Speculative fiction

Book Synopsis''The forerunner of an entire school of African literary art.' Sunday TimesThose men who are history now; did they feel like this? A 1950s Hampstead pub; a freezing night. Lois can''t tear her eyes away from the haunted, restless African man in the corner. Over brandy and stew, she discovers he is in awe of her friend, Panafrica''s greatest political writer and fighter. Their meeting inducts this stranger, Udomo, into London''s revolutionary community of exiled African activists: the start of a life-changing journey. Amidst the internal politics and love affairs, Udomo is inspired by other leaders'' independence uprisings; but when he returns to his native land to overthrow the colonial oppressors, his idealism is put to the ultimate test ... Inspired by Peter Abrahams'' befriending of future African heads of state in mid-century London, A Wreath for Udomo (1956) is a radical lost classic, unforgettably expTrade Review'An African writer, a writer of the world, who opened up in South Africa a path of exploration for us, the writers who have followed the trail he bravely blazed.' - Nadine Gordimer'Abrahams explored with sensitivity and passion, the injustices of apartheid and the complexities of racial politics . An important literary voice.' - New York Times'He writes with vividness and great dignity . The forerunner of an entire school of African literary art.' - Sunday Times'With all that has been written about Africa, hardly anything has been said about the most significant people of all - the African leaders, revolutionaries one moment, Prime Ministers the next. This unusual novel, written with a close and sympathetic knowledge, gives a fascinating insight into these men.' - Observer'Intelligent and exciting . Written with skill and sympathy.' - TLS

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Book SynopsisFrom the acclaimed author of Sofia Khan is Not Obliged comes a sharply observed novel, charged with compassion and dark wit, that will spark important conversations about how we live, relate and communicate now.Trade ReviewPowerful and profound -- Daisy BuchananOriginal, clever, insightful and packs a hell of a feminist punch. I loved it -- Joanne HarrisBrilliantly insightful, witty, smart. A revelation and a revolution all in one -- Kasim AliDazzling, clever and mind-blowingly creative . . . This isn't just a book, it's a world-changing conversation -- Lucy VineMalik makes us care with wry humour and bite -- Helen LedererAyisha Malik started at a high point and just gets better all the time. I loved this book, with its subtle satire and memorable characters -- Louis de BernièresA beautiful, funny, searing examination of the modern world and its sensibilities -- Imran MahmoodA book for, and of, the now -- Vaseem KhanAn explosive work of art, bold and brilliant -- Sairish HussainA stunning, monumental novel, which will make you think about who is heard, who isn't - and why not -- Inga VesperAn intelligent look at what it means to have a voice * Grazia *A really clever and creative examination of how we interact with each other, in person and on online, and the issues that affect our lives * CultureFly *

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Book SynopsisTHE SECOND NOVEL FROM PATRICIA MARQUES, FOLLOWING ON FROM THE COLOURS OF DEATH A woman's body is found in a river just outside of Lisbon. Inspectors Isabel Reis and Aleksandr Voronov identify the murder victim as Marta Nunes - a youth centre worker who, like Isabel, classifies as Gifted. Born with special abilities, the Gifted are often looked at with a certain level of suspicion. In the search for her killer, Reis digs into Marta's past. She soon discovers that she is connected to a number of missing women. All young, all telepathic Gifted, all vanished off the face of the earth. Marta might have been helping these missing girls, or she might have been hurting them. But Inspector Reis needs to find the truth about who killed Marta and why, and she needs to find where the missing girls go. Because some of them might still be alive out there . . .*Preorder now*Praise for the Inspector Reis series 'Breathtakingly original, and a captivating sense of place' Val McDermid, bestselling author of Still Life 'Compelling and original, this glints with freshness' Daily Mail 'A brilliantly inventive and twisty tale' Claire McGowan, bestselling author of The Push 'A good detective story . . . intriguing' Guardian 'A distinctive, intriguing, immersive debut' Mari Hannah, multi-award winning author of Without a Trace

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Book SynopsisIt’s the late postgenomic era and the loss of habitable landmass has led to severe limits on human birth. In the drive for species perfection, fewer and fewer can breed, and the long-simmering tension between the reproductive ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’ is coming to the boil. A young woman’s body is found, and Detective Cooper-Clark (Coop to his friends) thinks it a routine case: yet another victim of the ‘red-dirt cocktail’ of drugs, disease and despair. But when he discovers the female had recently miscarried an illegal pregnancy, the case turns anything but routine. Convinced the lost baby is the key to the murder, Coop finds himself sucked into the dirty waters of state-sponsored eugenics and to the heart of an existential struggle for control over human reproduction.

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Book SynopsisFrom internationally bestselling author Terry Goodkind, comes this outstanding epic adventure set in the captivating world of his classic Sword of Truth novels.The Sword of Truth is Terry Goodkind''s wonderfully creative, seamless, and stirring epic fantasy set in a fascinating world rich in detail, history and incredible violence.Reluctant hero turned magical warrior Richard Rahl has long since learned the wizard''s first rule (People are stupid and will believe almost anything) and accepted his fate. With his beloved Kahlan Amnell, the last Mother Confessor, he has battled unearthly adversaries, military foes, the Underworld, the malign and wild magic of the Old World, even the elements themselves.Now Terry Goodkind, acclaimed and superlatively gifted storyteller, delivers another thrilling novel, with all the complexity and taut characterization we''ve come to expect from this master of fantasy.Trade ReviewPraise for Terry Goodkind: ‘A real born storyteller'Anne McCaffrey 'Everything one could ask for in an epic fantasy'Publishers Weekly

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Book Synopsis'Will burrow under your skin and live forever in your darkest dreams' BustJoyce Carol Oates assembles a spectacular cast to explore, subvert and reinvent one of horror's most visceral of subgenres. Focusing on distortions of the human body, the fifteen short stories of A Darker Shade will delight, disgust and shock you.From the metaphysical horror of a snail trapped in body of a young office worker, to a women cursed to dance endlessly, her body ravaged and torn, these are stories that confront the inextricable link between physical and mental terror.Featuring brand-new stories by: Margaret Atwood, Raven Leilani, Lisa Tuttle, Tananarive Due, Joyce Carol Oates, Megan Abbott, Aimee Bender, Cassandra Khaw, Lisa Lim, Elizabeth Hand, Valerie Martin, Sheila Kohler, Joanna Margaret and Aimee LaBrie, and Yumi Dineen Shiroma.Trade ReviewA bold collection of horror stories that flies in the face of both gender and genre conventions * Kirkus Reviews *Will burrow under your skin and live forever in your darkest dreams * Bust *A provocative and incisive collection . . . Prepare yourself for some truly unsettling stories * CrimeReads *For this chilling anthology, Oates brings together 15 stories exploring body horror through women's experiences . . . the thematic probe into bodily autonomy makes this a must-read for fans of feminist horror * Publishers Weekly *

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Book SynopsisWinner of the 2020 Locus, World Fantasy, British Fantasy, Ignyte, and Brave New Words Awards.“There’s nothing new under the sun, but there are new suns,” proclaimed Octavia E. Butler.New Suns: Original Speculative Fiction by People of Color showcases emerging and seasoned writers of many races telling stories filled with shocking delights, powerful visions of the familiar made strange. Between this book’s covers burn tales of science fiction, fantasy, horror, and their indefinable overlappings. These are authors aware of our many possible pasts and futures, authors freed of stereotypes and clichés, ready to dazzle you with their daring genius.Unexpected brilliance shines forth from every page.Includes stories by Kathleen Alcala, Minsoo Kang, Anil Menon, Silvia Moreno-Garcia, Alex Jennings, Alberto Yanez, Steven Barnes, Jaymee Goh, Karin Lowachee, E. Lily Yu, Andrea Hairston, Tobias Buckell, Hiromi Goto, Rebecca Roanhorse, Indrapramit Das, Chinelo Onwualu and Darcie Little Badger.Trade Review“This book’s wide range of stories is its greatest strength; though no reader will love them all, every reader will find something worth rereading.” -- Publishers Weekly, starred review“Powerful” -- Locus“Varied, rich, and delightful” -- Los Angeles Review of Books“A great choice for people entirely new to genre fiction and a solid read for anybody” -- Book Riot“A celebration of people of color” -- Lightspeed Magazine“An earnest compilation of voices from many ethnicities and backgrounds, exploring their experiences as people of colour, and as marginalised people.” -- Tor.com“New Suns does more than offer a diverse group of writers of colour from different backgrounds: it also offers a diversity of the futures that can be possible in the speculative canon.” -- Strange HorizonsTable of Contents Foreword, LeVar Burton The Galactic Tourist Industrial Complex, Tobias S. Buckell Deer Dancer, Kathleen Alcalá The Virtue of Unfaithful Translations, Minsoo Kang Come Home to Atropos, Steven Barnes The Fine Print, Chinelo Onwualu unkind of mercy, Alex Jennings Burn the Ships, Alberto Yanez The Freedom of the Shifting Sea, Jaymee Goh Three Variations on a Theme of Imperial Attire, E. Lily Yu Blood and Bells, Karin Lowachee Give Me Your Black Wings Oh Sister, Silvia Moreno-Garcia The Shadow We Cast Through Time, Indrapramit Das The Robots of Eden, Anil Menon Dumb House, Andrea Hairston One Easy Trick, Hiromi Goto Harvest, Rebecca Roanhorse Kelsey and the Burdened Breath, Darcie Little Badger Afterword, Nisi Shawl

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Book SynopsisIn Malacia, a city where change is forbidden and radical ideas are crushed, a war like no other is about to commence… The Brian Aldiss collection includes over 50 books and spans the author’s entire career, from his debut in 1955 to his more recent work.Trade Review‘Britain’s finest science-fiction writer.’ Tribune ‘Once again he demonstrates the power of his imagination.’ Daily Mail ‘It’s a terrific yarn, but more than that; as Aldiss casually throws out ideas and speculations, it’s a reminder of why he’s one of the giants of the field.’ SFX Magazine ‘One of our best novelists.’ William Boyd ‘A rattling good yarn’ Daily Telegraph ‘Brian Aldiss is one of those writers who can stand back and look out across the vast fictional landscape of sciences fiction, and consider himself both a creator and a destroyer of worlds; a mortal God if you will.’ Starburst Magazine 'For decades, Brian Aldiss has been among our most prolific and consistently stylish writers.' Telegraph ‘Frightening, gripping… not one for the squeamish’ Illustrated London News ‘The best of British science fiction writers’ Scotsman

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Book SynopsisA new Kahlan and Richard fantasy novel from bestselling author, Terry Goodkind.Trade Review‘Few writers have Goodkind’s power of creation’Publishing News ‘Goodkind’s greatest triumph: the ability to introduce instantly identifiable characters. His heroes, like us, are not perfect. Instead, each is flawed in ways that strengthen rather than weaken their impact.’SFX ‘A real born storyteller'Anne McCaffrey 'Everything one could ask for in an epic fantasy'Publishers Weekly

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Book SynopsisAfter his unexpected journey into the land of the fey, Ethan Chase just wants to get back to his normal life with his girlfriend Kenzie. But when your sister is one of the most powerful faeries in the Nevernever, ‘normal’ simply isn’t an option. Ethan’s nephew, Keirran, is missing and on the verge of doing something unthinkable in the name of saving his own love. Something that will fracture the human and faery worlds forever. Now, as Ethan’s and Keirran’s fates entwine and Keirran slips further into darkness, Ethan’s next choice will decide the fate of them all.

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Book SynopsisIn January 2314, Rowena Savalas – a curator of the vast archive of the twenty-first century’s primitive internet – stumbles upon a story posted in the summer of 2024. She’s quickly drawn into the mystery of the text: Is it autobiography, fantasy or fraud? What’s the significance of the recurring number 381? In the story, the protagonist Fairly walks the Horned Road – a quest undertaken by youngsters in her village when they come of age. She is followed by the “breathing man,” a looming presence, dogging her heels every step of the way. Everything she was taught about her world is overturned. Following Fairly’s quest, Rowena comes to question her own choices, and a predictable life of curation becomes one of exploration, adventure and love. As both women’s stories draw to a close, she realises it doesn’t matter whether the story is true or not: as with the quest itself, it’s the journey that matters.Trade Review“One of the most original and provocative voices in contemporary science fiction.” -- Nina Allen“Intense and consuming writing, constantly challenging expectations.” -- Adrian Tchaikovsky“Whiteley takes the reader on a cryptic journey of trust, identity and knowing your place in the world.” -- Starburst Magazine“Whiteley’s trademark subtle surrealism shines.” -- Publishers Weekly“A melancholy and compellingly weird tale of identity in crisis.” -- SFX“A unique work of literary and speculative excellence.” -- SciFiNow“Three Eight One is an extraordinary offering from one of the UK’s greatest living writers of speculative fiction – blurring genres and playing with form to produce a gripping, exciting, poetic adventure.” -- Oliver Langmead, author of Birds of Paradise and Metronome“A hero’s journey stripped back to its essence, remixed with spaceships and conspiracies, masquerade and menace. Is it an allegory pretending to be an adventure story? An adventure masquerading as a secret history of the world? A new kind of wisdom literature for the digital age? Whatever it is I loved every second of it. Truly Aliya Whiteley is one of the most original and interesting writers in the field.” -- Helen Marshall, author of The Migration“There’s nothing like a new Aliya Whiteley novel, and no Aliya Whiteley novel is like any other. Three Eight One may be her most enigmatic work to date, a parable of maturation and the milestones of life that is at once mythical and down-to-earth. I adored every moment of it, and I found it overwhelming in its scope, honesty and emotional impact. It’s certainly one of the best novels I’ve read this year.” -- Tim Major, author of You Don’t Belong Here and Snakeskins“A brain-charging voyage through the present and the future, a novel that shepherds the reader out and then brings her back in, changing her in the process. It’s like Kafka rewrote Pale Fire as a science-fictional novel. A Pilgrim’s Progress through a godless world where the pilgrim is Patrick McGoohan’s ‘Prisoner.’ A dream of a book, in several senses: enigmatic, marvellous, utterly original. Whiteley really is one of the most striking and brilliant writers working today.” -- Adam Roberts, author of The Thing Itself“Masterfully written and rich with meaning, Three Eight One confirms Aliya Whiteley as one of our most ingenious -- and important -- storytellers. Travelling the Horned Road is a wild and unique experience: funny and thoughtful, frightening and joyful. I already want to go back.” -- Matt Hill, author of Lamb and The Breach“Like watching a magic trick happen... I’m going to be thinking about Three Eight One for a long time.” -- Fiona Barnett, author of The Dark Between the Trees“Three Eight One celebrates the art of storytelling with every clever twist and turn in this exquisitely crafted, beautifully realized voyage of discovery.” -- E. J. Swift, author of The Coral Bones and Paris Adrift“Slippery and whip-smart, this is a novel profoundly perceptive of the human condition. It has a disorienting ebb and flow – elegantly elusive and dream-like at times, while also being finely-tuned and precise. A mediation, perhaps, on the fallacies of history, and the futility of searching for meaning.” -- Lucie McKnight Hardy, author of Water Shall Refuse Them and Dead Relatives“Whiteley’s self-deconstructing quest narrative is a puzzle box full of delights, perils and strange wonders. Haunting.” -- Mike Carey, author of The Girl With All the Gifts and The Book of Koli“One of the books of the year. Superb, on every level.” –Buzz Magazine“A wonderfully alienating experience.” –SFX, five star review“Brilliant in its playful inventiveness.” –The FTA “journey that slowly unpeels itself” —SciFiNow“A quirky, unsettling work from one of the most original writers of speculative fiction in Britain today.” —The Guardian“Three Eight One is a puzzle novel that is not meant to be coherently or definitively resolved.” —Skiffy and Fanty"Exceptionally clever, deep and multi-layered story(ies), leaving a lot of matter to think about. Reminds me of some of Gene Wolfe's stuff in the best way." -- Adrian Tchaikovsky

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Book SynopsisThe third instalment in the Darkhaven series.Trade ReviewPraise for DARKHAVEN: ‘DARKHAVEN hooked me quickly with its assured prose, nonstandard secondary world, and willingness to explore shapeshifting from another angle … The prose remains elegant and assured throughout, and the story’s charms are enough to keep the reader engaged and interested’ In the Forest of Stories ‘I really enjoyed the concept of this book, and I was looking forward to finding out more about the shifter’s abilities and whether or not there were more shifters to be discovered. Overall, I loved the writing style … whilst the blend of characters complemented each other well and helped the story to flow at a good pace’ Book Chick City ‘The reader cannot help but be drawn in by such an amazing world in which the characters wander. The city runs on symbolism and ritual. Each person has a place, and each place has a meaning. The backdrop is beautiful, the characters are engaging, and although you might see the third act twist coming, Smith still provides plenty of surprises and intrigue to leave me eagerly waiting for what’s next’ Fangirls Read it First ‘What a very enjoyable start to series … a very engaging read that I really enjoyed and it ended on a perfect set up for the next book’ Lynn’s Books

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Book Synopsis'Spine-tingling' New York Times'A fast-paced, thrill-a-minute début novel' New Yorker'Graedon knows how to ratchet up mystery' EsquireWORDS ARE UNDER THREAT. IT'S TIME TO FIGHT BACK...Imagine a world without words. A world in which books, libraries and newspapers are things of the past. A world where personal devices provide all you could want or need.Anana Johnson and her father, Doug, are hard at work on the final edition that will ever be printed of the English Dictionary. But one evening, Doug disappears and Anana unearths a single written clue: ALICE.In the battle to save her father, Anana discovers secret societies, dark incinerator rooms and underground passages. Above all, she finds a world that faces ruin from the dark side of technology. Praise for The Word Exchange'A nervy, nerdy dystopian thriller' New York Times Book Review'A propulsive, twisty future-noir' Daily Beast'Spectacular' Karen Russell, author of Swamplandia! and Vampires in the Lemon Grove'Dazzling' Slate'Wildly ambitious, darkly intellectual and inventive' Kirkus Reviews, starred review Trade ReviewClever, breathless and sportively Hegelian . . . THE WORD EXCHANGE combines the jaunty energy of youngish adult fiction (boyfriend trouble, parent conflicts, peer pressure and post-collegiate jitters) with the spine-tingling chill of the science-fiction conspiracy genre -- Liesel Schillinger * NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW *Graedon's spectacular, ambitious debut explores a near-future America that's shifted almost exclusively to smart technologies, where print is only a nostalgia . . . it's as full of humanity as it is of mystery and intellectual prowess * PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY, starred review *[A] remarkable first novel, combining a vividly imagined future with the fondly remembered past . . . exquisite * BOOKLIST, starred review *A wildly ambitious, darkly intellectual and inventive thriller about the intersection of language, technology and meaning * KIRKUS, starred review *Alena Graedon's spectacular debut is a story for our age of 'accelerated obsolescence.' A genuinely scary and funny mystery about linguistic slippage and disturbance, it's also a moving meditation on our sometimes comic, sometimes desperate struggles to speak, and to listen, and to mean something to one another.To borrow Graedon's own invention, THE WORD EXCHANGE is 'synchronic'--a gorgeous genre mashup that offers readers the pleasures of noir, science fiction, romance and philosophy. It's an unforgettable joyride across the thin ice of language -- Karen Russell, author of Swamplandia! and Vampires in the Lemon GroveImaginative, layered, and highly original, THE WORD EXCHANGE is an engagingly creepy story of technology gone wrong and a clever meditation on the enduring mysteries of language and love -- Karen Thompson Walker, author of THE AGE OF MIRACLESWow! This highly addictive future noir is also terrifyingly prescient. Set in a parallel New York filled with language viruses, pneumatic tubes, and heartbreak, Alena Graedon's book is luminous and haunting at every turn. I will never look at words in quite the same way-and neither will you. -- Reif Larsen, author of THE SELECTED WORKS OF T.S. SPIVETCan you imagine a future without books, newspapers or magazines? Alena Graedon has done just that - her debut novel conjures up a scarily plausible dystopian future, where print is dead and intuitive handheld devices are the only method of communication. * THE LADY *In Graedon's dystopian future, face-to-face interfacing is finished and even email is a fading memory; when the man working on the last-ever dictionary goes missing, his daughter sets out to find him and discovers murky anti-literate corporate forces and outposts of word-loving outlaws. * ESQUIRE MAGAZINE *The idea of technology taking over our lives to such an extent that we can no longer function without it was an interesting premise, and one that most of us will be able to relate to. -- Louise Jones * THE BOOKBAG *

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Book SynopsisNamed as one of '50 Writers You Should Read Now' by The Guardian. From the award-winning author of The Rift, Nina Allan, this early novel cements her reputation as one of the most interesting contemporary speculative fiction writers. Ruby tells the story of Ruby Castle told in snapshots and fleeting glimpses and secret histories, in tales repeated and reinvented by those who fall under the horror film actress's spell: her childhood sweetheart, an antiquarian bookseller with a passion for magical artifacts, the mistress of the poet who was once Castle's lover, a young girl in a future Russia who dreams of the stars. Worlds collide, and the boundaries between the real and the fantastic begin to break down. Is Ruby Castle a living person or a collective fantasy? By the time the final page of Ruby is turned, the world that Castle created through her films has become dangerously indistinguishable from our own.

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Book SynopsisThe sixth book in the epic Morland Dynasty series

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Book Synopsis Between the years of 1886 and 1939, the world saw the first automobiles, rapid urbanization, the decay of empires, vast economic inequality, the first airplanes and the terrifying secrets of the atom. It was a time of cataclysmic cultural and technological transformation, and spawned the rise of the literary genres of science fiction, fantasy and horror. This work assembles gems of late nineteenth and early twentieth century genre literature, including stories by such literary giants as H.P. Lovecraft, Robert E. Howard, C. L. Moore, A. Merritt and E. M. Forster, as well as smaller authors like Clare Winger Harris, Marie Corelli, William Hope Hodgson and others. An array of incisive nonfiction pieces on cultural and scientific advances of the time period provides a context for the anthology''s stories.Trade ReviewAn excellent anthology for a number of reasons: the spread of stories and authors draws from seemingly disparate backgrounds, but in a way that cuts across generic markers which have become a bit too pat. Here we have science fiction, horror, and fantasy presented together, rather than rolled back into their now conventional stalls; the arbitrary divides between 'popular' and 'literary' fiction are questioned by way of the editors' discussion of the work in terms of Modernism. For course use, this anthology would be great in both genre and general fiction contexts. But most importantly, it is a great collection of stories, some fairly common, but many less well known."—Jamie Williamson, author of The Evolution of Modern Fantasy: From Antiquarianism to the Ballantine Adult Fantasy Series"The Spark of Modernism explores how turn-of-the-century American and British speculative authors used tales of other worlds and times as funhouse mirrors to engage some of the most pressing scientific and social issues of their day—many of which are still with us in the contemporary moment. Editors Bill Gillard, James Reitter, and Robert Stauffer have curated a lively and comprehensive volume that features science fiction, fantasy, and horror stories by genre luminaries alongside pieces from writers more often thought of as scientists, philosophers, political activists, and journalists. Complete with detailed biographies that make the authors and their works come alive for modern audiences, this book is a must-read for science fiction scholars and fans alike. Highly Recommended!"—Lisa Yaszek, Regents Professor of Science Fiction Studies at Georgia Tech"A wonderful, indeed sense-of-wonder-full, collection of classic speculative fiction: some famous pieces, some less well known to day, but all brilliantly readable and illuminating. There's not a dud in the whole. Not only is this anthology a delight to read, it also establishes a fascinating and original throughline into Modernism as such, reframing how we think about that movement. Highly recommended."—Adam Roberts, author of The History of Science Fiction"Editors Gillard, Reitter, and Stauffer should be commended for assembling an anthology that offers a fresh look at an important era in the history of science fiction and fantasy. In addition to classic stories by W. E. B. Du Bois, E. M. Forster, and Rudyard Kipling...their collection is both enlightening and entertaining"—Gary Westfahl, author of The Rise and Fall of American Science Fiction, from the 1920s to the 1960sTable of Contents Table of ContentsAcknowledgmentsIntroduction"The Comet" by W.E.B. Du Bois"Enoch Soames: A Memory of the ­Eighteen-nineties" by Max Beerbohm"The Striding Place" by Gertrude Atherton"Haïta the Shepherd" by Ambrose Bierce"Luella Miller" by Mary E. Wilkins Freeman"The ­Ash-tree" by M.R. James"The Bowmen" by Arthur Machen"The Decay of the Ghost in Fiction" by Olivia Howard Dunbar"The Miracle of the Lily" by Clare Winger Harris"With the Night Mail" by Rudyard Kipling"From Beyond" by H.P. Lovecraft"The Machine Stops" by E.M. Forster"Rust" by Joseph E. Kelleam"The Rhythm of the Spheres" by A. Merritt"The Death of a Saint" by Evelyn Underhill"The Electric Creed" by Marie Corelli"The Searcher of the End House" by William Hope Hodgson"What Pragmatism Means" by William James"Spear and Fang" by Robert E. Howard"The Black God's Kiss" by C.L. MooreFor Further ReadingIndex

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Book Synopsis'ALICE IN WONDERLAND MEETS THE SHINING' Kirkus'A FINE ADDITION TO THE CREEPY HOTEL THRILLER GENRE' Independent'SHOULD YOU CHOOSE TO STAY A WHILE IN GOOD NIGHT, IDAHO, THEN - UNLIKE THE ADDISONS - YOU WON'T REGRET IT' GuardianThe Addisons - Julia and Tonio, ten-year-old Dewey, and Uncle Robbie - are driving home after collecting Robbie from yet another trip to rehab. When a terrifying blizzard strikes outside the town of Good Night, Idaho, they seek refuge at the Travelers Rest, a formerly opulent but now crumbling hotel.With nowhere else to go, they decide to stay the night. But once inside, the family becomes separated and the hotel begins to work its eerie magic. As Julia and Tonio drift through the maze of the hotel's spectral interiors, Dewey ventures outside. Meanwhile, a desperate Robbie quickly succumbs to his old vices. As they desperately try to reach each other, they relive the same day over and over again. The mother, Julia, holds the key to their release - but can she save her family from the fate of becoming Souvenirs - those citizens trapped forever in Good Night-or, worse, from disappearing entirely?Trade ReviewKeith Lee Morris knows what fiction is made for: in Travelers Rest he creates an intriguing world, poses big questions, and gives us sentences that by themselves are worth the read. What happens, he asks, when the person who goes missing is yourself? -- Charlotte Rogan, author of the NEW YORK TIMES bestseller THE LIFEBOATEchoing the fantastic work of Shirley Jackson and Stephen King, Travelers Rest is both fiercely gripping and deeply unsettling, a perfect mixture of horror and fairy tale . . . a novel that pulls you in immediately and refuses to let you go -- Kevin Wilson, author of the NEW YORK TIMES bestseller THE FAMILY FANGIt won't take long - a page, maybe two - before you feel wondrously disquieted by Keith Lee Morris's Travelers Rest. The novel traps its characters in the town of Good Night, Idaho, and the reader in its shaken snow globe of a world. The language dazzles and the circumstances chill and put this story in the good company of Stephen King's The Shining, Shirley Jackson's The Haunting of Hill House, and David Lynch's Twin Peaks. This book will earn Morris the wide readership he richly deserves -- Benjamin Percy, author of The Dead Lands and Red MoonMorris handles the spooky materials deftly but his writing is what makes the story really scary: quiet and languorous, sweeping steadily and inexorably along like a curtain of drifting snow identified too late as an avalanche. * Publishers Weekly *Alice in Wonderland meets The Shining...weighty, suspenseful, and even wistful * Kirkus Reviews *There's no ghouls here, no rotting women reaching out of bathtubs - just the town, the snow and an inexplicable evil leaking up from beneath the hotels foundations. The prose is appropriately disorientating. His sentences are long and labyrinthine; they seem to reach up off the page, trying to drag the reader down into the depths...it's a stunning read - just not for reading late at night * Sci-Fi Now *Keith Lee Morris's prose has a hypnotic rhythm that perfectly captures the uncanny ambience * SFX *Reminiscent of King's Desperation and Jackson's The Haunting of Hill House, Keith Lee Morris' latest novel - the first to be published in the UK - is an intense and gripping story that succeeds in its aim to unsettle the reader, to turn what we think we know on its head and leave us stranded with the Addison family in the strange little town of Good Night, Idaho. * Reader Dad *The characters are complex, and their relationships even more so. Morris manages to breathe new life into a dusty old tale, and capture the reader from the outset. * The Bookbag *A fine addition to the creepy hotel thriller genre...It says much of Morris's skill that he's able to keep us bewitched and beguiled in a topsy-turvy world with endless corridors, twisting stairs and Escher-like surroundings. The novel culminates in an almost operatic grand finale where past and present meet in a satisfying conclusion * Independent *The writing is persuasive, the characters are rich, and there are moments of great emotional resonance. Should you choose to stay a while in Good Night, Idaho, then - unlike the Addisons - you won't regret it. * The Guardian *a subtle, meticulous examination of strained relationships, the effects of isolation on the mind, and the persistent hold memory has over us...it exerts a powerful hold * The Financial Times *The children's characters are well sketched, the supernatural element is unsettling and the action has pace...he is certainly a rising star in the genre and one to watch for. So, if you like Stephen King-esque stories, don't bypass Travelers Rest! * Fantasy Book Review *

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Book SynopsisNev Bourne is a hotshot programmer for the latest and greatest tech invention out there: SavePoint, the brain implant that rewinds the seconds of all our most embarrassing moments. She’s been working non-stop on the next rollout, even blowing off her boyfriend, her best friend and her family to make SavePoint 2.0. But when she hits go on the test-run, she wakes up the next day only to discover it's yesterday. She's falling backwards in time, one day at a time.As things spiral out of control, a long-lost friend from college reappears in her life claiming they know how to save her. Airin is charming and mysterious, and somehow knows Nev intimately well. Desperate and intrigued, Nev takes a leap of faith. A friendship born of fear slowly becomes a bond of deepest trust, and possibly love. With time running out, and the whole world of SavePoint users at stake, Nev must learn what it will take to set things right, and what it will cost.Trade Review“Fascinating and compelling.”—Booklist“The authors infuse this plausible near future with clever science and heartwarming explorations of love and second chances. At the heart of this brilliant sci-fi conundrum is a deeply human story.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review

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

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Book Synopsis* A literary event: one of the world's greatest novelists confronts the greatest story ever told - and in the first personTrade ReviewIt's penetration into Jesus's human heart rivals Dostoyevsky for depth and insight * PUBLISHERS WEEKLY *A compellingly beautiful performance * - IRISH TIMES *His gospel is written in a direct, rather relaxed English that has an eerie, neo-Biblical dignity - the tone as a whole is quietly penetrating. -- John UpdikeHypnotically engaging * - TLS *Mailer has studied the gospels with great care, and his imaginging of Jesu s' story is both respectful and respectfully inventive. Most compelling, he has tried to make sense of Jesu s' full humanity, shrewdly giving us a son of God whose evolving unders * BOSTON SUNDAY GLOBE *

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Book SynopsisARTHUR C. CLARKE AWARD FINALIST 2022Drink down the brew and dream of a better Earth.Skyward Inn, within the high walls of the Western Protectorate, is a place of safety, where people come together to tell stories of the time before the war with Qita.But safety from what? Qita surrendered without complaint when Earth invaded; Innkeepers Jem and Isley, veterans from either side, have regrets but few scars.Their peace is disturbed when a visitor known to Isley comes to the Inn asking for help, bringing reminders of an unnerving past and triggering an uncertain future.Did humanity really win the war?This is Jamaica Inn by way of Jeff Vandermeer, Ursula Le Guin, Angela Carter and Michel Faber, a beautiful story of belonging, identity and regret.Trade Review“Skyward Inn is an experience. Whiteley is a strong voice in speculative fiction and readers will be delighted and unsettled by her novels for years to come.” -- The Nerd Daily -- Kibby Robinson * The Nerd Daily *"Whiteley takes the reader on a cryptic journey of trust, identity and knowing your place in the world." -- Starburst Magazine -- Fred McNamara * Starburst Magazine *"There are some books that are simply beautiful. And Skyward Inn by Aliya Whiteley is one of those." -- Libri Draconis * Libri Draconis *"Whiteley's trademark subtle surrealism shines." -- Publishers Weekly * Publishers Weekly *"A melancholy and compellingly weird tale of identity in crisis." -- SFX -- Will Salmon * SFX *“Skyward Inn feels like an instant classic of the genre.” -- The Guardian -- Lisa Tuttle * The Guardian *"Rarely has a writer who is not Philip K. Dick had so much fun building a world only to take it apart." -- LA Times -- Noah Berlatsky * LA Times *"When it comes to misdirection, Aliya Whiteley is the very devil." --The Times -- Simon Ings * The Times *The Times SF Book of the Month * The Times *"Whiteley explores questions of identification, attachment and belonging, tying everything together in a wonderfully surreal and weirdly uplifting denouement." -- The FT -- James Lovegrove * The FT *"Skyward Inn is a quietly disarming and beautiful book that masterfully blends literary conventions with science fiction." -- Dark Matter Magazine -- Alexander Pyles * Dark Matter Magazine *

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Book Synopsis'Very highly recommended.’ Louise DouglasAD 61Brittania is in the hands of the Romans but when the conquering army betray the dead King Prasutagus by defiling his daughters, his Queen, Boudicca, is determined to regain her land.Iceni slave Brea remembers little of the time before the Romans, and has grown used to their louche and indulgent customs. She diligently goes about her duties looking after the artless Aurelia, wife-to-be of the handsome war hero Marcellus, but her longing for freedom and her desire to find her lost father, are never far from her mind.Present DayWhen Hanna returns to Norfolk from years working abroad, the strange dreams of her adolescence return: indistinct figures in tunics, mighty soldiers in armour, gladiators, temples, an Iceni warrior woman leading her people. Gradually Hanna’s dreams begin to slip into the present as visions in the famous mists rolling across the fens, and as shocks of recognition when a new face moves to her childhood home.As Hanna realises that she has a connection with a tragedy that occurred many years before, so Brea has to understand that her fate is bound up with her Roman master. And as the drumbeat of rebellion gets ever closer Brea must make the fatal choice between love and loyalty while Hanna has to find a way to make peace with the past.USA Today bestselling author Judy Leigh writing as Elena Collins, brings you this heart-breaking and unforgettable timeslip novel, perfect for fans of Barbara Erskine, Diana Gabaldon and Louise Douglas.Praise for Elena Collins:'Very highly recommended.’ Louise Douglas'The Lady of The Loch held me spellbound from the first page to the last. With two storylines beautifully woven together to create a seamless tale of love, loss, betrayal and, above all, hope, it’s a must-read. Collins’s detailed knowledge of the period trickles through the tale wrapping the reader in a vivid shifting world as it moves between the 14th century and present day. Cleverly researched and exquisitely written, The Lady of The Loch is a timeless story of hope, family and love. I loved it.' Alexandra WalshWhat readers are saying about Elena Collins:'Loved this book, didn't want it to end well worth 5 stars. I will definitely read more books by this author.I love the duel story line and this author writes a lot like my other favorite author Barbara Erskine.''I really enjoyed The Witches Tree also written by Elena Collins ... and The Lady of the Loch was just simply amazing! The characters will stay with me for a long time..and that's a sign of a great book!''This was fabulous, I couldn’t put it down, read in two days and was so sorry that I’d finished it! Loved her first book but this was something else, I was totally gripped, beautiful story and I actually felt like I was back in 1307, best book I’ve read in a long time, hope I don’t have to wait too long for the next one.''This was such an evocative and atmospheric story, it was truly engrossing to the point that on a very sleepless night I ended up reading until 4am to finish the book, because I was thinking about it so much! I loved being whisked away to Scotland in 1307, and enjoyed the way the story came full circle in the present day.'

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Book SynopsisThe thirteenth book in the ever-popular Morland Dynasty series

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Book SynopsisA world that hangs suspended between triumph and catastrophe, between the dismantling of the Wall and the fall of the Twin Towers, frozen in the shadow of suicide terrorism and global financial collapse, such a world requires a firm hand and a guiding light. But does it need the Concern: an all-powerful organisation with a malevolent presiding genius, pervasive influence and numberless invisible operatives in possession of extraordinary powers? On the Concern''s books are Temudjin Oh, an un-killable assassin who journeys between the peaks of Nepal, a version of Victorian London and the dark palaces of Venice; and a nameless, faceless torturer known only as the Philosopher. And then there''s the renegade Mrs Mulverhill, who recruits rebels to her side; and Patient 8262, hiding out from a dirty past in a forgotten hospital ward. As these vivid, strange and sensuous worlds circle and collide, the implications of turning traitor to the Concern become horribly apparent, and an unstable univTrade ReviewWildly imaginative... A corker of a thriller, a classic good versus bad tale, and one which the author uses to tackle some seriously big moral and philosophical issues - but always in his typically light-handed and darkly humorous fashion... A book that makes you think, one that makes you look at the world around you in a different light, and it's also a properly thrilling read * Independent on Sunday *Transition is Banks at his exuberant, flamboyant, head-spinning best * Financial Times *Iain Banks is gifted with wonderful fluency and dizzying imaginative flair * Daily Mail *A labyrinthine tale of great conception and craft... A memorable array of characters... Transition is awash with energy and dark wit * Sunday Business Post *Brilliantly compulsive * Big Issue *Baroque, digressive, kinetic, teeming with big ideas and grand theories, it's a novel to get lost in... gripping * The Times *A highly readable and engrossing sci-fi thriller * Sunday Herald *An engrossing, futuristic fable with plenty to say about the here and now * Metro *One of Iain Banks's most imaginative and compelling novels yet * Scotsman *** 'Baroque, digressive, kinetic, teeming with big ideas and grand theories, it's a novel to get lost in . . . gripping * THE TIMES *** 'Stunning . . . tackles the issues of the responsibility of power, the moral implications of intervention and even the philosophical conundrum of what constitutes life itself. If only more contemporary fiction were like it . . . A book that makes you l * INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY *** 'One of Iain Banks's most imaginative and compelling novels yet * SCOTSMAN *

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Book SynopsisWhat makes science fiction genres better than others at challenging social conventions, especially gender? Are speculative works structured differently when addressed to traditionally under-portrayed individuals or communities?This collection of interviews elicits truly honest and thought-provoking responses that focus on the biographical dimension in speculative fiction, questions of intersectionality, genre (re)definitions and the politicization of fiction. It gives voice to women of different races, nations, classes and sexual orientations who write and edit speculative fiction such as Ellen Datlow, Kathe Koja, Angela Mi Young Hur, Eugen Bacon, and Cat Rambo. The interviews clarify how the junction of genre and gender is a key element to understanding this literary field, while simultaneously contextualizing and theorizing the interview itself, as a literary genre and a research tool.Trade ReviewThis very original collection of carefully led interviews brings together established and new international voices from the field of horror and speculative fiction written by women. Their great variety and the energy they deploy cast new light and raise intriguing and intertwined questions about the category and categories of 'genre' fiction, enriched and complicated by gender and intersectional issues. * Didier Coste, Professor Emeritus, Bordeaux Montaigne University, France *Women of Horror and Speculative Fiction achieves two important aims. It tells of how progressive intersectional politics has performed, disguised as ‘mere’ genre fiction, beneath prescriptions of literariness, whilst unyoking itself from equally prescriptive notions of gender. In horror and speculative fictions, these genre narratives told the Other’s story. But the volume also witnesses this telling, not with a sovereign eye, but through 24 compelling interviews with women writers, who together create a method suitable for our era of auto-fiction and selfie-awareness. To pull off such a double whammy is no mean achievement. This volume will be a significant resource for anyone interested in life. * Simon Frost, Principal Lecturer in English, Bournemouth University, UK *The writers featured in Women of Horror and Speculative Fiction in Their Own Words offer great insight into how their various origins and different kinds of lives inspire their writing, and their choice to write horror and speculative fiction. In a series of conversations, a range of women-identifying authors share their insights and motivations as they challenge social conventions through fiction, interrogate the increasing inclusive interpretations of the categories of gender and genre, and in the most dazzling examples demonstrate the power of anger and fired-up libido to forge innovative acts, invented worlds, and new expressions of identity: 'the great thing about horror,' according to Gemma Files, 'is that you can kill everybody … if you want to.' Read this collection, gathered by Doubinsky and Kkona during the strange early years of Corona virus, if you want a rare peek into thought processes of writers of horror and speculative fiction. * Christina Ann Messa, Lecturer in American Studies, Stanford University, USA *Table of ContentsAcknowledgments Introduction 1. Eugen Bacon 2. Francesca Barbini 3. J. S. Breukelaar 4. V. Castro 5. Ellen Datlow 6. Gemma Files 7. Elizabeth Hand 8. Marie Howalt 9. Ai Jiang 10. Penny Jones 11. Margaret Killjoy 12. Kathe Koja 13. Anya Martin 14. Angela Mi Young Hur 15. Jane Mondrup 16. Lisa Morton 17. Malka Older 18. Nuzo Onoh 19. Cat Rambo 20. Tricia Reeks 21. Priya Sharma 22. Angela Slatter 23. Ann VanderMeer 24. Kaaron Warren Index

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Book SynopsisTHE SECOND NOVEL FROM PATRICIA MARQUES, FOLLOWING ON FROM THE COLOURS OF DEATH A woman's body is found in a river just outside of Lisbon. Inspectors Isabel Reis and Aleksandr Voronov identify the murder victim as Marta Nunes - a youth centre worker who, like Isabel, classifies as Gifted. Born with special abilities, the Gifted are often looked at with a certain level of suspicion. In the search for her killer, Reis digs into Marta's past. She soon discovers that she is connected to a number of missing women. All young, all telepathic Gifted, all vanished off the face of the earth. Marta might have been helping these missing girls, or she might have been hurting them. But Inspector Reis needs to find the truth about who killed Marta and why, and she needs to find where the missing girls go. Because some of them might still be alive out there . . .*Preorder now*Praise for the Inspector Reis series 'Breathtakingly original, and a captivating sense of place' Val McDermid, bestselling author of Still Life 'Compelling and original, this glints with freshness' Daily Mail 'A brilliantly inventive and twisty tale' Claire McGowan, bestselling author of The Push 'A good detective story . . . intriguing' Guardian 'A distinctive, intriguing, immersive debut' Mari Hannah, multi-award winning author of Without a Trace

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Book Synopsis'Evocative and unexpected, tender and fierce, The Origins of Iris is unlike any other thriller I've read in years . . . Outstanding' Sarah Hilary'This novel is like a dream, from the haunting narrative to the beautiful prose to the way Iris and her wilderness kept making their way into my subconscious at night. It is everything I could want from a book' Anna Bailey'I opened my eyes and the woman wearing my face opened hers at the same time.'Iris flees New York City, and her abusive wife Claude, for the Catskill Mountains. When she was a child, Iris and her father found solace in the beauty and wilderness of the forest; now, years later, Iris has returned for time and space to clear her head, and to come to terms with the mistakes that have led her here. But what Iris doesn't expect in her journey of survival and self-discovery is to find herself - literally.Trapped in a neglected cabin deep in the mountains, Iris is grudgingly forced to come face to face with a seemingly prettier, happier and better version of herself. Other Iris made different choices in life and love. But is she all she seems? Can she be trusted? What is she hiding?As a storm encroaches, threatening both their lives, time is running out for them to discover why they have been brought together, and what it means for their futures.Author of the critically-acclaimed debut The Wolf Road, Beth Lewis returns with her brand new novel The Origins of Iris where Wild meets Sliding Doors. An important, searing novel about one woman's journey in fleeing an abusive relationship and confronting the secrets of her past.Real readers have been captivated by The Origins of Iris: 'A truly unique book that tackles some sensitive topics head on . . . incredibly thought provoking''It will stay with me for a long time''A captivating and powerful read that touches on notions of self-discovery and survival as well as hope and optimism and explores serious themes bravely and sympathetically''A solid 5 star read . . . Haunting, poignant and human''One of the best books I have read this year''A raw, emotionally charged story that will grip you from start to finish'Trade ReviewAn empathic, brave exploration of serious themes. * Daily Mail *Extraordinarily raw, gripping and totally unforgettable. * Peterborough Telegraph *Gosh, this original and thought-spinningly intricate yet quietly simple read speared my emotions. I found myself utterly consumed ... and absolutely adored every word.A beautiful reflection on the great conundrum of choices made and abandoned, loves pursued and betrayedEvocative and unexpected, tender and fierce, The Origins of Iris is unlike any other thriller I've read in years . . . Outstanding'This novel is like a dream, from the haunting narrative to the beautiful prose to the way Iris and her wilderness kept making their way into my subconscious at night. It is everything I could want from a bookCompelling, original and highly readableAtmospheric, thought-provoking, complex. A haunting exploration of one woman's journey into the dark heart of herselfA tale of wonder, heartbreak and mystery, beautifully told. Loved every wordEvocative, transportive writing telling a story of regrets, choices, loss, and love in many forms. This is a lyrical, dark, and beautiful book

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Book Synopsis'Her observation of our species is tender, precise, illuminating' Hilary Mantel THE NEW NOVEL BY THE BOOKER LONGLISTED AND ARTHUR C CLARKE AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR OF THE TESTAMENT OF JESSIE LAMBADAPTED FROM THE HIT BBC RADIO 4 PLAY'An ambitious and important writer' New York Times'Unputdownable and often thought-provoking' Sunday Times'Grimly plausible' GuardianIn this version of London, there is a small, private clinic. Behind its layers of security, procedures are taking place on poor, robust teenagers from northern Estates in exchange for thousands of pounds - procedures that will bring the wealthy dead back to life in these young supple bodies for fourteen days. It's an opportunity for wrongs to be righted, for fathers to meet grandsons, for scientists to see their work completed. Old wine in new bottles.But at what cost?MORE PRAISE FOR JANE ROGERS AND BODY TOURISTS:'Gripping' Mail on Sunday'Very much a novel about human nature . . . an insightful examination of the things people truly value' SciFi Now'A wonderfully versatile novelist' Penelope Lively'Rogers' prose flows elegantly and with effortless power' Observer'A compulsive and compelling slice of fiction' Sunday ExpressTrade ReviewHer observation of our species is tender, precise, illuminating -- Hilary MantelUnputdownable and often thought-provoking * Sunday Times *Grimly plausible . . . Moving * Guardian *Rogers has never been afraid to expose the dark underside of people's psyches, their shoddy motives and secret compulsions * Guardian *Gripping and thought-provoking * Mail on Sunday *[A] compulsive and compelling slice of fiction * Sunday Express *Body Tourists is very much a novel about human nature. Told through a variety of different perspectives . . . the novel is an insightful examination of the things people truly value * SciFi Now *Jane Rogers is a wonderfully versatile novelist -- Penelope LivelyAn ambitious and important writer * New York Times *Rogers' prose flows elegantly and with effortless power * Observer *A clever, bold and entertaining novel with serious undercurrents concerning medical ethics, class privilege, deprivation and manipulationAs the trials are marred by unforeseen battles between will and flesh, tantalising moral questions are raised about gender, class, race, mortality and the pursuit of ever smarter, ever more human artificial intelligence. * Bookanista *An extraordinary novel about an ordinary situation - the unravelling of a marriage -- (Review of CONRAD AND ELEANOR) * The Times *Brilliantly done - a sustained exploration of the polarities at the enduring heart of love -- (Review of CONRAD AND ELEANOR) * Guardian *A literary dystopia that packs an emotional punch . . . The novel does not set up an elaborate apocalypse, but astringently strips away the smears hiding the apocalypses we really face. -- (Review of Booker-longlisted THE TESTAMENT OF JESSIE LAMB) * Independent on Sunday *Beautifully constructed and controlled . . . an absorbing, nuanced drama about moral choices and personal responsibility -- (Review of THE VOYAGE HOME) * Sunday Telegraph *A voyage of self-discovery that is eloquent, lucid and entirely enthralling -- (Review of THE VOYAGE HOME) * Daily Mail *A startling and gripping exploration of love, grief, responsibility and power that moves effortlessly from the personal - the pain of a woman who has recently lost her father - to one of the most hotly debated and emotive issues of the moment, the plight of asylum seekers . . . A wonderfully humane and vividly written story that will keep you entranced until the last page -- (Review of THE VOYAGE HOME) * Red Magazine *A triumphant creation . . . the authorial voice has a chameleon quality; she speaks with tongues. And the tongue here is persuasive indeed -- (Review of ISLAND) * Independent *Rogers' use of genuine historical detail is brilliant, she knows exactly what to use, and when to stop. * Canberra Times *Cuts to the bone * Sunday Times *Her observation of our species is tender, precise, illuminating -- Hilary MantelJane Rogers is a wonderfully versatile novelist -- Penelope LivelyAn ambitious and important writer * The New York Times *Cuts to the bone * The Sunday Times *Rogers has never been afraid to expose the dark underside of people's psyches, their shoddy motives and secret compulsions * Guardian *Roger's prose flows elegantly and with effortless power * Observer *

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Book SynopsisBroadcast live, Rosa Lincoln takes to the stage at her brother's memorial service with a bomb concealed beneath her clothes.Being in Jimmy's shadow was never easy, even when he was alive, but in death he has become a national hero.When she crosses paths with the enigmatic Teresa, she discovers that those she has been taught to view as enemies may not be the real villains after all.The lies need to be stopped, and Rosa intends on doing just that.''Crosskey propels the plot at breakneck pace, depicts a frighteningly realistic world and conjures a truly poignant denouement'' Guardian, Books of the Month''Keep this book far from anyone who might be tempted to turn its fiction into reality'' Christina Dalcher, author of VOX''I absolutely adored this book Terrifyingly current and irresistible, Poster Boy will be the next big thing this summer'' Comfy Reading''A thought-provoking debut fast-paced, gutsy and disturbing'' Fiona Mitchell''Chilling, thrilling and intensely disturbing'' Liz Lawler''In Poster Boy, Crosskey creates a disturbingly plausible dystopian Britain'' Joanne Burn''If you read nothing else this year, read this'' WI Life

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Book SynopsisIN 2020, BRITAIN IS AT BREAKING POINT...In a country sorely divided, what happens to empathy and tolerance, to generosity of spirit? And can hope survive? In 2020, years of economic turmoil, bitter debates over immigration, and anger at the political elites have created a maelstrom, a dis-United Kingdom. The country is a bomb waiting to explode. Then it does. As the nightmare unfolds, a myriad of voices - from across the political and social spectrum - offer wildly differing perspectives on the chaotic events...and unexpectedly reveal modern Britain's soul with 20/20 acuity. Thoughtful, compassionate and sometimes provocative, Kenneth Steven's 2020 is a parable for our times.Trade Review“Impressive... This novel is so realistic that it is reminiscent of Orson Welles’ classic The War of the Worlds (1938) fictional radio broadcast, which many listeners believed.”—Booklist; “This complex picture of a fraught political future will leave readers unsettled by its terrifying plausibility."—Publishers Weekly, starred review; "As tightly compressed and explosive as a block of Semtex." —Robert Schenkkan, Pulitzer and Tony Award winning writer of Building the Wall; "2020 is a compelling and difficult study of the darkness and pain of societies in conflict. Disconnection and misunderstanding feed the narrative, and leave the reader with no choice but to keep reading more.”—Eric Barnes, author of The City Where We Once Lived; “This book shook me… It caused me to reflect, to look into myself, to look at the world, to look at the UK, to look at the United States, to look at those around me and reflect.” NJ Thompson book blog; “An important book that should be read by everyone… A gripping and compelling narrative.” Undiscovered Scotland; “Clever and challenging… An honest and at times horrific view of the state of the nation, but run through with humanity and ultimately hope, Kenneth Steven has written a parable for our times, and one which we would do well to take note of.” Scots Whay Hae; “Artfully constructed… the tension is perfectly pitched.” The List; “Exerts the unsettling fascination of events that could easily come to pass.” The Herald; “Chillingly plausible, not to say prescient.” Scotsman

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Book Synopsis-Will be promoted by Indiana Review -Explores universal human need to create narrative out of disparate events -Perfect for readers who like literary realism or speculative fictionTrade Review"I found The Devil and the Dairy Princess to be strikingly original. Each piece is distinctive, innovative, and full of fresh surprises. Yet the collection as a whole is cohesive in tone and voice, evocative, playful, haunting spaces both dreamy and nightmarish."—Charles Yu, author of Interior Chinatown, Blue Light Books Prize Judge, author of Interior Chinatown"Ponce's stories are filled with vivid topographies, moving reveries, and quiet wonders. A little bit Calvino, and a little bit Borges, this collection is like a strange and haunting museum: the perfect place to get lost in for a while."—Lincoln Michel, author of The Body ScoutTable of ContentsAcknowledgements1. The Piazza de Chirico2. The Discovery of Dr. James Osborne Beckett3. The Presentation4. The Well at Founders Grove5. The Abbreviated Life of Whitney Bascombe 6. Divination by Water7. Nuptial Superstitions of the West8. The Possession of Charles Ignatius De Leon9. The Devil and the Dairy Princess10. In the Empire of CetaceansCredits

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Book SynopsisEating is a symbolic and magical act, a transformation, a covenant, a ritual, a comfort, a necessity - but all through history, food-themed stories have also had their dark sides. Food can be integral to the magic, the meetings, the processes of fantastical fiction: from myth and legend to high fantasy, from hard-science speculative fiction to post-modern magic realism, from Hansel and Gretel to Soylent Green, from Persephone to 2001, from Alice in Wonderland to Alien. In this anthology, Ursula Pflug and Candas Jane Dorsey, two award-winning senior writers of literary speculation, have gathered a range of speculative writing that recognizes both our attraction to the candy coating and our fascination with the poisoned apple. Paired with each story is a recipe, real or fantastical, for food mentioned in the story: consume at your own risk!

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