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Navola
by Paolo Bacigalupi'Steeped in poison, betrayal, and debauchery, reading Navola is like slipping into a luxurious bath full of blood.' Holly BlackNavola is a city built on trade.Its palazzos and towers are conjured from its merchant wealth: barley and rice, flax and wool, iron and silver, arms, armies, lives and kingdoms are all traded here.And presiding over it all, the Regulai bank. By guile, force of arms and the cast-iron might of their money and promises, in just three generations the Regulai family have risen far from their humble origins: merchants beg their backing, artists their patronage, princes an invitation to dine at their table. The Regulai say they are not political, but their wealth buys cities and topples kingdoms. Soon, Davico di Regulai will take the reins of power. But the boy is not well-suited for his role. His heart is soft where it should be hard. He is credulous when he should be suspicious. He is tired of being tested and trained to inherit a legacy he is not sure he wants. But Davico is inextricably tangled in fate's net and his doubts can only summon ruin.In the shade of Navola's colonnaded porticoes, his family's enemies gather and plot.In the shadows of its deep catacombs, assassins sharpen their stiletto knives.In the kingdoms of Cerulean Peninsula, princes and despots muster their armies.Davico's only hope rests in the heart of a girl whose own family was destroyed by the Regulai, and in a crystalline orb the size of a human head, said to be the eye of a long-dead dragon.
First Born (S.F. MASTERWORKS #216)
by Maureen Duffy1981. A different Britain. When Norman Forrester of the Defence Ministry's Experimental Institute effects a successful fertilisation of a female gorilla with human sperm, an infant is born. Gordon, known as Gor, is his son in two senses. But Gor's parentage must remain a secret. He has no legal existence as an individual because his existence has never been divulged to the government data bank. In more than one way, Gor is a 'non-person'.Operated on so that he is capable of speech, Gor grows through boyhood and adolescence into a strong, intelligent youth. When he discovers his true identity, he is devastated by his outcast destiny. But is there the possibility of a home amongst some of the exiles from a computer-dominated class-oriented society? And if Gor can find them, will they accept him?Maureen Duffy's novel offers both an enthralling, fast-moving narrative and a vivid parable of the individual's struggle to win acceptance from his fellows and to overcome the forces that seek to destroy human individuality in any age.
Dreams of Sorrow: a gripping historical fantasy novella based on Irish myth and legend (Gael Song)
by Shauna LawlessA tale of magic, power and heartbreak set in the tumultuous world of medieval Ireland, Dreams of Sorrow is the powerful new novella in Shauna Lawless's Gael Song series.Senna is sixteen and deeply in love. When a traumatic event leads to her unleashing powers she never knew she had, she learns her true heritage: her grandmother was a witch and a Descendant of the Tuatha Dé Danann, the legendary former rulers of Ireland. But such gifts are hard to control, and Senna's abilities mean that she might forever lose her place in the mortal world.When she encounters other Descendants with similar powers, things start to look brighter. Anaile, old and wise, can help guide her path. Tomas, deeply ambitious, reveals the truth behind many strange mysteries. And Gobnat, a vivacious young witch, shows Senna how to control her magic.But torn between a mortal existence and a magical one, Senna must make a decision that will shape her life... in more ways than she could ever expect.
Dark Flood
by Karon AldermanA stunning timeslip tale about a boy who finds himself trapped in a well-known mining incident that happened many years before! This story of family, community and hope by debut author Karon Alderman is perfect for fans of Skellig and The Wild Way Home.Everyone knows the history of the famous Heaton Main coal mine accident - but that's never interested Archie. Why would he bother about the past when he's got more than enough to worry about right now? Like his Granda's health taking a turn for the worse. And the shifty Robson twins from across the street deciding they have it in for him.With the help of his best-friends Adila and Kyle, Archie goes on a mission to raise money for his Granda's recovery while also avoiding the Robsons at all costs. But when timelines collide during an unexpected storm, Archie is pulled more than two-hundred years into the past, and into an experience that will change his life forever. . .If he can make it back.
Dragonquest: a captivating and breathtaking epic fantasy from one of the most influential fantasy and SF novelists of her generation (The Dragon Books #2)
by Anne McCaffreyLet Anne McCaffrey, storyteller extraordinare and New York Times and Sunday Times bestselling author, take you on a journey to a whole new world: Pern and discover not only its flora, fauna, population and cultural hierarchy, but the history of an entire civilization. If you like David Eddings, David Gemmell and Douglas Adams, you will love this."Anne McCaffrey, one of the queens of science fiction, knows exactly how to give her public what it wants" - THE TIMES"I have never read better" -- ***** Reader review"Best book I've read in a long time." -- ***** Reader review"Pern - what a magical place. The author brings not only the characters but the whole world to life. Wonderful. Love it." -- ***** Reader review"Compulsive reading" -- ***** Reader review************************************************************************A VITAL RACE AGAINST TIME...Another Turn, and the deadly silver Threads begins falling again. So the bold dragonriders take to the skies and their magnificent dragons swirl and swoop in space, belching flames that destroy the shimmering strands before they reached the ground.But F'lar knows he has to find a better way to protect the peoples and lands of Pern, and he has to find it before the rebellious Oldtimers can breed any more dissent...before his brother F'nor will be foolhardy enough to launch another suicide mission...and before the mercurial fire lizards can cause even more trouble...The Dragonriders of Pern series continues in Dragonsong.
Dragonflight: an awe-inspiring epic fantasy from one of the most influential fantasy and SF novelists of her generation (The Dragon Books #1)
by Anne McCaffreyLet Anne McCaffrey, storyteller extraordinare and New York Times and Sunday Times bestselling author, introduce you to a whole new world: Pern. A world of dragons and other worldly forces; a world of mighty power and ominous threat. If you like David Eddings, David Gemmell and Douglas Adams, you will love this."Anne McCaffrey, one of the queens of science fiction, knows exactly how to give her public what it wants" - THE TIMES"Read Dragonflight and you're confronted with McCaffrey the storyteller in her prime..." - SFX"Wonderful descriptive writing, the dragons are totally believable and their riders are very human." -- ***** Reader review"Pure genius." -- ***** Reader review"One of the all time classics of science fiction." -- ***** Reader review"Well written, extraordinary world building whose influence can be seen even today." ***** Reader review********************************************************HOW CAN ONE GIRL SAVE AN ENTIRE WORLD?To the nobles who live in Benden Weyr, Lessa is nothing but a ragged kitchen girl. For most of her life she has survived by serving those who betrayed her father and took over his lands. Now the time has come for Lessa to shed her disguise-and take back her stolen birthright.But everything changes when she meets a Queen dragon. The bond they share will be deep and last forever. It will protect them when, for the first time in centuries, Lessa's world is threatened by Thread, an evil substance that falls like rain and destroys everything it touches. Dragons and their Riders once protected the planet from Thread and the blood-red star, but there are very few of them left these days. Only the gigantic, golden Queen can breed new dragons. And the Queen is fading . . . dying . . .Now brave Lessa must risk her life, and the life of her beloved dragon, to save her beautiful world. . . .The Dragonriders of Pern series continues in Dragonquest.
The White Dragon: the climactic Epic from one of the most influential fantasy and SF writers of her generation (The Dragon Books #3)
by Anne McCaffrey**Winner of the Ditmar International Science Fiction Award****Finalist for the Hugo Award for Best Novel**Let Anne McCaffrey, storyteller extraordinare and New York Times and Sunday Times bestselling author, take you on a journey to a whole new world: Pern and discover not only its flora, fauna, population and cultural hierarchy, but the history of an entire civilization. If you like David Eddings, David Gemmell and Douglas Adams, you will love this.'Anne McCaffrey, one of the queens of science fiction, knows exactly how to give her public what it wants' - THE TIMES'One of McCaffrey's best!'-- ***** Reader review'You cannot fail to be totally immersed in this fantastic story, thrilling to the extreme.' -- ***** Reader review'If you have never tried the series, do. You won't regret it.' -- ***** Reader review*******************************************************************************A BOND IS FORMED THAT CANNOT BE BROKEN...Never had there been as close a bonding as the one that existed between the young Lord Jaxom and his extraordinary white dragon, Ruth.Pure white and incredibly agile, Ruth possessed remarkable qualities. Not only could he communicate with the iridescent, fluttering fire lizards, but he could fly. Back in time to any WHEN with unfailing accuracy.Nearly everyone else on Pern thought Ruth was a runt who would never amount to anything, but Jaxom knew his dragon was special. In secret they trained to fight against the burning threads from the Red Planet, to fly Back in time as well as Between, and finally their close and special union was to result in the most startling and breathtaking discovery of all...THE WHITE DRAGON is one of the most unforgettable episodes in Anne McCaffrey's world-famous Chronicles of Pern...The Dragonriders of Pern series continues in Dragondrums.
The Handmaid's Tale: The iconic Sunday Times bestseller that inspired the hit TV series (Study And Revise For As/a Level Ser. #1)
by Margaret Atwood** THE SUNDAY TIMES NO. 1 BESTSELLER **Discover the dystopian novel that started a phenomenon.Offred is a Handmaid in The Republic of Gilead. She is placed in the household of The Commander, Fred Waterford – her assigned name, Offred, means ‘of Fred’. She has only one function: to breed. If Offred refuses to enter into sexual servitude to repopulate a devastated world, she will be hanged. Yet even a repressive state cannot eradicate hope and desire. As she recalls her pre-revolution life in flashbacks, Offred must navigate through the terrifying landscape of torture and persecution in the present day, and between two men upon which her future hangs.'A fantastic, chilling story. And so powerfully feminist' Bernadine Evaristo‘As relevant today as it was when Atwood wrote it’ Guardian
Family Lore
by Elizabeth Acevedo'Beautiful prose, even-handed magic and all the pains and triumphs of intergenerational bonds' KILEY REID, author of Such A Fun Age and Come and Get It 'Undeniably beautiful' Sunday Times Flor has a gift: she can predict, to the day, when someone will die. So when she decides to throw her own living wake, her sisters are concerned. What has she foreseen?Planning the celebration brings further complications for the Marte family, because Flor isn't the only person with secrets: her sisters are hiding things, too. And the next generation, cousins Ona and Yadi, face tumult of their own.Family Lore traces the intertwining stories of five women: sisters and cousins, mothers and daughters, aunts and nieces, to ask the ultimate question - what does it take to live a good life, for yourself and those you love?
Mort the Meek and the Ravens' Revenge (Mort the Meek #1)
by George Ermos Rachel Delahayehe first in a wickedly funny new series about an aspiring pacifist in a brutal kingdom! On Brutalia violence is a way of life. Ravenous ravens circle overhead, monstrous grot bears cause chaos and the streets are bulging with brawls. But Mort isn’t like the other islanders – he’s determined to live peacefully. His struggle is made even tougher when the cruel queen appoints Mort as Royal Executioner. No one has challenged the royals and lived to tell the tale. Can Mort keep his head and outwit the queen? Perfect for fans of the HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON series, FROSTHEART and THE NOTHING TO SEE HERE HOTEL. “Crammed with wisecracking corvids and outrageous wordplay, it’s engagingly light-hearted, Pratchettesque comic fantasy” – The Guardian
Red Grow the Roses
by null Janine AshblessA steamy, addictive, collection of connected stories about vampires. Perfect for romantasy readers who love spice, and for fans of of Sarah J. Maas and Laura Thalassa and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. In the shadows of desire, even immortals can fall… In a city cloaked in shadows, six vampires reign supreme. Ageless and hauntingly beautiful, their desires extend far beyond mere bloodlust. Estelle, the sadistic chanteuse with a voice that will captivate your soul; Ben, the reckless rogue; Roisin, the ethereal mirror-ghost; Wakefield, tormented by his eternal damnation; Naylor, the wild, untamed predator; and Reynauld, the Good Shepherd who keeps their darkest impulses in check. But Reynauld's grip on his own humanity is slipping, and when Wakefield accidentally kills a woman and Naylor gets the blame, a power-struggle erupts between the immortal elite. With alliances fracturing and passion burning, the city’s supernatural teeters on the brink of chaos. And as the line between saviour and monster blurs, the heart's deepest desires may prove the deadliest of all…
The Land of Ingary Trilogy (includes Howl’s Moving Castle)
by null Diana Wynne JonesNow an animated movie from Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki, the oscar-winning director of Spirited Away Discover the the land of Ingary, where magic and adventure awaits… Howl’s Moving Castle is the first book in this spellbinding trilogy from ‘the Godmother of Fantasy’, Diana Wynne Jones. HOWL’S MOVING CASTLE:Sophie Hatter catches the unwelcome attention of the Witch of the Waste and is put under a spell. Deciding she has nothing more to lose, Sophie makes her way to the moving castle that hovers on the hills above Market Chipping. But the castle belongs to the dreaded Wizard Howl whose appetite, they say, is satisfied only by the souls of young girls… There she meets Michael, Howl’s apprentice, and Calcifer the Fire Demon, with whom she agrees a pact. But Sophie isn’t the only one under a curse – her entanglements with Calcifer, Howl, and Michael, and her quest to break her curse is both gripping – and howlingly funny! CASTLE IN THE AIR:Abdullah’s day-dreams suddenly start to come true when he meets the exquisite Flower-in-the-Night, daughter of the ferocious Sultan of Zanzib. Fate has destined them for each other, but a bad-tempered genie, a hideous djinn, and various villainous bandits have their own ideas. When Flower-in-the-Night is carried off, Abdullah is determined to rescue her – if he can find her. HOUSE OF MANY WAYS:Charmain Baker is in over her head. Looking after Great Uncle William's tiny cottage while he's ill should have been easy, but Great Uncle William is better known as the Royal Wizard Norland and his house bends space and time. Its single door leads to many places – including the past and a cave under the mountains. By opening that door, Charmain is now also looking after an extremely magical stray dog, a muddled young apprentice wizard and a box of the king's most treasured documents, as well as irritating a clan of small blue creatures. Caught up in an intense royal search, she encounters an intimidating sorceress named Sophie. And where Sophie is, can the Wizard Howl and fire demon Calcifer be far behind?
Ladybird Readers Level 2 - Superhero Max (Ladybird Readers)
by LadybirdMax was superhero with magic boots. Lady Rob and Ricky Rob wanted to rob banks. Can Superhero Max stop them?Ladybird Readers is a graded reading series of traditional tales, popular characters, modern stories, and non-fiction, written for young learners of English as a foreign or second language.Beautifully illustrated and carefully written, the series combines the best of Ladybird content with the structured language progression that will help children develop their reading, writing, speaking, listening and critical thinking skills.The eight levels of Readers and Activity Books follow the CEFR framework and include language activities that provide preparation for the Cambridge English: Young Learners (YLE) exams.Superhero Max, a Level 2 Reader, is A1 in the CEFR framework and supports YLE Movers exams. Short sentences contain a maximum of two clauses, introducing the past tense and some simple adverbs.
Ten Minutes to Bed: A brand-new picture book from the world of the No.1 bestselling Ten Minutes to Bed series
by Rhiannon FieldingA brand-new fairy-tale-themed story from the world of the no.1 bestselling Ten Minutes to Bed series.Socks the little wolf cub loves to explore his woodland home... when it's still bright outside.But when Socks spies a mysterious figure in a red cloak, he follows her deep into the woods. Will his new friend help Socks to conquer his fear of the dark before bedtime?Weaving a journey from lively beginning to gentle end, this fresh interpretation of a well-loved fairy tale is perfect for fans of the Ten Minutes to Bed series and will help little readers everywhere settle down for bedtime.This bestselling bedtime series has sold over two million copies worldwide! Do you have all the Land of Nod stories in the Ten Minutes to Bed series?Ten Minutes to Bed: Little UnicornTen Minutes to Bed: Little MermaidTen Minutes to Bed: Little MonsterTen Minutes to Bed: Little DinosaurTen Minutes to Bed: Little DragonTen Minutes to Bed: Little Unicorn's ChristmasTen Minutes to Bed: Little Unicorn's BirthdayTen Minutes to Bed: Baby UnicornTen Minutes to Bed: Little FairyTen Minutes to Bed: Little Dinosaur's Big RaceTen Minutes to Bed: Where's Little Unicorn? Lift-the-flap
The Dog Who Danced on the Moon: A rhyming bedtime story from bestselling author
by John BoyneAn affectionately illustrated bedtime story with witty wordplay that will also make grown-up readers smile – The TimesThere once was a boy called Jeremy GraceWho had a remarkable interest in space.He was quiet and shy, very often alone,Just him and his dog, spending time on their own.Jeremy dreams of journeying through space, but nobody believes in him . . . Nobody, that is, but Maxwell, his incredible dancing dog who encourages him to reach for the stars. The pair embark on an out-of-this-world adventure - but when they are faced with an incoming comet catastrophe, it takes bravery, daring and a little bit of dancing to save the day.Heartwarming and inspirational with a touch of magic, this read-aloud rhyming picture-book story encourages children to follow their dreams.This is the picture book debut from John Boyne, the author of the globally bestselling, multi-million-copy classic, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas. The illustrations are by award-winning rising star Ashling Lindsay.John Boyne, The Bookseller bestseller, May 2024
Ladybird Readers Level 2 - The Magic Paintbrush (Ladybird Readers)
by LadybirdLadybird Readers is an ELT graded reader series for children aged 3-11 learning English as a foreign or second language. The series includes traditional tales, popular characters, modern stories, and non-fiction. - Beautifully illustrated books, carefully written by language learning experts. - Structured language progression to develop children's reading, writing, speaking, listening and critical thinking skills. - Eight levels follow the Common European Framework of Reference for language learning (CEFR). - Language activities provide preparation for the Cambridge English Pre-A1 to A2 (YLE) tests. - A unique code in each printed book provides access to online audio, extra activities and learning resources.The Magic Paintbrush, a Level 2 Reader, is A1 in the CEFR framework and includes practice for the Cambridge English A1 Movers tests. Short sentences contain a maximum of two clauses, introducing the past tense and some simple adverbs.Sui-Ming wanted to draw, and one day he found a magic paintbrush. "My paintbrush must help people," said Sui-Ming.Visit the Ladybird Education website for more information.
The Whale Rider (A Puffin Book)
by Witi IhimaeraIn every generation since the legendary 'whale rider', a male descendant inherits the title of chief. But now there is no male heir-there's only Kahu. She should be next in line for the title, but her great-grandfather is blinded by tradition and sees no use for a girl.But Kahu will not be ignored. And in her struggle, she has a unique ally: the ancient whale rider himself. With a fierce determination and the power of her gifts, Kahu may be able to strengthen her tribe's ancestral connections, earn her great-grandfather's attention-and lead her community to a bold new future.Can she embrace her destiny and become the next whale rider?
Ladybird Readers Level 2 - The Monster Next Door (Ladybird Readers)
by LadybirdLadybird Readers is an ELT graded reader series for children aged 3-11 learning English as a foreign or second language. The series includes traditional tales, popular characters, modern stories, and non-fiction.Beautifully illustrated and carefully written by language learning experts, the series combines the best of Ladybird content with the structured language progression that will help children develop their reading, writing, speaking, listening and critical thinking skills.The eight levels follow the Common European Framework of Reference for language learning (CEFR) and include language activities that provide preparation for the Cambridge English Pre-A1 to A2 (YLE) tests.Visit the Ladybird Readers website for more information. The unique code provided in each printed book will provide access to audio, extra activities and learning resources.The Monster Next Door, a Level 2 Reader, is A1 in the CEFR framework and includes practice for the Cambridge English A1 Movers tests. Short sentences contain a maximum of two clauses, introducing the past tense and some simple adverbs. George is a normal boy. Green is a monster. But, George wants to be a monster. And Green wants to be a normal boy!
The Whisperling Twins (The Whisperling #2)
by Hayley HoskinsFrom the author of the Branford Boase long-listed debut The Whisperling, comes the next adventure in the legacy...Gloucester, 1918.Nin and Lemon Esmond share a special bond. They're sisters - twins - whisperlings. Which means they have the power to speak with ghosts.Britain is at war, and Lemon - the more daring of the pair - is frustrated that they have to stay at home. Surely they can use their special gift to help in some way?Nin doesn't share her sister's need for adventure, but when they see reports of missing whisperlings in the papers, the twins know they must work together to solve what's happening...before they're next.Yet what awaits them on the dark streets of Gloucester isn't simply an adventure, but a battle of their very own...Praise for The Whisperling:'One of the best debuts I've read in YEARS!' - Emma Carroll'A thrilling Gothic page-turner' - Jacqueline Wilson'A captivating and spine-tingling read...paints a vivid picture of the Victorian era' - BookTrust'Sends multiple shivers down the spine and delivers thrilling twists along the way' - LoveReading4Kids
Arkspire 2: The Order of Misfits (Arkspire #2)
by Jamie Littler'A triumph . . . The magic is mesmerising, the humour masterful and the adventure magnificent.' - A. F. Steadman, bestselling author of Skandar and the Unicorn Thief'Full of fabulous characters, fantastic humour and breakneck thrills.' - Jonathan Stroud, bestselling author of Lockwood & Co.The second thrilling Arkspire adventure from the bestselling author of Frostheart. Glorious, powerful, magic; a city of twists, turns and tricksters; extraordinary secrets which only one girl can uncover . . . welcome to the world of Arkspire. In the magical city of Arkspire, Juniper Bell’s Order of Misfits have one mission – to take down the five powerful (not to mention evil) Arcanists who control everything. Juni’s already survived one deadly Arcanist trial, and with mysterious shadow creature Cinder at her side, the rest will be easy. You just have to think positively about these things.But the Arcanists might have more tricks up their sleeve than Juni had anticipated. And Cinder’s power is growing, along with his insatiable thirst for revenge. Has Juni bitten off more than she can chew this time?A thrilling adventure and astonishingly illustrated new fantasy series, from the bestselling author of Frostheart.Praise for the Frostheart series:'Wild, funny, lavishly illustrated and filled with excitement' - The Guardian'A rip-roaring action adventure, full of humour, heart and unforgettable characters' - The Bookseller 'Littler is an expert at pushing reluctant readers from one chapter to the next' - The Times
Lights Up
by Lisette AutonA magical, theatrical adventure about friendship, acceptance and putting the ghosts of the past to rest, from the award-winning author of The Secret of Haven Point. Just like her favourite person in the whole world – her grandad – Hettie’s favourite place in the whole world – the Arts Centre – has gone. And Hettie can’t quite work out how she’s supposed to feel anything like how she did before.Many years before, Jack is feeling lonely too. But his life changes when he’s taken in by a theatre troupe and learns the secrets of the mysterious people behind the acts.And many years before that, Araine is also struggling, with a life that doesn’t look anything like she thought it would. A meagre existence where it seems like rich people, with their evenings out at the theatre, don’t have a thing to worry about.When you’re feeling alone it can be hard to see the light.But even though they live YEARS apart, Hettie, Jack and Araine are connected in ways they never imagined.A magical story full of ghosts, theatre, love, friendship and family from disabled writer, activist, spoken word artist and theatre maker Lisette Auton. Perfect for fans of Elle McNicoll and Sophie Anderson.
Max Meow Book 1: Cat Crusader (Max Meow #1)
by John GallagherWelcome to Kittyopolis! Where cats rule and science is cool! The fur-ociously funny, secret super-hero graphic novel series with serious cat-itdue, for fans of Dog Man and Bunny vs Monkey.'Funny, furry and fantastic!' - Judd Winick, Author of the Hilo seriesMax is just a regular cat in Kittyopolis, trying to make it big as a podcaster (Followers: 12) That is UNTIL he accidentally takes a bite of an RADIOACTIVE SPACE MEATBALL at his best friend, scientist Mindy's, SECRET LAB. Then before you can say MEOWZA, Max becomes...(drum roll!)...The CAT CRUSADER! Being a super hero is fun (Super strength? Check! Flying? YES!!!)--but not if you get so cocky, you forget your best friend! Will Max learn to listen? Will he and Mindy make up? And together, can Max and Mindy save Kittyopolis from the evil Agent M and BIG BOSS?! Find out in book 1, Max Meow: Cat Crusader-a laugh out loud, furr-ociously funny, action-packed new series filled with so many twists, turns, and terrific jokes it makes bad guys FLEA and kids cheer with glee!