Myths & Legends Books

Book SynopsisDo ghosts exist, do supernatural beings walk the land and do creatures linger in the shadows. Are legends of blood-sucking creatures based on some truth found on the edges of reality? Within these pages Tony Locke will take you on a journey through the magical land of Erin. You will explore castles and graveyards, and be introduced to banshees, warlocks, spectres, poltergeists and the Undead. You will read about the spirit of a child that possesses a doll, the vengeful druid who guards a tomb and the ghost of a cannibal woman who enjoyed eating children. Based on the myths and legends of Ireland, these tales have been collected and retold by professional storyteller Tony Locke. So why not pull up a chair and sit awhile? You know you’re never too old for a story.

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Book SynopsisA chilling, haunting ghost story that delves into the dark past of the 16th century Essex witch trials. To find the truth, she’ll risk her life… Sadie Asquith has been fascinated by the Essex Witch Trials for as long as she can remember. And for good reason too: between 1560 and 1680, hundreds of innocent women were tried for witchcraft. She begins researching the subject, but soon starts to experience strange, ghostly visions. Dark shadows haunt her every step, sobbing sounds wake her in the night, and black moths appear from nowhere. It’s as if by digging up history, she has opened an unearthly connection to the women who were tortured and killed centuries before. And when a long-buried secret entwines Sadie’s own past with what she has discovered, she’ll risk everything – even her life – to uncover what really happened all those years ago… A haunting and atmospheric read that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Perfect for fans of The Lost Notebook and The Familiars. Trade Review‘Moore's merging of horror, ghost story, detective fiction and psychogeography is a heady addition to Jeanette Winterson's book about the witches of Pendle and increasingly popular genre mash-ups.’ Guardian ‘Thrilling, chilling … An intriguing read for lovers of history, the supernatural, detective fiction and horror.’ Lancashire Evening Post Praise for The Drowning Pool: ‘A stunning reinvention of the ghost story and an exploration of a 19th-century Essex witch hunt.’ Guardian ‘A goose-pimply old-fashioned ghost story.’ Christopher Fowler, author of the Bryant and May series ‘A must for any intelligent Essex girls out there and a gripping ghosty read for everyone. Hurry up and write the next one please Syd…’ The Women’s Room Blog

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Book SynopsisSpring and summer are my mother’s time, autumn and winter are my husband’s. What is left for me? Persephone spends six months of the year under the ground with her husband, king of the dead, and six months on earth with her mother, goddess of the harvest. It has been this way for nine thousand years, since the deal was struck. But when she resurfaces this spring, something is different. Rains lash the land, crops grow out of season or not at all, there are people trying to build a road through the woods, and her mother does not seem able to stop them. The natural world is changing rapidly and even the gods have lost control. While Demeter tries to regain her powers and fend off her daughter’s husband, who wants to drag his queen back underground for good, Persephone finally gets a taste of freedom, joining a group of protestors. Used to blinking up at the world from below, as she looks down on the earth for the very first time from the treetops with activist Snow, Persephone realises that there are choices she can make for herself. But what will these choices mean for her mother, her husband, and for the new shoots of life inside her? No Season but the Summer takes a classic myth and turns it on its head, asking what will happen when our oldest stories fail us, when all the rules have changed. It is, above all, a book about choice.Trade Review‘Matilda Leyser’s novel takes the eternal polarities — love and hate, life and death, summer and winter, possibility and impossibility — and brings them crashing together in a tumultuous story of gods living alongside humanity, mother-daughter love and loss, and a glimmer of hope despite it all. In No Season but the Summer, our world is still dying, but it is putting up a hell of a fight as it does so, reminding us that we can fight too, and that fighting for our lives might start with listening to the earth.’ -- Stella Duffy, author of Theodora‘What a wonderful writer. Matilda Leyser’s work is precise, poetic, hard-edged, rhythmical. It seethes with life, and feels both ancient and brand new.’ -- David Almond, author of Skellig‘This novel did all of the things that I wish mythic reimaginings would do ... This one is heartily recommended. It’s masterfully constructed, moving, and strange in all the right ways. It’s carefully and poetically written ... There are very few writers who have succeeded in bringing an ancient myth into the contemporary world with such profound resonance for the issues which concern us. Matilda Leyser is one of them, and I’m very much looking forward to what she might do next.’ -- Sharon Blackie from The Art of Enchantment‘Matilda Leyser’s mythic characters are gods and humans all at once; her tale of love and destruction is fuelled by ancient power and rich with contemporary resonance. And what beautiful writing! This striking novel conjures our deepest emotions — our feelings for each other, for the imperilled planet that is our only home. No Season but the Summer is a memorable debut.’ -- Erica Wagner, author of Mary and Mr Eliot‘As you climb to earth with Persephone, you know you are in good hands. Leyser has an uncanny ability to make the mythic intimate and the timeless timely. She takes an ancient tale of goddesses and furious wrongs and fashions it into a passionate contemporary story that will resonate with mothers and daughters everywhere. Oh — and she writes like an angel. Her prose at once precise and lush, you can taste and smell and touch every bit of her thrilling, sensuous world. No Season but the Summer is an everyday epic with an invitation to ride.’ -- Nicky Singer, author of The Survival Game‘Artfully transporting classic myth to the present, this is the tale of Persephone, of the stories behind why our seasons change, and “how climate change is stretching and breaking the rules that have long kept the natural world in rhythm”.’ * The Bookseller *‘Deeply elegant and immensely compelling ... the writing is exceptional — every word feels chosen with care, every sentence balanced and the imagery, metaphors of ancient Greece renewed in the modern world … are breathtaking. I am genuinely astonished that this is a first novel. It feels like the work of someone who’s been doing it for decades and has found the freedom to explore the nature of our world along with the mastery of language that such depth of exploration demands. It’s utterly beautiful: a jewel of a book. Totally recommended.’ -- Manda Scott‘No Season But The Summer is strongest when it uses the conflict between immortality and decay to make us think about the climate crisis.’ -- Lily Herd * TLS *

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Book SynopsisHaving heard and learned stories of Sgiath over the past many years, I felt that the time was right to put them down in print lest they be lost. GEORGE MACPHERSON Long ago in ancient Skye, a queen is born in a storm… From the depths of Scottish folklore emerges Sgiath, an ancient warrior queen of Skye. Also known as Scáthach or Sgathaich, Skye and Dunscaith Castle – her home on the island all those years ago – are said to have been named after her. Follow her incredible journey as she turns from ordinary village girl to leader of a great army of warriors, conquering her opponents and bringing education to all. Magic and myth interweave with history in this epic tale of ancient oral storytelling that is inspirational for our modern times.

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Book SynopsisWhen light recedes from the land, Autumn''s fruitfulness is replaced by Winter''s cold, bleak stillness. But deep within the ground, in the cracks and crevices where the small creatures live, the light lives on, protected and cherished. And when the Hare calls, those that keep it know how to respond. The Lightbringers. A story of hope.

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Book SynopsisFull of beautiful text and illustrations, this lively story, originally created by Charlie Mackesy and now in a Welsh translation by Mererid Hopwood, will certainly strike a chord with readers. Its tender life lessons will remind us of friendship in the midst of a topsy-turvy world.

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New York magazine columnist Joy Gibson was searching for the answer to the eternal question: why are all the wrong people falling in love? After all, love is a choice surely… but what if it wasn’t your choice? Unbeknown to Joy, hers and other mortals choice is not an act of free will, but a will of the Gods. Or more importantly, one very vengeful God… Cupid. Trapped in a prison in the bowels of Hades for thousands of years by an ancient curse, Cupid remains captive until one special broken-hearted mortal shall set him free. Unfortunately, when Joy is dumped by her fiancée and has her heart broken… Joy becomes the very key to unlocking Cupid’s prison. On the rampage now, Cupid vows merciless vengeance upon mankind whom he blames for his incarceration and sets out to not only cleanse their hearts from the scourge of love with his poison arrows but to destroy their entire world they live on by turning the most powerful arrows that humans possess against themselves… nuclear weapons. Armed with only a bow and arrows borrowed from Cupid’s brother Eros, Joy hunts Cupid through the riot-torn city of New York whilst hunted herself by gangs of armed Hells Angels who are all baying for her blood. The fate of all mankind’s happiness and the lives of millions about to be incinerated by nuclear Armageddon all lie in Joy's hands, as she races against the clock to recapture a demon before he turns Earth into Hades. On her nightmare quest to unlock the alchemy of love, Joy encounters obese reality T.V. stars, psychotic Soviet Majors, randy royals in sex clubs and she finally finds out what the Hokey Cokey is really all about.

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Book Synopsis"You see me at my worst, you see me at my best I have been used, I have been abused I have been broken, I have been mended, I have been lied to. I have been called all sort of names I have been the cause of everything broken, so they claim Who am I? I am the one that catches you when you fall" Love has many layers. This heartfelt collection of original poetry explores the ups and downs of life's relationships. A beautiful study of the power of personal connection.Trade ReviewPraise for Beverley Gordon: "I wanted to saviour every word and pace my way through, but I couldn’t put it down ... this collection is relevant and thought provoking, I laughed I smiled and I thought it was deep ... what a great little read" ~ 5 stars

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Book SynopsisJoin Professor Goose as she travels through the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, exposing the flaws and explaining the science: bears live in dens, not houses! Did you know, the smallest bowl of porridge would have been the coldest, not 'just right' according to the laws of thermodynamics? Plus, find out what force broke baby bear's chair. Join Professor Goose as she travels through the pages of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, exposing the flaws and explaining the science: bears live in dens, not houses and the smallest bowl of porridge would have been the coldest!

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisA special hardback edition of Neil Gaiman''s internationally bestselling novel with stunning new contemporary artwork by Monet Alyssa. **Highly anticipated television adaptation of Anansi Boys coming soon to Amazon Prime Video**''Neil could never have known that he was writing for a confused Jamaican kid who, without even knowing it, was still staggering from centuries of erasure of his own gods and monsters'' MARLON JAMES---Fat Charlie Nancy never knew his dead dad was a god - Anansi the trickster. He never knew he had a brother either.Now brother Spider is on his doorstep, about to make life more interesting . . . and a lot more dangerous.It''s a meeting that will take Fat Charlie from his London home to Florida, the Caribbean, and the very beginning of the world itself. Or the end of the world, depending on which way you''re looking.**Includes black and white chapter artworTrade ReviewTo give him his full title: Neil Gaiman, Architect of Worlds, Svengali of Plot, Shaman of Character, Exploder of Cliche, Master Craftsman of Style, Dreamer, Laureate of the Republic of Letters -- David MitchellBeyond all the borders that divide us, there is a place of infinite possibilities and pure magic. I think of Neil Gaiman as a writer who wears the key to that land around his neck - the key to Storyland -- Elif ShafakGaiman is, simply put, a treasure-house of story -- Stephen KingA god in the universe of story -- Stephen FryA tonic for these turbulent times * Irish Times *Much too clever to be caught in the net of a single interpretation -- Philip PullmanIntimate, erudite and illuminating -- Guillermo del ToroWhile we might come to his writing for gods and monsters, actually all human life is here * Independent *

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Book SynopsisFrom the author of THE UNSEEING comes a sizzling, period novel of folk tales, disappearances and injustice set on the Isle of Skye, sure to appeal to readers of Hannah Kent''s BURIAL RITES or Beth Underdown''s THE WITCH FINDER''S SISTER.Longlisted for the 2018 Highland Book Prize''A wonderful combination of a thrilling mystery and a perfectly depicted period piece'' Sunday MirrorAudrey Hart is on the Isle of Skye to collect the folk and fairy tales of the people and communities around her. It is 1857 and the Highland Clearances have left devastation and poverty, and a community riven by fear. The crofters are suspicious and hostile to a stranger, claiming they no longer know their fireside stories. Then Audrey discovers the body of a young girl washed up on the beach and the crofters reveal that it is only a matter of weeks since another girl disappeared. They believe the girls are the victims of the restless dead: spirits Trade ReviewBleary-eyed this morning as I stayed up late to finish Anna Mazzola's The Story Keeper. Was it worth it? Hell yes -- James OswaldRich in character and description, this is a riveting Gothic flavoured story that is shaped by local folklore, myths and legends * Woman & Home *A twisty, atmospheric crime story * Daily Mail *An atmospheric and eerie read * Prima *Gripping Gothic thriller * BBC History Magazine *The book has the wonderfully creepy flavour of the work of Victorian suspense novelists like Sheridan Le Fanu and even some of the dark, mysterious magic of the folk stories Audrey loves * Sunday Express *Dripping in atmosphere, with powerful characters... this creepy tale of drowned maidens, shape-shifting spirits, changelings and bad fairies, casts its own powerful brand of dark magic * Sunday Mirror *Filled with narrative drive and energy * The Sunday Times *As eerie and atmospheric as it is enthralling and beautiful * Heat *Wonderfully eerie and atmospheric mystery that keeps the reader enthralled from the first page right to the very last...[Anna] weaves tales of suspense and intrigue that the story keepers in the title would be proud of * Daily Express *Chilling and atmospheric novel about the power of stories and survival * CultureFly *A chilling and refreshingly inventive Gothic novel that constantly subverts the reader's expectations -- Andrew TaylorFairies, folklore and a dose of historical realism - and one you'll want to get through in a single sitting * Image *A fierce and poignant novel, about superstitions & everything they conceal. For the last few chapters I was holding my breath... -- Beth Underdown, author of THE WITCHFINDER'S SISTERThe Story Keeper is brilliant. The imagery, the folklore, the sense of place, all of it combined is so intoxicating, creepy and compulsive. I loved it! -- Ali Land, author of GOOD ME, BAD MEA dark, mesmerising tale. This is a raw, unflinching portrait of nineteenth century Skye: brutal, bleak and beautiful. There is so much here to love - the beautiful prose, the sense of place, the exploration of the power of stories to warn and to comfort. But above all, this is a powerful, unputdownable story that had me turning the pages deep into the night. A beautiful and eerie page-turner -- Antonia Senior, author of TREASON'S DAUGHTERA beautifully written, and spellbinding story which took us back to the 19th century Isle of Skye, capturing the atmosphere, mystery - and menace - of an impoverished and divided island community, riddled with superstition and driven by fear. The raw measures taken to survive, and the beliefs held to make sense of a brutal and unforgiving landscape were woven magically into this extraordinary thriller -- Mary ChamberlainA deliciously Gothic read, Mazzola entwines sinister fairy tales with the dark side of Victorian history. Daphne Du Maurier fans will be hugging this to their chests. A compelling mystery drenched with atmosphere, The Story Keeper will sweep you away in a cloud of black birds * Laura Purcell, author THE SILENT COMPANIONS *I read The Story Keeper in a single sitting and am very glad it is still light because I have rarely encountered such a creepy and unsettling story. With echoes of The Wicker Man, the remote and desolate setting adds to the sense of threat but also gives it a timeless quality, like the folkloric stories it evokes -- Elizabeth FremantleA captivating, haunting mystery set in Skye that will keep you turning the pages through mist and sea spray. Loved this book -- Elisabeth GiffordWith The Story Keeper Anna Mazzola expertly weaves a chilling web of menace and intrigue that utterly ensnared and beguiled me. Beautifully written and compelling. I was glued to every page -- Rowan ColemanThe Story Keeper paints a beautiful but sinister picture of an isolated island community. Set against a complex and convincing historical backdrop, it is wonderfully dark, atmospheric and utterly captivating; at once a compelling tale of twisted secrets and superstitions, and a contemplation on the stories we all tell ourselves to survive -- Katherine ClementsStunning writing, steeped in folklore, brooding landscapes and whispering villagers, and a chilling mystery cloaked with a dark and creepy atmosphere -- Manda JenningsA stunningly unique tale. Intensely creepy and pulsating with atmosphere. A dark and deadly treat -- Angela ClarkeNothing is quite as it seems in this slippery Hebridean tale of a young woman's search for the truth in a shadowy world of lost rights, vanishing ritual, and hidden abuse. The Story Keeper is as provocative as it is evocative, and Anna Mazzola's enticing blend of historical record and gothic unease offers unpredictable insights into the nature of story-telling and power alike -- Lydia SysonSuch a beautiful, atmospheric book -- Sarah Day, author of MUSSOLINI'S ISLANDA hauntingly beautiful story of loss in all its forms -- Catherine HokinDarkly Gothic and soaked in atmosphere -- Rachel RhysA beautifully written, meticulously researched, atmospheric book that draws you into a brooding world of folklore and social conflict -- Adam HamdyLaced with murder, mystery and folklore. . . drenched in stormy Scottish atmosphere -- Jason HewittThe folklore of an isolated Scottish island is skilfully threaded through this chilling Victorian story of corruption and abuse. Anna Mazzola brings the landscape to vivid life -- Essie FoxAnna Mazzola is a brilliant writer and, with The Storykeeper, has crafted a Gothic mystery of superb spookiness. A novel to be savoured -- William Ryan

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Book SynopsisTo marry is madness.To escape is impossible.The Darlings of the Asylum by Noel O'Reilly grips like a vice' Nicola CornickIn 1886, a respectable young woman must acquire a husband. But Violet Pring longs to be a professional artist and live on her own terms.When she turns down a desirable marriage proposal from an eligible Brighton gentleman, her family have had enough of her independent streak. Against her wishes, they lock her away in Hillwood Grange Lunatic Asylum.Now at the mercy of the sinister Dr Rastrick, she must keep her wits about her if she has any hope of escaping.This tantalizing Gothic novel from Noel O'Reilly tells a thrilling story of duty and desire, madness and sanity, truth and delusion from within a Victorian asylum.Praise for The Darlings of the Asylum:Always engaging and readable' Sunday TimesThe narrative rattles along irresistibly all the way to its suitably gothic climax' Readers' DigestThis darkly atmospheric psychological thriller oozes menace' Women's OwnWow!Trade Review Praise for The Darlings of the Asylum: ‘Always engaging and readable’ Sunday Times ‘The narrative rattles along irresistibly all the way to its suitably gothic climax’ Readers’ Digest ‘This darkly atmospheric psychological thriller oozes menace’ Women’s Own ‘Wow! I have been on the edge of my seat with this one! The Darlings of the Asylum… grips like a vice. I was totally invested in Violet's struggle in this chilling Gothic novel’ Nicola Cornick, author of The Winter Garden ‘Gripping’ Alison Stockham, author of The Cuckoo Sister Praise for Noel O’Reilly: ‘Written with a blazing energy and a Gothic edge’ Daily Mail ‘Full of secrets, suspicions and rumour’ Woman & Home ‘Perfect prose, a fast-paced, intricate plot’ My Weekly ‘A gripping historical tale … I loved it’ Liz Fenwick, author of The River Between Us ‘Noel O’Reilly’s lyrical writing brilliantly evokes the struggles of life in such a dramatic setting, as well as the hypocrisy and jealousy of society’ Sunday Express ‘With echoes of Du Maurier… a tangled web of fallen faiths, of sins, seductions and deceits’ Essie Fox, author of The Last Days of Leda Grey

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Book SynopsisThe Shah Nameh (The Book of Kings), The Rubaiyat, The Divan, and The Gulistan (The Flower Garden) are amongst the greatest works of Persia, containing some of the most beautiful, rich and diverse language in the literary world. They rival Dante's Divine Comedy, India's Mahabharata, Sumeria's Epic of Gilgamesh and China's Dream of Red Mansions in their cultural impact, bringing to life the tales, myths and philosophy of ancient and high-medieval Persia. A fabulous concoction of verse and prose, these classical Persian texts offer stories of creation, love, conquest and the simple joy of life. The Flame Tree Gothic Fantasy, Classic Stories and Epic Tales collections bring together the entire range of myth, folklore and modern short fiction. Highlighting the roots of suspense, supernatural, science fiction and mystery stories, the books in Flame Tree Collections series are beautifully presented, perfect as a gift and offer a lifetime of reading pleasure.

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Book SynopsisThe Myths of Ancient Egypt are tied intimately to the presence and natural rhythms of the Nile. With their inventive mythology, the Egyptians explained the effects of famine, harvest, floods and death by creating a pantheon of gods that still holds our fascination today. This new book of classic tales brings the stories of the ancients to life, from the birth of creation by Ra, the sun god, to the murder of Osiris, and the revenge of Horus. We gain glimpses of the underworld and the afterlife, as the rulers of Egypt claimed lineage from the Gods both worshipped and fashioned by the people of Egypt, at a time when humankind had begun to shape the world around it. FLAME TREE 451: From mystery to crime, supernatural to horror and myth, fantasy and science fiction, Flame Tree 451 offers a healthy diet of werewolves and mechanical men, blood-lusty vampires, dastardly villains, mad scientists, secret worlds, lost civilizations and escapist fantasies. Discover a storehouse of tales gathered specifically for the reader of the fantastic.

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Book SynopsisTroll Bridge, a tale from the mind of Sunday Times bestselling writer Neil Gaiman, has been beautifully adapted for the first time by Eisner Award-winning writer/artist Colleen Doran. This striking graphic novel will delight fans of Alan Moore, Dave McKean and beyond. Young Jack''s world is full of ghosts and ghouls, but one monster - a ravenous and hideous troll - haunts him long into manhood. As the beast sups upon a lifetime of Jack''s fear and regret, Jack must find the courage within himself to face the fiend once and for all.Trade ReviewA rich imagination...and an ability to tackle large themesA quirky delightFunny, scary and perverse by turns - Time Out on SMOKE AND MIRRORS

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Book Synopsis'Charming lessons in life, death and kindness . . . Hugely moving' ObserverThis is the story of Mary, a young girl born in a beautiful city full of rose gardens and fluttering kites. When she is still very small, Mary meets Lanmo, a shining golden snake, who becomes her very best friend.The snake visits Mary many times, he sees her grow and her city change, as bombs drop and war creeps in. Lanmo wonders, can having a friend possibly be worth the pain of knowing you will lose them?Trade ReviewIncredibly moving, yet joyful. It made me cry * * Guardian * *Charming lessons in life, death and kindness . . . This heartwarming fable is a reassuring read for anyone, young or old, coming to terms with mortality . . . Hugely moving * * Observer * *After entering Kennedy's world, it's hard to find a way out . . . In The Little Snake, the swift emotional slippages click along, one after another, sentence after sentence, like an intricate concatenation of rainbow-bright dominoes. Funny, surprising and unexpected . . . Kennedy's prose - like the endlessly unreeling speculations of her most interesting characters - is simultaneously logical and illogical, sad and funny, simple and profound, turning over and over in endless permutations, like an elegant small snake wrestling against the constraints of its own shiny and menacing skin * * New York Times * *Teaches its protagonists lessons about cruelty, mortality and above all, love . . . [An] enchanting modern fairy tale . . . A fable for our time . . . Kennedy's humour and lightness of touch serves to underscore her serious intent: an urgent reminder of the small and great things that actually give life its meaning * * Financial Times * *A miniature fable . . . In this bitter age of broken borders, this timely, timeless story's large helping of sugar is not unwelcome * * Sunday Times * *As for brave, kind heroines, you can't do better than A.L. Kennedy's The Little Snake, about a girl who one day finds a handsome, vain snake wrapped round her ankle. It brings death, but they become friends. A lovely story, and good for readers of any age * * Spectator * *An homage to Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's The Little Prince, this fairytale novella is a simple but sumptuous read * * The Telegraph * *A beautiful, deceptively-simple read that delves into the human condition . . . Gorgeous turn of phrase . . . The result is a brief read that is poetic, life-affirming and saddening - and you don't want the end to come * * Herald * *Playful . . . sweet, sad but always a hairsbreadth away from whimsy, it's told in a soothing tone that, for better or worse, makes you feel as if you're sitting cross-legged on a classroom carpet * * Daily Mail * *Kennedy offers a gentle, clear-sighted and deeply moving commentary on what humanity really means * * Scotsman * *

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Book SynopsisTricksters and animals play an important role in West African folklore with stories that entertain but serve a moral purpose. Traditions and local tales revel in the antics of these characters: from Nigeria to Benin, from the cunning spider god Anansi to the equally crafty Tortoise, animals teach humans to farm, to love, to survive and thrive, and offer inspiration for moral purpose. This collection gathers these vital animal stories alongside tales of origin, life, death and human folly. FLAME TREE 451: From mystery to crime, supernatural to horror and myth, fantasy and science fiction, Flame Tree 451 offers a healthy diet of werewolves and robots, mad scientists, secret worlds, lost civilizations and escapist fantasies. Discover a storehouse of tales, ancient and modern gathered specifically for the reader of the fantastic.

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Book SynopsisThis book is your ultimate guide to Japan's scariest creatures!Yokai come in every imaginable shape and form—from frightening ghosts and cruel demons to cute fairies and enchanted animals. They can be evil monsters, harmless tricksters or prophets of doom, depending on their inclination.This book profiles 100 of the most fascinating Yokai, including: Tengu: A powerful Yokai that often takes human form with wings and a large nose who lives in mountains and forests Kappa: A deadly Yokai that lives near rivers and drags passersby into the water to drown Peroritaro: A grotesque Yokai that looks like blubbering child and has an appetite for greedy children Baku: A monstrous Yokai with an elephant's head, a bear's body, a rhino's eyes, an ox's tail and a tiger's legs that aids humans by devouring their nightmares And many more! Yokai expert Masami Kinoshita has been documenting Yokai in folklore, and in real life, for many years. This book presents her most interesting findings and has over 175 full-color illustrations that vividly depict the appearances of these weird creatures. No matter their origins, each Yokai has a strange and wonderful story that is sure to amaze you!Trade Review**Featured in ComicsBeat.com list of "45 Best Manga of Fall 2023""Impressively illustrated, exceptionally informative, thoroughly 'reader friendly'" —Midwest Book Review

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Book SynopsisMultimillion-copy bestselling author Gregory Maguire brings us the enchanting second novel in the series Another Day, returning to the world he first created in Wicked.The Oracle of Maracoor, the second in the trilogy called Another Day, continues the story of Elphaba’s green-skinned granddaughter, Rain.Trade Review“Rain’s story—begun in The Brides of Maracoor and finished, last month, in The Witch of Maracoor—felt like a gift. . . . The series is odd and dreamy, amnesiac and inventive, and full of what Maguire calls ephrarxis, which he defines as ‘nostalgia for something that had never been.’” — Tor.com “Gregory Maguire once again has created an awe-inspiring work of fantasy that takes on the Oz stories and improves on them through expansion of new characters, places and ideas. It all makes for an engaging read and welcome time spent in a place that feels simultaneously strange and eerily familiar.” — BookReporter on The Oracle of Maracoor “A decade after she flew Out of Oz in Maguire’s Wicked series, Elphaba’s granddaughter crash-lands on an island inhabited by seven sacrificial virgins. The arrival of the green-skinned teen (and her talking goose) upends their enclave. An exquisitely crafted introduction to a new fantasy trilogy.” — People on The Brides of Maracoor “Fans will look forward to reading more about the interaction of Oz, Rain and the strange society of Maracoor.” — Wall Street Journal on The Brides of Maracoor “Wonderful attention to detail. . . . [Maguire] does excellent character work. . . . The larger world of Maracoor Abiding . . . has echoes of Greek mythology and looks to be fertile ground as a setting for more books. An expertly crafted introduction to a new series of magic and adventure.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) on The Brides of Maracoor “The Brides of Maracoor once again shows Maguire’s rich, mesmerizing world building, full of small, frustrating human absurdities. . . . It also shows off his gift for crafting compelling characters. . . . It’s an intriguing, witty start to a fantastical proposed trilogy.” — Booklist “With its rich character development and a healthy dash of Maguire’s humor, this latest Oz tale is as satisfying a read as the Wicked Years quartet.” — Buzzfeed on The Brides of Maracoor “[A] complex, enticing fantasy. . . . Maguire cleverly teases out the characters’ motivation and desires, turning what at first appears to be a straightforward tale into a gripping page-turner. Fans will revel in this triumphant return to the world of Wicked.” — Publishers Weekly on The Brides of Maracoor

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Book SynopsisBook thirteen of the celebrated Deverry series, an epic fantasy rooted in Celtic mythology that intricately interweaves human and elven history over several hundred years.A dagger laid against our throat.'So Prince Dar of the Westlands calls Zakh Gral, a new fortress built by the Horsekin, the ancient enemies of his people. To help him destroy this threat, the elven prince has called upon his allies: the dwarven folk of the northern mountains and the human men of Deverry to the east. Their leaders know that if the Westlands fall to the Horsekin, their own throats will feel that dagger next. Joining them are two powerful dragons, who have their own bitter reasons to hate the Horsekin.But the fanatical Horsekin believe that they have the most powerful ally of all: a new goddess. Alshandra''s priestesses have announced that she has given the Horsekin the lands belonging to the prince and that his people must be utterly destroyed.Katharine Kerr's dazzling saga tells of ancient enmities anTrade 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

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Book Synopsis''One of those rare nights in the theatre when some strange alchemy takes place in the dark and as a shiver runs down your spine and a bubble of laughter rises in your throat, you remember why theatre really matters and can be such a transforming experience.'' GuardianIncludes the following dramatisations/stories:Blue BeardThe Husband Who Was to Mind the HouseThe Three WishesBeauty and the BeastThe Emperor''s New ClothesToby and the WolfThe Juniper TreeThe Girl and the North WindBeasts and Beauties premiered at the Bristol Old Vic in April 2004.

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Book SynopsisThe first in an epic trilogy charting the legend of Merlin.The legend begins...In the town of Segontium, a fugitive is washed ashore. He brutally rapes the granddaughter of the king of the Deceangli tribe, leaving her to bear his son, Myrddion Merlinus. Spurned as a demon seed, the boy is raised by his grandmother and he is apprenticed to a skilled healer who hones his remarkable gift. Meanwhile, the High King of the Celts, Vortigern, is rebuilding the ancient fortress at Dinas Emrys. According to a prophecy, he must use the blood of a demon seed to make the towers stand firm. Myrddion''s life is in jeopardy. But the boy has a prophecy of his own and a richer destiny to fulfil. Soon Vortigern shall be known as the harbinger of chaos, and Myrddion must use his gifts for good in a kingdom besieged by evil. So begins the healer''s journey to greatness...Trade ReviewPraise for M. K. Hume's Arthurian trilogy: 'Historical fiction of the most bloodthirsty and roistering kind * Australian Bookseller & Publishers Magazine *Exciting, violent and bloody... Up there with Conn Iggulden and Bernard Cornwell * www.lovereading.co.uk *

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Book SynopsisAri, Merlin and her Rainbow knights must pull off a heist thousands of years in the past – to save humanity’s future. The battle against the tyrannical Mercer corporation may have been won, but the war has only just begun. Now Ari and her cursed wizard Merlin must travel back in time to the unenlightened Middle Ages and steal King Arthur’s Grail – the very definition of impossible. But the time travellers have to tread carefully. If they come face-to-face with the original Arthurian legend, it could produce a ripple effect that changes the course of history. It’s a risky game where the past can be even more dangerous than the future.Trade Review'Empowering and boisterously modern.' * Booklist *Praise for Once and Future: ‘When I read Once and Future, a bold unexpected re-telling of King Arthur as an immigrant teenage girl, I knew it had all the same thrilling elements that would make the legend…a modern favourite once again.’ James Patterson ‘The inclusive, gender-bent King Arthur retelling that your bookshelf has been missing... An adventure of epic scale.’ B & N Teen Blog ‘A marvelous mythology remix for teens who enjoy action-packed speculative fiction and genderqueer romance.’ Publishers Weekly (starred review) ‘All hail this worthier-than-ever, fresh and affirming reincarnation of the legendary king and her round table of knights, which dazzles with heroic flair, humour and suspense.’ Kirkus (starred review)

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Book SynopsisThe Forest House tells of an era of upheaval and change. The Roman grip on their empire was slackening; the Druidic Order - far stronger that the tiny Christian sect - was itself in turmoil. Caught in the centre of the conflict is a young British girl of druidic family, chosen to be a priestess, and a roman tribune, ambitious for power but - as the son of a British mother - torn between two cultures. This is a dramatic, illuminating tale of rebellion and religion.

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Book SynopsisThe Celtic belief that by recording a story the spirit of the story and its teller would die, has meant that generations worth of stories of have been lost. Celtic Sea Stories brings together myths and legends from the past, which the author has collected throughout his lifetime, along with others written specifically for the collection, to provide an enchanting vision of Scottish life by the sea. From kings and fairies to mermaids and witches every tale explores a different aspect of a forgotten way of life. Before schools and television storytelling was the only way to entertain, impart wisdom and explain the inexplicable. Celtic Sea Stories allows readers to share in the storytelling experience again and again, while learning about Scottish history and culture.Trade Review.

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Book SynopsisThe legend of King Arthur lives on in this epic and dramatic new trilogy from the magnificent storyteller M. K. Hume. Sure to appeal to fans of Game of Thrones.Trade ReviewHume brings the bloody, violent, conniving world vividly to life...will appeal to those who thrill to Game of Thrones and other tales of intersecting, ever-warring, noble lineages * Kirkus Review *Hume deftly navigates the Arthurian legends, populating them with likable and despicable characters, and casting them in a fully realized historical setting * Publishers Weekly *Historical fiction of the most bloodthirsty and roistering kind * Australian Bookseller & Publishers Magazine *Exciting, violent and bloody... Up there with Conn Iggulden and Bernard Cornwell * www.lovereading.co.uk *It's a slice of history that's totally, utterly believable. Magnificent * www.booksmonthly.co.uk *

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Book SynopsisA widely celebrated translator's vivid, accessible, and elegantly concise rendering of an ancient English masterpieceBeowulftells the story of a Scandinavian hero who defeats three evil creaturesa huge, cannibalistic ogre named Grendel, Grendel's monstrous mother, and a dragonand then dies, mortally wounded during his last encounter. If the definition of a superhero is someone who uses his special powers to fight evil, thenBeowulfis our first English superhero story, and arguably our best. It is also a deeply pious poem, so bold in its reverence for a virtuous pagan past that it teeters on the edge of heresy. From beginning to end, we feel we are in the hands of a master storyteller. Stephen Mitchell's marvelously clear and vivid rendering re-creates the robust masculine music of the original. It both hews closely to the meaning of the Old English and captures its wild energy and vitality, not just as a deep work of literature but also as a rousing entertainment that can still stir our feelings and rivet our attention today, after more than a thousand years. This new translationspare, sinuous, vigorous in its narration, and translucent in its poetrymakes a masterpiece accessible to everyone. Trade Review“Mitchell aims to find for Beowulf a ‘contemporary language that seems natural and alive’, and he does this well… His rendering of Beowulf has much to offer —narrative momentum, clarity, a sense of the poem’s heroic verve, and a contemporary slant.”—Susan Irvine, Times Literary Supplement“A most readable, energetic, and colorful translation of this savage epic. . . . An amazing achievement.”—Billy Collins“Stephen Mitchell’s new translation of Beowulf is elegantly wrought, highly accurate, and fully annotated. It is a compact and remarkably readable version.”—Eric Weiskott, Boston College“Stephen Mitchell comes as close to fulfilling the translator’s task as anyone at work today. He admirably balances two imperatives: to maintain fidelity to the text while rendering it available to the English we speak today. Mitchell’s reader-friendly version of Beowulf honors the narrative and will extend the readership for this foundational work of English literature.”—David Lehman“Mitchell’s version is eloquent and conveys a true sense of the original. In addition, his notes are a great enhancement.”—Harold Bloom

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Book SynopsisThe Vinland Viking Saga: Book 1History set her fate in stoneMurderer. Mercenary. Temptress.Trickster. Traitor. Thief.But under a hammer that falls like thunder, stone will always shatter.So with her voice she lights the forge.The Voyage of Freydis sings the silenced tale of Freydis Eiriksdottir, the first and only woman to lead a Viking voyage across the Atlantic in this tempestuous retelling of an ancient Icelandic saga set at the dawn of the 11th century.Content notice: spousal abuse.Praise for The Voyage of Freydis:Anyone who loves Vikings and historical fiction definitely should pick up this book' Emily, NetGalley reviewerVery lyrically written, I felt as if I was reading a song' Tiffany, NetGalley reviewerAs a lover of mythology and historical fiction I knew immediately I was going to like this book and I'm pleased to say I not only liked it but I LOVED it!' Libby, NetGalley reviewerTamara Goranson's writing really shines here. I felt the cold, heard the wind, flinched with the blTrade Review‘Anyone who loves Vikings and historical fiction definitely should pick up this book’ Emily, NetGalley reviewer ‘Very lyrically written, I felt as if I was reading a song’ Tiffany, NetGalley reviewer ‘As a lover of mythology and historical fiction I knew immediately I was going to like this book – and I’m pleased to say I not only liked it but I LOVED it!’ Libby, NetGalley reviewer ‘Tamara Goranson’s writing really shines here. I felt the cold, heard the wind, flinched with the blows – that takes a lot of skill’ Dawn, NetGalley reviewer ‘Took me on a rollercoaster of emotions’ Charlotte, NetGalley reviewer

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Book SynopsisSub-Saharan Africa is a land of colourful contrasts and diverse cultures. Despite the destructive influences of colonialism and the slave trade and the lack of early written records, Africa has persevered with its powerful tradition of storytelling, with tales of its history passed down in songs and stories through the generations. Because of the huge diversity of lifestyles and traditions, no real unified mythology exists in Africa, but broadly speaking, a number of beliefs, ideas and themes are shared by African peoples. So this collection offers a selection of descriptions and tales, often those recorded faithfully by some of the first to put them to paper – tales of the gods, creation stories, trickster adventures, animal fables and stories which amuse and teach – from 'Olukun’s Revenge', from the Yoruba people of west Africa, to' The Story of the Glutton', from the Bantu-speaking peoples of east Africa, all brought together with the aim of providing an insight into the boundless and vibrant world of African myth. FLAME TREE 451: From mystery to crime, supernatural to horror and myth, fantasy and science fiction, Flame Tree 451 offers a healthy diet of werewolves and mechanical men, blood-lusty vampires, dastardly villains, mad scientists, secret worlds, lost civilizations and escapist fantasies. Discover a storehouse of tales gathered specifically for the reader of the fantastic.

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Book SynopsisReynard – a subversive, dashing, anarchic, aristocratic, witty fox from the watery lowlands of medieval East Flanders – is in trouble. He has been summoned to the court of King Noble the Lion, charged with all manner of crimes and misdemeanours. How will he pit his wits against his accusers – greedy Bruin the Bear, pretentious Courtoys the Hound or dark and dangerous Isengrim the Wolf – to escape the gallows? Reynard was once the most popular and beloved character in European folklore, as familiar as Robin Hood, King Arthur or Cinderella. His character spoke eloquently for the unvoiced and disenfranchised, but also amused and delighted the elite, capturing hearts and minds across borders and societal classes for centuries. Based on William Caxton’s bestselling 1481 English translation of the Middle Dutch, but expanded with new interpretations, innovative language and characterisation, this edition is an imaginative retelling of the Reynard story. With its themes of protest, resistance and duplicity fronted by a personable, anti-heroic Fox making his way in a dangerous and cruel world, this gripping tale is as relevant and controversial today as it was in the fifteenth century.Trade Review“Anne Louise Avery presents the full, complicated glory of the silver-tongued predator and his milieu in Reynard the Fox, a tour de force of storytelling and a beautiful object in itself. A writer and art historian, Ms. Avery deploys a scholar’s fluency with medieval language, literature and religion and a raconteur’s ease with anecdote.” -- Meghan Cox Gurdon * The Wall Street Journal *"Game of Thrones meets The Wind in the Willows in Avery's retelling of Reynard the Fox. Riffing on William Caxton's 1481 English translation of a popular Dutch beast epic, this is set in an intricate medieval world reminiscent of Brian Jacques's 'Redwall' series, except bawdy and violent. . . . By cleaving close to Caxton's medieval text, the challenge of Avery's language is equaled by the reward of world-building." -- Katherine Magyarody * School Library Journal *"Anne Louise Avery has done a new translation of the Caxton tale for the Bodleian Library, but has amplified the relatively brief traditional tales with her own prose. . . . By all means, give this book to someone you love as a gift, but be sure to buy one for yourself. The immersive reading experience is lovely." -- Jill O’Neill * Scholarly Kitchen *"This is marvelously spirited and adroit storytelling and an exciting example of innovative translation. Anne-Louise Avery communicates throughout sheer pleasure in the material and luxuriates in its lexical exuberance. Adding mischievous contemporary twists, she has wonderfully refreshed and revivified the medieval collection and shows how these traditional animal fables, with their large and lively cast of characters and their wicked and seductive protagonist, have lost none of their truth-telling power." * Marina Warner *“Reynard the Fox as retold by Anne Louise Avery is a delight to read and an example of how our oldest tales are still some of the best ones around.” -- Richard Marcus * Seattle Post Intelligencer *

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Book SynopsisThe Polynesian triangle covers Easter Island, Hawaii, New Zealand and the many isles in between. The legends of the region are based on the creation of land, fish, sea, valleys and the volcanic outcrops scattered across the long stretches of the Pacific. The beautiful myths of the ancient Polynesians are brought together in this new collection: from Hawaii the Rainbow Maiden of Manoa undulates through the valleys and rainbow mists; the creator Maui releases his fish hooks into the sea to raise the islands to the surface; and tales of Pele the Fire Goddess, who hurls fountains of molten rock into the air creating vast flows of lava. From the Maori of New Zealand come the strange fruit of darkness, the tales of Tiki and the Great Mother from whom the gods descend, then humankind. And from Polynesia, more legends of Maui creating the ancestors, and Hina the moon goddess. Such myth-making joy creates a rare unity in diversity as the ancient Polynesians strove to explain the beauty and darkness of their lush ocean worlds, now offered in this new selection of myths and legends. FLAME TREE 451: From myth to mystery, the supernatural to horror, fantasy and science fiction, Flame Tree 451 offers a healthy diet of werewolves and mechanical men, blood-lusty vampires, dastardly villains, mad scientists, secret worlds, lost civilizations and escapist fantasies. Discover a storehouse of tales gathered specifically for the reader of the fantastic.

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Book SynopsisONLY ONE CAN BE QUEEN'A feminist fantasy fairy tale not to be missed' BookPage Sixteen-year-old Mina is motherless, her magician father is vicious, and her silent heart has never beat with love for anyone. In fact, it has never beat at all, for her father cut it out and replaced it with one of glass. When she moves to Whitespring Castle, Mina forms a plan: win the king's heart with her beauty, become queen, and finally know love. The only catch is that she'll have to become a stepmother.Fifteen-year-old Lynet looks just like her late mother, and one day she discovers why: a magician created her out of snow in the dead queen's image. Lynet would rather be like her fierce and regal stepmother, Mina, but when her father makes her queen of the southern territories, Mina starts to look at Lynet with something like hatred, and Lynet must decide what to do - and who to be - in order to win back the only mother she's ever known . . . or else defeat her once and for all.'An empowering and progressive original retelling' School Library Journal'Utterly superb' ALA Booklist'Dark, fantastical, hauntingly evocative' KirkusTrade ReviewGirls Made of Snow and Glass is recognisably drawing on Snow White, but its queerness, and its focus on relationships between (step) mothers and daughters, makes it a compelling, refreshingly new version of a very old story. I liked it a lot * Tor.com *In Girls Made of Snow and Glass, Melissa Bashardoust has given us exquisite displays of magic, complex mother-daughter relationships, and gloriously powerful women triumphing in a world that does not want them to be powerful. A gorgeous, feminist fairy tale * Traci Chee, New York Times bestselling author of The Reader *A feminist fairy tale not to be missed * BookPage *Utterly superb * ALA Booklist *Dark, fantastical, hauntingly evocative * Kirkus Reviews, starred review *An empowering and progressive original retelling * School Library Journal *

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Book SynopsisMany medieval writers, especially from France and Wales, wrote stories about the great British leader that was King Arthur. Legends, folklore and myths from this period come together to paint a picture of who he was. Some describe him as a great warrior, defending Britain from its enemies, while others suggest Arthur had magical qualities. Throughout this mystery, King Arthur has become an iconic figure, known for his court and knights, all over the world. This collection offers a selection of myths, featuring Arthur’s knights of the round table, his love for Queen Guinevere and of course the ultimate betrayal by one of his most trusted knights, Sir Launcelot. All awaken the magical and exciting world of King Arthur. FLAME TREE 451: From mystery to crime, supernatural to horror and myth, fantasy and science fiction, Flame Tree 451 offers a healthy diet of werewolves and mechanical men, blood-lusty vampires, dastardly villains, mad scientists, secret worlds, lost civilizations and escapist fantasies. Discover a storehouse of tales gathered specifically for the reader of the fantastic.

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Book SynopsisWith a new introduction, comes the story of Hannibal, often regarded as a successor to the mantle of Alexander the Great, at a time when Carthage, in North Africa, and Rome were rivals for land and power across the Mediterranean sea. A masterful tactician, a resourceful planner and courageous general, Hannibal famously crossed the Alps with a vast army of 100,000 soldiers and their elephants to make his mark on history, winning a series of battles across the Roman territories, holding much of Italy for over 15 years without ever quite overthrowing the Roman Republic. FLAME TREE 451: From myth to mystery, the supernatural to horror, fantasy and science fiction, Flame Tree 451 offers a healthy diet of werewolves and mechanical men, blood-lusty vampires, dastardly villains, mad scientists, secret worlds, lost civilizations and escapist fantasies. Discover a storehouse of tales gathered specifically for the reader of the fantastic.

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Book SynopsisTwo worlds bound by a pomegranate gateToba Peres can speak but she can’t shout; she can walk but she can’t run; and she can write in five languages… with both hands at the same time.Naftaly Cresques dreams every night of an orange-eyed stranger; when awake, he sees things that aren’t real; and he carries a book he can never lose and never read.When the Queen of Sefarad orders all the nation’s Jews to leave or convert, Toba and Naftaly are forced to flee, but an unlucky encounter leaves them both separated from their caravan. Lost in the wilderness, Toba follows an orange-eyed stranger through a mysterious gate in a pomegranate grove, leaving Naftaly behind. With a single step, Toba enters an ancient world that mirrors her own. There, she finds that her fate—and Naftaly’s—are bound to an ancient conflict threatening to destroy both realms.Trade Review“Lush and exciting”—Publishers Weekly“Combines lyrical writing with meticulous world-building and brilliant characters and douses it all with a good dose of magic.”—Grimdark Magazine“Marvellous, numinous and strange.” --Tor.com

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Book SynopsisIncluding the contents of the classic collections Uncanny Stories (1923) and The Intercessor and Other Stories (1931), this new volume also features two rare strange tales from a third, lesser-known book which explore further facets of Sinclair's fascination with the uncanny.

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Book SynopsisA dazzling collection of retold and original fairy tales from fifteen acclaimed and bestselling YA writers, including Tracy Deonn and Melissa Albert. A dazzling collection of fifteen original and retold fairy tales from acclaimed and bestselling writers Fairy tales have been spun for thousands of years and remain among our most treasured stories. Weaving fresh takes and unexpected reimaginings, At Midnight brings together a diverse group of celebrated writers to breathe new life into our beloved traditions. Dahlia Adler, “Rumplestiltskin” Tracy Deonn, “The Nightingale” H.E. Edgmon, “Snow White” Hafsah Faizal, “Little Red Riding Hood” Stacey Lee, “The Little Matchstick Girl” Roselle Lim, “Hansel and Gretel” Darcie Little Badger, “Puss in Boots” Malinda Lo, “Frau Trude” Alex London, “Cinderella” Anna-Marie McLemore, “The Nutcracker” Rebecca Podos, “The Robber Bridegroom” Rory Power, “Sleeping Beauty” Meredith Russo, “The Little Mermaid” Gita Trelease, “Fitcher’s Bird” and an all-new fairy tale by Melissa Albert

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