CHILDRENS BOOKS

A Treachery Of Swans An enthralling sapphic retelling of Swan Lake, for fans of Allison Saft and V.E Schwab - an instant Number One bestseller in the UK!This enthralling sapphic retelling of Swan Lake is an instant Number One bestseller in the UK - perfect for fans of Allison Saft and V.E Schwab.Magic has long been outlawed in Aureal. Odile has always known she'd be the one to restore it.Raised by a sorcerer, Odile has spent years preparing for the heist of a lifetime. It's perfectly simple- impersonate a princess, infiltrate the palace, steal the enchanted crown and restore magic to the kingdom.But when the King is unexpectedly murdered, she's forced to recruit the help of Marie, the real princess, and the two begin to unravel a web of lies and deceit that leaves Odile uncertain of whom to trust.Soon though Odile must decide - her mission or the girl she's falling for?The fate of the Kingdom depends on her making the right choice. . .Reviews for A. B. Poranek's Where the Dark Stands Still-'A deeply romantic debut'. Sarah Underwood, NYT Bestselling Author of Lies We Sing to the Sea'The dark, gothic fairy tale of my dreams' Kika Hatzopoulou, author of the Sunday Times Bestseller Threads that Bind'Folkloric and beautiful' Lyndall Clipstone, author of Unholy Terrors and the World at the Lake's Edge duology.

HEROES AND UNICORNS AS YOU’VE NEVER SEEN THEM BEFORE. The epic adventure continues . . . Don’t miss the unputdownable new book in the international bestselling SKANDAR series, for readers ages 9 to 99 and fans of Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, Eragon and Impossible Creatures.Skandar and the Unicorn Thief was WATERSTONES CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE YEAR 2022 and WINNER OF THE INDIE BOOK AWARDS 2023!Skandar and the Phantom Rider was one of THE SUNDAY TIMES BEST BOOKS FOR CHILDREN 2023 The Island always wins… Skandar and his sister Kenna are finally both at the Eyrie, but tensions are high. To survive their third year of training, Skandar and his friends must complete a series of terrifying trials across the Island’s elemental zones. Friendships, allegiances and rider-unicorn bonds will be pushed to the limit – only the strongest will make it. Meanwhile Kenna’s forged bond to a wild unicorn has left her alienated and alone. And when a terrible discovery puts the future of the Island in peril, all fingers point in one direction . . . As dark forces assemble, Skandar must decide how far is he willing to go – for Kenna, and for the Eyrie. Get ready for unlikely heroes, elemental magic, sky battles, ancient secrets and ferocious unicorns in this highly anticipated adventure that will keep you reading after lights out! Have you read Skandar and the Unicorn Thief, the first book in the SKANDAR series?'Steadman has a vast imagination, her world-building is a joy, the battle scenes are thrilling and her characters charm.' – The Times Children's Book of the Week‘Pacy, enthralling and epic, a gripping read.’ – Louie Stowell, author of Loki ‘A dazzling feat of imagination. I loved every breathless moment of it!’ – Cat Doyle, author of The Storm Keeper’s Island and co-author of Twin Crowns‘The best book I’ve ever read.’ – Patrick, age 10‘My book of the year. Not since Harry Potter have I felt this excited about a series. Readers are sure to be clamouring for the next book. You’ll never look at unicorns the same way again, nor will you want to!’ – Dominique Valente, author of Starfell ‘Never have unicorns been so ferocious, fearsome and thrilling! A fantastically gripping read!’ – Laura Ellen Anderson, author of Rainbow Grey‘A magnificent book. I raced through it – at turns enthralled, delighted, amazed. It’s everything I could have wanted and more. No doubt this book is going to fly.’ – Hannah Gold, author of The Last Bear‘Skandar and the Unicorn Thief brims with wild adventure, fierce sky battles, elemental magic, ferocious unicorns and a terrifying enemy. Steadman's cinematic writing draws you in from the very first page, creating a hugely compelling, unforgettable read. Endlessly thrilling, unputdownable and utterly unmissable.’ – Aisling Fowler, author of Fireborn‘A. F. Steadman has created a stunning new world that feels both familiar and fresh, with a cast of characters that will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading.’ –T?lá Okogwu, author of Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun'Perfect for those who have consumed the Harry Potter books and Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy and are looking for their next fictional feast.' – The Sunday Times

What if the Knights of the Round Table had a female counterpart? An epic Arthurian fantasy reimagining from the UK’s leading and bestselling feminist writer, Laura Bates, for fans of Leigh Bardugo and Sarah J. Maas.'An interesting thing happens when a man is defeated in combat by a woman . . . He tells nobody.' Destined for an arranged marriage, Cass dreams of freedom. So when a fierce and beautiful leather-clad woman rides up and offers to take her away, Cass doesn’t hesitate to join her. She is introduced to the Sisters of Sword and Shadow - a group of female knights training to fight, protect their community and right the wrongs of men. Drawn into a world of ancient feuds, glorious battles, and deadly intrigue, Cass soon discovers she holds a power that could change not only her own fate but that of her entire sisterhood. Introducing Laura Bates' fantasy debut, the first in a breathtaking and sweeping duology, exploring questions about power, courage and the stories we tell about the past.

What if the knight destined to unite Britain was not King Arthur, but a woman? An epic Arthurian fantasy reimagining for fans of Leigh Bardugo and Sarah J. Maas.?'History will not remember you; it will crown him with glory. You will be forgotten, and the other women with you.' Having won the battle against Mordaunt’s men and revealed themselves, the sisterhood face bigger challenges with their numbers diminished and enemies threatening at all sides. Meanwhile Cass’ blossoming powers and destiny call to her but can she lead the sisterhood when she is afraid of the warrior within her? The answers lie in Camelot, and as gathering forces threaten her new world, Cass must face her destiny and face King Arthur himself. G?et ready for bigger battles, destiny and old magic in this spectacular sequel to the epic Sisters of Sword and Shadow. - Praise for Sisters of Sword and Shadow: ‘Sisters of Sword and Shadow is absolutely brilliant. Beautiful, fierce, and furious – full of the power and magic of sisterhood in every sense. I loved it.’ Katherine Webber, bestselling author of Twin Crowns ‘An empowering and courageous tale of a daring sisterhood in which true chivalry means fighting for what you believe in.’ Bea Fitzgerald, bestselling author of Girl, Goddess, Queen ‘A dazzling tale of courage, power and sisterhood, with a heroine to truly root for. I loved every breathtaking minute of this fierce, feminist epic fantasy.’ Catherine Doyle, bestselling author of Twin Crowns

From the number one bestselling author Catherine Doyle comes the most fiery enemies-to-lovers romantasy of the year. Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Leigh Bardugo and Stephanie Garber. In the dark underbelly of a beautiful city, two rival assassins are pitted against each other in a deadly game of revenge, where the most dangerous mistake of all is falling in love… In Fantome, a kingdom of cobbled streets, flickering lamplight, beautiful buildings, and secret catacombs, Shade-magic is a scarce and deadly commodity controlled by two enemy guilds: the Cloaks and the Daggers – the thieves and the assassins. On the night of her mother’s murder, 17-year-old Seraphine runs for her life. Seeking sanctuary with the Cloaks, Sera’s heart is set on revenge. But are her secret abilities a match for the dark-haired boy whose quicksilver eyes follow her around the city? Nothing can prepare Sera for the moment she finally comes face-to-face with Ransom, heir to the Order of Daggers. And Ransom is shocked to discover that this unassuming farmgirl wields a strange and blazing magic he has never seen before… Among rumours of monsters stalking the streets and the rival guilds grappling for control of Fantome’s underworld, Sera and Ransom are drawn together by something more than just magic and must face a deadly choice - forgiveness or vengeance? Kiss or kill? Dagger or Flame? Note: The Dagger and the Flame is recommended for readers aged 16+

An atmospheric dark academia fantasy for fans of The Atlas Six, The Binding, The Hazel Wood and Fourth Wing, set in a world of lunar magic, secret societies and dangerous friendships. Emory is returning to the prestigious Aldryn College for Lunar Magic for one reason: to uncover the secrets behind the night that left her best friend, Romie, and seven other students dead. But Emory has plenty of secrets herself, not least that her healing abilities have been corrupted by a strange, impossible magic, granting her power no one should possess. Turning to the only person she believes she can trust, Emory enlists the help of Romie’s brother Baz – someone already well-versed in the dangers of his own dark Eclipse magic. But when the supposedly drowned students start washing ashore – alive – only for them each immediately to die horrible, magical deaths, Emory and Baz are no longer the only ones seeking answers. There's a hidden society at the heart of the school, and they’re attracted to nothing more than they are to power...Praise for Curious Tides:'A world that pulses and breathes. With intricate magic and a mystery that spirals as deep and dark as it can go, Curious Tides is a marvel in atmosphere.' – Chloe Gong, #1 New York Times bestselling author of These Violent Delights'Rich, immersive and astonishingly layered—I want to sink into this darkly magical world and never leave.' – Laura Steven, author of The Society for Soulless Girls'Vividly imagined, beautifully written, and as dark as it is dazzling ­­– Curious Tides will drag you under from the very first page' – Sarah Underwood, New York Times bestselling author of Lies We Sing to the Sea'A darkly enchanting story that had me turning pages like mad. Gorgeous writing, fascinating characters, and the kind of rich magical lore that dreams are made of. Curious Tides swept me away. I'm obsessed with this world.' – Claire Legrand, New York Times bestselling author of Furyborn'Curious Tides sucks you in from page one with a fully realized universe that feels lived-in and otherworldly all at once. The story is alive with lore, and it’s impossible not to be transported.' – Joan He, New York Times bestselling author of Strike the Zither'With chewy, intricate worldbuilding; sparkling characters; and thrilling twists, Curious Tides pulled me under, and I never wanted to resurface from its richly imagined depths. An alluring, immersive debut.' – Allison Saft, New York Times bestselling author of A Far Wilder Magic'A beautifully ethereal fantasy that reads like a dream. Filled with beguiling magic and whimsical storytelling, Curious Tides is a reverie I was sad to wake from.' – Chelsea Abdullah, author of The Stardust Thief

Silverborn: The Mystery Of Morrigan Crow The highly anticipated fourth book in the award-winning Nevermoor series from one of Australia's best selling and most loved authors.In the magical city of Nevermoor, long-buried secrets are coming to light, and Morrigan Crow's life is about to turn upside down . . . When Morrigan is invited into Nevermoor's wealthy Silver District, she discovers a world of extravagance and a family mystery she's eager to unravel. She could never imagine where it will lead: a white wedding, a golden dragon and a red pool of blood.Embroiled in suspicion and danger, Morrigan leaps headfirst into a murder investigation, while also grappling with her ever-growing Wundersmith powers. And although her friends are there to help, she fears that could change if they learn she's keeping a terrible secret of her own.As shadowy forces awaken in Nevermoor, can Morrigan find a killer and solve the mystery in her own past . . . before the clock strikes midnight?Jessica Townsend weaves a spellbinding tale of magic and mystery in this thrilling new installment of the Nevermoor series.PRAISE AND AWARDS FOR NEVERMOOR: THE TRIALS OF MORRIGAN CROWBest Children's Fiction, Aurealis Awards 2017Book of the Year, Australian Book Industry Awards 2018Book of the Year for Younger Children, Australian Book Industry Awards 2018The Matt Richell Award for New Writer of the Year, Australian Book Industry Awards 2018Book of the Year, Indie Book Awards 2018Australian Booksellers Association, Nielsen Booksellers' Choice Award 2018Dymocks Book of the Year 2018QBD Book of the Year 2018Younger Fiction, Waterstones Children's Book Prize (UK) 2018South Australian Premiers' Award 2020'Townsend's intensely cinematic writing, quirky humour and superior world-building conjure a genuinely fresh take on magical fantasy' THE BOOKSELLER'It really is brilliant, with an engaging plot, plenty of twists, memorable characters and a marvellous sense of humour. Pick it up and the hours disappear, just like magic' DAILY TELEGRAPH'Enter the world of Nevermoor and its fantastical inhabitants, and be utterly enchanted' COURIER-MAIL'Exciting, mysterious, marvellous and magical . . . quite simply one of the best children's books I've read in years' ROBIN STEVENS, author of Murder Most Unladylike

Six Of Crows *The Grishaverse will be coming to Netflix soon with SHADOW AND BONE, an original series!* Nominated for the CILIP Carnegie Medal 2017, this fantasy epic from the No. 1 NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author of the Grisha trilogy is gripping, sweeping and memorable - perfect for fans of George R. R. Martin, Laini Taylor, and Kristin Cashore. Criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker is offered a chance at a deadly heist that could make him rich beyond his wildest dreams - but he can't pull it off alone. A convict with a thirst for revenge. A sharpshooter who can't walk away from a wager. A runaway with a privileged past. A spy known as the Wraith. A Heartrender using her magic to survive the slums. A thief with a gift for unlikely escapes. Six dangerous outcasts. One impossible heist. Kaz's crew is the only thing that might stand between the world and destruction - if they don't kill each other first. An epic new exploration of the Grisha universe from the writer of SHADOW AND BONE, SIEGE AND STORM, and RUIN AND RISING, totally consuming for both old fans and new.