Historical fantasy

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 SynopsisThere's power in stories. But power comes at a price. Detective Cora Gorderheim is a detective no longer. Stripped of her badge, her job now is to protect her sister, Ruth, the new Wayward storyteller. Ruth must tell her tale of the Tear widening if people are to know what's really happening in the Union of Realms. But the powers that be want her silenced. Keeping Ruth alive in Fenest is hard enough, but when the sisters set sail for West Perlanse, the dangers come thick and fast. And soon Cora realises she must make a terrible choice: her sister's life, or the future of the Union. 'Melding noir with the fantasy genre, this is a rather clever read, one which feels especially prescient for our reality' SCIFINOWTrade ReviewPRAISE FOR THE TALES OF FENEST TRILOGY: 'Melding noir with the fantasy genre, this is a rather clever read, one which feels especially prescient for our reality' SciFiNow. 'Like a Philip Pullman rendition of Cloud Atlas. Widow's Welcome is an irresistibly thrilling introduction to a world of stories within stories – and I can't wait for more' Tim Major. 'There is more than meets the eye in this gripping and inventive debut... Rife with intrigue, deceit and cultural tension' James Aitcheson. 'It's rare to find such a richly imagined world about the art of myth and storytelling' Christopher Fowler. 'If you love storytelling, you'll love this' -- Simon Morden

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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 Synopsis'A wonderful book by a fabulous author, very highly recommended.’ Louise DouglasA tale as old as time. A spirit that has never rested.Present dayAs a love affair comes to an end, and with it her dreams for her future, artist Selena needs a retreat. The picture-postcard Sloe Cottage in the Somerset village of Ashcombe promises to be the perfect place to forget her problems, and Selena settles into her new home as spring arrives. But it isn’t long before Selena hears the past whispering to her. Sloe Cottage is keeping secrets which refuse to stay hidden.1682Grace Cotter longs for nothing more than a husband and family of her own. Content enough with her work on the farm, looking after her father, and learning the secrets of her grandmother Bett’s healing hands, nevertheless Grace still hopes for love. But these are dangerous times for dreamers, and rumours and gossip can be deadly. One mis-move and Grace’s fate looks set…Separated by three hundred years, two women are drawn together by a home bathed in blood and magic. Grace Cotter’s spirit needs to rest, and only Selena can help her now.USA Today bestselling author Judy Leigh writing as Elena Collins, brings you this unforgettable, heart-breaking, gripping timeslip novel set in a world when women were hung as witches, and fates could be sealed by a wrong word. Perfect for fans of Barbara Erskine, Diana Gabaldon and Louise Douglas.Praise for Elena Collins:'A profoundly moving, beautifully written and emotional story that skilfully combines two time frames into one unputdownable book. I was completely immersed in Grace’s story from the beginning: despite it taking place 400 years ago. The modern day storyline was also delightful with some wonderful characters. In short a wonderful book by a fabulous author, very highly recommended.' Louise Douglas

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Book Synopsis'Suddenly the saga of Alvin Maker begins to thrill.' - Washington Post Book World'Red Prophet is but a section of a vast American fantasy epic. It is vividly written, and the principal actors--Alvin, Ta-Kumsaw, the Prophet, and Alvin's Gandalfesque mentor Taleswapper--are all complete and memorable characters.' - The Philadelphia InquirerSince the age of eleven, when he saw the white men murder his father, the Red Indian Lolla-Wossiky has been a pathetic drunk. His brother, Ta-Kumsaw, wishes to see whites confined to the eastern lands. But Governor Bill Harrison of the rough frontier town of Carthage has far more brutal plans for the Indians.When he puts those plans into action, he unwittingly brings young Alvin Miller - a very special white boy with extraordinary magical powers - to Lolla-Wossiky and Ta-Kumsaw. And brings Alvin one more step on his magical odyssey.The second book in the acclaimed Tales of Alvin Maker series, by one of the world's best-loved SF/fantasy authors.Books by Orson Scott Card:Alvin Maker novelsSeventh SonRed ProphetPrentice AlvinAlvin JourneymanHeartfireThe Crystal CityEnder Wiggin SagaEnder's GameSpeaker for the DeadXenocideChildren of the MindEnder in ExileHomecomingThe Memory of the EarthThe Call of the EarthThe Ships of the EarthEarthfallEarthbornFirst Formic War (with Aaron Johnston)Earth UnawareEarth AfireEarth AwakensTrade ReviewHarsher, bleaker, and more mystical than Seventh Son, this novel superbly demonstrates Card's solid historical research, keen understanding of religious experience, and, most of all, his mastery of the art of storytelling. -- BOOKLISTThe man's versatility of style, subject and approach makes him unique in the SF field. -- ANNE MCCAFFREYOne of the genre's most convincing storytellers. -- LIBRARY JOURNALAs always, Mr. Card writes with energy and conviction. -- THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEWCard's luminous alternate history continues to chill as it soothes ... and suddenly the saga of Alvin Maker begins to thrill. * THE WASHINGTON POST *The most important work of American fantasy since Stephen Donaldson's original Thomas Covenant trilogy. * CHICAGO SUN-TIMES *

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Book Synopsis'Card is one of the most important writers in the field.' - Ben Bova;The most important work of American fantasy since Stephen Donaldson's original Thomas Covenant trilogy.' - Chicago SuntimesPeggy is a Torch, able to see the fire burning in each person's heart. She can follow the paths of each person's future, and know each person's most intimate secrets. From the moment of Alvin Maker's birth, when the Unmaker first strove to kill him, she has protected him. Now they are married, and Peggy is a part of Alvin's heart as well as his life. But Alvin's destiny has taken them on separate journeys. Alvin has gone north into New England, where knacks are considered witchcraft, and their use is punished by death. Peggy has been drawn south, to the British Crown Colonies and the court of King Arthur Stuart in exile. For she has seen a terrible future bloom in the heartfires of every person in America, a future of war and destruction. One slender path exists that leads through the bloodshed, and it is Peggy's quest to set the world on that path to peace.Books by Orson Scott Card:Alvin Maker novelsSeventh SonRed ProphetPrentice AlvinAlvin JourneymanHeartfireThe Crystal CityEnder Wiggin SagaEnder's GameSpeaker for the DeadXenocideChildren of the MindEnder in ExileHomecomingThe Memory of the EarthThe Call of the EarthThe Ships of the EarthEarthfallEarthbornFirst Formic War (with Aaron Johnston)Earth UnawareEarth AfireEarth AwakensTrade ReviewSome of the most hauntingly brilliant writing of the decade -- INTERZONECard has taken the venerable SF concepts of a superhuman and interstellar war . . . and, with superb characterisation, pacing and language, combined them into a seamless story of compelling power -- BOOKLISTHugo and Nebula-award winner Orson Scott Card demonstrates again that he belongs in the company of such older masters of science fiction as Isaac Asimov, Frank Herbert and Ursula K. Le Guin. -- MAGILL BOOK REVIEWSThe best writer science fiction has to offer. -- THE HOUSTON POSTThe most important work of American fantasy since Stephen Donaldson's original Thomas Covenant trilogy. * CHICAGO SUNTIMES *History, legend, magic, dreams: Card stirs them into a rich brew with a remarkably authentic flavour * LOCUS *

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Book Synopsis'Parker raises the bar for realistic fantasy war craft with this series opener.' - Publishers Weekly'When so many fantasy sagas are tired, warmed-over affairs, a writer like K.J. Parker is more of a hurricane than a breath of fresh air.' - DreamwatchWhen an engineer is sentenced to death for a petty transgression of guild law, he flees the city, leaving behind his wife and daughter. Forced into exile, he seeks a terrible vengeance - one that will leave a trail of death and destruction in its wake.But he will not be able to achieve this by himself. He must draw up his plans using the blood of others ...In a compelling tale of intrigue and injustice, K. J. Parker's embittered hero takes up arms against his enemies, using the only weapons he has left to him: his ingenuity and his passion - his devices and desires.The acclaimed author of The Fencer Trilogy and The Scavenger Trilogy begins a brilliant new series, pushing the boundaries of fantasy fiction with his most powerful novel to date.Books by K.J. Parker:Fencer TrilogyThe Colours in the SteelThe Belly of the BowThe Proof HouseScavenger TrilogyShadowPatternMemoryEngineer TrilogyDevices and DesiresEvil for EvilThe EscapementSaloninusBlue and GoldThe Devil You KnowTwo of SwordsThe Two of Swords: Part 1The Two of Swords: Part 2The Two of Swords: Part 3NovelsThe CompanyThe Folding KnifeThe HammerSharpsSavagesSixteen Ways to Defend a Walled CityMy Beautiful LifeTrade ReviewA richly textured and emotionally complex fantasy...Highly recommended. -- LIBRARY JOURNAL, starred reviewParker (the Scavenger trilogy) raises the bar for realistic fantasy war craft with this series opener. -- PUBLISHERS WEEKLYThis is grown-up fantasy blessed with humour, intelligence and... panache. A bravura display of intricate storytelling and artfully-doled-out revelations. -- SFXI have reviewed books before that I thought might someday be found to have achieved greatness.... But I am trying to be precise in my use of the word when I tell you that K.J. Parker is writing work after work that demands to be placed in that category. -- ORSON SCOTT CARD

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Book SynopsisA librarian with a mysterious past, a war hero with a secret, and the heist of a magic painting. THE LIBRARIAN OF CROOKED LANE is an intriguing new fantasy from C.J. Archer, the USA Today bestselling author of the Glass and Steele series.Librarian Sylvia Ashe knows nothing about her past, having grown up without a father and a mother who refused to discuss him. When she stumbles upon a diary that suggests she''s descended from magicians, she''s skeptical. After all, magicians are special, and she''s just an ordinary woman who loves books. She seeks answers from a member of the most prominent family of magicians, but she quickly learns that finding the truth won''t be easy, especially when he turns out to be as artless as her, and more compelling and dangerous than books.War hero Gabe is gifted with wealth, a loving family, and an incredible amount of luck that saw him survive four harrowing years of a brutal war without injury. But not all injuries are visible. Burying himself in his work as a consultant for Scotland Yard, Gabe is going through the motions as he investigates the theft of a magician-made painting. But his life changes when he unwittingly gets Sylvia dismissed from her job and places her in danger.After securing her new employment in a library housing the world''s greatest collection of books about magic, Gabe and Sylvia''s lives become intwined as they work together to find both the painting and the truth about Sylvia''s past before powerful people can stop them. But sometimes the past is better left buried...

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Book SynopsisA librarian with a mysterious past, a war hero with a secret, and the heist of a magic painting. THE LIBRARIAN OF CROOKED LANE is an intriguing new fantasy from C.J. Archer, the USA Today bestselling author of the Glass and Steele series.Librarian Sylvia Ashe knows nothing about her past, having grown up without a father and a mother who refused to discuss him. When she stumbles upon a diary that suggests she''s descended from magicians, she''s skeptical. After all, magicians are special, and she''s just an ordinary woman who loves books. She seeks answers from a member of the most prominent family of magicians, but she quickly learns that finding the truth won''t be easy, especially when he turns out to be as artless as her, and more compelling and dangerous than books.War hero Gabe is gifted with wealth, a loving family, and an incredible amount of luck that saw him survive four harrowing years of a brutal war without injury. But not all injuries are visible. Burying himself in his work as a consultant for Scotland Yard, Gabe is going through the motions as he investigates the theft of a magician-made painting. But his life changes when he unwittingly gets Sylvia dismissed from her job and places her in danger.After securing her new employment in a library housing the world''s greatest collection of books about magic, Gabe and Sylvia''s lives become intwined as they work together to find both the painting and the truth about Sylvia''s past before powerful people can stop them. But sometimes the past is better left buried...

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Book SynopsisThe Dragon King holds Loom in his bloody claws, and one woman has vowed to be his demise.Arianna lost everything she once loved when the Five Guilds of Loom fell to the Dragon King. Now, as one of the world''s most notorious thieves, she uses her unparalleled gift for merging magic and machine to take on any job that will thwart Loom''s tyrannical oppressors.Cvareh would do anything to see his sister usurp the Dragon King. His family''s house has endured the shame of being the lowest rung of Dragon society for far too long. The Alchemist Guild on Loom might hold the key to their triumph, if Cvareh can get to them before the Dragon King''s assassins.When Arianna stumbles upon a wounded Cvareh, she sees an opportunity to slaughter an enemy and make a profit off his corpse.But Cvareh sees an opportunity to cut a deal with the one person the king''s assassins might fear. He offers her the one thing Arianna can''t refuse: A wish of her greatest desire, if she brings him to the Alchemists of Loom.Joined by a trigger-happy gun mage, the trio will make their way across the steely, gear-crusted, and deadly landscape of Loom, in a story of a world divided, where magic clashes with machine, and the cost of power is blood.The Alchemists of Loom is the first book in a dark fantasy trilogy set in a divided world of magic versus machine, gritty adventure, brutal and bloody sorcery, enemies to lovers, and deep friendships. It is perfect for epic fantasy readers looking for a unique and deep world.

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