Fantasy & science fiction

';Naomi Novik has done for the Napoleonic Wars what Anne McCaffrey did for science fiction: constructed an alternate reality in which dragons are real in a saga that is impressively original, fully developed, and peopled with characters you care about.'David Weber, author of the Honor Harrington series After their fateful adventure in China, Capt. Will Laurence of His Majesty' s Aerial Corps and his extraordinary dragon, Temeraire, are waylaid by a mysterious envoy bearing urgent new orders from Britain. Three valuable dragon eggs have been purchased from the Ottoman Empire, and Laurence and Temeraire must detour to Istanbul to escort the precious cargo back to England. Time is of the essence if the eggs are to be borne home before hatching. Yet disaster threatens the mission at every turnthanks to the diabolical machinations of the Chinese dragon Lien, who blames Temeraire for her master's death and vows to ally herself with Napoleon and take vengeance. Then, faced with shattering betrayal in an unexpected place, Laurence, Temeraire, and their squad must launch a daring offensive. But what chance do they have against the massed forces of Bonaparte's implacable army?BONUS: This edition includes an excerpt from Naomi Novik'sEmpire of Ivory.';A splendid series.'Anne McCaffrey

The Taboo Index and the Law of Power have both been breached by a singlemurder. The shadowy culprit's intentions are clear as day: the human realm andthe dark territory must go to war again. With the help of Iskahn, commander ofthe Dark Army, Kirito seeks to bring the criminal to justice. But as theyconduct an investigation with Asuna's help, disaster strikes again! Ronie andTiese have been poisoned!

A Sword & Sorcery roleplaying game set in a Fantasy Bronze Age inspired by the legends and cultures of the Ancient Near East.The Zaharets, the land between the Vori Wastes and the Plains of Aeco, is well-known as the Land of Risings. Dominated by the rising city-states of Ameena Noani and Sentem, facing each other along the great War Road, the Zaharets has always been home to powerful civilizations. Beastmen ruins dot the landscape, a constant reminder of the Kingdom of Sin and the fragility of the Law of Men. Even older are the great ruins of the Hulathi, the legendary sea peoples, and the Hannic mansions sealed beneath the mountains, awaiting those who would seek out the Lost Folk. Scars abound from the wars between ruined Keta in the north and Gerwa in the south. And, far to the east, the legends of Muadah still beckon occultists and Jackals who seek to plunder its corrupted ruins.Inspired by the myths, cultures, and history of the Ancient Near East, and by such ancient texts as the Iliad, the Epic of Gilgamesh, and the Old Testament, Jackals is a Sword & Sorcery roleplaying game set in a Fantasy Bronze Age. With mechanics based on the popular OpenQuest system, Jackals places players in the role of Jackals--adventurers, explorers, sellswords, and scavengers--and sends them out into the peril-filled land of the Zaharets to make their fortune... or perhaps fulfill a greater destiny . . .

A truly delightful and escapist coming-of-age story, for fans of Lev Grossman and Terry Pratchett; the third novel in the Witches of Woodville series.

The extraordinary coming-of-age novel about life, love, war and magic - Maisie Dobbs meets The Magicians (with a helping of Terry Pratchett!)

From one of the best-loved comic writers in fantasy fiction comes another absurdly witty science fiction title - perfect for fans of Douglas Adams or Terry Pratchett

The epic third novel in the #1 New York Times bestselling Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas.Feyre has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin's actions and learn what she can about the invading king threatening to bring her land to its knees. But to do so she must play a deadly game of deceit. One slip could bring doom not only for Feyre, but for everything-and everyone-she holds dear.As war bears down upon them all, Feyre endeavors to take her place amongst the High Fae of the land, balancing her struggle to master her powers-both magical and political-and her love for her court and family. Amidst these struggles, Feyre and Rhysand must decide whom to trust amongst the cunning and lethal High Lords, and hunt for allies in unexpected places. In this thrilling third book in the #1 New York Times bestselling series from Sarah J. Maas, the fate of Feyre's world is at stake as armies grapple for power over the one thing that could destroy it.

The stunning conclusion to this high-octane space opera series - where war is coming to the depths of space . . .

Zero Point is the second book in Neal Asher's near-future, science fiction Owner series.Earth's Zero Asset citizens no longer face extermination. Thanks to Alan Saul, the Committee's despotic network is in ruins and its robotic enforcers lie dormant. But the ruthless Serene Galahad sees an opportunity to grab power. On Mars, Var Delex fights for Antares Base's survival, while the Argus Space Station hurtles towards the red planet. And Var knows whomever, or whatever, trashed Earth is still aboard. She must not only save the base, but deal with the first signs of rebellion. And aboard Argus Station, Alan Saul's mind has expanded into the local computer network. In the process, he uncovers the ghastly experiments of the Humanoid Unit Development, the possibility of eternal life, and a madman who may hold the keys to interstellar flight. But Earth's agents are closer than Saul thinks, and the killing will soon begin.

The Departure is the first book in Neal Asher's near-future, science fiction Owner series.The Argus Space Station looks down on a nightmarish Earth. And from this safe distance, the Committee enforces its despotic rule. There are too many people and too few resources, and they need twelve billion to die before Earth can be stabilized. So corruption is rife, people starve, and the poor are policed by mechanized overseers and identity-reader guns. Citizens already fear the brutal Inspectorate with its pain inducers. But to reach its goals, the Committee will unleash satellite laser weaponry, taking carnage to a new level. This is the world Alan Saul wakes to, travelling in a crate destined for the Calais incinerator. How he got there he doesn't know, but he remembers pain and his tormentor's face. He also has company: Janus, a rogue intelligence inhabiting forbidden hardware in his skull. As Janus shows Saul an Earth stripped of hope, he resolves to annihilate the Committee and their regime. Once he's discovered who he was, and killed his interrogator . . .

The wonderful long-awaited second novel from Pam Smy, the celebrated author and illustrator of Thornhill. Covering themes of families, childhood, domestic violence, being separated and reunited, this is an important and beautifully illustrated book for middle grade readers right up to adults.

The Ankh-Morpork City Watch Journal is your trusty companion to ensure your observations and investigations are properly accounted. Never miss a piece of evidence again! Instead, log your each and every particular and bring a sense of order to your life.

A charming, short novella in the Innkeeper Chronicles, from #1 New York Timesbestselling author, Ilona Andrews. Thank you for joining us at Gertrude Hunt, the nicest Bed and Breakfast in Red Deer, Texas, during the Treaty Stay. As you know, we are honor-bound to accept all guests during this oldest of innkeeper holidays and we are expecting a dangerous guest. Or several. But have no fear. Your safety and comfort is our first priority. The inn and your hosts, Dina Demille and Sean Evans, will defend you at all costs. [But we hope we don’t have to.]Every winter, Innkeepers look forward to celebrating their own special holiday, which commemorates the ancient treaty that united the very first Inns and established the rules that protect them, their intergalactic guests, and the very unaware/oblivious people of [planet] Earth. By tradition, the Innkeepers welcomed three guests: a warrior, a sage, and a pilgrim, but during the holiday, Innkeepers must open their doors to anyone who seeks lodging. Anyone.All Dina hopes is that the guests and conduct themselves in a polite manner. But what’s a holiday without at least one disaster?

'Unquestionably one of the brightest-burning talents in the constellation of science fiction' The New York TimesWritten under the pseudonym James Tiptree Jr., the pioneering and outlandish tales of Alice B. Sheldon are some of the greatest science fiction short stories of the twentieth century, telling of dystopian chases, alien sex and the loneliness of the universe.'What her work brought to the genre was a blend of lyricism and inventiveness, as if some poet had rewritten a number of clever SF standards and then passed them on to a psychoanalyst' Brian Aldiss'Feminist dystopian fiction owes just as much to this woman - who wrote as a man - as Margaret Atwood' Vox

This is the Star Wars book you're looking for.If you want to comprehend the epic and intricate Star Wars saga, this is the book for you. It is a unique and insightful examination of this beloved franchise, including Star Wars: The Mandalorian, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. Written by Star Wars experts, including fan-favourite Pablo Hidalgo, this book is packed with stunning film and TV stills, illuminating infographics and curated essays that reveal the mysteries of the Star Wars galaxy. From legendary heroes like Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa to fascinating species like the Wookiees and Tusken Raiders, this book explores the central characters, technology, governments, and events that have shaped the epic saga. The book is divided into key subject areas - the galaxy, science and technology, the Force, the Skywalkers, galactic governments and their dissidents, and galactic denizens. Whether you are a devoted Star Wars fan or a casual reader curious to learn more, The Star Wars Book is an invaluable roadmap to this galaxy, far far away.... © & ¿ 2020 Lucasfilm Ltd

Named as one of '50 Writers You Should Read Now' by The Guardian. From the award-winning author of The Rift, Nina Allan, this early novel cements her reputation as one of the most interesting contemporary speculative fiction writers.

In IRISH FAIRY TALES James Stephens masterfully retells ten Irish legends. The writing is crisp, humorous, and accessible. While reading this book you'll be convinced that you are actually visiting a long lost island of Ireland filled with magic, fairies, and heroes. Lavishly and beautifully illustrated.

';Wow... amazing!... Finished in a day.' Goodreads reviewer ';Beautiful.' Insights into Books Blog ';Made me cry.' Shalini's Books and Reviews ';I couldn't put it down.' Goodreads reviewer ';I was stunned.' Chicks, Rogues and Scandals ';Breathtaking, heartbreaking... top of my best books of 2019.' Fireflies and Freekicks Fiction Born in a honeysuckle-choked garden, a young woman discovers her true purpose in the world moments before she's cast out of the only home she's ever known. Haunted by loneliness, she begins a journey to fulfil her destiny. It is a path that will lead her into the arms of four very different men a dreamer, a fighter, an artist and a lost soul. But could it be the secrets she left behind and the one person she thought she had lost forever that hold the answers to the questions she's seeking? For while life may take you unexpected places, truth will bring you home Perfect for fans of The Time Traveller's Wife, The Secrets of Lost Stones and The Light We Lost. What readers are saying about The Beginning and End of Us: ';Wow what an amazing book! This is my first from this author but won't be my last. Absolutely amazing. Loved the story... Finished in a day. I couldn't put it down it was so good.' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars ';James' descriptive, expressive, lyrical writing builds and blends an enchanting world of surreal pleasure of the senses with a magical mournful melancholy. Colorfully illustrating the sights, sounds and tastes of all the places of Aphrodite's journey, James captivates the reader The Beginning and End of Us is an enchanting, spellbinding read.' Goodreads reviewer ';The words grip you, the emotions are vivid. Rose James wrote a very creative book and did an excellent job making the words on the pages come alive.' Goodreads reviewer ';This book takes you on a journey from the first page. This journey doesn't really have a beginning or an ending it simply is This book is beautiful and will make you see the magical all around you.' Insights Into Books Blog, 4 stars

Set in a world of dark gods and dangerous magic, The Shadow Saint is the gripping, darkly inventive sequel to Gareth Hanrahan's acclaimed debut The Gutter Prayer

A soldier with a curseTala lost her family to the empress's army and has spent her life avenging them in battle. But the empress's crimes don't haunt her half as much as the crimes Tala has committed against the laws of magic . . . and her own flesh and blood. A prince with a debtJimuro has inherited the ashes of an empire. Now that the revolution has brought down his kingdom, he must depend on Tala to bring him home safe. But it was his army who murdered her family. Now Tala will be his redemption - or his downfall. A detective with a grudgeXiulan is an eccentric, pipe-smoking detective who can solve any mystery - but the biggest mystery of all is her true identity. She's a princess in disguise, and she plans to secure her throne by presenting her father with the ultimate prize: the world's most wanted prince.A thief with a broken heartLee is a small-time criminal who lives by only one law: Leave them before they leave you. But when Princess Xiulan asks her to be her partner in crime - and offers her a magical animal companion as a reward - she can't say no, and soon finds she doesn't want to leave the princess behind.This band of rogues and royals should all be enemies, but they unite for a common purpose: to defeat an unstoppable killer who defies the laws of magic. In this battle, they will forge unexpected bonds of friendship and love that will change their lives - and begin to change the world.

'A masterful fantasy debut. Katy Rose Pool is a writer to watch' Sebastien de Castell, author of Traitor's BladeTHE AGE OF DARKNESS APPROACHES. FIVE LIVES STAND IN ITS WAY. WHO WILL STOP IT . . . OR UNLEASH IT?For generations, the Seven Prophets guided humanity. Using their visions of the future, they ended wars and united nations - until they disappeared, one hundred years ago.But they left behind one final, secret prophecy, foretelling an Age of Darkness and the birth of a new Prophet who could be the world's salvation . . . or the cause of its destruction. As a dark new power begins to make war on the magically gifted, five souls are set on a collision course that will determine the fate of their world:A prince exiled from his kingdomA ruthless killer known as the Pale HandA once-faithful leader torn between his duty and his heartA reckless gambler with the power to find anything or anyoneAnd a dying girl on the verge of giving upOne of them - or all of them - could break the world. Will they be saviour or destroyer?'A well-crafted, surprising, and gripping start to a new trilogy' Kirkus'Unforgettable . . . feels both utterly original and like the best of classic fantasy' Tasha Suri, author of Empire of Sand'Katy Rose Pool combines lovable characters, a gorgeously tangible world and an intricate puzzle-box plot to create a story that will pull you inexorably toward the explosive end' Sarah Holland, New York Times bestselling author of Everless