power magic 5

In a world where magic is tightly controlled, the most powerful man in history must choose between his kingdom and his son - in the first book of the New York Times bestselling Lightbringer series, one of the most popular fantasy epics of the decade. EVERY LIGHT CASTS A SHADOW. Guile is the Prism, the most powerful man in the world. He is high priest and emperor, a man whose power, wit, and charm are all that preserves a tenuous peace. Yet Prisms never last, and Guile knows exactly how long he has left to live. When Guile discovers he has a son, born in a far kingdom after the war that put him in power, he must decide how much he's willing to pay to protect a secret that could tear his world apart. With over four million copies sold, Brent Weeks is one of the fastest-selling fantasy authors of all time. 'Brent Weeks is so good it's beginning to tick me off' Peter V. Brett 'Weeks has a style of immediacy and detail that pulls the reader relentlessly into the story. He doesn't allow you to look away' Robin Hobb 'I was mesmerised from start to finish. Unforgettable characters, a plot that kept me guessing, non-stop action and the kind of in-depth storytelling that makes me admire a writers' work' Terry Brooks 'Weeks has truly cemented his place among the great epic fantasy writers of our time' British Fantasy Society Books by Brent Weeks Night Angel The Way of Shadows Shadow's Edge Beyond the Shadows Perfect Shadow (novella) Lightbringer The Black Prism The Blinding Knife The Broken Eye The Blood Mirror The Burning White

Magical mob rivalry, star-crossed ambition and the pursuit of perfection at any cost - set in a glittering, alternate, present-day Los Angeles. Red City is the dark and deadly adult debut from the bestselling author of the iconic Legend series - and perfect for fans of V. E. Schwab. Alchemy is the hidden art of transformation, an exclusive power wielded by crime syndicates who market it to the world's elite in the form of sand - a drug that enhances those who take it into a more perfect version of themselves: more beautiful, more charismatic, simply more. Among the gleaming skyscrapers and rolling foothills of Angel City, alchemy is controlled by two rival syndicates. For years, Grand Central and Lumines have been balanced on a razor's edge between polite negotiation and outright violence. But when two childhood friends step into that delicate equation, the city - and the paths of their lives - will be irrevocably transformed. The daughter of a poor single mother, Sam would do anything to claw her way into the ranks of Grand Central in search of a better life. Plucked away from his family as a boy to become a Lumines apprentice, Ari is one of the syndicates' brightest rising stars. Once, they might have loved each other. But as the two alchemists face off from opposite sides of an ever-escalating conflict, ambition becomes power, loyalty becomes lies, and no transformation may be perfect enough for them both to survive the coming war. Readers are loving this book: 'A truly outstanding and emotionally powerful story' 'Sharp, cinematic, and completely addictive' 'The writing was exquisite, the plot and politics a treat, I couldn't put it down' 'The characters are flawed in the best way. It's tragic, it's doomed, it's absolutely PERFECT' 'This book isn't just good - it's freaking phenomenal. It's the kind of story that makes you cancel plans, stay up too late, and immediately recommend it to everyone you know' Praise for Marie Lu: 'Marie Lu always delivers' - Leigh Bardugo, author of Ninth House and Six of Crows 'Marie Lu is magic' - Tahereh Mafi, author of Shatter Me

The enchanting new novel by the multimillion-copy bestselling author of What You Are Looking For Is in the Library, about five strangers who each seek comfort from a healing hippo ride. Nestled at the bottom of a five-story apartment block in the community of Advance Hill is the children's playground in Hinode Park. If you look to the side, standing on stubby legs, is a hippo. Its upturned eyes give it a teary look, yet for decades, its quiet power has sustained the hearts of one community. According to urban legend, if you touch the exact part of the hippo where you have an ailment or wound, you will see swift signs of recovery.  Meet the apartment residents who each find their way to Kabahiko: Kanato, who hopes in vain to recover the stellar marks he once scored; Sawa, a new mother with no friends, wishes to be able to communicate as she once did when she was an award-winning retail assistant; Chiharu, off work as a wedding-planner, longs to listen better for the happiness of others; Yuya avoids sports day with a fake injury, only to find he really is in pain; Kazuhiko, despite his fading eyes, seeks to see life's everyday wonder. A quietly powerful story of hope, friendship and connection, Michiko Aoyama's beloved bestseller is a celebration of everyday encounters. Its subtle portrayal of the magic of community will lodge itself in every reader's heart as the eclectic cast of characters find healing in their lives—though they may not always find it in the ways they expect.

K Arsenault Rivera's debut, The Tiger's Daughter, the beginning of a new epic fantasy trilogy "Rich, expansive, and grounded in human truth...simply exquisite." -V. E. Schwab, New York Times bestselling author of the Shades of Magic series Indie Next List October 2017 Pick Paste Magazine's 10 Most Anticipated Books in October 2017 io9's Best Books Coming in 2017 The Verge's SF/F Books to Read in October 2017 BookRiot's Most Anticipated Titles of 2017 Medium's Most Anticipated Books of 2017 Bookish's Fall 2017's Hottest SF/F Books Even gods can be slain The Hokkaran empire has conquered every land within their bold reach-but failed to notice a lurking darkness festering within the people. Now, their border walls begin to crumble, and villages fall to demons swarming out of the forests. Away on the silver steppes, the remaining tribes of nomadic Qorin retreat and protect their own, having bartered a treaty with the empire, exchanging inheritance through the dynasties. It is up to two young warriors, raised together across borders since their prophesied birth, to save the world from the encroaching demons. This is the story of an infamous Qorin warrior, Barsalayaa Shefali, a spoiled divine warrior empress, O Shizuka, and a power that can reach through time and space to save a land from a truly insidious evil. A crack in the wall heralds the end...two goddesses arm themselves...K Arsenault Rivera's The Tiger's Daughter is an adventure for the ages. Ascendant #1 The Tiger's Daughter #2 The Phoenix Empress #3 The Warrior Moon

After decades of warfare, the tribes of the Tiste Edur have at last united under the rule of the Warlock King. But peace has been exacted at a terrible price - a pact made with a hidden power whose motives are at best suspect, at worst deadly. To the south, the expansionist kingdom of Lether has devoured all of its less-civilised neighbours with rapacious hunger. All save one - the Tiste Edur. But Lether is approaching a long-prophesied renaissance that it will take it from a kingdom and lost colony to an empire reborn - and has fixed its gaze on the rich lands of the Tiste Edur. It would seem inevitable that the tribes will surrender, succumbing to the suffocating weight of gold, or to slaughter at the edge of a sword. Or so Destiny has decreed. A pivotal treaty between the two sides nears, but unknown ancient forces are awakening. For the impending struggle between these two peoples is but a pale reflection of an altogether more profound, primal battle - a confrontation driven by a still-raw betrayal and a craving for vengeance. War and confrontation, magic and myth collide in this, the stunning fifth chapter in Steven Erikson's magnificent The Malazan Book of the Fallen - a series hailed as an epic of the imagination and a classic work of high fantasy.

First published in 1917, 'Nationalism' is a collection of essays by Rabindranath Tagore, a Bengali polymath who worked as a poet, writer, playwright, composer, philosopher, social reformer, and painter. Tagore composed hundreds of songs that are still sung today as they including the Indian and Bangladeshi national anthems. His prolific literary life has left a legacy of quality novels, essays, poems, and in this volume one of his plays. He earned the distinction of being the first Asian writer to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913. 'Nationalism' highlights Tagore's political and philosophical views on human interpretation and its weakness for power and material hoardings. Packed with erudition and analysis, it expounds on the idea of moral and spiritual growth for human welfare. The lectures-written in lucid, metaphoric, poetic prose-are loaded with a stinging vision of the future and are a critique of his views on spirituality and humanity. Top 10 Hardcover Library Books: A Wrinkle in Time (9789389440188) How to Stop Worrying and Start Living (9789387669161) Their Eyes Were Watching God (9789389440577) The Magic of Believing (9789388118217) Zen in the Art of Archery (9789354990298) A Cloud by Day, a Fire by Night (9789391181611) Siddhartha by Hermann hesse (9789387669116) The Richest Man in Babylon (9789354990717) The Book of Five Rings (9789389440553) The Knowledge of the Holy (9789389157239) Note: Search by ISBN

*THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER* *A BBC RADIO 2 BOOK CLUB PICK* 'This is a five-star read, for real . . .' ROBIN HOBB 'An impressive debut with real psychological depth' THE GUARDIAN 'Richly imagined and politically driven' THE I PAPER 'In a class of its own' THE DAILY MAIL 'A novel of great power and force' LOCUS 'It now holds a standard for fantasy standalones' GRIMDARK MAGAZINE 'This dark fantasy stands out among the plethora of romantasy' BOOKLIST 'Vicious, gorgeous, and fiercely haunting' CHLOE GONG 'Sublime' AMELIE WEN ZHAO 'Enthralling' ANDREA STEWART 'Astounding' CHELSEA ABDULLAH 'Fantasy at its best' VAISHNAVI PATEL TO KILL A MONSTER, SHE MUST BECOME ONE . . . As the emperor lays dying, the once-great Azalea Dynasty plunges towards civil war. While its princes plot for power, a more hidden war - to become the next empress - occupies the imperial court. Wei Yin - peasant girl turned concubine to the cruel Prince Terren - has already endured unimaginable suffering. Ripped from her family, she has no title, no allies, and no escape. But she does have a secret . . . In the shadows of the palace, surrounded by enemies, she is learning a skill forbidden to women. Because when words are weapons and poetry holds an ancient magic, the fate of a girl - and a nation - can both be rewritten. All she has to do is compose the perfect poem - a tale so powerful, it can kill any man, even the next emperor. The epic political arena of The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang meets the intimate tragedy of The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller in this internationally bestselling debut novel by visionary new voice Shen Tao, unmissable for veteran genre fans as well as readers of literary fiction looking to make their first foray into fantasy.

"Action-packed …. Rice's writing is solid and the premise intriguing." --Publishers Weekly (re A Quest of Heroes) "I await each release by this author eagerly and have never been disappointed!" --Book Reviewer (Wish) BEASTFORGED: HUNTED is the third book in a tantalizing new romantasy series by USA Today bestseller Morgan Rice, whose books have over 10,000 five-star ratings. The series begins with BEASTFORGED: BONDED (book #1). Choosing love over duty has made both Neve and Christian fugitives, and with a bounty on Neve's head, safety is a fleeting dream. When they meet Kai, a scholar who promises answers about Neve's unstable abilities, hope flickers—until bandits close in seeking the reward. In a moment of desperation, Neve summons power she doesn't understand, proving she's more dangerous than anyone imagined. But power comes with a price, and Christian must decide how far he'll go to keep her safe from his brother's reach. The BEASTFORGED series creates an astonishing fantasy realm where secret gifts come at a deadly price, where magic and mastery over beasts intertwine, and where the crossroads of romance and danger intersect. Unexpected betrayal and pulse-racing danger will enthrall fantasy enthusiasts hungry for their next unputdownable series. Future books in the series are also available! "Loved it. Kept me on my toes like the whole time. It made me want to keep reading even when I was supposed to be sleeping." --Book Reviewer (Wish) "The beginnings of something remarkable are there." --San Francisco Book Review (re A Quest of Heroes) "Has all the ingredients for an instant success: plots, counterplots, mystery, valiant knights, and blossoming relationships replete with broken hearts, deception and betrayal. It will keep you entertained for hours, and will satisfy all ages. Recommended for the permanent library of all fantasy readers." --Books and Movie Reviews, Roberto Mattos (re The Sorcerer's Ring)

¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ MOVE OVER DRAGONS, IT'S TIME FOR TYGERS . . . ENTER DOMINION, YOUR NEW ROMANTASY OBSESSESION AND INSTANT USA TODAY BESTSELLER ¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ 'A page turner: tender yet tense, loving yet steamy, dangerous yet darkly humorous. Dominion draws gorgeously on Chinese mythology to create something entirely new' BRIGITTE KNIGHTLEY 'A brilliant, captivating, deeply romantic fantasy debut!' ALI HAZELWOOD 'A feast for the senses' AMÉLIE WEN ZHAO A woman with no past. A warrior with no future. Their love could save the world-or burn it down. In a world divided into four rival Dominions, power is everything - and Rubi Morningtail has almost none. Three years after the Annihilation destroyed her homeland and shattered her memories, she lives as an Azure refugee in the Dominion of the Silver Tyger, scraping by as a ribbon dancer and hiding her little bit of singing magic. When she wounds a massive battle-tyger on her doorstep, she draws the notice of Blake Axefire - supreme metal mage, leader of the royal tyger warriors, and the last man an Azure should trust. His sentence? Cast her into the Bonding, a brutal trial where tygers choose their riders and slaughter the rest. Survival is unthinkable. But survive she does. Now she's stuck on Blake's elite team racing to reseal the Anchors to the demon realm. With rebels striking, demons rising, and the Dominions at each other's throats, Rubi must unlock the truth of her magic and her past . . . while resisting her dangerous attraction to the ruthless warrior who could be her redemption - or her ruin. Dire Bound and Fourth Wing by way of Chinese mythology, Dominion is the the first book in the sizzling and spellbinding fantasy romance trilogy with magestic tygers at its heart from New York Times bestselling author Jean Kwok. ¿Enemies to Lovers ¿Slow burn ¿Fated mates ¿Touch Her and Die ¿Found Family ¿Forced Proximity ¿Hidden Powers ¿Chosen One ¿Magical Beast Bonding READERS LOVE DOMINION 'OH MY GOD. I absolutely ate this book up. I finished it within twenty-four hours because apparently sleeping and behaving like a functional person were no longer important.' ¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ 'A thrilling, rich and immersive fantasy romance. I loved it. Five stars.' ¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ 'This book is my newest obsession!! ¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ 'Kept me hooked from start to finish. I already can't wait for the next book!' ¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿ 'The ending had me in a chokehold! ¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿

Limited Edition--one printing only! In this thrilling high fantasy adventure set in ancient China, a naive young man must join hands with an unlucky general to protect the mortal world from evil spirits. This danmei novel series takes place in the same universe as Dinghai Fusheng Records and inspired multimedia adaptations, including the animated series/donghua! In the mystical Taihang Mountains, where magic flows and powerful yao roam, Hongjun has grown up sheltered from the human world. A half-yao himself, he’s never had reason to leave—until the mountain’s ruler sends him on a dangerous mission: hide his true nature and join the Great Tang Department of Demonic Exorcism in Chang’an. Upon arriving in the bustling capital, Hongjun meets Li Jinglong, a luckless soldier with no spiritual power tasked with leading a team of extraordinary exorcists. Together, they and their enigmatic companions must face the dark forces threatening the city. But as a bond begins to bloom between Hongjun and Li Jinglong, Hongjun wonders: Can he trust Li Jinglong with the truth of who—and what—he is? This limited Special Edition contains the Regular Edition, but with bonus merchandise shrinkwrapped to the book: a double-sided bookmark, a lined notebook, a set of five trading cards, and a sticker sheet. Don’t miss the new art from guest artists included in this special merch!

The enchanting new novel by the multimillion-copy bestselling author of What You Are Looking For Is in the Library, about five strangers who each seek comfort from a healing hippo ride. Nestled at the bottom of a five-story apartment block in the community of Advance Hill is the children's playground in Hinode Park. If you look to the side, standing on stubby legs, is a hippo. Its upturned eyes give it a teary look, yet for decades, its quiet power has sustained the hearts of one community. According to urban legend, if you touch the exact part of the hippo where you have an ailment or wound, you will see swift signs of recovery. Meet the apartment residents who each find their way to Kabahiko: Kanato, who hopes in vain to recover the stellar marks he once scored; Sawa, a new mother with no friends, wishes to be able to communicate as she once did when she was an award-winning retail assistant; Chiharu, off work as a wedding-planner, longs to listen better for the happiness of others; Yuya avoids sports day with a fake injury, only to find he really is in pain; Kazuhiko, despite his fading eyes, seeks to see life's everyday wonder. A quietly powerful story of hope, friendship and connection, Michiko Aoyama's beloved bestseller is a celebration of everyday encounters. Its subtle portrayal of the magic of community will lodge itself in every reader's heart as the eclectic cast of characters find healing in their lives-though they may not always find it in the ways they expect.

Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil: The Dark, Defiant New Epic from V. E. Schwab The Instant Number One Sunday Times & New York Times Bestseller A Genre-Defying, Unforgettable Novel to Sink Your Teeth Into . . . "Bury my bones in the midnight soil, plant them shallow and water them deep, and in my place will grow a feral rose, soft red petals hiding sharp white teeth." A STORY ABOUT IMMORTALITY, HUNGER AND REVENGE. From V. E. Schwab, the internationally bestselling author of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, comes a twisting, gothic tale of blood, power, and the terrifying price of freedom. Three women, centuries apart. One secret desire binds them all: to be more than a pawn in a game played by men. 1532. Santo Domingo: María is wild and wily, and knows her beauty is her only currency. When an alluring stranger offers an alternate path - a chance to choose her own fate - María makes a desperate vow: no regrets. 1827. London: Charlotte lives a cloistered life, her heart full of impossible wishes. Swept away by a beautiful widow's invitation, she discovers the price of freedom is higher than she could have ever imagined. 2019. Boston: Alice moved halfway across the world to escape her past. But a one-night stand leads to chilling consequences. So Alice throws herself into a hunt for answers and revenge that links her to a hunger centuries old. This is a story about life . . . how it ends, and how it starts again. 'Lyrical and immersive . . . sweeping history, deep emotions and [a] touch of magic' - Cosmopolitan Readers are obsessed with Bury Your Bones in the Midnight Soil: 'A brutal masterclass in tragedy. Page-turning. Heartbreaking. Unforgettable' 'This book gave me CHILLS' 'It's easily one of my favourite books of the year!' 'I actually am at a loss for words to describe how this book made me feel' 'This book was beautiful. And gut-wrenching. And I was obsessed' V. E. Schwab's Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil was a Sunday Times bestseller w/c 16/06/2025

The next in Elizabeth Helen's Amazon top 5 and Sunday Times bestselling Beasts of the Briar series, a spicy Beauty and the Beast retelling filled with enchanted fae, morally gray characters, a stupidly hot villain, and a princess who has found her Prince Charming. All five of them. Nowhere in the Enchanted Vale is safe anymore. Sira, the queen of the Below, has threatened open war, and there are no lengths she won't go to destroy us. But she might not get the chance... we may destroy ourselves first. After months apart, I'm finally reunited with my five mates in the heart of Winter. Our only hope to defeat Sira lies in the shattered remains of an enchanted rose. If my father can restore it, we'll gain control over Sira's creations and end her reign for good. But deep beneath the snow, a new threat stirs, one with vengeance in its heart and Keldarion in its sights. As Winter braces for war, my mates each face their own reckonings. Farron has embraced a terrifying power beyond imagination. Dayton has risen from the land of the dead, only to wish he were still there. Echoes of Spring's empty throne follow Ezryn everywhere he goes. And Caspian and Kel continue to wage their own war--one of trust and love that has haunted them for decades. The realms are fracturing. Castletree is fading. And darkness has crept into my heart, too. I'm the Princess of the Enchanted Vale. If I can't find a way through this, no one will. Everyone is intent on taking away everything that I love. My home. My people. My mates. I won't let them. Even if that means becoming the very thing I've sworn to destroy. Perfect for fans of Jasmine Mas, Sadie Kincaid, and Callie Hart, Beasts of the Briar is the perfect blend of delicious "why choose" heroes, high-stakes curses and wars, and endless enchanting magic.

A magical new fantasy novel from the author of Tidemagic, perfect for 9+ readers. Twins Maddox and Lou are part of the five percent of the population known as illusioneers - magicians who can create spectacular illusions. Enrolling at Mistfort, the academy where their skills will be honed through a series of trials, should be the first step towards a prestigious future. But the least powerful students are expelled every week, and Maddox knows she's on borrowed time. Her sister, however, is strong. Almost too strong. The twins' training has barely begun before Lou is crafting extraordinary illusions that sound and even smell as real as they look. But there is a danger in such power. Illusioneers who can't control their magic risk 'looping' - conjuring illusions so intense they can trap onlookers in a terror trance, unable to distinguish what's real from what isn't. While Lou seeks help from charismatic headteacher Dr Cracken, Maddox starts to suspect that her twin's struggles might be part of a larger danger. Looping is on the rise, compromising public safety. The Ministry of Imagination blames the rebellious faction known as the White Crows, but what if the truth lies closer to home - within the walls of Mistfort itself . . . ?

From USA Today and #1 bestseller Morgan Rice (with over 5,000 five-star ratings) comes a long-awaited new fantasy series and the third novel in a spectacular new fantasy series, ideal for fans of Rebecca Yarros, Brandon Sanderson, and Sarah J. Maas. "The beginnings of something remarkable are there." --San Francisco Book Review (re A Quest of Heroes) When Seraphina Stormborn is recruited into Elemental Hall, a brutal, five-year magic academy where recruits learn to harness the powers of the five primal elements for both creation and destruction, she faces trials, monsters, and power surpassing her wildest dreams. Yet her greatest trial of all may be love: Sera finds herself romantically torn between the noble-born Orion and the mysterious, shadowy Darius… ELEMENTAL HALL propels us into an adventurous new fantasy realm filled with peril and promise, where the forces of destiny intertwine with love and magic, and where only the strong and self-sacrificing can survive. This series takes us on a gripping journey with unexpected turns and edge-of-your-seat suspense, drawing us deep into its brutal and magical universe. Catering to both young adult and mature audiences, ELEMENTAL HALL presents a clean, innovative twist on the fantasy genre, ensuring that you'll be hooked until the very last page. Future books in the series will soon be available! From USA Today and #1 bestseller Morgan Rice, author of A Quest of Heroes (over 5,000 five star ratings) comes a long-awaited new epic fantasy series. ELEMENTAL HALL: PYRE is the third book in the ELEMENTAL HALL series, which begins with NAUTICA (BOOK 1). "Morgan Rice's imagination is limitless!" --Books and Movie Reviews (Roberto Mattos) "Has all the ingredients for an instant success: plots, counterplots, mystery, valiant knights, and blossoming relationships replete with broken hearts, deception and betrayal. It will keep you entertained for hours, and will satisfy all ages. Recommended for the permanent library of all fantasy readers." --Books and Movie Reviews, Roberto Mattos (re The Sorcerer's Ring) "A spirited fantasy ….Only the beginning of what promises to be an epic young adult series." --Midwest Book Review (re A Quest of Heroes) "Action-packed …. Rice's writing is solid and the premise intriguing." --Publishers Weekly (re A Quest of Heroes) "A powerful opener to a series [that] will produce a combination of feisty protagonists and challenging circumstances to thoroughly involve not just young adults, but adult fantasy fans who seek epic stories fueled by powerful friendships and adversaries." --Midwest Book Review (Diane Donovan) (re A Throne for Sisters) "Action-packed …. Rice's writing is solid and the premise intriguing." --Publishers Weekly (re A Quest of Heroes) "Morgan is one of my favorite authors and is close to the very top of my list. Another little hint: pick up 'Transmission' by miss Rice. I could not put it down and go to bed!!" --Reader review (re A Quest of Heroes and Transmission) "Buy this book it is more than worth three bucks. It was so good I finished it in a day the story never gets slow and this series will dig into your very being with each word you read and you can't help but fall in love with the characters, despise the villains, and relish in the adventure." --Reader review (re A Quest of Heroes) "I read this book and had to get the other 16 in the series. I just could not put it down. Some days I read for 8 hours straight. What a great fantasy ride. So much is happening in these books but the author writes so it is easy to follow, like several little stories happening in one book." --Reader review (re A Quest of Heroes)

From USA Today and #1 bestseller Morgan Rice (with over 5,000 five-star ratings) comes a long-awaited new fantasy series and the second novel in a spectacular new fantasy series, ideal for fans of Rebecca Yarros, Brandon Sanderson, and Sarah J. Maas. "The beginnings of something remarkable are there." --San Francisco Book Review (re A Quest of Heroes) When Seraphina Stormborn is recruited into Elemental Hall, a brutal, five-year magic academy where recruits learn to harness the powers of the five primal elements for both creation and destruction, she faces trials, monsters, and power surpassing her wildest dreams. Yet her greatest trial of all may be love: Sera finds herself romantically torn between the noble-born Orion and the mysterious, shadowy Darius… ELEMENTAL HALL propels us into an adventurous new fantasy realm filled with peril and promise, where the forces of destiny intertwine with love and magic, and where only the strong and self-sacrificing can survive. This series takes us on a gripping journey with unexpected turns and edge-of-your-seat suspense, drawing us deep into its brutal and magical universe. Catering to both young adult and mature audiences, ELEMENTAL HALL presents a clean, innovative twist on the fantasy genre, ensuring that you'll be hooked until the very last page. Future books in the series will soon be available! ELEMENTAL HALL: SKYHOLD is the second book in the ELEMENTAL HALL series, which begins with NAUTICA (BOOK 1). "Morgan Rice's imagination is limitless!" --Books and Movie Reviews (Roberto Mattos) "Has all the ingredients for an instant success: plots, counterplots, mystery, valiant knights, and blossoming relationships replete with broken hearts, deception and betrayal. It will keep you entertained for hours, and will satisfy all ages. Recommended for the permanent library of all fantasy readers." --Books and Movie Reviews, Roberto Mattos (re The Sorcerer's Ring) "A spirited fantasy ….Only the beginning of what promises to be an epic young adult series." --Midwest Book Review (re A Quest of Heroes) "A powerful opener to a series [that] will produce a combination of feisty protagonists and challenging circumstances to thoroughly involve not just young adults, but adult fantasy fans who seek epic stories fueled by powerful friendships and adversaries." --Midwest Book Review (Diane Donovan) (re A Throne for Sisters) "Action-packed …. Rice's writing is solid and the premise intriguing." --Publishers Weekly (re A Quest of Heroes) "Morgan is one of my favorite authors and is close to the very top of my list. Another little hint: pick up 'Transmission' by miss Rice. I could not put it down and go to bed!!" --Reader review (re A Quest of Heroes and Transmission) "Buy this book it is more than worth three bucks. It was so good I finished it in a day the story never gets slow and this series will dig into your very being with each word you read and you can't help but fall in love with the characters, despise the villains, and relish in the adventure." --Reader review (re A Quest of Heroes) "I read this book and had to get the other 16 in the series. I just could not put it down. Some days I read for 8 hours straight. What a great fantasy ride. So much is happening in these books but the author writes so it is easy to follow, like several little stories happening in one book." --Reader review (re A Quest of Heroes)

THE SUNDAY TIMES NUMBER ONE BESTSELLER SHE VOWED HER KINGDOM WOULD NEVER FALL. BUT HER VOW MAY COST HER EVERYTHING... The enchanting new historical fantasy from the New York Times bestselling author of the Winternight Trilogy and The Warm Hands of Ghosts. 'Captivating' NAOMI NOVIK 'Rich, immersive and wonderfully escapist ' GUARDIAN 'One of my most anticipated books of 2026 and it DID NOT DISAPPOINT!' 5-star reader review ____________ Anne of Brittany was a child when her land was invaded, her castle besieged, and her royal father driven to his death. Now Brittany is occupied by her enemies, her treasury empty, and only one thing is lacking to complete her realm's subjugation: she is required, on pain of the sword, to marry the King of France. But Anne cannot. She has promised her dead father that Brittany would never be conquered. Defiantly, she betroths herself in secret to France's greatest enemy. But in a world where courts may spy on each other by magic, there is only one way to solemnize this illicit union. Under the guise of a hunting party, Anne takes her court deep into a deep forest, a strange place dogged with rumours of ancient enchantments; a place where diviners cannot see. She tells the French that she had gone there to hunt unicorns. It's a ruse, a lie, a feint. But when, against all expectations, a unicorn does appear and a wounded stranger stumbles from the trees and falls at her feet, Anne is plunged into a world of enchantment where a doomed sovereign might find the power to change the destiny of her nation - or be lost in the mist for ever. ____________ Readers are loving The Unicorn Hunters: ' Every page brims with delight, humanity and pin-sharp observation ' Daily Mail 'Absolutely enchanting ' 5-star reader review 'A magnificent fairy tale , and I loved it with all my heart !!!!' 5-star reader review 'Truly unforgettable ' 5-star reader review ' Magical blend of fact and fancy, rich characters and intricate plotting ' Irish Daily Mail 'Absolutely dazzling in plot and character and prose ' 5-star reader review 'This alchemy of history, fairy tale, romance, and setting that just blows me away ' 5-star reader review 'I was completely consumed ' 5-star reader review 'Full- body immersion into a world of danger, enchantment, heartbreak, and fierce, breathtaking courage' 5-star reader review

After decades of warfare, the tribes of the Tiste Edur have at last united under the rule of the Warlock King. But peace has been exacted at a terrible price - a pact made with a hidden power whose motives are at best suspect, at worst deadly. To the south, the expansionist kingdom of Lether has devoured all of its less-civilised neighbours with rapacious hunger. All save one - the Tiste Edur. But Lether is approaching a long-prophesied renaissance that it will take it from a kingdom and lost colony to an empire reborn - and has fixed its gaze on the rich lands of the Tiste Edur. It would seem inevitable that the tribes will surrender, succumbing to the suffocating weight of gold, or to slaughter at the edge of a sword. Or so Destiny has decreed. A pivotal treaty between the two sides nears, but unknown ancient forces are awakening. For the impending struggle between these two peoples is but a pale reflection of an altogether more profound, primal battle - a confrontation driven by a still-raw betrayal and a craving for vengeance. War and confrontation, magic and myth collide in this, the stunning fifth chapter in Steven Erikson's magnificent The Malazan Book of the Fallen - a series hailed as an epic of the imagination and a classic work of high fantasy.

The fifth awesome tale in Erikson's epic Malazan Book of the Fallen fantasy sequence After decades of warfare, the tribes of the Tiste Edur have at last united under the rule of the Warlock King. But peace has been exacted at a terrible price - a pact made with a hidden power whose motives are at best suspect, at worst deadly. To the south, the expansionist kingdom of Lether has devoured all of its less-civilised neighbours with rapacious hunger. All save one - the Tiste Edur. But Lether is approaching a long-prophesied renaissance - from kingdom and lost colony to Empire reborn - and has fixed its gaze on the rich lands of the Tiste Edur. It seems inevitable that the tribes will surrender, either to the suffocating weight of gold, or to slaughter at the edge of a sword. Or so Destiny has decreed. A pivotal treaty between the two sides nears - but unknown ancient forces are awakening. For the impending struggle between these two peoples is but a pale reflection of an altogether more profound, primal battle - a confrontation with the still-raw wound of betrayal and the craving for vengeance at its heart. War and confrontation, magic and myth collide in this, the stunning fifth chapter in Steven Erikson's magnificent 'Malazan Book of the Fallen' sequence, hailed as an epic of the imagination and a fantasy classic in the making. Archaeologist and anthropologist Steven Erikson's debut fantasy novel, Gardens of the Moon, was shortlisted for the World Fantasy Award and introduced fantasy readers to his epic 'The Malazan Book of the Fallen' sequence, which has been hailed 'a masterwork of the imagination'. This River Awakens was hist first novel, and originally published under the name Steve Lundin. Having lived in Cornwall for a number of years, Steve will be returning to Canada in late summer 2012.

The Art Magick Cards are a new card deck from illustrator and art witch Molly Roberts, and are the perfect inspiration tool to kickstart creativity and imbue an art witch practice with the magic of colour. Perfect for all art witches, whether experienced or aspiring, this deck helps you to unlock your creative potential and enter a state of magical flow.Inspired by the colour spectrum, the deck is made up of 45 cards arranged by the five elements: Earth, Air, Water, Fire and Ether. Users can let intuition be their guide in choosing a card, revealing to themselves what creative practice might suit their needs at that time, or seek out a specific card or practice to bolster and boost their mood. Feeling like your creative light is a little dim? A sunrise-bright fire card will remind you to set your intentions! Need some space to think? An air card the colour of the sky at dusk will remind you to trust your intuition.The deck is accompanied by a 16 page booklet that explores the power of colour and the way we can bring it into our lives and magickal practice, as well as introducing the concepts that underpin the deck, and suggested ways to use it. Rooted firmly in the belief that we are all capable of creating beautiful art, this deck will help users to discover that natural gift, and in doing so, unleash their own magick on the world.

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER An Indie Next March 2023 Pick - A LibraryReads March 2023 Pick - An Amazon "Best Books of the Year So Far" 2023 Pick "A brave and original debut, Weyward is a spellbinding story about what may transpire when the natural world collides with a legacy of witchcraft." --Sarah Penner, New York Times bestselling author of The London Séance Society I am a Weyward, and wild inside. 2019: Under cover of darkness, Kate flees London for ramshackle Weyward Cottage, inherited from a great aunt she barely remembers. With its tumbling ivy and overgrown garden, the cottage is worlds away from the abusive partner who tormented Kate. But she begins to suspect that her great aunt had a secret. One that lurks in the bones of the cottage, hidden ever since the witch-hunts of the 17th century. 1619: Altha is awaiting trial for the murder of a local farmer who was stampeded to death by his herd. As a girl, Altha's mother taught her their magic, a kind not rooted in spell casting but in a deep knowledge of the natural world. But unusual women have always been deemed dangerous, and as the evidence for witchcraft is set out against Altha, she knows it will take all of her powers to maintain her freedom. 1942: As World War II rages, Violet is trapped in her family's grand, crumbling estate. Straitjacketed by societal convention, she longs for the robust education her brother receives--and for her mother, long deceased, who was rumored to have gone mad before her death. The only traces Violet has of her are a locket bearing the initial W and the word weyward scratched into the baseboard of her bedroom. Weaving together the stories of three extraordinary women across five centuries, Emilia Hart's Weyward is an enthralling novel of female resilience and the transformative power of the natural world.

Put the ideas of the New York Times bestseller Unreasonable Hospitality into action with this beautifully illustrated, interactive companion guide from Will Guidara, former co-owner of the legendary restaurant Eleven Madison Park. With his book Unreasonable Hospitality, Will Guidara issued a compelling invitation: "No matter what business you're in, you can make the choice to be in the hospitality industry." His lessons about service and leadership celebrated the one principle that never goes out of season: the human desire to be taken care of. If Unreasonable Hospitality is the why, then The Field Guide is the how. This practical, step-by-step journal offers a clear roadmap for applying Guidara's lessons in real life, helping you turn generous thinking into consistent action. Inside, you'll learn how to: Build and lead your team with consistency, integrity--and yes, hospitality Develop a culture of hospitality with five essential components--excellence, communication, collaboration, feedback, and repair--and the systems that will keep those values front and centre Create bespoke gestures with the power to transform ordinary transactions into extraordinary experiences--as well as how to create a ready-made toolkit of simple, repeatable actions that still feel personal Featuring deeply personal stories, his own as well as those of readers he's encountered, the book is packed with practical exercises that are as relevant to the CEO of a Fortune 500 as they are to the ambitious intern at the front desk. Each can be done on your own, with your team, or company-wide at the annual retreat. Beautifully designed and illustrated in full colour, this delightful, participatory guide-meant to be marked up and discussed-will have you feeling like a kid about to crack open a new colouring book. You'll walk away inspired, with a power pack of specific, immediately actionable ideas to help you elevate the magic in what you do-for yourself, the people you work with, and the people you serve.

Magical mob rivalry, star-crossed ambition and the pursuit of perfection at any cost - set in a glittering, alternate, present-day Los Angeles. Red City is the dark and deadly adult debut from the bestselling author of the iconic Legend series - and perfect for fans of V. E. Schwab. Alchemy is the hidden art of transformation, an exclusive power wielded by crime syndicates who market it to the world's elite in the form of sand - a drug that enhances those who take it into a more perfect version of themselves: more beautiful, more charismatic, simply more. Among the gleaming skyscrapers and rolling foothills of Angel City, alchemy is controlled by two rival syndicates. For years, Grand Central and Lumines have been balanced on a razor's edge between polite negotiation and outright violence. But when two childhood friends step into that delicate equation, the city - and the paths of their lives - will be irrevocably transformed. The daughter of a poor single mother, Sam would do anything to claw her way into the ranks of Grand Central in search of a better life. Plucked away from his family as a boy to become a Lumines apprentice, Ari is one of the syndicates' brightest rising stars. Once, they might have loved each other. But as the two alchemists face off from opposite sides of an ever-escalating conflict, ambition becomes power, loyalty becomes lies, and no transformation may be perfect enough for them both to survive the coming war. Readers are loving this book: 'A truly outstanding and emotionally powerful story' 'Sharp, cinematic, and completely addictive' 'The writing was exquisite, the plot and politics a treat, I couldn't put it down' 'The characters are flawed in the best way. It's tragic, it's doomed, it's absolutely PERFECT' 'This book isn't just good - it's freaking phenomenal. It's the kind of story that makes you cancel plans, stay up too late, and immediately recommend it to everyone you know' Praise for Marie Lu: 'Marie Lu always delivers' - Leigh Bardugo, author of Ninth House and Six of Crows 'Marie Lu is magic' - Tahereh Mafi, author of Shatter Me

*THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER* *A BBC RADIO 2 BOOK CLUB PICK* 'This is a five-star read, for real . . .' ROBIN HOBB 'An impressive debut with real psychological depth' THE GUARDIAN 'Richly imagined and politically driven' THE I PAPER 'In a class of its own' THE DAILY MAIL 'A novel of great power and force' LOCUS 'It now holds a standard for fantasy standalones' GRIMDARK MAGAZINE 'This dark fantasy stands out among the plethora of romantasy' BOOKLIST 'Vicious, gorgeous, and fiercely haunting' CHLOE GONG 'Sublime' AMELIE WEN ZHAO 'Enthralling' ANDREA STEWART 'Astounding' CHELSEA ABDULLAH 'Fantasy at its best' VAISHNAVI PATEL TO KILL A MONSTER, SHE MUST BECOME ONE . . . As the emperor lays dying, the once-great Azalea Dynasty plunges towards civil war. While its princes plot for power, a more hidden war - to become the next empress - occupies the imperial court. Wei Yin - peasant girl turned concubine to the cruel Prince Terren - has already endured unimaginable suffering. Ripped from her family, she has no title, no allies, and no escape. But she does have a secret . . . In the shadows of the palace, surrounded by enemies, she is learning a skill forbidden to women. Because when words are weapons and poetry holds an ancient magic, the fate of a girl - and a nation - can both be rewritten. All she has to do is compose the perfect poem - a tale so powerful, it can kill any man, even the next emperor. The epic political arena of The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang meets the intimate tragedy of The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller in this internationally bestselling debut novel by visionary new voice Shen Tao, unmissable for veteran genre fans as well as readers of literary fiction looking to make their first foray into fantasy.

From #1 New York Times bestseller Kresley Cole comes a darkly seductive new series where immortal passion collides with ruthless power. Beyond the mortal world lies the Skein, a realm of mythic beauty and savage desire ruled by creatures of legend. Here, vampires, witches, demons, and wolves wage war - and hunt their pleasures just as fiercely. Now, the Accession has begun, an ancient cycle of chaos and destiny that reignites old hostilities and forges fated bonds too hot to resist. A witch queen on the rise defies the brutal wolf king who stands in her way. But when fate twists their battlefield into a bed of temptation, sworn enemies become something far more perilous. Lovers. A vampire princess trades her crown for freedom, only to be bound to a scarred Berserker, a man whose possessive touch both terrifies and tempts her. An incubus spy and a cunning vampiress strike a dangerous bargain for survival, and profit, but lust becomes the one gamble neither expected. And when a wolf and an enchantress from opposing clans dare to make peace, their forbidden attraction could doom the Skein. or spark a love that defies the gods. Brimming with intrigue, bloody mayhem, and scorching heat, Ravenous plunges readers into the world of Immortals Untold - where magic kills, surrender triumphs, and immortal hungers can never be sated. PERFECT FOR FANS OF: - Enemies-to-lovers - Fated mates - Forced marriage - Forbidden love - Morally grey heroines *** Readers LOVE Ravenous: 'Kresley Cole once again proves why she is one of the best writers in paranormal romance. Ravenous delivers everything fans could hope for' - NetGalley reviewer, 5* 'Morally questionable characters seem to be the theme for this whole book - and I'm here for it! ' - NetGalley reviewer, 5* 'After over 30 books, I really thought I knew what to expect from Kresley Cole. but she still manages to completely surprise me . New characters, new dangers, same obsession' - NetGalley reviewer, 5* 'Deliciously dark and decadent , vivid and inventive, this book never lets up' - NetGalley reviewer, 5* 'I already know this series is going to ruin my life a little bit and I'm completely okay with that' - NetGalley reviewer, 5*

Magical mob rivalry, star-crossed ambition and the pursuit of perfection at any cost - set in a glittering, alternate, present-day Los Angeles. Red City is the dark and deadly adult debut from the bestselling author of the iconic Legend series - and perfect for fans of V. E. Schwab. Alchemy is the hidden art of transformation, an exclusive power wielded by crime syndicates who market it to the world's elite in the form of sand - a drug that enhances those who take it into a more perfect version of themselves: more beautiful, more charismatic, simply more. Among the gleaming skyscrapers and rolling foothills of Angel City, alchemy is controlled by two rival syndicates. For years, Grand Central and Lumines have been balanced on a razor's edge between polite negotiation and outright violence. But when two childhood friends step into that delicate equation, the city - and the paths of their lives - will be irrevocably transformed. The daughter of a poor single mother, Sam would do anything to claw her way into the ranks of Grand Central in search of a better life. Plucked away from his family as a boy to become a Lumines apprentice, Ari is one of the syndicates' brightest rising stars. Once, they might have loved each other. But as the two alchemists face off from opposite sides of an ever-escalating conflict, ambition becomes power, loyalty becomes lies, and no transformation may be perfect enough for them both to survive the coming war. Readers are loving this book: 'A truly outstanding and emotionally powerful story' 'Sharp, cinematic, and completely addictive' 'The writing was exquisite, the plot and politics a treat, I couldn't put it down' 'The characters are flawed in the best way. It's tragic, it's doomed, it's absolutely PERFECT' 'This book isn't just good - it's freaking phenomenal. It's the kind of story that makes you cancel plans, stay up too late, and immediately recommend it to everyone you know' Praise for Marie Lu: 'Marie Lu always delivers' - Leigh Bardugo, author of Ninth House and Six of Crows 'Marie Lu is magic' - Tahereh Mafi, author of Shatter Me

Fall deeper under the spell of Diana and Matthew in the captivating second instalment in the runaway Number One Sunday Times bestselling All Souls series. 'The balance of romance, magic history and suspense is just right' Reader Review, ' No words can describe how much I loved this . . . it was perfect' Reader Review, 'Excellent world-building . . . meticulous and absorbing' Reader Review, --- In a world of witches, daemons and vampires, the fragile balance of peace is unravelling. Diana and Matthew's forbidden love has broken the laws dividing creatures. To discover the manuscript which holds their hope for the future, they must now travel back to the past. When Diana Bishop, descended from a line of powerful witches, discovered a significant alchemical manuscript in the Bodleian Library, she sparked a struggle in which she became bound to long-lived vampire Matthew Clairmont. Now the coexistence of witches, daemons, vampires and humans is dangerously threatened. Seeking safety, Diana and Matthew travel back in time to London, 1590. But they soon realise that the past may not provide a haven. Reclaiming his former identity as poet and spy for Queen Elizabeth, the vampire falls back in with a group of radicals known as the School of Night. Many are unruly daemons, the creative minds of the age, including playwright Christopher Marlowe and mathematician Thomas Harriot. Together Matthew and Diana scour Tudor London for the elusive manuscript Ashmole 782, and search for the witch who will teach Diana how to control her remarkable powers... --- Five reasons to read A Discovery of Witches and the ALL SOULS series: 'Haunting in every way. A story thick with family secrets, human heartache, and the kind of deep magic only Harkness can conjure. You will be enchanted' LEIGH BARDUGO 'Harkness's lush prose makes a fantastical world real enough to touch' JODI PICOULT 'Rich, thrilling . . . A captivating and romantic ripping yarn' E L JAMES 'Intelligent and off-the-wall . . . irresistible to Twilight fans' SUNDAY TIMES 'A bubbling cauldron of illicit desire . . . an assured saga that blends romance with fantasy' DAILY MAIL

The enchanting new novel by the multimillion-copy bestselling author of What You Are Looking For Is in the Library, about five strangers who each seek comfort from a healing hippo ride. Nestled at the bottom of a five-story apartment block in the community of Advance Hill is the children's playground in Hinode Park. If you look to the side, standing on stubby legs, is a hippo. Its upturned eyes give it a teary look, yet for decades, its quiet power has sustained the hearts of one community. According to urban legend, if you touch the exact part of the hippo where you have an ailment or wound, you will see swift signs of recovery. Meet the apartment residents who each find their way to Kabahiko: Kanato, who hopes in vain to recover the stellar marks he once scored; Sawa, a new mother with no friends, wishes to be able to communicate as she once did when she was an award-winning retail assistant; Chiharu, off work as a wedding-planner, longs to listen better for the happiness of others; Yuya avoids sports day with a fake injury, only to find he really is in pain; Kazuhiko, despite his fading eyes, seeks to see life's everyday wonder. A quietly powerful story of hope, friendship and connection, Michiko Aoyama's beloved bestseller is a celebration of everyday encounters. Its subtle portrayal of the magic of community will lodge itself in every reader's heart as the eclectic cast of characters find healing in their lives—though they may not always find it in the ways they expect.

Discover the Sunday Times bestselling supernatural historical fantasy from the author of The Bear and the Nightingale, a spellbinding, sweeping novel set in the trenches of WW1. WATERSTONES SCIENCE FICTION & FANTASY BOOK OF THE MONTH ' Darkly beautiful and deeply humane .' Ava Reid, bestselling author of A Study in Drowning ' One of the best historical fantasies I've ever read ' Emma Törzs, bestselling author of Ink, Blood, Sister, Scribe 'Wonderful storytelling. Inventive, haunting and deeply moving.' Sarah Winman, bestselling author of Still Life Amid the falling shells of Flanders Field, magic and mystery fills the air... January 1918: Laura Iven, a Canadian nurse, returns home from the war, only to receive devastating news - her brother Freddie is dead. But something doesn't quite make sense. Determined to uncover the truth, Laura heads back to Belgium, volunteering at a private hospital. There, she encounters the eerie whispers of ghosts moving among those still living and a strange inn-keeper whose wine gives soldiers the gift of oblivion. Could this have happened to Freddie - but if so, where is he? November 1917: Freddie Iven wakes after an explosion to find himself trapped with a wounded German soldier. Against all the odds, they form a bond and claw their way to an escape. But in the chaos of No Man's Land, neither know where to turn to avoid persecution. Amidst the atrocity, they encounter a fiddler with the power to make their hellscape vanish - but at what price? With the power to both warm and break your heart, The Warm Hands of Ghosts is a breathtaking and spellbinding tale of love, survival, and the supernatural. Praise for The Warm Hands of Ghosts ' Well-researched and beautifully written, this is a compelling, memorable novel .' The Guardian 'A spectacular tour de force ... I love this book so much and want everyone to read it !' Naomi Novik, bestselling author of A Deadly Education 'A wonderful clash of fire and ice ... A book you won't want to let go of.' Diana Gabaldon, bestselling author of the Outlander series 'An exquisite, brilliant gem of a story.' Conn Iggulden, bestselling author of Nero ' Arden is at the very height of her powers with this rich, heart-breaking and life-affirming supernatural journey through the darkest hours of WWI. I've never read anything like it .' Laura Steven, author of Our Infinite Fates ' Visionary, imaginative and brilliantly written .' Anthony Horowitz, bestselling author of The Power of Five 'Mixing historical fiction with the paranormal, this haunting, atmospheric tale of separated siblings is a real gem of a book .' Heat Magazine 'A gripping tale of loss , mystery , ghosts and queer romance .' BBC Culture Online Sunday Times bestseller, March 2024

*THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER* *A BBC RADIO 2 BOOK CLUB PICK* 'This is a five-star read, for real . . .' ROBIN HOBB 'An impressive debut with real psychological depth' THE GUARDIAN 'Richly imagined and politically driven' THE I PAPER 'In a class of its own' THE DAILY MAIL 'A novel of great power and force' LOCUS 'It now holds a standard for fantasy standalones' GRIMDARK MAGAZINE 'This dark fantasy stands out among the plethora of romantasy' BOOKLIST 'Vicious, gorgeous, and fiercely haunting' CHLOE GONG 'Sublime' AMELIE WEN ZHAO 'Enthralling' ANDREA STEWART 'Astounding' CHELSEA ABDULLAH 'Fantasy at its best' VAISHNAVI PATEL TO KILL A MONSTER, SHE MUST BECOME ONE . . . As the emperor lays dying, the once-great Azalea Dynasty plunges towards civil war. While its princes plot for power, a more hidden war - to become the next empress - occupies the imperial court. Wei Yin - peasant girl turned concubine to the cruel Prince Terren - has already endured unimaginable suffering. Ripped from her family, she has no title, no allies, and no escape. But she does have a secret . . . In the shadows of the palace, surrounded by enemies, she is learning a skill forbidden to women. Because when words are weapons and poetry holds an ancient magic, the fate of a girl - and a nation - can both be rewritten. All she has to do is compose the perfect poem - a tale so powerful, it can kill any man, even the next emperor. The epic political arena of The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang meets the intimate tragedy of The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller in this internationally bestselling debut novel by visionary new voice Shen Tao, unmissable for veteran genre fans as well as readers of literary fiction looking to make their first foray into fantasy.