Fantasy Books

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Book SynopsisThe definitive anthology of the best post-apocalyptic literature of the last two decades. Featuring New York Times bestsellers Stephen King, George R.R. Martin and Orson Scott Card, edited by award-winning anthologist John Joseph Adams. Prescient tales of Armageddon and its aftermath, by twenty-two of today's finest writers, including:Paolo BacigalupiNeal Barrett, Jr.Tobias S. BuckellCory DoctorowDavid GriggDale Bailey Elizabeth Bear Richard KadreyJohn LanganJerry OltionJames Van PeltTogether they reveal what it will mean to survive and remain human after the end of the world...

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Book SynopsisThe Celestial Church has all but eliminated the old pagan ways, ruling the people with an iron hand. Demonic gheists terrorize the land, hunted by the warriors of the Inquisition, yet it's the battling factions within the Church and age-old hatreds between north and south that tear the land apart. Malcolm Blakley, hero of the Reaver War, seeks to end the conflict between men, yet it will fall to his son, Ian, and the huntress Gwen Adair to stop the killing before it tears the land apart. The Pagan Night is an epic of mad gods, inquisitor priests, holy knights bound to hunt and kill, and noble houses fighting battles of politics, prejudice, and power.Trade Review"Full of strong world building, cinematic and frequent battle scenes, high adventure, great characters, suspense, and dramatic plot shifts, this is an engaging, fast-paced entry in a popular subgenre." - Booklist Starred Review“Take a bit of fantasy, mix in the horror of the demonic, and put in some top notch writing and you’ll have Akers’ latest novel." - Hellnotes“Fast-paced...an epic fantasy story with action, intrigue and a good story.” - RPG “Delivers enough twists and surprises to keep readers fascinated...contains action, grittiness, magic, intrigue and well created characters.” - Rising Shadow“uniquely horrifying monsters...an extremely well-developed secondary world” - SF Signal

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Book SynopsisBetween the desert plains of Karesia and the icy wastes of Ranen, there once lay the kingdom of Ro. Its lands were fertile. Its men and women were prosperous. Their god – the One – was satisfied. But then the men of Ro grew unwatchful, and the armies of the south took their chance. Now the Seven Sisters rule the Kingdom, enslaving their people with sorcery of pleasure and blood. Soon, they will appoint a new god. The Long War rumbles on... but the Red Prince has yet to enter the field of battle. ALL THAT WAS DEAD WILL RISE. ALL THAT NOW LIVES WILL FALL...Trade ReviewThe Long War series is epic fantasy at its scary, fun, sarcastic, shock-laden best. A.J. Smith is definitely getting into his stride and the good news is it's not over yet! * The Bookbag *

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Book SynopsisThe dead god is waking. His power-mad priestess has deployed a mass of men and beasts onto the plains of Ro Weir. Faced with this black swarm, the last remnants of a nation crumbles and falls. This is the final battle for the mortal lands of Ro. Far to the north, the ice men of Rowanoco muster their Exemplars against the witch’s assassins. In the blistering southern deserts, a squire with no master walks unscathed through a poisoned city. And, in the halls beyond the world, a thrice-born man dares to tread the path of Giants... All that was dead will rise. All that now lives will fall... This is the final epic battle for the Lands of Ro. Trade ReviewSmith deserves to be one of the top current fantasy authors... The Long War warrants being recognised as one of the top fantasy series' * The Tattooed Book Geek *

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Book SynopsisOut of the spotlight, in the darker corners of the studio backlots, Hollywood hides a remarkable secret. Actor or actress, set designer, electrician, best boy, or grip-in la-la land, it pays not to be human. Vampires, succubae, trolls, elementals, goblins-studios hire anyone and anything that can take direction, be discreet, and not eat the extras. (The less you know about your agent, the better.)Though only human, stuntwoman and struggling actress Lee Striga is a member of the legendary Katz Stunt Crew. They're the best in the biz, in part because they can y, and boast superhuman strength.When Lee lands a job on the movie Pale Dreamer, however, not everyone is following the script. It's up to her to gure out who-or what-is killing the cast and crew. Especially when Lee goes from stuntwoman to lead role...and the next target.Trade Review“Dana Fredsti tells a great story: vivid settings, interesting characters, and action galore. Each book is an adventure.” —Charlaine Harris, New York Times–bestselling author and creator of True Blood “Fast, fun and unrelenting.” —Seanan McGuire, bestselling author of the October Daye novels “One of today’s edgiest new writers.” —Jonathan Maberry, bestselling author of the Joe Ledger novels “It ticked all the same boxes as the Anita Blake series. It’s definitely a must for anyone who loves paranormal adventure and romance.” —The British Fantasy Society “If you like kick-ass female protagonists and snarky humour, then I cannot recommend this enough.” —Geek Pride Review “Moments that are truly chilling and others that are hilariously funny dotted throughout the novel.” —Flickering Myth

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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 SynopsisA fantasy world like no other. A unique magic system. Into the Rift takes us back to the thrilling story begun in Flames of Mira, and continues the tale of Jakar.After defeating the mercenary army that threatened his home, Jakar sets out with Efadora - the only person left with the power to bind him - across the Rift. He hunts the cultists who enslaved him, intent on ending their trade in elemental children, but he remembers little beyond that his search begins in the legendary city of Sulian Daw. Back in Mira, the Foundry’s rhidium - the rare mineral that grants them extraordinary power - has gone missing and is feared stolen by the rebellious faction that seeks to bring down the Sovereign. Ester, fledgling Smith of the Foundry, is tasked with tracking it down. If she fails, the Sovereign will rain death upon all those who oppose him, costing thousands of innocent lives.

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Book SynopsisThe Beast, imprisoned beneath the fortress-city of Elysium for a thousand years, has been loosed upon the world and is spreading like a plague through the north. Queen Raesinia Orboan and soldiers Marcus D'Ivoire and Winter Ihernglass face a betrayal they never could have foreseen: their general, Janus bet Vhalnich, has declared himself the rightful Emperor of Vordan. Chaos grips the city as officers and regiments are forced to declare for queen or emperor. As Raesinia struggles to keep her country under control, she risks becoming everything she has fought against, while Marcus must take the field against his old commander. And Winter knows that the demon she carries inside her might be the only thing standing between the Beast and the end of the world...Trade ReviewA glorious, tense, fantastic ride to an enormously satisfying conclusion. It's hard to imagine Wexler could've written a better finale for the Shadow Campaigns * Tor.com *

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Book Synopsis'Convincing action sequences, vivid world-building and fascinating magic. Best described as George RR Martin meets HP Lovecraft, The Glass Breaks is a fine example of British fantasy writing at its most entertaining' Guardian. Seventeen-year-old Duncan Greenfire is alive. Three hours ago, he was chained to the rocks and submerged as the incoming tide washed over his head. Now the waters are receding and Duncan's continued survival has completed his initiation as a Sea Wolf. It is the 167th year of the Dark Age. The Sea Wolves and their Eastron kin can break the glass and step into the void, slipping from the real world and reappearing wherever they wish. Wielding their power, they conquered the native Pure Ones and established their own Kingdom. The Sea Wolves glory in piracy and slaughter. Their rule is absolute, but young Duncan Greenfire and duellist Adeline Brand will discover a conspiracy to end their dominion, a conspiracy to shatter the glass that separates the worlds of Form and Void and unleash a primeval chaos across the world. 'Epic fantasy at its scary, fun, sarcastic, shock-laden best' THE BOOKBAG.Trade ReviewAn epic feat of world-building... From one of British fantasy's most innovative voices' * The Bookseller *Adventures against otherworldly foes make for an absorbing novel that combines convincing action sequences, vivid world-building and fascinating magic. Best described as George R.R. Martin meets HP Lovecraft, The Glass Breaks is a fine example of British fantasy writing at its most entertaining' * Guardian *

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Book SynopsisThe independent kingdom of Scotland flourished until the beginning of the last century. Its great trading port of Challaid, in the north west of the country, sent ships around the world and its merchants and bankers grew rich on their empire in Central America. But Scotland is not what it was, and the docks of Challaid are almost silent. The huge infrastructure projects collapsed, like the dangerous railway tunnels under the city. And above ground the networks of power and corruption are all that survive of Challaid's glorious past. Darian Ross is a young private investigator whose father, an ex cop, is in prison for murder. He takes on a case brought to him by a charismatic woman, Maeve Campbell. Her partner has been stabbed; the police are not very curious about the death of a man who laundered money for the city's criminals. Ross is drawn by his innate sense of justice and his fascination with Campbell into a world in which no-one can be trusted.Trade ReviewFascinating speculative fiction * The Bookseller *A sprightly gumshoe caper * The Sunday Times Crime Club *Challaid is a brilliant projection. We would happily go there again * West Highland Free Press *Richly imagined... A private-eye novel with echoes of Raymond Chandler and plenty of the freshness of voice that makes Malcolm Mackay unmissable' * Sunday Express *This alternative world becomes the setting for a typically hardboiled MacKay narrative * West Highland Free Press *

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Book SynopsisOver a hundred years ago, the citizens of F- did something rather bad. And local school teacher Catherine Evans has made writing the definitive account of what happened when Ilsbeth Clark drowned in the well her life's work.The town's people may not want their past raked up, but Catherine is determined to shine a light upon that shameful event. For Ilsbeth was an innocent, after all. She was shunned and ostracised by rumour-mongers and ill-wishers and someone has to speak up for her. And who better than Catherine, who has herself felt the sting and hurt of such whisperings?But then a childhood friend returns to F -. Elena is a successful author whose book, The Whispers Inside: A Reawakening of the Soul, has earned her a certain celebrity. In search of a new subject, she takes an interest in the story of Ilsbeth Clark and announces her intention to write a book about the long-dead woman, focusing on the natural magic she believes she possessed.And Elena has everything Catherine has not, like a platform and connections and no one seems to care that Elena's book will be pure speculation, tainting Ilsbeth's memory rather than preserving it. Catherine is determined that something must be done and plots to blunt her rival's pen. However she had not allowed for the fact that the past might not be so dead after all - that something is reaching out from the well, disturbing her reality.Before summer's over, one woman will be dead, the other accused of murder . . . but is she really guilty, or are there other forces at work? And who was Ilsbeth Clark, really? An innocent? A witch? Or something else entirely?Trade ReviewTrue to form, Camilla Bruce has spun a slippery yet beguiling spell with this cleverly crafted and intoxicating tale of female rivalry and folklore. A startling and original plot is woven around a cast of gleefully unpleasant characters - I was gripped from the very first page. -- LUCIE McKNIGHT HARDY, author of Water Shall Refuse ThemHaunting and harrowing . . . I couldn't look away. -- ALIX E. HARROW, author of The Ten Thousand Doors of JanuarySimmering with unease and spookiness, this creepy read will give you goosebumps. **** * HEAT magazine *A slippery yet beguiling spell ... this is a cleverly crafted and intoxicating tale of female rivalry and folklore. * PICK ME UP! 'Book of the Week' *Uniting the 'found footage' of Janice Hallett's books with Norwegian tales of 'difficult women' and folk horror. * STYLIST *

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