Historical adventure fiction

Book Synopsis*Now available as a full-length novel! Originally published in five ebook parts*AD 18, Britannia.The Roman Empire rules much of the known world. Beyond the northern frontier lies Britannia, where ceaseless feuding amongst the Celts leaves the island vulnerable to Rome''s ambitions.Caratacus, son of a powerful king, has no premonition of destiny when he is dispatched to train with the Druids. A brutal regime transforms the young prince into a warrior with unparalleled military skills - and the strategic cunning essential to outwit a stronger enemy.Nothing can prepare a man for the vicious reality of war. When Caratacus''s father takes a stand against aggressive neighbouring tribes, the combat exercises are over; this is a fight to the death. Only the most ruthless of tactics offer any hope of victory. But Caratacus, and the loyal comrades willing to ride with him into hostile terrain, are ready to do whatever it takes - and endure any har

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Book SynopsisWinter, 1364. The King is dead. Defeated on the field of Poitiers, Jean Le Bon, King of France, honoured his treaty with England until his death. His son and heir, Charles V, has no intention of doing the same. War is coming and the predators are circling. Sir Thomas Blackstone, Edward III's Master of War, has been tasked with securing Brittany for England. In the throes of battle, he rescues a young boy, sole witness to the final living breaths of the Queen of Castile. The secret the boy carries is a spark deadly enough to ignite conflict on a new front – a front the English cannot afford to fight on. So Blackstone is ordered south to Castile, across the mountains to shepherd Don Pedro, King of Castile, to safety. Accompanied only by a small detachment of his men and a band of Moorish cavalrymen loyal to the king, every step takes Blackstone further into uncertain territory, deeper into an unyielding snare. For the Master of War, the shadow of death is always present. Praise for David Gilman: 'The level of suspense is ratcheted up to a truly brutal level' SHARON PENMAN 'A gripping ride' WILBUR SMITH 'Gilman does heart pounding action superlatively' THE TIMES 'Like a punch from a mailed fist, Master of War is a gripping chronicle of pitched battle, treachery and cruelty' ROBERT FABBRITrade Review'A deftly crafted, inherently absorbing, compulsive page turner, and simply riveting read from cover to cover' MidWest Book Review. * MidWest Book Review *A novel that's gripping from page one... with meticulous research' * Devon Life *PRAISE FOR DAVID GILMAN: 'I'd never thought that another writer could rival Bernard Cornwell... The level of suspense is ratcheted up to a truly brutal level' Sharon Penman. 'A gripping ride' Wilbur Smith. 'Gilman does heart pounding action superlatively' The Times. 'Page-turning and gritty' Daily Mail. 'Like a punch from a mailed fist, Master of War gives a true taste of the Hundred Years War. It is a gripping chronicle of pitched battle, treachery and cruelty' -- Robert Fabbri

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Book SynopsisTo live among wolves, first you must become one… An unmissable new spy thriller from best-selling master of the genre, Alex Gerlis.War is coming to Europe.British spymaster Barnaby Allen begins recruiting a network of agents in Germany. With diplomatic relations quickly unravelling, this pack of spies soon comes into their own: the horse-loving German at home in Berlin’s underground; the young American sports journalist; the mysterious Luftwaffe officer; the Japanese diplomat and the most unlikely one of all... the SS officer’s wife.Despite constant danger and the ever-present threats of discovery and betrayal, Allen’s network unearths top-secret plans for a new German fighter plane – and a truly devastating intelligence prize... an audacious Japanese plan to attack the United States. But can they prove it?The race is on.An unputdownable and atmospheric Second World War espionage thriller, Agent in Berlin will grip you to the very end. Perfect for readers of David Young, Robert Harris and Rory Clements.Praise for Agent in Berlin 'Gerlis proves himself a master of spy fiction to rival John le Carré, Robert Harris and other leading lights with this gripping and entertaining novel set mostly in the frenzied world of pre-war Berlin' David Young, author of Stasi Child'Everything slots together perfectly in this hugely atmospheric and powerfully character-driven story set in Germany at the rise of Nazism ... a brilliant new addition to the genre' Chris Lloyd, author of The Unwanted Dead'Amazing plotting, packs a real punch' Mark 'Billy' Billingham, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Hard Way'The first volume of a promising new series, Alex Gerlis handles an ensemble cast with panache' Financial Times'An unmissable spy thriller from bestselling master of the genre Alex Gerlis' Spybrary Podcast

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Book SynopsisIn a world of gunpowder, smoke and blood, two men's love will rise above the chaos.''An absorbing follow-up to the brilliant Leeward'' The TimesIn 1802, The Treaty of Amiens brings the French Revolutionary Wars to an end. After the drama of the past few years, Lieutenant Arthur Courtney returns home to England where he hopes to spend a blissful summer with his close friend, Hiram Nightingale.But within weeks, HMS Loyal goes missing en route to Malta. She carries a French and British diplomat, Hugo Baptiste and Sir William Haywood. Their disappearance, in this tentative time of peace, may be enough to prematurely ignite war between France and Britain once more.Both Courtney and Nightingale, Sir William's son-in-law, receive a position on HMS Lysander, tasked with tracking down the missing frigate. But as their mission grows ever more d

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Book SynopsisIn a world of gunpowder, smoke and blood, two men's love will rise above the chaos.''An absorbing follow-up to the brilliant Leeward'' The TimesIn 1802, The Treaty of Amiens brings the French Revolutionary Wars to an end. After the drama of the past few years, Lieutenant Arthur Courtney returns home to England where he hopes to spend a blissful summer with his close friend, Hiram Nightingale.But within weeks, HMS Loyal goes missing en route to Malta. She carries a French and British diplomat, Hugo Baptiste and Sir William Haywood. Their disappearance, in this tentative time of peace, may be enough to prematurely ignite war between France and Britain once more.Both Courtney and Nightingale, Sir William's son-in-law, receive a position on HMS Lysander, tasked with tracking down the missing frigate. But as their mission grows ever more d

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Book SynopsisValour and Petrichor are esteemed members of the Order of Axsten, an assassin’s guild tasked with keeping order in the rough city of Vinterstock. Plucked from the streets as children and raised to compete for their guild’s approval, Valour uses her brawn to survive, while Petrichor strives to be a gentleman assassin. When they’re given their biggest job yet—to kill Brandquist, the mysterious leader of the city''s illegal magic trade—it’s a recipe for disaster. If they can quell their rivalry long enough, the reward will be enough to settle their debts with the Order and start new lives. If this job wasn’t dangerous enough, Valour is saddled with protecting the aristocrat, Ingrid Rytterdahl. Valour finds her dangerously attractive, but Petrichor can’t wait to be rid of them both. He begrudgingly accepts Ingrid’s knowledge and connections as they navigate the city’s criminal underbelly in pursuit of Brandquist. As secrets bubble to the surface, the duo must outwit the thugs on their tail, keep Ingrid alive, and—hardest of all—work together without murdering each other.

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Book SynopsisAn epic new novel of Ancient Egypt, from the Master of Historical Adventure, Wilbur Smith.FROM THE RUINS OF BATTLEA HERO MUST RISEFOR THE GLORY OF EGYPTYears of Hyksos rule have seen the plunder of once-mighty Egypt. Though the two kingdoms have now been reunited by the armies of the true Pharaoh, his position is perilous, his rule under threat from those who seek to take advantage of the turmoil created by the overthrow of the Hyksos. Desperate to keep Egypt united, Taita the Magus summons his protégé, Piay, to solve a millennia-old riddle which has the power to secure Egypt's future forever.But in the tumult of war, an evil has thrived. Malevolent followers of Seth, the god of chaos, are determined to claim this power and usher in a new age of darkness.The fate of Egypt is at stake. Can Piay prevent their land falling into the hands of those who would see its ruin?Don't miss Warrior

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'An epic voyage well worth taking ... Exhilarating' Marianka Swain, TelegraphOne of Britain's outstanding historical writers delivers a romantic and picaresque masterpiece that tells the fascinating story of William Neilson. In 1720, the young William Neilson leaves Edinburgh to make his fortune in Europe, first sailing to Rotterdam and then on foot to Paris, where he meets and is immediately employed by the banker John Law. A day later he is in the Bastille, but not before he has encountered a young woman of surpassing beauty to whom Neilson will be devoted for the rest of his life.Imprisoned in the Bastille, he has no possibility of seeing or communicating with his beloved. When at last he recovers his freedom, he is despatched at once to sea, bound for the Indies. He will be shipwrecked, become an equerry on the Île-de-France, anon command a disorderly legion in Persia, become a linguist able to hold his own in diplomatic and mercantile circles, all the while anticipating a summons from the Stuart king in exile in Rome, until he is sent back to France, and thence to Scotland in the service of the Young Pretender.This is brilliant, irresistibly entertaining fiction. A whole world of adventure and romance comes alive in the hands of one of our most ingenious storytellers, one of our finest writers.

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Book Synopsis*SHARPE'S COMMAND, the brand new novel in the global bestselling series, is available to pre-order now*Major Sharpe finds himself a fugitive, hunted by enemy and ally alike.Major Richard Sharpe awaits the opening shots of the army's campaign with grim expectancy. For victory depends on the increasingly fragile alliance between Britain and Spain an alliance that must be maintained at any cost.Pierre Ducos, the wily French intelligence officer, sees a chance both to destroy the alliance and to achieve a personal revenge on Richard Sharpe. And when the lovely spy, La Marquesa, takes a hand in the game, Sharpe finds himself enmeshed in a web of political intrigue for which his military expertise has left him fatally unprepared.Soldier, hero, rogue Sharpe is the man you always want on your side. Born in poverty, he joined the army to escape jail and climbed the ranks by sheer brutal courage. He knows no other family than the regiment of the 95th Rifles whose green jacket he proudly wears.Trade Review‘Sharpe and his creator are national treasures.' Sunday Telegraph 'Bernard Cornwell is a literary miracle. Year after year, hail, rain, snow, war and political upheavals fail to prevent him from producing the most entertaining and readable historical novels of his generation.' Daily Mail 'Cornwell's narration is quite masterly and supremely well-researched.' Observer ‘The best battle scenes of any writer I’ve ever read, past or present. Cornwell really makes history come alive.’ George R.R. Martin

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Book Synopsis*SHARPE'S COMMAND, the brand new novel in the global bestselling series, is available to pre-order now*Richard Sharpe triumphs in the last battle of the war, only to find himself in worse peril when charged to recover Napoleon's treasure.It is 1814. There are rumours that Napoleon is dead, or has run away, but Sharpe has one last battle to fight before he can lay down his sword. It is the battle for Toulouse. Little does he know it will be one of the bloodiest conflicts of the war.But Sharpe's war is not only the battle. Accused of stealing Napoleon's treasure, Sharpe must discover the unknown enemy who has tried to frame him and his revenge is ingenious and devastating.Soldier, hero, rogue Sharpe is the man you always want on your side. Born in poverty, he joined the army to escape jail and climbed the ranks by sheer brutal courage. He knows no other family than the regiment of the 95th Rifles whose green jacket he proudly wears.Trade Review‘Sharpe and his creator are national treasures.' Sunday Telegraph 'Bernard Cornwell is a literary miracle. Year after year, hail, rain, snow, war and political upheavals fail to prevent him from producing the most entertaining and readable historical novels of his generation.' Daily Mail 'Cornwell's narration is quite masterly and supremely well-researched.' Observer ‘The best battle scenes of any writer I’ve ever read, past or present. Cornwell really makes history come alive.’ George R.R. Martin

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Book SynopsisHarperCollins is proud to present its range of best-loved, essential classics.Death and honour are thought to be the same, but today I have learned that sometimes they are not.'Set in frontier America in the midst of the French-Indian war, as the French are attempting to overthrow an English fort, Cooper's story follows Alice and Cora Munro, pioneer sisters who are trying to find their way back to their father, an English commander. Guided by an army major and Magua, an Indian from the Huron tribe, they soon meet Hawk-eye, a frontier scout and his Mohican Indian companions Chingachgook and Uncas.Magua is not all that he seems and the sisters are kidnapped. In The Last of the Mohicans, Cooper sets Indian tribe against Indian tribe and lays bare the brutality of the white man against the Mohicans.

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Book SynopsisThe book that inspired the epic movie, Dances With Wolves, and its sequel, The Holy Road, together in one volume for the first time. 1863. The last occupant of Fort Sedgewick, Lieutenant John Dunbar watches over the American frontier. A thousand miles back east, his comrades are locked in battle with the Confederates, but out here he is alone. His desolate posting will bring him into contact with the lords of the southern plains – the Comanche. He has no knowledge of their customs but Dunbar is intrigued by these people and begins a transformation from which he emerges a different man. A man called Dances With Wolves. The story continues, 11 years later in The Holy Road. Times are hard for the Comanche. The white man is closing in from all directions, claiming land, driving the tribes on to reservations. Should the Comanche fight or make peace? Misunderstanding and duplicity lead to raids and atrocities on both sides that can have only one conclusion. The man that was John Dunbar must go to war again.Trade ReviewMichael Blake was a true writer... His love of the American West palpable' * Rolling Stone *Great visionary writers like Michael Blake are often ahead of Hollywood and ahead of the audience by a generation * Irish Entertainment *Inhuman agony, brilliantly portrayed * Kirkus Reviews *Table of ContentsDances with Wolves. The Holy Road.

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Book SynopsisCoward, scoundrel, lover and cheat, but there is no better man to go into the jungle with. Join Flashman in his adventures as he survives fearful ordeals and outlandish perils across the four corners of the world.In his raunchiest romp yet, Flashman mines new depths of roguish behaviour as a secret agent extraordinaire and is thrust headfirst into the middle of the Indian Mutiny.Trade Review'Flashman is a wonderful creation, by a master storyteller. We'll forever delight in his evil antics' JEFFREY ARCHER ‘Politically incorrect, lascivious and fiendishly handsome, Flashman is the greatest ’ BORIS JOHNSON ‘Flashman is one of the great characters of modern fiction; a rogue, a lover, and always an irresistible read’ BERNARD CORNWELL ‘Flashman, Sherlock Holmes, Toad of Toad Hall, Bertie Wooster. Any writer would give his eye-teeth to have created a character as good as those. GMF was one of the greats’ CONN IGGULDEN ‘The perfect fictional creation’ TONY PARSONS ‘A first-rate historical novelist’ KINGSLEY AMIS

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Book SynopsisThe eighth gripping adventure in David Gilman''s critically acclaimed Master of War series set in fourteenth-century Europe.Bordeaux, 1367. Having angered the bloodthirsty Don Pedro, King of Castile, Sir Thomas Blackstone is thoroughly sick of his mission for the Prince of Wales, but must remain true to his oath.But this is the Hundred Years'' War, and tensions are rising once more. With the Prince of Wales deeply unpopular in his Aquitainian lands, Blackstone, King Edward''s Master of War, must return to French soil to help stem the tide of support for the King of France.Meanwhile, Henry, Blackstone's son, faces an incognito ride across France with his own motley band of outlaws and mercenaries. But the French are aware of the younger Blackstone's journey, and see a perfect way to target the Master of WarReviews for David Gilman''A gripping ride'' Wilbur Smith''Gilman does heart pounding action superlatively'' T

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Book SynopsisA Horatio Hornblower Tale of the SeaIn the final instalment of the Horatio Hornblower series we visit some lesser known adventures across our hero''s long career, including Napoleon''s plans to invade England . . .1805 and Horatio Hornblower is in possession of confidential dispatches from Bonaparte after a vicious hand-to-hand encounter with a French brig. The admiralty rewards Hornblower by sending him on a dangerous espionage mission that will light the powder trail leading to the battle of Trafalgar . . .Hornblower and the Crisis was unfinished at the time of Forester''s death, but the author left notes - included here - telling us how the tale would end. Also included are two further stories - Hornblower and the Widow McCool and The Last Encounter - that tell of Hornblower as a very young and very old man, respectively.This is the eleventh and final book chronicling the adventures of C. S. Forester''s inimitable

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Book SynopsisTHE BESTSELLING BOOK THAT INSPIRED THE AWARD-WINNING MOVIEWinner of 3 OSCARS including BEST DIRECTOR and BEST ACTORWinner of 5 BAFTAS including Best Actor, Best Director and Best FilmWinner of the 2016 Golden Globes for Best Motion Picture Drama, Best Actor Drama, and Best DirectorThe novel that inspired the epic new movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hardy.Hugh Glass isn't afraid to die. He's done it once already.Rocky Mountains, 1823The trappers of the Rocky Mountain Fur Company live a brutal frontier life. Hugh Glass is one of the most respected men in the company, an experienced frontiersman and an expert tracker.But when a scouting mission puts Glass face-to-face with a grizzly bear, he is viciously mauled and not expected to survive. Two men from the company are ordered to remain with him until his inevitable death. But, fearing an imminent attack, they abandon Glass, stripping him of his prized rifle and hatchet.As Glass watches the men flee, he is driven to survive by oTrade Review‘A spellbinding tale of heroism and obsessive retribution’ Publishers Weekly ‘A superb revenge story’ Washington Post

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Book SynopsisFrom Michael Crichton, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Jurassic Park, comes a thrilling adventure set in the Wild West that will keep you on the edge of your seat from the first page to the last!If you thought Jurassic Park was an adventure, you should try the Wild West!1876. In the lawless territories of the Wild West, two teams of explorers are pitted against one another. Their quarry? Dinosaur bones. But in a land filled with hostile Indian tribes and towns where pistol fights are a daily occurrence, every exploit puts their lives in dangerWilliam Johnson, a student with more privilege than sense, finds himself plunged into this deadly environment after making a brash wager. Alongside Edwin Drinker Cope, the famed adventurer, he stumbles upon a momentous discovery dragon teeth of a fantastic size!But to keep this extraordinary treasure safe, William must first confront some of the West's most dangerous and notorious charactersTrade Review‘A gripping and entertaining read’ Sunday Times ‘Filled with colorful Wild West characters’ Washington Post ‘A fun, suspenseful, entertaining, well-told tale’ USA Today Praise for Michael Crichton: ‘One of the most ingenious, inventive thriller writers around… Another high-concept treat… written in consummate page-turning style’ Observer ‘This is Crichton on top form, preying on our fears about new technology and convincing us that we aren’t half as afraid as we should be’ The Times ‘Mixing cutting-edge science with thrills and spills, this is classic Crichton’ Daily Mirror ‘Crichton masterfully maintains the suspense throughout the fast-paced story … Prey will invade your nightmares for a long time to come’ Time Out ‘A satirical black-comedy thriller… Crichton writes likes Tom Wolfe on speed… completely brilliant…’ Daily Mail ‘Crichton pulls off a slick thriller at a cracking pace’ Daily Telegraph ‘Exciting … a master storyteller’ Sunday Telegraph ‘Terrific fun. The pages whip by’ Independent ‘A gripping, impeccably researched thriller’ Evening Standard

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Book Synopsis''A master of the genre'' The TimesMarcus Valerius Aquila has scarcely landed in Britannia when he has to run for his life - condemned to dishonorable death by power-crazed emperor Commodus. The plan is to take a new name, serve in an obscure regiment on Hadrian''s Wall and lie low until he can hope for justice. Then a rebel army sweeps down from the wastes north of the Wall, and Marcus has to prove he''s hard enough to lead a century in the front line of a brutal, violent war.Trade ReviewThis is fast-paced and gripping "read-through-the-night" fiction, with marvellous characters and occasional moments of dark humour. Some authors are better historians than they are storytellers. Anthony Riches is brilliant at both. * Conn Iggulden *A damn fine read . . . fast-paced, action-packed. * Ben Kane *Stands head and shoulders above a crowded field . . . . real, live characters act out their battles on the northern borders with an accuracy of detail and depth of raw emotion that is a rare combination. * Manda Scott *His plots bristle with emotion, realism and electrifying tensions, his multi-layered characters open doors onto the fascinating everyday life of the Roman army and the sense of adventure that underpins the whole series makes each book a fresh source of excitement and enjoyment. Riches knows his stuff and boy does it show . . . While Marcus, his cohorts and the Empire series grow in stature, readers await the next instalment of this challenging and entertaining tour-de-force with a sense of heightened anticipation . . . and armed, of course, with the confidence that once again the 'master of Rome' will not disappoint. * Lancashire Evening Post *

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Book SynopsisA thrilling, heart-stealing historic romp and achingly romantic.' M.A. Kuzniar, bestselling author of Midnight in EverwoodA heartwarming tale of forbidden love that captured my heart from its opening page Unputdownable.' Sunday Times bestselling author Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of YorkOxford 1360When his sister's betrothed vanishes the night before her politically arranged marriage, Raff Barden must track and return the elusive groom to restore his family's honour.William de Foucart known to his friends as Penn had no choice but to abandon his intended, and with it his own earldom, when he fled the night before his enforced marriage. But ill-equipped to survive on the run he must trust the kindness of a stranger, Raff, to help him escape.Unaware their fates are already entwined, the men journey north. But amidst the snow-capped forests an unexpected bond deepens into a far more precious relationship, one that will test all that they hold dear. And when secrets are finally revealed, botTrade Review‘Road trips and secret identities…a beautifully thoughtful and deliciously sweet romance about getting lost in order to find oneself. I loved every moment spent with Penn and Raff.’Freya Marske, International bestselling author of A Marvellous Light ‘A heartwarming tale of forbidden love that captured my heart from its opening page… Unputdownable’Sunday Times bestselling author Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York ‘A thrilling, heart-stealing historic romp and achingly romantic.’M.A. Kuzniar, bestselling author of Midnight in Everwood ‘A beautiful love story and journey of longing until your heart is torn apart and rebuilt.’Liz Fenwick, bestselling author of The River Between Us ‘A heart-wrenching, spellbinding love story, and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to find out if Raff and Penn would get their happy ever after.’Bestselling author Cressida McLaughlin ‘One Night in Hartswood is an utterly bedazzling novel, a compulsive page-turner rich in historical detail, and a heart-stopping debut romance.’Kirsty Capes, Women’s Prize for Fiction longlisted author of Careless

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Book Synopsis**Winner of the British Fantasy Award for Best Fantasy Novel** The electrifying second book in the award-winning Winnowing Flame trilogy - the sequel to The Ninth Rain. Epic fantasy for fans of Robin Hobb and Adrian Tchaikovsky.''An absolute joy to read... jam-packed with breath-taking inventiveness'' James Oswald''Incredible heroines... incredible fantasy... Escapism at its finest'' Stylist The Ninth Rain has fallen. The Jure''lia are awake. Nothing can be the same again.Tormalin the Oathless and the fell-witch Noon have their work cut out rallying the first war-beasts to be born in Ebora for three centuries. But these are not the great winged warriors of old. Hatched too soon and with no memory of their past incarnations, these onetime defenders of Sarn can barely stop bickering, let alone face an ancient enemy who grow stronger each day.The key to uniting them, according to the scholar VintTrade ReviewIncredible heroines... incredible fantasy... Escapism at its finest * Stylist *Jam-packed with breathtaking inventiveness - giant flying bats! Dragons! Aliens! Vampires! In anyone else's hands, that might be an unholy mess, but somehow it just works brilliantly -- James OswaldWilliams brings her dark and immersive narrative to life with vivid descriptive passages, a great line in sarcastic humour and human insight * Guardian *A triumphant return to the world of Sarn... wickedly entertaining and balances its humour at all times with an emotional sense of consequence for each of its characters * SciFiNow *Pure fantasy fun * Starburst *The story that started with The Ninth Rain gets even more epic in another slice of fresh, character-driven fantasy -- Peter Newman

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Book SynopsisWarrior of Rome is an epic of empire, heroes, treachery, courage, and most of all, a story of brutal bloody warfare. The year is AD 255 - the Roman Imperium is stretched to breaking point, its authority and might challenged along every border. The greatest threat lies in Persia to the east, where the massing forces of the Sassanid Empire loom with fiery menace. There the isolated Roman citadel of Arete awaits inevitable invasion. One man is sent to marshal the defences and shore up crumbling walls. A man whose name itself means war: a man called Ballista. Alone, Ballista is called to muster the forces and the courage to stand first and to stand hard against the greatest enemy ever to confront the Imperium. With a spectacular flair for sheer explosive action and knuckle-whitening drama, fans of Bernard Cornwell will love this recreation of the ancient world. Praise for Harry Sidebottom: ''SidebotTrade Review'Sidebottom's prose blazes with searing scholarship' The Times 'A well-constructed, well-paced and gripping account' TLS 'The best sort of red-blooded historical fiction' - Andrew Taylor, author of 'The American Boy'

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Book SynopsisThe sweeping new novel from the bestselling author of LADY OF HAY switches between Roman Britain and the present day where history dramatically impacts on the lives of three women.The Romans are landing in BritanniaCartimandua, the young woman destined to rule the great Brigantes tribe, watches the invaders come ever closer. Her life has always been a maelstrom of love, conflict and revenge, but it only becomes more turbulent and complicated with power. Her political skills are threatened by her personal choices, and Cartimandua finds she has made formidable enemies on all sides as she faces a decision which will change the futures of all around her.In the present day, historian Viv Lloyd Rees has immersed herself in the legends surrounding the Celtic queen. Viv struggles to hide her visions of Cartimandua and her conviction that they are real. But her obsession becomes more persistent when she finds an ancient brooch that carries a curse. Bitter rivalries and overwhelming passions areTrade ReviewPraise for ‘Daughters of Fire’: ‘Riveting timeslip novel.’ Fanny Blake, Woman and Home ‘A fascinating spotlight on a dark age.’ Bella Praise for Barbara Erskine: 'Her forte is mood, atmosphere and the toe-curling frisson.' Sunday Times ‘Readers of Barbara Erskine are held in thrall.’Woman’s Realm ‘Stephen King meeting Ruth Rendell.’ Frank Delaney 'Barbara Erskine's storytelling talent is undeniable.' The Times

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Book SynopsisFROM THE #1 BESTSELLING AUTHORIf you like your conspiracies twisty, your action bone-jarring, and your heroes impossibly dashing, then look no farther' MARK DAWSONThis time it's personalPeople going missing in the remote wilds of India is not unusual. But when the son of a wealthy Delhi businessman is kidnapped just weeks after his brother fell victim to an alleged bandit attack in the mountains of Haryana, it raises eyebrows.With the local police doing close to nothing, there's only one man for the job: ex-SAS major Ben Hope. But for Ben, this is no ordinary rescue case. Because this plea for help is coming from a special person from his past, who now has nobody else to turn to.Ben's mission will take him into the heart of the arid Indian wilderness, pitting him against ruthless gangs and desperate men. But Ben is determined to save the day. Whatever it takes.The Ben Hope series is a must-read for fans of Dan Brown, Lee Child and Mark Dawson. Join the millions of readers who get breatTrade Review Praise for Scott Mariani: ‘Deadly conspiracies, bone-crunching action and a tormented hero with a heart . . . Scott Mariani packs a real punch’ Andy McDermott ‘James Bond meets Jason Bourne meets The Da Vinci Code’ J. L. Carrell ‘If you like your conspiracies twisty, your action bone-jarring, and your heroes impossibly dashing, then look no farther – the Ben Hope series is exactly what you need’ Mark Dawson ‘Fans of Dan Brown will love this thrilling adventure’ Closer 'Non-stop action – this book delivers’ Steve Berry ‘If you’ve got a pulse, you’ll love Scott Mariani; if you haven’t, then maybe you crossed Ben Hope’ Simon Toyne ‘Full of authentic detail and heart-stopping action – a real thrill ride’ Ed Macy ‘Establishes Scott Mariani as an author to watch’ M. J. Rose ‘Packed with dark intrigue, danger around every corner, bullets flying, sexual tension, and an endless assault of nasty villains . . . everything a thriller should be and more’ Joe Moore ‘Scott Mariani is an awesome writer’ Chris Kuzneski

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Book SynopsisBOOK 1 IN A THRILLING NEW ANCIENT EGYPTIAN SERIES, FROM INTERNATIONAL SENSATION WILBUR SMITH'Best historical novelist' - Stephen King'A master storyteller' - Sunday Times'Wilbur Smith is one of those benchmarks against whom others are compared' - The Times'No one does adventure quite like Smith' - Daily MirrorIN THE HEART OF EGYPTUNDER THE WATCHFUL EYE OF THE GODSA NEW POWER IS RISINGIn the city of Lahun, Hui lives an enchanted life. The favoured son of a doting father, and ruler-in-waiting of the great city, his fate is set. But behind the beautiful façades a sinister evil is plotting. Craving power and embittered by jealousy, Hui's stepmother, the great sorceress Isetnofret, and Hui's own brother Qen, orchestrate the downfall of Hui's father, condemning Hui and seizing power in the city.Cast out and alone, Hui finds himself a captive of a skilled and powerful army of outlaws, the Hyksos. Determined to seek vengeance for the death of his father and rescue his sister, Ipwet, Hui swears his allegiance to these enemies of Egypt. Through them he learns the art of war, learning how to fight and becoming an envied charioteer.But soon Hui finds himself in an even greater battle - one for the very heart of Egypt itself. As the pieces fall into place and the Gods themselves join the fray, Hui finds himself fighting alongside the Egyptian General Tanus and renowned mage, Taita. Now Hui must choose his path - will he be a hero in the old world, or a master in a new kingdom?Book 1 in The New Kingdom Sequence and book 7 in the Ancient Egyptian series from the master historical adventure writer, Wilbur Smith. Don't miss the rest of the epic Ancient Egyptian Series, available now.'The New Kingdom' was a Sunday Times bestseller w/e 05-09-2021.

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Book SynopsisBOOK 19 IN THE EPIC HISTORICAL SAGA OF THE COURTNEY FAMILY, FROM GLOBAL SENSATION WILBUR SMITH. BOOK 3 IN THE TIGER'S PREY SEQUENCE.The Courtney family is torn apart as three generations fight on opposing sides of a terrible war that will change the face of the world forever, set against the backdrop of the American revolution.'Best historical novelist' Stephen King'Wilbur Smith is one of those benchmarks against whom others are compared' The TimesTHREE GENERATIONS. A DEVASTATING WAR.1774. Rob Courtney has spent his whole life in a quiet trading outpost on the east coast of Africa, dreaming of a life of adventure at sea. When his grandfather Jim Courtney dies, and the mysterious Captain Cornish calls into the fort, Rob takes his chance and stows away on Marston's ship as it sails to England.Arriving in London, Rob is seduced by the charms of the big city and soon finds himself desperate and penniless. That is until the navy comes calling. Rob enlists and is sent across the Atlantic on a ship to join the war against the rebellious American colonists.But on the other side of the Atlantic, unbeknownst to Rob, his distant cousins Cal and Aidan Courtney are leading a campaign against the British in a quest for American Independence. When Aidan is killed in a fierce battle with British troops, Cal vows he will not rest until he has avenged his brother's death, by driving the British out of America - by whatever means necessary . . .A powerful new historical thriller by the master of adventure fiction, Wilbur Smith, of families divided and a country on the brink of revolution.Book 20 in the Courtney family series, Nemesis, is available April 2023. Pre-order now.'Storm Tide' was a Sunday Times bestseller w/e 17-04-2022.

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Book SynopsisAN IMPOSSIBLE LOVE. AN ENCHANGED LEGACY. A DANGEROUS DISCOVERY.The stunning conclusion to Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling What the River Knows. A lush immersive historical fantasy set in Egypt filled with adventure, and a rivals-to-lovers romance like no other!1885, Egypt: Inez Olivera is left reeling from her cousin Elvira''s murder, and her mother''s betrayal, and when Tío Ricardo issues an ultimatum about her inheritance, she''s left with only one option to consider.Marriage to Whitford Hayes.Former British soldier, her uncle''s aide de camp, and one time nemesis, Whit has his own mysterious reasons for staying in Egypt. With her heart on the line, Inez might have to bind her fate to the one person whose secret plans could ruin her.PRAISE FOR ISABEL IBAÑEZ''A DELIGHTFUL READ'' JODI PICOULT''TRULY ENCHANTING'' HEATHER FAWCETT''

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Book SynopsisYou've read the myth of the Golden Fleece. Now find out how it really was for Jason and the Argonauts in this gripping reimagining of the famous Ancient Greek tale, and first book in the breathtaking Blades of Bronze series. Perfect for fans of Madeline Miller, Neil Gaiman and Natalie Haynes. He has come to take what is yours... Iolkos, Greece, 1230 BC. King Pelias has grown paranoid, tormented by his murderous past and a prophecy of the man who will one day destroy him. When a stranger arrives to compete in the Games of Poseidon, Pelias is horrified, for this young man should never have grown to manhood. He is Jason, Pelias' nephew, who survived his uncle's assassins as a child. Now Jason wants his revenge – and the kingdom. But Pelias is cunning as well as powerful. He gives Jason an impossible challenge: to claim the throne, he must first steal the fabled Golden Fleece of Colchis. Jason assembles a band of Greece's finest warriors. They are the Argonauts, named for their trusty ship. But even with these mighty allies, Jason will have to overcome the brutal challenges hurled his way. His mission and many lives depend on his wits – and his sword. PRAISE FOR THE BLADES OF BRONZE SERIES AND MARK KNOWLES 'A bold and thrilling voyage that plunges you deep into the world of ancient myth' Daisy Dunn 'Mark Knowles has taken the legend of Jason and the Golden Fleece, and stripped it down to its bare bones... A deeply researched historical epic, so brilliantly brought to life I could taste the salt air on my tongue... Epic battles, well-rounded characters sailing through a brilliantly described world' Adam Lofthouse 'What a spectacular triumph! Knowles has taken a reassuringly familiar legend and elevated it into a new, realistic and engrossing story' Sam Taw 'Knowles has combined historical realities with sure-footed imagination... brilliant' Dr Paul Millett '[Knowles] has teamed his love of learning classics and childhood love of sword-and-sandals epics to accomplish something remarkable' Boarding Schools' AssociationTrade ReviewA deeply researched historical epic, so brilliantly brought to life I could taste the salt air on my tongue... Epic battles, well rounded characters sailing through a brilliantly described world -- Adam Lofthouse, author of The Centurion's Son[Knowles] has teamed his love of learning classics and childhood love of sword-and-sandals epics to accomplish something remarkable * Boarding Schools' Association *What a spectacular triumph! Knowles has taken a reassuringly familiar legend and elevated it into a new, realistic and engrossing story. This glorious hero quest is packed with intrigue, adventure, mystery, and beautifully written skirmishes, raising the stakes higher and higher as the crew venture into darker and more treacherous lands. The characters are well drawn and compelling, each with their own flaws and motives woven into the plot. The tribal politics, subversion and battle scenes leave you hungry for more of this dazzling epic, so I hope it won't be too long until a sequel is released! -- Sam TawKnowles has combined historical realities with sure-footed imagination... Brilliant -- Dr Paul Millett, Cambridge University, on The Consul's Daughter

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Book SynopsisBOOK 8 IN THE EPIC HISTORICAL SAGA OF THE COURTNEY FAMILY, FROM INTERNATIONAL SENSATION WILBUR SMITH'Smith will take you on an exciting, taut and thrilling journey you will never forget' - Sun'With Wilbur Smith the action is never further than the turn of a page' - Independent'No one does adventure quite like Smith' - Daily MirrorTHE ULTIMATE BETRAYAL. THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE.Beautiful and headstrong Isabella Courtney enjoys all the freedoms London in the sixties can offer. So when a beautiful, charming man appears and sweeps her off her feet, why would she resist?But her lover is no simple admirer - he is Ramon de Santiago y Machado, a KGB operative known as Golden Fox, and his mission is to recruit her as an agent and uncover her father's secret business dealings. Isabella, already pregnant with Ramon's child and deeply in love, is caught in his trap.With an impossible choice to make, Isabella must decide who she will betray - her father and her country, or the man she loves and their unborn son . . .A Courtney Series adventure. Book 5 in The Burning Shore sequence.Golden Fox is the thrilling final novel in the second sequence in the Courtney family saga from Wilbur Smith, one of the best and most beloved authors of the century. The Courtney series continues with the Birds of Prey sequence.Book 9 in the Courtney family series, Birds of Prey, is available now.

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Book SynopsisWINNER OF THE WHITBREAD BOOK AWARD 2000SHORTLISTED FOR THE BOOKER PRIZE 2000''Deeply impressive. . . Every page fizzes with linguistic invention'' Guardian An electrifying modern classic - Kneale''s sweeping adventure story vividly brings a past age to lifeIn 1857 when Captain Illiam Quillian Kewley and his band of rum smugglers from the Isle of Man have most of their contraband confiscated by British Customs, they are forced to put their ship up for charter. The only takers are two eccentric Englishmen who want to embark for the other side of the globe. The Reverend Geoffrey Wilson believes the Garden of Eden was on the island of Tasmania. His travelling partner, Dr. Thomas Potter, unbeknownst to Wilson, is developing a sinister thesis about the races of men. Meanwhile, an aboriginal in Tasmania named Peevay recounts his people''s struggles against the invading British. ''A big, ambitious novel with a rich historical sweep and a host of narrative voices . . . The sort of novel that few contemporary writers have either the imagination or the stamina to sustain'' Daily TelegraphTrade Review"'A big, ambitious novel with a rich historical sweep and a host of narrative voices. Its subject is a vicar's ludicrous expedition in 1857 to the Garden of Eden in Tasmania, [as] meanwhile, in Tasmania itself, the British settlers are alternately trying to civilise and eliminate the Aboriginal population... The sort of novel that few contemporary writers have either the imagination or the stamina to sustain' - Daily Telegraph"

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Book SynopsisSuperb radically new and beautiful' ObserverMagical and evocative' Imogen Hermes Gowar, author of The Mermaid and Mrs. HancockHeartachingly poignant' Lucy Holland, author of SistersongAn ancient tapestry of legend brilliantly rewoven' Francis Spufford, author of Light PerpetualThe new novel from the Costa-Award winning author of In The Days of Rain.AD 500. An island in the Thames.Isla has a secret: she has learned her father's sophisticated sword-making skills at a time when even entering a forge is forbidden to women. Her sister, Blue, has a secret, too: at low tide on the night of each new moon, she visits the bones of the mud woman, drowned by the elders of her tribe who wanted to make a lesson of someone who wouldn't hold her tongue.When the local Seax overlord discovers Isla''s secret there is nowhere for the sisters to hide, except across the water to the walled ghost city, Londinium. Here Blue and Isla find sanctuary in an underworld community of squatters, emigrants, travellerTrade Review ‘Superb … This is a book that seeks to do for British myth what Natalie Haynes and Madeline Miller have done so brilliantly for classical literature: uncovering stories of feminine power that have been occluded by the male hand of history’ Observer ‘Gripping … puts a female perspective right at the centre of a time period usually dominated by men’s stories’ Independent ‘Female defiance blazes through as Stott’s women reclaim this brutal period…this novel will make you appreciative of the revelatory historical treasures beneath our feet’ Telegraph ‘An eloquent and heartachingly poignant story of sisterhood that echoes across the centuries. Evocative and richly mythic, Dark Earth pays homage to the quiet triumph of women working together to build a better world. A truly beautiful book’ Lucy Holland, author of Sistersong ‘A thrilling exploration of human kindness, ingenuity and cruelty, told through a tale of ancient London at one of its iconic points of destruction and rebirth’ Alice Albinia, author of Cwen ‘A magical and evocative book … Dark Earth delights, transports, chills and charms’ Imogen Hermes Gowar, author of The Mermaid and Mrs. Hancock ‘An ancient tapestry of legend brilliantly rewoven: hope, courage, men’s violence and women’s magic in an age of ruins and new beginnings’ Francis Spufford, author of Light Perpetual ‘Skilfully imagines a past world in which women must use everything they have – kinship, secrets, spells and above all the power of stories – to survive the blood feuds and land grabs of national-building tyrants’ Elizabeth Macneal, author of The Doll Factory ‘This novel pulses with the energy of a brave new world, a world as beautiful as it is dangerous, where a belief in myth and magic can save your life’ Katherine J. Chen, author of Joan: A Novel of Joan of Arc

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Book SynopsisCosima has finally found her happy ending but unfortunately, trouble isn''t far behind. . .Cosima Unfortunate returns for a new adventure! A warm, funny, exciting and empowering tale of friendship, family and mystery, with joyous and authentic disabled representation, from the author of COSIMA UNFORTUNATE STEALS A STAR.Cosima lives at the Star Diamond Home for Children with her best friends Diya, Mary and Pearl. Since uncovering a dastardly plot and escaping their cruel captors, life has been one of peace and contentment and particularly so for Cos. For alongside her friendships, Cos finally has a real family, too and every day spent with her long-lost father is more magical than the last.But where Cos goes, adventure is sure to follow and when a world-famous painting is stolen, Cos's father is arrested for the crime. Cos and her friends know he has been framed and they are sure that notorious thief, the Spectre, is responsible.Cos is determined that she won't lose her father again and the girls must use spirit, wit, bravery and ingenuity to solve the crime and bring him safely homeThe perfect read for fans of Katherine Rundell, Tamzin Merchant, Robin Stevens and Anna James

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Book SynopsisInspired by Korean history and myths, this rich and evocative high-stakes fantasy is perfect for fans of GALLANT and SIX CRIMSON CRANES.Reminiscent of the greatest fantasy classics but wholly unique' Axie Oh, bestselling author of THE GIRL WHO FELL BENEATH THE SEAA crown princess.A monster the gods fear.A destiny no one can outrun. Mirae was meant to save her queendom, but the ceremony before her coronation ends in terror and death, unlocking a strange new power within her and foretelling the return of a monster even the gods fear. Amid the chaos, Mirae's beloved older brother is takenthreatening the peninsula's already tenuous truce.Desperate to save her brother and defeat this ancient enemy before the queendom is beset by war, Mirae sets out on a journey with an unlikely group of companions while her unpredictable magic gives her terrifying visions of a future she must stop at any cost.A twisty, riveting page-turner filled with bold surprises! In this thrilling debut fantasy, Jeong d

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Book SynopsisOn the high seas of the Caribbean, a family of English children is set loose - sent by their parents from their home in Jamaica to receive the civilising effects of England. When their ship is captured by pirates, the thrilling cruise continues as the children transfer their affections from one batch of sailors to another. Innocence is their protection, but as life in the care of pirates reveals its dangers, the events which unfold begin to take on a savagely detached quality.Writers'' reviews for A High Wind in Jamaica:''One of my all time favourite books'' Ann Patchett''I wouldn''t let a 14-year-old near it'' Meg Rosoff''I read the whole thing in one gulp. It was remarkable. Tiny. Crazy. I felt just like I did as a kid.'' Andrew Sean Greer''When I really like a book I''ll sometimes read a passage or two aloud to whoever''s nearby; this one I''d happily recite cover-to-cover'' Imogen Hermes GowarTrade ReviewI read Richard Hughes’ A High Wind in Jamaica this year and felt breathless with shock and awe… Appallingly dark story…dreadfully funny. * Independent *A High Wind in Jamaica is like those books you used to read under the covers with a flashlight - only infinitely more delicious ... and macabre -- Andrew Sean Greer * NPR *Wow. Just....wow. This is a nasty, wicked little book. It's wonderful -- Lydia Kiesling * The Millions *

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Book SynopsisTHE SUNDAY TIMES TOP TEN BESTSELLING AUTHOR''Wonderful . . . hugely ambitious and atmospheric'' KATE MOSSE''Superb storytelling'' DINAH JEFFERIESDiscover a brilliant story of intrigue, romance and betrayal in 1930s Italy, from the internationally bestselling author . . . .Italy, 1932 - Mussolini''s Italy is growing from strength to strength, but at what cost?One bright autumn morning, architect Isabella Berotti sits at a café in the vibrant centre of Bellina, when a woman she''s never met asks her to watch her ten-year-old daughter, just for a moment. Reluctantly, Isabella agrees - and then watches in horror as the woman climbs to the top of the town''s clock tower and steps over the edge.This tragic encounter draws vivid memories to the surface, forcing Isabella to probe deeper into the secrets of her own past Trade ReviewKate Furnivall has a wonderful gift for evoking a location, and her stories are always fast-paced page-turners, peppered with authentic detail * Lucinda Riley *Breathtaking historical fiction * The Times *Perfect escapist reading * Marie Claire on The Jewel of St Petersburg *Allow yourself to be captivated by a story that grips from the start, and doesn't let go until the last tear has been shed. The Italian Wife is the definition of a terrifically well-written page-turner * Dinah Jefferies, author of The Separation *The Italian Wife has everything: a fascinating setting in an extraordinary period of European history and a powerful love story. I loved this book * Liz Trenow, author of The Last Telegram *

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Book SynopsisFriends turn against friends, patriots are betrayed, and lovers must pay the ultimate price . . .The first gripping naval thriller in Seth Hunter''s historical adventure series is sure to enthral fans of Julian Stockwin and Patrick O''Brian''s Aubrey-Maturin novels.''Rousing . . . a complex plot, written with wit, suspense, intrigue, and action'' Publishers Weekly 1793: The French have killed their king and are about to embark on the violent period of bloodletting known as the Terror. Brig-sloop Commander Nathan Peake is on smuggler patrol off the Sussex coast and desperate for some real action. As revolutionary France declares war on England, he seizes his chance. Peake is given a vital mission; to destroy the French economy by smuggling millions of French banknotes across the Channel and into the heart of Paris. His operation leads him from perilous seas to the Empire of the Dead - a labyrinth of catacombs under tTrade Review'The mix of swashbuckling on land and sea works well' * Sun Herald *

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Book SynopsisPendragon has all the hallmarks of a traditional historical adventure story . . . However, there is also intellectual heft to this story, with its themes of myth-making and the nature of power. Antonia Senior THE TIMES Here is the beginning of a legend. Long before Camelot rose, a hundred years before the myth of King Arthur was half-formed, at the start of the Red Century, the world was slipping into a Dark AgeIt is AD 367. In a frozen forest beyond Hadrian's Wall, six scouts of the Roman army are found murdered. For Lucanus, known as the Wolf and leader of elite unit called the Arcani, this chilling ritual killing is a sign of a greater threat.But to the Wolf the far north is a foreign land, a place where daemons and witches and the old gods live on. Only when the child of a friend is snatched will he venture alone into this treacherous world - a territory ruled over by a barbarian horde - in order to bring the boy back home. WTrade ReviewPendragon has all the hallmarks of a traditional historical adventure story — there are battles, swords and the bantering of violent men — and these are all are done with style. However, there is also intellectual heft to this story, with its themes of myth-making and the nature of power. -- Antonia Senior * THE TIMES *On the shadowed frontier between myth and half-imagined history, James Wilde paints a vivid and gritty picture of the genesis of one of the greatest legends of all time. -- MATTHEW HARFFY, author of The Bernicia ChroniclesNot since Bernard Cornwell took on the Arthur myth has a writer provided such a new and innovative view of the Arthurian story . . . a fast-paced, action-packed book . . . a wonderful tale. * PARMENION BOOKS *Skillfully deconstructs the myths of Arthur and Camelot but creates a stunning prequel. * ELOQUENT PAGE *

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Book Synopsis**The spellbinding, bold new retelling of the story of Lord Byron and the Shelleys, from the perspective of Claire Clairmont, the incredible woman that history tried to forget.**''Beautifully written, Clairmont tells the sensuous hidden story of an influential historic woman.'' Sara Sheridan, author of The Fair Botanists Waterstones Scottish Book of the Year''An absorbing, intoxicating page-turner about a woman who deserves to be remembered.'' Jennifer Saint, author of Ariadne and Atalanta''Riveting - a clever portrait of a fascinating, flawed heroine.'' Sunday Times''An intimate and enlightening tale of one of Romanticism''s forsaken muses - an artfully told story that lingers in the mind far beyond the last page'' Susan Stokes-Chapman, author of Pandora1816. A massive volcanic eruption has caused the worst storms that Europe has seen in decades, yet Percy and Mary S

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Book SynopsisPentecost and Parker, the most audacious and iconic detective duo in 1940s Manhattan, are back. If you''re a fan of Richard Osman, The Marvellous Mrs Maisel, Agatha Christie and M. C. Beaton you''ll love this hugely entertaining murder mystery.Following on from Fortune Favours the Dead and Murder Under Her Skin, the third Pentecost and Parker mystery is ''even smarter, spikier and more surprising than the first two'' New York TimesNew York City, 1947. For years, Holly Quick has written gruesome tales of revenge for pulp detective magazines. Now someone is bringing her stories to life and leaving a trail of blood behind. With the threat of another murder looming, and reluctant to go to the police, Holly turns to the renowned detective duo Willowjean Will Parker and her boss Lillian Pentecost.Soon they are diving into an underground world of people obsessed with murder. Can the killer be found in the Black Museum Club, run by

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Book SynopsisThe thrilling new historical adventure in the Tales of the Lawless Land series from New York Times bestselling author Boyd Morrison and expert medievalist Beth Morrison.Croatia, 1351. Daring knight Gerard Fox and his adventurous wife Willa, fresh from a dangerous quest across Italy and Greece, soon find themselves embroiled in a new intrigue as they sail toward the walled city of Dubrovnik.Having inadvertently hindered a rescue mission, Fox and Willa make amends by helping a desperate Croatian couple forced into a terrible dilemma: either they betray their hometown to a treacherous nobleman and the brutal warlord he serves, or their abducted child will be murdered.A century-old prophecy and a lost codex written by fabled explorer Marco Polo are key to stopping the warlord's conquest, which could spark a devastating war along the entire Adriatic coast. Fox and Willa race against time to devise a plan for saving a child, a town, and a country kno

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Book SynopsisThe Battle of Evesham has been fought and lost. The King is triumphant, Simon de Montfort is dead, and Adam de Norton is a prisoner, stripped of everything he once honoured and prized.Escaping from captivity in the grim castle of Beeston, Adam becomes a fugitive in a country in turmoil. Branded a king''s enemy, he can be slain with impunity.Together with the widowed Joane de Bohun, Adam flees across a bleak winter landscape, evading both pursuing royal troops and a desperate band of outlaws to seek shelter with a surviving rebel force in the north. But when the rebels are beaten once again, only one place in the land still holds out defiantly against the king: Kenilworth Castle, the mightiest fortress in England.Joining the garrison of Kenilworth as it prepares for one of the most epic sieges in English history, Adam finds dangerous foes both inside and outside the walls. But as the siege grows ever more brutal, he must decide between a valiant

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Book SynopsisDiscover the 2023 Winner of the Historical Writers'' Association Gold Crown Award an atmospheric and suspenseful tale of intoxicating art and dizzying ambition, forbidden love and twisted obsession in Renaissance Venice Damian Dibben''s kaleidescopic The Colour Storm ''A glorious, exuberant read'' THE TIMES''Addictive, ambitious and knife sharp. A compelling thriller and a celebration of art. Ravishing'' RACHEL JOYCE''A rich and rousing tale of art, love, rivalry and obsession in Renaissance Venice'' CHLOË ASHBY, AUTHOR OF WET PAINT''An engaging thriller and a compelling exploration of an artist''s obsession with love and colour''SUNDAY TIMES_______Venice, 1510.The world''s greatest artists gather to enjoy fame, fortune, and colour. When a wealthy merchant discovers a mysterious new pigment, he knows it would create a masterpiece in the right hands.For Trade ReviewA glorious, exuberant summer read. Dibben's triumph is the character of Zorzo, a buoyant, loveable guide to the grandeur and the dangers of Renaissance Venice * The Times *Ravishing, addictive, knife-sharp, ambitious, and singing with detail. A compelling thriller that takes us to the heart of sixteenth century Venice where the world's most famous painters compete to win the greatest commission of their lives. There is so much to think about and relish. Not simply the story itself - with all its glorious twists and turns - but the search to express ourselves. A celebration of art and a hymn to colour. -- Rachel JoyceAn engaging thriller and a compelling exploration of an artist's obsession with love and colour * Sunday Times *The Colour Storm takes readers on a thrilling, murderous journey through the serpentine waters of High Renaissance Venice as one of art history's most gifted but often overlooked painters - Giorgione - searches for love, fame, and, most importantly, colour. Written with language as vibrant as a Giorgione masterpiece, The Colour Storm is for lovers of art, Italy, and page-turning plot -- Stephanie StoreyA story filled with intrigue and secrets as well as colour, Damian Dibben's new novel is filled with vivid descriptions . . . very rich in atmosphere and tone that keeps you wanting to read more * Love London Love Culture *A terrific book . . . Absorbing, exciting and, dare I say it, colourful. An original tale told beautifully -- A. D. SwanstonArt and ambition, love and obsession all come into play in this compelling and spellbinding tale set in Renaissance Venice * STYLIST *Hugely evocative, it's a love story, it's a thriller, it's a fantastic page turner -- Sophie Haydock, author of THE FLAMESA rich and rousing tale of art, love, rivalry and obsession in Renaissance Venice -- Chloë Ashby, author of WET PAINTAn intoxicating story about an incredible period in history * SUN *The pace of this elegant thriller quickens as truths are bared between controlling Jakob Fugger and abused Sybille with her tortuous past, while lovestruck Zorzo is pulled into a powerful situation that draws richly upon all elements of the 16th century * Perspective *An intoxicating and illuminating tale, bathed in colour, passion and ambition . . . A must for lovers of Renaissance art and the wonders of sixteenth century Venice -- S. W. PerryThe pace of a thriller and the riches of a Renaissance painting -- Rachel Joyce * Observer *A vivid imagining of the artistic world of Renaissance Venice. There is an incredible charm in its depiction of the great painters of the period with all their flesh-and-blood idiosyncrasies and flaws. The life of the studio and the supreme importance of colour in all the essentials of its make up is rendered absolutely convincingly. The work has all the more emotional power as it focusses on a lesser known artist as he negotiates the precarious life of his city alongside competitors, those whose names have resounded through history. -- S. G. MacLeanA great work of historical fiction, which weaves together conspiracy, art and love in a thriller * Ruth Millington *Praise for Damian Dibben * - *Bask in the brilliance * Mail on Sunday *Original, ambitious, moving * Stylist *What a novel! Ambitious and wonderfully achieved * Michael Morpurgo *I was captivated from the beginning. Ornate, vivid, deeply coloured, and so precise I could smell and taste the world * Rachel Joyce *An epic tale of love, of courage, of hope * Evening Standard *A stunning and captivating tale * The Sun *A grand sweep of adventure and travel, war and romance, and a rich exploration of love, life and loyalty * National Public Radio *[An] opulent tale, with elements of both love story and thriller, featuring some of Venice's most admired High Renaissance artists hunting desperately for a dazzling new pigment that will transform their work and fortunes * Metro *

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Book SynopsisJourney deeper in the world of Assassin''s Creed in the official novel of the incredible game: Odyssey. Greece, 5th century BCE. Kassandra is a mercenary of Spartan blood, sentenced to death by her family, cast out into exile. Now she will embark on an epic journey to become a legendary hero - and uncover the truth about her mysterious lineage.The Assassin''s Creed novels have sold more than 1 MILLION COPIES around the world - see what readers are saying: ''A brilliant read'' *****''I love this book'' *****''Original and unique'' *****''A brilliant accompaniment to the games'' *****

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Book SynopsisChosen by The Times as one of the Top Ten Crime Novels Written by Women since 2000Flavia Albia is the adopted daughter of a famous investigating family. In defiance of tradition, she lives alone on the colourful Aventine Hill, and battles out a solo career in a male-dominated world. As a woman and an outsider, Albia has special insight into the best, and worst, of life in ancient Rome.A female client dies in mysterious circumstances. Albia investigates and discovers there have been many other strange deaths all over the city, yet she is warned off by the authorities. The vigils are incompetent. The local magistrate is otherwise engaged, organising the Games of Ceres, notorious for its ancient fox-burning ritual. Even Albia herself is preoccupied with a new love affair: Andronicus, an attractive archivist, offers all that a love-starved young widow can want, even though she knows better than to take him home to meet the parents...As the festivalTrade ReviewPraise for MASTER AND GOD:'The narrative is rapid and the story well told with much sharp-edged detail. You can open this book and step right into a convincing yet extraordinary past.' * Independent *'Davis's descriptions of Rome are vivid and lively...this is a great yarn' * Daily Mail *'While this book is a departure from her usual Falco novels, the trademark charm, piercing intelligence and ready wit are as abundant as ever... dramatic and enthralling, all the more so for being full of historical fact. The characters are intriguing and three-dimensional, and the whole is told with a humour and insight which means the reader will find the book impossible to put down.' * www.thebookbag.co.uk *'An intimate portrait of resilience, friendship and love' * Sunday Examiner, Australia *

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Book SynopsisEgypt, 1912. Amelia Peabody and her dashing archaeologist husband, Radcliffe Emerson, are once again in danger as they search for a priceless, stolen bust of legendary Queen Nefertiti...Arriving in Cairo for another thrilling excavation season, Amelia is relaxing in her elegant hotel suite when a man with knife protruding from his back staggers into her chamber and utters a single word -''Murder'' - before collapsing on the floor, dead. It soon becomes apparent that someone has saved Amelia from a would-be assassin-someone who is keeping a careful eye on the intrepid archaeologist. And there can be only one answer: the brilliant master of disguise, Sethos. For Amelia, this excavation season will prove to be unforgettable; one where a brilliant criminal will offer his final challenge . . . and perhaps be unmasked at last.''Think Miss Marple with early feminist gloss crossed with Indiana Jones'' The GuardianTrade ReviewA jewel of a series * New York Times Book Review *Elizabeth Peters' books are great entertainment. -- Angela Rippon * Angela Rippon *Think Miss Marple with early feminist gloss crossed with Indiana Jones * Guardian *A joyously entertaining romp which manages to give the reader the clear impression of having been right there in the heat and the dust of the desert, besieged on all sides by diabolical scoundrels and head-strong camels * The Book Bag *

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Book SynopsisDiscover the blistering first novella from the from the Booker-shortlisted author of Eileen and My Year of Rest and Relaxation.They said I've done something wrong?... And they've just left me down here to starve. Haven't had a drop in days more so...Salem, Massachusetts, 1851: McGlue is in the hold, still too drunk to be sure of his name or situation or orientation – he may have killed a man. That man may have been his best friend. Now, McGlue wants one thing and one thing only: a drink. Because for McGlue, insufferable, terrifying memories accompany sobriety. Asail on the high seas of literary tradition, Ottessa Moshfegh gives us an unforgettable blackguard on a knife-sharp voyage through the fogs of recollection.Trade ReviewWonderful * Guardian *Strange and beautiful * LA Times *A gorgeously sordid story of love and murder on the high seas and in reeky corners of mid-nineteenth-century New York and points North. McGlue is a wonderwork of virtuoso prose and truths that will make you squirm and concur -- Gary LutzYou’re in safe, if sticky hands with an Ottessa Moshfegh story… Everything bulges and reeks in this novella, which feels as if it was written in a permanent state of nausea… The plot spins faster than its main character’s head. What elevates this novella are the scalpelsharp observations about McGlue’s nihilism and her prose, which is as distilled as the liquor McGlue necks. It’s a wild ride. -- Fiona Wilson * The Times *Moshfegh is… a superlative short-story writer… McGlue, which owes as much to Cormac McCarthy as it does to Poe or Melville, is an entertaining curio with some lovely baroque flourishes. -- Alasdair Lees * Independent *

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Book SynopsisThe action-packed and gripping historical adventure by global sensation Wilbur Smith, about one man's quest for revenge.'An exciting, taut and thrilling journey you will never forget' - SunTHE DESIRE FOR REVENGE CAN BURN THE HEART OUT OF A MANThe son of a wealthy plantation owner and a doting mother, Mungo St John is accustomed to wealth and luxury - until he returns from university to discover his family ruined, his inheritance stolen and his childhood sweetheart, Camilla, taken by the conniving Chester Marion. Mungo swears vengeance and devotes his life to saving Camilla - and destroying Chester.As Mungo battles his own fate and misfortune, he must question what it takes for a man to regain his power in the world when he has nothing, and what he is willing to do to exact revenge . . .Call of the Raven is the prequel to Wilbur Smith's bestselling novel, A Falcon Flies (1980), part of the Ballantyne Series.Don't miss the rest of the series, Men of Men, The Angels Weep, The Leopard Hunts in Darkness, Triumph of the Sun and King of Kings, all available in paperback and ebook now.Praise for Wilbur Smith'Best historical novelist' - Stephen King'A master storyteller' - Sunday Times'Wilbur Smith is one of those benchmarks against whom others are compared' - The Times'No one does adventure quite like Smith' - Daily Mirror'Call of the Raven' was a Sunday Times bestseller w/e 06-09-2020.

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Book Synopsis

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