the wardens are back...and prisoners, including Kate''s uncle Artemis, are taken south on the terrifying Night Train. Kate and her friend Edgar are hunted by a far more dangerous enemy. Silas Dane - the High Council''s most feared man - recognises Kate as one of the Skilled; a rare group of people able to see through the veil between the living and the dead. His spirit was damaged by the High Council''s experiments into the veil, and he''s convinced that Kate can undo the damage and allow him to find peace.The knowledge Kate needs lies within Wintercraft - a book thought to be hidden deep beneath the graveyard city of Fume. But the Night of Souls, when the veil between life and death is at its thinnest, is just days away and the High Council have their own sinister plans for Kate and Wintercraft.

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Book SynopsisIn the city of Imardin, where those who wield magic wield power, a young street-girl, adopted by the Magician''s Guild, finds herself at the centre of a terrible plot that may destroy the entire world ...Sonea has learned much at the magicians'' guild and the other novices now treat her with a grudging respect. But she cannot forget what she witnessed in the High Lord''s underground room - or his warning that the realm''s ancient enemy is growing in power once more. As Sonea learns more, she begins to doubt her guildmaster''s word. Could the truth really be as terrifying as Akkarin claims, or is he trying to trick her into assisting in some unspeakably dark scheme?Trade ReviewIt's easy to see why Trudi Canavan's novels so often make the bestseller lists. Her easy, flowing style makes for effortless reading . . . Delightful worldbuilding . . . Vivid and enjoyable * SFX *Epic, vivid and believable * Guardian on Thief’s Magic *High calibre fantasy from one of Australia's best * SFRevu *Canavan is a natural storyteller * Emerald City *A wonderfully and meticulously detailed world, and an edge-of-the-seat plot, this book is a must for all lovers of good fantasy * JENNIFER FALLON *

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Book SynopsisFor the dead, war never ends...Javelin Rain is the fast-paced, adrenaline filled sequel to Gemini Cell, set in the same magical and militaristic world of Myke Cole''s acclaimed Shadow Ops series. The perfect read for fans of John Gwynne and Brandon Sanderson.''Character-rich and action driven - a Molotov cocktail of human weaknesses and superhuman abilities'' - Robin HobbJavelin: the loss of a national security asset with strategic impact Rain: a crisis of existential proportionsJavelin Rain incidents must be resolved immediately, by any means necessary, no matter the cost...Being a US Navy SEAL was Jim Schweitzer''s life until the day he was killed.Now, his escape from the government that brought him back from the dead has been coded ''Javelin Rain''. Schweitzer and his family are on the run from his unit and, while he may be immortal, his wife and son are not.It''Trade ReviewA mile-a-minute story of someone trying to find purpose in a war he never asked for -- Jack Campbell, New York Times bestselling author of The Lost Fleet seriesBlack Hawk Down meets the X-Men ... military fantasy like you've never seen it before -- Peter V. BrettHands down, the best military fantasy I've ever read ... a chilling, enthralling story. Myke Cole just might be a wizard himself -- Ann Aguirre, bestselling author of EnclaveIt's not *just* military ... It's just a great book -- Patrick RothfussA mile-a-minute story of someone trying to find purpose in a war he never asked forBlack Hawk Down meets the X-Men ... military fantasy like you've never seen it beforeHands down, the best military fantasy I've ever read ... a chilling, enthralling story. Myke Cole just might be a wizard himselfIt's not *just* military ... It's just a great book

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Book SynopsisFury of a Demon is the thrilling conclusion to the Dragons of Terra trilogy by Brian Naslund.‘Part Game of Thrones, part superhero epic . . . a cinematic fantasy whirlwind’ Sebastien de Castell on Blood of an ExileThe land is in chaos as a hero heads for war.Commanding a devastating army of skyships, Osyrus Ward has conquered most of Terra. And to finish the task, he’s building a machine of unparalleled power. With it, he’d be unstoppable – and dragons would be wiped from the face of the earth.Bershad and Ashlyn are leading a desperate rebellion, but they’ve been trapped within the Dainwood by Ward’s relentless mercenaries. The rebels pray Ashlyn’s dark magic will give them an edge, but her powers are well-known to their enemies as they draw ever nearer. Out of options, Ashlyn must embark on a dangerous mission to save her fledgling army – or be crushed by Ward’s soldiers.Bershad was once invincible in battle, but this very power may prove his undoing. Now, with every new wound, his humanity is slipping further away. Bershad seems to be Terra’s last and best hope against terrifying forces. But to save the world, will he become the nightmare?‘Exciting, epic and wonderfully told, full of subtle humour and laugh-out-loud lines’ Angus Watson on Blood of an ExileFury of a Demon follows Blood of an Exile and Sorcery of a Queen.Trade ReviewI had a great time with Blood of an Exile – it’s a fast, fun fantasy full of dragons and traitors, humour and bloody action. Fans of Joe Abercrombie’s First Law or Michael Sullivan’s Riyria Revelations will love Brian Naslund’s debut -- Django Wexler on Blood of an ExilePart Game of Thrones, part superhero epic, Blood of an Exile is a cinematic fantasy whirlwind -- Sebastien de Castell on Blood of an ExileA page-turning, action-packed tale full of memorable characters, set within a world full of dragons . . . It doesn't get much cooler than this -- John Gwynne on Blood of an ExileExciting, epic and wonderfully told, full of subtle humour and laugh-out-loud lines -- Angus Watson on Blood of an ExileBlood of an Exile is a thrilling, action-packed rollercoaster ride of a dark fantasy debut and I devoured the four-hundred-plus pages in three days . . . a darkly tinged mixture of John Gwynne’s Of Blood and Bone and Andrzej Sapkowski’s The Witcher Saga -- Grimdark Magazine on Blood of an ExileNaslund succeeds in creating a page-turning, edge-of-your-seat read that breathes new (fiery) life into dragon mythology. Top-notch adventure fantasy – a stand-up-and-applaud debut -- Kirkus Reviews on Blood of an Exile

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Book SynopsisTwo sisters. Divided they burn.Two sisters raised to be fierce dragon slayers end up on opposing sides of an impending war when one forms an unlikely, magical bond with a dragon, in this exciting, fresh contemporary young adult fantasy.Dani and Eden Rivera were both born to kill dragons, but the sisters couldn't be more different. For Dani, dragon slaying takes a back seat to normal high school life, while Eden prioritizes training above everything else. Yet they both agree on one thing: it's kill or be killed where dragons are concerned. Until Dani comes face-to-face with one and forges a rare and magical bond. As she gets to know Nox, she realizes that everything she thought she knew about dragons is wrong. And, with Dani lost to the dragons, Eden turns to the mysterious and alluring sorcerers to help save her sister. Now on opposite sides of the conflict, the sisters will do whatever it takes to save the other.But the two are playing with magic that is more dangerous than they know, and there is another, more powerful enemy waiting for them both in the shadows.Trade ReviewFire With Fire is the dragon slaying urban fantasy sister story I didn't know I needed and now can't stop thinking about! * Mackenzi Lee, New York Times bestselling author of The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue *Soria's fantasy ably balances entertainment and substance as she traces both [sisters] journeys * Booklist *Soria crafts her cast with depth and care . . . Fantasy fans looking for more quality dragon books have a promising, well-written, character-driven option here * BCCB *Soria skillfully delves into the complexities of sibling dynamics . . . ...[M]ultidimensional supporting characters strengthen the narrative with humor and pithy dialogue, while tight, spare prose ensures the narrative retains vigor * Publishers Weekly *A gripping tale filled with incredible metaphors, fitting pop culture references, and hilarious punchlines * SLJ *This exciting, inclusive fantasy with a dash of romance brings lots of sassy dragon snark to the table . . . An absorbing and high-spirited read * Kirkus *This is stylish, entertaining YA urban fantasy at its best * Crime Review *

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Book SynopsisHer destiny. His revenge.In an empire on the brink of war . . .Ahn is no one, with no past and no family.Altan is a lost heir, his future stolen away as a child.When they meet, Altan sees in Ahn a path to reclaiming the throne. Ahn sees a way to finally unlock her past and understand her lethal magical abilities.But they may have to pay a far deadlier price than either could have imagined.Girls of Paper and Fire meets A Song of Wraiths and Ruin in June CL Tan's stunning debut, where ferocious action, shadowy intrigue, rich magic, and a captivating slow-burn romance collide.'Impossible to put down' Swati Teerdhala, author of The Tiger at Midnight series'Adventure at its finest' Joan He, author of Descendant of the Crane'An epic adventure!' Elizabeth Lim, New York Times bestselling author of Spin the Dawn'Epic in every sense of the word, beautiful as it is sweeping' Roseanne A. Brown, New York Times bestselling author of A Song of Wraiths and RuinTrade ReviewA spectacularly crafted world. Jade Fire Gold breathes new air into old mythology, bringing an utterly fresh lens to a classic story. With gripping storytelling that depicts a perilous adventure, June CL Tan has brightened up YA fantasy * Chloe Gong, New York Times bestselling author of THESE VIOLENT DELIGHTS *From sweeping deserts to thrashing seas, Jade Fire Gold is adventure at its finest. Yet in between its pages you'll also find a tender spirit and beautifully rendered story that honors the great wuxia epics. Jin Yong would be proud * Joan He, author of Descendant of the Crane and The Ones We're Meant to Find *An epic adventure! Ahn and Altan steal off the pages with their delicious banter, and into readers' hearts with their resilience and courage * Elizabeth Lim, New York Times bestselling author of SPIN THE DAWN *A rich fantasy world and complex, intricately drawn characters makes Jade Fire Gold an addictive story that is impossible to put down. June CL Tan is a stunning new debut and one to watch * Swati Teerdhala, Author of The Tiger At Midnight series *Epic in every sense of the word, Jade Fire Gold is a fantasy as beautiful as it is sweeping. June CL Tan's world sings with magic on each page, populated with characters readers will cheer and cry for in equal measure * Roseanne A. Brown, New York Times Bestselling Author of A Song of Wraiths and Ruin *Brutal and beautiful, June CL Tan's debut is a force. Jade Fire Gold was a gripping adventure I couldn't put down * Hafsah Faizal, New York Times bestselling author of We Hunt the Flame *[A] smoldering romance takes place against the backdrop of themes of duality and complementarity in nature, trauma and revenge, self-sacrifice, truth in history, and the fight for a better future . . . A magic-filled debut that will leave readers eager for more from this author * Kirkus Reviews (starred review) *[A] smoldering romance takes place against the backdrop of themes of duality and complementarity in nature, trauma and revenge, self-sacrifice, truth in history, and the fight for a better future . . . A magic-filled debut that will leave readers eager for more from this author * Kirkus Reviews (starred review) *A beautiful and magical adventure - you don't want to miss this one! * Tasha Suri, author of The Jasmine Throne *Addictive and immersive, June C.L. Tan's Jade Fire Gold transported me straight to the desert and kept me there right up until the final page. A spectacular debut full of adventure, magic and heart - I can't wait to see what comes next from this talented new voice in YA fantasy! * Lynette Noni, #1 bestselling author of The Prison Healer *Inspired by the Chinese high fantasy xianxia stories, Jade Fire Gold manages a nuanced look at imperialism, the effects of childhood trauma, and just who gets to write and define the history we are taught * SFX *Magical... With action, romance and beautifully rich detail, this is absolutely a series to follow through to the end * Culturefly *

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Book SynopsisWhen his beloved only daughter goes missing, millionaire entrepreneur Walter van Dam calls in a team of experts - including free-climbers, a geologist, a parapsychologist, even a medium - to find her . . . for Anna-Lena has disappeared somewhere within a mysterious cave system under the old house the family abandoned years ago. But the rescuers are not the only people on her trail - and there are dangers in the underground labyrinth that no one could ever have foreseen.In a gigantic cavern the team come across a number of strange doors, three of them marked with enigmatic symbols. Anna-Lena must be behind one of them - but time is running out and they need to choose, quickly. Anna-Lena is no longer the only person at risk.The team knew their mission would be perilous - but how do you defeat your own demons? Trapped in their own nightmares, their only hope of escape is DOOR X, which leads to a threatening vision of the future . . .DOORS: THREE DOORS, THREE DIFFERENT ADVENTURES. WHICH DOOR WILL YOU CHOOSE?Trade ReviewThree exciting excursions into foreign worlds that can only be described as completely successful! * Geek *You always know what to expect from Markus Heitz. Over the years he has been one of the staples of fantasy literature . . . he can be enjoyed by both casual readers as well as by hard-core readers * Upcoming4Me *Just as talented musicians can create a myriad symphonies with only 12 musical notes, Heitz demonstrates how talented writers are able to create greatly enjoyable stories based only a few basic, well known concepts * Speculative Book Review on Markus Heitz *A great example of action-oriented and unfussy quest literature. Highly recommended. * SF Crowsnest on The Dwarves *Twilight explores the idea of what happens if you leap from dimension to dimension. Imagine the finalé to Monsters Inc but in this case the monsters want to eat your face off rather than just scare you. The movement from one place to another allows for a series of entertaining little novelettes. Heitz can create an interesting and believable future and also manages to create some stalking horror elsewhere within the same story. The books can be read in any order as they are all different in style If you have the previous books fresh in your mind you will see so many more of the tendrils link one to another * SFBOOK REVIEWS on DOORS X Twilight *Heitz likes to play with alternative realities . . . [he] can throw his characters into an old-school slobberknocker of a fight. The X-Files-like mystery is explored in all three novels, from slightly different perspectives * SFBOOK REVIEWS on DOORS ! Field of Blood *There are a lot of interesting ideas throughout the DOORS experiment. They are action thrillers . . . [they] reminded me of the type of crazed abandonment that someone like Matthew Riley brings to the novels. You should enjoy the ride . . .with its gung-ho action and ephemeral characters, Colony is a book aimed more at the action science-fiction fans who just want a quick and enjoyable read * SFBOOK REVIEWS on DOORS ? Colony *Markus Heitz has treated us to an inventive idea and three thrilling novels that entertain throughout * GEEK DAD on the DOORS sequence *

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Book SynopsisSummer is gone, and the world is turning to ice.The Rondian Empress Lyra has lost her husband, her army is defeated and the deadly Masked Cabal have seized the Holy City. Her allies have abandoned her and her empire is spiralling into chaos - and her only weapon is a forbidden magic she dare not use. She can't survive alone - but who can she still trust?'Vibrant, memorable characters' - SciFi NowThe Eastern conqueror Sultan Rashid is victorious on the battlefield, but now he faces an enemy more deadly than Rondian knights: the winter. Unless he captures a major city to shelter his huge armies, his plans to overthrow the West face ruin in the snow. But standing between his men and safety is the remnants of a defeated army led by a general who knows all about fighting for survival.'An epic journey of ordinary people destined to change the course of history . . . alluring . . . gripping' - BoHoMind.comThere are no easy options left. Lyra and her fellow dwymancers must master their deadly magic, whatever the cost. Even those who believe themselves to be fighting for good must grasp the reins of power with cold-hearted determination, and use even the most terrible weapon, if they are to stop the world from falling apart . . . for ever.Trade ReviewEmpress of the Fall is a sprawling epic fantasy of grandiose proportions . . . with a hearty taste of blood and gore, and plenty of vicious politics * ANGELA OLIVER, author of Fellowship of the Ringtails *A page-turning adventure filled with excitement and intriguing characters. For those loving an epic fantasy with plenty of sword-fights, gun-play, bare-fisted combat and battles between sorcerers, this book's for you * AMAZING STORIES on Map’s Edge *Beautifully written, a fantastically epic tale spanning two continents, with flashes of the Crusades combined with wonderfully inventive magic. It's grounded in believable characters that I loved and hated, and full of action and heartbreak. And knights flying into battle on winged horses - how cool is that! * JOHN GWYNNE, bestselling author of Malice on Empress of the Fall *Massive but focused, every character POV is interesting and none of them seem cliché, the magic and world is great * BRIAN'S BOOK BLOG *Vibrant, memorable characters are littered across the landscape and the Lantric masks are a great piece of detail. For anyone looking for a new sprawling fantasy epic to stick their teeth into, Empress Of The Fall is an ultimately satisfying journey into a fascinating and chaotic landscape * SCI FI NOW *Classic immersive fantasy * RIBBON REVIEWS *True epic fantasy. It has everything a fan could want - detailed magic, good characters and evil characters (of both genders) and some in between, a compelling plot, and twists aplenty * A BITTER DRAFT *Increasingly addictive . . . Adult fantasy lovers who enjoy historical fiction and intricate political plots will love this book . . . epic * A BOHEMIAN MIND AT WORK *A remarkable series * SFFANZ *These characters . . . have found a confidence on the page which somehow endears them more to the reader * BRITISH FANTASY SOCIETY on Prince of the Spear *This is a series I cannot recommend enough * C.E. TRACY, author of Chronicles of the Fallen *Hair is adept at building characters as well as worlds, and his attention to his female players is welcome in a genre that too often excludes them * KIRKUS *I continue to be impressed by the way Hair takes some very familiar, almost trite, ideas and spins them in a new way. Epic fantasy is not dying, my friends, it is just moving in new directions * FANTASY REVIEW BARN *The Moontide Quartet is perhaps the most understated fantasy series currently being written. It features a wide, diverse cast of characters spread out over dual continents. Focusing on a clash of civilisations storyline, David Hair offers a tale that encapsulates epic fantasy to its entirety * FANTASY BOOK CRITIC, The Year’s Top Ten *A complex world populated by a rich and diverse cast of characters . . . There's a little something for everyone here - conspiracies, political backstabbing, high magic, swordplay, a smattering of romance, and more . . .Recommended for fans of George R.R. Martin, Brandon Sanderson and Patrick Rothfuss * MONSTER LIBRARIAN *One of the best examples, in recent memory, of epic fantasy * NOVELNAUT *Amazing, The Moontide Quartet epic fantasy series. I'll not reveal all the details and plots, you'll just need to read these books. It will make you turning pages at the speed of a desert storm * DEJAN DELIC DEVIANT ART *Increasingly addictive . . . Adult fantasy lovers who enjoy historical fiction and intricate political plots will love this book . . . epic * A Bohemian Mind at Work *Empress of the Fall is a sprawling epic fantasy of grandiose proportions . . . with a hearty taste of blood and gore, and plenty of vicious politics * Angela Oliver, author of Fellowship of the Ringtails *I continue to be impressed by the way Hair takes some very familiar, almost trite, ideas and spins them in a new way. Epic fantasy is not dying, my friends, it is just moving in new directions * Fantasy Review Barn *The Moontide Quartet is perhaps the most understated fantasy series currently being written. It features a wide, diverse cast of characters spread out over dual continents. Focusing on a clash of civilisations storyline, David Hair offers a tale that encapsulates epic fantasy to its entirety * Fantasy Book Critic, The Year’s Top Ten *One of the best examples, in recent memory, of epic fantasy * Novelnaut *A remarkable series * SFFANZ *True epic fantasy. It has everything a fan could want - detailed magic, good characters and evil characters (of both genders) and some in between, a compelling plot, and twists aplenty * A Bitter Draft *This is a series I cannot recommend enough * C.E. Tracy, author of Chronicles of the Fallen *Amazing, The Moontide Quartet epic fantasy series. I'll not reveal all the details and plots, you'll just need to read these books. It will make you turning pages at the speed of a desert storm * Dejan Delic Deviant Art *A complex world populated by a rich and diverse cast of characters . . . There's a little something for everyone here - conspiracies, political backstabbing, high magic, swordplay, a smattering of romance, and more . . .Recommended for fans of George R.R. Martin, Brandon Sanderson and Patrick Rothfuss * Monster Librarian *

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Book SynopsisDesperate for the next Game of Thrones? Prince of the Spear continues the Sunsurge Quartet and delivers a full-on fix of epic fantasy.The unthinkable has happened. With the Leviathan Bridge critically damaged and its towers unable to control the skies between Yuros and Antiopia, the East has invaded the West. A vast windfleet, constructed in secret, is winging across the Pontic SeaThe holy Shihad has begun.The Rondian Empire is divided and weak. Empress Lyra has barely survived a coup, triggered by a masked cabal whose members still remain concealed in the highest echelons of her court. Only Lyra's secret affinity to the heretical power of dwyma saved her - but that affinity is also her most dangerous weakness.As empires clash, lives are torn apart and long-held beliefs are overthrown by circumstance and desperation. A young queen whose court is riddled with traitors turns to the wrong people in her hour of need. Two princes clash in the skies, the fate of two nations riding on their skill. Two brothers must reconcile disparate cultures to regain their kingdom. An idealistic rabble-rouser sees a chance to strike. And a small group of dwymancers grope blindly for knowledge in a race against time before the masked Cabal strike again.'Represents modern epic fantasy at its best' - Fantasy Book Critic on the Moontide QuartetTrade ReviewBeautifully written, a fantastically epic tale spanning two continents, with flashes of the Crusades combined with wonderfully inventive magic. It's grounded in believable characters that I loved and hated, and full of action and heartbreak. And knights flying into battle on winged horses - how cool is that! * JOHN GWYNNE, bestselling author of Malice *I enjoyed the characters and their struggles and schemes . . . Classic immersive fantasy * RIBBON REVIEWS on Empress of the Fall *Increasingly addictive . . . Adult fantasy lovers who enjoy historical fiction and intricate political plots will love this book . . . epic * A BOHEMIAN MIND AT WORK *Hair is adept at building characters as well as worlds, and his attention to his female players is welcome in a genre that too often excludes them. * KIRKUS *For anyone looking for a new sprawling fantasy epic to stick their teeth into, Empress Of The Fall is an ultimately satisfying journey into a fascinating and chaotic landscape * SCIFI NOW on Empress of the Fall *Empress is a sprawling epic fantasy of grandiose proportions . . . with a hearty taste of blood and gore, and plenty of vicious politics * ANGELA OLIVER, author of Fellowship of the Ringtails *A page-turning adventure filled with excitement and intriguing characters. For those loving an epic fantasy with plenty of sword-fights, gun-play, bare-fisted combat and battles between sorcerers, this book's for you * AMAZING STORIES on Map's Edge *These characters . . . have found a confidence on the page which somehow endears them more to the reader * BRITISH FANTASY SOCIETY on Prince of the Spear *Good supply of politics, gore and a well-thought-out magic system * REVIEW GRAVEYARD *Promises to recall epic fantasy's finest * TOR.COM on the Moontide Quartet *It isn't often that I find a fantasy brick as enjoyable as this one; it's been quite a while in fact, and I think I can safely commend this series to lovers of the genre, as one that will satisfy and yet leave the reader ready for more * JACQUI SMITH, A Kiwi’s Book Review on Empress of the Fall *I continue to be impressed by the way Hair takes some very familiar, almost trite, ideas and spins them in a new way. Epic fantasy is not dying my friends, it is just moving in new directions * FANTASY REVIEW BARN on Unholy War *Vivid, dynamic characters and terrific world building . . . Readers of epic fantasy should definitely check out this series * BIBLIOSANCTUM on the Moontide Quartet *Represents modern epic fantasy at its best. * FANTASY BOOK CRITIC on the Moontide Quartet *The sense of chaos, endless politicking between factions and urge by characters to make sense out of events beyond their control is palpable as the pace becomes more and more frantic * UPCOMING4.ME on the Moontide Quartet *The writing is crisp, the characters full of vigour and desires which when they become banded together really gives the story something to focus upon as the bonds grow stronger * FALCATA TIMES on the Moontide Quartet *So epic, that it gets you so involved and is such an investment in time and emotion, that there is a little sting of regret that the ending had to come at all * BRITISH FANTASY SOCIETY on the Moontide Quartet *

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Book Synopsis“A promising series opener with a rich supporting cast of characters. Packed full of adventure and ending with a cliffhanger that leaves readers anxiously awaiting a sequel.” — ALA Booklist Holes in the Veil (Book #2) will be released February 16, 2021! In a land where magic’s feared, a rare magical kind exists: the Blest, products of the Goblets Immortal. Aidan’s a Blest on the run, forced to return home. He made his family vanish decades ago, but believes there’s a way to bring them back.Whispers of a new fear take shape in Meraude, a mage who hates all magic-kind. When she appears in Aidan’s dreams offering a bargain for the return of his family, Aidan’s desires battle with his self-preservation.Is it wise for Aidan to seek the Goblets Immortal for Meraude’s unknown purposes? Friend and foe blur the magical lines, and Aidan must discern who will shake his hand or slit his throat. FLAME TREE PRESS is the imprint of long-standing Independent Flame Tree Publishing, dedicated to full-length original fiction in the horror and suspense, science fiction & fantasy, and crime / mystery / thriller categories. The list brings together fantastic new authors and the more established; the award winners, and exciting, original voices. Learn more about Flame Tree Press at www.flametreepress.com and connect on social media @FlameTreePressTrade Review“Overmyer has written a promising series opener with a rich supporting cast of characters. Packed full of adventure and ending with a cliffhanger that leaves readers anxiously awaiting a sequel.” -- Booklist“The magic system that Overmyer creates is compelling as well as familiar, so the reader has no issues buying into it the moment it is introduced. This fantasy has a similar flavor to YA, making it a good transition novel for the teen who is ready to begin reading adult fantasy. The book is fast-paced and can be read in a day—perfect for a long airplane ride.” -- SciFiMoviePage“The Goblets Immortal is a very interesting and unique fantasy story. Aiden and Slaine are very characters that are worth following, there is cool magic, an evil Mage, and almost no knows what is going on! It is fun and chaotic, and I really enjoyed the read.” -- FanFiAddict“I had a blast reading this compelling fantasy with a wonderful character driven plot lead by a sympathetic, but kick ass main character! I highly recommend this book!” -- The Haunted Fae“A well-paced, character driven novel that immediately pulled me in and wouldn’t let me put it down.” -- Jessica Belmont

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Book Synopsis“A promising series opener with a rich supporting cast of characters. Packed full of adventure and ending with a cliffhanger that leaves readers anxiously awaiting a sequel.” — ALA Booklist Holes in the Veil (Book #2) will be released February 16, 2021! In a land where magic’s feared, a rare magical kind exists: the Blest, products of the Goblets Immortal. Aidan’s a Blest on the run, forced to return home. He made his family vanish decades ago, but believes there’s a way to bring them back.Whispers of a new fear take shape in Meraude, a mage who hates all magic-kind. When she appears in Aidan’s dreams offering a bargain for the return of his family, Aidan’s desires battle with his self-preservation.Is it wise for Aidan to seek the Goblets Immortal for Meraude’s unknown purposes? Friend and foe blur the magical lines, and Aidan must discern who will shake his hand or slit his throat. FLAME TREE PRESS is the imprint of long-standing Independent Flame Tree Publishing, dedicated to full-length original fiction in the horror and suspense, science fiction & fantasy, and crime / mystery / thriller categories. The list brings together fantastic new authors and the more established; the award winners, and exciting, original voices. Learn more about Flame Tree Press at www.flametreepress.com and connect on social media @FlameTreePressTrade Review“Overmyer has written a promising series opener with a rich supporting cast of characters. Packed full of adventure and ending with a cliffhanger that leaves readers anxiously awaiting a sequel.” -- Booklist“The magic system that Overmyer creates is compelling as well as familiar, so the reader has no issues buying into it the moment it is introduced. This fantasy has a similar flavor to YA, making it a good transition novel for the teen who is ready to begin reading adult fantasy. The book is fast-paced and can be read in a day—perfect for a long airplane ride.” -- SciFiMoviePage“The Goblets Immortal is a very interesting and unique fantasy story. Aiden and Slaine are very characters that are worth following, there is cool magic, an evil Mage, and almost no knows what is going on! It is fun and chaotic, and I really enjoyed the read.” -- FanFiAddict“I had a blast reading this compelling fantasy with a wonderful character driven plot lead by a sympathetic, but kick ass main character! I highly recommend this book!” -- The Haunted Fae“A well-paced, character driven novel that immediately pulled me in and wouldn’t let me put it down.” -- Jessica Belmont

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Book Synopsis"Readers who love medieval-esque fantasy will delight in this rousing tale of rebellion.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)After a warlord slaughters her patients, Sister Alessia quits the cloister and strikes out on her own to heal the victims of a brutal dynastic conflict. Her roaming forest camp unwittingly becomes the center of a vengeful peasant insurgency, raiding the forces of both sides to survive. Alessia struggles to temper their fury as well as tend wounds, consenting to ever greater violence to keep her new charges safe. When they uncover proof of a foreign conspiracy prolonging the bloodshed, Alessia risks the very lives she’s saved to expose the truth and bring the war to an end. FLAME TREE PRESS is the imprint of long-standing independent Flame Tree Publishing dedicated to full-length original fiction in the horror and suspense, science fiction & fantasy, and crime / mystery / thriller categories. The list brings together fantastic new authors and the more established; the award winners, and exciting, original voices. Learn more about Flame Tree Press at www.flametreepress.com and connect on social media @FlameTreePressTrade Review“A promising debut from Eric Lewis. The Heron Kings is full of consistent characters that are inspiring and tough. Gruesome at times, this shows the true savagery of war and has enough action and intrigue to keep you on your toes.” -- GrimDark Magazine“Lewis’s excellent debut introduces a band of well-drawn outlaws who don’t care who wins the civil war that’s ravaging their land, just so long as it ends [...] The central trio are marvelously realized, and their developments amid the ongoing horrors are effortlessly convincing. Readers who love medieval-esque fantasy will delight in this rousing tale of rebellion.” -- Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)“Fast-paced and gripping, The Heron Kings is riveting stuff.” -- British Fantasy Society“There’s a Robin Hood feel to Lewis’ debut, as average citizens rise up against the warmongering upper class with justified anger [...] Readers will root for the [characters].” -- ALA Booklist“If you like war-time fiction and epic fantasies, you’ll love this book. Eric Lewis’s writing reminds me of the writing of Brandon Sanderson — with vernacular that’s uncomplicated yet full of emotion and depth — and that’s some of the highest praise I can give a fantasy novel.” -- Backshelf Books“The Heron Kings is a story of war and revenge, vigilante justice and self-discovery. The characters are fascinating and the world building is really good.” -- FanFiAddict“A well paced tale with great characters, lots of scheming, violence, blood and gore in a clever plot that makes this a gripping read from start to finish.” -- The Bookwormery

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Book Synopsis"Readers who love medieval-esque fantasy will delight in this rousing tale of rebellion.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)After a warlord slaughters her patients, Sister Alessia quits the cloister and strikes out on her own to heal the victims of a brutal dynastic conflict. Her roaming forest camp unwittingly becomes the center of a vengeful peasant insurgency, raiding the forces of both sides to survive. Alessia struggles to temper their fury as well as tend wounds, consenting to ever greater violence to keep her new charges safe. When they uncover proof of a foreign conspiracy prolonging the bloodshed, Alessia risks the very lives she’s saved to expose the truth and bring the war to an end. FLAME TREE PRESS is the imprint of long-standing independent Flame Tree Publishing dedicated to full-length original fiction in the horror and suspense, science fiction & fantasy, and crime / mystery / thriller categories. The list brings together fantastic new authors and the more established; the award winners, and exciting, original voices. Learn more about Flame Tree Press at www.flametreepress.com and connect on social media @FlameTreePressTrade Review“A promising debut from Eric Lewis. The Heron Kings is full of consistent characters that are inspiring and tough. Gruesome at times, this shows the true savagery of war and has enough action and intrigue to keep you on your toes.” -- GrimDark Magazine“Lewis’s excellent debut introduces a band of well-drawn outlaws who don’t care who wins the civil war that’s ravaging their land, just so long as it ends [...] The central trio are marvelously realized, and their developments amid the ongoing horrors are effortlessly convincing. Readers who love medieval-esque fantasy will delight in this rousing tale of rebellion.” -- Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)“Fast-paced and gripping, The Heron Kings is riveting stuff.” -- British Fantasy Society“There’s a Robin Hood feel to Lewis’ debut, as average citizens rise up against the warmongering upper class with justified anger [...] Readers will root for the [characters].” -- ALA Booklist“If you like war-time fiction and epic fantasies, you’ll love this book. Eric Lewis’s writing reminds me of the writing of Brandon Sanderson — with vernacular that’s uncomplicated yet full of emotion and depth — and that’s some of the highest praise I can give a fantasy novel.” -- Backshelf Books“The Heron Kings is a story of war and revenge, vigilante justice and self-discovery. The characters are fascinating and the world building is really good.” -- FanFiAddict“A well paced tale with great characters, lots of scheming, violence, blood and gore in a clever plot that makes this a gripping read from start to finish.” -- The Bookwormery

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Book Synopsis "...a masterful epic of exploration and exile." — Lee Murray, double Bram Stoker Award®-winner and author of Grotesque: Monster Stories " Insightful and highly entertaining!” — Jonathan Maberry, NY Times bestselling author of Relentless and V-Wars "...this is the beginning of an outstanding epic that will have broad appeal, especially to the readers of the Dune saga. Highly recommended for all sf collections." — Booklist Starred Review Of Kings, Queens and Colonies: (Coronam Book 1) is a multi-protagonist story set in the human future where the politics and players of sixteenth century Europe echo the repeated mistakes of humanity at another crucial crossroads of decision and evolution. Nearly a millennium after The Unsettling of old Earth, the new civilized worlds are on the brink of war. The planet Enskari, as an affront to tradition and the Prophet on Temple, has placed Zabel, a woman upon its throne. With the backing of the church, Brandon of Hyrax readies an armada to subdue Enskari and unite the system under a single rule—his own. Meanwhile an Enskaran group of separatists depart for the last unclaimed world of the system, Tirgwenin. There they will find something strange. Something low and connective, subtle and spreading. Something alien. Something truly threatening. FLAME TREE PRESS is the imprint of long-standing Independent Flame Tree Publishing, dedicated to full-length original fiction in the horror and suspense, science fiction & fantasy, and crime / mystery / thriller categories. The list brings together fantastic new authors and the more established; the award winners, and exciting, original voices.Trade Review“A clever and exciting collision of space opera, high adventure, and devious politics. Insightful and highly entertaining!” -- Jonathan Maberry, NY Times bestselling author of RELENTLESS and V-WARS“Political and prophetic, comprising battles and betrayals, bourgeoisie and brutes, and the persistent hum of bees, Of Kings, Queens & Colonies is a masterful epic of exploration and exile. A cautionary tale for citizens of the Old Planet. Sure to be on the award lists." -- Lee Murray, double Bram Stoker Award®-winner and author of Grotesque: Monster Stories.“Worthen shows himself a master of style and substance…”. -- Michael R. Collings, 2016 World Horror Convention Grand Master."The worlds of Coronam, with their mixture of old and new technologies, create a unique setting for an ageless story about humanity." -- Daniel Yocom (Guild Master Gaming)"Johnny Worthen is a bold and imaginative writer; his Coronam work is a fascinating look at our troubling history through the lens of tomorrow." -- Bryan Young, author, BattleTech: Honor's Gauntlet"With Of Kings Queens and Colonies, Johnny Worthen creates an immersive and compelling world populated by vivid characters. As always, his excellent writing is saturated with humor and humanity. Highly recommended." -- Kate Jonez, Chief Editor Omnium Gatherum"...this is the beginning of an outstanding epic that will have broad appeal, especially to the readers of the Dune saga. Highly recommended for all sf collections." -- Booklist Starred Review

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Book Synopsis "...a masterful epic of exploration and exile." — Lee Murray, double Bram Stoker Award®-winner and author of Grotesque: Monster Stories " Insightful and highly entertaining!” — Jonathan Maberry, NY Times bestselling author of Relentless and V-Wars "...this is the beginning of an outstanding epic that will have broad appeal, especially to the readers of the Dune saga. Highly recommended for all sf collections." — Booklist Starred Review Of Kings, Queens and Colonies: (Coronam Book 1) is a multi-protagonist story set in the human future where the politics and players of sixteenth century Europe echo the repeated mistakes of humanity at another crucial crossroads of decision and evolution. Nearly a millennium after The Unsettling of old Earth, the new civilized worlds are on the brink of war. The planet Enskari, as an affront to tradition and the Prophet on Temple, has placed Zabel, a woman upon its throne. With the backing of the church, Brandon of Hyrax readies an armada to subdue Enskari and unite the system under a single rule—his own. Meanwhile an Enskaran group of separatists depart for the last unclaimed world of the system, Tirgwenin. There they will find something strange. Something low and connective, subtle and spreading. Something alien. Something truly threatening. FLAME TREE PRESS is the imprint of long-standing Independent Flame Tree Publishing, dedicated to full-length original fiction in the horror and suspense, science fiction & fantasy, and crime / mystery / thriller categories. The list brings together fantastic new authors and the more established; the award winners, and exciting, original voices.Trade Review“A clever and exciting collision of space opera, high adventure, and devious politics. Insightful and highly entertaining!” -- Jonathan Maberry, NY Times bestselling author of RELENTLESS and V-WARS“Political and prophetic, comprising battles and betrayals, bourgeoisie and brutes, and the persistent hum of bees, Of Kings, Queens & Colonies is a masterful epic of exploration and exile. A cautionary tale for citizens of the Old Planet. Sure to be on the award lists." -- Lee Murray, double Bram Stoker Award®-winner and author of Grotesque: Monster Stories.“Worthen shows himself a master of style and substance…”. -- Michael R. Collings, 2016 World Horror Convention Grand Master."The worlds of Coronam, with their mixture of old and new technologies, create a unique setting for an ageless story about humanity." -- Daniel Yocom (Guild Master Gaming)"Johnny Worthen is a bold and imaginative writer; his Coronam work is a fascinating look at our troubling history through the lens of tomorrow." -- Bryan Young, author, BattleTech: Honor's Gauntlet"With Of Kings Queens and Colonies, Johnny Worthen creates an immersive and compelling world populated by vivid characters. As always, his excellent writing is saturated with humor and humanity. Highly recommended." -- Kate Jonez, Chief Editor Omnium Gatherum"...this is the beginning of an outstanding epic that will have broad appeal, especially to the readers of the Dune saga. Highly recommended for all sf collections." -- Booklist Starred Review

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Book Synopsis"Readers who love medieval-esque fantasy will delight in this rousing tale of rebellion.” — Publishers Weekly starred review of Book 1 in the series The Heron Kings have been betrayed. A century after their formation from a gang of desperate peasant insurgents, the shadowy band of forest rangers suffers a rare defeat when a skirmish turns into a bloody ambush. Their shaky truce with the crown is tested as young members Linet and Aerrus work to track down their enemies. When reluctant peacetime soldier Eyvind reveals a conspiracy to welcome the charismatic invader Phynagoras, the trio must convince a weak king and pitifully few allies to stand against the storm. Their only hope lies in the forgotten tactics of their own guerrilla past, and a terrifying new alchemical weapon the likes of which the world had never imagined. The only question is which side will be destroyed by it first... FLAME TREE PRESS is the imprint of long-standing independent Flame Tree Publishing dedicated to full-length original fiction in the horror and suspense, science fiction & fantasy, and crime / mystery / thriller categories. The list brings together fantastic new authors and the more established; the award winners, and exciting, original voices. Learn more about Flame Tree Press at www.flametreepress.com and connect on social media @FlameTreePressTrade ReviewPraise for The Heron Kings, book 1 in the series: “Lewis’s excellent debut introduces a band of well-drawn outlaws who don’t care who wins the civil war that’s ravaging their land, just so long as it ends [...] The central trio are marvelously realized, and their developments amid the ongoing horrors are effortlessly convincing. Readers who love medieval-esque fantasy will delight in this rousing tale of rebellion.” — Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) “Fast-paced and gripping, The Heron Kings is riveting stuff.” — British Fantasy Society "There’s a Robin Hood feel to Lewis’ debut, as average citizens rise up against the warmongering upper class with justified anger [...] Readers will root for the [characters].” — ALA Booklist “A promising debut from Eric Lewis. The Heron Kings is full of consistent characters that are inspiring and tough. Gruesome at times, this shows the true savagery of war and has enough action and intrigue to keep you on your toes.” — GrimDark Magazine

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Book Synopsis"Readers who love medieval-esque fantasy will delight in this rousing tale of rebellion.” — Publishers Weekly starred review of Book 1 in the series The Heron Kings have been betrayed. A century after their formation from a gang of desperate peasant insurgents, the shadowy band of forest rangers suffers a rare defeat when a skirmish turns into a bloody ambush. Their shaky truce with the crown is tested as young members Linet and Aerrus work to track down their enemies. When reluctant peacetime soldier Eyvind reveals a conspiracy to welcome the charismatic invader Phynagoras, the trio must convince a weak king and pitifully few allies to stand against the storm. Their only hope lies in the forgotten tactics of their own guerrilla past, and a terrifying new alchemical weapon the likes of which the world had never imagined. The only question is which side will be destroyed by it first... FLAME TREE PRESS is the imprint of long-standing independent Flame Tree Publishing dedicated to full-length original fiction in the horror and suspense, science fiction & fantasy, and crime / mystery / thriller categories. The list brings together fantastic new authors and the more established; the award winners, and exciting, original voices. Learn more about Flame Tree Press at www.flametreepress.com and connect on social media @FlameTreePressTrade ReviewPraise for The Heron Kings, book 1 in the series: “Lewis’s excellent debut introduces a band of well-drawn outlaws who don’t care who wins the civil war that’s ravaging their land, just so long as it ends [...] The central trio are marvelously realized, and their developments amid the ongoing horrors are effortlessly convincing. Readers who love medieval-esque fantasy will delight in this rousing tale of rebellion.” — Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) “Fast-paced and gripping, The Heron Kings is riveting stuff.” — British Fantasy Society "There’s a Robin Hood feel to Lewis’ debut, as average citizens rise up against the warmongering upper class with justified anger [...] Readers will root for the [characters].” — ALA Booklist “A promising debut from Eric Lewis. The Heron Kings is full of consistent characters that are inspiring and tough. Gruesome at times, this shows the true savagery of war and has enough action and intrigue to keep you on your toes.” — GrimDark Magazine

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Book Synopsis"Fans of pseudo-medieval fantasy quest tales and authors like Terry Brooks, Anne McCaffrey, and Brandon Sanderson, and those looking for something to read after bingeing the Netflix show Cursed, will get a kick out of Overmyer's action-packed series." — Booklist Book 3 in the Goblets Immortal series. Years after the Circle disbanded, Meraude builds an army to rid the land of mortals, wizards, and anyone she cannot control. The Goblets Immortal and the throne of Inohaim Tower soon will be hers! But there is a thorn in her side and a flaw in her plan. Aidan, a Summoner Meraude had once recruited, has turned against her. He and Slaíne need to ally with Meraude’s twins to stop the so-called mage queen. The Goblets must be brought to Inohaim Tower to be destroyed…if the four Blest can escape the wizard Hex and his House of Curses, that is. FLAME TREE PRESS is the imprint of long-standing Independent Flame Tree Publishing, dedicated to full-length original fiction in the horror and suspense, science fiction & fantasy, and crime / mystery / thriller categories. The list brings together fantastic new authors and the more established; the award winners, and exciting, original voices. Learn more about Flame Tree Press at www.flametreepress.com and connect on social media @FlameTreePressTrade ReviewPraise for Books 1 and 2 in The Goblets Immortal series: “Overmyer has written a promising series opener with a rich supporting cast of characters. Packed full of adventure and ending with a cliffhanger that leaves readers anxiously awaiting a sequel.” — ALA Booklist “The magic system that Overmyer creates is compelling as well as familiar, so the reader has no issues buying into it the moment it is introduced. This fantasy has a similar flavor to YA, making it a good transition novel for the teen who is ready to begin reading adult fantasy. The book is fast-paced and can be read in a day—perfect for a long airplane ride.” — SciFiMoviePage “The Goblets Immortal is a very interesting and unique fantasy story. Aiden and Slaine are very characters that are worth following, there is cool magic, an evil Mage, and almost no knows what is going on! It is fun and chaotic, and I really enjoyed the read.” — FanFiAddict “I had a blast reading this compelling fantasy with a wonderful character driven plot lead by a sympathetic, but kick ass main character! I highly recommend this book!” — The Haunted Fae “A well-paced, character driven novel that immediately pulled me in and wouldn’t let me put it down.” — Jessica Belmont "Overmyer ramps up the action in this suspenseful sequel to 'The Goblets Immortal' [...] the magic system is innovative as ever and the dramatic chase scenes drive the plot forward. Series devotees will find plenty to hold their attention." — Publishers Weekly "Fans of pseudo-medieval fantasy quest tales and authors like Terry Brooks, Anne McCaffrey, and Brandon Sanderson, and those looking for something to read after bingeing the Netflix show Cursed, will get a kick out of Overmyer's action-packed series." — Booklist "A riveting good read from cover to cover, "Holes in the Veil" (the sequel to "The Goblets Immortal") is another extraordinary and deftly crafted action/adventure fantasy from the mind and imagination of fantasy author Beth Overmyer." — Midwest Book Review "It is witty and adventurous, and I loved all the tension-building elements… I recommend this book and series for fans of fantasy, and especially those who like adventure fantasy. I suspect you will not be disappointed." — FanFiAddict "a charmingly persuasive read." — Concatenation "With its well developed characters, a tension packed plot and fantastic world building this is a marvellous adventure of magic and fantasy." — The Bookwormery

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Book SynopsisFollowing Tinderbox, the acclaimed first title in the The Tales of the Riven Isles, the story of magic and revenge continues with Tarotmancer. Harper holds the Gift of Divination. Red is the infamous Reynard the Fox, fugitive shapeshifter. When his past finds him Red is taken to the Kingdom of Vale within Underneath so he can pay for his crimes and Harper is taken as hostage. With the Rot drawing on the hatred of the citizens, including Harper she realizes she must put her feelings aside and save Red from the punishment of the Cesspit. As the Rot continues to grow, all must take control of their emotions and join to protect Vale. FLAME TREE PRESS is the imprint of long-standing independent Flame Tree Publishing, dedicated to full-length original fiction in the horror and suspense, science fiction & fantasy, and crime / mystery / thriller categories. The list brings together fantastic new authors and the more established; the award winners, and exciting, original voices. Learn more about Flame Tree Press at www.flametreepress.com and connect on social media @FlameTreePressTrade ReviewOn the first book of the series, Tinderbox: "Simpson sticks the landing with an epic conclusion. Fans of Andrea Hairston’s Master of Poisons and other secondary world fantasy will enjoy this expansive magical adventure." -- Publishers WeeklyOn the first book of the series, Tinderbox: "This promising debut features strong world building and well-developed systems of magic. It will appeal to readers of Kacen Callender’s Queen of the Conquered (2019), N.K. Jemisin’s The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms (2010), and L. Penelope’s Song of Blood and Stone (2018)." -- Booklist

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Book SynopsisMagic reigns, plots abound, and a new love might not conquer all, in this must-read finale to the epic Gargoyle Queen trilogy by international bestselling author Jennifer Estep.Time is running out for crown princess Gemma Ripley.Trade Review"Estep lands solidly with her last book of the “Gargoyle Queen” trilogy, capping off a delightful romantic fantasy in her growing world." — Library Journal “Estep’s fast-paced sequel to Capture the Crown dives deeper into the world of her Gargoyle Queen series…with tension-filled battle scenes and a delightfully offbeat magic system. There’s plenty for series fans to look forward to.” — Publishers Weekly on Tear Down the Throne “Guaranteed to thrill readers with intrigue, political machinations, battles, and a thread of romance, Tear Down the Throne made me love Jennifer Estep’s work—and epic fantasy romances—even more.” — Harlequin Junkie “Pretty princess + dangerous spy, that's Gemma Ripley. She does both with equal panache. Tracking a missing batch of magical tearstone leads Gemma into the heart of a hostile kingdom, the presence of a mortal enemy, and heart-pounding danger. This is action at its finest.” — #1 New York Times bestselling author Charlaine Harris on Capture the Crown “Bestseller Estep returns to the world of gargoyles, mind magiers, and political intrigue first conjured in the Crown of Shards series with this romantic and exciting fantasy adventure, the first in her Gargoyle Queen Trilogy…the gripping romp flies, like Grimley, Gemma’s beloved gargoyle, at a breakneck speed that will keep readers turning pages.” — Publishers Weekly on Capture the Crown “Estep’s new series takes readers back to the world she built in Crown of Shards, filled once again with exciting machinations and a slow burn of romance.” — Library Journal on Capture the Crown "Hold onto your hearts, fantasy romance lovers! Because you’re going to lose them to the deliciously smexy new bad boy prince in Capture the Crown. Jennifer Estep has outdone herself in penning my new favorite book of hers. Prince Leonidas is everything I could ask for—and Princess Gemma as a spy in a deadly waltz with him had me devouring the pages." — Jeffe Kennedy, award-winning author of the Forgotten Empires, Heirs of Magic and Bonds of Magic romantic fantasy series on Capture the Crown “Gemma Ripley is my favorite kind of heroine—smart, courageous, fierce, spirited, flawed, and full of heart. The Gargoyle Queen will capture yours!” — Amanda Bouchet, USA Today bestselling author of The Kingmaker Chronicles "Crush the King is a truly epic climax to a fantastic trilogy. With glittering pageantry, lethal magic, and political conniving among warring kingdoms, the story kept me rapt with anticipation—and the truly glorious ending satisfied in style. The Crown of Shards is an action-packed, magical ride, and I loved seeing Everleigh grow from hunted girl to confident queen. Long live the Winter Queen!” — Jeffe Kennedy, RITA® Award Winning Author of The Orchid Throne on Crush the King "Jennifer Estep’s Crown of Shards series is a fantasy lover’s thrill ride. Stunning magic, epic battles, masterful political plays, strong friendships, shocking twists, a touch of romance, and enemies to absolutely hate while others surprise you make this story unputdownable and one for the keeper shelf. Estep gives us a heroine to root for, whose bravery and cunning set her apart and whose compassion and loyalty will keep readers turning the pages to see what this remarkable leader will do next. Everleigh Blair isn’t only a Winter Queen; she’s an avalanche." — Amanda Bouchet, USA Today bestselling author of The Kingmaker Chronicles on Crush the King “A tale as action and character-driven as its predecessor, proving that strong female protagonists are still in fine form.” — Library Journal on Protect the Prince “Kill the Queen is the definition of epic fantasy: exciting, original, and filled with characters who jump off the page. Jennifer Estep enters the arena and takes no prisoners. Long live the Winter Queen.” — Ilona Andrews, #1 New York Times bestselling author on Kill the Queen “Kill the Queen rocked my world! With court intrigue, a cast of fantastic characters, epic political sweep, and a slow-burn romance to die for, this book had me rapt. I only regret I devoured it so fast. And that I didn’t write it. More please!” — Jeffe Kennedy, RITA® Award winning author of The Pages of the Mind on Kill the Queen “Jennifer Estep takes the world of high fantasy by storm with a book so perfectly plotted and executed that I gasped out loud at each new reveal and unexpected turn. Evie is the heroine we all want to read about: as compassionate as she is ruthless, as cunning as she is kind, and as fierce and focused as anyone must be in order to Kill the Queen.” — Amanda Bouchet, USA Today bestselling author of The Kingmaker Chronicles on Kill the Queen

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“An enchanted coming-of-age tale twinged with dark magic” — Entertainment Weekly “The Brides of Maracoor was an arrival; The Oracle of Maracoor a journey; and The Witch of Maracoor a destination. … Rain’s meandering journey is dreamy, odd, sometimes retrospective, but Maguire’s tone, and Rain’s voice, can be sharp, wise, practical. … [Maguire] knows exactly, beautifully, how to draw his intimate yet world-spanning story to a close. … Some books you understand; some books you accept. This is the latter. It feels like a reminder, like a guidebook through rough times, and at the same time it reads like a dream.” — Tor.com “Fans of the Wicked saga and Maguire’s rich, multifaceted world will enjoy the references, heartaches, and conclusions.” — Booklist “Gregory Maguire once again has created an awe-inspiring work of fantasy that takes on the Oz stories and improves on them through expansion of new characters, places and ideas. It all makes for an engaging read and welcome time spent in a place that feels simultaneously strange and eerily familiar.” — BookReporter on The Oracle of Maracoor “A decade after she flew Out of Oz in Maguire’s Wicked series, Elphaba’s granddaughter crash-lands on an island inhabited by seven sacrificial virgins. The arrival of the green-skinned teen (and her talking goose) upends their enclave. An exquisitely crafted introduction to a new fantasy trilogy.” — People on The Brides of Maracoor “Rain’s story—begun in The Brides of Maracoor and finished, last month, in The Witch of Maracoor—felt like a gift. . . . The series is odd and dreamy, amnesiac and inventive, and full of what Maguire calls ephrarxis, which he defines as ‘nostalgia for something that had never been.’” — Tor.com “[Maguire’s] books, written from the perspective of the villain in beloved fairy tales, are captivating, full of life lessons and teach us to look at the misunderstood in a different light. … every page takes the reader on an adventure.” — Newsweek “Wonderful attention to detail. . . . [Maguire] does excellent character work. . . . The larger world of Maracoor Abiding . . . has echoes of Greek mythology and looks to be fertile ground as a setting for more books. An expertly crafted introduction to a new series of magic and adventure.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) on The Brides of Maracoor “The Brides of Maracoor once again shows Maguire’s rich, mesmerizing world building, full of small, frustrating human absurdities. . . . It also shows off his gift for crafting compelling characters. . . . It’s an intriguing, witty start to a fantastical proposed trilogy.” — Booklist on The Brides of Maracoor “[A] complex, enticing fantasy. . . . Maguire cleverly teases out the characters’ motivation and desires, turning what at first appears to be a straightforward tale into a gripping page-turner. Fans will revel in this triumphant return to the world of Wicked.” — Publishers Weekly on The Brides of Maracoor

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Book Synopsis“An atmospheric tale of two sisters, each as formidable in her own way as the gods they must battle, The Beholden is a story to lose yourself in. Clarke’s intricately-designed world of rogue magics and unique powers is a character all its own.” —Louisa Morgan, author of A Secret History of Witches Two sisters, a pregnant aristocrat and a scholar-magician, find themselves at the center of a conflict between the immortal being Decay and the Emperor himself . . .Orphaned as young women, Celestia and Izara De Malena find themselves land rich but destitute, with only a failing rainforest acreage, Celestia’s perfect manners, and Izara’s nascent magic to their aristocratic names. With the last of their money running out, they enact a dangerous plan—using a spell she doesn’t fully understand, Izara summons the Lady of the Seraphine and demands a favor: a husband for Celestia, one rich enough to enable the De Malena sisters to keep their land. But a favor from the river goddess always comes at a cost...Now, five years later, rumors of war and disease are spreading, Celestia’s husband has been called away on a secret mission for the Emperor, and the Lady of the Seraphine is back to collect her due. Izara will be forced to leave the academy where she has been studying to become a mage; Celestia will be pulled from her now-flourishing farm while newly pregnant with her first child. Together, they must repay their debt to the Lady—embarking on a mission that will put them on a collision course with Celestia’s husband, the Emperor, and a god even more powerful than the Lady of the Seraphine. Gorgeous, compelling, and utterly captivating, The Beholden follows Celestia and Izara as they journey from the lush rainforest to a frozen desert on an impossible quest to find a god who doesn’t want to be found and prevent the end of the world.Trade Review“A wonderful, creepy quest through a magical, ever-changing wilderness, with the world at stake and love in the balance. More please!” —Max Gladstone, Hugo and Nebula Award Winning co-author of This is How You Lose the Time War“Lush and compelling, Clarke has created a world that captivates . . . A gorgeous story with a deep heart.” —Fran Wilde, Nebula Award-winning author of Updraft and Riverland“An atmospheric tale of two sisters, each as formidable in her own way as the gods they must battle, The Beholden is a story to lose yourself in. Clarke’s intricately-designed world of rogue magics and unique powers is a character all its own.” —Louisa Morgan, author of A Secret History of Witches “The Beholden is a rich enchantment of a novel, dizzying, dangerous, and delightful. I loved it.” —Trent Jamieson, author of Day Boy“A dark and gripping fantasy with the atmosphere of a haunted southern evening on the bayou. I loved it!” —Stina Leicht, author of Persephone Station “With its charming and multiplex nature, The Beholden will manage to satisfy any fans of Tanith Lee, Ellen Kushner or Robert Jackson Bennett—or really, any reader who delights in tales of realistic bravery and hyper-real magic.” —Locus Magazine

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Book SynopsisA plucky, sardonic con artist must “prophesize” her way out of peril—discovering along the way that power and politics are nothing more than stories sold as truth.Kalyna’s family has the Gift: the ability to see the future. For generations, they traveled the four kingdoms of the Tetrarchia selling their services as soothsayers. Every child of their family is born with this Gift—everyone except Kalyna.So far, Kalyna has used informants and trickery to falsify prophecies for coin, scrounging together a living for her deteriorating father and cruel grandmother. But Kalyna’s reputation for prophecy precedes her, and poverty turns to danger when she is pressed into service by the spymaster to Rotfelsen.Kalyna is to use her “Gift” to uncover threats against Rotfelsen’s king, her family held hostage to ensure her good behavior. But politics are devious; the king’s enemies abound, and Kalyna’s skills for investigation and deception are tested to the limit. Worse, the conspiracy she uncovers points to a larger threat, not only to Rotfelsen but to the Tetrarchia itself. Kalyna is determined to protect her family and newfound friends, but as she is drawn deeper into palace intrigue, she can no longer tell if her manipulations are helping prevent the Tetrarchia’s destruction—or if her lies will bring about its prophesized downfall.Trade Review“[D]elightful debut fantasy adventure. . . . [P]ut your trust in Kalyna's hands and let her build a story around the two of you. Parts of it will speak to your own specific fears and desires; other aspects will be entertaining fictions, until you discover the devastating shard of truth within.” —NPR“The intricate worldbuilding includes intriguing court politics and nefarious plotting galore. [Kalyna] is both a witty and a determined heroine. . . . A fabulous puzzle box of a fantasy novel.” —Foreword Reviews “A well-crafted world . . . Kalyna narrates her story with appealing wit while not shying away from her insecurities. For those who enjoyed S. A. Chakraborty’s The City of Brass or Tasha Suri’s Empire of Sand.” —Booklist“[A] brilliantly constructed character, endlessly multilayered and relatably conflicted, with a scarred interior that nonetheless perseveres by sheer survival instinct. Kalyna's inner monologue is a delicious parade of sharp political commentary, pragmatic callousness, reluctant hope, internalized self-loathing, wounded desire, the driest sense of gallows humor, and a drive to independence made of the hardest bedrock.... Engrossing.” —Nerds of a Feather.com“I have never felt so seen. . . . Kalyna finds power in her ‘otherness’ [as] an often-hilarious wandering soothsayer trying to keep her family together in the face of those that would hurt them.”—Bookishly Jewish“Kalyna is a character after my own heart: a conniving liar whose love for her family threatens to be her downfall. Hilarious and heartbreaking by turns, Kalyna the Soothsayer is a reminder that if you can't see the future you want, sometimes you have to make it.” —C. L. Clark, author of The Unbroken“A gorgeous, layered debut, both intricate and propulsive, with a singularly brilliant heroine at its center. Kalyna is a twisty, entrancing, and totally unique entry into epic fantasy.” —Ava Reid, author of The Wolf and the Woodsman“Full of hilarious wit, intrigue, spycraft and charlatans, Kalyna the Soothsayer is a classic adventure with a sardonic twist. At the turn of the last page, I was sad to leave these lovable rogues. I've been waiting a long time to read an intelligent swashbuckling story like this. . . . It's the perfect fantastical escape.” —Marissa Levien, author of The World Gives Way“Kalyna the Soothsayer is dangerously good: a spellbinding story, captivatingly told, with a cast of unforgettable characters and plot twists that kept me turning pages past my bedtime.” —Melissa Caruso, author of The Obsidian Tower

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Book Synopsis

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