Myths and Legends / Mythic fiction
HarperCollins Publishers J. R. R. Tolkien
Book SynopsisThe definitive critical study of Tolkien's greatest works by the respected and world renowned Tolkien scholar Professor T.A. Shippey.Following the unprecedented and universal acclaim for The Lord of the Rings, the respected academic and world-renowned Tolkien scholar, Professor Tom Shippey, presents us with a fascinating and informed companion to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien, in particular focusing on The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion.Written in a clear and accessible style, J. R. R. Tolkien: Author of the Century reveals why all of these books will be timeless, and shows how even such complex works as The Silmarillion can be read enjoyably. Taking issue with the uninformed criticism that has often been levelled at Tolkien and fantasy in general, Professor Shippey offers a new approach to Tolkien, to fantasy and to the importance of language in literature, and demonstrates how his books form part of a live and continuing tradition of storytelling that can trace its Trade Review'Shippey's exploration of Tolkien's themes, especially the nature of evil, is superb' Independent 'A timely, erudite and eminently readable book' Evening Standard 'Shippey's research seems limitless. He writes with unusual clarity and presents his arguments well' Sunday Times 'Scholarly and thorough examination of Tolkien's work…a definitive study' Catholic Herald
£9.49
University of Wales Press Enchanted Wales: Myth and Magic in Welsh
Book SynopsisThe magical world of Welsh mythology deserves to be better known outside its homeland, with its cast of heroes and tricksters, animals that can talk and change shape, and magicians and witches who can bring disaster or triumph to the people in their paths. Enchanted Wales is an invitation to voyage through the key stories of Welsh mythic literature, exploring not just their medieval texts but also their ancient roots, which can be glimpsed in sculptures, carvings and other artefacts from at least a thousand years earlier. These stories are more than epic entertainments: they allow us to explore our deepest questions about life and death, war and peace, and good and evil, secure in the knowledge that a skilful storyteller will guide us safely to the end of the tale. On this journey, you will encounter severed heads that speak, birds that can tell the future, cauldrons with magical properties, quests that are as intricate and exciting as the Labours of Hercules, and ghostly underworlds where strange and frightening things happen to the humans who visit them. Enter these pages, and prepare to discover a weird, wonderful and Narnia-like world of dreams – the world of enchanted Wales.Table of ContentsPronunciation Guide Foretaste: Myths and Mythmakers Chapter 1: Opening the Door on the Welsh Myths Chapter 2: Gods and Heroes Chapter 3: Fabulous Beasts and Shape-Shifters Chapter 4: Otherworlds and Immortality Chapter 5: Capricious Cauldrons and Burnished Bowls Chapter 6: Goddesses, Witches and Shamed Women Chapter 7: Magic Numbers and Mythic Colours Chapter 8: Love, Marriage and Sacral Kingship Afterglow: Mythscapes and Deep Roots Further Reading Acknowledgements
£999.99
HarperCollins Publishers The Burnings
Book Synopsis‘I was mesmerised’ LAURA SHEPPERSON, Sunday Times bestselling author of The HeroinesTrade Review‘I was mesmerised by The Burnings and its heroines. I highly recommend this brilliant and compelling novel to all lovers of historical fiction.’ Laura Shepperson, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Heroines ‘A gothic gem. Tense, delicate writing. Lace woven with steel threads.’ Judges of the HWA Dorothy Dunnett Competition ‘The best new talent from the North of England . . . This year’s winners show that the next generation of creative talent has the potential to help us re-frame a post-pandemic world and better understand ourselves and our society.’ Katy Shaw, Partner in the Northern Writers’ Awards 2020 ‘The Burnings is a beautifully written re-imagining of the North Berwick witch trials with clever and tantalising glimpses into the cross-over between witchcraft and lived experience in 16th-century Scotland.’ S.G. MacLean, author of The Bookseller of Inverness 'This gripping, vividly evoked novel takes the reader to the dark heart of the sixteenth century witch hunts. Witchcraft, espionage and the deadly world of the royal court fuse into a compelling, unforgettable narrative. A stunning debut.'Tracy Borman, author of The King’s Witch
£999.99
Quercus Publishing The Fox Wife: an enchanting historical mystery
Book Synopsis'Vivid, enigmatic, enchanting' M. L. Rio'Irresistible' Sunday TimesSome people think foxes go around collecting qi, or life force, but nothing could be further than the truth. We are living creatures, just like you, only usually better looking . . .Manchuria, 1908: A young woman is found frozen in the snow. Her death is clouded by rumours of foxes, believed to lure people into peril by transforming into beautiful women and men. Bao, a detective with a reputation for sniffing out the truth, is hired to uncover the dead woman's identity. Since childhood, Bao has been intrigued by the fox gods, yet they've remained tantalizingly out of reach. Until, perhaps, now.Snow is a creature of many secrets, but most of all, she's a mother seeking vengeance. Hunting a murderer, the trail will take her from northern China to Japan, with Bao following doggedly behind. And as their paths draw ever closer together, both Snow and Bao will encounter old friends and new foes, even as more deaths occur. The Fox Wife is a stunning novel about old loves and second chances, the depth of maternal bonds, and ancient folktales that may very well be true.PRAISE FOR THE FOX WIFE'Magical, wondrous, transporting and illuminating' Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai'Rich and beguiling' Daily Mail 'Filled with wonder, mystery and folklore' Sue Lynn Tan'Enchanting' the i'A rich tangle of myth, mystery, and history' Alix E. HarrowTrade ReviewThe reader is taken on a journey from the underbelly of a Chinese town to the mountains of Japan. Among the more memorable characters along the way is a male fox spirit called Shiro. He is seductive, deadly and, like the book itself, quite irresistible to mere humans * Sunday Times *Like the foxes who populate its pages, The Fox Wife is vivid, enigmatic, and enchanting. Choo's fresh new fable conjures a world where danger and intrigue are forever entwined with sublime and sensory delights * M.L. Rio, author of IF WE WERE VILLAINS *Rich and beguiling * Daily Mail *A stunning story filled with wonder, mystery and folklore. I was utterly captivated by Yangsze Choo's exquisite prose and fascinating characters from the first page till the last. A remarkable tale, one that will stay with me * Sue Lynn Tan, author of Heart of the Sun Warrior *Witty and suspenseful * New York Times Book Review *Enchanting * The i *Magical, wonderous, transporting and illuminating, The Fox Wife reminds me that reading can be pure joy . . . I was captivated from the very first word of this novel until its very last. Yangsze Choo is a writer of immense talent * Nguyen Phan Que Mai, internationally best-selling author of The Mountains Sing and Dust Child *Masterfully plotted and superbly surprising, The Fox Wife will entice you into a world of magic and heartbreak, a beautiful tapestry woven from love and revenge and forgiveness. But beware: once you start, you may not be able to put it down! -- Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, author of INDEPENDENCE and THE LAST QUEENThe Fox Wife is a rich tangle of myth, mystery, and history, delivered with Choo's inimitable grace and precision. It's not a book so much as a beguilement; it enchanted me entirely -- Alix E. Harrow, New York Times bestselling author of STARLING HOUSEChoo's writing is lush and the slow revelations of complicated relationships and reunions hum with tension. This is a treat * Publishers Weekly *Snow's difficulties as both a fox and a young woman in a man's world are clearly drawn, as is the pathos of Bao's situation as a gentle soul who's always been in search of something or someone. An intriguing vulpine mystery worth the suspension of disbelief * Kirkus *A beguiling tale of a bygone era * Straits Times *
£999.99
Neem Tree Press Limited Clytemnestra's Bind (Limited Edition Signed
Book SynopsisClytemnestra?s Bind is a bold and brutal first-person retelling that redefines her story, unveiling the untold depths of her soul and the legacy she forged as a mother, wife, and queen.Queen Clytemnestra''s world shatters when Agamemnon, a rival to the throne of Mycenae, storms her palace, destroys her family and claims not only the throne but Clytemnestra herself. Tormented by her loss, she vows to do all she can to protect the children born from her unhappy marriage to him. But when her husband casts his ruthless gaze towards the wealthy citadel of Troy, his ambitions threaten to once more destroy the family Clytemnestra loves.From one of Greek mythology''s most reviled characters?a woman who challenged the absolute power of men?comes this fiery tale of power, family rivalry and a mother''s burning love.Perfect for readers of Greek mythology, and fans of Costanza Casati?s Clytemnestra, Madeline Miller?s Circe, and Jennifer Saint?s Elektra.
£14.99
HarperCollins Publishers CAMELOTS BLOOD
Book SynopsisAn highly engaging romantic fantasy set in the evocative time of King Arthur. Laurel Carnbrea, Queen of Cambryn, arrives at Camelot to marry a man she has never met – Sir Agravain, the brother of the renowned Sir Gawain.Trade ReviewPraise for Sarah Zettel: ‘Powerful … a strong and passionate vision’ Time Out ‘A triumph of storytelling … rich, compelling and exciting’ Amazon
£12.34
HarperCollins Publishers PYRRHUS
Book SynopsisAs modern as a mobile phone and as ancient as The Iliad, Mark Merlis’s second novel occupies two worlds simultaneously.Trade Review’Exceptional … the novel is expertly crafted, filled with surprises.’ Peter Vansittart, Daily Telegraph ’A funky, freewheeling book.’ The Times ’ This is an original and enjoyably camp novel which exploits all the comic possibilities of its dual perspective.’ Michael Arditti, The Independent
£12.34
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Lady MacBethad: The electrifying story of love,
Book Synopsis'Suspenseful, atmospheric and full of twists and turns, I loved the brutal, backstabbing world that Isabelle Schuler conjures up where only the most ruthless can survive' - Jennifer Saint 'Dazzlingly clever and difficult to put down' i Power. History. Love. Hate. Vengeance. She will be Queen. Whatever it takes... Daughter of an ousted king. Descendant of powerful druids. Destined to take her place in history. As a child, Gruoch’s grandmother prophecies that she will one day be Queen of Alba and reclaim the lands of her Pictish kin. When, many years later, she is betrothed to Duncan, the heir-elect, the prophecy appears to come true. Determined to never to be as powerless as her parents, Gruoch leaves behind her home, her family and her friend MacBethad, and travels to the royal seat at Scone to seal her fate. But when a deadly turn of events forces Gruoch to flee Duncan and the capital, Gruoch finds herself at the mercy of an old enemy. Her hope of becoming Queen all but lost, Gruoch does what she must to survive, until she is given a choice: live a long, peaceful life but fall into obscurity, or seize her chance for vengeance and a path back to the throne. An unputdownable, sweeping historical epic, Lady MacBethad reimagines the life of Gruoch – the real life Scottish Queen who inspired one of Shakespeare's most famous characters. Readers Reviews: 'I adored this book' 'One of the most interesting, complex and captivating protagonists I've ever come across' 'I could not put this book down' 'So good that I'm almost sad I've finished it' Trade ReviewDazzlingly clever and difficult to put down * i *Suspenseful, atmospheric and full of twists and turns, I loved the brutal, backstabbing world that Isabelle Schuler conjures up where only the most ruthless can survive. A thoroughly enjoyable read! -- Jennifer Saint, author of Sunday Times bestsellers, Ariadne and ElektraLove, lust, revenge, power – this completely mesmerising historical debut has it all’ * Good Housekeeping *Exquisitely written, this poetic novel and its unforgettable heroine seems a shoo-in for this year’s Women’s Prize * Red *Isabelle Schuler’s Lady MacBethad achieves the unthinkable: transforming Shakespeare’s wicked queen into an empathetic heroine. I was transfixed by this wholly convincing tale of Scottish mormaers and machinations -- Laura Shepperson, author of The HeroinesAn extraordinary novel about an extraordinary and unforgettable character. Love, revenge, power and lust – Lady MacBethad has it all and is impossible to put down. Gruoch will stay with me for a long time, I loved her. -- Emily Koch, author of If I Die Before I Wake and Keep Him CloseI loved this fierce and beautifully written book about power, love and destiny. Gruoch is an unforgettable heroine, her determination shines through the pages, and I struggled to put it down. Lady MacBethad is an inspiring, captivating, triumph of a book -- Cressida McLaughlinStuck in a violent and male-dominated society, Gruoch MacBethad’s machinations are limitless. Every time her stubborn pride, unwavering ambition, and lust for revenge forced her hand, I was dizzy with intrigue, relief, admiration—and of course growing dread. Schuler’s masterful and captivating imagining of the early life of the real Lady Macbeth—one of history’s much-maligned women—slowly seduces you into turning page after engrossing page until suddenly you’re reading well into the night, holding your breath as the heart-pounding climax unfolds before you. Days later, and there remains this sense of tantalising, aching loss whenever I find myself thinking about the deeply complex yet very relatable Gruoch; I was utterly enthralled by her. Bold, brutal, and full of suspense, this dark and twisty epic is not to be missed -- London Shah, Award-winning author of the Light in the Abyss seriesIsabelle Schuler’s Lady MacBethad is a stunning debut, and sure to become an instant classic. Gruoch’s rise to power is utterly absorbing and believable, and she is a compelling and complex character. Schuler’s meticulously researched historical setting weaves history, folklore and literature to create an unputdownable read - even if we know how the story ends, we’re desperate to find out exactly how it began -- Cailean Steed, author of HomeLady MacBethad is a gripping and fiercely feminist reimagining of an extraordinary woman. Gruoch's tale is an utterly compelling and absorbing reframing of the character and the story we think we all know -- Caroline Lea, author of The Glass Woman and The Metal HeartThe suspense-filled origin story of one of Shakespeare's best-known characters * BBC News, Books of 2023 *Brimful with suspense, packed with power plays and sinister subterfuge * Daily Mail, New Year, New Reads chosen by Claire Allfree *It has everything you need from an immersive, captivating epic, packed with brilliant writing and a suspense-laden plot. There will certainly be a lot more to come from Schuler * Harper's Bazaar, The Best New Fiction Books to Read in 2023 *Action-packed * Press Association, Debuts to Watch *As far as feminist retellings of traditional stories go, there is little that compares to the wealth of intrigue, exploration and developed depth that Schuler constructs. A wonderful read and highly recommended. It’s very easy to get lost in the world of the great Scottish Queen and her infamous husband -- Chris Reed, NZ BookloversThis Scottish Game of Thrones, by a Swiss American Hawaiian film-score writer and actress, is certainly a well-crafted page turner. Isabelle Schuler is skilled in complex plotting, memorable characterisation and in ending every chapter with a tempting twist in the narrative to encourage the reader to move to the next even when there are so many other duties calling. The book entertains * Otago Daily Times *Lady MacBethad by Isabelle Schuler is an action-packed historical tale and a reimagining of the life of the Scottish queen who inspired the story of Shakespeare’s Lady Macbeth * Belfast Telegraph: Summer books 2023 *
£14.99
HarperCollins Publishers The Fall of Arthur
Book SynopsisThe world first publication of a previously unknown work by J.R.R. Tolkien, which tells the extraordinary story of the final days of England’s legendary hero, King Arthur.Trade ReviewPraise for The Legend of Sigurd and Gudrún: “This is the most unexpected of Tolkien’s many posthumous publications; his son’s ‘Commentary’ is a model of informed accessibility; the poems stand comparison with their Eddic models, and there is little poetry in the world like those” Times Literary Supplement “The compact verse form is ideally suited to describing impact… elsewhere it achieves a stark beauty” Telegraph
£21.25
Luath Press Ltd Saut & Bluid: A Scotsaga
Book SynopsisCommissioned especially for Scotland’s Year of Stories, Saut an Bluid offers an inspired blend of traditional storytelling with historical fiction to tell this tale that links Scotland and Norway’s pasts together. In nine days of drama, the full smeddum of Scotland’s Norse saga unfolds in pithy Scots. As Guid King Alexander tumbles to his death, a gutsy backstory comes to the boil. And at the heart of the crisis is Skald the Ferryman, storyteller of Pittenweem. What is his connection with the Maid of Norway, and the Corryvreckan whirlpool?Trade Review‘His deep knowledge of history, myth, story, religion, landscape and literature means that he has much real richness to draw on.’ – TESSA RANSFORD Founding Director of the Scottish Poetry Library.‘Delves into the City of Literature and comes out dark side up.’ – MARC LAMBERT, CEO of the Scottish Book Trust.
£7.99
