Historical fantasy
HarperCollins Publishers The River of Silver Return to a world of
Book SynopsisBestselling author Shannon Chakraborty expands the acclaimed, Hugo-nominated Daevabad Trilogy with this magical compilation of stories from before, during, and after the events of the series. Told from the perspective of characters beloved and hated, and even those never heard from until now, these tales of Daevabad enrich a world already teeming with magic and wonder.A prospective new queen joins a court whose lethal history may overwhelm her own political savvyAn imprisoned royal from a fallen dynasty and a young woman wrenched from her home cross paths in an enchanted garden A pair of scouts in a cursed winter wood stumble upon a secret that will turn over their world Trade ReviewPRAISE FOR THE DAEVABAD SERIES ‘THE CITY OF BRASS is the best adult fantasy I’ve read since THE NAME OF THE WIND. It’s stunning and complex and consuming and fantastic. You must read it’Sabaa Tahir, #1 New York Times bestselling author of AN EMBER IN THE ASHES ‘An extravagant feast of a book – spicy and bloody, dizzyingly magical, and still, somehow, utterly believable’Laini Taylor, New York Times bestselling author of STRANGE THE DREAMER ‘Even a few pages will enmesh you in its magic’Robin Hobb, New York Times bestselling author ‘I raced to the end of City of Brass and can’t wait to see what happens next. I’m eager for more adventures in Daevabad’Peter V. Brett, bestselling author of The Demon Cycle ‘Blends legend and history to create a fascinating world…thoroughly enjoyable’SFX
£9.49
Hodder & Stoughton Hollow
Book Synopsis___________________________________________________________________________________"Brilliantly wrought... Wonderful... Catling's expertise, imagination and linguistic flair are well matched by his wit and enthusiasm. Hollow is never less than tremendous fun... Catling is a great and wild talent... a raucous novel that thrills and unsettles in equal measure." - TLS"Prose that's sprinkled with neologisms and archaisms, and as crunchy and bitter-cold as snow... it's a nigh unclassifiable work, and all the better for that." - Financial Times"As with all the best fiction, there is a terrifying inevitability about Hollow ... Let it devour you."Iain Sinclair, author of Ghost Milk"Unsettling and delightful... very clever fun...a sheer, shuddering delight... both frightening and hilarious. Catling is a rare kind of writer.'"Scotland on Sunday____________________________________________________________________________From the author of the Vorrh Trilogy comes an epic odyssey following a group of mercenaries hired to deliver a church's ultimate power-a sacred oracle-as the decadence of carnival gives way to the gravity of lent and the mystic landscape grows ravenous - all set within a Bosch painting.The history of art contains no more imaginative or mysterious paintings that the landscapes of Hieronymus Bosch. Art historians ask where the weird creatures depicted there came from, and so too do the central characters of Hollow as they fight their way across these landscapes and encounter these creatures. Author B Catling is the first novelist to engage fully with Bosch's vision and climb imaginatively into it.In this novel it emerges that Bosch gave colour and form to monsters, 'letting them in' to the real world, and that they were still infesting the landscape when it was painted by Bosch's follower Pieter Bruegel. Now a wild bunch of mercenaries with a mission to deliver an oracle made of cloth, bones and a loud voice take a dangerous journey to the monastery at the base of the Tower of Babel, where the most terrifying secret in the world is kept. As they travel through a country painted first by Bosch and then by Bruegel, they are confronted and seduced by monsters and see scenes painted by them. These include the devil playing dice, a lewd mock wedding with a dirty bride, an unholy being living inside a hollow tree and riding a giant rat, and creatures indulging in inter-species sexual play as depicted in The Garden of Earthly Delights. A local marauding woman called Mad Meg with a small army of looting women from Breugel's Dull Gret is one of this novel's stranger characters. Perhaps it is because B. Catling is himself an artist that he has been able to create a modern narrative masterpiece which brings the painterly genius of Bosch and Breugel alive on the page.
£9.49
Rebellion Publishing Ltd. The Grief of Stones: The Cemeteries of Amalo Book
Book SynopsisCelehar’s life as the Witness for the Dead of Amalo grows less isolated as his circle of friends grows larger. He has been given an apprentice to teach, and he has stumbled over a scandal of the city—the foundling girls. Orphans with no family to claim them and no funds to buy an apprenticeship. Foundling boys go to the Prelacies; foundling girls are sold into service, or worse.At once touching and shattering, Celehar’s witnessing for one of these girls will lead him into the depths of his own losses.The love of his friends will lead him out again.Trade Review"I've been wanting to return to the world of The Goblin Emperor from the moment I finished that book, and The Witness For the Dead does not disappoint. At once intimate and literally operatic, it's everything I love about Katherine Addison's writing, in ways I didn't know to expect. I loved it." ? John Scalzi"The follow-up to the acclaimed The Goblin Emperor brings back a favorite character and expands the elaborate world Addison has created. Fans of the first book?and new readers?will find this novel delightful and immersive" ? Library Journal“I liked it. It’s a fantasy, a novel of court intrigue. Those of you who like that aspect of my own work will probably likeThe Goblin Emperor as well.” -- George R. R. Martin, Not a Blog“The Angel of the Crows is an entertaining ride – a compelling fantasy mystery set in an alternate but startlingly familiar Victorian London. You’ve been here before–not.” -- Tim Powers“The Goblin Emperor is the best fantasy I’ve read in quite some time. It’s certainly my favourite of the last great while, and though it’s early days yet, I suspect it may be the best single novel I read this year.” – Liz Bourke, Tor.com“Impressively elaborate worldbuilding underpins this lovely fantasy novel, but I couldn't put it down because of the heart-grippingly sympathetic main character.” ? Kate Elliott, bestselling author of the Crossroads series “I enjoyed The Goblin Emperor a great deal. I was sucked right into her world of goblins, elves, and airships, and was anxious to the very end to find out how Maia, the unwanted halfblood son of the Emperor, who finds himself unexpectedly on the throne, learns to navigate the intrigues and danger of the imperial court. An engrossing read!” ? Kristen Britain, New York Times bestselling author of Blackveil“Challenging, invigorating, and unique. If courtly intrigue is your wine of choice, The Goblin Emperor is the headiest vintage I've come across in years.” ? Scott Lynch, bestselling author of The Lies of Locke Lamora“With its subtle, intricate, fascinating worldbuilding and a hero who succeeds through empathy and patience rather than brawn, The Goblin Emperor is absolutely unique among recent fantasy novels, and it delighted me from beginning to end. I wish I could read a dozen more books set in the Elflands.” — Katherine Arden, bestselling author of The Bear And The Nightingale"I think even people who haven’t read The Goblin Emperor, or people who read Addison’s foray into Sherlockian Angelology in The Angel of the Crows, will find plenty of entry points to the Elflands in The Witness for the Dead." -- Tor.com "The Witness for the Dead is a socially realistic fantasy underpinned by superb creative power, as emotionally satisfying as it is skillfully written." -- Kate MacDonald, strangehorizons.com
£8.54
Quercus Publishing Gods of Jade and Shadow
Book Synopsis'This is historical fantasy at its best' S.A. Chakraborty, author of The City of BrassInspired by Mexican folklore, Gods of Jade and Shadow is a magical, wildly imaginative coming-of-age tale for fans of Katherine Arden, Naomi Novik and Helene Wecker.The Jazz Age is in full swing, but it's passing Casiopea Tun by. She's too busy scrubbing floors in her wealthy grandfather's house to do anything more than dream of a life far from her dusty, small town in southern Mexico. A life she could call her own. This dream is impossible, distant as the stars - until the day Casiopea opens a curious chest in her grandfather's room and accidentally frees an ancient Mayan god of death. He offers her a deal: if Casiopea helps him recover his throne from his treacherous brother, he will grant her whatever she desires. Success will make her every dream come true, but failure will see her lost, for ever. In the company of the strangely alluring god and armed only with her wits, Casiopea begins an adventure that will take her on a cross-country odyssey, from the jungles of Yucatán to the bright lights of Mexico City and deep into the darkness of Xibalba, the Mayan underworld.------------------------------------------------------'Wondrous and magical' Kevin Hearne, author of The Iron Druid Chronicles'Evocative and moving' Rebecca Roanhorse, author of Trial of Lightning'An adventure for the mind and the heart' Christina Henry, author of Alice'A joy to read' Genevieve Cogman, author of The Invisible Library seriesThe Daughter of Doctor Moreau, the new book from Silvia Moreno-Garcia, is available to pre-order now.Trade ReviewSimultaneously heartbreaking and heart-mending, Gods of Jade and Shadow is a wondrous and magical tale about choosing our own path. I felt weepy and happy and hopeful when I finished - everything you want to feel at the end of a great story * Kevin Hearne, New York Times-bestselling author of the Iron Druid Chronicles and Kill the Farm Boy *An evocative and moving fairy-tale about a downtrodden girl and the Mayan God of Death and how they both find each other and their humanity together . . . Loved it. Highly recommend * Rebecca Roanhorse, author of Trail of Lightning *I lost myself in the world, the magic, and the brilliance that is Gods of Jade and Shadow, a story that will linger with me for a very long time. Casiopea Tun will take readers on a journey they will not soon forget. She is the kind of heroine I rooted for from the very first page! * Jennifer A. Nielsen, New York Times bestselling author of The Traitor's Game *A moving description of a young girl's coming of age and a seamless fusion of the real and the magical * Guardian *Set in a lushly rendered and gorgeous world, this is historical fantasy at its best: a fresh, feminist coming-of-age tale that lets the ancient and the new meld and clash in a tale you can't put down * S.A. Chakraborty, author of The City of Brass and The Kingdom of Copper *A lush, bittersweet tale of courage, love and carving your own place in the world . . . Silvia Moreno-Garcia's evocative prose will take you on an adventure for the mind and the heart * Christina Henry, author of Alice *A beautiful work that will draw you in and keep you transfixed and reading far too late. It blends the 'real' and the mythic seamlessly, and the clear-sighted heroine is a joy to read about. It's the sort of book that will leave you with beautiful after-images for weeks to follow, and going back to re-read favourite sections * Genevieve Cogman, author of the Invisible Library series *Silvia Moreno-Garcia's prose is like the best kind of fairytale - dark, enchanting, and makes you wish that you could live within its pages. Casiopea's journey belongs on every bookshelf * Zoraida Córdova, award-winning author of Labyrinth Lost *A vibrant story of grit, giddiness, and glory with a protagonist whose personality burns bright as a star. Casiopea Tun will capture your heart and draw you into a jewel-toned world of myth-making and jazz music * Lara Elena Donnelly, author of The Amberlough Dossier series *A magical novel of duality, tradition, and change . . . Moreno-Garcia's seamless blend of mythology and history provides a ripe setting for Casiopea's stellar journey of self-discovery, which culminates in a dramatic denouement. Readers will gladly immerse themselves in Moreno-Garcia's rich and complex tale of desperate hopes and complicated relationships * Publishers Weekly Starred Review *Silvia Moreno-Garcia beautifully weaves the glamour and possibility of the Jazz Age with Mexican folklore, crafting a lush, enthralling coming of age fairytale . . . A hopeful and bittersweet tale, with a whip-smart, practical protagonist, and will appeal to fans of S.A. Chakraborty, Naomi Novik, and Katherine Arden * The Skinny *Snappy dialog, stellar worldbuilding, lyrical prose, and a slow-burn romance make this a standout * Library Journal Starred Review *An exotic adventure * Woman's Way *An elegant and immersive tale, Silvia Moreno-Garcia's Gods of Jade and Shadow opened my eyes to the Mayan Underworld and took me on an adventure with a strong-willed, practical heroine and a prickly fallen god that I never wanted to end. It feels like a modern classic, and is absolutely unforgettable * Kendare Blake, New York Times bestselling author of the Three Dark Crowns series *Gods of Jade and Shadow was an easy, fun read that enchanted every step of the way, with the mood of a classic fairytale drifting beneath a whirl of Mayan myth and 1920s Mexico * While Reading and Walking *Silvia Moreno-Garcia writes with verve and the Mayan mythology she draws on is fascinating * The Times *A magical fairy tale about identity, freedom, and love, and it's like nothing you've read before * Bustle *A richly imagined historical fantasy and one of the best I've read in a while * Reader's Retreat *If you are a fan of magical realism, fairytales, Mayan civilisation and history in general then you will enjoy the Gods of Jade and Shadow, so make sure that you read it * Cultural Life Connection *An astonishingly beautiful book. This is up there amongst one of my favourite books of all time and I strongly encourage everyone to read it * Esoteric Elixir *A fantastic own voices story of Mayan Mythology, with a dark edge that brings you a brilliant and nuanced female character and is definitely a book you have to read * I Just Kinda Like Books *A vibrant, visceral look at the duality of Mexican folklore . . . A twisting, constantly exciting story with an unmistakably sharp-edge looming in even its most innocuous scenes * Reminders of the Changing Time *Part Jane Eyre and part Cinderella story, Moreno-Garcia's Gods of Jade and Shadow is a beautiful fantasy tale based on Mayan mythology. In a time with so much negative emphasis on Mexico, it's easy to forget that Mexico is a country with a very rich heritage, mythology and folklore. Moreno-Garcia successfully retells this myth with a beautiful prose and description of a Mexico of the 1920s * A Wondrous Bookshelf *I loved reading about mythological characters that were new to me, in a setting that was so energetic and exciting * Alphabet Hannah *Full of energy, vibrancy and Mayan culture * Umut Reviews *An extremely impressive tale . . . Beautifully brilliant * Run Along the Shelves *A great reading experience, I look forward to reading other books by this author. Highly recommended! * Annarellix *I recommend Gods of Jade and Shadow to fantasy/mythology fans looking for something a little different * Nicki J Markus *A page-turner that immerses you in a forgotten culture and it is a coming-of-age story about finding what you really want in the most unlikely of circumstances * The Nerd Daily *A coming-of-age fairy tale of haunting shadows commingled with vibrant life * The i *Well worth checking out * SFX *An enchanting cocktail * Strange Horizons *The fundamentals of storytelling have been, and will always be, a distinctive setting and well-drawn, memorable characters. Gods of Jade and Shadow has both these elements in droves . . . One of the more appealing and defiant heroines in recent fantasy * Locus *Casiopea is not a damsel in distress, but rather a young woman coming of age in a time where music, myth, art and exploration thrum colorfully around her. . . . Readers will be floored by Moreno-Garcia's painstaking attention to detail. Her descriptions of the emotionally charged interactions between realistic human characters and otherworldly gods, witches and demonic forces are unforgettable, as are the fairy-tale and folktale aspects of the plot * BookPage Starred Review *It was exciting and adventurous and full of wants and longing and the pull between life and death, darkness and light. If you're looking for a book to sink into and really savor, look no further * The Bookish Beagle *
£9.49
Seven Seas Entertainment, LLC Heaven Official's Blessing: Tian Guan Ci Fu
Book SynopsisThe blockbuster danmei/Boys' Love novels from China that inspired the animated series! This epic historical fantasy about a prince and the mysterious man by his side is now in English, for the very first time. Born the crown prince of a prosperous kingdom, Xie Lian was renowned for his beauty, strength, and purity. His years of dedication and noble deeds allowed him to ascend to godhood. But those who rise, can also fall...and fall he does, cast from the Heavens again and again and banished to the mortal realm. Eight hundred years after his mortal life, Xie Lian has ascended to godhood for the third time. Now only a lowly scrap collector, he is dispatched to wander the earthly realm to take on tasks appointed by the heavens to pay back debts and maintain his divinity. Aided by old friends and foes alike, and graced with the company of a mysterious young man with whom he feels an instant connection, Xie Lian must confront the horrors of his past in order to dispel the curse of his present. This Chinese xianxia fantasy novel series built around the romanticized love between two men (danmei) is the newest work from author Mo Xiang Tong Xiu, and has spawned an ongoing multimedia franchise that's beloved across the world--including the animated series (donghua) that amassed 100+ million views in just its first month. The Seven Seas English-language edition will include covers from (tai3_3), and exclusive, all-new interior illustrations from ZeldaCW.
£15.29
HarperCollins Publishers Renegades Magic Book 3 The Soldier Son Trilogy
Book SynopsisThe third book in The Soldier Son Trilogy, from the author of the bestselling Farseer, Liveship Traders and Tawny Man trilogies.The people of Gettys town believe their cemetery soldier, Nevare Burve, guilty of unspeakable crimes. They also recall beating him to death.But Nevare didn't die that day. A power far more intractable than an angry mob seized control of his life and swept him away. The magic of the Speck people has claimed Nevare, and is shaping him into a weapon to halt the Gernian expansion into Speck lands.As his efforts to find a peaceful solution fail, Nevare realizes he can no longer suppress his ruthless Speck self, Soldier's Boy. He is determined to stop the Gernian expansion at all costs, and unlike Nevare, has no sympathy for his spirit-twin's world.Trade Review‘Every new Robin Hobb novel is a cause for celebration’George R.R. Martin 'Hobb is one of the great modern fantasy writers…what makes her novels as addictive as morphine is not just their imaginative brilliance but the way her characters are compromised and manipulated by politics.'THE TIMES ‘Hobb is a remarkable storyteller’GUARDIAN
£10.44
Penguin Books Ltd The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels
Book SynopsisTHE RIOTOUSLY FUNNY AND JOYOUSLY ROMANTIC FIRST INSTALLMENT IN THE DANGEROUS DAMSELS SERIES THAT TIKTOK CAN''T GET ENOUGH OF!Bridgerton meets Peaky Blinders in this swashbuckling tale of scoundrels and society, crime and crumpets. As these enemies turn to allies and might just fall in love along the way''Victorian lady assassins fighting the patriarchy, flying houses, AND...an ONLY ONE BED trope?! Fun fun fun'' 5***** Reader Review--- Cecilia Bassingwaite belongs to The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels. Yet this is no ordinary Victorian lady''s society . . . Full of pirates, thieves and ne''er-do-wells, these women spend their days pickpocketing and blackmailing their way around the country all before their afternoon tea. But when Cecilia meets Ned Lightbourne her world is set to change forever. Because he''s a paid assassin and she''s his next hit. UTrade ReviewAs much fun as the English language will permit -- New York Times Book ReviewMelds the Victorian wit of Sherlock Holmes with the brash adventuring of Indiana Jones . . . A sprightly feminist tale that offers everything from an atmospheric Gothic abbey to secret societies -- Entertainment WeeklyA joyride of a debut . . . As if The Parasol Protectorate series met The Princess Bride and a corseted Lara Croft: Tomb Raider -- Kirkus ReviewsWith secret identities, secret doors, and secret histories to spare, this high-octane layer-cake of escapism hits the spot. -- Publishers WeeklyIf books are truly a portable magic, then The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels is a satchel full of powerful spells and glittering fairy dust -- Lynn Painter, author of Mr Wrong NumberThe most delightfully bonkers historical fantasy romance of 2021! I enjoyed every absorbing moment -- Jen DeLuca, author of Well PlayedThe most charming, clever, and laugh-out-loud funny book I've read all year . . . India Holton's utterly delightful debut is pure joy from start to finish. -- Martha Waters, author of To Have and to HoaxIndia's debut is charming, clever, action-packed, with masterful bantering-while-dueling choreography: it reminds me of The Princess Bride, except swoonier and more fantastical. It's an instant beloved favorite. -- Sarah Hogle, author of You Deserve Each OtherThe perfect diversion for a rainy afternoon with a cup of tea. What fun! -- Manda Collins, author of A Lady's Guide to Mischief and MayhemMagnificent in every sense. India Holton's writing is gorgeous and lyrical, her dialogue clever and witty, and her characters loveable and unforgettable -- Raquel Vasquez Gilliland, author of Sia Martinez and the Moonlit Beginning of EverythingA tongue-in-cheek swashbuckling adventure -- Library Journal
£9.49
Little, Brown Book Group The High Lord: Book 3 of the Black Magician
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 *
£10.44
Pan Macmillan A Taste of Gold and Iron: A Breathtaking
Book SynopsisA sweeping fantasy romance inspired by the Ottoman Empire, A Taste of Gold and Iron by Alexandra Rowland is perfect for fans of A Marvellous Light and The Goblin Emperor.‘A delicious tangle of romance, fealty and dangerous politics’ – Tasha Suri, author of The Jasmine ThroneOne false coin could topple an empire.Kadou, the shy prince of Arasht, has no intention of wrestling for imperial control with his sister, the queen. Yet he remains at odds with one of the most powerful ambassadors at court – the father of the queen’s new child. Then a hunting party goes terribly awry, and Kadou finds himself under suspicion of attempted murder.To prove his loyalty to his sister and salvage his reputation, Kadou takes responsibility for the investigation of a break-in at one of their guilds. He enlists the help of his newly appointed bodyguard, the coldly handsome Evemer, who seems to tolerate him at best. But what appears to be a straightforward crime spirals into a complex counterfeiting operation, with a powerful enemy at its heart.In Arasht, where princes can touch-taste precious metals with their fingers and myth runs side by side with history, counterfeiting is heresy. The conspiracy they discover could cripple the kingdom’s financial standing – and bring about its ruin.‘As indulgent and satisfying as your favourite fanfiction’ – Tessa Gratton, author of The Queens of Innis LearTrade ReviewA delicious tangle of romance, fealty and dangerous politics -- Tasha Suri, author of The Jasmine ThroneA Taste of Gold and Iron is a slow-burn romance flush with sexy, complicated relationships, founded on the ethics of duty and love. As indulgent and satisfying as your favourite fan fiction -- Tessa Gratton, author of The Queen of Innis LearWitty, clever, and often extremely funny, Rowland's tale of a prince who doesn't want power but has it anyway – and must survive all the risks that brings with it – somehow manages to be both soft and hard-edged, clever and kind. And sexy! Very much that too -- Jenn Lyons, author of The Ruin of KingsThis book gleams and sparkles with emotion and sensory detail, showcasing the richness of Rowland's created world. It's a hugely satisfying blend of economic intrigue, vivid characters, and slow-burn romance – and it's also, frequently, funny as hell -- Freya Marske, author of A Marvellous LightAlexandra Rowland delivers again – an engaging story in a complex, intricately rendered world full of deeply human, sensitively drawn characters -- Rowenna Miller, author of TornIn exploring what monarchs owe their people, and what individuals owe each other, this achingly tender fantasy wows -- Publishers Weekly starred reviewRowland's latest continues to showcase their captivating prose, immersive details, and complicated characters -- Library Journal starred reviewAn engaging fantasy/romance set in a large, lush, and inclusive world -- Kirkus starred reviewThe slow-burn romance between them is beautifully done and adds a thrilling element to the story that readers will savor -- Booklist[F]or readers who enjoy forced proximity and bodyguard romances, A Taste of Gold and Iron offers both, wrapped in a delightful package of espionage and royal duty . . . Rowland also impresses in their nuanced depiction of anxiety -- BookpageThis slow-burn romantic fantasy with a heavy dose of political intrigue is rich in world-building and emotional angst . . . A queernormative fantasy world -- Buzzfeed
£9.49
HarperCollins Publishers Nevernight
Book SynopsisFrom New York Times bestselling author, Jay Kristoff, comes a dangerous new fantasy world and a heroine edged in darkness. Destined to destroy empires, Mia Corvere is only ten years old when she is given her first lesson in death. Six years later, the child raised in shadows takes her first steps towards keeping the promise she made on the day she lost everything. But the chance to strike against such powerful enemies will be fleeting, so if she is to have her revenge, Mia must become a weapon without equal. She must prove herself against the deadliest of friends and enemies, and survive the tutelage of murderers, liars and daemons at the heart of a murder cult. The Red Church is no ordinary school, but Mia is no ordinary student. The shadows love her. And they drink her fear.Trade Review‘If you love Robin Hobb or George R.R. Martin, you will adore NEVERNIGHT’Starburst ‘With a delicate balance of the ancient and the magical, this tense and brutal tale is unflinching, thrilling and satisfying’Publishers Weekly ‘Joins lyrical high fantasy, Pratchett-like humour and unflinching descriptions of violence . . . something special’ SciFi Now
£9.49
Seven Seas Entertainment, LLC Heaven Official's Blessing: Tian Guan Ci Fu
Book SynopsisBorn the crown prince of a prosperous kingdom, Xie Lian was renowned for his beauty, strength, and purity. His years of dedication and noble deeds allowed him to ascend to godhood. But those who rise, can also fall…and fall he does, cast from the Heavens again and again and banished to the mortal realm. Eight hundred years after his mortal life, Xie Lian has ascended to godhood for the third time. Now only a lowly scrap collector, he is dispatched to wander the earthly realm to take on tasks appointed by the heavens to pay back debts and maintain his divinity. Aided by old friends and foes alike, and graced with the company of a mysterious young man with whom he feels an instant connection, Xie Lian must confront the horrors of his past in order to dispel the curse of his present. The Seven Seas English-language edition will include covers from 日出的小太陽 (tai3_3), and exclusive, all-new interior illustrations from ZeldaCW.
£15.29
Little, Brown Book Group The Ambassador's Mission: Book 1 of the Traitor
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
£9.49
HarperCollins Publishers The Hurricane Wars
Book SynopsisTHE TOP 5 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING ENEMIES-TO LOVERS FANTASY THAT WILL TAKE THE WORLD BY STORMI physically could not stop reading! Mark my words: lives will be changed by The Hurricane Wars trilogy'Ali Hazelwood, author of THE LOVE HYPOTHESISOne of my favourite books of this year!'Katee Robert, author of NEON GODSAll Talasyn has ever known are the Hurricane Wars. An orphan of the struggle, she uses the power of light to fight for her people against the Night Empire.All Alaric has ever known is darkness. The son of the Night Emperor and their deadliest weapon, he wields terrifying shadow magic to crush the rebellion.Then he sees Talasyn, his sworn enemy burning bright across the battlefield. The moment they clash their lives are changed forever.Now a greater threat is rising and only they can stop it.The coming storm threatens to destroy everything. If they don't destroy each other first . . .Tropes:Enemies to lovers ?????Betrayal ??Yearning ??Marriage of convenience ??Slow burn romance ??Spice:??????Reader reviews:?????????? A true enemies to lovers fantasy with the right amount of tension, action, and romance!'?????????? I loved every single minute of this book ?????????? Fans of Fourth Wing and ACOTAR this one''s for you'?????????? delivers on all the hype surrounding it'Trade Review‘A masterpiece of worldbuilding. Thea Guanzon forges a rich, fantastical realm with poignant and immersive prose and a spectacularly unique magic system. All hail the World Mother of Lir.’Xiran Jay Zhao, #1 NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author of IRON WIDOW ‘The Hurricane Wars is everything I love – intricate worldbuilding, unique magic, and a gleeful, smoldering romance. I’m obsessed.’Hannah Whitten, author of THE FOXGLOVE KING “A spellbinding fantasy set in a fascinating world brimming with high stakes, magic and passion. A new favorite!”Sue Lynn Tan, SUNDAY TIMES bestselling author of DAUGHTER OF THE MOON GODDESS ‘Ambitious in the scope and cinematic in execution, The Hurricane Wars is a high-octane, high-stakes epic with an irresistible love story at its core. I have no doubt that this confident, vivid debut will capture the imaginations of fantasy readers as it did mine.’Isabel Cañas, author of THE HACIENDA ‘Lethally sharp in both its cunning political intrigue and exquisite prose, The Hurricane Wars is a strategic marvel that holds your heart in a death grip. Romantic fantasy as its very best.’Kylie Lee Baker, author of THE KEEPER OF NIGHT ‘An incredible debut full of rich atmosphere, clever world building, opposing magic, and sizzling romance, The Hurricane Wars is my newest obsession.’Kerri Maniscalco, #1 NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author of THRONE OF THE FALLEN ‘Thrilling, fierce, and sexy! Thea Guanzon has created a world as unique as it is deadly, and she needs to be on every fantasy reader’s TBR!’Danielle L. Jensen, USA TODAY bestselling author “A blazing, brooding inferno of an enemies-to-lovers romance set against a lush and vivid backdrop of knotted jungles, brilliant moons and terrifying stormships.” Laura Steven, award winning author of The Society for Soulless Girls
£17.09
Seven Seas Entertainment, LLC Remnants of Filth: Yuwu (Novel) Vol. 2
Book SynopsisKEEP YOUR ENEMIES CLOSERAs the case of the murders in the capital comes to a close, Mo Xi takes custody of Gu Mang, the traitor who was once his lover. With his betrayer now firmly in his grasp, Mo Xi believes he can manipulate Gu Mang into revealing the hidden secrets within his broken mind. Yet one question continues to haunt Mo Xi: Is Gu Mang pretending, or has he truly forgotten everything?Tortured by specters of the past and bound by demands of the present, Mo Xi begins to lose hope of ever gaining the satisfaction he craves. But when Gu Mang’s memories finally do surface, what–or who–will he remember?
£15.29
Little, Brown Book Group The Novice: Book 2 of the Black Magician
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 *
£9.49
Little, Brown & Company Bungo Stray Dogs, Vol. 8 (light novel)
Book SynopsisIt’s been roughly one year since Chuya Nakahara joined the Port Mafia, and he’s got his sights set on an executive position. But as he makes plans to move up, a man by the name of Paul Verlaine—claiming to be his younger brother—appears and vows to assassinate everyone he cares about! Now, Chuya must team up with Adam, a European A.I. investigator, to stop this lunatic before the storm swallows Yokohama once again...
£12.34
Little, Brown Book Group Senlin Ascends Book One of the Books of Babel
Book Synopsis''Gracefully written, deliriously imaginative, action-packed, warm, witty and thought-provoking'' Madeline Miller, author of Circe''One of my favourite books of all time'' - Mark Lawrence, author of Prince of Thorns''I''m wildly in love with this book'' - Pierce Brown, author of Red RisingDISCOVER THE EXTRAORDINARY DEBUT THAT HAS GOT EVERYONE TALKINGMild-mannered headmaster, Thomas Senlin prefers his adventures to be safely contained within the pages of a book. So when he loses his new bride shortly after embarking on the honeymoon of their dreams, he is ill-prepared for the trouble that follows. To find her, Senlin must enter the Tower of Babel - a world of geniuses and tyrants, of menace and wonder, of unusual animals and mysterious machines. And if he hopes to ever see his wife again, he will have to do more than just survive . . . this quiet man of letters must become a man of action.Trade ReviewJosiah Bancroft is a magician. His books are that rare alchemy: gracefully written, deliriously imaginative, action-packed, warm, witty and thought-provoking. I can't wait for more -- Madeline Miller, author of CIRCEIt's rare to find a modern book that feels like a timeless classic. I'm wildly in love with this book -- Pierce Brown, author of RED RISINGSenlin Ascends is one of the best reads I've had in ages . . . I was dragged in and didn't escape until I'd finished . . . So many lines made me deeply jealous. Clever, literary, insightful lines that cut to the quick of the matter. The story is compelling. It unfolds and unfolds. Because the characters are excellently drawn, I cared very much about where it was all going. The imagination is unbound and intriguing . . . I hope it finds the audience it deserves -- Mark LawrenceWonderfully unique and superbly well written. I loved every page -- Nicholas Eames, author of KINGS OF THE WYLDAn extraordinary debut that is well worthy of the hype. A beautifully written, highly engaging page-turning masterpiece -- FANTASY BOOK REVIEWBrilliant debut fantasy . . . this novel goes off like a firework and suggests even greater things in the author's future -- PUBLISHERS WEEKLYSenlin Ascends crosses the everyday strangeness and lyrical prose of Borges and Gogol with all the action and adventure of high fantasy. I loved it, and grabbed the next one as soon as I turned the last page -- Django WexlerAn impressive display of imagination and humour . . . we have no reservations about recommending it -- SCIFINOWA terrific, free-ranging fantasy that ranges from Kafkaesque horror to heist thriller . . . This book is bonkers, entertaining, clever and - quite possibly - unique -- PORNOKITSCHSenlin Ascends was a fantastic read, and felt truly unique. I will most definitely be reading the rest of Bancroft's work -- BOOKNESTWhat is remarkable about this novel, quite apart from its rich, allusive prose, is Bancroft's portrayal of Senlin, a good man in a desperate situation, and the way he changes in response to his experiences in his ascent -- GUARDIANAn engrossing, intoxicating delight - I can't wait to climb higher -- FORBIDDEN PLANETI LOVED this book. It is one of the most imaginative, beautifully done novels I have read in a long time. Incredibly hard to stop reading once you start, you just fall into this world the author has created, following along with Thomas as he searches desperately for his wife, ascending upwards through this vivid, insane and exceptionally described landscape -- LIZ LOVES BOOKSThis really is quite a remarkable book. The characters are truly memorable and I found the plot utterly engrossing. I don't think I can properly express how much I enjoyed this experience. My advice, buy the book and just dive on in. Be prepared for the trip of a lifetime, I can guarantee you are going to be entertained -- THE ELOQUENT PAGEThe tower is a fresh, imaginative tapestry of diverse, colourful locales, and it successfully conveys a sense of energy and corruption in one word after another. This is a roaring, virile place, crackling with life . . . it's a cracking read - there's betrayals, firm friendships, battles, banter, and even true love. It's a charming, fascinating piece, and I highly recommend it. -- SCI-FI AND FANTASY REVIEWSRich detail and intelligent prose that is absolutely chock-full of character pulled me into the story . . . Absolutely a book to read, to own, and to love. Couldn't recommend it more. -- ELITIST BOOK REVIEWSThis is an exceedingly rich book. A depth of imagination married with a poetic turn of phrase and an engaging cast of characters conspire to deliver an epic story soaring high above the clouds . . . Thomas Senlin himself is the most unlikely yet likeable hero since a certain hobbit rushed out of Bag End leaving his second breakfast half-finished and entirely unwashed-up -- FANTASY FACTIONThe world building in this book is phenomenal . . . Senlin Ascends starts off with a bang, and it never slows down. With its breathtaking pace, this book will appeal to a wide variety of readers. It has adventure, intrigue, action, fantasy, Steampunk elements, and mystery all wrapped around a story of a man coming to grips with the fact that nothing is as he expected -- SAN FRANCISCO BOOK REVIEWI absolutely loved this book, and can't wait to see what challenges Senlin faces in the sequel -- ETERNAL ESCAPISTA towering achievement -- B&N SCI-FI AND FANTASY BLOGBancroft succeeds amazingly in creating a baffling world that offers little tenderness or hope, but in which the pursuit of instinct and love, dedication and shared sacrifice can overcome barriers . . . . The reader will find much to applaud -- PUBLISHERS WEEKLYSenlin Ascends is an adventure rife with character, voice and beauty - a well-polished knife drawn out slowly -- Sam SykesI absolutely adored it. The world is amazing, the characters are well thought out and interesting, and it wraps these aspects together with a great plot, and some really good prose -- THE FANTASY INNCreative world-building and memorable characters . . . Senlin is a man worth rooting for, and his strengthening resolve and character is as marvelous and sprawling as the tower he climbs -- WASHINGTON POSTWhat a spectacular debut it is . . . a fabulously gripping start to a series. Senlin is a likable character and the Tower is a fascinating setting: I can't wait to return for the second instalment -- BOOKBAGa fascinating, chewy read, full of wonders; battles, monsters, cowardice, redemption and hope. The start of a trilogy, this is one you'll not want to miss -- BLUE BOOK BALLOONJust as mesmerizing, exciting, and fun as all the reviewers say it is . . . I'm excited to see where Bancroft can take this concept. What starts as a simple rescue, quickly becomes one of the most captivating mysteries I have ever read and a beautiful journey of self discovery. I highly recommend you check out this new entrant into the fantasy scene, and I don't see the buzz surrounding it dying down anytime soon -- THE QUILL TO LIVEThis is the kind of book that sticks with you, and I haven't read anything quite like it before . . . I would give this book the highest recommendation -- THE NOVEL ENTHUSIASTDelightfully quirky world-building . . . Event-packed and thoroughly readable -- SFXWith deceptive simplicity Bancroft brings this gothic place and its denizens to a colourful life . . . I loved it! -- Adrian Selby, author of SNAKEWOOD
£9.49
HarperCollins Publishers King of Ashes First book in the extraordinary new
Book SynopsisThe first volume in legendary master and New York Times bestselling author Raymond E. Feist's epic heroic fantasy series, The Firemane Saga an electrifying tale of two young men whose choices will determine a world's destiny.The world of Garn once boasted five great kingdoms, until the King of Ithrace was defeated and every member of his family executed by Lodavico, the ruthless King of Sandura, a man with ambitions to rule the world.Ithrace''s ruling family were the legendary Firemanes, and represented a great danger to the other kings. Now four great kingdoms remain, on the brink of war. But rumour has it that the newborn son of the last king of Ithrace survived, carried off during battle and sequestered by the Quelli Nacosti, a secret society whose members are trained to infiltrate and spy upon the rich and powerful throughout Garn. Terrified that this may be true, and that the child will grow to maturity with bloody revenge in his heart, the four kings have placed a huge bounty onTrade Review‘This is a knockout.’Publisher’s Weekly (praise for Queen of Storms) PRAISE FOR KING OF ASHES ‘File under guilty pleasure’Guardian ‘Get in at the start of a master’s new series’Daily Sport ‘Epic scope…vivid imagination…a significant contribution to the growth of the field of fantasy’Washington Post
£9.49
Hodder & Stoughton Kingdom of the Cursed: The Sunday Times and New
Book SynopsisThe Sunday Times bestseller.One sister. Two sinful princes. Infinite deception with a side of revenge . . . Welcome to Hell. From the #1 New York Times bestselling author Kerri Maniscalco comes the sizzling and sweepingly romantic sequel to Kingdom of the Wicked. With the enigmatic Prince of Wrath at her side, Emilia sold her soul to become Queen of the Wicked and travelled to the Seven Circles to fulfil her vow of avenging her beloved sister. But the first rule in the court of the Wicked? Trust no one. And it quickly becomes clear that nothing in Hell is what it seems. Even Wrath, her onetime ally, may be keeping secrets about his true nature. But that suits Emilia just fine - she's got secrets of her own. Faced with backstabbing courtiers, princes who delight in fear, luxurious palaces, dazzling galas, and conflicting clues about what truly happened to her sister, Emilia finds herself on a mission to unlock the mysteries of her own past and uncover the answers she craves. As long as her sins don't catch up to her first . . .*** PRAISE FOR KERRI MANISCALCO ***'A delicious and intoxicating new fantasy by a master of murder and mayhem' Elizabeth Lim, author of Spin the Dawn'An intoxicating, tightly plotted feast for the senses' Kirkus'A fast-paced adventure steeped in a luscious and dark world' Chloe Gong, NYT bestselling author of These Violent DelightsTrade Review*** PRAISE FOR KERRI MANISCALCO ***A delicious and intoxicating new fantasy by a master of murder and mayhem * Elizabeth Lim, author of Spin the Dawn *An intoxicating, tightly plotted feast for the senses * Kirkus *A fast-paced adventure steeped in a luscious and dark world * Chloe Gong, NYT bestselling author of These Violent Delights *KOTC is the paper and words embodiment of the fire emoji ... it makes for the most sizzling, intoxicating scenes. Sexy, smouldering and fuelled with a passionate rage befitting Wrath himself, Kingdom of the Cursed does something that not all sequels can do: it outshines the book that came before * Culturefly *If there's one thing I know about Kerri Maniscalco, it's that she always delivers. A marked departure from the first book, this darkly beautiful, atmospheric seuel ramps up the steaminess and spice * Culturefly *
£999.99
Little, Brown Book Group The Historian
Book SynopsisTHE SUMPTUOUS INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER. ''A smart retelling of the Dracula story'' New Yorker''Quite extraordinary....Kostova is a natural storyteller....She has refashioned the vampire myth into a compelling contemporary novel, a late-night page-turner'' - San Francisco ChronicleBreathtakingly suspenseful and beautifully written, The Historian is the story of a young woman plunged into a labyrinth where the secrets of her family''s past connect to an inconceivable evil: the dark fifteenth-century reign of Vlad the Impaler and a time-defying pact that may have kept his awful work alive through the ages. The search for the truth becomes an adventure of monumental proportions, taking us from monasteries and dusty libraries to the capitals of Eastern Europe-in a feat of storytelling so rich, so hypnotic, so exciting that it has enthralled readers around the world.''Filled with fascinating details of archaic vampire lore, the splendours of the Ottoman Empire and the beauty of the Romanian countryside'' - Times Literary SupplementTrade ReviewThis literary thriller is a page-turner with brains * DAILY MAIL *THE HISTORIAN amounts to something profound. . . and wondrously mathematical at times, a genre novel by Bach . . . We encounter obsession, possession, and the struggle against the brevity of life. It is an exploration of the eternal desire for intimacy. * THE TIMES *The Historian is great fun. . . told with a compelling intensity which will keep the reader hooked until the last Undead tomb door swings shut * SUNDAY TELEGRAPH *A gasp-inducing, breathtakingly dark mystery set in the present but wrapped around the folklore and history of Dracula...written in an exquisitely delicate and reserved style' * GOOD HOUSEKEEPING *Filled with fascinating details of archaic vampire lore, the splendours of the Ottoman Empire and the beauty of the Romanian countryside * TLS *
£13.49
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC The Leviathan: A beguiling tale of superstition,
Book SynopsisTHE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER SHORTLISTED FOR THE INDIE BOOK AWARDS 2023 SHORTLISTED FOR THE GOLDSBORO GLASS BELL AWARD 2023 _______________ ‘Superb’ - Susan Stokes-Chapman, bestselling author of PANDORA ‘Bewitching’ - Stacey Halls, bestselling author of THE FAMILIARS _______________ SHE IS AWAKE... Norfolk, 1643. Reluctant soldier Thomas Treadwater has been summoned home by his young sister in a letter accusing their new servant of improper conduct with their widowed father. By the time Thomas reaches the family farm, his father is on the verge of death, Esther is near hysterical and their new servant is in prison, facing charges of witchcraft. Thomas prides himself on being a rational, modern man. He is confident that he can free their servant, a beautiful if peculiarly self possessed young woman, and reassure his sister that there is nothing further to fear, now he has returned. But as he begins to unravels the mystery of what has happened to his family, he uncovers a tale, not of witchcraft, but of something dark and ancient, linked to a shipwreck many years before... Something has awoken, and now it will not rest. Richly atmospheric and deliciously unsettling, The Leviathan is a tale of family and loyalty, superstition and sacrifice, but most of all it is a spellbinding mystery and a story of impossible things. _______________ ‘Outstanding... a seething, haunting delight’ - Beth Underdown, award-winning author of THE WITCHFINDER'S SISTER ‘Thoroughly gripping and utterly absorbing’ - Jennifer Saint, author of ARIADNE *ROSIE ANDREWS’ new novel, The Puzzle Wood, is coming in 2024* _______________Trade ReviewIt’s hard to believe that such an accomplished novel could be a debut - The Leviathan is a gloriously dark story that sweeps you along to its harrowing yet satisfying conclusion. Superb -- Susan Stokes-Chapman, number one bestselling author of PANDORAHugely atmospheric debut ... Gloriously dark and brimful of gothic-infused dread, this is an eerie tale of age-old evil * Daily Mail *Darkly compelling and dripping with atmosphere, The Leviathan is a bewitching tale of good, evil and all the shades in-between -- Stacey Halls, author of THE FAMILIARSThe plot is as surprising and sinuously twisting as the legendary sea monster of its title … More than just an entertaining fantasy, the novel offers a lesson about the importance of accepting responsibility * Guardian *Infused with creepy gothic dread and gorgeously written. Fantastic -- Amy McCulloch, author of BREATHLESSAn original and compelling page-turner, beautifully told -- Annie Kirby, author of THE HOLLOW SEAThis debut oozes quality. I wanted to savour the incredible language, by turns lyrical and earthy, and the beautifully researched historical detail ... The Leviathan is a sumptuous treat that positively thrums with tension. A story that does not shy away from questions of religion, personal choice and responsibility, good versus evil ... Great to read at any time, but especially when the night is dark with howling wind and lashing rain. I absolutely loved it -- Lianne Dillsworth, author of THEATRE OF MARVELSA beautifully written, slow-burning Gothic mystery * Heat *A sinister, twisting tale, thoroughly gripping and utterly absorbing -- Jennifer Saint, author of ARIADNEAn outstanding historical debut, which blends emotional resonance with the chill factor of an M R James story. Utterly compelling from start to finish, The Leviathan is a seething, haunting delight -- Beth Underdown, author of THE WITCHFINDER'S SISTERA confident and accomplished debut, which skilfully blends historical detail, myth, faith and the fantastic into a dark and compelling story of huge imagination -- Anita Frank, author of THE LOST ONESChilling and beguiling, The Leviathan is a novel to be devoured greedily. Vivid and original, I was utterly captivated from the first page until the last -- Joanne Burn, author of THE HEMLOCK CUREThe Leviathan is a haunting, thrilling debut as strange and slippery as the mythical beast itself: at once a supernatural adventure that writhes and twists as you turn the pages but also a very human story about love, loss and faith in the unnerving time of the Civil War. A monster achievement -- Miranda Malins, author of THE PURITAN PRINCESSSpectacular – deliciously creepy, immensely atmospheric and exquisitely written. Rosie Andrews in a phenomenal new voice in historical fiction -- Lizzie Pook, author of the MOONLIGHT AND THE PEARLER'S DAUGHTERA subtle, spooky tale with some spine-tingling moments * Best *Gloriously dark and packed full of Gothic-infused dread * Daily Express *
£8.54
Rebellion Publishing Ltd. Fevered Star
Book SynopsisThere are no tides more treacherous than those of the heart. —Teek sayingThe great city of Tova is shattered. The sun is held within the smothering grip of the Crow God’s eclipse, but a comet that marks the death of a ruler and heralds the rise of a new order is imminent.The Meridian: a land where magic has been codified and the worship of gods suppressed. How do you live when legends come to life, and the faith you had is rewarded?As sea captain Xiala is swept up in the chaos and currents of change, she finds an unexpected ally in the former Priest of Knives. For the Clan Matriarchs of Tova, tense alliances form as far-flung enemies gather and the war in the heavens is reflected upon the earth.And for Serapio and Naranpa, both now living avatars, the struggle for free will and personhood in the face of destiny rages. How will Serapio stay human when he is steeped in prophecy and surrounded by those who desire only his power? Is there a future for Naranpa in a transformed Tova without her total destruction?Trade Review“A brilliant follow-up” -- Buzzfeed * Buzzfeed *
£8.54
Headline Publishing Group The Poison Song The Winnowing Flame Trilogy 3
Book SynopsisFrom two time British Fantasy Award-winning author, Jen Williams, comes the epic conclusion to the Winnowing Flame trilogy. Exhilarating fantasy for fans of Robin Hobb.''One of the best fantasy novels of the year, if not the decade'' James Oswald''A fitting finale, triumphant and bittersweet in all the best ways'' SciFiNow All is chaos. All is confusion. The Jure''lia are weak, but the war is far from over.Ebora was once a glorious city, defended by legendary warriors and celebrated in song. Now refugees from every corner of Sarn seek shelter within its crumbling walls, and the enemy that has poisoned their land won''t lie dormant for long.The deep-rooted connection that Tormalin, Noon and the scholar Vintage share with their Eboran war-beasts has kept them alive so far. But with Tor distracted, and his sister Hestillion hell-bent on bringing ruthless order to the next Jure''lia attack, the people of Sarn neeTrade ReviewOne of the best fantasy novels of the year, if not the decade -- James OswaldWhen a trilogy has a set of characters that you fall in love with so entirely, it can be hard to reach the end and say goodbye. The Poison Song is a fitting finale, triumphant and bittersweet in all the best ways * SciFi Now *I was heartbroken by the ending, and yet the whole series has been utterly magnificent. Jen has created such a wonderful cast of characters for this adventure, I'm sorry to have to leave them now. The whole series has shown such amazing inventiveness, and all at a breakneck pace -- James OswaldA very strong and welcome conclusion to the exceptional Winnowing Flame trilogy... The Poison Song is much more than the sum of its parts. Well paced, tightly written, filled with compelling characters and some rather lovely prose, this final instalment brings it all together very well, making the whole experience rather worthwhile. Jen Williams is a genius, and we can't wait to see what she does next * Starburst *Worry ye not, fantasy fans, because we are in very safe hands here. Jen Williams wrote one of the best fantasy trilogies with her previous "Copper Cat" books, and they were always going to be a tough act to follow, but she's blown all expectations away with a very satisfying conclusion to "The Winnowing Flame" trilogy and set the bar awfully high for whatever she does next * Concatenation *
£11.69
HarperCollins Publishers The Children of Hurin
Book SynopsisThis de luxe collector's edition features the first edition text and eight full-colour plates, with an exclusive colour frontispiece illustration. The book is quarterbound with a special gold motif stamped on the front board and is presented in a matching slipcase.There are tales of Middle-earth from times long before The Lord of the Rings, and the story told in this book is set in the great country that lay beyond the Grey Havens in the West: lands where Treebeard once walked, but which were drowned in the great cataclysm that ended the First Age of the World.In that remote time Morgoth, the first Dark Lord, dwelt in the vast fortress of Angband, the Hells of Iron, in the North; and the tragedy of Túrin and his sister Nienor unfolded within the shadow of the fear of Angband and the war waged by Morgoth against the lands and secret cities of the Elves.Their brief and passionate lives were dominated by the elemental hatred that Morgoth bore them as the children of Húrin, the man who hadTrade Review"It has seemed to me for a long time that there was a good case for presenting my father's long version of the legend of the Children of Húrin as an independent work, between its own covers, with a minimum of editorial presence, and above all in continuous narrative without gaps or interruptions, if this could be done without distortion or invention, despite the unfinished state in which he left some parts of it." Christopher Tolkien “The Children of Hurin is about to thrill and intrigue millions. It is safe to say that the 'great tale' of Turin is about to become a global myth…in its own dotty but also awe-inspiring way, it works.” Sunday Times Culture “…worthy of a readership beyond Tolkien devotees…this book deserves to eclipse all his other posthumous writings, and stand as a worthy memorial to the imagination of Tolkien.' The Times “I hope that its universality and power will grant it a place in English mythology'… It isn't jolly, but then neither is Anthony and Cleopatra.” The Independent on Sunday
£56.25
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Speaking Bones
Book SynopsisThe conclusion to Ken Liu’s chronicle of the Dandelion Dynasty – one of the Greatest Fantasy Series of all Time (TIME MAGAZINE) Ukyu-Gondé: Stalked by foes and dogged by betrayal, Princess Théra is pursued across a continent vaster than she could ever have imagined, to the hidden valleys of the World's Edge Mountains, into the barrows and subterranean halls of the City of Ghosts, across the ice floes of the far north. She breached the Wall of Storms intent on taking war to the Lyucu homelands, but how do you conquer the unconquerable? Dara: Empress Jia, Prince Phyro and Pékyu Tanvanaki find themselves bound to paths they never would have chosen. Amid atrocity and subterfuge, they will discover that the Courage of Brutes is no substitute for the Grace of Kings, and that little separates the Grace of Kings from the Madness of Tyrants. On both sides of the Wall of Storms, defeat's bitter tears mix with the fruits of knowledge new and ancient as two empires bound by blood and bone, by writ and iron, by time and custom, face a whirlwind that threatens to utterly consume them. The teeth, as they say, are on the board. Reviews for The Dandelion Dynasty: 'Epic fantasy fans will enjoy this large-scale story of political strategy and skullduggery.' PUBLISHERS WEEKLY 'Impossibly exciting' EVENING STANDARD 'An instant classic... poetry on every page' HUGH HOWEYTrade ReviewPRAISE FOR KEN LIU: 'Epic fantasy fans will enjoy this large-scale story of political strategy and skullduggery' Publishers Weekly. 'An instant classic. This is a novel to be reckoned with. Poetry on every page' Hugh Howey. 'Liu's ambitious work expertly blends mythology, history, military tactics, and technological innovation' Kirkus Reviews. 'Ken Liu is a genius' Elizabeth Bear. 'Impossibly exciting' * Evening Standard *
£11.40
Little, Brown Book Group The Stardust Thief
Book Synopsis''The Stardust Thief will transport you, enchant you, and revive your belief in the magic of storytelling'' Shelley Parker-Chan, author of She Who Became the SunInspired by stories from One Thousand and One Nights, The Stardust Thief weaves the gripping tale of a legendary smuggler, a cowardly prince and a dangerous quest across the desert to find a magical lamp.Neither here nor there, but long ago...Loulie al-Nazari is the Midnight Merchant: a criminal who, with the help of her jinn bodyguard, hunts and sells illegal magic. When she saves the life of a cowardly prince, she draws the attention of his powerful father, the sultan, who blackmails her into finding an ancient lamp.With no choice but to obey or be executed, Loulie journeys with the sultan''s oldest son to find the artefact. Aided by her bodyguard, who has secrets of his own, they must survive ghoul attacks, outwit a vengeful jinn queen and confront Trade ReviewYou'll be charmed immediately by the characters and pulled in by this exploration of how the stories we hear and the stories we tell ourselves - beautiful and heartbreaking alike - shape us. Perfect for fans of S.A. Chakraborty's City of Brass -- C.L. Clark, author of THE UNBROKENA thrilling adventure about found families, ancient magic and stories that linger -- S. A. Chakraborty, author of THE CITY OF BRASSThe Stardust Thief is a dream written upon a page - absorbing, lingering and poignantly told. Abdullah weaves a sweeping adventure of tales within tales, while laying bare the ways those we love can both uplift us and break our hearts -- Andrea Stewart, author of THE BONE SHARD DAUGHTERAbdullah has created a sumptuous feast of richly layered classic tales, and characters who will have you hungering to unravel their mysteries. The Stardust Thief will transport you, enchant you, and revive your belief in the magic of storytelling. -- Shelley Parker-Chan, author of SHE WHO BECAME THE SUNSizzling with action and secrets, The Stardust Thief is a grand adventure with unforgettable characters, enchanting magic, and plenty of heart -- Melissa Caruso, author of THE TETHERED MAGEThe sun-baked sands of Abdullah's imagination teem with colour, danger and excitement -- SFXAbdullah is a gifted storyteller. . . [bringing] to life a rich world, rife with magic, where anything that can be dreamed up can happen -- BOOKLISTThis powerful, intriguing adventure will leave readers eager for more -- PUBLISHERS WEEKLYA marvellous plunge into a beautifully crafted adventure -- KIRKUSAbdullah transports readers into this rich world and literary heritage -- LIBRARY JOURNAL
£9.49
Pan Macmillan Scarlet: The Sunday Times bestselling historical
Book Synopsis‘Scarlet is utterly stunning. The intrigue and adventure keep you turning the page in this exciting tale of revolution, vampires and the guillotine' - T. L. Huchu, author of The Library of the DeadRevolution’s a bloodthirsty business . . . Revolutionary France is no place to be, especially for aristocrat vampires facing the guillotine. But the League of the Scarlet Pimpernel are determined to rescue them. And they have an ace up their sleeve: Eleanor, a lowly maid from an English estate with a striking resemblance to French royalty.For Eleanor, the League and their legendary deeds are little more than rumour – until she’s drawn into their most dangerous plot yet. The mission? Travel to France in disguise, impersonate Queen Marie Antoinette and rescue the royal family. If they succeed, it’ll be the heist of the century.But there’s more to fear than ardent Revolutionaries. For Eleanor stumbles across a centuries-old war between vampires and their fiercest enemy. And they’re out for blood . . .Sunday Times bestselling Scarlet is the first book in the Scarlet Revolution trilogy, set during the turbulent French Revolution, and featuring all of Genevieve Cogman’s trademark wit and fast-paced plotting. It’s perfect for fans of The Invisible Library series, Kim Newman and Gail Carriger.‘This book is a smart, swashbucking joy. I loved it.’ – H.G. Parry, author of The Magician's DaughterTrade ReviewScarlet is utterly stunning. The intrigue and adventure keep you turning the page in this exciting tale of revolution, vampires and the guillotine. Cogman writes with beauty and wit to create a heroine we should all root for -- T. L. Huchu, author of the Edinburgh Nights seriesYou don't need to be familiar with the tale of the Scarlet Pimpernel to enjoy this romp through revolutionary France . . . If you appreciate a solid historical setting and have a soft spot for vampires, you'll enjoy this first book in what promises to be an intriguing trilogy -- Lucy Holland, author of SistersongScarlet beautifully captures the high adventure of the Scarlet Pimpernel, yet weaves in a thoughtful exploration of class and revolution, a clever, sympathetic heroine finding her voice and her power, and a vampiric aristocracy who seem all too familiar. This book is a smart, swashbuckling joy. I loved it. -- H.G. Parry, author of The Magician's DaughterI absolutely loved this . . . flavoured with truly unique mythology and a dash of the eldritch. Such clever, creepy, elaborate world-building and snarky, sexy-smart characters! -- N. K. Jemisin on The Invisible LibraryIrene is a great heroine: fiery, resourceful and no one’s fool, she has a wonderfully droll sense of humour – much like the novel itself -- Guardian on The Masked CityBrilliant and so much fun. Skullduggery, Librarians and dragons – Cogman keeps upping the ante on this delightful series! -- Charles Stross on The Burning PageA fantastic addition to Genevieve Cogman’s oeuvre, and paves the way for a deeper exploration of the fantastic world that she has created. -- Fantasy Book Review on The Lost PlotCogman fills a captivating story with animated characters and propels the narrative at a cracking pace, planting perfectly timed plot twists and reversals of fortune along the way -- Guardian on The Mortal Word
£9.49
Little, Brown Book Group A Master of Djinn
Book SynopsisWINNER OF THE NEBULA AWARD FOR BEST NOVELWINNER OF THE LOCUS AWARD FOR BEST FIRST NOVEL ''Clever, wickedly fun . . . with an excellent balance of humour and heart. I loved it'' S. A. Chakraborty, author of The City of BrassCairo, 1912: Though Fatma el-Sha''arawi is the youngest woman working for the Ministry of Alchemy, Enchantments and Supernatural Entities, she''s certainly not a rookie, especially after preventing the destruction of the universe last summer.So when someone murders a secret brotherhood dedicated to one of the most famous men in history, Al-Jahiz, Agent Fatma is called onto the case. Al-Jahiz transformed the world fifty years ago when he opened up the veil between the magical and mundane realms, before vanishing into the unknown. This murderer claims to be Al-Jahiz, returned to condemn the modern age for its social oppressions. His dangerous magical abilities instigate unrest in the streets of CaTrade ReviewClever, wickedly fun . . . with an excellent balance of humour and heart. I loved it -- S. A. Chakraborty, author of CITY OF BRASSA magical voice with a brilliantly unique setting, it will keep you completely enthralled -- Ben Aaronovitch, author of RIVERS OF LONDONA Master of Djinn has all the tricky twists I want in a police procedural and all the djinns, magic and wonder I want from fantasy -- Mary Robinette Kowal, Hugo and Nebula award-winning author of THE CALCULATING STARSA Master of Djinn is everything you might expect from Clark: cinematic action, a radical reimagining of real history, and magic on every page. I loved it -- Hugo Award winner Alix E. Harrow, author of THE TEN THOUSAND DOORS OF JANUARYWith this fantastic feat of postcolonial imagination, Clark reconfigures history with a keen, critical eye toward gender, class and imperialism. Meanwhile, the colourful prose and thorough worldbuilding allow readers to truly enter this imagined world. An epic tale of magic and mystery, this is sure to wow -- PUBLISHERS WEEKLY (starred review)An engaging mystery with a wonderful mix of the fantastic and the mundane, chain-smoking crocodile gods, stuffy marid librarians, and a brilliant heroine with a dashing bowler -- Django Wexler, author of THE THOUSAND NAMESClark deftly explores colonialism and the history of Cairo with an immersive setting that acts as another character in this delightful combination of mystery, fantasy and romance -- BOOKLIST (starred review)A tremendously fun book. Between the engaging writing and the intriguing plot, it was basically impossible to put down -- FANTASY INNRefreshingly different; a well-plotted mystery filled with engaging characters, presented with a lightly humorous touch -- GUARDIANA tonic of fast moving urban fantasy -- SFX
£9.49
Headline Publishing Group After Alice
Book SynopsisAfter Alice by Gregory Maguire, the bestselling author of WICKED, is a wonderful retelling of what happened next after Alice disappeared down the rabbit hole. An entertaining spin on Lewis Caroll''s classic tale of Alice in Wonderland, this novel will delight fans of Angela Carter. When Alice fell down the rabbit-hole, she found Wonderland as rife with inconsistent rules and abrasive egos as the world she left behind. But how did Victorian Oxford react to Alice''s disappearance?Gregory Maguire turns his imagination to the question of underworlds, undergrounds, underpinnings -and understandings old and new, offering an inventive spin on Carroll''s enduring tale. Ada, a friend mentioned briefly in Alice''s Adventures in Wonderland, sets out to visit Alice but, arriving a moment too late, tumbles down the rabbit-hole herself. Ada brings to Wonderland her own imperfect apprehension of cause and effect as she embarks on an odyssey to fiTrade ReviewThoughtful and disconcertingly memorable... This is a feast for the mind, and readers will ruminate on it long after turning the last page * Publishers Weekly (starred review) *Maguire effortlessly leaps between the absurd illusions of Wonderland and the building suspense of the search for the children in antique Oxford... [He] closes in on some big, haunting ideas himself, about the loss of loved ones and religious faith, about cultural and romantic subjugations, and about the evolutionary value of imagination... [A] harvest of delightfully stated observations, [confronting] weighty themes with a light touch and exquisite, lovely language. [Maguire's] playful vocabulary may be Carroll-esque, but his keen wit is closer to Monty Python, with a fine, unforced sense of play... his erudition is a joy, his sense of fun infectious * New York Times Book Review *A refreshing look at such a well-known and loved classic * WordsOfaPaige *
£9.49
Pan Macmillan Grass for His Pillow
Book SynopsisGrass for His Pillow is the second novel in Lian Hearn's astonishingly beautiful series inspired by feudal Japan, Tales of the Otori.In the ancient Oriental lands of the Otori, amidst a time of violent war, famine and treacherous alliances, the fate of the young lovers Otori Takeo and Shirakawa Kaede hangs in the balance . . . Takeo, heir to the great Otori clan, has pledged his life to the secret Tribe. His supernatural skills of virtual invisibility and acute hearing make him their most deadly assassin. But he must deny the solemn oath of vengeance he made, his adopted birthright of wealth, land and power – and his love for Kaede. If he does not devote himself entirely to the brutal ways of the Tribe, they will kill him. Whichever path he chooses, it will lead to hardship and sacrifice in the bitter winter of the high mountains, and test him to the limits of his being. Kaede, heiress to vast lands, is now the valuable pawn of ruthless warlords. She must use her intelligence, beauty and cunning to assert her place in a world of all-powerful men – who must never suspect the dangerous secret she hides.Trade ReviewA thrilling tale of love, violence, loyalty and betrayal. * Guardian *The plot is gripping and the writing is beautiful, packed with authentic, atmospheric detail. * Daily Mail *The writing is extraordinary . . . Virtually pitch perfect. * Evening Standard *An enthralling and original work of fantasy. * The Times *The beauty, savagery and strangeness of Hearn's gripping tale is heightened by her exquisite, crystalline prose. The second instalment in the Tales of the Otori is, astonishingly, even better than Across the Nightingale Floor. * Independent on Sunday *
£10.44
Head of Zeus By Force Alone
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.
£8.54
HarperCollins Publishers Faebound
Book SynopsisTHE INSTANT #1 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLERExquisite fantasy, with a complex, mysterious, and sumptuous world of elves, fae, and gloriously compelling romance so enthralling, it has wrapped its magic around my heart and set it alight' HANNAH KANER, bestselling author of GodkillerA romantic fantasy of epic proportions, crackling with magic and passion' SAMANTHA SHANNON, bestselling author of The Priory of the Orange TreeA devastatingly romantic and breathtaking fantasy [] this book is unforgettable' TASHA SURI, award-winning author of The Jasmine Throne''A layered romantasy novel that interrogates the nature of legends through non-stop plot twists''Good HousekeepingDIVIDED BY BLOOD. IMPRISONED BY FATE. BOUND BY DESIRE.WELCOME TO THE INTOXICATING WORLD OF THE FAE.Yeeran is a warrior in the elven army and has known nothing but violence her whole life. Her sister, Lettle, is trying to make a living as a diviner, seeking prophecies of a better future.When a fatal mistake leads to Yeeran's exileTrade ReviewPRAISE FOR THE FINAL STRIFE ‘Featuring a love triangle, an enemies to lovers arc, and plenty of intrigue, this read will have you running the full gamut of emotions’ Huffington Post UK ‘El-Arifi is a game-changing new voice in epic fantasy, and The Final Strife is a triumph of book, full of rage, charm, and a cast of misfits you can't help but root for. There are no Chosen Ones here. Only bad choices and blood’Tasha Suri, author of The Jasmine Throne ‘Epic, gripping and searing, The Final Strife weaves a fascinating tale of destiny, magic and love set in a richly imagined yet brutally divided world. Its unexpected, gritty heroine is one you cannot help but root for, and the story will stay with you long after the last page’Sue Lynn Tan, author of Daughter of the Moon Goddess ‘El-Arifi tells a tale that is as fierce as its characters, plunging you into a sandy, stratified world until you can feel the grit between your teeth. Heart-wrenching and heart-pounding, The Final Strife is an unmissable debut’Andrea Stewart, author of Bone Shard Daughter ‘Full of rich, vivid world-building with political intrigue and characters you can’t help but root for. I loved it’Christina Sweeney-Baird, author of The End of Men ‘Epic fantasy turned on its head in the most compelling way imaginable. A heroine with bite, a supporting cast of flawed but deeply human characters, and world building that is raw, unforgiving and richly textured, The Final Strife is the real deal. El-Arifi is a bold new voice in epic fantasy and I cannot wait to read more of her work’Kalynn Bayron, bestselling author of Cinderella Is Dead and This Poison Heart ‘A rip-roaring read!’Taran Matharu, NYT bestselling author of the Summoner and Contender series
£15.29
Pan Macmillan The Invisible Library
Book SynopsisOne spy. One dangerous book. One deadly mission. Discover the first book in this gripping fantasy mystery series – The Invisible Library is the astounding debut from bestselling author Genevieve Cogman.Perfect for fans of Mr Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan, Jasper Fforde's The Eyre Affair or Ben Aaronovitch's Rivers of London.'I absolutely loved this' – N.K. Jemisin, author of The Fifth SeasonIrene is a professional spy for the mysterious Library, whose staff are sent to different realities to harvest dangerous and mystical fiction.Irene has been posted to an alternative steampunk London along with her enigmatic new assistant, Kai. Their mission: to retrieve a dangerous edition of Grimms' Fairy Tales. But it has already been stolen.In London's underground, the laws of nature have been bent – supernatural creatures and unpredictable magic Trade ReviewI absolutely loved this ... flavored with truly unique mythology and a dash of the eldritch. Such clever, creepy, elaborate worldbuilding and snarky, sexy-smart characters * N.K. Jemisin, author of the Broken Earth series, including The Fifth Season *A dazzling bibliophilic debut -- Charles Stross, author of the Laundry Files, including The Atrocity ArchivesIt's a breath of fresh air ... with a companionable heroine in Irene, and a satisfyingly complex plot, The Invisible Library - the first of a series - is a book in which to wallow * Guardian *Written in a similar vein to Deborah Harkness's All Souls trilogy ... Contemporary meets fairy-take in this novel * Big Issue *Cogman writes with a vivacity and wittiness that breathes new life into the genre . . . Reminiscent of the works of Diana Wynne Jones and Neil Gaiman, Cogman's novel is a true treat to read * Publishers Weekly (starred review) *Surrender to the sheer volume of fun that appears on every page...thoroughly entertaining * Starburst Magazine *Fantasy doesn't get much better ... If you're looking for a swift, clever and witty read, look no further * Fantasy-Faction.com *This witty and spirited adventure sets up a potential gold mine of lore for the writer to plunder in future sequels ... a fun and original page-turner * SciFiNow.co.uk *Highly entertaining ... It reminded me a lot of Jasper Fforde's Thursday Next series * TheBookPlank blog *The Invisible Library is everything I could ever want out of a book . . . a stunning work of art that has me absolutely begging for more * FantasyBookReview.co.uk *Hits the spot straight from the opening page ... one of the most pleasurable debuts of the year * Upcoming4.me *An adventure story to delight the heart . . . The characters of Irene, her companion and those they encounter are vividly drawn, and the story moves along at breakneck speed to a thoroughly satisfying conclusion * ScifiBulletin.com *A book that was a sheer joy to spend time with ... solid prose alongside great pace * FalcataTimes blog *Cogman's dialogue is clever and funny, and her characters delightfully flawed. With this book she has crafted an exciting, fast-paced introduction to a world you will yearn to revisit ... Books such as The Maze Runner and The Hunger Games series are paving the way for stories like this * Geekchocolate.co.uk *A mix of Doctor Who, Fringe and The Librarians . . . Genevieve Cogman has crafted a well-paced, smart and fun novel that will certainly be a quick read for most people * TheFictionalHangout blog *The Invisible Library is currently at the top of my list of favourite books read this year . . . so much fun * Fantasybookcafe.com *Cogman's debut is a tremendously fun, rip-roaring adventure with protagonists that are easy to love and a setting that couldn't have suited my tastes better ... I can't wait for the second instalment * AFantasticalLibrarian.com *I've seen it compared to Doctor Who, I'm sure it'll be compared to Harry Potter, and it'll probably get compared to every Anglophile novel full of vim and fun that's ever been written. These comparisons will all be well-earned * BastianBalthasarbooks.co.uk *
£8.09
HarperCollins Publishers Sailing to Sarantium
Book SynopsisThe first part of The Sarantine Mosaic, Kay's sweeping tale of politics, intrigue and adventure inspired by ancient Byzantium.Rumored to be responsible for the ascension of the previous Emperor, his uncle, amid fire and blood, Valerius the Trakesian has himself now risen to the Golden Throne of the vast empire ruled by the fabled city, Sarantium.Valerius has a vision to match his ambition: a glittering dome that will proclaim his magnificence down through the ages. And so, in a ruined western city on the far distant edge of civilization, a not-so-humble artisan receives a call that will change his life forever.Crispin is a mosaicist, a layer of bright tiles. Still grieving for the family he lost to the plague, he lives only for his arcane craft, and cares little for ambition, less for money, and for intrigue not at all. But an imperial summons to the most magnificent city in the world is a difficult call to resist.In this world still half-wild and tangled with magic, no journey is simpTrade ReviewPraise for SAILING TO SARANTIUM: 'Kay at his finest. Sarantium itself is vast, sumptuous, and dangerous … Beneath the shining authorial handiwork lies something closer to Yeatsian miracle…' Locus Praise for Guy Gavriel Kay: ‘A fine, intelligent series. Probably the best of its kind’ British Fantasy Society ‘A remarkable achievement. The essence of high fantasy’ Locus ‘Kay has delivered such a magnificent conclusion – I can’t praise it enough. THE FIONAVAR TAPESTRY will be read and reread for many years to come’ Fantasy Review ‘Packed with action…’ The Times ‘A boldly complex and intelligently articulated romance’ USA Today ‘A brilliant and complex portrayal of good and evil’ Publishers Weekly.
£11.69
Pan Macmillan The House of Always
Book SynopsisThe House of Always is the fourth book in Jenn Lyons’s epic fantasy series A Chorus of Dragons, which starts with The Ruin of Kings.What if you were imprisoned for all eternity?In the aftermath of the Ritual of Night, everything has changed.The Eight Immortals have catastrophically failed to stop Kihrin’s enemies, who are moving forward with their plans to free Vol Karoth, the King of Demons. Kihrin has his own ideas about how to fight back, but even if he’s willing to sacrifice everything for victory, the cost may prove too high for his allies.Now they face a choice: can they save the world while saving Kihrin too? Or will they be forced to watch as he becomes the very evil they had all sworn to destroy?Praise for A Chorus of Dragons:‘I loved it’ – Lev Grossman, author of The Magicians‘A larger-than-life adventure story about thieves, wizards, assassins and kings’ – New York TimesTrade ReviewWhat an extraordinary book. The Ruin of Kings is everything epic fantasy should be: rich, cruel, gorgeous, brilliant, enthralling and deeply deeply satisfying. I loved it -- Lev Grossman on The Ruin of KingsA fantastic page-turner with a heady blend of great characters, fast-moving action and a fabulously inventive magic system . . . I loved it -- John Gwynne on The Ruin of KingsIt’s impossible not to be impressed with the ambition of it all, the sheer, effervescent joy Lyons takes in the scope of her project. Sometimes you just want a larger-than-life adventure story about thieves, wizards, assassins and kings -- New York Times on The Ruin of KingsLyons proves she is worthy of comparison to other masters of epic fantasy, such as Patrick Rothfuss, Stephen R. Donaldson and Melanie Rawn -- Booklist starred review of The Name of All ThingsSimply put: this is top-notch adventure fantasy written for a twenty-first-century audience – highly recommended -- Kirkus starred review of The Name of All ThingsLyons is creating a complex and wonderful series that will immerse and delight -- Library Journal on The Name of All Things
£9.49
Little, Brown & Company Bungo Stray Dogs, Vol. 7 (light novel)
Book SynopsisNot long after Ougai Mori takes the reins of the Port Mafia, his accomplice Osamu Dazaihas a dreadful run in with Chuuya Nakahara, a boy known as the Sheep King who iscapable of manipulating gravity. But when strange rumors about the mysterious beingArahabaki start spreading throughout Yokohoma, the duo must put aside theirdifferences and get to the bottom of things.Before they achieved infamy as the fearsome pairing Twin Dark, Dazai and Chuuyawere just boys. Was their first encounter a harbinger of hope, or an ill omen of thingsto come...?
£12.34
HarperCollins Publishers Daggerspell
Book SynopsisBOOK ONE IN THE MAGICAL DEVERRY CYCLEPrepare to be spellbound by a sparkling fantasy classic: a tale of adventure and timelesslove, perilous battle and pure magic.I was hooked and my enthusiasm for this series carried me through to the very last and then moved me to tears' Fantasy Book ReviewA cracking read' SFXA broken promise, a curse and a magic beyond imaginingThe powerful sorcerer Nevyn broke a promise long ago and a curse has trapped him ever since. He waits for the one who might break him free of his prison. A wait that may soon finally come to an end.Jill is the daughter of a Silver Dagger, a band of wandering swordsmen who fight for money, not honour.After her mother died when she was young, father and girl took to the road, living from town to town, never settling.Jill's only friends are the mysterious spirits known as Wildfolk: gnomes, sylphs, sprites and undines. Their magical presence in her life marks her out as different; special. but young Jill has no idea what the deTrade ReviewPraise for Katharine Kerr and the Deverry novels: ‘Kerr is an excellent writer, her stories live and breathe – exciting, unpredictable, and engaging in equal measure.’Mark Lawrence ‘A fantastic plot which turns a simple story into something far more original … a cracking read … engrossing’ SFX ‘A criminally under-rated and overlooked epic fantasy sequence [with] a keen sense of history, well drawn characters, and a complex plot’ Kate Elliott, author of the Spiritwalker Trilogy ‘An unusually scholarly writer of fantasy’ TELEGRAPH ‘Much as I dislike comparing anything to The Lord of the Rings, I have to admit that on this occasion it’s justified’ INTERZONE ‘Kerr is a master of her trade…She has created a world that might very well go on for ever, and this one reader sincerely hopes it does’ VECTOR ‘An extensive and complete world, whose endlessly fascinating details grow book by book’ STARLOG
£10.44
Rebellion Publishing Ltd. The Water Outlaws
Book SynopsisInspired by a classic of martial arts literature, S. L. Huang's The Water Outlaws are bandits of devastating ruthlessness, unseemly femininity, dangerous philosophies, and ungovernable gender who are ready to make history―or tear it apart.In the jianghu, you break the law to make it your own.Lin Chong is an expert arms instructor, training the Emperor's soldiers in sword and truncheon, battle axe and spear, lance and crossbow. Unlike bolder friends who flirt with challenging the unequal hierarchies and values of Imperial society, she believes in keeping her head down and doing her job.Until a powerful man with a vendetta rips that carefully-built life away.Disgraced, tattooed as a criminal, and on the run from an Imperial Marshall who will stop at nothing to see her dead, Lin Chong is recruited by the Bandits of Liangshan. Mountain outlaws on the margins of society, the Liangshan Bandits proclaim a belief in justice―for women, for the downtrodden, for progressive thinkers a corrupt Empire would imprison or destroy. They’re also murderers, thieves, smugglers, and cutthroats.Apart, they love like demons and fight like tigers. Together, they could bring down an empire.Trade Review“Huang has delivered an exciting martial arts adventure!”—Book Riot“This wuxia eat-the-rich tale is a knockout.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review“Reimagining the famed Chinese novel Water Margin, this epic wuxia fantasy will blow you away … Huang’s dynamic prose and animated action will keep you hooked ‘til the very last page.”—IGN“At once a boisterous martial-arts epic, an intricate heist story, and an all too timely tale of resistance against tyrannical institutions”—Vulture
£17.09
Pan Macmillan Sistersong: A dazzling folklore retelling full of
Book SynopsisPre-order the next captivating folkloric fantasy, Song of the Huntress, now!In a magical ancient Britain, bards sing a story of treachery, love and death. This is that story. For fans of Madeline Miller's Circe, Lucy Holland's Sistersong retells the folk ballad ‘The Twa Sisters'.'A captivating spell of myth and magic' – Jennifer Saint, author of AriadneKing Cador’s children inherit a land abandoned by the Romans, torn by warring tribes. Riva can cure others, but can’t heal her own scars. Keyne battles to be seen as the king’s son, although born a daughter. And Sinne dreams of love, longing for adventure.All three fear a life of confinement within the walls of the hold, their people’s last bastion of strength against the invading Saxons. However, change comes on the day ash falls from the sky – bringing Myrdhin, meddler and magician. The siblings discover the power that lies within them and the land. But fate also brings Tristan, a warrior whose secrets will tear them apart.Riva, Keyne and Sinne become entangled in a web of treachery and heartbreak, and must fight to forge their own paths. It’s a story that will shape the destiny of Britain.Sistersong is a powerfully moving story, perfect for readers who loved Naomi Novik’s Uprooted and Katherine Arden’s The Bear and the Nightingale.Trade ReviewA beautiful reimagining of an old British folklore ballad, Sistersong weaves a captivating spell of myth and magic around the reader. Lucy Holland's lyrical prose and powerful storytelling will lure you into an eerie, intriguing world in which enemies lurk unseen, the threat of betrayal hangs heavy and sisterly loyalties are tested to their limit -- Jennifer Saint, author of AriadneSistersong is a fresh and gripping retelling of an ancient tale. Set in a realistic, gritty world, the nuanced, compelling characters are the heart of this story about family, love, loyalty and identity. I loved it -- John Gwynne, author of MaliceRooted in history but shot through with surprises, this takes ancient British myth and gives it a wonderfully fresh twist. The book combines timely themes around our lost connection with nature, the fluidity of identity and the power of claiming your own story with a haunting atmosphere and a rollicking pace. Lucy Holland is a brilliantly assured storyteller -- Molly Flatt, author of The Charmed Life of Alex MooreAstonishing! -- Ellen Kushner, author of SwordspointNo cream teas in this West Country fable: feast instead on a gory, gripping and magically mythic tale of love and hatred, loyalty and betrayal -- Daily MailBrilliantly written and full of memorable characters . . . If you like poetic reimaginings of mythology, such as Madeline Miller’s Circe and The Song of Achilles, you need to make sure to pick up Sistersong -- Grimdark MagazineA masterpiece of storytelling . . . a beautiful story of the complex and loving relationship between three sisters and how their relationship and strength influenced the lives of those around them -- TheBookBagBeautifully written and with a keen eye for historical detail, Sistersong demonstrates the power of these old familiar ballads when they are opened up to new perspectives -- TheFantasyHiveSistersong is such a fantastic read . . . complicated sisters, gorgeous creepy magic and a sublime sense of time & place -- Freya MarskeSistersong truly reads like a ballad – beautiful and mournful, a melody that sticks in your head. An absolutely stunning book -- Hannah Whitten, author of For the WolfFrom its opening pages, Sistersong transports you to a time period often overlooked, and spins a tale of family, loyalty, and the triumph of becoming the person you were always meant to be. I was utterly captivated from the beginning to the tragic, bittersweet end -- Genevieve Gornichec, author of The Witch's HeartSistersong is a marvellous tale, gracefully told in language as beautiful as the song that inspired it. It's a celebration of the power of sisterhood, the strength of earth magic, and the triumph, in the end, of fidelity to both. I fell in love with all three siblings, and I think you will, too! -- Louisa Morgan, author of A Secret History of WitchesMagical, beautiful, and heartbreaking, Sistersong keeps you turning the pages until the thrilling conclusion, both tragic and triumphant. Lucy Holland is a talent to watch -- Greer Macallister, author of Scorpia
£9.49
Cornerstone The Wolf and the Woodsman: The Sunday Times
Book SynopsisTHE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLERA dark, evocative and unforgettable fantasy debut steeped in Hungarian history and Jewish mythology, perfect for fans of Naomi Novik and Katherine Arden.'Rooted in history and myth, The Wolf and the Woodsman is a stunning debut . . . It will twine like a dark forest around your heart.' Samantha Shannon, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Priory of the Orange Tree______________________________________A spirited outcast. A disgraced prince.A world where monsters roam free.In her forest-veiled pagan village, Évike is the only woman without power. So when soldiers from the Holy Order of Woodsmen arrive to claim a girl for their king's blood sacrifice, the villagers only have one person to offer up.But when they are attacked en-route to the capital, and everyone but Évike and a lone Woodsman are slaughtered, they have no choice but to rely on each other. Except he's no ordinary Woodsman - he's the disgraced prince, Gáspár Bárány, whose father needs pagan magic to consolidate his power.As they travel from the bitter northern tundra to the smog-choked capital, they form a tenuous pact that slowly turns their loathing turns to affection. But trust is easily betrayed, and as Évike discovers her own hidden magic, she and Gaspar must decide where their loyalties really lie . . .______________________________________'Entertaining, appealing, and strikingly imagined' Tor.com'An intricate, gut-wrenching fantasy that will set the bar for dark historical fantasy for years to come.' The Book Report'Gorgeously written and grimly real' Alix Harrow'A grown-up, complicated, angsty, sexy, dark book' Cultured Vulture'Richly imagined, densely textured, and endlessly delightful' Katherine Addison'A powerful feminist story about acceptance, The Wolf and the Woodsman is perfect for fans of The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden' British Fantasy SocietyTrade ReviewRooted in history and myth, The Wolf and the Woodsman is a stunning debut - a powerful and haunting tale of a young woman's will to live, of love flowering in defiance of tyranny. It will twine like a dark forest around your heart. * Samantha Shannon, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Priory of the Orange Tree *Written with a timelessness of spirit, a magical world that knows no bounds, and characters who will make your heart pound and your eyes well up, The Wolf and the Woodsman is an intricate, gut-wrenching fantasy that will set the bar for dark historical fantasy for years to come. * The Book Report *A thought-provoking, thrilling magical twist on the history of religion and politics that I couldn't put down . . . stunningly rendered * S.A. Chakraborty, bestselling author of The Empire of Gold *A striking debut . . . Entertaining, appealing, and strikingly imagined * Tor.com *Gorgeously written and grimly real, The Wolf and the Woodsman is a bloody fable about two people caught in the jaws of history. It quite literally took my breath away. * Alix E. Harrow, Hugo-award winning author of The Ten Thousand Doors of January *A seriously impressive debut novel . . . grown-up, complicated, angsty, sexy, dark book - and one that I will be recommending far and wide * Cultured Vulture *Beautiful and gut wrenching . . . It's a fundamentally Jewish tale that gripped me from beginning to end. A riveting debut that will keep you up all night, desperately chasing the heart-pounding conclusion. * Victoria Lee, author of The Fever King *A richly imagined exploration of faith and folklore . . . lushly written and thoroughly evocative * Culturess *The Wolf and the Woodsman, beautifully written and expertly told, is a darkly magical tale from beginning to end. I was equal parts terrified and delighted, somehow swept away and grounded in a world as beautiful as it is deadly. * Isabel Ibañez, author of Woven in Moonlight *Compelling, complicated, and worthwhile * Kirkus *Évike may be the only one in her village without 'powers,' but that doesn't stop her from being an in-your-face heroine who stands up for the things she believes in and never backs down. Reid has crafted a story that is not only relevant for our times, but has timelessness about it that truly makes it shine. The Wolf and the Woodsman is not a book I will soon forget. * Genevieve Gornichec, author of The Witch’s Heart *Examines religious freedom through the lens of myth and magic . . . The convincing enemies-to-lovers romance, fascinating religion-based magic system, and thoughtful examination of zealotry make this a notable debut. * Publishers Weekly *Combining religion, magic, and evocative language, Ava Reid has created a daring fantasy world full of imagination and fierce heroics. * Luanne G. Smith, bestselling author of The Vine Witch *Rich with vivid description, fantastical monsters, and magic unmatched by most other books for its pure physicality, this story may be strongly influenced by Jewish folklore, but the voice is original, perhaps as it's refreshingly female. * The Jewish Book Council *I enjoyed The Wolf and the Woodsman very much. Évike is a memorable protagonist, deeply flawed but trying, almost despite herself, to do the right thing. The writing is assured and compelling throughout, and the worldbuilding is richly imagined, densely textured, and endlessly delightful. * Katherine Addison, author of The Goblin Emperor *Ava Reid has boldly announced herself as a literary force with The Wolf and the Woodsman. The novel is impressive in its beauty, characters, and uncompromising nature and is all the more impressive for being Reid's debut novel. * SFF World *The Wolf and The Woodsman is one hell of a ride. Évike is an unlikely heroine, torn by warring duties and identities but despite it all, she discovers a power that could save a nation from itself. But only if she lives. I couldn't put it down. * Greta Kelly, author of The Frozen Crown *A powerful feminist story about acceptance, The Wolf and the Woodsman is perfect for fans of The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden and John Gwynne's The Shadow of the Gods. * British Fantasy Society *One of the best books I've read this year. From page one, I could tell that I was in expert hands . . . Juniper & Thorn is out there waiting for you to read it and be seen in a way you've been aching for. Please go and read it. * Tor.com *
£9.49
Transworld Publishers Ltd For the Winner
Book SynopsisSome three thousand years ago, in a time before history, the warriors of Greece journeyed to the ends of the earth in the greatest expedition the world had ever seen.One woman fought alongside them.Abandoned at birth on the slopes of Mount Pelion, Atalanta is determined to prove her worth to the father who cast her aside. Having taught herself to hunt and fight, and disguised as a man, she wins a place on the greatest voyage of that heroic age: with Jason and his band of Argonauts in search of the legendary Golden Fleece. And it is here, in the company of men who will go down in history as heroes, that Atalanta must battle against the odds – and the will of the gods – to take control of her destiny and change her life forever.With her unrivalled knowledge and captivating storytelling, Emily Hauser brings alive an ancient world where the gods can transform a mortal’s life on a whim, where warriors carve out names that will echo down the ages . . . and where one woman fights to determine her own fate.Trade ReviewIn For the Winner, Emily Hauser tells the compelling story of the brave, strong and clever Atalanta as she seeks to take her rightful place in her father's life. Her many adventures with Jason and his Argonauts kept me utterly absorbed. Here is a heroine to cheer for, and a book to cherish. * Margot Livesey *One of the most fascinating and innovative recent novelisations of the legendary journey of Jason and the Argonauts to capture the Golden Fleece seen from the eyes of the only heroine who, according to myth, took part: Atalanta. Although Jason and the Argonauts is one of the most famous stories of Greek mythology, the story of Atalanta has been less known or even neglected throughout the centuries. Emily Hauser's novel fills this gap with intellectual erudition, passion and paralleled imagination in order to give us, in the liveliest way possible, the story of an amazing female character and her journey from anonymity to immortality through her unbelievable heroic deeds. * Antony Makrinos, Fellow in Classics at UCL *An enchanting, dramatic novel that brings to life iconic mythic characters, including a woman whose voice had long been silenced. * Judith Starkston, author of HAND OF FIRE *For the Winner is beautifully descriptive and full of historical detail, easily drawing the reader into a lost world of gods and heroes. By taking the viewpoint of Atalanta, a lesser known character from Greek myth, Hauser gives us a refreshingly original take on Jason's famous quest for the Golden Fleece. * Glyn Iliffe, author of KING OF ITHACA *A brilliant, epic tale full of breath-taking action with a shining star at its centre, Atalanta, a female warrior of incredice force and drive. This gem of a book will leave you desperate for the next Emily Hauser novel. * Crystal King, author of FEAST OF SORROW *
£9.99
Pan Macmillan The Secret Chapter
Book SynopsisIn this bookish fantasy adventure, a Librarian spy must fall in with a villainous group to achieve her goals. Imagine Ocean’s Eleven meets James Bond with a pinch of magic. The Secret Chapter is the sixth novel in Genevieve Cogman’s Invisible Library series.Irene and Kai have to team up with an unlikely band of misfits to pull off an amazing art heist. Or they must risk the wrath of a dangerous villain, in his secret island lair. . .As Irene tries to manage a fraught Fae–dragon truce and her overbearing parents, she’s given a hot new mission. The world where she grew up is in danger and only one book can save it.This is held by Mr Nemo, secretive Fae villain and antique dealer, so Irene and Kai travel to his Caribbean retreat to strike a deal. But in return for the book, they must steal a painting from twenty-first-century Vienna. They’ll join a team of dragons, Fae gamblers and thieves, so their greatest challenge may be one another. And some will kill to protect this painting, which hides an extraordinary secret from a past age.Genevieve is also the author of the Sunday Times bestselling Scarlet - which reimagines the tale of the Scarlet Pimpernel, but with vampires, mages and magic. . .Trade ReviewThe ensuing shenanigans are wittily told, with some great one-liners and comic set pieces, and the resourceful Irene is a delightful protagonist. This is light-hearted fantasy at its page-turning best -- GuardianI absolutely loved this . . . flavoured with truly unique mythology and a dash of the eldritch. Such clever, creepy, elaborate worldbuilding and snarky, sexy-smart characters! -- N. K. Jemisin on The Invisible Library (Book One)Irene is a great heroine: fiery, resourceful and no one’s fool, she has a wonderfully droll sense of humour – much like the novel itself -- Guardian on The Masked City (Book Two)Brilliant and so much fun. Skullduggery, Librarians, and dragons – Cogman keeps upping the ante on this delightful series! -- Charles Stross on The Burning Page (Book Three)Reminiscent of the works of Diana Wynne Jones and Neil Gaiman . . a true treat to read -- Publishers Weekly on The Invisible Library (Book One)Cogman fills a captivating story with animated characters and propels the narrative at a cracking pace, planting perfectly timed plot twists and reversals of fortune along the way -- Guardian on The Mortal Word (Book Five)
£8.49
HarperCollins Publishers The Witch and the Tsar
Book SynopsisA delicate weaving of myth and history, The Witch and the Tsar breathes new life into stories you think you know' Hannah Whitten, New York Times bestselling author of For the WolfYaga lives deep in the Russian forest, tending to any that call upon her for her healing potions and vast wisdom.She has been alone for centuries, with only her beloved animals for company. But, when Tsaritsa Anastasia, wife of Tsar Ivan Vasilyevich, shows up at Yaga's cottage on the brink of death, Yaga is compelled to travel with her to Moscow to keep her safe.However, the Russia Yaga sees as she makes her journey to the heart of the country is one on the brink of chaos. Tsar Ivan soon to become Ivan the Terrible grows more volatile and tyrannical by the day, and Yaga believes the tsaritsa is being poisoned by an unknown enemy. But what Yaga cannot know is that Ivan is being manipulated by powers far older and more fearsome than anyone can imagine.Set in sixteenth-century Russia, The Witch and the Tsar upeTrade Review‘An utterly enchanting, wholly immersive debut that deftly reimagines the legend of Baba Yaga. This one is unmissable’ Alexis Henderson, author of The Year of the Witching ‘This epic tale brings both history and folklore to vivid life. It's a fresh, exciting take sure to capture fans of Madeline Miller's Circe and Jennifer Saint's Ariadne’ Publishers Weekly ‘Fierce and fearless, The Witch and the Tsar whisks the reader back to a sixteenth-century Russia that's enthralling, frightening, and completely unforgettable. With stunning prose and sharp insight, Olesya Salnikova Gilmore conjures up a captivating battle between gods, emperors, and folkloric spirits, led by a prickly, powerful heroine who leaps off the page and refuses to be ignored. This is Baba Yaga like you've never seen her before, and you're going to love her’ Allison Epstein, author of A Tip for the Hangman ‘Beautifully written, gripping…a story of Baba Yaga as you have never met her before – don’t even THINK about missing it!’ Gabriella Saab, author of The Last Checkmate ‘The Witch and the Tsar delivers high stakes, memorable characters, and a sixteenth-century Russia you can almost reach out and touch. Yaga’s tale is a story I never knew I needed’ Genevieve Gornichec, author of The Witch’s Heart ‘A perfect blend of fantasy and historical fiction, The Witch and the Tsar magnificently paints an old Russia full of vengeful gods, court intrigue, and high adventure. In the centre of it all is the half-goddess Yaga, isolated and proud, whose compassion for humanity drives her into a war with Ivan the Terrible and the mythical beings who use him for their own ends. Immersive and beautifully written, Yaga’s story reminds us that gods – like humans – can choose their own fates’ Anika Scott, internationally bestselling author of The Soviet Sisters
£9.49
HarperCollins Publishers Page
Book SynopsisThe adventure continues in book two of theNew York Times bestselling series from the fantasy author who is a legend herself: Tamora Pierce.A powerful classic that is more timely than ever, the Protector of the Small series is about smashing the ceilings others place above you.WHEN THEY SAY YOU WILL FAIL FAIL TO LISTEN.As the only female page in history to pass the first year of training to become a knight, Keladry of Mindelan is a force to be reckoned with. But Kel's battle to prove herself isn't over. She must masterher paralyzing vertigo, the gruelling training schedule and the dark machinations of those who would rather she fail.But in times of danger, Kel shines.The kingdom's nobles are beginning to wonder if she can succeed far beyond what they imagined. And those who hate the idea of a female knight are getting desperate they will doanything to halt her journey.In a landmark quartet published years before it's time, Kel must prove herself twice as good as her male peers just to Trade Review‘Tamora Pierce didn’t just blaze a trail. Her heroines cut a swath through the fantasy world with wit, strength, and savvy. Pierce is the real lioness, and we’re all just running to keep pace.’LEIGH BARDUGO, #1 New York Times bestselling author ‘Tamora Pierce creates epic worlds populated by girls and women of bravery, heart, and strength. Her work inspired a generation of writers and continues to inspire us.’HOLLY BLACK, #1 New York Times bestselling author ‘Tamora Pierce’s books shaped me not only as a young writer but also as a young woman. Her complex, unforgettable heroines and vibrant, intricate worlds blazed a trail for youngadult fantasy—and I get to write what I love today because of the path she forged throughout her career. She is a pillar, an icon, and an inspiration.’SARAH J. MAAS, #1 New York Times bestselling author ‘I take more comfort from and as great a pleasure in Tamora Pierce's Tortall novels as I do from Game of Thrones.’Washington Post
£8.99
Little, Brown Book Group The Mask of Mirrors Rook and Rose Book One
Book Synopsis''Utterly captivating. Carrick spins an exciting web of mystery, magic, and political treachery in a richly drawn and innovative world.'' S. A. Chakraborty, author of The City of BrassDarkly magical and beautifully imagined, The Mask of Mirrors is the unmissable start to the Rook & Rose trilogy, a rich and dazzling fantasy adventure in which a con artist, a vigilante, and a crime lord must unite to save their city. Nightmares are creeping through the city of dreams . . . Renata Virdaux is a con artist who has come to the sparkling city of Nadezra -- the city of dreams -- with one goal: to trick her way into a noble house and secure her fortune and her sister''s future. But as she''s drawn into the aristocratic world of House Traementis, she realises her masquerade is just one of many surrounding her. And as corrupted magic begins to weave its way through Nadezra, the poisonous feuds of its aristocrats and the shadowTrade ReviewUtterly captivating. Carrick spins an exciting web of mystery, magic, and political treachery in a richly drawn and innovative world. -- S. A. ChakrabortyThe Mask of Mirrors kept me up reading way past my bedtime. A web of intrigue, magic, and the art of the con, this novel will catch hold of your dreams and keep you from sleeping. -- Mary Robinette Kowal, author of THE CALCULATING STARSThe Mask of Mirrors is exactly the fantasy adventure novel you're craving: an escape into a vast, enchanting world of danger, secret identities, and glittering prose -- Tasha Suri, author of EMPIRE OF SANDThe Mask of Mirrors ushers you into the fascinating city of Nadežra, replete with complex politics, intricate magic, and mysteries that readers will be racing to unravel. Wonderfully immersive--I was unable to put it down. -- Andrea Stewart, author of THE BONE SHARD DAUGHTERFrom the first page, I was utterly entranced by this glittering world filled with masked vigilantes, cunning conwomen, and dark magic. A sheer delight! -- Katy Rose Pool, author of THERE WILL COME A DARKNESSAn intricate, compelling dream of a book that kept me turning pages, with a world and characters that felt deeply real and plenty of riveting twists and turns. I loved it! -- Melissa Caruso, author of THE TETHERED MAGE
£10.44
Hodder & Stoughton The Charmed Wife: 'Does for fairy tales what
Book SynopsisOne of Oprah Magazine's Most Anticipated Books of 2021! 'Genre-bending and darkly comic, Grushin's fourth novel is a weird and wonderful triumph.'And they lived happily ever after . . . didn't they?Cinderella married the man of her dreams - the perfect ending she deserved after diligently following all the fairy-tale rules. Yet now, two children and thirteen-and-a-half years later, things have gone badly wrong. One night, she sneaks out of the palace to get help from the Witch who, for a price, offers love potions to disgruntled housewives. But as the old hag flings the last ingredients into the cauldron, Cinderella doesn't ask for a love spell to win back her Prince Charming. Instead, she wants him dead. Endlessly surprising and wildly inventive, The Charmed Wife is a sophisticated literary fairy tale for the twenty-first century that weaves together time and place, fantasy and reality, to conjure a world unlike any other. Nothing in it is quite what it seems, and the twists and turns of its magical, dark, swiftly shifting paths take us deep into the heart of romance, marriage and the very nature of storytelling.'Dark and dreamy. Inside the plot, magic comes and goes. But inside the reader, it's all magic - all of us happily caught in Grushin's hypnotic spell.' - Karen Joy Fowler, author of We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves and The Jane Austen Book Club'Fall under its charms, I dare you' - Gregory Maguire, author of WickedTrade ReviewDoes for fairy tales what Bridgerton has done for Regency England * Mail on Sunday *Pure escapism * Sun *The comedy is devastating in this autopsy of a marriage that dies of "happily ever after" syndrome. Seldom has such emotional realism been spied in the precincts of wild magic. This alumna of the Cinderella marriage is overwhelmed, over-enchanted, and so over it. Fall under its charms, I dare you. * Gregory Maguire, author of WICKED *Different and compelling * Daily Mail *Dark and dreamy. Inside the plot, magic comes and goes. But inside the reader, it's all magic - all of us happily caught in Grushin's hypnotic spell. * Karen Joy Fowler, author of We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves *Surprising, darkly comedic and enchanting * CNN *THE CHARMED WIFE is a thought-provoking, wickedly clever, and beautifully written fairy tale character study that enchants at every turn. Olga Grushin dissects fairy tales, marriage, and the messy human heart with a pen as sharp as any scalpel. * Melissa Bashardoust *Lush and powerful, The Charmed Wife is brimful of magic and the seething darkness that lies beneath the glittering surface of every good fairy tale. * Leife Shallcross, author of The Beast's Heart *In The Charmed Wife, Olga Grushin turns the fairy tale romance on its head, and then just keeps turning it, playfully, subversively, brilliantly: a feat of fierce imagination. * Jess Walter, author of Beautiful Ruins *A powerful, provocative and quite wonderful modern literary fairy tale, but if you enter expecting 'happily ever after' you'll be sorely disappointed. Rather than sugar and spice and all things nice, you'll instead find a novel brimming with exquisitely sharp and pointed attitude. Thirteen and a half years after Cinderella married the man of her dreams and she's had enough, she wants out. The prologue pierces love, and binds hate, firmly setting the tone, yet wicked humour and gentle observations also tickle the page. The echoes of well known fairy tales make themselves felt, adding to the enchantment. There is much to take delight in, yet beware, all magic is paid for and you'll need to be on the look out for hidden snares. I adore the tale that runs alongside the main story, of the two mice that accompanied Cinderella and live in a world circling through an entire civilisation. How easy it is to view what you want to see, rather than what is actually there. As the fairy tale splinters and a shimmer of reality breaks through, I found my thoughts tossed high in the air, and where they will land, I still don't know. So bright, so clever, and thought-provoking this just had to sit as a Liz Pick of the Month. I danced through the deep dark magic of The Charmed Wife, long live the fairy tale that lives beyond 'happily ever after'. * Lovereading.co.uk *
£8.54
Cornerstone The Ruthless Lady's Guide to Wizardry
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.
£9.49
Little, Brown Book Group The Judging Eye: Book 1 of the Aspect-Emperor
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
£9.49