Traditional or cultural fiction and true stories, tales and retellings

1464 products


  • The Forests of Avalon xi Avalon 2

    Penguin Books Ltd The Forests of Avalon xi Avalon 2

    2 in stock

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

    2 in stock

    £12.34

  • Celtic Sea Stories

    Luath Press Ltd Celtic Sea Stories

    1 in stock

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

    1 in stock

    £5.99

  • The Last Dragon Twilight of the Celts Book I An

    Headline Publishing Group The Last Dragon Twilight of the Celts Book I An

    2 in stock

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

    2 in stock

    £9.49

  • Beowulf

    Yale University Press Beowulf

    1 in stock

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

    1 in stock

    £12.99

  • The Voyage of Freydis An epic new feminist

    HarperCollins Publishers The Voyage of Freydis An epic new feminist

    1 in stock

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

    1 in stock

    £9.49

  • Venice Noir: The dark history of the lagoons

    1 in stock

    £9.49

  • African Myths

    Flame Tree Publishing African Myths

    2 in stock

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

    2 in stock

    £8.65

  • Reynard the Fox

    Bodleian Library Reynard the Fox

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

    £18.00

  • Polynesian Island Myths

    Flame Tree Publishing Polynesian Island Myths

    2 in stock

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

    2 in stock

    £6.99

  • Girls Made of Snow and Glass

    Hodder & Stoughton Girls Made of Snow and Glass

    2 in stock

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

    2 in stock

    £8.99

  • Arthurian Myths

    Flame Tree Publishing Arthurian Myths

    1 in stock

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

    1 in stock

    £6.99

  • Hackett Publishing Co, Inc The Poetic Edda: Stories of the Norse Gods and

    Out of stock

    Book Synopsis"The poems of the Poetic Edda have waited a long time for a Modern English translation that would do them justice. Here it is at last (Odin be praised!) and well worth the wait. These amazing texts from a 13th-century Icelandic manuscript are of huge historical, mythological and literary importance, containing the lion's share of information that survives today about the gods and heroes of pre-Christian Scandinavians, their unique vision of the beginning and end of the world, etc. Jackson Crawford's modern versions of these poems are authoritative and fluent and often very gripping. With their individual headnotes and complementary general introduction, they supply today's readers with most of what they need to know in order to understand and appreciate the beliefs, motivations, and values of the Vikings." --Dick Ringler, Professor Emeritus of English and Scandinavian Studies at the University of Wisconsin–MadisonTrade Review"An excellent and entertaining work that succeeds in achieving its intended purpose: to create an accessible and readable English translation of the Poetic Edda. Crawford's knowledge of and passion for the topic is clear throughout, and he strikes an excellent balance between approachability and authenticity. I will most certainly be using this translation when I teach Norse mythology in the future and will recommend it to anyone looking for an approachable introduction to the subject." —Natalie M. Van Deusen, University of Alberta, in Scandinavian-Canadian Studies

    Out of stock

    £999.99

  • Hannibal of Carthage

    Flame Tree Publishing Hannibal of Carthage

    1 in stock

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

    1 in stock

    £6.99

  • The Pomegranate Gate

    Rebellion Publishing Ltd. The Pomegranate Gate

    1 in stock

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

    1 in stock

    £17.09

  • The Flaw in the Crystal

    British Library Publishing The Flaw in the Crystal

    2 in stock

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

    2 in stock

    £9.49

  • Push Your Creativity: Reimagining fairy tales

    3DTotal Publishing Ltd Push Your Creativity: Reimagining fairy tales

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisThe magical powers of a storybook cannot be denied, but what if within those pages awaited not traditionally-written fairy tales from all times and places, but those same tales re-told by some of the world’s most talented and respected artists! Fairy Tales Reimagined is a lavish hardback tome, containing 288 pages populated by characters who started life known to children and adults around the world. However, these characters, their settings, and narratives, have taken on a different form, their stories unflinchingly transformed. The infamous darkness that shrouds many fairy tales is left intact, while in others, the weird, wondrous, and even unexpected workaday awaits. Lovingly drawn and painted scenes filled with colour and detail make each reimagining utterly convincing. To help tell these transformed tales are the artist’s scribbles and sketches, giving a behind-the-scenes glimpse of their creative process. Minimal text provides just enough information to shed light on these new narratives, but ultimately the imagery tells the story. Whether seen as an inspirational art resource, a treasury of tales told through a fantastical filter, or simply a unique collection of bedtime stories, Fairy Tales Reimagined will captivate audiences within and far beyond the realms of practical art.

    1 in stock

    £27.00

  • East African Folktales

    Flame Tree Publishing East African Folktales

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisTraditional stories bring a deeper understanding of the movement of peoples across East Africa. Common roots and differences between ancient peoples create a lively portrait with their fragile, powerful gods. The modern nations of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and more inherit the folk and mythic tales of the rift valley region. Here you'll find stories of ogres and tricksters, riddles and poems, figures such as the first man (Gikuyu) and woman (Mumbi), and great heroes of history such as Liongo. This new collection is created for the modern reader. FLAME TREE 451: From myth to mystery, the supernatural to horror, fantasy and science fiction, Flame Tree 451 offers a healthy diet of werewolves and mechanical men, blood-lusty vampires, dastardly villains, mad scientists, secret worlds, lost civilizations and escapist fantasies. Discover a storehouse of tales gathered specifically for the reader of the fantastic.

    1 in stock

    £8.54

  • The Nibelungenlied

    Oxford University Press The Nibelungenlied

    2 in stock

    Book Synopsis''In ancient tales many marvels are told us ... now you may hear such marvels told!''The greatest of the heroic epics to emerge from medieval Germany, the Nibelungenlied is a revenge saga of sweeping dimensions. It tells of the dragon-slayer Sivrit, and the mysterious kingdom of the Nibelungs with its priceless treasure-hoard guarded by dwarves and giants, of Prünhilt the Amazonian queen, fortune-telling water-sprites and a cloak of invisibility. Driven by the conflict between Kriemhilt, the innocent maiden turned she-devil, and her antagonist, the stoic, indomitable Hagen, the story is one of human tragedy, of love, jealousy, murder, and revenge, ending in slaughter on a horrific scale. The work of an anonymous poet of c.1200, since its rediscovery in the eighteenth century the Nibelungenlied has come to be regarded as the national epic of the Germans. It has inspired countless reworkings and adaptations, including two masterpieces: Fritz Lang''s two-part film, and Richard Wagner''s Ring cycle.This is the first prose translation for over forty years: accurate and compelling, it is accompanied by a wealth of useful background information. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World''s Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford''s commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.Trade ReviewIt makes for glorious reading. * Yann Martell, 'What is Stephen Harper Reading?' *A new translation by Cyril Edwards, the most faithful to date to the Nibelungenlied. * Bettina Bildhauer, TLS *For a taste of the original style in English, Edwards's is now the best translation. * Bettina Bildhauer, TLS *This magnificent story...now brought to an English speaking audience in a new translation by Cyril Edwards, (is) the most faithful one to date... the Nibelung legend is still li ttle known in the anglophone world (except to Wagnerians). But a narrative of such splendour and importance deserves a wide audience outside the walls of the academy. * Bettina Bildhauer, Times Literary Supplement *The power and immediacy of this translation offers unparalleled insight into a forgotten world. * Editor's Choice, Good Book Guide *A gripping tale, packed with violent incident...the poem's history is fascinating. * Editor's Choice, The Good Book Guide *

    2 in stock

    £10.79

  • Im Waiting For You

    HarperCollins Publishers Im Waiting For You

    7 in stock

    Book SynopsisTHE TIMES SCIENCE FICTION BOOK OF THE MONTHHer fiction is a breath-taking piece of a cinematic art powerful and graceful' Bong Joon-ho, Oscar-winning director of Parasite'Dazzling' The TimesA stunning collection of short fiction by one of South Korea's most treasured writers, available in English for the first time.In the title story, an engaged couple working in distant corners of the galaxy plan to arrive on Earth simultaneously and walk down the aisle together. But small incidents wreak havoc on their vast journeys, pushing the date of their wedding far into the future. As centuries pass on Earth and the land and climate change, one thing is constant: the desire of the lovers to be together.Through two pairs of interlinked stories stories, Kim explores the driving forces of humanity love, hope, creation, destruction, and the very meaning of existence.Trade Review‘Her fiction is a breath-taking piece of a cinematic art itself. Reminiscent of the world we experienced in The Matrix, Inception, and Dark City, still it leads us to this entirely original structure, which is a ground-breaking, mystic literary and cinematic experience. Indeed, powerful and graceful’Bong Joon-ho, Oscar-winning director of Parasite ‘These stories will break your heart, then lovingly knit it back together again’Marina J. Lostetter, author of Noumenon ‘She created a world that Hollywood will never be able to imitate’Han Song, Yinhe Award-winning author, on The Day Nien Comes

    7 in stock

    £10.44

  • Vagabonds

    HarperCollins Publishers Vagabonds

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisGasp in wonder' Marlon James, author of Black Leopard, Red WolfElectrifying' Irenosen Okojie, author of NudibranchGasp-inducing' AnOther Joyous, defiant' Caleb Azumah Nelson, author of Open WaterVisionary' GuardianVAGABONDS! is a tumultuous and unexpectedly joyous novel of oppression and defiance among the people and spirits of Lagos.Lagos is a city for all . . . you share this place with flesh and not-flesh, and it's just as much their city as it is yours.Èkó, the spirit of Lagos, and his loyal minion Tatafo weave trouble through the streets of Lagos and through the lives of the vagabonds' powering modern Nigeria: the queer, the displaced and the footloose.With Tatafo as our guide we meet these people in the shadows. Among them are a driver for a debauched politician; a lesbian couple whose tender relationship sheds unexpected light on their experience with underground sex work; a mother who attends a secret spiritual gathering that shifts her reality. As their lives begin to intertwine?in markets and underground clubs, in churches and hotel rooms?the vagabonds are seized and challenged by the spirits who command the city. A force is drawing them all together, but for what purpose?In her debut novel VAGABONDS!, Eloghosa Osunde tackles the insidious nature of Nigerian capitalism, corruption and oppression, and offers a defiant, joyous and inventive tribute to all those for whom life itself is a form of resistance.Every year promises the birth of the next literary superstar VAGABONDS! is an exceptional debut' i-DDazzling, haunting, angular and funny' TLSIf you read one debut novel this should be it' Los Angeles TimesGasp-inducing captures the lives of outsiders with spirit and tenderness' AnOther There is nothing in the world like this book' Lesley Nneka Arimah, author of What It Means When A Man Falls From The SkyTrade Review‘You don’t read this novel. You swan dive into it, then gasp in wonder’ Marlon James, author of A Brief History of Seven Killings ‘I’m in awe of Osunde’s writing … I can’t wait for others to delve into the joyous, defiant world she has rendered for her debut novel, VAGABONDS!’ Caleb Azumah Nelson, author of Open Water ‘Every year promises the birth of the next literary superstar… Eloghosa Osunde’s VAGABONDS! is an exceptional debut’ i-D ‘A feast of a book, a marvelous ode to spirits and outsiders that is irreverent (and painfully funny) while being serious enough to drill a hole in one’s chest. There is nothing in the world like this book’ Lesley Nneka Arimah, author of What It Means When A Man Falls From The Sky ‘A novel as vivid and varied as the city itself’ Harper’s Bazaar 'Osunde’s gasp-inducing novel takes us to the Lagos streets with an ensemble of misfits and vagabonds, each with their own stories of queerness, personal demons, all-consuming love… Immerse yourself in Osunde’s kaleidoscopic world' AnOther Magazine ‘An explosive portrait of Nigeria that will blow your mind – in prose that feels so alive it practically vibrates off the page. A masterpiece’ Lidia Yuknavitch, author of The Book of Joan ‘A dazzling, hypnotic portrait of lives lived on the margins’ T Kira Madden, author of Long Live the Tribe of Fatherless Girls ‘A vibrant blend of big-city life and contemporary mythology’ New York Times ‘Osunde’s writing is rich and sensorial … Vagabonds! is alive with magical potential in the face of oppression’ Creative Review

    1 in stock

    £14.99

  • Le Morte dArthur

    Penguin Books Ltd Le Morte dArthur

    4 in stock

    Book SynopsisVolume two of Le Morte D''Arthur, Sir Thomas Malory''s powerful and elegaic version of the Arthurian legend, recounts the adventures of Sir Tristram de Liones and the treachery of Sir Mordred, and follows Sir Launcelot''s quest for The Holy Grail, his fatally divided loyalties, and his great, forbidden love for the beautiful Queen Guenever. Culminating in an account of Arthur''s final battle against the scheming, deceitful Mordred, this is the definitive re-telling of the Arthurian myth, weaving a story of adultery, treachery and ultimately - in its tragic finale - death. Edited and published by William Caxton in 1485, Malory''s moving prose romance looks back to an idealised Medieval age of chivalry, drawing on French and English verse sources to create an epic masterpiece of passion, enchantment, war and betrayal.

    4 in stock

    £12.34

  • The Death of King Arthur

    Penguin Books Ltd The Death of King Arthur

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisRecounting the final days of Arthur, this thirteenth-century French version of the Camelot legend, written by an unknown author, is set in a world of fading chivalric glory. It depicts the Round Table diminished in strength after the Quest for the Holy Grail, and with its integrity threatened by the weakness of Arthur''s own knights. Whispers of Queen Guinevere''s infidelity with his beloved comrade-at-arms Sir Lancelot profoundly distress the trusting King, leaving him no match for the machinations of the treacherous Sir Mordred. The human tragedy of The Death of King Arthur so impressed Malory that he built his own Arthurian legend on this view of the court - a view that profoundly influenced the English conception of the ''great'' King. For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout

    1 in stock

    £11.69

  • The Greek Alexander Romance Penguin Classics

    Penguin Books Ltd The Greek Alexander Romance Penguin Classics

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisSince his death in the third century BC, each age has woven its own legends around the figure of Alexander the Great.If the Hebrew tradition saw him as a preacher and prophet, to the Persians he was alternately a true king and an arch-Satan, while in modern Greece he is revered more as a wise man than as a conqueror. All these very disparate traditions share roots in The Greek Alexander Romance.One of the most influential works of late classical Greek literature, it reached Europe in the Middle Ages, and its effects are still visible to us in illuminated manuscripts and cathedral sculptures portraying Alexander's fabulous adventures - his taming of the horse Bucephalus, the encounters with Amazons and Brahmins, the quest for the Water of Life, the ascent to heaven in a basket borne by eagles. Nowadays the Romance should be read not only as a literary masterpiece but also as fast-paced and wonderfully exuberant entertainment.FoTable of ContentsThe Greek Alexander RomanceAcknowledgmentsIntroductionA Note on the TextThe Greek Alexander Romance: The Life and Deeds of Alexander of MacedonSupplements to the TextNotesMap: The World of Alexander

    1 in stock

    £11.69

  • Penguin Books Ltd The Anger of Achilles

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisWar is raging between the Greeks and the Trojans. Achilles, the great warrior champion of the Greek army, is angrily sulking in his tent and refusing to fight, after a row with his leader Agamemnon. But when the Trojan king Hector kills Achilles' beloved friend, he plunges back into the battle to seek his bloody revenge even though he knows it will bring about his own doom. Robert Graves's gripping, vigorous retelling of The Iliad portrays quarrelling kings and tarnished heroes, who leave suffering women behind them and are watched over by capricious gods and goddesses. It takes a revered classic back to its roots as popular entertainment.

    1 in stock

    £11.69

  • Marvel Myths and Legends

    Dorling Kindersley Ltd Marvel Myths and Legends

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisExplore the fabled myths and epic legends of the vast and vibrant Marvel Universe.Visit the dawn of time to witness the birth of the Celestials and their warring creations, the Eternals and Deviants. Discover the pantheons of Thor, the Asgardians, and their Olympian rivals. Wonder at the arcane origins of Doctor Strange, the Sorcerer Supreme. Behold the new and ancient gods of Wakanda and the Black Panthers. Celebrate the rise of Atlantis and its royal protector Namor, the Sub-Mariner.These are the spectacular sagas and mythic tales that define and underpin the Marvel Universe. 2020 MARVEL

    1 in stock

    £17.09

  • Buckinghamshire Folk Tales

    The History Press Ltd Buckinghamshire Folk Tales

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisFolk tales from Buckinghamshire from a professional storyteller

    1 in stock

    £11.69

  • Jersey Ghost Stories

    The History Press Ltd Jersey Ghost Stories

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisStep away from sunny Jersey’s present day and into the sinister shadows of the past … the island’s history is filled with dark deeds and restless spirits.

    1 in stock

    £11.69

  • Glamorgan Folk Tales for Children

    The History Press Ltd Glamorgan Folk Tales for Children

    2 in stock

    Book SynopsisStoryteller Cath Little has gathered together this enchanting collection of tales, illustrated by fellow storyteller and illustrator Peter Stevenson.

    2 in stock

    £9.49

  • Midlothian Folk Tales

    The History Press Ltd Midlothian Folk Tales

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisAn enchanting collection of folk tales retold by a professional storyteller

    1 in stock

    £11.69

  • Mysteries and Sea Monsters

    The History Press Ltd Mysteries and Sea Monsters

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisTrue-life stories of seafarers facing danger and death in the 19th and early 20th centuriesTrade ReviewNautilus Book of the Month for October 2021 a 'kraken' read -- Nautilus International.org

    1 in stock

    £10.44

  • Medieval Folk Tales for Children

    The History Press Ltd Medieval Folk Tales for Children

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisA collection of medieval tales that give children a real insight into the times, from everyday life to religion

    1 in stock

    £10.80

  • Folk Tales of Song and Dance

    The History Press Ltd Folk Tales of Song and Dance

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisTraditional folk tales from all over Britain in which song or dance shapes the action

    1 in stock

    £11.69

  • Adventures in Nature

    The History Press Ltd Adventures in Nature

    Book SynopsisInspiration for families to connect with nature using stories and the wisdom of our ancestorsTrade Review"What a truly enchanting book."

    £13.49

  • Folk Tales from the Garden

    The History Press Ltd Folk Tales from the Garden

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisStories told in and about gardens, from the smallest back yard to the largest country estateTrade Review"I loved this book, you soon find you cannot put it down as you travel from month to month.""The stories are short enough to pick up and read one at a time, then put the book back down to return to later. It’s charming in every way, with beautiful illustrations from Annalisa Salis."

    1 in stock

    £11.69

  • The History Press Ltd The Storytellers Supper

    Out of stock

    Book SynopsisA feast of folk tales about food, with a foreword from Carlo Petrini, founder of the Slow Food MovementTrade Review"Taffy Thomas' The Storyteller's Supper: A Feast of Food Folk Tales is tasty reading with Slow Food Movement founder Carlo Petrini's foreword as appetiser and Dotty Kulty's colourful illustrations as seasoning."

    Out of stock

    £999.99

  • Angus Folk Tales

    The History Press Ltd Angus Folk Tales

    2 in stock

    Book SynopsisTraditional Angus stories, retold by a local storytellerTrade Review"Erin Farley sweeps up some general categories of tales such as Wells and Saints, Pictish Stones and Souterrains, and Hidden Treasures. There is a strong reminder here that a continuous interaction between environment and history provides a cultural underlay that goes on shaping people’s understanding of locality and their place in it."

    2 in stock

    £11.69

  • Buddhist Folk Tales

    The History Press Ltd Buddhist Folk Tales

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisAn exciting set of tales from the Buddhist tradition to inspire, move, challenge and amuse

    1 in stock

    £11.69

  • Lancashire Folk Tales

    The History Press Ltd Lancashire Folk Tales

    Out of stock

    Book SynopsisThese lively and entertaining folk tales from one of Britain’s most diverse counties are vividly retold by writer, storyteller and poet Jennie Bailey and storyteller, writer, psychotherapist and shamanic guide David England.

    Out of stock

    £11.69

  • Forging a Nightmare

    Watkins Media Limited Forging a Nightmare

    Book SynopsisFBI agent Michael Childs is tasked with tracking down a serial killer with an obsession for victims born with twelve fingers and toes. But he discovers something much more startling about himself…The only link between a series of grisly murders in New York City is that the victims were all born with twelve fingers and twelve toes. These people are known in occult circles as the Nephilim, a forsaken people, descendants of fallen angels. After a break in the case leads to supposedly killed-in-action Marine sniper Anaba Raines, Michael finds the soldier alive and well, but shockingly no longer human. Michael then discovers that he is also a Nephilim, and next on the killer’s list. Everything Michael once thought of as myth and magic starts to blur the lines of his reality, forcing him to accept a new fate to save the innocent, or die trying.File Under: Urban Fantasy [ Four Horsemen Heaven and HelTrade Review"Highly recommended.""Jackson opens Hell's stable door and releases fallen angels and demons onto each fast-moving page.""You won’t want to miss this hell of a ride!""this is one book where the action moves the story at a thrilling pace." "a brilliantly plotted, hard-hitting fantasy deeply rooted in the mythos of the human, the divine, the angelic and the equine." "action-packed debut""a stunning debut""Jackson's frenetic action, imaginative storytelling, and unapologetic prose will keep your heart pounding.”"If you ever wondered what it would be like if Good Omens was mashed up with The Black Stallion, with a dash of Loki, then this is the book for you!""Readers who relish dynamic, well-written action scenes, wry Avenger-like humor, and biblical folklore will eagerly anticipate a sequel.""Forging a Nightmare is one hell of a debut, and I look to more adventures from Ms. Jackson’s pen.”"It’s an excellent debut that meshes crime fiction and horse novels with the apocalypse""Everything moves at a satisfyingly snappy pace"

    £11.77

  • Alif the Unseen

    Atlantic Books Alif the Unseen

    2 in stock

    Book SynopsisG. Willow Wilson was born in New Jersey in 1982. After graduating with a degree in History and coursework in Arabic language and literature, she moved to Cairo, where she became a contributor to the Egyptian opposition weekly Cairo Magazine until it closed in 2005. She has written for politics and culture blogs across the political spectrum, and has previously written a graphic novel, Cairo, illustrated by M. K. Perker, and a series of comics based on her own experiences, for D.C. Comics.Trade ReviewAn exhilarating techno-thriller but also far more than that... Wilson has created in this rich, literate novel a profound dialogue between tradition and modernity, belief and non-belief, fairy tale and urban reality. * Guardian *Brilliant... witty, imaginative and unorthodox in all senses * Observer *Among the most original and challenging books of 2012, and my personal pick for at least one major award in 2013. * Guardian *Charming and original * Sunday Telegraph *Wilson writes beautifully, tells a great story, and even makes computer hackery seem like magic. * Sunday Times *A Harry Potter-ish action-adventure romance [that] unfolds against the backdrop of the Arab Spring... Improbably charming... A bookload of wizardry and glee. * New York Times *Marvelous... Intoxicating... Hugely entertaining... It doesn't take magical powers to predict it will be one of the year's best-loved books. * Washington Post *

    2 in stock

    £9.49

  • Radiant Heroes  Episode II Beyond Horizons 2

    Radiant Publishing House Inc. Radiant Heroes Episode II Beyond Horizons 2

    1 in stock

    Book Synopsis

    1 in stock

    £18.99

  • The Golden Ass

    WW Norton & Co The Golden Ass

    15 in stock

    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.

    15 in stock

    £11.99

  • The Man Who Sold Air in the Holy Land

    John Murray Press The Man Who Sold Air in the Holy Land

    2 in stock

    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 *

    2 in stock

    £13.49

  • Penguin Books Ltd Troy

    1 in stock

    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 *

    1 in stock

    £22.50

  • Mountains Made of Glass

    Sourcebooks, Inc Mountains Made of Glass

    5 in stock

    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?

    5 in stock

    £9.49

  • The Blue Salt Road

    Orion Publishing Co The Blue Salt Road

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisAn earthly nourris sits and singsAnd aye she sings, Ba lilly wean,Little ken I my bairn''s father,Far less the land that he staps in. (Child Ballad, no. 113)So begins a stunning tale of love, loss and revenge, against a powerful backdrop of adventure on the high seas, and drama on the land. The Blue Salt Road balances passion and loss, love and violence and draws on nature and folklore to weave a stunning modern mythology around a nameless, wild young man.Passion drew him to a new world, and trickery has kept him there - without his memories, separated from his own people. But as he finds his way in this dangerous new way of life, so he learns that his notions of home, and your people, might not be as fixed as he believed.Beautifully illustrated by Bonnie Helen Hawkins, this is a stunning and original modern fairytale.Trade ReviewThis is a tale to read on a cold night, wrapped in a blanket * Fantasy Book Review *Thought provoking and evocative * Tor.com *A mythical masterpiece * Bookmarks and Stages *Joanne M. Harris is one of the modern masters of fantasy writing . . . The Blue Salt Road is a journey you should take * Starburst *A perfect read for a waterside afternoon . . . with her graceful language and magical phrasing, Harris conveys the enchantment of an old tale while imparting new lessons about change, betrayal, and forgiveness in this refreshing take on the age-old powers of attraction between the supernatural and the merely human * The Star *The Blue Salt Road is an old-school folktale of magic, love and betrayal . . . [it] will stay with you after you have finished reading it * SFF World *Joanne Harris really is the queen of beautiful, lyrical writing . . . With gorgeous artwork both inside and out, this really is a stunning book. The story is a beautifully woven tale of magic, adventure and love * The Bibliophile Chronicles *

    1 in stock

    £12.34

  • The Beasts Heart

    Hodder & Stoughton The Beasts Heart

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisA richly magical retelling of the Beauty and the Beast fairy tale, from the point of view of the Beast.Trade ReviewA glorious debut from Australian author Leife Shallcross, The Beast's Heart retells 'Beauty and the Beast' in a compelling and surprising novel filled with peril, darkness, romance and beauty. An utterly enchanting fairytale retelling that breathes new life into a beloved classic. * Kate Forsyth, author of Bitter Greens and The Wild Girl *I stayed up until the small hours finishing THE BEAST'S HEART. What a delight! This is a beautifully crafted, deeply romantic reworking of the fairy tale. Leife Shallcross opens a brand new window onto the old story, creating a cast of engaging characters whose fates we really care about * Juliet Marillier, author of the Blackthorn & Grim series *Leife Shallcross weaves her words like a fairytale enchantment. The Beast's Heart is like nothing you've read. Welcome to a glorious darkness * Angela Slatter, World Fantasy Award-winning author of The Bitterwood Bible and Other Recountings *I might have a new favourite Beauty and the Beast! 5 out of 5 stars to Leife Shallcross's utterly beautiful retelling The Beast's Heart. Gorgeous writing, magical romance at its best. Absolutely loved it * Sam Hawke, author of City of Lies *The best fairy-tale retelling I have read * Read the Write Act blog *This book manages to capture the ancient quality of fairytale without going into the waffle-y vague voice that I tend to associate with some short stories and retellings . . . I had a wonderful time reading this book' 5 STARS * Chain Interaction *This beautifully conceived debut from Australian writer Leife Shallcross turns the classic fairytale on its head . . . The love story between the Beast and Isabeau is a delight; a credible, awkward, stilting courtship that's shot through with moments of gentle romance, pathos, and passion . . . a complex, charming, romantic, and richly detailed story about the redemptive power of love * Readings Magazine *Wow oh wow. I was hooked from page one . . . I think I want a Beast of my own! Honestly I think I'd give this more than 5 stars if I could * Books and Lemon Squash book blog *This was so beautifully written, I felt like I was reading a classical, melodic, fairy tale with all the feels that really came to life in my mind! An amazing story that developed beautifully, fantastically well-defined characters, the author did such a great job in reimagining the tale that's old as time and really took us deep into the heart of the beast. This is a story no one has heard before and a must read now. Beautiful writing and language, amazing characters you grow to love and a beast who I just want to hug! Oh . . . the love . . . the feels . . . for the first time in a very long time, I found this to be a book I needed to take a moment of silence for right at the end, it was that beautiful. * Read3rz Re-vu Blog *A lovely book . . . I would definitely read it again * My Melody of Words blog *Such a sweet story and a well-written retelling Beauty and The Beast but from The Beast's perspective! I just really want to hug the beast! * Curio *The writing was beautiful, and I was really immersed in the story from the start . . . It was a different take on a classic story, but one done with care and love and I am definitely a huge fan * Between the Pages book blog *If you like Disney or fairy-tales, I would recommend The Beast's Heart wholeheartedly. If you like historical romance, this is also a book for you. This is a charming story with well-rounded characters and thoughtful plot-threads weaving through it. * Morgan Daisy Sutherland Book Blog *This is not only the most vulnerable Beast I have come across, but also my favourite one . . . [The Beast's Heart] offered a perspective I didn't know I needed * Violette Books book blog *It's so refreshing reading an classic fairytale from a different perspective * Avid Bibliophile book blog *Leife Shallcross has created a beautifully enchanting world that is jumps off the page . . . I was unable to put my copy down * Readers Enjoy Authors Dreams book blog *It's the story I never knew I needed. It made my heart quicken, my eyes tear and my imagination run wild. A compelling, driving story that I was unable to put down. Overall, I fell in love with this story and the unique viewpoint it offered through the eyes of the beast. It's 5 stars from me and I will definitely be re-reading this book! * Goodreads reviewer *This book is so beautifully written, you'll feel the magic, the intricate storytelling, the love, all the feels that you can expect from a Beauty and the Beast retelling . . . This is a wonderful, magical and timeless book . . . There are so many parts that hit me right in the heart * Goodreads reviewer *I had a wonderful time reading this book, I think that if you're the kind of person who lives and breathes fairytale retellings you will most certainly enjoy this book. It's a great addition to any YA fantasy lover's shelf. ***** * Netgalley reviewer *A beautiful retelling . . . poetical, imaginative, and inventive * New York Journal of Books *

    1 in stock

    £8.99

  • The Nightjar

    Pan Macmillan The Nightjar

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisTo achieve the incredible she must attempt the impossible All her life, Alice has been haunted by visions of birds. But when the mysterious Crowley appears at Alice’s door, he reveals she’s been seeing nightjars – the miraculous birds which guard our souls. And a shadowy faction wants to use her rare gift to hunt the magically gifted. Forced to go on the run, Alice follows Crowley to an incredible alternate London, to hone her talents. But can she trust him? Alice must risk everything as she navigates a dangerous world of magic, marvels and death cults. Exciting, vivid and enthralling – The Nightjar by Deborah Hewitt will take the reader on a journey involving betrayal, twisted loyalties, magic and the powerful ties of friendship.'I thoroughly enjoyed this' – Genevieve Cogman 'The wildly imaginative Hewitt is a writer to watch' – Publishers Weekly (starred review)Trade ReviewI thoroughly enjoyed this. The compelling plot and original mythological elements kept me gripped -- Genevieve CogmanIt’s a delight to explore the Rookery alongside Alice as she discovers her unusual powers and races to save her friend. The wildly imaginative Hewitt is a writer to watch -- Publishers Weekly starred reviewEasily one of my favourite books of the last few years . . . bittersweet yet beautiful -- NovelKnightThe plot explodes off the page . . . I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a flight of fancy -- TheBookBagAn absolutely compelling read that I just couldn't put down -- FrasersFunHouseHewitt's prose is fluid, engaging and often lush -- FantasyLiterature

    1 in stock

    £8.54

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