Historical fantasy

Book SynopsisThe time of peace is over. The time of war has begun.Bera is struggling to reconcile her desire to be an ordinary woman with the weight of her Valla duty to shape the future. Love and friendship vie with her longing for freedom at sea on her beloved longboat. Warned that Chaos is coming and that Vikings have taken her kin as slaves, Bera realises her destiny is to follow them to Wolf Island, a land that has abandoned the old gods. In a quest to save her loved ones, Bera must use her smith’s iron lore and the knowledge of her Valla ancestors to follow an ancient path into a dark labyrinth, where human time is meaningless. There, she confronts her worst foe to finally bring peace – at the cost of a life.The voyage that began with Sea Paths and continued with Obsidian ends with Landfall, Bera’s most dangerous and important journey of all.

Read more less

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 *

Read more less

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, blade sharper — defending the Undal Protectorate from the worst of the rotstorm’s corruption. But behind the stormfront, 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? *** Sergeant Floré Artollen patrols the wind-gnarled pines of Hookstone Forest for the Watch. But it wasn’t always so. She spent years on the wall with the Stormguard, face to face with the bloodshed and horror of the rotstorm. With the storm now far beyond her western horizon, here she has a new life, a home, a husband and a daughter. But when roving lights descend from night skies, bright orbs of silver fire in the night, Floré’s village is devastated, her husband mortally wounded and her daughter abducted. To get her back, Floré will have to take up her longsword and silvered dagger, don the guard’s heavy metal plate gauntlets and step back into the storm.Trade ReviewExcellent, 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 *

Read more less

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 stormfront, 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? *** As the children of the storm carve a bloody swathe across the Northern Marches, the whitestaffs — the Protectorate’s healers and sages — have fled, retreating to their island citadel of Riven. Their withdrawal has weakened the realm, and worse, their absence is a death sentence for Floré’s daughter Marta. Skein-sick, Marta wastes away from the terrible magic she has inherited from her father and only the whitestaffs have the knowledge that might save her. When Flore is dispatched to reason with the whitestaffs, to bring them back into the fold, she seizes the chance. Her mission could save both the protectorate and her child. But on the island of Iskander, caged and chained, she will only discover the worst betrayal.Trade Review'Those who enjoy an action-crammed page-turner will be satisfied. . . a solid fantasy’ * British Fantasy Society *PRAISE 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 *

Read more less

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 *

Read more less

Book SynopsisSquid Game meets The Hunger Games in this thriller where modern-day recruits compete with ancient weapons in a deadly game across the streets of Edinburgh. Welcome to the Pantheon Games. Let the streets of Edinburgh run with blood... The Games are the biggest underground event in the world, followed by millions online. New recruits must leave behind their twenty-first century lives and vie for dominance in a gruelling battle to the death armed only with ancient weapons – and their wits. Tyler Maitland and Lana Cameron have their own reasons for signing their lives away. Now they must risk everything and join the ranks of seven warrior teams that inhabit this illicit world. Their journey will be more extraordinary and horrifying than anything they could have dreamed, testing them to breaking point. Will they find what they seek? Or will they succumb to the nature of the Pantheon? Let the Season begin. Praise for the Pantheon series: 'The Wolf Mile is a thrilling ride and a heck of a debut. C.F. Barrington knocks it out of the park.' Matthew Harffy 'The moment you ask yourself if it could just be true, the story has you.' Anthony Riches 'Gripping and original – a terrific read!' Joe Heap 'So gripping that I sometimes find myself holding my breath while I'm reading!' Ruth Hogan 'A brilliant eccentric concept which hits you like a fever dream.' Giles KristianTrade ReviewThe Wolf Mile is a thrilling ride and a heck of a debut. C.F. Barrington knocks it out of the park -- Matthew HarffyThe Wolf Mile blurs the boundary between fantasy and real life with authoritative panache. The moment you ask yourself if it could just be true, the story has you -- Anthony RichesThe Wolf Mile had me hooked from the first page. Gripping and original – a terrific read! -- Joe HeapI was utterly gripped and can't wait for the next instalment. This is a hit movie just waiting to be made! -- Ruth HoganA brilliant eccentric concept which hits you like a fever dream -- Giles Kristian

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe second in a dystopian thriller series, where modern-day recruits compete in an ancient fight to the death in the streets of Edinburgh. New Season. New Rules. Same deadly game... The Pantheon Games are the biggest underground event in the world, followed by millions online. New recruits must leave behind their twenty-first century lives and vie for dominance in a gruelling battle to the death armed only with ancient weapons – and their wits. Last season's new recruits Tyler and Lana have lived to fight another day, but now they face a series of even more lethal clashes before the Grand Battle that will bring the Season to a close. It's survival of the fittest in the most brutal fashion imaginable. As they race toward the bloody end, Lana must finally face the demons of her past, and Tyler will have to fight with the mother of all targets on his back... Squid Game meets The Hunger Games in this fast-paced, action-packed thriller series. Praise for the Pantheon series: 'The moment you ask yourself if it could just be true, the story has you.' Anthony Riches 'Gripping and original – a terrific read!' Joe Heap 'The Wolf Mile is a thrilling ride and a heck of a debut. C.F. Barrington knocks it out of the park.' Matthew Harffy 'So gripping that I sometimes find myself holding my breath while I'm reading!' Ruth Hogan 'A brilliant eccentric concept which hits you like a fever dream.' Giles KristianTrade ReviewPRAISE FOR THE WOLF MILE: 'A thrilling ride... C.F. Barrington knocks it out of the park' Matthew Harffy. 'The moment you ask yourself if it could just be true, the story has you' Anthony Riches. 'Gripping and original – a terrific read!' Joe Heap. 'So gripping that I sometimes find myself holding my breath while I'm reading!' Ruth Hogan. 'A brilliant eccentric concept which hits you like a fever dream' -- Giles Kristian

Read more less

Book SynopsisLower Rhumbsford is a city far removed from its glory days. On the banks of the great River Rhumb, its founding fathers channelled the river's mighty flow into a subterranean labyrinth of pipes, valves and sluices, a feat of hydraulic prowess that would come to power an empire. But a thousand years have passed since then, and something is wrong: the pipes are leaking, the valves stuck, the sluices silted, and the once-torrential Rhumb has been reduced to a sluggish trickle. The fortunes of the Locke family, descendants of the city's most celebrated engineer, are similarly reduced. In a once-fashionable quarter of the once-great city, siblings Samuel and Briony Locke are about to be drawn into a web of ancestral secrets and imperial intrigues, as a ruthless new power arises... Reviews for A Clockwork River: 'Exuberant isn't often a word you'd apply to fantasy novels, but A Clockwork River rushes along at a pace to match the waterway at its heart' SFX 'Delightfully weird and clever' Grimdark Magazine 'Oh, just plunge into this "hydro-punk" fantasy novel, will you' The TimesTrade Review'Oh, just plunge into this 'hydro-punk' fantasy novel, will you. It's as charming as it is uncontainable, an uber-confident picaresque comedy in the authentic, madcap 18th-century manner' The Times. * The Times *4½ stars! Exuberant isn't often a word you'd apply to fantasy novels, but A Clockwork River rushes along at a pace to match the waterway at its heart * SFX Magazine *It is delightfully weird, clever, and a luxuriously slow novel set in a historical urban fantasy world * Grimdark Magazine *A monumental hydropunk novel centred around a hydraulic city in danger of collapse, Emery's meticulously realised fantasy brings in everything from house spirits and troglodytes to the Ladies Whist Club * Waterstones *A languid and lengthy exploration of societal expectations and boundaries across multiple tiers and cultures, all told through a narrative voice that has humour and intelligence in spades and is not afraid to use them to follow random tangents and relate these tales in complex sentences using complex vocabulary. It shouldn't work, this arduous spiralling of detail over many, many hours of reading, and yet somehow, 12ish hours later, it has * British Fantasy Society *

Read more less

Book SynopsisSome it kills. Others it transforms. See beyond the illusion. CHICAGO, 1928. The Great War has been over for years, and a brave new world forged. With it, Liam's world has transformed as well. He grow up poor, but now works for one of the richest families in Chicago, reaping the benefits of his friendship with the family's son and heir. Now he's at Club Artemis: a palace of art-deco delights and debauchery, filled to bursting with the rich and beautiful. And tonight they're all drinking one thing. Absynthe. The green liquor rumoured to cause hallucinations, madness – even death. While gilded youths sip the viridescent liquid, their seemingly perfect world is crumbling. Their absynthe is no mere folly: some it kills, others it transforms. But in Liam something different has taken place: he can see the world without its illusion. And it isn't the perfect world the government want people to believe... 'Bellecourt's sci-fi debut is complex, ambitious, and sweeping in scope.' Publishers Weekly 'A complex feat of world-building that raises evergreen questions of truth and power with dizzying verve.' Daily MailTrade ReviewSet in a lushly depicted alternate Roaring '20s distinguished by futuristic technology... Bellecourt's sci-fi debut is complex, ambitious, and sweeping in scope * Publishers Weekly *Absynthe drew me in with impeccable worldbuilding and nuanced characters, but it's the exquisite pacing that kept me completely engrossed in this richly imagined yarn -- Jason M. Hough, New York Times bestselling authorA heady, addictive cocktail of retro-futurism and high-stakes thriller, Absynthe is fantastical sci-fi at its very best -- Adam Christopher, author of Empire State and Made to KillJazz age speakeasies and biological warfare makes this a fresh and original addition to the alternate history sci-fi space. Pacific Rim meets Captain America, in magnificent art deco steampunk style -- Lauren James, author of The Loneliest Girl in the UniverseA complex feat of world-building that raises evergreen questions of truth and power with dizzying verve * Daily Mail *

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe third gripping instalment in a dystopian thriller series where modern-day recruits compete in an fight to the death with ancient weapons in the streets of Edinburgh. Live by the rules. Die by the rules. Or break them and take your chances in the chaos that follows... The Pantheon Games are the biggest underground event in the world, with millions watching online as modern-day recruits battle to the death with weapons of the ancient world. Tyler Maitland left his life behind to search for his sister, who disappeared after joining the Pantheon's Edinburgh chapter. But one year on, he's still no closer to finding her... After the shocking climax of the Grand Battle, Tyler must now find a way to forge a new brotherhood amongst his enemies. There will be new identities, new teammates, a new cause... but the same blood will flow on the streets while those at the top enjoy the show and count the money rolling in. This season will be like no other. Tyler must accept a new mission, one that hasn't been attempted in twenty years of the Pantheon. His life, and the search for his sister, depends on it. Squid Game meets The Hunger Games in this fast-paced, action-packed thriller series. 'I've rarely read anything so immersive. It grabbed me by the scruff of my neck on the first page and only dropped me stunned and exhausted with the final sentence.' Ruth Hogan Praise for the Pantheon series: 'The moment you ask yourself if it could just be true, the story has you.' Anthony Riches 'Gripping and original – a terrific read!' Joe Heap 'The Wolf Mile is a thrilling ride and a heck of a debut. C.F. Barrington knocks it out of the park.' Matthew Harffy 'A brilliant eccentric concept which hits you like a fever dream.' Giles KristianTrade ReviewI've rarely read anything so immersive. It grabbed me by the scruff of my neck on the first page and only dropped me stunned and exhausted with the final sentence -- Ruth HoganPRAISE FOR THE WOLF MILE: 'The moment you ask yourself if it could just be true, the story has you' Anthony Riches. 'Gripping and original – a terrific read!' Joe Heap. 'A thrilling ride... C.F. Barrington knocks it out of the park' Matthew Harffy. 'A brilliant eccentric concept which hits you like a fever dream' -- Giles Kristian

Read more less

Book Synopsis'A heroine with a generous spirit, an unshakable will and a dragon's fury.' H. M. Long Having grown up hearing tales of her uncle, the great King Beowulf, Fryda's one desire is to become a shield maiden in her own right. Yet a terrible childhood accident has left Fryda disabled – thus, she believes, thwarting her dream of becoming a warrior-woman for good. But still, somehow, she feels an uncontrollable power begin to rise within herself. Meanwhile, a great celebration of Beowulf's reign is underway, and Fryda's house is soon overrun with foreign kings and chieftains. Amidst the drunken revelry, a discovery is made that threatens the safety of Fryda's entire clan – and her own life. Enraged, Fryda resolves to fight for her people, no matter the cost... and all the while, her powers seem only to grow stronger. But she is not the only one to feel its effects. For, buried deep in her gilded lair, a dragon is drawn to Fryda's untamed power, and is slowly awakening from a long, cursed sleep... ‘Casts a superb spell... Shimmering with detail, with a propulsive plot to match.' D.K. Fields 'Fantastic fun... An entrancing story of power and peril, presenting a side to the sagas we have never seen before.' Ian GreenTrade ReviewA rousing and romantic mythological fantasy that boasts a heroine with a generous spirit, an unshakable will and a dragon's fury -- H. M. LongCasts a superb spell... Shimmering with detail, with a propulsive plot to match -- D.K. FieldsFantastic fun... An entrancing story of power and peril, presenting a side to the sagas we have never seen before -- Ian Green

Read more less

Book SynopsisOnna can write the parameters of a spell faster than any of the young men in her village. So when the arcane academy decides it's untoward to teach a woman magic she sets sail for the city-state of Hexos in search of more enlightened attitudes.Tsira has never felt at home within her troll clan. Striking out alone to find work in a human city, she stumbles on a half-dead soldier in the snow and the two form an unexpected bond.But a string of mysterious murders draws them both into a deadly conspiracy and now Onna and Tsira must uncover who is targeting trolls before their homeland is torn apart...

Read more less

Dellaria Wells - petty con artist, occasional thief, and partly educated fire witch - is behind on her rent. To make ends meet, Delly talks her way into a guard job in the city of Leiscourt, joining a team of unconventional women to protect an aristocrat from unseen assassins.It looks like easy money and a chance to romance her confident companion Winn - but when did anything in Delly's life go to plan? With the help of a necromancer, a shapeshifting schoolgirl and a reanimated mouse named Buttons, Delly and Winn find themselves facing an adversary who wields a twisted magic and has friends in the highest of places.

Read more less

Book SynopsisNOMINATED FOR BEST HORROR NOVEL in the GOODREADS READERS CHOICE AWARDS...'A lurid, luscious debauch of a book.' Guardian'An unforgettable feast of decadence and depravity, House of Hunger cements Henderson's place as one of the great gothic writers of our generation.' S T GIBSON, author of A Dowry of BloodA young woman is drawn into the upper echelons of a society where blood is power in this dark and enthralling Gothic novel from the author of The Year of the Witching.WANTED: A bloodmaid of exceptional taste. Must have a keen proclivity for life's finer pleasures. Girls of weak will need not apply.Marion Shaw has been raised in the slums, where want and deprivation are all she knows. Despite longing to leave the city and its miseries, she has no real hope of escape until the day she spots a strange advertisement in the newspaper, seeking a 'bloodmaid'.Though she knows little about the far north - where wealthy nobles live in luxury and drink the blood of those in their service - Marion applies to the position. In a matter of days, she finds herself at the notorious House of Hunger. There, Marion is swept into a world of dark debauchery - and there, at the centre of it all is her.Her name is Countess Lisavet. Loved and feared in equal measure, she presides over this hedonistic court. And she takes a special interest in Marion. Lisavet is magnetic, charismatic, seductive - and Marion is eager to please her new mistress. But when her fellow bloodmaids begin to go missing in the night, Marion is thrust into a vicious game of cat and mouse. She'll need to learn the rules of her new home - and fast - or its halls will soon become her grave.Trade ReviewAn unforgettable feast of decadence and depravity, House of Hunger cements Henderson's place as one of the great gothic writers of our generation. Readers will be absolutely spellbound by this sinister, scintillating tale.The kind of book that deserves to be devoured. Deliciously brutal, hypnotic, and brimming with ravenous malice, Alexis Henderson has crafted a bloody, sapphic fever dream of a novel and I can't wait to read it again.Has something of the grotesque novelty of Mervyn Peake's Gormenghast, tinged red by a Clive Barker-esque blending of blood and sex . . . a lurid, luscious debauch of a book. * GUARDIAN *A gory gem of a story that sinks in its teeth and won't let up, House of Hunger proves that Alexis Henderson is one of the best Gothic writers out there.A dark, blood-filled fantasy that's dripping in gothic vibes . . . dread and desire simmer from the pages of this unsettling and lushly written horror. It'll have you simulatenously wanting to look away and keep reading. * METRO *

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisThere is a legend... Britannia, AD 535 The Romans have gone. While their libraries smoulder, roads decay and cities crumble, men with swords pick over civilisation's carcass, slaughtering and being slaughtered in turn. This is the story of just such a man. Like the others, he had a sword. He slew until slain. Unlike the others, we remember him. We remember King Arthur. This is the story of a land neither green nor pleasant. An eldritch isle of deep forest and dark fell haunted by swaithes, boggarts and tod-lowries, Robin-Goodfellows and Jenny Greenteeths, and predators of rarer appetite yet. This is the story of a legend forged from a pack of self-serving, turd-gilding, weasel-worded lies told to justify foul deeds and ill-gotten gains. This is the story - viscerally entertaining, ominously subversive and poetically profane - of a Dark Age myth that shaped a nation. EVERYONE'S TALKING ABOUT BY FORCE ALONE: 'A bloody, bravura performance, which Tidhar pulls off with graphic imagery and modern vernacular' Guardian. 'As eclectic as the Sword in the Stone and as ruthless as A Game of Thrones, this retelling of the whole Arthurian legend stands alongside the very best' Daily Mail. 'The narrative voice is deadly serious but there's a strong undercurrent of gleefulness to the profanity, violence and otherworldly magic that makes By Force Alone a whole lot of fun to dive into' Spectator. 'Lavie Tidhar has crafted a punk epic on the mouldering bones of legend and jolted it to life with ten thousand volts of knowing wit and fury. By Force Alone eviscerates the complacent posturing of the Arthurian myth, explodes the well-worn conventions of the tale and from the shiny jagged pieces assembles a wholly fresh rollercoaster ride of cheap violence, vicious magic and messy human truth' Richard Morgan. 'A twisted Arthur retelling mixing the historical and the magical with a very modern eye. Brutal and vicious, funny, Peaky Blinders of the Round Table' Adrian Tchaikovsky.Trade Review'Plunging a broadsword into the heart of Arthurian legend, Tidhar's novel depicts the Knights of the Round Table as a bunch of sweary, sweaty thugs. So much for the glories of a magical, mythical past. Britain, it seems, has forever been a land of factional infighting, presided over by a brutal, uncaring elite' Financial Times. 'London-based Israeli author Tidhar's latest fantasy is a ferocious and often very funny reinvention of the King Arthur myth, taking in references from Tolkien to Brexit' iNews. 'Iconoclastic, provocative, poetic and profane. King Arthur re-imagined - as you'd expect from the author of A Man Lies Dreaming and The Violent Century as well as the World Fantasy Award-winning Osama and the Locus Award short-listed Central Station' Concatenation. 'In true Lavie Tidhar style, we get something much more entertaining, bizarre and fantastical ... If you're looking for something riotously, uncompromisingly graphic and frenzied, then this book well certainly stand out from the crowd' SF Crowsnest. 'Every new book by the fiendishly ingenious and canny Tidhar is so radically different from his previous ones that I always await the next with bated breath ... The result is stunningly unique and the way he threads his daring if not sacrilegious additions into the fabric of the Camelot tale is like a punch in the gut ... Uproarious, provocative and utterly gripping' Crime Time. 'At a time when many in a fractious, divided Britain are looking to the past for comfort, Tidhar seeks to remind us - in dizzying, profane fashion - that our nation was, like so many others, built on nothing more romantic than bloodshed and conquest' Financial Times. 'A bloody, bravura performance, which Tidhar pulls off with graphic imagery and modern vernacular ... By Force Alone is Tidhar's scatological contribution to the field of Arthurian romance, a salutary antidote to the more romantic glossings of recent modern fantasy' Guardian. 'A New Weird Britain take on Arthurian mythos ... It's an immense remix of the myth, done with an extremely ruthless eye. Lavie is an extremely clever writer' Warren Ellis. 'Everyone is a bastard here, from Guenevere to Arthur to Merlin; I have never come across a more despicable bunch of characters, this is surely an indictment of Lavie Tidhar's warped and degenerate brain. Without a doubt this is the best Arthurian tale ever written, it has ruined the entire mythology for me' Saad Z. Hossain, author of Escape From Baghdad! and Djinn City. 'A comet that blazes a brilliant new path through dusty old territory. Bold and inventive, it smashes Arthurian myth to bits, sweeps up the brightest, weirdest, most enchanting pieces, and reshapes them into a wildly original tale. Legend has it that King Arthur will return when he's most needed, and this Arthur - this flawed, ambitious, irreverent boy-kingpin - is exactly the one we need now' Lisa L. Hannett, author of Bluegrass Symphony and Lament for the Afterlife. 'Tidhar turns King Arthur's court into a gangster's paradise, full of wheelings and dealings, and true grit. If the tale didn't go down like this, it should have' Silvia Moreno-Garcia, author of Gods of Jade and Shadow and Mexican Gothic. 'A beautifully written and thrilling tale, soaked in gore and evocative historical detail, peppered with subtle humour. Tidhar storms the castle of Grimdark, sword dripping with blood, and makes a claim for its crown' Angus Watson, author of Age of Iron and You Die When You Die. 'Utterly bonkers, utterly brilliant - a brutal, witty and slightly insane deconstruction of the Arthurian legend by way of Goodfellas, this is absolute bloody (and sweary) joy on the page' Russel D. McLean, author of The Good Son and Ed's Dead. 'Lavie Tidhar has crafted a punk epic on the mouldering bones of legend and jolted it to life with ten thousand volts of knowing wit and fury. By Force Alone eviscerates the complacent posturing of the Arthurian myth, explodes the well-worn conventions of the tale and from the shiny jagged pieces assembles a wholly fresh rollercoaster ride of cheap violence, vicious magic and messy human truth' Richard Morgan, author of Altered Carbon. 'You can always trust Lavie Tidhar to create something brilliant, savage and endlessly entertaining' Starburst. 'Drawing on everything from wushu movies to The Wire by way of Tarkovsky and Tarantino, By Force Alone is wild, surprising and entertaining, and a hugely immersive read' M.R. Carey, author of The Girl with All the Gifts and The Unwritten. 'A violent, funny, absurd epic - Tidhar remains an utterly original voice in contemporary fiction' Daniel Polansky, author of Low Town and The Builders. 'Lavie Tidhar has created something wonderful, an extraordinary blend of history, legend, and sheer, lunatic inspiration. I loved it' Christopher Farnsworth, author of The Eternal World and Killfile. 'A twisted Arthur retelling mixing the historical and the magical with a very modern eye. Brutal and vicious, funny, Peaky Blinders of the Round Table' Adrian Tchaikovsky, author of Cage of Souls and Dogs of War. '[An] extraordinary and vivid retelling of our national myth. Gritty revisionism is super-charged by the supernatural ... As eclectic as the Sword in the Stone and as ruthless as A Game of Thrones, this retelling of the whole Arthurian legend stands alongside the very best' Daily Mail.

Read more less

Book SynopsisGod bless you, England, on this glorious Year of Our Lord, 1145. Things are definitely not right in Nottingham. Rebecca, daughter of a Jewish money-lender, has a sense for it. A mad monk schemes to resurrect the Christ from body parts. A bone harpist murders creatures of legend for a price. A fae creature binds its wings and embraces a new God and his son. And don't even mention the Hood. The Man in Green. The Prince of Thieves. The tick-tock taker of the ten-toll tax. What hope have the series of sheriffs sent to hold the peace? It's the forest, you see. Sherwood. Ice Age ancient, impenetrable, hiding a dark and secret heart. But hearts, no matter how black, no matter how hidden, are not immune to change. The old world is dying... and a terrifying new one is waiting to take its place. Rebecca senses an opportunity. But how far is she willing to go, and what price – because there is always a price – will she have to pay? The Hood is Lavie Tidhar's narcotic reweirding of an ancient English myth, a tale stitched together from legends lost to time, a tale told and retold, reworked and renewed for each passing century. A tale, reader, for today. 'A wild, inventive tapestry of myth and magic, with a wry sense of humor. Tidhar's writing is wonderfully vibrant' Silvia Moreno-Garcia, bestselling author of Mexican GothicTrade ReviewThis is a book to experience rather than to read, as every chapter and revisionist character expands into sheer, wonderful madness. One for the ages * Crime Time *Chaotic, wildly inventive and relentlessly entertaining * Big Issue *Tidhar fancies himself an iconoclast, and his incidental invention reaches impressive levels of delirium * The Times *A wealth of colorful tales and memorable characters * Locus *PRAISE FOR BY FORCE ALONE: 'A bloody, bravura performance, which Tidhar pulls off with graphic imagery and modern vernacular' Guardian. 'As eclectic as the Sword in the Stone and as ruthless as A Game of Thrones, this retelling of the whole Arthurian legend stands alongside the very best' Daily Mail. 'The narrative voice is deadly serious but there's a strong undercurrent of gleefulness to the profanity, violence and otherworldly magic that makes By Force Alone a whole lot of fun to dive into' Spectator. 'Lavie Tidhar has crafted a punk epic on the mouldering bones of legend and jolted it to life with ten thousand volts of knowing wit and fury. By Force Alone eviscerates the complacent posturing of the Arthurian myth, explodes the well-worn conventions of the tale and from the shiny jagged pieces assembles a wholly fresh rollercoaster ride of cheap violence, vicious magic and messy human truth' Richard Morgan. 'A twisted Arthur retelling mixing the historical and the magical with a very modern eye. Brutal and vicious, funny, Peaky Blinders of the Round Table' -- Adrian Tchaikovsky

Read more less

Book Synopsis'Card has uncovered a rich vein of folklore and magic here, to which his assured handling of old time religion and manifest love of children is admirably suited: an appealing and intriguing effort.' - Kirkus ReviewsFrom the primal depth's of the world's greatest myths comes this gripping fantasy of a boy, born to be a Maker, whose dangerous journey towards knowledge and power makes history ...Amid the deep woods where the Red Man still holds sway, a very special child is born. Young Alvin is the seventh son, and such a boy is destined to become great - perhaps even a man with the enormous powers of a Maker. But even in the loving safety of his home, dark forces reach out to destroy him. Somewhere out there is a power that will do anything to prevent him growing up ...The first 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 ReviewThe 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 REVIEWThe most important work of American fantasy since Stephen Donaldson's original Thomas Covenant trilogy. -- Chicago SuntimesThe most important work of American fantasy since Stephen Donaldson's original Thomas Covenant trilogy. * Chicago Suntimes *Card has exceeded his own high standards ... The man's versatility makes him unique * Anne McCaffrey *

Read more less

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 *

Read more less

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 *

Read more less

Book Synopsis'"The Judging Eye" is an incredibly smart and smart ass title to a book that deceives in being Bakker's most straight forward read. How Bakker continues to move Kellhus in mysterious ways is something I can't wait to witness more of' - BookSpotCentral'Exquisitely intelligent and beautifully written...this is fantasy with muscle and brains, rife with intrigue and admirable depth of character, set in a world laden with history and detail.' - Steve Erikson, author of Gardens of the MoonA score of years after he first walked into the histories of Men, Anasûrimbor Kellhus rules all the Three Seas, the first true Aspect-Emperor in a thousand years.Wielding more power than even the greatest sorcerer, Kellhus now leads a holy war deep into the wastes of the Ancient North, intent on destroying the stronghold of Golgotterath and preventing the Second Apocalypse.Meanwhile his wife and consort, Esmenet, struggles to rule not only his vast empire, but their murderous children as well. And Achamian, who lives as a Wizard in embittered exile, undertakes a mad quest to uncover the origins of the Dûnyain.But Achamian, of all people, should know that one must be very careful what one seeks . . .First he was the Prince of Nothing, then the Warrior-Prophet. Now Anasurimbor Kellhus is the Aspect-Emperor. But is he a living god . . . or a demon from hell?Books by R Scott Baker:Prince of Nothing TrilogyThe Darkness That Comes BeforeThe Warrior-ProphetThe Thousandfold ThoughtAspect-EmperorThe Judging EyeThe White Luck WarriorThe Great OrdealThe Unholy ConsultNovelsNeuropathDisciple of the DogLight, Time, and GravityTrade ReviewThis book marks a triumphant return for the most philosophical and literary epic fantasy writer around. -- THE WERTZONE(Bakker) presents a literary and philosophical depth largely absent from the genre...shows maturity as an author and demonstrates why his name belongs among the best epic fantasy authors -- NETHSPACEThe worldbuilding is once again head and shoulders above what is currently the norm in today's fantasy market. The evocative narrative is rich in details, and the Middle Eastern setting continues to be a joy to discover... It's R. Scott Bakker writing at the top of his game -- PATAS FANTASY HOTLIST"The Judging Eye" is more accessible to the average reader without sacrificing the depth that gained Bakker so much acclaim. A powerful start to a new trilogy -- CINEMARATTY[Bakker] clamps his hand over yours and simply does not let go...Amid the cluttered shelves of the Epic Fantasy genre, Bakker is a name that stands out among not just the new writers in the crowd but established and recognized names. -- SFFWORLDThe entire series is going to set a new standard for fantasy writers everywhere. -- THE ALIEN ONLINE

Read more less

Book SynopsisDiscover the first thrilling novel in the No. 1 Sunday Times bestselling Traitor Spy Trilogy from the fantasy phenomenon Trudi Canavan.As the son of the late High Lord Akkarin, saviour of the city, and Sonea, the former street urchin turned Black Magician, Lorkin has a legacy of heroism and adventure to live up to. So when Lord Dannyl takes the position of Guild Ambassador to Sachaka, Lorkin volunteers to be his assistant in the hopes of making his mark on the world. When news comes that Lorkin is in danger, the law that forbids Black Magicians leaving the city forces Sonea to trust that Dannyl will save him. Besides, her old friend Cery needs her as never before: someone has been assassinating Thieves, and when his family is targeted he finds evidence that this Thief Hunter uses magic. Either a member of the Guild is hunting down the Thieves one by one, or there is - once again - a rogue magician on the streets of Imardin. And this one has full control of their powers - and is willing to kill with them.Set in the same world as her global bestselling Black Magician Trilogy, Trudi Canavan's Traitor Spy Trilogy is a gripping fantasy adventure filled with danger and forbidden magic. ESCAPE TO A NEW WORLD. DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF TRUDI CANAVAN.'It's easy to see why Trudi Canavan's novels so often make the bestseller lists. Her easy, flowing style makes for effortless reading . . . Delightful worldbuilding . . . Vivid and enjoyable' SFXThe Traitor Spy Trilogy: The Ambassador's Mission The Rogue The Traitor Queen

Read more less

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

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe phenomenally popular first novel from international No. 1 bestselling author Trudi Canavan*Over 3 million Trudi Canavan copies sold worldwide* Each year the magicians of Imardin gather together to purge the city streets of vagrants, urchins and miscreants. Masters of the disciplines of magic, they know that no one can oppose them. But their protective shield is not as impenetrable as they believe.Sonea, angry, frustrated and outraged by the treatment of her family and friends, hurls a stone at the shield, putting all her rage behind it. To the amazement of all who bear witness, the stone passes unhindered through the barrier and renders a magician unconscious.The guild's worst fear has been realised . . . There is an untrained magician loose on the streets. She must be found before her uncontrolled powers unleash forces that will destroy both her, and the city that is her home.Praise for Trudi Canavan:'Epic, vivid and believable' Guardian'It's easy to see why Trudi Canavan's novels so often make the bestseller lists. Her easy, flowing style makes for effortless reading . . . Delightful worldbuilding . . . Vivid and enjoyable' SFX'The world-building is tremendous. The magical system is sophisticated and fascinating' Striking Keys'A suspenseful masterpiece . . . will have fans desperate for the sequel' RT Book Reviews'Superb . . . an enthralling tapestry of a book that's hard to put down' Fantasy FactionThe Black Magician Trilogy:The Magicians' GuildThe NoviceThe High Lord*Have you tried Trudi Canavan's stunning new series, Millennium's Rule? It starts with the Sunday Times bestselling THIEF'S MAGIC* Trade ReviewIt's easy to see why Trudi Canavan's novels so often make the bestseller lists. Her easy, flowing style makes for effortless reading . . . Delightful worldbuilding . . . Vivid and enjoyable * SFX *High calibre fantasy from one of Australia's best * SF Revu *Canavan is a natural storyteller * Emerald City *Epic, vivid and believable * Guardian on THIEF'S MAGIC *

Read more less

Book SynopsisFollowing The Magicians' Guild comes the second book in the phenomenally popular Black Magician Trilogy, from international No. 1 bestselling author Trudi Canavan*Over 3 million Trudi Canavan copies sold worldwide*Imardin is a city of dark intrigues and deadly politics, where those who wield magic wield power. Into this established order has blundered a young street-girl with extraordinary magical gifts. Adopted by the Magicians' Guild, her life is changed forever - but for better or for worse?Sonea knew that she'd face a tough time training within the Magicians' Guild but she little realised the level of animosity she would face from her fellow novices. The sons and daughters of the most powerful families in the realm, her classmates seem determined to see her fail - at whatever cost. But in accepting the protection of the guild's high lord, Sonea may have embraced an even bleaker fate. For High Lord Akkarin harbours a secret that is far darker than his magician's robes.Praise for Trudi Canavan:'Epic, vivid and believable' Guardian'It's easy to see why Trudi Canavan's novels so often make the bestseller lists. Her easy, flowing style makes for effortless reading . . . Delightful worldbuilding . . . Vivid and enjoyable' SFX'The world-building is tremendous. The magical system is sophisticated and fascinating' Striking Keys'A suspenseful masterpiece . . . will have fans desperate for the sequel' RT Book Reviews'Superb . . . an enthralling tapestry of a book that's hard to put down' Fantasy FactionThe Black Magician Trilogy:The Magicians' GuildThe NoviceThe High Lord*Have you tried Trudi Canavan's stunning new series, Millennium's Rule? It starts with the Sunday Times bestselling THIEF'S MAGIC*Trade ReviewIt's easy to see why Trudi Canavan's novels so often make the bestseller lists. Her easy, flowing style makes for effortless reading . . . Delightful worldbuilding . . . Vivid and enjoyable * SFX *Epic, vivid and believable * Guardian on Thief’s Magic *High calibre fantasy from one of Australia's best * SFRevu *Canavan is a natural storyteller * Emerald City *

Read more less

Book SynopsisFollowing The Magicians' Guild and The Novice comes the third book in the phenomenally popular Black Magician Trilogy, from international No. 1 bestselling author Trudi Canavan*Over 3 million Trudi Canavan copies sold worldwide*In the city of Imardin, where those who wield magic wield power, a young street-girl, adopted by the Magician's Guild, finds herself at the centre of a terrible plot that may destroy the entire world . . .Sonea has learned much at the magicians' guild and the other novices now treat her with a grudging respect. But she cannot forget what she witnessed in the High Lord's underground room - or his warning that the realm's ancient enemy is growing in power once more. As Sonea learns more, she begins to doubt her guildmaster's word. Could the truth really be as terrifying as Akkarin claims, or is he trying to trick her into assisting in some unspeakably dark scheme?Praise for Trudi Canavan:'Epic, vivid and believable' Guardian'It's easy to see why Trudi Canavan's novels so often make the bestseller lists. Her easy, flowing style makes for effortless reading . . . Delightful worldbuilding . . . Vivid and enjoyable' SFX'The world-building is tremendous. The magical system is sophisticated and fascinating' Striking Keys'A suspenseful masterpiece . . . will have fans desperate for the sequel' RT Book Reviews'Superb . . . an enthralling tapestry of a book that's hard to put down' Fantasy FactionThe Black Magician Trilogy:The Magicians' GuildThe NoviceThe High Lord*Have you tried Trudi Canavan's stunning new series, Millennium's Rule? It starts with the Sunday Times bestselling THIEF'S MAGIC*Trade ReviewIt's easy to see why Trudi Canavan's novels so often make the bestseller lists. Her easy, flowing style makes for effortless reading . . . Delightful worldbuilding . . . Vivid and enjoyable * SFX *Epic, vivid and believable * Guardian on Thief’s Magic *High calibre fantasy from one of Australia's best * SFRevu *Canavan is a natural storyteller * Emerald City *

Read more less

Book SynopsisAlthough the architect of the White's victory, Auraya feels no joy. Her days are spent trying to reconcile the Dreamweavers and the priesthood, while her sleep is filled with nightmares. The dead haunt her and the only one she trusts to help has vanished.Still struggling to come to terms with the increasingly powerful memories of the long-dead Mirar, the Dreamweaver, Leiard, flees into the mountains with Emerahl, perhaps the last of the Wilds. Emerahl is powerfully gifted, and helps Leiard to make sense of his strange jumble of memories. What they discover will change his life, and the world, forever . . .

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisVampire Don Simon Ysido has been captured and held aboard a ship heading to the US to act as a slave, and Dr Lydia Asher must stop it . . . at any cost.March, 1917. The goal of every government involved in the Great War has been achieved: industrialist Spenser Cochran has drugged and enslaved a vampire, Don Simon Ysidro, to do his bidding, and is now on the way to the US aboard a luxury ship.Horrified, Dr Lydia Asher secures her passage on the vessel to rescue her friend from Cochran?s chemical thrall. Meanwhile, her husband makes a dangerous alliance with the vampires of Paris to send Lydia the information she needs about the drug.As they cross the Atlantic evidence mounts that another vampire is hiding aboard the ship, indiscriminately murdering passengers. Lydia knows she must solve both cases before the ship docks, and that breaking Cochran?s hold on Don Simon will not be enough . . . She must kill him.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Western World is Burning...For Richard Hawkwood and his crew, a desperate venture to carry refugees to the uncharted land across the Great Western Ocean offers the only chance of escape from the Inceptines’ pyres.In the East, Lofantyr, Abeleyn and Mark – three of the five Ramusian Kings – have defied the cruel pontiff’s purge and must fight to hold their thrones through excommunication, intrigue and civil war.In the quiet monastery city of Charibon, two humble monks make a discovery that will change the whole world.Aekir, the Holy City, has fallen and all now seems lost, but even on the eve of destruction the Faithful still war amongst themselves...Hawkwood and the Kings collects Hawkwood’s Voyage and The Heretic Kings, the first two books in Paul Kearney’s spectacular The Monarchies of God cycle.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe only magic left comes from consuming the dead.Long ago, Ritakhou was a flourishing empire filled with light, life, and magic. Then came the Schism. Now the kingdom is called Rimbaku and is a pale shadow of its former self, a land stripped of its glory and its power. The only magic left comes from aitachi, the Relicant Touchthe ability to absorb skills and memories by consuming the bones of the dead. Throughout the land, status and success are based on one's aitachi and theaishone or relic bones one can attain, and the so-called Relicant Empire has grown stale and stagnant as a result.The young emperor, Hibikitsu, recognizes this but feels powerless to change centuries of habit and reliance. His finest warrior, Misataki Shizumi, also feels stifleddespite her prowess she is a commoner and can never rise above the rank of sergeant in the elite Honjofu, even though her commanding officer is a nobleborn fool. Seikoku, a koshitsu or graverobber, wrestles with the horror of what she does and the need to survive, while Chimehara, a beggar turned killer, has no compunctions against using every weapon at her disposal to attain her goals. And all the while Rimbaku's enemies are circling, testing the nation's borders. They know the empire is weak, and are determined to push it over the edge and then strip its bones as it has done to its dead for so long.Meanwhile, the brothers Kagiri and Noniki set out from their small village with a handful of aishone and a great deal of hope. They soon find the world a bigger, darker place than they imagined, and are forced to accept a dangerous proposal, one that will put both of them at risk for not only their lives but their very soulsbut that may change the Relicant Empire forever.

Read more less

Book Synopsis"A brilliant, deeply unsettling work." Books + Publishing. Jeff is dying. Haunted by memories and grappling with shame, he runs away to a remote part of Scotland with a piece of beta tech that allows him to enter the mind of someone in the past. Instructed to only use it three times, Jeff - self- indulgent, isolated and deteriorating - ignores this advice. In the late 1860s, Leonora lives in the Scottish Highlands, surrounded by nature. Contemplating the social conventions that bind her, her contented life and a secret romantic friendship with the local laird are interrupted when her father sends her to stay with her aunt in Edinburgh. But Leonora's ability to embrace her new life is shadowed by a dark presence that begins to lurk behind her eyes, and strange visions. A Superior Spectre is a novel about curiosity, entitlement and manipulation. It reminds us that the scariest ghosts aren't the ones that go bump in the night, but those that are born and create a place for themselves in the human soul.Trade Review'Weighty themes of lust, shame and the power of the male gaze are beautifully balanced by a moving narrative, then wrapped up by the neatest of twists.' Daily Mail; 'A hugely impressive debut novel: imaginative and original, erotic and a little bit magical.' Herald; 'Skilfully manages to weave historical drama and dystopian fiction together … a work of ambition … clever, intelligent and engrossing.' Jennifer McShane, Image Magazine; 'Like all great dystopian novels, it’s intensely political, with an overarching focus on social freedom … it’s consistently a thought-provoking and well-written stab at one of literature’s bleakest genre.' Alison Powell, Buzz Magazine; 'A Superior Spectre is an ambitious and curious venture. Meyer straddles historical drama and dystopian fiction, and yet manages to cross the divide.' Thuy On, Sydney Morning Herald; 'A brilliant, deeply unsettling work with the unapologetically feminist rage, passion and awareness of books such as The Natural Way of Things or Margaret Atwood’s seminal The Handmaid’s Tale.' Books and Publishing; 'This is one of those rare books that penetrates deep into the reader’s most secret self. Read it and hold it close.' The Saturday Paper; 'In turns horrible, sweet, erotic, tense, challenging, beautiful, disgusting, solemn, abhorrent and moving, A Superior Spectre is a novel no serious reader will forget in a hurry.' John Purcell, Booktopia

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis1897In the wolf-haunted Carpathian Mountains, a young solicitor, Jonathan Harker, travels to an isolated castle to assist a mysterious Count with purchasing a number of properties in England. But what he witnesses there drives him to the edge of madnessMeanwhile, in Whitby, Harker's fiancée, Mina Murray, visits her dear friend Lucy Westenra. But during her stay, Lucy is attacked and becomes seriously illIn London, Lucy's suitor and physician, Dr John Seward, becomes preoccupied with the case of a certain Mr Renfield, an inmate at his lunatic asylum, who seeks to collect lives for his master, having not long returned from a trip to TransylvaniaAnd so the pieces for the game are set. For they are all pawns in a plan devised centuries ago by the Voivod of Wallachia, Vlad Tepes, a cruel tyrant whom history remembers as the Son of the Devil', his bloodthirsty deeds having earned him another nameDracula. ****Dracula Curse of the Vampire is an interactive gothic horror novel, in which YOU decide which route to take, which perils to risk, and which of the terrifying creatures you will meet along the way to fight. Play as Jonathan Harker, Mina Murray and Dr John Seward or even Count Dracula himself. But be warned whether you succeed in your quest or succumb to the curse of the vampire will be down to the choices YOU make.But do not tarry, for the dead travel fast.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Cleaving is an Arthurian retelling that follows the tangled stories of four women: Nimue, Ygraine, Morgana, and Guinevere, as they fight to control their own destinies amid the wars and rivalries that will determine the destiny of Britain. The legendary epics of King Arthur and Camelot don't tell the whole story. Chroniclers say Arthur's mother Ygraine married the man that killed her husband. They say that Arthur's half-sister Morgana turned to dark magic to defy him and Merlin. They say that the enchantress Nimue challenged Merlin and used her magic to outwit him. And that Arthur's marriage to Guinevere ended in adultery, rebellion and bloodshed. So why did these women chose such dangerous paths? As warfare and rivalries constantly challenge the king, Arthur and Merlin believe these women are destined to serve Camelot by doing as they are told. But men forget that women talk. Ygraine, Nimue, Morgana and Guinevere become friends and allies while the decisions that shape their lives are taken out of their hands. This is their untold story. Now these women have a voice. Juliet McKenna is an expert on medieval history and warfare and brings this expertise as well as her skills as a fantasy writer to this epic standalone novel.Trade ReviewPRASIE FOR JULIET E MCKENNA "If you're not reading Juliet McKenna you should be" - Kate Elliott "The thinking fantasy reader's writer" - Charles Stross "Her many characters are thoroughly engaging and her plots tight" - Joanne Harris "McKenna creates real tension" - Time Out "Written with verve and style" - SFX Magazine "Magically convincing and convincingly magical" - Dan Abnett "If your appetite is for fantasy in the epic tradition, with compelling narratives, authentic combat and characters you care about, Juliet E McKenna is definitely the author for you" Stan Nicholls "Everything just sings in these books." - Charles de Lint in F&SF

Read more less

Book Synopsis1575: Nelan Michaels is a young Flemish man fleeing religious persecution in the Spanish Netherlands. Settling in Mortlake outside London, he studies under Queen Elizabeth’s court astrologer, conjuring a bright future – until he’s wrongly accused of murder. Forced into the life of a fugitive, Nelan is dramatically pressed into the crew of the Golden Hind. Thrust into a strange new world on board Francis Drake’s vessel, Nelan sails the seas on a voyage to discover discovery itself. Encountering mutiny, ancient tribes and hoards of treasure, Nelan must explore and master his own mystical powers – including the Mark of the Salamander, the mysterious spirit of fire. The Mark of the Salamander is the first in The Island of Angels series: a two-book saga that tells the epic story and secret history of England’s coming of age during the Elizabethan era.

Read more less

Book SynopsisAfter sixteen-year-old Harriet Flynn trips over an ancient gravestone etched with strange markings in a seventeenth-century holiday village and reads the inscription, she and her friends are alarmed to wake up with supernatural powers. Having magical abilities is fun at first, but when a series of accidents cause the group to become frightened, Harriet becomes determined to find out what’s going on. While investigating the history of the gravestone they came across that night, Harriet realises she has unwittingly awakened a centuries-old, deadly curse and she is the only one who can put an end to it – and she has less than a day. With time running out, Harriet must find the true magic key, to save herself and the ones she loves.

Read more less

Book SynopsisIt is late summer 1780 and Heathcliff leaves Wuthering Heights after overhearing Catherine say how it would degrade her to marry him. The few possessions he takes with him include an amulet; his only possession other than the rags he wore when found as an urchin in Liverpool. When he wears it, the amulet seems to bring him luck. Heathcliff travels to Liverpool, where he makes his way to India as a deck hand on a ship of the East India Company. On arrival in Madras, Heathcliff finds work, love and wealth, but will his luck last and will he ever be able to put his past behind him? Imagining the short period of Heathcliff’s absence in Emily Brontë’s acclaimed novel, Heathcliff’s Fortune depicts the events which sees him transformed from a rough farm boy to a wealthy gentleman, and relates how he acquired, in India, the great wealth that made enacting his terrible revenge on those who wronged him possible.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisBorn into a nomadic tribe in 13th-century Central Asia, Gulzura tends the sheep and dreams of adventure. When she rescues a baby eagle, and forms a powerful alliance, her life changes completely. She embarks on a perilous quest ordained by the gods, where the fate of her clan lies entirely in her hands.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less