Traditional or cultural fiction and true stories, tales and retellings

Book SynopsisSet in a marvelous multiverse, this fantasy adventure-plus-memoir grapples with questions of identity, creativity, heroism, and the very structure of storytelling.Postwar London, Swinging Sixties London--a time and place of creativity and social change. Young Michael Moorcock embarks upon adulthood as both editor and writer of science fiction and fantasy, helping shape the genre into its modern form through his work and his friendships with other writers. His marriage is new and fresh; his children are young and raising them, an adventure.But no adventure lasts forever, and Moorcock begins to chafe under the grind of work and family. What seems a chance encounter with a monk--one of the White Friars--leads to a secret at the heart of London. Massive yet phantasmal doors lead to the Alsacia, a hidden world inhabited by great heroes of both history and fiction. Captivated, Moorcock rides as a highwayman and finds himself drinking in the company of all four Muske

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Book SynopsisFor fans of Ariadne, a spellbinding debut fantasy about a human who gets trapped with the god of Autumn, who brings with him life-threatening danger and a forbidden romance.Under the right circumstances, would even a god fall?Tirne is one of four humans rigorously selected to usher the turn of the seasons into the mortal world. Every year, she escorts the taciturn god Autumn between the godly and human realms. Autumn's seasonal stay among mortals brings cooler weather, changing leaves, and the harvest of apples and gourds until Winter takes his place.This year, the enchanted Mirror that separates their worlds shatters after Tirne and Autumn pass through, trapping both of them in the human realm. As the endless autumn stretches on, crops begin to fail and the threat of starvation looms. Away from the magic of the gods' home, Tirne suffers debilitating headaches that return with a vengeance. Worse, Autumn's extended stay in the human

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Book SynopsisLONGLISTED FOR THE 2022 NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FOR FICTION Conjuring entrancing tales of Mexican American mystics and misfits, Marytza K. Rubio shatters the boundaries of reality with this fiercely imaginative debut.Trade Review"In Marytza K. Rubio’s genre-defying debut collection of short stories, the characters—which span from women to animals to the moon—negotiate with nature, invoking Mexican American myths, mystics, and magic. Maria, Maria & Other Stories stretches across the Americas, reimagines the boundaries of reality and fiction, and expands upon the spaces between life and death." -- National Book Foundation announcement, 2022 National Book Awards Longlist for Fiction"[A] stunning debut . . . While most of the stories are set in Southern California, a few reach farther afield to Brazil and New Orleans while featuring primarily female protagonists—mothers, sisters, friends, aunts, and cousins—ferociously celebrating feminine power. Rubio confects her moving, disturbing, and intense stories in a variety of styles, voices, and tones, from dark parody to heart-wrenching, grotesque, and violent yet touching. Adorned with illustrations of powerful simplicity . . . Teens will be fascinated by these playful and intense stories featuring young women and girls." -- Sara Martinez, Booklist, starred review"Rubio is an extravagant storyteller; her prose thrums with life, and her plots take hairpin turns. All of this is on full display in Maria, Maria . . . this is transporting work . . . Sprawling magical realistic stories with a moral bent." -- Kirkus Reviews"Purveying characters (both women and animals) with otherwordly powers, Rubio steps across the thin border between life and a dangerous beyond . . . A vividly accomplished debut." -- Barbara Hoffert - Library Journal"Mysticism and imagination run wild in Rubio’s debut collection, which showcases glittering prose and a fearless approach to form and imagery . . . these 10 tales defy categorization and blur genre boundaries . . . Rubio’s talent is evident, and there’s such a range of tones and genres on offer that any reader will find at least something to enjoy." -- Publishers Weekly

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Book SynopsisPeter Singer has breathed new life into Apuleius's The Golden Assa hilarious, bawdy tale and one of the earliest novelsaccentuating its remarkable empathy for animals.

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Book SynopsisA “zany [and] inventive” (Emily Wilson) translation that for the first time captures both the antic outrageousness and lyrical brilliance of antiquity’s greatest comedies.

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Book SynopsisA modern tale of unexpectedly falling in love and finding your voice, Kiss the Girl is the highly anticipated third installment in the acclaimed and best-selling Meant to Be collection.Ariel del Mar is one of the most famous singers in the world. She and her sisters—together, known as the band Siren Seven—have been a pop culture phenomenon since they were kids. On stage, wearing her iconic red wig and sequined costumes, staring out at a sea of fans, is where she shines. Anyone would think she’s the girl who has everything. But lately, she wants more. Siren Seven is wrapping up their farewell tour, and Ariel can’t wait to spend the summer just living a normal life—part of a world she’s only ever seen from the outside. But her father, the head of Atlantica Records, has other plans: begin her breakout solo career immediately, starting with a splashy announcement on a morning talk show. The night before, Ariel and her sisters sneak out of their Manhattan penthouse for a night of incognito fun at a rock concert in Brooklyn. It’s there that Ariel crosses paths with Eric Reyes, dreamy lead singer of an up-and-coming band. Unaware of her true identity, Eric spontaneously invites her on the road for the summer. And for the first time in her life, Ariel disobeys her father—and goes with him. Caught between the world she longs for and the one she’s left behind, can Ariel follow her dreams, fall in love, and, somehow, find her own voice?

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Book SynopsisTurn the page, and step into a stunning, evocative world where nature, magic and fate are inextricably linked, and one wrong - or right - step can take you from the modern world into one filled with both danger and wonder.This beautiful volume contains the award-winning novellas A Pocketful of Crows, The Blue Salt Road and Orfeia. Fully illustrated by Bonnie Helen Hawkins, with a brand new introduction by the author and three original short stories, this is a landmark collection which gloriously reimagines traditional British folktales into a timely, relevant and powerful new stories.''Perfect reading for a chilly autumn evening'' thesenovelthoughts''Stunning and original modern fairytales'' calturnerreviews''Thought-provoking and evocative'' Tor.comTrade ReviewOrfeia is tragic, emotional, beautiful, thought-provoking, moving and poignant * Bookmarks and Stages *This dreamy, melancholy novella is saturated with sacrifice, richness and a sense of layered worlds. * Metro *

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Book Synopsis''Friedlander''s shimmering prose and admirably versatile points of view make his stories compelling'' SARAH MOSS''In these wise, capacious, achingly beautiful stories, Omer Friedlander maps the hidden geography of the human heart like a young Chekhov'' ANTHONY MARRA''A beautiful debut by a deeply humane writer. Every story is a vivid world unto itself, intensely felt, and often revelatory'' NICOLE KRAUSSA divorced con-artist and his young daughter sell empty bottles of ''holy'' air to credulous tourists. In a bombed-out Beirut radio station, a Lebanese Scheherazade enchants three young soldiers with her nightly tales.Ahead of a school ''Show and Tell'', two brothers kidnap a Shoah survivor from a supermarket to pose as their grandfather.An Israeli volunteer at a West Bank checkpoint mourns the death of her son, a soldier killed in Gaza.From the limestone alleyways of Jerusalem to the desolate Negev DesTrade ReviewA marvelous new voice, bringing magic, change and surprise without ever losing sight of the human and the real. I'd follow this writer anywhere -- REBECCA MAKKAIWhat is most striking is how full of deeply felt human experience and authentic emotion his fiction is. Every one of these stories moved me and taught me something I did not know before -- SIGRID NUNEZAs outrageously funny as they are outrageously tender, Friedlander's stories conjure complex and often difficult emotions with perfect acrobatic skill. A superb collection -- KIRAN DESAI[Omer Friedlander's stories] are so vividly drawn they feel like whole worlds in themselves . . . I fell in love with these weird, wacky and ultimately human characters. At times devastating, and other times ridiculous, these tales will stay with me * Good Housekeeping, Books of the Year *Rarely do we encounter a writer so young but also this wise. Innovative in conception, classical in spirit: a splendid literary debut -- HA JINA remarkable talent. These stories transcend the particular to become intricately crafted fables, each a country unto itself -- ELLIOT ACKERMANOne of those rare authors who can trap each moment in a surprising and somehow perfect detail. A major work - I'd urge you to read it -- DARIN STRAUSSBeautifully written . . . an exceptionally thoughtful writer -- KEVIN POWERSThere's a touch of magic in these stories reminiscent of I.B. Singer and Nathan Englander. But the world Friedlander creates is all his own. Through his orange-grove workers, junk collectors, soldiers, and grieving mothers, he makes Israel and Palestine-the whole history of the Middle East-come alive. The Man Who Sold Air in the Holy Land is an astonishing, breathtaking debut. -- JOSHUA HENKIN, author of Morningside HeightsFriedlander's humane explorations of love, friendship and the unending cost of conflict, against backdrops that range from orange groves in Jaffa to a check point in Gaza, are in turn funny, tender and achingly compassionate * Jewish Chronicle *Friedlander's skillfully crafted, imagistic prose captivates and soars. With this collection, Friedlander positions himself as poised to join a formidable cadre that includes writers such as David Grossman and Etgar Keret * Kirkus *Friedlander imbues his characters with a deeply felt humanity, and his finely tuned command of emotional tenor will evoke tears and laughter in equal measure * Publishers Weekly, Starred Review *Omer Friedlander captures Israel through a lens that is equally sensitive, whimsical, and critical...Through depictions of universal themes such as grief, brotherhood, and ancestral ties, Friedlander establishes himself as a writer with an innate gift for capturing the human condition * One Story *The Man Who Sold Air in the Holy Land urges us to pay attention to the human toll of war with sympathy and a great deal of heart * October Hill Magazine *Brilliant . . . Friedlander is a writer to watch * The Reporter *Masterful * American Jewish World *These stories triumph for their finely tuned character portrayals and evocation of the complexities of life in Israel * Jewish Boston *Moving and dazzling * Buzz *Tightly written, intimate portaits of lives lived in Israel . . . beautifully crafted tales * Jewish News of Northern California *Israeli literature has big names. Amos Oz and David Grossman . . . storytellers who penetrate deep into the psyche of their story's characters. Now a new promising young writer has emerged: Omer Friedlander. * Friesch Dagblad (Netherlands) *Powerful * Tel Aviv Review of Books *Elements of the near-fantastic and a comic darkness that at times recalls the work of Salman Rushdie . . . textual richness that situates Friedlander in the ranks of masters like Murakami . . . By turns bracingly elegiac and deeply, darkly funny, The Man Who Sold Air in the Holy Land is a stunning debut, and marks the arrival of a writer of serious gifts. * Porter House Review *An impressive literary voice . . . Friedlander's fierce imagination emerges to make its own surreal sense * Jewish Renaissance *Omer Friedlander writes with the wisdom of a much older writer * Church Times *Friedlander's humane explorations of love, friendship and the unending cost of conflict, against backdrops that range from orange groves in Jaffa to a check point in Gaza, are in turn funny, tender and achingly compassionate. * Jewish Telegraph *

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Book Synopsis'Extraordinarily imaginative . . . every one of these stories moved me' SIGRID NUNEZ; an exceptional short story collection set in conflict zones in the Middle East by a prize-winning debut authorTrade ReviewA marvelous new voice, bringing magic, change and surprise without ever losing sight of the human and the real. I'd follow this writer anywhere -- REBECCA MAKKAIWhat is most striking is how full of deeply felt human experience and authentic emotion his fiction is. Every one of these stories moved me and taught me something I did not know before -- SIGRID NUNEZAs outrageously funny as they are outrageously tender, Friedlander's stories conjure complex and often difficult emotions with perfect acrobatic skill. A superb collection -- KIRAN DESAI[Omer Friedlander's stories] are so vividly drawn they feel like whole worlds in themselves . . . I fell in love with these weird, wacky and ultimately human characters. At times devastating, and other times ridiculous, these tales will stay with me * Good Housekeeping, Books of the Year *Rarely do we encounter a writer so young but also this wise. Innovative in conception, classical in spirit: a splendid literary debut -- HA JINA remarkable talent. These stories transcend the particular to become intricately crafted fables, each a country unto itself -- ELLIOT ACKERMANOne of those rare authors who can trap each moment in a surprising and somehow perfect detail. A major work - I'd urge you to read it -- DARIN STRAUSSBeautifully written . . . an exceptionally thoughtful writer -- KEVIN POWERSThere's a touch of magic in these stories reminiscent of I.B. Singer and Nathan Englander. But the world Friedlander creates is all his own. Through his orange-grove workers, junk collectors, soldiers, and grieving mothers, he makes Israel and Palestine-the whole history of the Middle East-come alive. The Man Who Sold Air in the Holy Land is an astonishing, breathtaking debut. -- JOSHUA HENKIN, author of Morningside HeightsFriedlander's humane explorations of love, friendship and the unending cost of conflict, against backdrops that range from orange groves in Jaffa to a check point in Gaza, are in turn funny, tender and achingly compassionate * Jewish Chronicle *Friedlander's skillfully crafted, imagistic prose captivates and soars. With this collection, Friedlander positions himself as poised to join a formidable cadre that includes writers such as David Grossman and Etgar Keret * Kirkus *Friedlander imbues his characters with a deeply felt humanity, and his finely tuned command of emotional tenor will evoke tears and laughter in equal measure * Publishers Weekly, Starred Review *Omer Friedlander captures Israel through a lens that is equally sensitive, whimsical, and critical...Through depictions of universal themes such as grief, brotherhood, and ancestral ties, Friedlander establishes himself as a writer with an innate gift for capturing the human condition * One Story *The Man Who Sold Air in the Holy Land urges us to pay attention to the human toll of war with sympathy and a great deal of heart * October Hill Magazine *Brilliant . . . Friedlander is a writer to watch * The Reporter *Masterful * American Jewish World *These stories triumph for their finely tuned character portrayals and evocation of the complexities of life in Israel * Jewish Boston *Moving and dazzling * Buzz *Tightly written, intimate portaits of lives lived in Israel . . . beautifully crafted tales * Jewish News of Northern California *Israeli literature has big names. Amos Oz and David Grossman . . . storytellers who penetrate deep into the psyche of their story's characters. Now a new promising young writer has emerged: Omer Friedlander. * Friesch Dagblad (Netherlands) *Powerful * Tel Aviv Review of Books *Elements of the near-fantastic and a comic darkness that at times recalls the work of Salman Rushdie . . . textual richness that situates Friedlander in the ranks of masters like Murakami . . . By turns bracingly elegiac and deeply, darkly funny, The Man Who Sold Air in the Holy Land is a stunning debut, and marks the arrival of a writer of serious gifts. * Porter House Review *An impressive literary voice . . . Friedlander's fierce imagination emerges to make its own surreal sense * Jewish Renaissance *Omer Friedlander writes with the wisdom of a much older writer * Church Times *Friedlander's humane explorations of love, friendship and the unending cost of conflict, against backdrops that range from orange groves in Jaffa to a check point in Gaza, are in turn funny, tender and achingly compassionate. * Jewish Telegraph *

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Book SynopsisFrom the No. 1 bestselling author of WAR LORD comes an epic retelling of the Arthurian legend, from the bestselling Last Kingdom seriesIn the Dark Ages, a legendary warrior arises to unite a divided land . . .Uther, the High King of Britain, is dead.His only heir is the infant Mordred. Yet each of the country''s lesser kings seek to claim the crown for themselves.While they squabble and spoil for war, a host of Saxon armies gather, preparing for invasion.But no one has counted on the fearsome warlord Arthur.Handed power by Merlin and pursuing a doomed romance with the beautiful Guinevere, Arthur knows he will struggle to unite the country - let alone hold back the Saxon enemy at the gates.Yet destiny awaits him . . .Combining myth, history, and thrilling battlefield action, fans of Game of Thrones, The Last Kingdom, Conn Iggulden and Merlin will be captivated by this gripping epic. ___________''Of all the books I have written these are my favourites'' Bernard Cornwell''Spellbinding realism'' The TimesTrade ReviewOf all the books I have written these are my favourites -- Bernard CornwellThat every Cornwell novel is better than the last, devotees have long taken for granted * The Times Literary Supplement *Bernard Cornwell writes with gritty realism * Daily Telegraph *Spellbinding * The Times *

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Book SynopsisFrom Bernard Cornwell, the creator of the No. 1 bestselling Sharpe novels. Arthur has brought a fragile peace to Britain - but it cannot last . . .Uniting the restive British kingdoms behind him, Arthur believes he can now hold back the Saxons threatening the country. Meanwhile, Merlin sets out on a quest to uncover the sacred Treasures of Britain, hoping they will prove decisive in the coming battle. But in a country where the cult of the Christians is spreading, Merlin''s quest is divisive. And the ambitions of the rival warlord Lancelot threaten the delicate peace. Could even those closest to Arthur be moved to betray him?In the second book of the Warlord Chronicles, Bernard Cornwell brilliantly retells the Arthurian legend, combining myth, history and thrilling battlefield action.''Wonderful and haunting'' People Magazine''Of all the books I have written these are my favourites'' Bernard Cornwell

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Book SynopsisFrom the No. 1 bestselling author of WAR LORD comes an epic retelling of the Arthurian legend, from the bestselling Last Kingdom seriesAfter rebellions and betrayals by those he believed loved him most, Arthur looks at his most weak.His Saxon enemies decide to strike before he regains his strength, plunging Britain into war. It will require all Arthur''s leadership and military cunning to win this last battle.But in this final struggle of the warlord, the intrigues of Mordred, now the adult heir to the throne of Britain, and the dark magic of the priestess Nimue could conspire to bring about Arthur''s downfall.Even his trusty blade Excaliber may not be sharp enough to save him . . .From the epic and bestselling author who has gripped millions, Bernard Cornwell concludes The Warlord Chronicles, bringing the Arthurian legend to thrilling new life._______''A powerful and dramatic ret

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Book SynopsisAN EPIC BATTLE THAT LASTED TEN YEARS. A LEGENDARY STORY THAT HAS SURVIVED THOUSANDS.''An inimitable retelling of the siege of Troy . . . Fry''s narrative, artfully humorous and rich in detail, breathes life and contemporary relevance into these ancient tales'' OBSERVER''Stephen Fry has done it again. Well written and super storytelling'' 5***** READER REVIEW ________ ''Troy. The most marvellous kingdom in all the world. The Jewel of the Aegean. Glittering Ilion, the city that rose and fell not once but twice . . .''When Helen, the beautiful Greek queen, is kidnapped by the Trojan prince Paris, the most legendary war of all time begins.Watch in awe as a thousand ships are launched against the great city of Troy.Feel the fury of the battleground as the Trojans stand resolutely against Greek might for an entire decade.And witness the epic climax - the wooden horse, delivered to the citTrade ReviewAn amiable meander through the historic sources . . . Fry's light and graceful tone helps to ease the unfamiliar reader through the complicated genealogies * The Times *An inimitable retelling of the siege of Troy . . . Fry's narrative, artfully humorous and rich in detail, breathes life and contemporary relevance into these ancient tales * Observer *Fry's lively writing certainly conveys his lifelong passion for Greek myths . . . It's a rollicking good read * Independent *Perfect for the 21st Century. Ebullient, funny, Fry retells the Greek myths with elegance * The Times *Lively, humorous and intimate, this retelling has real charm * Guardian *A wondrous new immersion in ancient stories we only thought we knew. Brilliant, funny, erudite, inventive, surprising and enthralling -- Richard North PattersonTragedy and passion abound as Fry retells the epic siege of Troy * Metro *Stephen Fry takes the reader into the heart of a story both mythical and grounded in history * Northern Life Magazine *This pacy, witty retelling is beautifully illustrated, with an epilogue explaining the myths and historical reality of Troy * Daily Mail *Astonishing . . . an excellent read * The Oldie *Curl up on your sofa as Stephen brings to life the legendary . . . passionate and powerful story of Troy * The List *Fry is a genial guide to Greek mythology * Daily Telegraph *Fry's knowledge of the world - ancient and modern - bursts through at the seams . . . The reader will find themselves on a fun romp through the world's greatest story * Daily Telegraph *Full of heroism, desire and drama * Eastern Daily Press *Fry really brings the tale to life, adding his own wry humour to the mix . . . Well worth a read * The Hunsbury Handbook *A story thousands of years old, only Fry could rewrite this so captivating as ever * School House *Fry takes us from the founding myth of Troy, through its most famous inhabitants and the infamous war, to the razing of the city by the vengeful and victorious Achaeans * Times *

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Book SynopsisBrought to you by Penguin.Following the bestselling retellings of the Greek myths in Mythos and Heroes, Stephen Fry''s bewitching third volume Troy - concerning love and war, passion and power - is now ready for ordering.The story of Troy speaks to all of us - the kidnapping of Helen, a queen celebrated for her beauty, sees the Greeks launch a thousand ships against the city of Troy, to which they will lay siege for ten whole and very bloody years.It is Zeus, the king of the gods, who triggers the war when he asks the Trojan prince Paris to judge the fairest goddess of them all. Aphrodite bribes Paris with the heart of Helen, wife of King Menelaus of the Greeks, and, naturally, nature takes its course.It is a terrible, brutal war with casualties on all sides as well as strained relations between allies. The Greek''s most fearsome warrior, Achilles, argues with King Agamemnon, his commander, over another woman, the TrTrade ReviewAn amiable meander through the historic sources . . . Fry's light and graceful tone helps to ease the unfamiliar reader through the complicated genealogies * The Times *An inimitable retelling of the siege of Troy . . . Fry's narrative, artfully humorous and rich in detail, breathes life and contemporary relevance into these ancient tales * Observer *Fry's lively writing certainly conveys his lifelong passion for Greek myths . . . It's a rollicking good read * Independent *Perfect for the 21st Century. Ebullient, funny, Fry retells the Greek myths with elegance * The Times *Lively, humorous and intimate, this retelling has real charm * Guardian *A wondrous new immersion in ancient stories we only thought we knew. Brilliant, funny, erudite, inventive, surprising and enthralling -- Richard North PattersonTragedy and passion abound as Fry retells the epic siege of Troy * Metro *Stephen Fry takes the reader into the heart of a story both mythical and grounded in history * Northern Life Magazine *This pacy, witty retelling is beautifully illustrated, with an epilogue explaining the myths and historical reality of Troy * Daily Mail *Astonishing . . . an excellent read * The Oldie *Curl up on your sofa as Stephen brings to life the legendary . . . passionate and powerful story of Troy * The List *Fry is a genial guide to Greek mythology * Daily Telegraph *Fry's knowledge of the world - ancient and modern - bursts through at the seams . . . The reader will find themselves on a fun romp through the world's greatest story * Daily Telegraph *Full of heroism, desire and drama * Eastern Daily Press *Fry really brings the tale to life, adding his own wry humour to the mix . . . Well worth a read * The Hunsbury Handbook *A story thousands of years old, only Fry could rewrite this so captivating as ever * School House *Fry takes us from the founding myth of Troy, through its most famous inhabitants and the infamous war, to the razing of the city by the vengeful and victorious Achaeans * Times *

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewStrong and immersive. Well-worth plucking from the pile of chiton-lit * The Times *Vivid with fury, passion and strength, this is a fabulous myth retelling. A powerful, thought-provoking portrayal of a fascinating and complicated woman framed in beautiful prose. I loved it -- JENNIFER SAINT, bestselling author of ARIADNE and ELEKTRAWow! What a powerhouse of a novel. Savage, passionate and absolutely spellbinding. The recreation of Sparta is astonishing - you feel you are with Clytemnestra, completely immersed in the brutal world she inhabits with her siblings, whose complex relationships are drawn with skill and tenderness. Clytemnestra's rage, heartbreak and determination radiate off the page. I was utterly gripped -- Elodie Harper, bestselling author of THE WOLF DEN & THE HOUSE WITH THE GOLDEN DOORA blaze of a novel, fiery and furious - and alight with murderous revenge. Like Madeline Miller and Jennifer Saint, Casati offers the female perspective on the old, patriarchal tropes of the Greek myths * Daily Mail *Rivals House of the Dragon in conspiracies and feminine brutality. Here is a complex and courageous woman, all flesh and blood, simmering with passion. Facing the grimmest of betrayals, Clytemnestra's ruthless desire for revenge powers a thrilling plot. This is an electrifying read that shocks and fascinates in equal measure -- LIZ FREMANTLE, the critically acclaimed author of QUEEN'S GAMBITA heroine of fierce spirit caught in a world ruled by men, finding a way through with a sharp, unquenchable courage. With the fire and spark of Madeline Miller and the depths of Mary Renault, Clytemnestra will keep you reading well into the small hours, and your dreams will be of worlds where women reach for the gods -- MANDA SCOTTA passionate picture of a fiercely patriarchal society and her heroine's refusal to be bound by itsrules * Sunday Times *Clytemnestra, whose name has come to epitomise female wickedness, has found a worthy advocate in Costanza Casati and this fascinating Greek myth retelling . . . Casati brings the blood-soaked world of Greek mythology fully alive in this powerful novel * Woman & Home *Costanza Casati renders a singularly vibrant Ancient Greece, absolutely alive with emotion and suspense. Casati reveals a Clytemnestra we've never met before: fiercely intelligent, passionate, and loving - and willing to do anything to avenge the ones she loves -- Naomi Krupitsky, New York Times bestselling author of THE FAMILYA swift-paced telling of the story of Clytemnestra, the fierce but loving princess of often-brutal Sparta . . . The easy-to-follow storytelling and well-rounded characters in the novel really draw in the reader * i *Ablaze with moments of deep tenderness and visceral ferocity, Casati's Clytemnestra gives the phrase 'fight like a girl' its rightfully heroic and empowering meaning! Beautifully told in a style that pays nimble homage to classic Greek mythology, Clytemnestra is a rich and compelling read, and even more so for every woman who has ever had to fight to reclaim her power. A must-read! -- Buki Papillon, author of AN ORDINARY WONDERBold and elegant, this novel deconstructs Clytemnestra's infamy and then, with tremendous empathy and wisdom, reconstructs her into an enthrallingly complex figure filled with passion and spirit. This fiery tale of revenge and desire really is the stuff of legend -- Sarah Priscus, author of the critically-acclaimed GROUPIESPowerful and sympathetic, Clytemnestra shines a light on Helen of Troy's overshadowed sister. Crafted with page-turning suspense, Casati spins a mesmerizing story of an ambitious warrior queen who must use all her skill to protect herself and those she loves from men who view women not as equals, but as pawns to be sacrificed upon the altars of lust, greed, and fame. An ancient and intriguing tale made fresh for today's 21st century battles -- Liz Michalski, author of DARLING GIRL: A NOVEL OF PETER PANA thrilling reimagining of an infamous Greek figure * RED *A thrilling tale of power and prophecies, and the fierce Queen who fought back at those who wronged her * COSMOPOLITAN, 'The best books to look forward to in 2023' *If magical mythological books call your name, Clytemnestra is the one for you * Glamour UK *Swift-paced, straightforward storytelling, richly imagined characters. Timeless * Scotsman *Savage, passionate and absolutely spellbinding. Clytemnestra's rage, her heartbreak and her determination radiate off the page -- ELODIE HARPER, bestselling author of THE WOLF DEN and THE HOUSE WITH THE GOLDEN DOOR

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Book SynopsisFrom the No. 1 bestselling author of WAR LORD comes an epic retelling of the Arthurian legend, which is now a major television series on ITV. The all-star cast will include Iain De Caestecker, Stuart Campbell, Ellie James and Eddie Marsan.In the Dark Ages, a legendary warrior arises to unite a divided land . . .Uther, the High King of Britain, is dead.His only heir is the infant Mordred. Yet each of the country''s lesser kings seek to claim the crown for themselves.While they squabble and spoil for war, a host of Saxon armies gather, preparing for invasion.But no one has counted on the fearsome warlord Arthur.Handed power by Merlin and pursuing a doomed romance with the beautiful Guinevere, Arthur knows he will struggle to unite the country - let alone hold back the Saxon enemy at the gates.Yet destiny awaits him . . .Combining myth, history, and thrilling battlefield action, fans of Game of Thrones, The Last Kingdom, Conn Iggulden and Merlin will be captivated by this gripping epic.___________''Of all the books I have written these are my favourites'' Bernard Cornwell''Spellbinding realism'' The TimesTrade ReviewOf all the books I have written these are my favouritesThat every Cornwell novel is better than the last, devotees have long taken for granted * The Times Literary Supplement *Bernard Cornwell writes with gritty realism * Daily Telegraph *Spellbinding * The Times *

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Book SynopsisPhilip Pullman's wry wit and award-winning talent brings much tothis rich, dark and uplifting rendition of the classic tale ALADDINAND THE ENCHANTED LAMP. With magic and mischief in equal measure, and with brand new illustrationsfrom master printmaker Chris Wormell, it will captivatereaders of all ages.

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Book SynopsisA visually stunning reimagining of the classic fairy tale Hansel and Gretel by master storyteller Neil Gaiman, beautifully illustrated by the award-winning Lorenzo MattottiThe enduring story of the children, the breadcrumb trail and the gingerbread house is brought to life by master storyteller, Neil Gaiman. Who better to retell the Brothers Grimm''s greatest, and perhaps darkest, fairy tale, Hansel and Gretel?Coupled with breathtakingly haunting illustrations from Lorenzo Mattotti, you will be enticed into the world and into the woods . . . so beware.

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Book SynopsisSHORTLISTED FOR THE WOMEN''S PRIZE FOR FICTION 2019 THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLERTHE NEW YORK TIMES NUMBER ONE BESTSELLERSELECTED AS BOOK OF THE YEAR BY BUZZFEED, THE DAILY TELEGRAPH, GUARDIAN, I PAPER, IRISH TIMES, REFINERY29, SCOTSMAN, SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, TIME MAGAZINE, TIMES LITERARY SUPPLEMENT, AND WASHINGTON POSTFrom the Orange Prize-winning, internationally bestselling author of The Song of Achilles comes the powerful story of the mythological witch Circe, inspired by Homer's OdysseyChosen as must-read book of 2018 by the Guardian, i, Mail on Sunday, Sunday Express and StylistIn the house of Helios, god of the sun and mightiest of the Titans, a daughter is born. But Circe has neither the look nor the voice of divinity, and is scorned and rejected by her kin. Increasingly isolated, she turns Trade ReviewCirce gives us a feminist slant on the Odyssey … Miller makes these age-old texts thrum with contemporary relevance … An airy delight, a novel to be gobbled greedily in a single sitting * Observer *Enough magic, enchantment, voyages and wonders to satisfy the most jaded sword-and-sorcery palate. Miller approaches Odysseus’s story from Circe’s point of view, richly evoking her protagonist’s overlapping identities as goddess, witch, lover and mother -- Adam Roberts * Guardian, Books of the Year *Circe back as superwoman … Homer’s witch get a kickass modern makeover… Miller’s Me Too-era, kickass portrait of a woman trying to defy the men and Fates arrayed against her is enchanting… Blisteringly modern * The Times *In a thrilling tour de force of imagination, Miller makes her otherworldly heroine a complex, sympathetic figure for whom we cheer throughout. Circe is a truly spellbinding novel, the mesmerising shimmer of ancient magic rising from it like a heat haze * Mail on Sunday *A brilliantly strange work of mythic science fiction, as effortlessly expressive within the palaces of gods as it is about the world below … Superb … This is both a fabulous novel and a fascinating retelling; the best compliment, perhaps, that any myth could hope for * Daily Telegraph *A triumph * The Times, Books of the Year *Circe is poised to become the literary sensation of the summer, as much for the quality of its writing as its timeliness * Sunday Times Magazine *This year’s novels were filled with the angry clamour of women’s voices: ignored, idealistic or excitingly ambivalent. Madeline Miller reflected the mood for feminist revisionism with her lissom follow-up Circe, which casts the witch goddess in the Odyssey not as a bit player in a man’s epic but as the star of her own show -- Claire Allfree * Daily Telegraph, Books of the Year *It was a big year for creative retelling of myth and pre-modern literature; a favourite was Madeline Miller's Circe, a distinctive, lyrical novel about power, agency and reponsibility, from the point of view of this crafty, much-misunderstood goddess -- Emily Wilson * Times Literary Supplement, Books of the Year *The writing is lovely, the tone assured, and the touch just right -- Alexander McCall Smith * Independent, Books of the Year *

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Book SynopsisThe calamities that befall the hapless creatures of Aesop's Fables! The fox can't reach his grapes, then gets attacked by biting flies and loses his tail in a trap. And things don't go much better for the hare, who is chased relentlessly by a hound, barely escaping with his lifeonly to be beaten in a race by a lowly tortoise. Misfortune turns to mayhem when a wolf is killed by his sweetheart's father, a sheepdog preys on his own flock, and the mouse and his friend the frog are eaten by a hawk. On the brighter side, a tiny ant saves her new friend the dove from a hunter's arrow, a bat persuades two different weasels not to eat her, and a kid goat uses his wits to escape from the jaws of a hungry wolf... For nearly three thousand years, the fables of Aesop have amused people of all ages as they provide commonsense lessons in the conduct of everyday life. The colorful characters and brief tales, by turns amusing and frightening, deliver a how-to course in applied moral philosophy. Thi

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Book SynopsisThe final book in the War God trilogy from internationally best-selling author Graham Hancock.Trade ReviewPraise for Graham Hancock * : *A great yarn... [Hancock] is a writer with a first-rate feel for colour and ambience... * The Sunday Times *...part historical fact, part fantasy, the effect is as intense as the events themselves. It's a fascinating read that will have you booking a flight to Mexico long before you finish the book. * Evening Standard *Interweaving historical fact and vivid fiction, Graham Hancock's War God is packed full of blood, guts, conflict, sacrifice and witchcraft in the last days of the Aztec empire. The story of the Spanish conquest of Mexico and the downfall of Moctezuma is the perfect distraction from modern life. * Wanderlust *Five hundred years ago the old Mexican prophecy which announced the return of Quetzalcoatl came true. In an era dominated by human sacrifices and the decadence of a great culture, bearded men, white-faced, from beyond the sea, arrived to impose their law. In this fast-moving highly reccomended novel, Graham Hancock masterfully reconstructs the biggest clash of civilizations ever, revealing aspects that only a genius author could unveil. * Javier Sierra New York Times bestselling author of The Secret Supper and The Lost *The book offers up a heady mix of action, politics, spirituality and the supernatural and we learn a lot...Convincing fantasy elements and viscerally recreated details keep the narrative charging forward. * Daily Mail *

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Book SynopsisNew from Scarlett St. Clair: a deliciously hot and wicked retelling of classic Grimm, Hans Christian Anderson, and Irish fairy tales, first in a series of seven entwined fairy tales.When Gesela unwillingly kills a toad that lives at the bottom of the town well, she is kidnapped by five Elven princes, her punishment: banishment to their brother, The Beast. Gesela expects to be the prisoner of a hideous monster, but the beast turns out to be exquisitely beautiful, and rather than lock her in a cell, he offers Gesela a deal. If she can guess his true name in seven days, she can go free. Gesela agrees, but there is a hidden catchshe must speak his name with love to free him, as well. Can either of them learn to love in time?

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Book SynopsisThe new historical novel from Philippa Gregory, the Number One bestselling author of Tidelands and Dark Tides.  In a divided country, power and loyalty conquer all . . . Ned Ferryman, inspired by news of a rebellion against the Stuart kings, returns from America with his Pokanoket servant to join the uprising against roman catholic, King James. As Ned swears loyalty to the charismatic Duke of Monmouth, he discovers a new and unexpected love. Meanwhile, Queen Mary summons her friend Livia to a terrified court. Recklessly, Livia drags her son Matthew and his foster mothers Alinor and Alys into a plot to save the queen from Monmouth’s invasion, and Matthew is rewarded with the Manor of Foulmire: on the tidelands where Ned, Alinor and Alys had once scraped a poor living. Suddenly, Alinor is lady of the manor, as Ned marches into the last battle between the royalists and commoners, hoping for a new dawn Trade ReviewPraise for Dawnlands: ‘This sprawling, epic addition to the series will delight Gregory’s many fans' The Times ‘Fast-paced, gripping and meticulously researched, the latest novel from Philippa Gregory is historical fiction at its best…Few authors bring history to life like Philippa Gregory and her vivid descriptions of 17th century life give readers a ringside seat at the action' Daily Express 'Spellbinding’ Woman’s Own ‘I love falling into a Philippa Gregory novel, her vibrant take on historical events always brings past eras alive…This has drama aplenty with the fear of execution for treason, deportation, and imposter Princes, the rewards and dangers presented are colossal and exciting. This epic story follows a family from one end of the old empire to another, as they try to find a place in a new world' Adele Parks, Platinum Magazine Praise for Tidelands and Dark Tides: 'Gregory is an experienced storyteller and doesn’t let you down. Tidelands is a gripping and intelligent portrait of a woman fighting to survive in a hostile world' The Times ‘The first in a planned series . . . The author crafts her material with effortless ease. Her grasp of social mores is brilliant, the love story rings true and the research is, as ever, of the highest calibre' Elizabeth Buchan, Daily Mail ‘Vivid and beguiling – Philippa Gregory at her best’ Woman & Home 'A compelling novel that shines a light on the struggles of seventeeth-century women' Daily Mirror 'The novel's power lies in Gregory's evocative portrayal of the tidelands and the everyday lives of those who are bound to them' Sunday Express 'Philippa Gregory returns with an English Civil War novel that excels in everything she does best. Historical events are written with breathless immediacy, keeping the reader enthralled even if they know the outcome. She pays close attention to the plight of women in the past, so often unchanged despite men's wars, and gives them a voice . . . Fans will not be disappointed' Alys Key, The i 'Shines a light on the struggles of seventeenth-century women . . . If this novel is the first sign of what's to come then readers are in for a treat' Emma Lee-Potter, Daily Express

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Book SynopsisBeautiful Sophie, with lips as red as blood, skin as pale as snow, and hair as dark as night, is about to come of age and inherit her father's throne.

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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 SynopsisA special illustrated edition of The Monarch of the Glen by bestselling storytelling legend, Neil Gaiman. This American Gods world novella will thrill Games of Thrones devotees and Terry Pratchett fans alike. Illustrations by celebrated artist Daniel Egnéus.''Original, engrossing, an endlessly entertaining'' George R.R Martin on American GodsHe was not sure what he had been looking for. He only knew that he had not found it.Shadow Moon has been away from America for nearly two years. His nights are broken with dangerous dreams. Sometimes he almost believes he doesn''t care if he ever returns home. In the Highlands of Scotland, where the sky is pale white and it feels as remote as any place can possibly be, the beautiful and the wealthy gather at a grand old house in the glen. And when the strange local doctor offers him work at the party, Shadow is intrigued. He knows there is Trade Reviewtold with a rare understanding of all that makes us human, and shows the power of stories to reveal and shelter us from the darkness inside and out. * Mid-West Times *

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Book SynopsisFrom Hugo, Eisner, Newbery, Harvey, Bram Stoker, Locus, World Fantasy, and Nebula award-winning author Neil Gaiman and Eisner award-winner Mark Buckingham (Fables) comes a striking graphic novel anthology of four essential fantasy stories.These dark and imaginative tales feature an odd and subtly linked world of bizarre venereal diseases, a creepy old woman who feasts on raw meat, a man obsessed with a skin model from a magazine, and a story within a story about ghosts. You wont want to miss this collection featuring comic adaptations of the short stories: Looking for the Girl, Foreign Parts, Closing Time, and Feeders and Eaters from the Sunday Times bestselling author, Neil Gaiman.Trade ReviewA must for any fan of American Gods or the work of Neil Gaiman... [sitting] alongside the TV series and the novel as another way to tackle and understand Gaiman's deep, rich narrative * Starburst *

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Book Synopsis ''Stories that start like delicate webs and finish like unbreakable wire traps'' Neil Gaiman Naomi Ishiguro''s fresh, magical and delightfully speculative short story collection merges the inventiveness of David Mitchell and the fairy-tale allure of Angela Carter to form its own powerful magic.Witness what happens when a space-obsessed child conjures up a vortex in his mother''s airing cupboard in Shearing Season. Watch unexpected possibilities open up in The Flat Roof when a musician makes friends with a flock of birds. Get lost in the world of The Rat Catcher where, finding himself potentially out of his depth when he is summoned to a decaying royal palace, a rat catcher is plunged into a battle for the throne of a ruined kingdom. In this stunning debut collection, the characters yearn for freedom and flight, and find their worlds transformed beyond their wildest imaginings.''NaoTrade ReviewAn imaginative collection full of wide eyed wonder and millennial wit * Sharlene Teo *Escape Routes sees Ishiguro find inventive and unexpected new ways to explore her themes of freedom, flight and individuality * Netgalley Reader Review, Shelf Indulgent Reader website *Ishiguro, daughter of the 2017 Nobel Laureate, is already being touted as a writer of rare talent herself * RTÉ Guide *A wide-ranging speculative short story collection from a striking new voice in fiction * Rabeea Saleem, ‘Fabulous February Books Out In The UK’, BookRiot website *All the emotional power comes from how these tired, stressed, anxious characters could be people that you pass on the street. They could be us * Chloe Walker, Culturefly website *It's whimsical, often melancholy tales are populated by people you feel you've met * Kimberley Ballard, SFX Magazine *

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