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In the timeless city of Malacia, a place swathed in magic and on the brink of war, lives a young man named Perian de Chirolo – a free-spirit, a fearless lover – who embarks on a harrowing odyssey with dramatic consequences for himself and all Malacians. This is a gripping tale of wonder, lust and destiny.

Marian has a problem. A willing member of the consumer society in which she lives, she suddenly finds herself identifying with the things being consumed. She can cope with her tidy-minded fiancé, Peter, who likes shooting rabbits. She can cope with her job in market research, and the antics of her roommate. She can even cope with Duncan, a graduate student who seems to prefer laundromats to women. But not being able to eat is a different matter. Steak was the first to go. Then lamb, pork, and the rest. Next came her incapacity to face an egg. Vegetables were the final straw. But Marian has her reasons, and what happens next provides an unusual solution. Witty, subversive, hilarious, The Edible Woman is dazzling and utterly original. It is Margaret Atwood's brilliant first novel, and the book that introduced her as a consummate observer of the ironies and absurdities of modern life.

From the publisher of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies comes a new tale of romance, heartbreak, and tentacled mayhem.

Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters expands the original text of the beloved Jane Austen novel with all-new scenes of giant lobsters, rampaging octopi, two-headed sea serpents, and other biological monstrosities. As our story opens, the Dashwood sisters are evicted from their childhood home and sent to live on a mysterious island full of savage creatures and dark secrets. While sensible Elinor falls in love with Edward Ferrars, her romantic sister Marianne is courted by both the handsome Willoughby and the hideous man-monster Colonel Brandon.

Can the Dashwood sisters triumph over meddlesome matriarchs and unscrupulous rogues to find true love? Or will they fall prey to the tentacles that are forever snapping at their heels?

This masterful portrait of Regency England blends Jane Austen's biting social commentary with ultraviolent depictions of sea monsters biting. It's survival of the fittest--and only the swiftest swimmers will find true love!

When Mr. Sorensen - a drab, cipher of a man - passes away, his lovely widow falls in love with a most unsuitable mate. Enraged and scandalized (and armed with hot-dish and gossip and seven-layer bars), the Parish Council turns to the old priest to fix the situation - to convince Mrs. Sorensen to reject the green world and live as a widow ought. But the pretty widow has plans of her own, in Kelly Barnhill's Mrs. Sorenson and the Sasquatch.

This novelette is included in the anthology Worlds Seen in Passing: Ten Years of Tor.com Short Fiction (2018), edited by Irene Gallo. It is included in the collection Dreadful Young Ladies and Other Stories (2018).

Read the full story for free at Tor.com.

A quest, a war, a ring that would be grounds for calling any wedding off, a king without a kingdom, and a little, furry "hero" named Frito, ready - or maybe just forced by the wizard of Goodgulf - to undertake the one mission which can save Lower Middle Earth from enslavement by the evil Sorhed... Luscious Elfmaidens, a roller-skating dragon, ugly plants that can soul-kiss the unwary to death - these are just some of the ingredients in the wildest, wackiest, most irreverent excursion into fantasy realms that anyone has ever dared to undertake.

A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court is Mark Twain's classic tale of Hank Morgan, a resident of 19th century Hartford Connecticut who is inexplicably transported to the early medieval England of King Arthur. A classic satire, A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court pokes fun at the romanticized notions of chivalry and the idealization of the middle ages. A delightful and enchanting tale, A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court shows Twain at his satirical best.

When A Connecticut Yankee at King Arthur's Court was published in 1889, Mark Twain was undergoing a series of personal and professional crises. In his Introduction, M. Thomas Inge shows how what began as a literary burlesque of British chivalry and culture developed to tragedy and into a novel that remains a major literary and cultural text for generations of new readers.

A MYSTERIOUS KILLING

After years of waging a secret war against the supernatural, Marley Jacobs put away her wooden stakes and silver bullets, then turned her back on violence. She declared Seattle, her city, a safe zone for everyone, living and undead. There would be no more preternatural murder under her watch.

But waging peace can make as many enemies as waging war, and when Marley's nephew turns up dead in circumstances suspiciously like a vampire feeding, she must look into it. Is there a new arrival in town? Is someone trying to destroy her fragile truce? Or was her nephew murdered because he was, quite frankly, a complete tool?

As Marley investigates her nephew's death, she discovers he had been secretly dabbling in the supernatural himself. What, exactly, had he been up to, and who had he been doing it with? More importantly, does it threaten the peace she has worked so hard to create? (Spoiler: yeah, it absolutely does.)

Paul Cornell has written Doctor Who for the BBC, Batman & Robin for DC, and Wolverine for Marvel. He has won the BSFA Award for his short fiction, the Eagle Award for his comics, and shares a Writer's Guild Award for television. He is one of only two people to be Hugo Award nominated for all three media.

A Better Way to Die is his first ever short story collection, providing a comprehensive overview of his work. Featured here are both his contributions to George RR Martin's Wildcards series and all the Jonathan Hamilton stories, including "One of Our Bastards is Missing", shortlisted for the Hugo Award in 2010, and "A Better Way to Die", winner of a BSFA Award in 2011.

With an introduction by John Scalzi, the eBook edition contains 21 stories, representing almost all of Paul's published short fiction to date.

Table of Contents:

• Introduction - essay by John Scalzi
• The Deer Stalker - (2005) - shortfiction
• Michael Laurits Is: DROWNING - (2008) - shortstory
• Global Collider Generation: an Idyll - (2009) - shortfiction
• Secret Identity - (2010) - shortstory
• The Occurrence at Slocombe Priory - (2011) - shortfiction
• The Sensible Folly - (2011) - shortfiction
• More - (2011) - shortfiction
• The Elephant in the Room - (2013) - novelette
• A New Arrival at the House of Love - (2012) - shortfiction
• The Ghosts of Christmas - (2012) - novelette
• Tom - (2013) - shortstory
• Ramesses on the Frontier - (2013) - shortstory
• Zeta Reticuli - (2014) - shortfiction
• Catherine Drewe - (2008) - shortstory
• One of Our Bastards Is Missing - (2009) - novelette
• The Copenhagen Interpretation - (2011) - novelette
• A Better Way to Die - (2014) - novelette

This Nebula Award nominated novelette originally appeared in the collection An Agent of Utopia (2018). It can also be found in the anthology The Best Science Fiction & Fantasy of the Year: Volume Thirteen (2019), edited by Jonathan Strahan.

LIVE THE LEGEND!

Gloria "Glory" McArdle plays Vixen the Slayer in a straight-to-syndication TV show where even the fans say the villain is the better actress. The wizards of Erchanen have been searching all the worlds to find a hero, and Vixen the Slayer is the last name on their list.

The Warmother, imprisoned a thousand years before by Ginnas the Warkiller, has broken free of her ancient chains. If a hero can't be found somewhere in all the universes to fight for them, the people of Erchanen are toast. But is it Glory they're looking for... or Vixen

It all seemed to be a perfectly straightforward misunderstanding when Belegir was explaining it in Glory's dressing room. The reality--if you could call it that--isn't just fighting for her life. Faced with a challenge like that, what can a girl do but pick up her magic sword and her stuffed elephant and give her trademark battle cry:

"Hi-yi-yi-yi! Come, Camrado! Evil wakes!"

Maureen Birnbaum, Barbarian Swordperson is a 1993 anthology by George Alec Effinger, with cover and interior illustrations by Ken Kelly. They collect all his stories about Maureen "Muffy" Binrbaum, a Jewish American Princess who is magically teleported to various fantasy and science fiction universes, and later recounts the tales to her best friend, "Bitsy" Spiegelman.

Originally written on his own initiative, the character proved popular enough for Effinger to gain several requests from authors to have versions of their work visited by Muffy. In addition to satirizing and spoofing the various stories, they had a feminist undertone, as Maureen delt with the often sexist reactions of the inhabitants of the worlds she met, struggled to find the Martian price she had fallen in lovewith, and contrasted her adventures with Bitsy, a housewife with an increasingly unhappy marriage.

This collection includes:

• Maureen Birnbaum, Barbarian Swordsperson
• Maureen Birnbaum at the Earth's Core
• Maureen Birnbaum on the Art of War
• Maureen Birnbaum After Dark
• Maureen Birnbaum Goes Shopynge
• Maureen Birnbaum and the Giant Graal
• Maureen Birnbaum at the Looming Awfulness
• Maureen Birnbaum's Lunar Adventure

Jasper Fforde's first stand-alone novel - full of the imagination, wit and intelligence that has made Fforde a number one best seller.

Every Winter, the human population hibernates.

During those bitterly cold four months, the nation is a snow-draped landscape of desolate loneliness and devoid of human activity.

Well, not quite.

Your name is Charlie Worthing, and it's your first season with the Winter Consuls, the committed but mildly unhinged group of misfits who are responsible for ensuring the hibernatory safe passage of the sleeping masses.

You are investigating an outbreak of viral dreams which you dismiss as nonsense - nothing more than a quirky artefact born of the sleeping mind.

When the dreams start to kill people, it's unsettling.

When you get the dreams too, it's weird.

When they start to come true, you begin to doubt your sanity.

But teasing truth from Winter is never easy: You have to avoid the Villains and their penchant for murder, kidnapping and stamp collecting, ensure you aren't eaten by Nightwalkers, whose thirst for human flesh can be satisfied only by comfort food, and sidestep the increasingly less-than-mythical WinterVolk.

But so long as you remember to wrap up warmly, you'll be fine.

England, 2022. There are 1.2 million human-size rabbits living in the UK. They can walk, talk, drive cars, and they like to read Voltaire, the result of an Inexplicable Anthropomorphizing Event fifty-five years before.

A family of rabbits is about to move into Much Hemlock, a cozy little village in Middle England where life revolves around summer fetes, jam making, gossipy corner stores, and the oh-so-important Best Kept Village awards.

No sooner have the rabbits arrived than the villagers decide they must depart, citing their propensity to burrow and breed, and their shameless levels of veganism. But Mrs Constance Rabbit is made of sterner stuff, and her and her family decide they are to stay. Unusually, their neighbors--longtime resident Peter Knox and his daughter, Pippa--decide to stand with them... and soon discover that you can be a friend to rabbits or humans, but not both.

With a blossoming romance, acute cultural differences, enforced rehoming to a MegaWarren in Wales, and the full power of the ruling United Kingdom Anti-Rabbit Party against them, Peter and Pippa are about to question everything they had ever thought about their friends, their nation, and their species.

There is a distinct hint of Armageddon in the air. According to The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch (recorded, thankfully, in 1655, before she blew up her entire village and all its inhabitants, who had gathered to watch her burn), the world will end on a Saturday. Next Saturday, in fact. So the armies of Good and Evil are amassing, the Four Bikers of the Apocalypse are revving up their mighty hogs and hitting the road, and the world's last two remaining witch-finders are getting ready to fight the good fight, armed with awkwardly antiquated instructions and stick pins. Atlantis is rising, frogs are falling, tempers are flaring.... Right. Everything appears to be going according to Divine Plan.

Except that a somewhat fussy angel and a fast-living demon -- each of whom has lived among Earth's mortals for many millennia and has grown rather fond of the lifestyle -- are not particularly looking forward to the coming Rapture. If Crowley and Aziraphale are going to stop it from happening, they've got to find and kill the Antichrist (which is a shame, as he's a really nice kid). There's just one glitch: someone seems to have misplaced him....

William Goldman's beloved novel has sold over one million copies. A movie, released twenty years ago, perfectly captured the spirit of the book and has introduced new fans to its pages ever since. In 1941 a young boy lies bedridden from pneumonia. His perpetually disheveled and unattractive father, an immigrant from Florin with terribly broken English, shuffles into his bedroom carrying a book. The boy wants to know if it has any sports. His father says, "Fencing. Fighting. Torture. Poison. True love. Hate. Revenge. Giants. Hunters. Bad men. Good men. Beautifulest ladies. Snakes. Spiders. Beasts of all natures and descriptions. Pain. Death. Brave men. Coward men. Strongest men. Chases. Escapes. Lies. Truths. Passions. Miracles." And the little boy, though he doesn't know it, is about to change forever. As Goldman says, "What happened was just this. I got hooked on the story." And coming generations of readers will, too.

Edward Venn-Thomas lives in the twentieth century but has been mysteriously transported to the future, and the apparently idyllic society of New Create, where there is no hunger, no war and no dissatisfaction. However Venn-Thomas is starting to find life among the New Cretans rather dull. He comes to realize that their perfect existence, inspired by the poets and magicians of their strange occultic religion, lacks one fundamental thing - evil. So Venn-Thomas sees it as nothing less than his duty to introduce them to the darker side of life. First published in 1949 and also known as Watch the North Wind Rise, Graves's novel is a thrilling blend of utopian fantasy, science fiction and mythology.

The Telemachus family is known for performing inexplicable feats on talk shows and late-night television. Teddy, a master conman, heads up a clan who possess gifts he only fakes: there's Maureen, who can astral project; Irene, the human lie detector; Frankie, gifted with telekinesis; and Buddy, the clairvoyant.

But when, one night, the magic fails to materialize, the family withdraws to Chicago where they live in shame for years. Until: As they find themselves facing a troika of threats (CIA, mafia, unrelenting skeptic), Matty, grandson of the family patriarch, discovers a bit of the old Telemachus magic in himself.

Now, they must put past obstacles behind them and unite like never before. But will it be enough to bring The Amazing Telemachus Family back to its amazing life?

A comic adventure in which a father and son switch bodies -- a young boy becomes his father and vice-versa.

This was the original changing places comedy, first published in 1882. Anstey's fantasy spawned a number of imitations, but this tale came first. This famous story has been adapted for television at least three times, and for film at least five times.

The plot concerns Paul Bultitude and his son Dick, who, as a result of a magic stone talisman, find that their roles are reversed. Mr. Bultitude has to go to his son's boarding school, whilst Dick finds himself out of his depth in attempting to run his father's business. Paul (as Dick) finds it difficult to adapt to school life and earns a reputation with his fellow pupils as both a sneak and a coward, whilst Dick (as Paul) almost ruins his father's business. These are problems that they both have to deal with at the time -- as well as later when they are returned to their own bodies.

Hugo Award-winning and Nebula, Eugie, and World Fantasy Award-nominated Short Story

This story originally appeared in Apex Magazine, Issue 105, February 2018. The story is included in the anthology The Best Science Fiction & Fantasy of the Year: Volume Thirteen (2019), edited by Jonathan Strahan.

Read the full story for free at Apex.

All Malcolm Fisher did was run over a badger. Unfortunately the badger turned out to be Ingolf, last of the giants. With his dying breath he reluctantly gave Malcolm two gifts of power and made him ruler of the world.

From the moment Homo Sapiens descended from the trees, possibly onto their heads, humanity has striven towards civilization. Fire. The Wheel. Running Away from furry things with more teeth than one might reasonably expect-all are testament to man's ultimate supremacy. It is a noble story and so, of course, complete and utter fiction. For one man has discovered the hideous truth: that humanity's ascent to civilization has been ruthlessly guided by a small gang of devious frogs. The man's name is David Perkins, and his theory is not, on the whole, widely admired, particularly not by the frogs themselves, who had invested a great deal of time and effort in keeping the whole thing quiet.

The management buy-out of Hell wasn't going quite as well as had been hoped. For a start, there had been that nasty business with the perjurors, and then came the news that the Most Wanted Man in History had escaped, and all just as the plans for the new theme park, EuroBosch, were underway.

It's amazing the problems drinking can get you into. One little swig from an oddly-shaped bottle and you go from being an ordinary Dutch sea-captain to an unhappy immortal, drifting around the world with your similarly immortal crew, unable to stay in port for long owing to side effects we won't go into right now. You become a creature of myth and legend. Worst of all, Richard Wagner writes an opera about you.

Little does Cornelius Vanderdecker, the Flying Dutchman, suspect that a chance encounter in an English pub might just lead to the end of his cursed life, one way or another.

Together with his crew, A BBC film unit (one of whom is still investigating Milk Marketing Board conspiracy theories), a scientists who invented everything, and Jane Doland, an undercover accountant for the National Lombard Bank, the Dutchman falls into a series of events which even the composer of The Ring of the Nibelungs might consider overly coincidental and chaotic.

All is not well with the universe - cutbacks have taken their toll, and the sun is dirty and late, thanks to being 30 billion miles overdue on its next service. None of the committees can agree on anything, and extreme measures seem called for.

This is the story of Jane who finds the novel she is working on starts to write back. She's already realized novel writing isn't such a piece of cake after all, and the world of fiction is a far more complicated place than she ever imagined.

There are many reasons why British summers are either non-existent or, alternatively, held on a Thursday. Many of these reasons are either scientific, mad, or both-but all of them are wrong, especially the scientific ones. The real reason why it rains perpetually from January 1st to December 31st is, of course, irritable Chinese Water Dragons. Karen is one such legendary creature. Ancient, noble, nearly indestructible and, for a number of wildly improbable reasons, working as a real estate agent, Karen is irritable quite a lot of the time. But now things have changed, and Karen's no longer irritable. She's furious.

There was something wrong! Just as the boiling water was about to be poured on his head and the man with the red book appeared and his life flashed before his eyes, Akram the Terrible, the most feared thief in Baghdad, knew this had happened before. Many times. And he was damned if he was going to let it happen again. Just because he was a character in a story didn't mean that it always had to end this way.

Meanwhile, back in Southampton, it's a bit of a shock for Michelle when she puts on her Aunt Fatima's ring and the computer and the telephone start to bitch at her for past misdemeanors. But that's nothing compared to the story that her kitchen appliances have to tell her.

Guy is a Mosquito pilot in World War II. He is surprised when his dead co-pilot apparently starts speaking to him as they are flying over Northern France. And before you can say 'Bomber Harris', Guy finds himself caught up in time and travel, a search for Richard the Lionheart and a damsel.

Sculptress Bianca Wilson is a living legend. St. George is also a legend, but not living. However, when Bianca's sculpture of the patron saint and his scaly chum gets a bit too lifelike, it opens up a new can of wyrms. The dragon knows that in the battle between Good and Evil, Evil got a raw deal and is looking to set the record straight. And George (who cheated) thinks the record's just fine as it is.

Once upon a time, everything was fine. Humpty Dumpty sat on his wall, Jack and Jill went about their lawful business, the Big Bad Wolf did what big bad wolves do, and the wicked queen plotted murder most foul. But the humans hacked, cried havoc, shut down the wicked queen's system, and corrupted her database-and suddenly everything was not fine at all. But at least we know that they'll all live happily ever after. Don't we?

As everyone knows, when great warriors die, their reward is eternal life in Odin's bijou little residence known as Valhalla. But Valhalla has just changed. It has grown. It has diversified. Just like any corporation, the Valhalla Group has had to adapt to survive. Unfortunately, not even an omniscient Norse god could have prepared Valhalla for the arrival of Carol Kortright, one-time cocktail waitress, last seen dead, and not at all happy.

Digging up the remains of an ancient band of Vikings, archaeologist Hildy is astounded when they rise from the dead, bearing an appetite for seagulls, a twelve-thousand-year-old grudge, and a thirst for war.

It was a busy day on Lake Chicopee, where an eclectic bunch of sightseers and tourists had the strange local residents rubbing their hands with delight. Among them was a young man from England, who was there because he knew about the legend of the ghost of Okeewana and what she promised.

Being a hero bothers Jason Derry. It's easy to get maladjusted when your mom's a suburban housewife and your dad's the Supreme Being. It can be a real drag slaying monsters and retrieving golden fleeces from fire-spitting dragons, and then having to tidy your room before you can watch Star Trek. But it's not the relentless tedium of imperishable glory that finally brings Jason to the end of his rope; it's something so funny that it's got to be taken seriously. Deadly seriously.

Jules didn't want to be a necromancer. In fact he shoudn't have been one - particularly after he mixed, half and half - wrong halves at that! - the formula for reviving and restoring corpses and the formula for winning friends and influencing people.

Rutherford Calhoun, a newly freed slave and irrepressible rogue, is lost in the underworld of 1830s New Orleans. Desperate to escape the city's unscrupulous bill collectors and the pawing hands of a schoolteacher hellbent on marrying him, he jumps aboard the Republic, a slave ship en route to collect members of a legendary African tribe, the Allmuseri. Thus begins a voyage of metaphysical horror and human atrocity, a journey which challenges our notions of freedom, fate and how we live together.

Recently canned professor of American literature Chris Jaynes has just made a startling discovery: the manuscript of a crude slave narrative that confirms the reality of Edgar Allan Poe's strange and only novel, The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket. Determined to seek out Tsalal, the remote island of pure and utter blackness that Poe describes, Jaynes convenes an all-black crew of six to follow Pym's trail to the South Pole, armed with little but the firsthand account from which Poe derived his seafaring tale, a bag of bones, and a stash of Little Debbie snack cakes. Thus begins an epic journey by an unlikely band of adventurers under the permafrost of Antarctica, beneath the surface of American history, and behind one of literature's great mysteries.

"Face the facts! This town is run by seven megalomaniac wizards!"

When Howard Sykes comes home to find a giant thug -- the Goon -- in the kitchen, life turns upside down. Archer, one of seven siblings who control everything in their town from electricity to the police, has sent the Goon to collect the two thousand words Howard's father owes him. Suddenly, the Sykes family is caught in the middle of the wizards' battle for power -- and only Howard can save them!

This authoritative A-Z constitutes an essential source of information for all who dare to venture into the imaginative hinterlands. It provides acute insights into such mysteries as how HORSES reproduce, the varying types of VIRGIN and the importance of CLOAKS to those wondering about going on a quest with a fellowship (of the Ring or otherwise). Features include: * A map. * Lively background on those you will meet, including: BARBARIAN HORDES, lots and lots of wild-seeming people advancing under a cloud of dust in order to devastate more civilised parts and ELVES, who claim they did not evolve like humans ...Certainly there seems to be no such thing as the Elvish ancestral ape. * Full details on the catering arrangements: BEER always foams and is invariably delivered in tankards. What do you mean, 'it tastes awful'? The Management is not concerned with the taste of it. That is your funeral. * Useful hints on coping in Fantasyland: ARMOUR is generally regarded as cheating. TORTURE is obligatory at some stage.

Nice witches finish last...

A guilt-ridden former coven is forced to tap into the magic of their past... if they want to stop their lives from going up in flames again.

On the outside, luxury real estate agent Sarah Nelson looks like every other mom in the suburb. But she has an edge that others don't: She's a witch. And no one knows... except her estranged ex-coven and college friends, Katrina and Alicia.

One terrible night during their freshman year, the trio accidentally burned down their dorm, and soon after they scattered. Their secret had been safe, until Sarah learns they've been invited back to commemorate the anniversary of the fire.

Suddenly, the magic doesn't want to be controlled. Sarah's orange tabby cat, Katy Purry, now argues with her. Her broom has become self-brooming, and her fridge somehow restocks thirty pounds of sliced turkey for school lunches. As it grows increasingly difficult to hide the magic and the past, Sarah, Katrina, and Alicia must harness their power together, before they find out if polite society still burns witches.

Save the World... With Pizza?!

After being struck and killed by a delivery bike, Kaito is given the opportunity to be reborn in an alternate world as one of three "hero" classes:

1. A swordsman
2. A magician
3. A hero who saves the world with pizza

When the first two options are quickly taken, Kaito is forced to live his second life as a hero endowed with the power of pizza in a land of herbivorous elves...one of whom happens to be his new wife! What kinds of pizza-related adventures lie ahead for our High-Calorie Hero and his food-obsessed elf bride?

Benny is so nice they feel compelled to destroy him, but he has a friend who should scare the hell out of them.

Benny Catspaw's perpetually sunny disposition is tested when he loses his job, his reputation, his fiancée, and his favorite chair. He's not paranoid. Someone is out to get him. He just doesn't know who or why. Then Benny receives an inheritance from an uncle he's never heard of: a giant crate and a video message. All will be well in time.

How strange - though it's a blessing, his uncle promises. Stranger yet is what's inside the crate. He's a seven-foot-tall self-described "bad weather friend" named Spike whose mission is to help people who are just too good for this world. Spike will take care of it. He'll find Benny's enemies. He'll deal with them. This might be satisfying if Spike wasn't such a menacing presence with terrifying techniques of intimidation.

In the company of Spike and a fascinated young waitress-and PI-in-training named Harper, Benny plunges into a perilous high-speed adventure, the likes of which never would have crossed the mind of a decent guy like him.

There has never been a rat like Doctor Rat, PHD. Frenzied survivor of medicine's most vicious experiments; brilliant eunuch; insane prophet of progress through genocide.

World Fantasy Award nominated novelette. It originally appeared in Asimov's Science Fiction, November 1995. The story can also be found in the The Year's Best Fantasy and Horror: Ninth Annual Collection (1996), edited by Ellen Datlow and Terri Windling. It is included in the collections Unlocking the Air and Other Stories (1996), Where on Earth (2012) and The Unreal and the Real: Selected Stories of Ursula K. Le Guin (2016).

Blasphemy! Heresy! Not since Bored of the Rings has there been such a blatant desecration of the sacred works of J.R.R. Tolkien! True fans of Middle-earth, rise up against this upstart and his distorted retelling of The Silmarillion, Tolkien's history of the world before The Lord of the Rings.

No self-respecting Dark Lord would ever enter a rapping competition, nor would beautiful elf-maidens ever behave like this! The greatest tragic love story in fantasy history was not made possible through the efforts of a ferret, nor were the great battles of Beleriand covered by TV news crews!

Don Lloyd's The Sillymarillion dares to be the first and only, and therefore we can claim without contradiction, the funniest, the most outrageous, parody of the wildly famous old professor's fiction in the last generation.

The action begins in the land of Valium, an idyllic paradise, but now the tranquility has been shattered by the theft of the magical Siliputi by the Dark Lord Mostgoth. The King of the Neuter has vowed revenge and his people have rebelled against the gods themselves. Fleeing to the continent of Myrtle-earth in pursuit of their enemy, the Neuter become embroiled in a war that will last for hundreds of years, bringing great triumphs and tragedies as the free peoples of the world flight for their very existence.

The reader will encounter polka-dotted elves, cross-dressing gods, and rodents possessed by malevolent spirits, but these will all somehow seem strangely familiar...

Emperor Mollusk. Intergalactic Menace. Destroyer of Worlds. Conqueror of Other Worlds. Mad Genius. Ex-Warlord of Earth. Not bad for a guy without a spine.

But what's a villain to do after he's done... everything. With no new ambitions, he's happy to pitch in and solve the energy crisis or repel alien invaders should the need arise, but if he had his way, he'd prefer to be left alone to explore the boundaries of dangerous science. Just as a hobby, of course.

Retirement isn't easy though. If the boredom doesn't get him, there's always the Venusians. Or the Saturnites. Or the Mercurials. Or... well, you get the idea. If that wasn't bad enough, there's also the assassins of a legendary death cult and an up-and-coming megalomaniac (as brilliant as he is bodiless) who have marked Emperor for their own nefarious purposes. But Mollusk isn't about to let the Earth slip out of his own tentacles and into the less capable clutches of another. So it's time to dust off the old death ray and come out of retirement. Except this time, he's not out to rule the world. He's out to save it from the peril of THE SINISTER BRAIN!

Meet Monster. Meet Judy. Two humans who don't like each other much, but together must fight dragons, fire-breathing felines, trolls, Inuit walrus dogs, and a crazy cat lady - for the future of the universe.

Monster runs a pest control agency. He's overworked and has domestic troubles - like having the girlfriend from hell.

Judy works the night shift at the local Food Plus Mart. Not the most glamorous life, but Judy is happy. No one bothers her and if she has to spell things out for the night-manager every now and again, so be it.

But when Judy finds a Yeti in the freezer aisle eating all the Rocky Road, her life collides with Monster's in a rather alarming fashion. Because Monster doesn't catch raccoons; he catches the things that go bump in the night. Things like ogres, trolls, and dragons.

Oh, and his girlfriend from Hell? She actually is from Hell.

Gloriana rules an Albion whose empire embraces America and most of Asia. A new Golden Age of peace, enlightenment and prosperity has dawned. Gloriana is Albion and Albion is Gloriana; if one falls, so too will the other. And Gloriana is oppressed by the burden this places upon her - and by the fact that she remains incapable of orgasm. The maintenance of the delicate balance that keeps Albion and Gloriana thriving depends of Montfallcon, Gloriana's Chancellor, and on his network of spies and assassins - in particular on Quire, cold hearted seducer of virtue and murderer of innocence. When Quire falls out with Montfallcon, he forms an alliance with his greatest enemy and conceives a plan to ruin Gloriana, destroy Albion, the empire and the Golden Age itself. But even the utterly ruthless Quire does not fully understand what he has set in motion when he persuades the Queen to fall in love with him...

Jirel of Joiry, the first of the great female warriors, the beautiful commander of the strongest fortress in the kingdom, would face any danger to defend her beloved country. She wielded her bright sword against mighty armies, the sinister magic of evil sorcerers and fearsome castles guarded by the dead, even daring to descend into Hell itself...

Northwest Smith, the scarred and weathered outlaw, the legendary hero of the spaceways, forced to confront the terrible mysteries, the terrifying, mythic monsters of the universe...

Jirel of Joiry and Northwest Smith are C.L. Moore's greatest creations and she used them not only to spin spellbinding tales but also to explore the mysteries of the human psyche.

This is the omnibus edition of the collections Jirel of Joiry (aka Black Gods) and Scarlet Dream (aka Northwest Smith).

From master of subversive humor Christopher Moore comes a quirky, irreverent novel of love, myth, metaphysics, outlaw biking, angst, and outrageous redemption.

As a boy, he was Samson Hunts Alone -- until a deadly misunderstanding with the law forced him to flee the Crow reservation at age fifteen. Today he is Samuel Hunter, a successful Santa Barbara insurance salesman with a Mercedes, a condo, and a hollow, invented life. Then one day, destiny offers him the dangerous gift of love -- in the exquisite form of Calliope Kincaid -- and a curse in the unheralded appearance of an ancient god by the name of Coyote. Coyote, the trickster, has arrived to reawaken the mystical storyteller within Sam... and to seriously screw up his existence in the process.

Just why do humpback whales sing? That's the question that has marine behavioral biologist Nate Quinn and his crew poking, charting, recording, and photographing very big, wet, gray marine mammals. Until the extraordinary day when a whale lifts its tail into the air to display a cryptic message spelled out in foot-high letters: Bite me.

Trouble is, Nate's beginning to wonder if he hasn't spent just a little too much time in the sun. 'Cause no one else on his team saw a thing -- not his longtime partner, Clay Demodocus; not their saucy young research assistant; not even the spliff-puffing white-boy Rastaman Kona (né Preston Applebaum). But later, when a roll of film returns from the lab missing the crucial tail shot -- and his research facility is trashed -- Nate realizes something very fishy indeed is going on.

By turns witty, irreverent, fascinating, puzzling, and surprising, Fluke is Christopher Moore at his outrageous best.

Take a wonderfully crazed excursion into the demented heart of a tropical paradise--a world of cargo cults, cannibals, mad scientists, ninjas, and talking fruit bats. Our bumbling hero is Tucker Case, a hopeless geek trapped in a cool guy's body, who makes a living as a pilot for the Mary Jean Cosmetics Corporation. But when he demolishes his boss's pink plane during a drunken airborne liaison, Tuck must run for his life from Mary Jean's goons. Now there's only one employment opportunity left for him: piloting shady secret missions for an unscrupulous medical missionary and a sexy blond high priestess on the remotest of Micronesian hells. Here is a brazen, ingenious, irreverent, and wickedly funny novel from a modern master of the outrageous.

The birth of Jesus has been well chronicled, as have his glorious teachings, acts, and divine sacrifice after his thirtieth birthday. But no one knows about the early life of the Son of God, the missing years -- except Biff, the Messiah's best bud, who has been resurrected to tell the story in the divinely hilarious yet heartfelt work "reminiscent of Vonnegut and Douglas Adams" (Philadelphia Inquirer).

Verily, the story Biff has to tell is a miraculous one, filled with remarkable journeys, magic, healings, kung fu, corpse reanimations, demons, and hot babes. Even the considerable wiles and devotion of the Savior's pal may not be enough to divert Joshua from his tragic destiny. But there's no one who loves Josh more -- except maybe "Maggie," Mary of Magdala -- and Biff isn't about to let his extraordinary pal suffer and ascend without a fight.

Now, in his latest masterpiece, Sacré Bleu, the immortal Moore takes on the Great French Masters. A magnificent "Comedy d'Art", Moore's Sacré Bleu is part mystery, part history (sort of), part love story, and wholly hilarious as it follows a young baker-painter as he joins the dapper Henri Toulouse-Lautrec on a quest to unravel the mystery behind the supposed "suicide" of Vincent van Gogh.

Shirley Jackson Award-nominated Novella

It is the summer of 1914, and young American painter Francis Wyndham really needs work. Fortunately, he's attained a position as the new art therapist at a renowned European insane asylum. Unfortunately, the asylum's director?the terrible Dr. Alessandro Caligari?is less interested in curing patients than in his own nefarious projects.

In his secret lair, Caligari is creating a painting so hypnotic it will incite entire regiments into battle rage. If he succeeds, he will make untold profits selling his services to power-hungry governments. And with the world at the brink of war, only Francis's most talented (and not entirely sane) student Illona may be able to foil Caligari.

Vividly re-imagined from the madness of a silent-film classic, The Asylum of Dr. Caligari is a provocative satire on the fine art of profiteering.

When the witch built the forty-flight tower, she made very sure to do the whole thing properly. Each flight contains a dreadful monster, ranging from a diamond-scaled dragon to a pack of slavering goblins. Should a prince battle his way to the top, he will be rewarded with a golden sword - and the lovely Princess Floralinda.

But no prince has managed to conquer the first flight yet, let alone get to the fortieth.

In fact, the supply of fresh princes seems to have quite dried up.

And winter is closing in on Floralinda...

Meet Laszlo, eight-hundred-year-old demon and Hell's least productive Curse Keeper.

From his office beneath Midtown, he oversees the Drakeford Curse, which involves a pathetic family upstate and a mysterious black stone. It's a sexy enough assignment - colonial origins, mutating victims, et cetera - but Laszlo has no interest in maximizing the curse's potential; he'd rather sunbathe in Ibiza, quaff martinis, and hustle the hustlers on Manhattan's subway.

Unfortunately, his division has new management, and Laszlo's ratings are so abysmal that he's given six days to shape up or he'll be melted down and returned to the Primordial Ooze.

An underground classic since its first publication in 1996, Fight Club is now recognized as one of the most original and provocative novels published in this decade. Chuck Palahniuk's darkly funny first novel tells the story of a godforsaken young man who discovers that his rage at living in a world filled with failure and lies cannot be pacified by an empty consumer culture. Relief for him and his disenfranchised peers comes in the form of secret after-hours boxing matches held in the basements of bars. Fight Club is the brainchild of Tyler Durden, who thinks he has found a way for himself and his friends to live beyond their confining and stultifying lives. But in Tyler's world there are no rules, no limits, no brakes.

Do You Love Topper, Xanth, or Terry Prachett?

Here is a classic fantasy from the pages of the legendary 1940s magazine, Unknown Worlds.

Henry Pickett is a colorless nebbish living a boring, hum-drum life. But that is about to change! Before the night is out, he who never drinks, will have had more than a few. Then he will become the unwitting custodian of a magical charm, and the target of a contentious band of drunken gnomes from Rip Van Winkle territory. But his real troubles start when he meets Dorothy Guilford who is his diametrical opposite. She is fascinating, self-confident, a witch, and she thinks the hapless Henry may be just the man for her. But, only if he proves himself worthy by surviving the alcohol, the gnomes, and the malfunctioning charm which is about to bring a whole world of woes down on Henry's head!

In the four decades since his first book appeared in print, Terry Pratchett has become one of the world's best-selling and best-loved authors. Here for the first time are his short stories and other short form fiction collected into one volume. A Blink of the Screen charts the course of Pratchett's long writing career: from his schooldays through to his first writing job on the Bucks Free Press, to the origins of his debut novel, The Carpet People; and on again to the dizzy mastery of the phenomenally successful Discworld series.Here are characters both familiar and yet to be discovered; abandoned worlds and others still expanding; adventure, chickens, death, disco and, actually, some quite disturbing ideas about Christmas,all of it shot through with his inimitable brand of humour.

With an introduction by Booker Prize-winning author A.S. Byatt, illustrations by the late Josh Kirby and drawings by the author himself, this is a book to treasure.

Table of Contents:

• Foreword - essay by A. S. Byatt
• The Hades Business - (1963)
• Solution - (1964)
• The Picture - (1965)
• The Prince and the Partridge
• The Prince and the Partridge
• Rincemangle, the Gnome of Even Moor
• Kindly Breathe in Short, Thick Pants - (1976)
• The Glastonbury Tales - (1977)
• There's No Fool Like and Old Fool Found in an English Queue - (1978)
• Coo, They've Given Me the Bird - (1978)
• And Mind the Monoliths - (1978)
• The High Meggas
• Twenty Pence, with Envelope and Seasonal Greeting - (1987)
• Incubust - (1988)
• Final Reward - (1988)
• Turntables of the Night - (1989)
• #ifdefDEBUG + 'world/enough' + 'time' - (1990)
• Hollywood Chickens - (1990)
• The Secret Book of the Dead - (1991)
• Once and Future - (1995)
• FTB - (1996)
• Sir Joshua Easement: A Biological Note - (2010)
• Troll Bridge - (1992)
• Theatre of Cruelty - (1993)
• The Sea and Little Fishes - (1998)
• The Ankh-Morpork National Anthem - (1999)
• Medical Notes - (2002)
• Thud: A Historical Perspective - (2002)
• A Few Words from Lord Havelock Vetinari - (2002)
• Death and What Comes Next - (2004)
• A Collegiate Casting-Out of Devilish Devices - (2005)
• Minutes of the Meeting to Form the Proposed Ankh-Morpork Federation of Scouts - (2007)
• The Ankh-Morpork Football Association Hall of Fame Playing Cards - (2009)
• Deleted Extract from 'The Sea and Little Fishes'
• List of Illustrations

When a giant wave destroys his village, Mau is the only one left. Daphne-a traveler from the other side of the globe-is the sole survivor of a shipwreck. Separated by language and customs, the two are united by catastrophe. Slowly, they are joined by other refugees. And as they struggle to protect the small band, Mau and Daphne defy ancestral spirits, challenge death himself, and uncover a long-hidden secret that literally turns the world upside down.

In the land of Peradore, Princess Melicent gazes into a magic mirror given to her by the sorcerer Malgrim and is immediately enraptured with the man she sees, Sam Penty, a London ad designer who at that same moment is thinking of using an illustration of an Arthurian damsel in his new marketing campaign. When Malgrim and his rival enchanter Marlagram decide to meddle in the lives of the princess and her would-be lover, Melicent finds herself transported to the 1960s for a hilarious appearance on a daytime television program, while is Sam whisked away to Peradore to fight a battle with the gigantic Red Knight and a ravening, fire-breathing dragon. Can Melicent and Sam survive their wild time-travelling adventures and be united to live happily ever after?

THE SURPRISING ADVENTURES OF BARON MUNCHAUSEN is a tall tale of majestic proportion, like the Baron himself. MUNCHAUSEN twists wildly and whimsically, playing on the reader, the characters, and Baron Munchausen himself. There's a reason why this rare classic has become a part of our language -- don't miss this one.

The adventures of the Baron include riding cannonballs, going to the moon, and pulling himself out of a bog using his own hair.

What if the Second Coming didn't quite come off as advertised? What if "the Corpse" on display in that funky roadside zoo is really who they say it is--what does that portend for the future of western civilization? And what if a young clairvoyant named Amanda reestablishes the flea circus as popular entertainment and fertility worship as the principal religious form of our high-tech age? Another Roadside Attraction answers those questions and a lot more. It tell us, for example, what the sixties were truly all about, not by reporting on the psychedelic decade but by recreating it, from the inside out. In the process, this stunningly original seriocomic thriller is fully capable of simultaneously eating a literary hot dog and eroding the borders of the mind.

The whooping crane rustlers are girls. Young girls. Cowgirls, as a matter of fact, all "bursting with dimples and hormones"--and the FBI has never seen anything quite like them. Yet their rebellion at the Rubber Rose Ranch is almost overshadowed by the arrival of the legendary Sissy Hankshaw, a white-trash goddess literally born to hitchhike, and the freest female of them all.

Freedom, its prizes and its prices, is a major theme of Tom Robbins's classic tale of eccentric adventure. As his robust characters attempt to turn the tables on fate, the reader is drawn along on a tragicomic joyride across the badlands of sexuality, wild rivers of language, and the frontiers of the mind.

Still Life with Woodpecker is a sort of a love story that takes place inside a pack of Camel cigarettes. It reveals the purpose of the moon, explains the difference between criminals and outlaws, examines the conflict between social activism and romantic individualism, and paints a portrait of contemporary society that includes powerful Arabs, exiled royalty, and pregnant cheerleaders. It also deals with the problem of redheads.

Old Man's War author John Scalzi's sendup of the heroic fantasy genre was a finalist for the Hugo Award for Best Short Story.

This was Tor.com's April Fool's Day Joke in 2011. The title was chosen based on the statistically-most-used words in Fantasy novels. Fun Fact: Scalzi's agent actually received a call from someone in Hollywood, wanting to buy the option on this "novel" for a movie.

Read the full story for free at Tor.com.

Watch Hugo-nominated Fan Writer "Mark Reads" Oshiro's hilarious video reading of this story here. (PG for profanity)

A Midsummer Night's Dream is a comedy play by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1590 and 1596.

Magic, love spells, and an enchanted wood provide the materials for one of Shakespeare's most delightful comedies. When four young lovers, fleeing the Athenian law and their own mismatched rivalries, take to the forest of Athens, their lives become entangled with a feud between the King and Queen of the Fairies. Some Athenian tradesmen, rehearsing a play for the forthcoming wedding of Duke Theseus and his bride, Hippolyta, unintentionally add to the hilarity. The result is a marvelous mix-up of desire and enchantment, merriment and farce, all touched by Shakespeare's inimitable vision of the intriguing relationship between art and life, dreams and the waking world.

The Tempest is a play by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written in 1610-11, and thought by many critics to be the last play that Shakespeare wrote alone.

It is set on a remote island, where Prospero, the rightful Duke of Milan, plots to restore his daughter Miranda to her rightful place using illusion and skilful manipulation. He conjures up a storm, the eponymous tempest, to lure his usurping brother Antonio and the complicit King Alonso of Naples to the island. There, his machinations bring about the revelation of Antonio's lowly nature, the redemption of the King, and the marriage of Miranda to Alonso's son, Ferdinand.

Lois Clary is a software engineer at General Dexterity, a San Francisco robotics company with world-changing ambitions. She codes all day and collapses at night, her human contact limited to the two brothers who run the neighborhood hole-in-the-wall from which she orders dinner every evening. Then, disaster! Visa issues. The brothers close up shop, and fast. But they have one last delivery for Lois: their culture, the sourdough starter used to bake their bread. She must keep it alive, they tell her?feed it daily, play it music, and learn to bake with it.

Lois is no baker, but she could use a roommate, even if it is a needy colony of microorganisms. Soon, not only is she eating her own homemade bread, she's providing loaves daily to the General Dexterity cafeteria. The company chef urges her to take her product to the farmer's market, and a whole new world opens up.

When Lois comes before the jury that decides who sells what at Bay Area markets, she encounters a close-knit club with no appetite for new members. But then, an alternative emerges: a secret market that aims to fuse food and technology. But who are these people, exactly?

Leavened by the same infectious intelligence that made Robin Sloan's Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore such a sensation, while taking on even more satisfying challenges, Sourdough marks the triumphant return of a unique and beloved young writer.

Miss Pippa Kipling and her automaton companion, the Porter, exterminate pests of the supernatural variety. What should be a typical job in your average haunted cavern soon derails in an inconveniently undead fashion. Even with the aid of her gadget collection and the Porter's prowess, this task may prove fatal for Miss Kipling--or worse, rip her petticoat.

Read the full story for free at Tor.com.

Hunter Hawk is the epitome of a 'mad' scientist. An affluent bachelor, tired of sharing his home with his bossy sister and her family, sets off on a delightful adventure. With the help of his newly found 900 year old leprechaun girlfriend, he unleashes his successful invention: transforming people into statues, and vice versa. The once conservative gentleman and his evil henchwoman cause quite the stir in his hometown as even part of the minister is turned to stone.

Being chased by the police is not enough to quench his thirst for adventure. Soon, Hawk has the Greek gods in the Metropolitan Museum of Art loose on the city of New York. Bacchus, Mercury, Neptune, Diana, Hebe, Apollo, Venus and Perseus paint the town. Laughter flows as does liquor, food, and fornication.

Thorne Smith pits two thoroughly modern married people in a classic battle of the sexes. After listening to the nearly endless bickering and childish jealousy of a young man and wife (Tim and Sally Willows), an ancient Egyptian idol decides to play a trick on the two by causing them to switch bodies. Like Thorne Smith, Tim works in an advertising agency, and several scenes are set there, drawing on the author's experience. After the wife forcefully impregnates her husband, things take a decided turn for the worse as they separately try to deal with the object of the former wife's affections—a deplorably predictable square-jawed philanderer by the name of Carl Bently.

Going through a messy mid-life crisis, forty-year-old wife and mother Larque Harootunian gets carried away with her latest doppelganger--herself at age ten--who helps transform her into a young, strong, courageous, and gay man.

The New York Times bestselling graphic novel sensation from Noelle Stevenson, based on her beloved and critically acclaimed web comic. Kirkus says, "If you're going to read one graphic novel this year, make it this one."

Nemeses! Dragons! Science! Symbolism! All these and more await in this brilliantly subversive, sharply irreverent epic from Noelle Stevenson. Featuring an exclusive epilogue not seen in the web comic, along with bonus conceptual sketches and revised pages throughout, this gorgeous full-color graphic novel has been hailed by critics and fans alike as the arrival of a "superstar" talent (NPR.org).

Nimona is an impulsive young shapeshifter with a knack for villainy. Lord Ballister Blackheart is a villain with a vendetta. As sidekick and supervillain, Nimona and Lord Blackheart are about to wreak some serious havoc. Their mission: prove to the kingdom that Sir Ambrosius Goldenloin and his buddies at the Institution of Law Enforcement and Heroics aren't the heroes everyone thinks they are.

But as small acts of mischief escalate into a vicious battle, Lord Blackheart realizes that Nimona's powers are as murky and mysterious as her past. And her unpredictable wild side might be more dangerous than he is willing to admit.

On a hillside near the cozy Irish village of Glennkill, the members of the flock gather around their shepherd, George, whose body lies pinned to the ground with a spade. George has cared for the sheep, reading them a plethora of books every night. The daily exposure to literature has made them far savvier about the workings of the human mind than your average sheep. Led by Miss Maple, the smartest sheep in Glennkill (and possibly the world), they set out to find George's killer.

The A-team of investigators includes Othello, the "bad-boy" black ram; Mopple the Whale, a merino who eats a lot and remembers everything; and Zora, a pensive black-faced ewe with a weakness for abysses. Joined by other members of the richly talented flock, they engage in nightlong discussions about the crime and wild metaphysical speculations, and they embark on reconnaissance missions into the village, where they encounter some likely suspects. There's Ham, the terrifying butcher; Rebecca, a village newcomer with a secret and a scheme; Gabriel, the shady shepherd of a very odd flock; and Father Will, a sinister priest.

Along the way, the sheep confront their own all-too-human struggles with guilt, misdeeds, and unrequited love.

Two bewitching fantasies by J.R.R. Tolkien, beloved author of THE HOBBIT. In SMITH OF WOOTTON MAJOR, Tolkien explores the gift of fantasy, and what it means to the life and character of the man who receives it. And FARMER GILES OF HAM tells a delightfully ribald mock-heroic tale, where a dragon who invades a town refuses to fight, and a farmer is chosen to slay him.

For people who both love and hate cats comes the tale of Alec Charlesworth, a librarian who finds himself suddenly alone: he's lost his job, his beloved wife has just died. Overcome by grief, he searches for clues about her disappearance in a file of interviews between a man called "Wiggy" and a cat, Roger. Who speaks to him.

It takes a while for Alec to realize he's not gone mad from grief, that the cat is actually speaking to Wiggy... and that much of what we fear about cats is true. They do think they're smarter than humans, for one thing. And, well, it seems they are! What's more, they do have nine lives. Or at least this one does - Roger's older than Methuselah, and his unblinking stare comes from the fact that he's seen it all.

And he's got a tale to tell, a tale of shocking local history and dark forces that may link not only the death of Alec's wife, but also several other local deaths. But will the cat help Alec, or is he one of the dark forces?

Fourteen-year-old Mona isn't like the wizards charged with defending the city. She can't control lightning or speak to water. Her familiar is a sourdough starter and her magic only works on bread. She has a comfortable life in her aunt's bakery making gingerbread men dance.

But Mona's life is turned upside down when she finds a dead body on the bakery floor. An assassin is stalking the streets of Mona's city, preying on magic folk, and it appears that Mona is his next target. And in an embattled city suddenly bereft of wizards, the assassin may be the least of Mona's worries...

When Molly shows up on Castle Hangnail's doorstep to fill the vacancy for a wicked witch, the castle's minions are understandably dubious. After all, she is twelve years old, barely five feet tall, and quite polite. (The minions are used to tall, demanding evil sorceresses with razor-sharp cheekbones.)

But the castle desperately needs a master or else the Board of Magic will decommission it, leaving all the minions without the home they love. So when Molly assures them she is quite wicked indeed (So wicked! REALLY wicked!) and begins completing the tasks required by the Board of Magic for approval, everyone feels hopeful.

Unfortunately, it turns out that Molly has quite a few secrets, including the biggest one of all: that she isn't who she says she is.

A librarian with a knack for solving murders realizes there is something decidedly supernatural afoot in her little town in this cozy fantasy mystery.

Librarian Sherry Pinkwhistle keeps finding bodies - and solving murders. But she's concerned by just how many killers she's had to track down in her quaint village. None of her neighbors seem surprised by the rising body count... but Sherry is becoming convinced that whatever has been causing these deaths is unnatural.

When someone close to Sherry ends up dead, and her cat, Lord Thomas Crowell, becomes possessed by what seems to be an ancient demon, Sherry begins to think she's going to need to become an exorcist as well as an amateur sleuth. With the help of her town's new priest, and an assortment of friends who dub themselves the "Demon-Hunting Society," Sherry will have to solve the murder and get rid of a demon.

For a thousand years, Concordia has maintained peace between its provinces. To mark this incredible feat, the emperor's ship embarks upon a twelve-day voyage to the sacred Goddess's Mountain. Aboard are the twelve heirs of the provinces of Concordia, each graced with a unique and secret magical ability known as a Blessing.

All except one: Ganymedes Piscero -- class clown, slacker, and all-round disappointment.

When a beloved heir is murdered, everyone is a suspect. Stuck at sea and surrounded by powerful people and without a Blessing to protect him , Ganymedes's odds of survival are slim.

But as the bodies pile higher, Ganymedes must become the hero he was not born to be. Can he unmask the killer and their secret blessing before this bloody crusade reaches the shores of Concordia?

Or will the empire as he knows it fall forever?

This novella originally appeared in Beneath Ceaseless Skies, #261, in September 2018.

Read the full story for free at Beneath Ceaseless Skies.

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Family Fang, a moving and uproarious novel about a woman who finds meaning in her life when she begins caring for two children with a remarkable ability.

Lillian and Madison were unlikely roommates and yet inseparable friends at their elite boarding school. But then Lillian had to leave the school unexpectedly in the wake of a scandal and they've barely spoken since. Until now, when Lillian gets a letter from Madison pleading for her help.

Madison's twin stepkids are moving in with her family and she wants Lillian to be their caretaker. However, there's a catch: the twins spontaneously combust when they get agitated, flames igniting from their skin in a startling but beautiful way. Lillian is convinced Madison is pulling her leg, but it's the truth.

Thinking of her dead-end life at home, the life that has consistently disappointed her, Lillian figures she has nothing to lose. Over the course of one humid, demanding summer, Lillian and the twins learn to trust each other--and stay cool--while also staying out of the way of Madison's buttoned-up politician husband. Surprised by her own ingenuity yet unused to the intense feelings of protectiveness she feels for them, Lillian ultimately begins to accept that she needs these strange children as much as they need her--urgently and fiercely. Couldn't this be the start of the amazing life she'd always hoped for?

With white-hot wit and a big, tender heart, Kevin Wilson has written his best book yet--a most unusual story of parental love.

When a bratty Hollywood child star and an English aristocrat exchange souls at the dentist in Laughing Gas, the result is transatlantic mayhem at its funniest.

Snuff is a watchdog, and together with his master they walk the streets of Soho at night looking for evil. Halloween is a particulary busy time for them, as well as for Greymalk the cat, Nightwind the owl and for all the other animals, as they accompany their various masters about their business.

Once again Zivkovic demonstrates the sheer power of storytelling in this complex cycle of interlocking narratives. Like one of Escher's drawings, the narrative threads lead one through a dizzying labyrinth of recurring themes, images and characters, all of whom are linked with elegant mathematical precision: God and suicide, food and poison, monks, athletes, soldiers and soccer players all take their places in the circle-dance. Absurdity, surreality and humor abound; death is the ultimate destiny, yet always the next story offers infinite ways of escape.

Sir Rupert Triumff. Adventurer. Fighter. Drinker. Saviour? Pratchett goes swashbuckling in the hotly anticipated original fiction debut of the multi-million selling Warhammer star. Triumff is a ribald historical fantasy set in a warped clockwork-powered version of our present day ! a new Elizabethan age, not of Elizabeth II but in the style of the original Virgin Queen. Throughout its rollicking pages, Sir Rupert Triumff drinks, dines and duels his way into a new Brass Age of Exploration and Adventure.

To ever-loyal Kirby Winter, multimillionaire Uncle Omar left nothing -- nothing but a gold watch and a sealed letter to be opened in one year. But Kirby is destined to inherit the magical power to freeze time in its tracks. Power like that promises unlimited wealth, wealth that can't buy love, but does make a down payment on a lot of deadly trouble. In a universe without time, can Kirby stay one step ahead?

An uproarious new novel in the tradition of Robert Asprin and Terry Pratchett!

For someone who's immortal, Never Dead Ned manages to die with alarming frequency--he just has the annoying habit of rising from the grave. But this soldier might be better dead than face his latest assignment.

Ogre Company is the legion's dumping ground--a motley, undisciplined group of monsters whose leaders tend to die under somewhat questionable circumstances. That's where Ned's rather unique talents come in. As Ogre Company's newly appointed commander, Ned finds himself in charge of such fine examples of military prowess as a moonstruck Amazon, a very big (and very polite) two-headed ogre, a seductively scaly siren, a blind oracle who can hear (and smell) the future, a suicidal goblin daredevil pilot, a walking tree with a chip on its shoulder, and a suspiciously goblinesque orc.

Ned has only six months to whip the Ogre Company into shape or face an even more hideous assignment, but that's not the worst of his problems. Because now that Ned has found out why he keeps returning from dead, he has to do everything he can to stay alive. . . .

In the Company of Ogres does for fantasy, what A. Lee Martinez's previous novel, Gil's All Fright Diner, did for horror--and elves and goblins may never be the same!

In Gulliver's Travels, the narrator represents himself as a reliable reporter of the fantastic adventures he has just experienced. But how far can we rely on a narrator who has been impersonated by someone else? The work purports to be a travel book, and describes the shipwrecked Gulliver's encounters with the inhabitants of four extraordinary places: Lilliput, Brobdingnag, Laputa, and the country of the Houyhnhnms. An extraordinarily skillful blend of fantasy and realism makes Gulliver's Travels by turns hilarious, frightening, and profound. Swift's alter ego plays tricks on us, and our gullibility uncovers one of the world's most disturbing satires of the human condition.

It's 8:35 pm on New Year's Eve, and Private Detective John Justin Mallory is hiding out in his Manhattan office to avoid his landlord's persistent inquiries about the unpaid rent. As he cheerlessly reflects on the passing of a lousy year, which saw his business partner run off with his wife, he assumes the bourbon is responsible for the appearance of a belligerent elf. This elf informs him that he needs the detective's help in searching for a unicorn that was stolen from his charge.

When Mallory realises the little green fellow is not going to disappear with the passing of his inebriation, he listens to the elf's impassioned plea that the stolen magical beast must be returned to his care by daylight or his little green life will be forfeited by the elves' guild.

Join detective Mallory on a New Year's night of wild adventure in a fantasy Manhattan of leprechauns, gnomes, and harpies as he matches wits with the all-powerful demon The Grundy in a race to find the missing unicorn before time runs out!

Jasper Fforde's bestselling Thursday Next series has delighted readers of every genre with its literary derring-do and brilliant flights of fancy. In The Big Over Easy, Fforde takes a break from classic literature and tumbles into the seedy underbelly of nursery crime. Meet Inspector Jack Spratt, family man and head of the Nursery Crime Division. He's investigating the murder of ovoid D-class nursery celebrity Humpty Dumpty, found shattered to death beneath a wall in a shabby area of town. Yes, the big egg is down, and all those brittle pieces sitting in the morgue point to foul play.

The inimitable Jasper Fforde gives readers another delightful mash-up of detective fiction and nursery rhyme, returning to those mean streets where no character is innocent. The Gingerbreadman--sadist, psychopath, cookie--is on the loose in Reading, but that's not who Detective Jack Spratt and Sergeant Mary Mary are after. Instead, they've been demoted to searching for missing journalist "Goldy" Hatchett. The last witnesses to see her alive were the reclusive Three Bears, and right away Spratt senses something furry--uh, funny--about their story, starting with the porridge. The Fourth Bear is a delirious new romp from our most irrepressible fabulist.

God is dead. Meet the kids.

When Fat Charlie's dad named something, it stuck. Like calling Fat Charlie "Fat Charlie." Even now, twenty years later, Charlie Nancy can't shake that name, one of the many embarrassing "gifts" his father bestowed -- before he dropped dead on a karaoke stage and ruined Fat Charlie's life.

Mr. Nancy left Fat Charlie things. Things like the tall, good-looking stranger who appears on Charlie's doorstep, who appears to be the brother he never knew. A brother as different from Charlie as night is from day, a brother who's going to show Charlie how to lighten up and have a little fun ... just like Dear Old Dad. And all of a sudden, life starts getting very interesting for Fat Charlie.

Because, you see, Charlie's dad wasn't just any dad. He was Anansi, a trickster god, the spider-god. Anansi is the spirit of rebellion, able to overturn the social order, create wealth out of thin air, and baffle the devil. Some said he could cheat even Death himself.

A paladin, an assassin, a forger, and a scholar ride out of town. It's not the start of a joke, but rather an espionage mission with deadly serious stakes. A murderous band of criminals (and a scholar), are thrown together in an attempt to unravel the secret of the Clockwork Boys, mechanical soldiers from a neighboring kingdom that promise ruin to the Dowager's city.

If they succeed, rewards and pardons await, but that requires a long journey through enemy territory, directly into the capital. It also requires them to refrain from killing each other along the way!

Pull three people out of prison--a disgraced paladin, a convicted forger, and a heartless assassin. Give them weapons, carnivorous tattoos, and each other. Point them at the enemy.

What could possibly go wrong?

In the sequel to CLOCKWORK BOYS, Slate, Brenner, Caliban and Learned Edmund have arrived in Anuket City, the source of the mysterious Clockwork Boys. But the secrets they're keeping could well destroy them, before the city even gets the chance...

Halla is a housekeeper who has suddenly inherited her great-uncle's estate... and, unfortunately, his relatives. Sarkis is an immortal swordsman trapped in a prison of enchanted steel. When Halla draws the sword that imprisons him, Sarkis finds himself attempting to defend his new wielder against everything from bandits and roving inquisitors to her own in-laws... and the sword itself may prove to be the greatest threat of all.

Sinbad the Porter's ambitions served him in good stead when he set out on a voyage to correct the errors his namesake had caused in earlier journeys, not to mention bringing the Sailor down a peg or two.

He would have thought twice if he had known he would encounter the dangerously greedy two-headed cyclops, the lecherous pirate queen of the apes, the valley of the talking figs, Sam Ifrit and his All-Genie Orchestra, not to mention the dread Izzat, the fabled form of which even the giant Rukh flies in fear, and the perplexing problem of He-Who-Must-Be-Ignored...

A backstory series for Arifureta

Third-rate Synergist Oscar Orcus wants only to live a peaceful life, raising money to support the orphanage he grew up in. All of this changes when the whirlwind that is Miledi Reisen storms into his life. Miledi, seeing Oscar's hidden potential, wants to recruit him for her mission to defeat the gods. Oscar wants no part of this-but when the orphanage suddenly comes under attack, he may have no choice!

A PIRATE'S LIFE

Hoping to recruit the fabled Saint of the Western Seas, Miledi leads the party to the island city of Andika. There, they encounter pirate queen Meiru?at the same moment that the Holy Church sends a force to the island to exterminate Meiru's crew! Tension sparks as three different factions come face to face on the island, and the possibility of battle seems nigh...

NEW FRIENDS? OR NEW FOES?!

Peace in the wake of the battle at Andika is shattered by news that the hidden village in the Reisen Gorge has been destroyed! Rushing to the scene, Miledi is confronted by a mysterious man who introduces himself as Vandre Schnee, another user of ancient magic. Vandre is willing to join the Liberators--but only if Miledi and the others agree to travel to the demon kingdom of Igdor. Who is this mysterious man, and can they trust him?!

SAVE THE QUEEN...

The Liberators have a new mission: protect Queen Lyutillis Haltina of the beastmen republic from the fanatical armies of the Church. The Church will stop at nothing to carry out their god's orders and kidnap Lyutillis, last of the seven ancient magic users. But not all the Liberators can reach the republic before the Church lays siege. Now, Miledi, Naiz, and Meiru must hold out until help arrives?and they must hope their friends return before the Church's own divine backup descends.

ENEMY OF MY ENEMY

The Liberators have continued growing in strength and power. But after discovering the true nature of her ancient magic, Miledi suddenly transforms into a totally different person, shocking her companions. However, the Liberators have more pressing concerns: Laus has betrayed the church, and they're hunting him down. If the Liberators ever hope to call on Laus's strength to defeat Ehit, they'll have to send out a rescue party to save their old foe before Ehit's pawns get him first.

Operation Revolution Tolls has finally begun, signaling the start of the Liberators' final battle with the church. As Miledi and her comrades fight their way up to the peak of the Divine Mountain where Ehit awaits, the true nature of the world is finally revealed to them. What choices will she make when she finally confronts Ehit...and what consequences will that have for the world of Tortus?

New York, 1931. The manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited by law, but behind this prohibition, organized crime flourishes-so, too, do bank robbers, bootleggers, assassins, and homunculi. Some want money, some are chasing the secret to immortality, and others just want to have a really good time. You know what they say, though: You can't always get what you want.

A bright young bookeeper named Firo Prochainezo earns his place in an ancient organization. The flamboyant thieves Isaac Dian and Miria Harvent arrive in Grand Central Station with even grander plans. The Gandor mafioso brothers find themselves confronted with a problem. And small-time thug Dallas Genoard makes a very big mistake.

When the elixir of immortality hits Prohibition-era New York City, not even an undying amoral mastermind can control the chaos that follows. Turns out fortune favors the flat-out crazy!

The place: America. The year: 1931. The setting: the transcontinental express train known as the "Flying Pussyfoot." Aboard the train are a gang aiming to make some extra cash, a group of revolutionary terrorists trying to recapture their leader, and a pair of thieves looking to meet up with an old friend in New York City. But drunk on the excitement of their departure, none of them are prepared for what awaits them on the rails...

The year is 1931. A boy boards a train to visit his friend in New York. A woman in a jumpsuit boards a train to meet her employer in New York. And the conductor? He boards because it's his job. If it had been any other day, they all would have gotten where they were going just fine. But it's not any other day. The Rail Tracer is on the hunt. The gonzo tale of gangsters, immortals, and outrageous luck (both bad and good) speeds into its third volume!

The year 1932. The alchemist Begg believed the drugs he created would guide people to the highest plane of existence. Drugs from which the junkie Roy can't break free. Drugs which the Runorata Family executive lost to a thief. And where were those packets of white powder manufactured? The young girl Eve is about to discover her family's true colors. Trouble stirs in the city that never sleeps as fate links them together like a chain of falling dominos...

The immortal Elmer C. Albatross is a Smile Junkie who'll do whatever it takes for his happy ending--despite not knowing the first thing about happiness. Three hundred years after the passengers of the Advena Avis parted ways, four of them have finally tracked Elmer to a village in Northern Europe where the inhabitants seem to be stuck in their old ways, fearing the visitors as "demons." During their stay, the immortals encounter a strange girl, and their past catches up with them...

The year 1933.

A storm's brewing in New York City as tensions among the families rise. When Jacuzzi Splot and his gang is seen operating on the Gandor Family's turf, Luck Gandor employs a young woman named Maria to protect their family's "negotiator," Tick Jefferson. Maria with her katana and Tick with his scissors--they're a well-suited duo, and they both love to cut people. However, their violence only spawns more violence. Meanwhile by the Hudson River, an immortals' group named Larva finds a new person to add to their ranks. The events from the last three years are about to catch up with a particular immortal from the Martillo Family...

Tim is a man who discarded his past but could never forget his brother. Dallas is just a thug, but he always wanted to protect his sister. A mysterious person named "Vino" is the absolute worst killer, yet he's always loved his fiancee. Will the sun peek out from behind the clouds once the bloody rain stops?

The year: 1934.

After the incident at the Mist Wall, the Martillo Family's youngest capo finds himself on his way to prison to protect the one he loves. The rest are there for their own reasons -- the homicidal maniac wants to taste the thrill of killing an immortal, the thief simply got himself caught, the hitman is there on a mission for Nebula, and the alchemist was incarcerated years ago. As the FBI attempts to get to the bottom of Huey's machinations, another ruckus is about erupt across the San Francisco Bay -- deep in the heart of Alcatraz.

The year 1934.

All kinds of strange people are gathering in Chicago-the newspaper's vice-president and young camerawoman, a bizarre group moving on Huey's orders, a wrecker with ties to the Russos, a researcher who works for a certain company there, and even a "vampire" and his friend. Things are gearing up for another great commotion in the Windy City...

THE YEAR 1934. In the depths of Alcatraz, Firo, Ladd, Leeza, and the others involved in the underground brawl attempt to figure out their next moves. Meanwhile, in Chicago, as Isaac and Miria try to find each other, the aftermath of what happened at the Russo mansion is affecting the entire city. As the connections between the two locations become clear, the chaos comes to a head in this explosive and heartfelt conclusion to the commotion of 1934!

The year 1705, in a town on the coast of Italy. All 15-year-old Huey Laforet feels towards his life is tedium and despair, and he dreams of the day when he can destroy the world he despises. Meanwhile, there are rumors of a strange string of murders performed by a figure in a white mask-and whoever witnesses the killing is doomed to be the next target. As the serial killer shakes the town of Lotto Valentino, Huey's life is about to change, too...

The year 2002. Firo and Ennis are finally on their very belated honeymoon-and for some reason, Czes has been invited to join them on the cruise to Japan. The ship is as luxurious as they come, even crossing paths with its sister ship in the middle of the Pacific Ocean in a one-of-a-kind event. But with movie stars, stuntmen, hijackers, stowaways, and gunslingers aboard, the voyage is looking to be anything but peaceful...

The year 2002. The luxury cruise ship Entrance has been hijacked-and its sister ship, Exit, isn't faring much better, with another attack from the Mask Makers, a fanatical cult, and more immortals caught in the fray. The two ships race across the Pacific on a collision course with each other-what will happen when they meet? And is all the fear and chaos really just an unhappy coincidence...?

The year 1931. The Flying Pussyfoot incident may have ended, but just because the survivors have arrived in New York doesn't mean their story is over, and the big city has a way of bringing people back together in ways they'd never expect...

It began in the year 1707, when Maiza introduced playwright Jean-Pierre to an alchemist named Fermet. Two years later, Huey finds himself opening his heart to Elmer and Monica more than he ever expected with his troubled past, but Jean-Pierre's new play only invites trouble, and darkness falls over the trio...

The year 1932. Legend tells of a murderer who sent fear throughout New York city that rainy summer-Icepick Thompson. While the rumors spread through the Daily Days, police suspicion turns on Graham Specter and his band of ne'er-do-wells. Meanwhile, Elmer is quickly swept up in the incident during a visit to New York, and the Gandors can't avoid involvement after one of their associates is killed...

The year 1711. The momentous voyage of the Advena Avis to the New World is near, and each passenger is boarding for their own reasons. Whether driven by determination, ambition, curiosity, or simply someone more powerful, the alchemists and pioneers are not motivated by anything so simple as fate. And at the center of the storm is Huey Laforet...

Huey Laforet has broken out of prison, and New York is in chaos. The whirlwind of confusion swallows all the major players in the city, from the FBI unit investigating the immortals, to the Mafia, to the Camorra, to Ladd Russo and his gang, and even the Flying Pussyfoot. All roads lead to a dramatic confrontation at a single casino, but just who is the man pulling the strings? The last ruckus of the 1930s begins...

Following Huey Laforet's escape from prison, New York city plunges into turmoil--especially at Firo's casino. But things take a turn for the unexpected when a suspicious figure from the Runorata Family shows up at the establishment...

Meanwhile, the alchemists begin to set their own agenda into motion. Why are they converging on New York? Where will Nader's path take him next? And what does the assassin Vino have to do with all this?

As the Flying Pussyfoot races toward New York City with a shocking incident on board, a brand-new ruckus plays out in the background. In a riverside forest at the break of dawn, a variety of individuals with vastly different agendas lie in wait for the train to cross a nearby bridge. The Lemures are on standby for a call from someone inside the Flying Pussyfoot; Jacuzzi's friends try to pick up the cargo; an all-girl gang of bandits scheme to rob another train; a boy resolves to run away from home... At first glance, these events seem unconnected. However, as though beckoned by the train and forest, they will come together in a riot for the ages.

THE CASINO PARTY is finally underway, and everyone involved in the Flying Pussyfoot and Mist Wall incidents has gathered at the new Ra's Lance hotel. Is there a shadowy figure pulling the strings behind the scenes, or is it fate? Meanwhile, the Runorata Family's dealer, Melvi, has been wreaking havoc on the Martillo Family. Fueled by anger and determination, Firo heads to the casino amid the confusion... And so the gamble begins!

The casino party has finally started, and the first day has ended peacefully enough. But there are many fates still to be decided: Melvi, the dealer working with the Runoratas and holding Ennis hostage; Firo, leading the Martillo Family at the party and preparing for Melvi's challenge; the Gandor brothers, who are worried about Firo and watching their own backs; Ladd, working alongside the Gandors; Chane, waiting for the chance to fight Ladd again; Nader, fleeing from Chane. As the storm continues to build, what chaos will erupt next...?

Can you trust yourself when you don't know who you are? Syme uses his new acquaintance to go undercover in Europe's Central Anarchist Council and infiltrate their deadly mission, even managing to have himself voted to the position of 'Thursday'. In a park in London, secret policeman Gabriel Syme strikes up a conversation with an anarchist. Sworn to do his duty, when Syme discovers another undercover policeman on the Council, however, he starts to question his role in their operations. And as a desperate chase across Europe begins, his confusion grows, as well as his confidence in his ability to outwit his enemies. But he has still to face the greatest terror that the Council has - its leader: a man named Sunday, whose true nature is worse than Syme could ever have imagined...

A traveller walks down a forest road alone.

A thief waits by the roadside.

But today, Kinch has chosen the wrong mark. Galva is a knight, a survivor of the brutal goblin wars, and patron of the goddess of death. She is searching for her missing queen, whom no one has seen since her city fell to giants.

After Kinch's attempt to rob Galva goes horribly wrong, his fate becomes locked to hers. Thief and knight must traverse lands where goblins hunger for kynd flesh, krakens hunt in dark waters, and the gods only laugh when you ask them for help.

Yet far worse are the dangers that lie in wait at their journey's end...

Calliope Reaper-Jones so just wanted a normal life: buying designer shoes on sale, dating guys from Craig’s List, web-surfing for organic dim-sum for her boss...

But when her father—who happens to be Death himself—is kidnapped, and the Devil’s Protege embarks on a hostile takeover of the family business, Death, Inc., Callie returns home to assume the CEO mantle— only to discover she must complete three nearly impossible tasks in the realm of the afterlife first.

Calliope Reaper-Jones is Death's Daughter. She owes a debt to Cerberus, the three headed dog that guards the gate's of hell-a debt that involves a trip to Purgatory, Las Vegas, ancient Egypt, and a discount department store that's more frightening than any supernatural creature she'll ever encounter.

Jant is the Messenger, one of The Circle, a cadre of 50 immortals who serve the Emperor, and the only who can fly. The Emperor seeks to protect mankind from the hordes of giant insects who have plagued the land for centuries. But he must also contend with the rivalries of his chosen immortals.

Charlie Asher is a pretty normal guy with a normal life, married to a bright and pretty woman who actually loves him for his normalcy. They're even about to have their first child. Yes, Charlie's doing okay--until people start dropping dead around him, and everywhere he goes a dark presence whispers to him from under the streets. Charlie Asher, it seems, has been recruited for a new position: as Death.

It's a dirty job. But, hey! Somebody's gotta do it.

In San Francisco, the souls of the dead are mysteriously disappearing--and you know that can't be good--in New York Times bestselling author Christopher Moore's delightfully funny sequel to A Dirty Job.

Something really strange is happening in the City by the Bay. People are dying, but their souls are not being collected. Someone--or something--is stealing them and no one knows where they are going, or why, but it has something to do with that big orange bridge. Death Merchant Charlie Asher is just as flummoxed as everyone else. He's trapped in the body of a fourteen-inch-tall "meat puppet" waiting for his Buddhist nun girlfriend, Audrey, to find him a suitable new body to play host.

To get to the bottom of this abomination, a motley crew of heroes will band together: the seven-foot-tall death merchant Minty Fresh; retired policeman turned bookseller Alphonse Rivera; the Emperor of San Francisco and his dogs, Bummer and Lazarus; and Lily, the former Goth girl. Now if only they can get little Sophie to stop babbling about the coming battle for the very soul of humankind...

Karin Maaka can bite a throat like a proper vampire, but where others of her kind need hot red blood, she has too much of it! Every month, she's compelled to inject blood into her victims the way a snake injects venom. And her handsome classmate Kenta Usui makes her feel like she's is going to spurt blood like a geyser. Talk about embarrassing! When Karin's latest victim turns out to be as rich as he is good looking, it causes hilarious chaos at her school. Will she ever live in peace?The much talked-about manga is now a supernatural-love-comedy-mystery novel starring our favorite clumsy blood injector, Karin!

Karin's classmate, Kenta Usui, carefully safeguards Karin's secret--that she's a "reverse vampire" who injects blood instead of drinking it! Despite a strange attraction between Kenta and Karin, they remain only friends. One day, Kenta offers his umbrella to China, a young novice sister. Karin convinces herself it's no big deal. Still, she finds the entire scene surprisingly upsetting, and nothing her friend Maki does can console her. Karin watches as Kenta and China get closer and closer while mysterious incidents of arson and attempted kidnappings unfold. What will happen to Karin and Kenta? Find out in this second volume of the school-vampire-love-comedy-mystery series, Chibi Vampire: The Novel.

Oh, clumsy Karin--will she ever do anything right? At least when she spills a plateful of food at the restaurant, it leads to a lucrative summer job for both her and Kenta. And it seems like it will be a fun position, as that, as her young charge really wants Karin to act more like a playmate and a dress-up doll than as a maid! But Karin can't enjoy herself--not only is her bloodlust acting up, but mysterious occurrences are making her question the motives of her employers. When the other two maids disappear, Karin worries she may be next!

The supernatural-love-comedy-mystery novel continues starring our favorite clumsy blood injector, Karin! Kenta wants to remain "just friends" with Karin despite a strange attraction between them. So why does he get so jealous when Hidemi, a young teacher who rescues Karin, enters the picture? While Karin struggles with the meaning of her newfound "friendship," Kenta fights his feelings of envy--and Anju and Karin's father only make matters worse!

Out loveable reverse vampire Karin can't help it: classmate and coworker Kenta's unhappiness triggers her bloodlust. Although she's learned to control her urges around Kenta, when her excess blood becomes too much to handle, even Kenta isn't safe! Karin just doesn't know how to interact with Kenta anymore, which makes for an unusually awkward second term of school. And when upperclassman Ayaha Ougimachi appears on the scene, things become more and more strange...

A boy named Jake appears, searching for Henry Marker - a man he claims is his father - which would mean Henry has been unfaithful. And Jake is getting awfully close to Karin - closer than Kenta would like!

Karin the reverse-vampire is finally dating her crush, Kenta! However, her best friend Maki hasn't been so lucky in love, and even though a hot older guy has been texting and calling her, Maki seems less than thrilled. What's going on? As if a crazy Hot Couple's Contest and Maki's strange behavior aren't enough trouble, a notorious renegade vampire suddenly takes an interest in Karin's family... and in her un-vampire-like qualities. Will Karin's secrets be revealed to the rest of vampire society?

Karin is a reverse vampire - instead of sucking blood, she injects it into her victims and fills them with vitality! Concerned about who will protect Karin when she awakens as a full vampire, Anju collaborates with renegade vampire Noel to test Kenta's loyalty. Noel bites Kenta, draining him temporarily of his usual responsible, dedicated, and hardworking tendencies. While she's at it, she hypnotizes him and instills in him the idea that vampires are humans' enemies - including Karin! Suddenly, Kenta's behavior towards Karin changes dramatically, and the hapless blood-increasing vampire has no idea what's come over her sweetheart. To complicate matters, a cute college girl researching vampires has joined the waitstaff roster at Julien and is pumping Kenta for information about possible Vampiric activity in Shiihaba.

When PR man Roger Gordon tries to escape the monotony of his humdrum job by trying out his Captain Crusader Decoder Ring, he is taken by surprise when his favorite B-movies come to life, and he is soon involved in a world of danger, action, adventure and romance.

With Roger stranded without a Captain Crusader Decoder Ring, Dr. Dread triumphant, and the Slime Monster intent on making Delores his bride, is the Cineverse doomed to B-movie oblivion?

A terrible change has come to the Cineverse. In all its many movie worlds, bad guys win, good guys perish, and boy doesn't even get girl. Only Captain Crusader (until recently plain old Roger Gordon) can put things right-but the Captain has problems of his own.

Welcome to the presitigious CLAMP School, where things aren't always what they seem!

Born and bred to rule the CLAMP campus, the Paranormal Investigators solve one unexplained phenomenon after the next. From subway monsters and pet dragons to the kookiest cast of characters imaginable, you're sure to enjoy this wild ride filled with action, mystery, and twists and turn up the yin-yang.

Wecome Back to CLAMP School!

After solving the haunted tree mystery and uncovering the scoop on the killer ice cream, the Paranormal Investigators part ways only to stumble into more mischief and mayhem. During the first annual CLAMP School treasure hunt, Mifuyu and Rion discover a long-lost machine with the power to trap souls... while Takayuki find himself caught in a never-ending space-time continuum loop! With the clock ticking, there's no telling what will happen to the Paranormal fab five. So buckle up and enjoy the ride, over and over again!

Wecome Back to CLAMP School!

The Paranormal Investigators are struggling to have their achievements officially recognized by the school, and the head of the Lifestyle Monitoring Committee is determined to thwart their plans. She sends a spy to infiltrate the group, hoping to shut them down for good! But when the student body is plagued by a series of vampire attacks, it's suddenly clear that a dark force is behind the violence--and they're got their bite marks on bigger and better things! With the Paranormal Investigators facing extinction, who in the world will prevent the vampires from walking the Earth once more? Don't close your eyes! This is one grand finale you don't want to miss!

Always bring a gun to a sword fight!

With world domination nearly in their grasp, the Supreme Leaders of the Kisaragi Corporation--an underground criminal group turned evil megacorp--have decided to try their hands at interstellar conquest. A quick dice roll nominates their chief operative, Combat Agent Six, to be the one to explore an alien planet...and the first thing he does when he gets there is change the sacred incantation for a holy ritual to the most embarrassing thing he can think of. But evil deeds are business as usual for Kisaragi operatives, so if Six wants a promotion and a raise, he'll have to work much harder than that! For starters, he'll have to do something about the other group of villains on the planet, who are calling themselves the "Demon Lord's Army" or whatever. After all, this world doesn't need two evil organizations!

The evil Kisaragi Corporation's spy, Agent Six, has successfully integrated into one of the Kingdom of Grace's commando units! While his approach to heroics is...unconventional, his combination of modern weaponry, outside-the-box thinking, and ruthlessness has made his squad of misfits into one of the kingdom's greatest assets in the fight against the Demon Lord. This time, it's up to him, Alice, Snow, Rose, and Grimm to capture the impregnable Tower of Duster and face off against Heine of the Flames once more in an all-out battle...

Combat Agent Six's latest mission from the Kisaragi Corporation is to fortify their base on the planet and expand their territory. But there's just one problem with that. Six had to requisition a Destroyer in their last epic battle and now his Evil Point balance is in the negative. Again. He'll have to think up some nefarious schemes (or petty crimes, if we're being honest) to get those points back, fast! Meanwhile, Grimm has her hands full with the Undead Festival and tries to think up creative ways to cut corners. Nothing can possibly go wrong...

MAKE WAY FOR THE POWER OF SCIENCE (AND TENTACLES)!

One week after the Undead Festival, the squad's forest fortress gets blown sky-high! In a fit of desperation, Six decides it's time to call in the big guns. Enter Lilith the Black-one of Kisaragi's Supreme Leaders! Her peerless intellect and near-limitless arsenal of deadly weapons are sure to speed up the planetary conquest. This toootally isn't a ploy to get one of Kisaragi's elites to do all the dirty work for a change. If only Alice would get with the program instead of constantly trash-talking Lilith. Seriously, what's with the rebellious phase? Is that any way to treat her creator?!

YESTERDAY'S ENEMY IS TODAY'S PLAYER 2

It's been one week since the Demon Lord's Army suffered an overwhelming defeat at the hands of the Kisaragi Corporation, thanks in no small part to Lilith the Black. Now Six and the others have received a formal invitation to the Demon Lord's Castle for peace talks, but could they be walking into a trap...? Meanwhile, the words "Demon Lord" immediately conjure up the image of some evil old geezer, so who is this beautiful woman supposed to be?!

After the "self-destruction" of the Demon Lord Viper, relative peace returns to the Kisaragi base, allowing Six and the others to direct their attention to more important matters. For example, how sexy the new recruit's evil executive look is! But in no time at all, chaos descends yet again. Tillis has gone missing in a neighboring country! Alice immediately launches an investigation and Six is the first to volunteer, citing the fact that adventure is way more fun than managing a town. It looks like some new enemies have placed their pieces on the board. But will they be a match for everyone's favorite evil organization?

GUESS WHO'S COMING TO VISIT?!

Ever since the Demon Lord Viper's defeat and subsequent recruitment, Combat Agent Six, Alice, and the rest of the crew have been living it up on their intergalactic home away from home. But ushering in an age of peace isn't the best look for an evil organization... So when Supreme Leader Belial pays the planet a surprise visit, she quickly takes it upon herself to remind Six and the gang what they're all about. There's no room for diplomacy when the Great Flame gets involved! It's shoot first and ask questions later!

You know about Batman, Superman, and Spiderman, but have you heard of Doll Man, Doctor Hormone, or Spider Queen? In The League of Regrettable Superheroes, you'll meet one hundred of the strangest superheroes ever to see print, complete with backstories, vintage art, and colorful commentary. So prepare yourself for such not-ready-for-prime-time heroes as Bee Man (Batman, but with bees), the Clown (circus-themed crimebuster), the Eye (a giant, floating eyeball; just accept it), and many other oddballs and oddities.

Drawing on the entire history of the medium, The League of Regrettable Superheroes will appeal to die-hard comics fans, casual comics readers, and anyone who enjoys peering into the stranger corners of pop culture.

Every hero needs a villain. But not all villains are dangerous -- some are incompetent, comical, or just... weird. In his follow-up to The League of Regrettable Superheroes, author Jon Morris presents over a hundred of the strangest, most stupefying supervillains to ever see print in comics. Meet D-list rogues like Brickbat (choice of weapon: poisonous bricks), Robbing Hood (steals from the poor to give to the rich), Swarm (a crook made of bees; Nazi bees), and many more.

Drawing on the entire history of the medium, The Legion of Regrettable Supervillains affectionately and hilariously profiles oddball criminals from the history of comics.

After being reincarnated as the villainess of her favorite dating sim, Cecilia Sylvie realizes she's slated for an untimely demise no matter how the game's story unfolds. Convinced she can cheat death by assuming a new identity, she becomes Cecil Admina, the dashing son of a baron. Unfortunately, Cecilia adapts to the role a little too well--and ends up replacing her brother as one of the knights who protects the heroine! To top it all off, the prince betrothed to Cecilia is now catching feelings for her alter ego...?! This villainess will do whatever it takes to achieve a carefree life, but if her guise ever slips, it's Game Over!

A Cross - Dressing Caper

Still attending school as her male alter ego, Cecil (reincarnated villainess Cecilia Sylvie) dedicates herself to averting a brutal fate with the help of her brother, Gilbert. For a moment, it seems like her everyday life is under control... until an enigmatic murderer known as "the Killer" starts targeting people close to her. As if that weren't bad enough, it seems Prince Oscar has clued in to the fact that Cecil is actually his fiancée in disguise?! No matter where she turns, all routes lead to death!

From the author of Fight Club, comes a dark, irreverent, hilarious, and brilliant satire about adolescence, Hell, and the Devil.

Madison is the thirteen-year-old daughter of a narcissistic film star and a billionaire. Abandoned at her Swiss boarding school over Christmas, she dies over the holiday, presumably of a marijuana overdose. The last thing she remembers is getting into a town car and falling asleep. Then she's waking up in Hell. Literally. Madison soon finds that she shares a cell with a motley crew of young sinners: a cheerleader, a jock, a nerd, and a punk rocker, united by their doomed fate, like an afterschool detention for the damned. Together they form an odd coalition and march across the unspeakable landscape of Hell--full of used diapers, dandruff, WiFi blackout spots, evil historical figures, and one horrific call center--to confront the Devil himself.

Madison Spencer, the liveliest and snarkiest dead girl in the universe, continues the afterlife adventure begun in Chuck Palahniuk's bestseller Damned. Just as that novel brought us a brilliant Hell that only he could imagine, Doomed is a dark and twisted apocalyptic vision from this provocative storyteller.

The bestselling Damned chronicled Madison's journey across the unspeakable (and really gross) landscape of the afterlife to confront the Devil himself. But her story isn't over yet. In a series of electronic dispatches from the Great Beyond, Doomed describes the ultimate showdown between Good and Evil.

After a Halloween ritual gone awry, Madison finds herself trapped in Purgatory--or, as mortals like you and I know it, Earth. She can see and hear every detail of the world she left behind, yet she's invisible to everyone who's still alive. Not only do people look right through her, they walk right through her as well. The upside is that, no longer subject to physical limitations, she can pass through doors and walls. Her first stop is her parents' luxurious apartment, where she encounters the ghost of her long-deceased grandmother. For Madison, the encounter triggers memories of the awful summer she spent upstate with Nana Minnie and her grandfather, Papadaddy. As she revisits the painful truth of what transpired over those months (including a disturbing and finally fatal meeting in a rest stop's fetid men's room, in which... well, never mind), her saga of eternal damnation takes on a new and sinister meaning. Satan has had Madison in his sights from the very beginning: through her and her narcissistic celebrity parents, he plans to engineer an era of eternal damnation. For everyone.

Once again, our unconventional but plucky heroine must face her fears and gather her wits for the battle of a lifetime. Dante Alighieri, watch your back; Chuck Palahniuk is gaining on you.

Davi has done this all before. She's tried to be the hero and take down the all-powerful Dark Lord. A hundred times she's rallied humanity and made the final charge. But the time loop always gets her in the end. Sometimes she's killed quickly. Sometimes it takes a while. But she's been defeated every time.

This time? She's done being the hero and done being stuck in this endless time loop. If the Dark Lord always wins, then maybe that's who she needs to be. It's Davi's turn to play on the winning side.

Programmer Ichirou Suzuki is transported to another world. In a foreign land, he finds that life is an adventure that's sometimes fun, sometimes serious, and full of girls!

Satou has broken free of the demon's labyrinth, rescuing Pochi, Tama, and Liza. And after liberating two more girls from slavery, he's on his way to building an entire harem! But beautiful girls aren't the only ones coming his way...

Twenty-nine year old Satou just closed his eyes for a brief nap at work, but when he opened them, he found himself in a game-like alternate world. Fortunately, thanks to some excellent luck, his level is high, and his wallet is full.

After successfully saving the elf girl Mia from the evil Zen, he's set off to accompany her back to her village. Satou is enjoying his break from work and touring a brand-new world, but such a journey couldn't possibly end without a little adventure, right?

When Satou and his party cross into the famously unsafe Muno Barony, they find ramshackle villages, fortresses inhabited by the souls of the dead, and all manner of unrest. Amid the chaos, Satou meets a girl who happens to be the Baron's daughter and stumbles across a conspiracy...

After rescuing Muno Barony from disaster, Satou and crew head for dwarf territory and rescue an Oracle priestess from the demons! But for some reason, the attacks just keep coming...

After their journey down the river, Satou and crew finally arrive at the old capital just in time for the martial arts tournament, along with some fireworks, a ball at the castle, and sightseeing in the Ougoch Duchy. But the followers of the demon lord are plotting in the shadows...

As Satou's gang sets off for more sightseeing, he bumps into the hero Hayato yet again-and apparently, Hayato has been infatuated with Arisa for some time! How will Satou fight to keep her?

A VERDANT VACATION!

Mia's safe return to the elves of Bolenan Forest is cause for celebration! Satou and crew are showered with hospitality, including elegant music, lavish feasts, and an exclusive look at some of the most advanced technology in the world. But all these luxuries pale in comparison to the true object of Satou's desire: the beautiful high elf Aaze. As the seeds of a summer romance take root in his heart, his peaceful days in Bolenan Forest are tragically cut short by the threat of an invasive species! Can Satou quell this disaster and land a date with the demi-goddess...?

After leaving the elves behind, Satou and company begin their leisurely journey across the sea to the labyrinth city-until they're attacked by a fleet of ghost ships!

Satou and the others finally make it to the labyrinth city! As they establish their base and begin rubbing elbows with the nobles, it isn't long before trouble finds them. From a renegade child found in an alley to a mysterious miasma that descends upon the city proper, it looks like Satou's going to have his hands full yet again!

Though Satou's stay in the Labyrinth City got off to a rocky start, he's determined to put Celivera on the road to redemption! Charitable endeavors such as catching a bandit leader and founding an orphanage are no big deal for him, but despite his best efforts, the mysterious drug continues to circulate. Luckily, he may have found a new lead...

With the demonic threat taken care of, relative peace has returned to the Labyrinth City, allowing the residents to return all focus to the Labyrinth itself. But when the deeper levels of the Labyrinth prove to be more of a challenge than anyone realized, Satou decides it's time for some special training with the Elves!

A DEMON IN THE DUNES

With their rigorous training session behind them, Satou's party is finally prepared to take on the tougher enemies of the Celivera Labyrinth. Never ones to shy away from a side quest or two, they also find a hot spring and open a Japanese-style inn on the spot. Areamasters and floormasters beware! This group is refreshed and ready for battle! Unfortunately, the opponent who finds them turns out to be someone nobody saw coming...

A SIGHT FOR SORE EYES!

?Having toppled another powerful foe, Satou's group heads back to Labyrinth City to celebrate their achievements. Upon returning, they're greeted by two familiar faces--Zena and Karina have come to Celivera! Plans are made to give them a warm welcome, but those get derailed when Zena runs into trouble. Her labyrinth dive takes a turn for the worse when a monster kidnaps her, so Satou rushes to her rescue.

Inevitably, he finds much more than he bargained for! It seems a Hero's work is never done...

RISE AND GRIND!

Desperate to protect those close to her, Zena approaches Satou with a simple wish: She wants to become stronger. Naturally, Satou agrees to help, and he and his party subject her to training so rigorous the other explorers can hardly believe her growth. Not one to be left behind, however, Karina enrolls herself in their Labyrinth boot camp as well! But they'll need to be quick about it. Satou is due in the royal capital, and if his luck is anything to go by, it's only a matter of time before trouble rears its ugly head!

Showdown in Castle Town!

Having successfully averted the airship attack, Satou and company arrive safely in the royal capital. There, they are reunited with Nana's "sisters"--Numbers 1 through 8--and give them the gift of a lifetime. But as is tradition with every trip to the capital, Satou must rub elbows with the aristocracy before he can enjoy his sightseeing. He even receives a surprise visit or two, including a summons from Sir Juleburg of the Eight Swordsman of Shiga! Because no leisurely trip would be complete without a friendly duel...

Satou and his friends arrive at the castle to be decorated for their accomplishments. But there, they hear from Princess Sistina that the royal symbol--the cherry blossom, has ceased to bloom. They decide to investigate while sightseeing around the capital, only to catch wind of a case they never would have expected...

After dispatching the monsters laying siege to the royal capital and aiding in the bloom of the Royal Sakura blossoms, Satou and his party are finally able to welcome the new year. But even more exciting than New Year festivities is the auction surrounding the Ring of Prayer! If Satou wins the bid, he might just be able to free Arisa and the others from servitude!

There is a long tradition of Great Detectives, and Dirk Gently does not belong to it. But his search for a missing cat uncovers a ghost, a time traveler, AND the devastating secret of humankind! Detective Gently's bill for saving the human race from extinction: NO CHARGE.

When a passenger check-in desk at London's Heathrow Airport disappears in a ball of orange flame, the explosion is deemed an act of God. But which god, wonders holistic detective Dirk Gently? What god would be hanging around Heathrow trying to catch the 3:37 to Oslo? And what has this to do with Dirk's latest--and late-- client, found only this morning with his head revolving atop the hit record "Hot Potato"? Amid the hostile attentions of a stray eagle and the trauma of a very dirty refrigerator, super-sleuth Dirk Gently will once again solve the mysteries of the universe...

The Color of Magic is Terry Pratchett's maiden voyage through the now-legendary land of Discworld. This is where it all begins--with the tourist Twoflower and his wizard guide, Rincewind.

In The Light Fantastic, only one individual can save the world from a disastrous collision. Unfortunately, the hero happens to be the singularly inept wizard Rincewind, who was last seen falling off the edge of the world.

In Equal Rites, a dying wizard tries to pass on his powers to an eighth son of an eighth son, who is just at that moment being born. The fact that the son is actually a daughter is discovered just a little too late.

In this Discworld installment, Death comes to Mort with an offer he can't refuse -- especially since being, well, dead isn't compulsory.As Death's apprentice, he'll have free board and lodging, use of the company horse, and he won't need time off for family funerals. The position is everything Mort thought he'd ever wanted, until he discovers that this perfect job can be a killer on his love life.

When last seen, the singularly inept wizard Rincewind had fallen off the edge of the world. Now magically, he's turned up again, and this time he's brought the Luggage.

But that's not all....

Once upon a time, there was an eighth son of an eighth son who was, of course, a wizard. As if that wasn't complicated enough, said wizard then had seven sons. And then he had an eighth son -- a wizard squared (that's all the math, really). Who of course, was a source of magic -- a sorcerer.

Meet Granny Weatherwax, the most highly regarded non-leader a coven of non-social witches could ever have.Generally, these loners don't get involved in anything, mush less royal intrigue. but then there are those times they can't help it. As Granny Weatherwax is about to discover, though, it's a lot harder to stir up trouble in the castle than some theatrical types would have you think. Even when you've got a few unexpected spells up your sleave.

It's bad enough being new on the job, but Teppic hasn't a clue as to what a pharaoh is supposed to do. After all, he's been trained at Ankh-Morpork's famed assassins' school, across the sea from the Kingdom of the Sun.First, there's the monumental task of building a suitable resting place for Dad -- a pyramid to end all pyramids. Then there are the myriad administrative duties, such as dealing with mad priests, sacred crocodiles, and marching mummies. And to top it all off, the adolescent pharaoh discovers deceit, betrayal -- not to mention aheadstrong handmaiden -- at the heart of his realm.

Here there be dragons... and the denizens of Ankh-Morpork wish one huge firebreather would return from whence it came. Long believed extinct, a superb specimen of draco nobilis ("noble dragon" for those who don't understand italics) has appeared in Discworld's greatest city. Not only does this unwelcome visitor have a nasty habit of charbroiling everything in its path, in rather short order it is crowned King (it is a noble dragon, after all...).

Discworld's only demonology hacker, Eric, is about to make life very difficult for the rest of Ankh-Morpork's denizens. This would-be Faust is very bad...at his work, that is. All he wants is to fulfill three little wishes:to live forever, to be master of the universe, and to have a stylin' hot babe.

But Eric isn't even good at getting his own way. Instead of a powerful demon, he conjures, well, Rincewind, a wizard whose incompetence is matched only by Eric's. And as if that wasn't bad enough, that lovable travel accessory the Luggage has arrived, too. Accompanied by his best friends, there's only one thing Eric wishes now -- that he'd never been born!

Discworld's pesky alchemists are up to their old tricks again. This time, they've discovered how to get gold from silver -- the silver screen that is. Hearing the siren call of Holy Wood is one Victor Tugelbend, a would-be wizard turned extra. He can't sing, he can't dance, but he can handle a sword (sort of), and now he wants to be a star. So does Theda Withel, an ambitious ingénue from a little town (where else?) you've probably never heard of.

But the click click of moving pictures isn't just stirring up dreams inside Discworld. Holy Wood's magic is drifting out into the boundaries of the universes, where raw realities, the could-have-beens, the might-bes, the never-weres, the wild ideas are beginning to ferment into a really stinky brew. It's up to Victor and Gaspode the Wonder Dog (a star if ever one was born!) to rein in the chaos and bring order back to a starstruck Discworld. And they're definitely not ready for their close-up!

They say there are only two things you can count on ...

But that was before DEATH started pondering the existential. Of course, the last thing anyone needs is a squeamish Grim Reaper and soon his Discworld bosses have sent him off with best wishes and a well-earned gold watch. Now DEATH is having the time of his life, finding greener pastures where he can put his scythe to a whole new use.

But like every cutback in an important public service, DEATH's demise soon leads to chaos and unrest -- literally, for those whose time was supposed to be up, like Windle Poons. The oldest geezer in the entire faculty of Unseen University -- home of magic, wizardry, and big dinners -- Windle was looking forward to a wonderful afterlife, not this boring been-there-done-that routine. To get the fresh start he deserves, Windle and the rest of Ankh-Morpork's undead and underemployed set off to find DEATH and save the world for the living (and everybody else, of course).

Be careful what you wish for...

Once upon a time there was a fairy godmother named Desiderata who had a good heart, a wise head, and poor planning skills--which unforunately left the Princess Emberella in the care of her other (not quite so good and wise) godmother when DEATH came for Desiderata. So now it's up to Magrat Garlick, Granny Weatherwax, and Nanny Ogg to hop on broomsticks and make for far-distant Genua to ensure the servant girl doesn't marry the Prince.

But the road to Genua is bumpy, and along the way the trio of witches encounters the occasional vampire, werewolf, and falling house (well this is a fairy tale, after all). The trouble really begins once these reluctant foster-godmothers arrive in Genua and must outwit their power-hungry counterpart who'll stop at nothing to achieve a proper "happy ending"--even if it means destroying a kingdom.

Lost in the chill deeps of space between the galaxies, it sails on forever, a flat, circular world carried on the back of a giant turtle -- DISCWORLD -- a land where the unexpected can be expected. Where the strangest things happen to the nicest people. Like Brutha, a simple lad who only wants to tend his melon patch. Until one day he hears the voice of a god calling his name. A small god, to be sure. But bossy as Hell.

Although they may feature witches and wizards, vampires and dwarves, along with the occasional odd human, Terry Pratchett's bestselling Discworld novels are grounded firmly in the modern world. Taking humorous aim at all our foibles, each novel reveals our true character and nature.

It's a dreamy midsummer's night in the Kingdom of Lancre. But music and romance aren't the only things filling the air. Magic and mischief are afoot, threatening to spoil the royal wedding of King Verence and his favorite witch, Magrat Garlick. Invaded by some Fairie Trash, soon it won't be only champagne that's flowing through the streets ...

Be a MAN in the City Watch! The City Watch needs MEN!

But what it's got includes Corporal Carrot (technically a dwarf), Lance-constable Cuddy (really a dwarf), Lance-constable Detrius (a troll), Lance-constable Angua (a woman...most of the time) and Corporal Nobbs (disqualified from the human race for shoving).

And they need all the help they can get. Because they've only got twenty-four hours to clean up the town and this is Ankh-Morpork we're talking about...

When her dear old Granddad -- the Grim Reaperhimself -- goes missing, Susan takes over the family business. The progeny of Death's adopted daughter and his apprentice, she shows real talent for the trade. That is until a little string in her heart goes "twang."

With a head full of dreams and a pocketful of lint,Imp the Bard lands in Ankh-Morpork, yearning to become a rock star. Determined to devote his life to music, the unlucky fellow soon finds that all his dreams are coming true. Well almost.

Interesting Times, the seventeenth novel in Terry Pratchett's Discworld series, finds the planet's oldest empire in the midst of bitter turmoil after the publication of the revolutionary treatise What I Did on My Holidays. Workers, with nothing to lose but their water buffaloes, are joining forces against old warlords, spreading violence throughout Discworld's ancient cities. All that stands in the way of total destruction are 3 decidedly non-heroic creatures: Rincewind, the world's dumbest wizard; Cohen the Barbarian, who stands 5 feet tall in his surgical sandals; and a very special butterfly.

It's not over till the fat lady sings

There's a Ghost in the Opera House of Ankh-Morpork. It wears a bone-white mask and terrorizes the entire company, including the immortal Enrico Basilica, who eats continuously even when he's singing. Mostly spaghetti with tomato sauce.

What better way to flush out a ghost than with a witch? Enter the Opera's newest diva, Perdita X. Nitt, a wannabe witch with such an astonishing range that she can sing harmony with herself. And does.

To further complicate matters (and why not?) there is a backstage cat who occasionally becomes a person just because it's so easy. Not to mention Granny Weatherwax's old friend, Death, whose scythe arm is sore from too much use. And who has been known to don a mask...

Royalty is like dandelions. No matter how many heads you chop off, the roots are still there underground, waiting to spring up again.

A murderer is stalking Discworld: A prowling perp who leaves behind jaunty corpses and strange-smelling tracks of curious white clay -- a grim reaper who belongs to neither the Assassins' Guild nor the Thieves' Guild.

Commander Vimes of the Ankh-Morpork City Guard is determined to stop this unauthorized assassin -- and to prove it, he has hired a Dwarf to help him. With the assistance of, Corporal Cheery Littlebottom, Vimes and his men (and trolls, and such) can get to the, well, bottom of anything. Even when one of the victims is murdered with a loaf of her own Battle Bread (available in convenient throwing slices, guerrilla crumpets, and defensive bagels). And even when the investigation leads to an out-of-work golem, a vampire dragon, and a vegetarian werewolf.

Such strangeness is perfectly normal in normally perfect Ankh-Morpork, the greatest of Discworld's cities, where anything can happen and therefore, naturally, always does. But when Vimes unravels a living (and, in fact, complaining) Coat-of-Arms and finds an unexpected royal clue, he is faced with a new dilemma.

Fighting crime is one thing. But what if winning means inflicting a new King on a city that does very well, thank you, with no King at all?

Whoever created humanity left in a major design flaw. The tendency to bend at the knee...

ITS THE NIGHT BEFORE HOGSWATCH. AND IT'S TOO QUIET.

Where is the big jolly fat man? Why is Death creeping down chimneys and trying to say Ho Ho Ho? The darkest night of the year is getting a lot darker...

Susan the gothic governess has got to sort it out by morning, otherwise there won't be a morning. Ever again...

The 20th Discworld novel is a festive feast of darkness and Death (but with jolly robins and tinsel too).

As they say: You'd better watch out...

Discworld goes to war, with armies of sardines, warriors, fishermen, squid and at least one very camp follower. As two armies march, Commander Vimes of Ankh-Morpork City Watch faces unpleasant foes who are out to get him...and that's just the people on his side. The enemy might be even worse.

Something is amiss at Unseen Unversity, Ankh-Morpork's most prestigious (i.e., only) institution of higher learning. A professor is missing--but a search party is on the way! A bevy of senior wizards will follow the trail wherever it leads--even to the other side of Discworld, where the Last Continent, Fourecks, is under construction.

Imagine a magical land where rain is but a myth and the ordinary is strange and the past and present run side by side. experience the terror as you encounter a Mad Dwarf, the Peach Butt, and the dreaded Meat Pie Floater.

Feel the passion as the denizens of the Last Continent learn what happens when rain falls and the rivers fill with water (it spoils regattas, for one thing). Thrill to the promise of next year's regatta, in remote, rustic Didjabringabeeralong. It'll be asolutely gujeroo (no worries).

In a fit of enlightenment democracy and ebullient goodwill, King Verence invites Uberwald's undead, the Magpyrs, into Lancre to celebrate the birth of his daughter. But once ensconced within the castle, these wine-drinking, garlic-eating, sun-loving modern vampires have no intention of leaving. Ever.

Only an uneasy alliance between a nervous young priest and the argumentative local witches can save the country from being taken over by people with a cultivated bloodlust and bad taste in silk waistcoats. For them, there's only one way to fight.

Go for the throat, or as the vampyres themselves say... Carpe Jugulum

Everyone knows that the world is flat, and supported on the backs of four elephants. But weren't there supposed to be five? Indeed there were. So where is it?

When duty calls. Commander Vimes of the Ankh-Morpork constabulary answers. Even when he doesn't want to. He's been "invited" to attend a royal function as both detective and diplomat. The one role he relishes; the other requires, well, ruby tights. Of course where cops (even those clad in tights) go, alas, crime follows. An attempted assassination and a theft soon lead to a desperate chase from the low halls of Discworld royalty to the legendary fat mines of Uberwald, where lard is found in underground seams along with tusks and teeth and other precious ivory artifacts.

It's up to the dauntless Vimes -- bothered as usual by a familiar cast of Discworld inhabitants (you know, trolls, dwarfs, werewolves, vampires and such) -- to solve the puzzle of the missing pachyderm. Which of course he does. After all, solving mysteries is his job.

While filling his pages with reports of local club meetings and pictures of humorously shaped vegetables, William accidentally discovers dark forces plotting to overthrow the city's ruler.

Everybody wants more time, which is why on Discworld only the experts can manage it -- the venerable Monks of History who store it and pump it from where it's wasted, like underwater (how much time does a codfish really need?), to places like cities, where busy denizens lament, "Oh where does the time go?"

While everyone always talks about slowing down, one young horologist is about to do the unthinkable. He's going to stop. Well, stop time that is, by building the world's first truly accurate clock. Which means esteemed History Monk Lu-Tze and his apprentice Lobsang Ludd have to put on some speed to stop the timepiece before it starts. For if the Perfect Clock starts ticking, Time -- as we know it -- will end. And then the trouble will really begin...

Cohen the Barbarian.

He's been a legend in his own lifetime. He can remember the good old days of high adventure, when being a Hero meant one didn't have to worry about aching backs and lawyers and civilization.

But these days, he can't always remember just where he put his teeth...

So now, with his ancient (yet still trusty) sword and new walking stick in hand, Cohen gathers a group of his old -- very old -- friends to embark on one final quest. He's going to climb the highest mountain of Discworld and meet the gods.

It's time the Last Hero in the world returns what the first hero stole. Trouble is, that'll mean the end of the world, if no one stops him in time.

One rat, popping up here and there, squeaking loudly, and taking a bath in the cream, could be a plague all by himself. After a few days of this, it was amazing how glad people were to see the kid with his magical rat pipe. And they were amazing when the rats followed hint out of town.

They'd have been really amazed if they'd ever found out that the rats and the piper met up with a cat somewhere outside of town and solemnly counted out the money.

The Amazing Maurice runs the perfect Pied Piper scam. This streetwise alley cat knows the value of cold, hard cash and can talk his way into and out of anything. But when Maurice and his cohorts decide to con the town of Bad Blinitz, it will take more than fast talking to survive the danger that awaits. For this is a town where food is scarce and rats are hated, where cellars are lined with deadly traps, and where a terrifying evil lurks beneath the hunger-stricken streets....

This morning, Commander Vimes of the City Watch had it all. He was a Duke. He was rich.He was respected. He had a silver cigar case. He was about to become a father.

This morning he thought longingly about the good old days.

Tonight, he's in them.

Flung back in time by a mysterious accident, Sam Vimes has to start all over again. He must get a new name and a job, and there's only one job he's good at: cop in the Watch. He must track down a brutal murderer. He must find his younger self and teach him everything he knows. He must whip the cowardly, despised Night Watch into a crack fighting force -- fast. Because Sam Vimes knows what's going to happen. He remembers it. He was there. It's part of history. And you can't change history . . .

But Sam is going to. He has no choice. Otherwise, a bloody revolution will start, and good men will die. Sam saw their names on old headstones just this morning -- but tonight they're young men who think they have a future. And rather than let them die, Sam will do anything -- turn traitor, burn buildings, take over a revolt, anything -- to snatch them from the jaws of history. He will do it even if victory will mean giving up the only future he knows.

For if he succeeds, he's got no wife, no child, no riches, no fame -- all that will simply vanish. But if he doesn't try, he wouldn't be Sam Vimes.

And so the battle is on. He knows how it's going to end after all, he was there. His name is on one of those headstones. But that's just a minor detail . . .

A nightmarish danger threatens from the other side of reality...

Armed with only a frying pan and her common sense, young witch-to-be Tiffany Aching must defend her home against the monsters of Fairyland. Luckily she has some very unusual help: the local Nac Mac Feegle—aka the Wee Free Men—a clan of fierce, sheep-stealing, sword-wielding, six-inch-high blue men.

Together they must face headless horsemen, ferocious grimhounds, terrifying dreams come true, and ultimately the sinister Queen of the Elves herself....

War has come to Discworld... again.

And, to no one's great surprise, the conflict centers on the small, insufferably arrogant, strictly fundamentalist duchy of Borogravia, which has long prided itself on it's ability to beat up on its neighbors for even the tiniest imagined slight. This time, however, it's Borogravia that's getting its long overdue comeuppance, which has left the country severely drained of young men.

Ever since her brother Paul marched off to battle a year ago, Polly Perks has been running The Duchess,her family's inn -- even though the revered national deity Nuggan has decreed that female ownership of a business is an Abomination (with, among others, oysters, rocks, and the color blue). To keep The Duchess in the family, Polly must find her missing sibling. So she cuts off her hair, dons masculine garb, and sets out to join him in this man's army.

Despite her rapid mastery of belching, scratching, and other macho habits (and aided by a well-placed pair of socks), Polly is afraid that someone will immediately see through her disguise a fear that proves groundless when the recruiting officer, the legendary and seemingly ageless Sergeant Jackrum, accepts her without question. Or perhaps the sergeant is simply too desperate for fresh cannon fodder to discriminate -- which would explain why a vampire, a troll, a zombie, a religious fanatic, and two uncommonly close "friends" are also eagerly welcomed into the fighting fold. But marching off with little (read: no) training, Polly (now called "Oliver") finds herself wondering about the myriad peculiarities of her new brothers-in-arms. It would appear that Polly "Ozzer" Perks is not the only grunt with a secret. There is no time to dwell on such matters, however.Duty calls. The battlefield beckons. There's a tide to be turned.

And sometimes -- in war as in everything else -- the best man for the job is a woman.

Something is coming after Tiffany ...

Tiffany Aching is ready to begin her apprenticeship in magic. She expects spells and magic -- not chores and ill-tempered nanny goats! Surely there must be more to witchcraft than this!

What Tiffany doesn't know is that an insidious, disembodied creature is pursuing her. This time, neither Mistress Weatherwax (the greatest witch in the world) nor the fierce, six-inch-high Wee Free Men can protect her. In the end, it will take all of Tiffany's inner strength to save herself ... if it can be done at all.

Arch-swindler Moist Van Lipwig never believed his confidence crimes were hanging offenses -- until he found himself with a noose tightly around his neck, dropping through a trapdoor, and falling into... a government job

By all rights, Moist should have met his maker. Instead, it's Lord Vetinari, supreme ruler of Ankh-Morpork, who promptly offers him a job as Postmaster. Since his only other option is a nonliving one, Moist accepts the position -- and the hulking golem watchdog who comes along with it, just in case Moist was considering abandoning his responsibilities prematurely.

Getting the moribund Postal Service up and running again, however, may be a near-impossible task, what with literally mountains of decades-old undelivered mail clogging every nook and cranny of the broken-down post office building; and with only a few creaky old postmen and one rather unstable, pin-obsessed youth available to deliver it. Worse still, Moist could swear the mail is talking to him. Worst of all, it means taking on the gargantuan, money-hungry Grand Trunk clacks communication monopoly and its bloodthirsty piratical head, Mr. Reacher Gilt.

But it says on the building neither rain nor snow nor glo m of ni t ... Inspiring words (admittedly, some of the bronze letters have been stolen), and for once in his wretched life Moist is going to fight. And if the bold and impossible are what's called for, he'll do it -- in order to move the mail, continue breathing, get the girl, and specially deliver that invaluable commodity that every human being (not to mention troll, dwarf, and, yes, even golem) requires: hope.

Commander Sam Vimes of the Ankh-Morpork City Watch admits he may not be the sharpest knife in the cutlery drawer -- he might not even be a spoon. But he's dogged and honest and he'll be damned if he lets anyone disturb his city's always-tentative peace -- and that includes a rabble-rousing dwarf from the sticks (or deep beneath them) who's been stirring up big trouble on the eve of the anniversary of one of Discworld's most infamous historical events.

Centuries earlier, in a gods-forsaken hellhole called Koom Valley, a horde of trolls met a division of dwarfs in bloody combat. Though nobody's quite sure why they fought or who actually won, hundreds of years on each species still bears the cultural scars, and one views the other with simmering animosity and distrust. Lately, an influential dwarf, Grag Hamcrusher, has been fomenting unrest among Ankh-Morpork's more diminutive citizens with incendiary speeches. And it doesn't help matters when the pint-size provocateur is discovered beaten to death... with a troll club lying conveniently nearby.

Vimes knows the well-being of his smoldering city depends on his ability to solve the Hamcrusher homicide without delay. (Vimes's secondmost-pressing responsibility, in fact, next to being home every evening at six sharp to read Where's My Cow? to Young Sam.) Whatever it takes to unstick this very sticky situation, Vimes will do it -- even tolerate having a vampire in the Watch. But there's more than one corpse waiting for him in the eerie, summoning darkness of the vast, labyrinthine mine network the dwarfs have been excavating in secret beneath Ankh-Morpork's streets. A deadly puzzle is pulling Sam Vimes deep into the muck and mire of superstition, hatred, and fear -- and perhaps all the way to Koom Valley itself.

When the Spirit of Winter takes a fancy to Tiffany Aching, he wants her to stay in his gleaming, frozen world. Forever. It will take the young witch's skill and cunning, as well as help from the legendary Granny Weatherwax and the irrepressible Wee Free Men, to survive until Spring. Because if Tiffany doesn't make it to Spring...

...Spring won't come.

The Ankh-Morpork Post Office is running like... well, not at all like a government office. The mail is delivered promptly; meetings start and end on time; five out of six letters relegated to the Blind Letter Office ultimately wend their way to the correct addresses. Postmaster General Moist von Lipwig, former arch-swindler and confidence man, has exceeded all expectations-including his own. So it's somewhat disconcerting when Lord Vetinari summons Moist to the palace and asks, "Tell me, Mr. Lipwig, would you like to make some real money?"

Vetinari isn't talking about wages, of course. He's referring, rather, to the Royal Mint of Ankh-Morpork, a venerable institution that haas run for centuries on the hereditary employment of the Men of the Sheds and their loyal outworkers, who do make money in their spare time. Unfortunately, it costs more than a penny to make a penny, so the whole process seems somewhat counterintuitive.

Next door, at the Royal Bank, the Glooper, an "analogy machine," has scientifically established that one never has quite as much money at the end of the week as one thinks one should, and the bank's chairman, one elderly Topsy (ne Turvy) Lavish, keeps two loaded crossbows at her desk. Oh, and the chief clerk is probably a vampire.

But before Moist has time to fully consider Vetinari's question, fate answers it for him. Now he's not only making money, but enemies too; he's got to spring a prisoner from jail, break into his own bank vault, stop the new manager from licking his face, and, above all, find out where all the gold has gone-otherwise, his life in banking, while very exciting, is going to be really, really short....

The wizards at Ankh-Morpork's Unseen University are renowned for many things—wisdom, magic, and their love of teatime—but athletics is most assuredly not on the list. And so when Lord Ventinari, the city's benevolent tyrant, strongly suggests to Archchancellor Mustrum Ridcully that the university revive an erstwhile tradition and once again put forth a football team composed of faculty, students, and staff, the wizards of UU find themselves in a quandary. To begin with, they have to figure out just what it is that makes this sport—soccer with a bit of rugby thrown in—so popular with Ankh-Morporkians of all ages and social strata. Then they have to learn how to play it. Oh, and on top of that, they must win a football match without using magic.

Meanwhile, Trev (a handsome street urchin and a right good kicker) falls hard for kitchen maid Juliet (beautiful, dim, and perhaps the greatest fashion model there ever was), and Juliet's best pal, UU night cook Glenda (homely, sensible, and a baker of jolly good pies) befriends the mysterious Mr. Nutt (about whom no one knows very much, including Mr. Nutt, which is worrisome . . .). As the big match approaches, these four lives are entangled and changed forever. Because the thing about football—the most important thing about football­—is that it is never just about football.

It starts with whispers.

Then someone picks up a stone.

Finally, the fires begin.

When people turn on witches, the innocents suffer. . . .

Tiffany Aching has spent years studying with senior witches, and now she is on her own. As the witch of the Chalk, she performs the bits of witchcraft that aren’t sparkly, aren’t fun, don’t involve any kind of wand, and that people seldom ever hear about: She does the unglamorous work of caring for the needy.

But someone—or something—is igniting fear, inculcating dark thoughts and angry murmurs against witches. Aided by her tiny blue allies, the Wee Free Men, Tiffany must find the source of this unrest and defeat the evil at its root—before it takes her life. Because if Tiffany falls, the whole Chalk falls with her.

Chilling drama combines with laughout-loud humor and searing insight as beloved and bestselling author Terry Pratchett tells the high-stakes story of a young witch who stands in the gap between good and evil.

For nearly three decades, Terry Pratchett has enthralled millions of fans worldwide with his irreverent, wonderfully funny satires set in the fabulously imaginative Discworld, a universe remarkably similar to our own. From sports to religion, politics to education, science to capitalism, and everything in between, Pratchett has skewered sacred cows with both laughter and wisdom, and exposed our warts, foibles, and eccentricities in a unique, entertaining, and ultimately serious way.

At long last, Lady Sybil has lured her husband, Sam Vimes, on a well-deserved holiday away from the crime and grime of Ankh-Morpork. But for the commander of the City Watch, a vacation in the country is anything but relaxing. The balls, the teas, the muck—not to mention all that fresh air and birdsong—are more than a bit taxing on a cynical city-born and -bred copper.

Yet a policeman will find a crime anywhere if he decides to look hard enough, and it’s not long before a body is discovered, and Sam—out of his jurisdiction, out of his element, and out of bacon sandwiches (thanks to his well-meaning wife)—must rely on his instincts, guile, and street smarts to see justice done. As he sets off on the chase, though, he must remember to watch where he steps. . . . This is the countryside, after all, and the streets most definitely are not paved with gold.

Change is afoot in Ankh-Morpork - Discworld's first steam engine has arrived, and once again Moist von Lipwig finds himself with a new and challenging job.

A SHIVERING OF WORLDS

Deep in the Chalk, something is stirring. The owls and the foxes can sense it, and Tiffany Aching feels it in her boots. An old enemy is gathering strength.

This is a time of endings and beginnings, old friends and new, a blurring of edges and a shifting of power. Now Tiffany stands between the light and the dark, the good and the bad.

As the fairy horde prepares for invasion, Tiffany must summon all the witches to stand with her. To protect the land. Her land.

There will be a reckoning...

THE FINAL DISCWORLD NOVEL

From the lowest of the low will arise a hero...

This is the prophecy given by the god Reorx to Verden Leafglow, a reformed green dragon rejected by Takhisis, the queen of villainy. For good measure, Reorx tells the dragon to give the hero a helping hand.

"Forever Aghar"

But who is this mighty hero? Why none other than Bron, son of the leader of the gully dwarf tribe of Bulp. Befriended by Verden Leafglow, Bron must prove his mettle as the first Aghar hero when the gully dwarves are caught up in the struggles that follow the War of the Lance.

The Gully Dwarves

The Lost Histories Series probes the historical roots and epic struggles of the heretofore little-known peoples of Krynn.

A wizard and his hapless apprentice search for a cure to the wizard's allergy to magic-while avoiding such perils as tap-dancing dragons, enchanted chickens, and sinister shrubbery...

While seeking a cure for his malady of magicks, the suffering sorcerer Ebenezum and his hapless apprentice are rudely interrupted by militant monsters with a cause.

The conclusion to the magical Ebenezum trilogy.

Once upon a time Jack set out to find his fortune in the big city. But the big city is Toy City, formerly known as Toy Town, and it has grown considerably since the good old days and isn't all that jolly any more. And there is a serial killer loose on the streets. The old, rich nursery rhyme characters are being slaughtered one by one and the Toy City police are getting nowhere in their investigations. Meanwhile, Private Eye Bill Winkie has gone missing, leaving behind his sidekick Eddie Bear to take care of things.

Eddie may be a battered teddy with an identity crisis, but someone's got to stop the killer. When he teams up with Jack, the two are ready for the challenge. Not to mention the heavy drinking, bad behaviour, car chases, gratuitous sex and violence, toy fetishism and all-round grossness along the way. It's going to be an epic adventure!

Somewhere over the rainbow and just off the Yellow Brick Road stands Toy City, formerly known as Toy Town. And things are not going well for the city's inhabitants. There have been outbreaks of STC - Spontaneous Toy Combustion - and there are strange signs and portents in the Heavens.

Preachers of Toy City's many religions are predicting that the End Times are approaching and that a Toy City Apocalypse will soon come to pass. But can this possibly be true, or is there a simple explanation - an alien invasion, for instance.

With the body count rising and the forces of law and order baffled, it is the time for a hero to step forward and attempt to save the day. Well, two heroes actually, Eddie Bear, Toy City Private Eye and his loyal sidekick, Jack: our courageous twosome are about to face their biggest challenge yet, to save not only toykind, but the world of mankind too.

Which should keep them out of the pub for a while.

The stunning conclusion to the New York Times bestselling Magicians trilogy

Quentin Coldwater has been cast out of Fillory, the secret magical land of his childhood dreams. With nothing left to lose he returns to where his story began, the Brakebills Preparatory College of Magic. But he can't hide from his past, and it's not long before it comes looking for him.

Along with Plum, a brilliant young undergraduate with a dark secret of her own, Quentin sets out on a crooked path through a magical demimonde of gray magic and desperate characters. But all roads lead back to Fillory, and his new life takes him to old haunts, like Antarctica, and to buried secrets and old friends he thought were lost forever. He uncovers the key to a sorcery masterwork, a spell that could create magical utopia, a new Fillory-but casting it will set in motion a chain of events that will bring Earth and Fillory crashing together. To save them he will have to risk sacrificing everything.

The Magician's Land is an intricate thriller, a fantastical epic, and an epic of love and redemption that brings the Magicians trilogy to a magnificent conclusion, confirming it as one of the great achievements in modern fantasy. It's the story of a boy becoming a man, an apprentice becoming a master, and a broken land finally becoming whole.

Fool--the bawdy and outrageous New York Times bestseller from the unstoppable Christopher Moore--is a hilarious new take on William Shakespeare's King Lear... as seen through the eyes of the foolish liege's clownish jester, Pocket. A rousing tale of "gratuitous shagging, murder, spanking, maiming, treason, and heretofore unexplored heights of vulgarity and profanity," Fool joins Moore's own Lamb, Fluke, The Stupidest Angel, and You Suck! as modern masterworks of satiric wit and sublimely twisted genius, prompting Carl Hiassen to declare Christopher Moore "a very sick man, in the very best sense of the word."

New York Times bestselling author Christopher Moore channels William Shakespeare and Edgar Allan Poe in The Serpent of Venice, a satiric Venetian gothic that brings back the Pocket of Dog Snogging, the eponymous hero of Fool, along with his sidekick, Drool, and pet monkey, Jeff.

Venice, a long time ago. Three prominent Venetians await their most loathsome and foul dinner guest, the erstwhile envoy of Britain and France, and widower of the murdered Queen Cordelia: the rascal Fool Pocket.

This trio of cunning plotters--the merchant, Antonio; the senator, Montressor Brabantio; and the naval officer, Iago--have lured Pocket to a dark dungeon, promising an evening of spirits and debauchery with a rare Amontillado sherry and Brabantio's beautiful daughter, Portia.

But their invitation is, of course, bogus. The wine is drugged. The girl isn't even in the city limits. Desperate to rid themselves once and for all of the man who has consistently foiled their grand quest for power and wealth, they have lured him to his death. (How can such a small man, be such a huge obstacle?). But this Fool is no fool... and he's got more than a few tricks (and hand gestures) up his sleeve.

Abalone, Arizona, is a sleepy southwestern town whose chief concerns are boredom and surviving the Great Depression--that is, until the circus of Dr. Lao arrives and immensely and irrevocably changes the lives of everyone drawn to its tents.

Expecting a sideshow spectacle, the citizens of Abalone instead confront and learn profound lessons from the mythical made real--a chimera, a Medusa, a talking sphinx, a sea serpent, witches, the Hound of the Hedges, a werewolf, a mermaid, an ancient god, and the elusive, ever-changing Dr. Lao himself. The circus unfolds, spinning magical, dark strands that ensnare the town's populace: the sea serpent's tale shatters love's illusions; the fortune-teller's shocking pronouncements toll the tedium and secret dread of every person's life; sensual undercurrents pour forth for men and women alike; and the dead walk again.

Dazzling and macabre, literary and philosophical, The Circus of Dr. Lao has been acclaimed as a masterpiece of speculative fiction and influenced such writers as Ray Bradbury.

Hailed by critic E. F. Bleiler as a "landmark book in the history of fantasy," Mervyn Wall's classic The Unfortunate Fursey (1946) is set in 11th century Ireland, where the forces of evil have launched an assault on the monastery of Clonmacnoise. Their task is made easier by the fact that one hapless monk, the simple-minded Brother Fursey, cannot manage to pronounce the necessary words of exorcism. When the other monks discover this, the unfortunate Fursey is expelled and sets forth on the first stage of his travels, accompanied by a fantastic procession of cacodemons, hippogriffs, imps, furies, and other dreadful creatures, not to mention the elegant gentleman in black who is their commander-in-chief.

"Henceforth I will serve Evil. I'll become a most depraved character. I'll turn really wicked." - Fursey

Having fled being burnt at the stake in Ireland, the reluctant sorcerer Fursey is back in this sequel, trying to make a quiet life for himself as a grocer in the realm of King Ethelwulf. But when his old enemies seize his wife, Fursey resolves to embrace evil and return to Ireland to reclaim her. Readers will welcome the return of Fursey's unhelpful familiar Albert, the suave Prince of Darkness, and the powerful sorcerer Cuthbert, as well as such memorable new characters as George the Vampire and Sigurd the Skull Splitter.

When kooky, spooky college profs Peter Venkman, Ray Stantz and Egon Spengler lose their university jobs, they decide to go freelance, de-haunting houses in a new ghost removal service. As soon as they open their doors, their first order of business becomes saving beautiful cellist Dana Barrett and nerdy Louis Tully, who've inadvertently opened the gates of hell... right in their own apartment building!

After waging a war on slime that cost New York City millions, the Ghostbusters find themselves out of business until an ancient tyrant, preparing a return to the Earthly domain through his portrait at the Manhattan Museum of Modern Art, sets his sights on Dana Barrett's baby as the new home for his wicked soul! With the help of the Museum's possessed curator, he plans to turn New York into a really scary place to live! Now only the Ghostbusters can save New York City, by turning paranormal pest control into an art form!

Hart is a marshal, tasked with patrolling the strange and magical wilds of Tanria. It's an unforgiving job, and Hart's got nothing but time to ponder his loneliness.

Mercy never has a moment to herself. She's been single-handedly keeping Birdsall & Son Undertakers afloat in defiance of sullen jerks like Hart, who seems to have a gift for showing up right when her patience is thinnest.

After yet another exasperating run-in with Mercy, Hart finds himself penning a letter addressed simply to "A Friend". Much to his surprise, an anonymous letter comes back in return, and a tentative friendship is born.

If only Hart knew he's been baring his soul to the person who infuriates him most--Mercy. As the dangers from Tanria grow closer, so do the unlikely correspondents. But can their blossoming romance survive the fated discovery that their pen pals are their worst nightmares--each other?

Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, the quiet and thoughtful son of the Chief of the Hairy Hooligans, tries to pass the important initiation test of his Viking clan by catching and training a dragon. Can Hiccup do it without being torn limb from limb?

Join his adventures and misadventures as he finds a new way to train dragons--and becomes a hero.

When Hiccup finds a coffin at sea, he opens it to discover a riddle that will lead to the treasure of Grimbeard the Ghastly, the world's greatest pirate and Hiccup's ancestor. So Hiccup and his friends set out on a treasure hunt, determined to master the art of swordfighting. How else will they escape an island of murderous dragons, defeat a boatload of Viking pirates, and survive all the twists and turns their journey will bring?

The story begins when Hiccup, his friend Fishlegs, and his cranky dragon Toothless get separated from their class during Boarding-an-Enemy-Ship practice. They accidentally board a prowling Roman galley intent on provoking war. When they rescue a tiny nanodragon, they uncover a plot to steal every dragon on the Isle of Berk!

Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III must rescue his best friend, Fishlegs, from the deadly disease Vorpentitis. The only cure is rare and almost impossible to find... a potato. But where will Hiccup find such a thing? He'll have to dodge the terrible Sharkworms, battle Doomfangs, and outwit crazy Hooligans if he's going to be a Hero...again.

The heat is on for Hiccup! Someone has stolen the Fires-Stone from Volcano Island, which means the Volcano has become active and the tremors are hatching the Eggs of Exterminator Dragons! Can Hiccup return the Fire-Stone to the Volcano, stop it from erupting, and save the Tribes from being wiped out by the terrible sword-claws of the Exterminators?

It's Hiccup's birthday, but that's not going to keep him from getting into trouble. To save his dragon, Toothless, from being banished, Hiccup must sneak into the Meathead Public Library and steal the Viking's most sacred book. But the Vikings see books as a dangerous influence, and keep them locked up and under heavy guard. To save his friend, Hiccup must brave the Hairy Scary Librarian and his dreadful army of Meathead Warriors and face off against the formidable Driller-Dragons. Will he make it out and live to see his next birthday?

Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, everyone's favorite reluctant Viking hero, has three months, five days and six hours to discover America, get back to Berk, save his father, battle Polarserpents and win the annual Inter-Tribal Friendly Swimming Race. Can he do it?

Stranded on the exceptionally dangerous, and possibly haunted, Beach of the Broken Heart, Hiccup must face Ug the Uglithug and complete the Impossible Task--or die trying. Along the way, he'll have to battle Berserks, dodge Scarers, and save Fishlegs from being fed to the Beast, all while being hunted down by an old enemy with a dark secret about the mysterious Lost Throne. With Toothless by his side, and time to stage his rescue running out, what's a Hero to do?

A dragon rebellion is coming--filled with the meanest, nastiest dragons in the Archipelago. Razor-wings, Tonguetwisters, and Vampire Ghouldeaths are attacking Vikings and seem to be seeking one soul in particular: Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third! Only a King can save them...and only a champion with all of the King's Lost Things can be King. In his adventures, Hiccup has collected quite a few "things" himself. But can a scrawny Viking save the entire Archipelago from certain doom? To find out, Hiccup will have to outwit a witch, fight his arch-enemy, and beat back an army of bloodthirsty dragons with just one sword.

The Dragon Rebellion has begun, bringing the Vikings' darkest hour upon them. Hiccup has become an outcast, but that won't stop him from going on the most harrowing and important quest of his life. He must find the Dragon's Jewel in order to save his people...but where should he begin?

In Hiccup the Viking's misadventures, the stakes have never been higher, and it's friend versus foe to decide the fate of the world. In this, the penultimate title in the amazing story arc that began with How to Train Your Dragon, Hiccup is faced with a personal dilemma against the backdrop of an impending battle and the possible destruction of everything he knows.

The Doomsday of Yule has arrived, and the future of dragonkind lies in the hands of one boy with nothing to show, but everything to fight for. Hiccup's quest is clear... But can he end the rebellion? Can he prove himself to be king? Can he save the dragons? The stakes have never been higher, as the very fate of the Viking world hangs in the balance!

Sophie has the great misfortune of being the eldest of three daughters, destined to fail miserably should she ever leave home to seek her fate. But when she unwittingly attracts the ire of the Witch of the Waste, Sophie finds herself under a horrid spell that transforms her into an old lady. Her only chance at breaking it lies in the ever-moving castle in the hills: the Wizard Howl's castle. To untangle the enchantment, Sophie must handle the heartless Howl, strike a bargain with a fire demon, and meet the Witch of the Waste head-on. Along the way, she discovers that there's far more to Howl—and herself—than first meets the eye.

The book follows a young man who works for the Bronx Zoo as an ornithologist. He gets sent on exotic travels around the world as part of his job. He has strange adventures, or hilarious clamity, during his search for odd and extinct animals that are supposed to still exist. He can never quite realize his goal, but always finds a pretty girl to fall in love with, only to have her wisked away at the last moment.

Omnibus edition containing: "The Roaring Trumpet", "The Mathematics of Magic" and "The Castle of Iron".

A mash-up of "The Roaring Trumpet" and "The Mathematics of Money".

It's like this... I am a psychologist at a university in Ohio - very solid state, solid job.

What with ont thing and another my wife happens to be a fictional character from a poem. This is hard to explain. When she disappears into another world, it si much harder to explain - particularly to the cops.

When I follow her with a magic carper, a werewold, and some spells that don't quite work - it's impossible to explain.

Unless, of course, you read the book....

Jig is a scrawny little nearsighted goblin-a runt even among his puny species. Captured by a party of adventurers searching for a magical artifact, and forced to guide them, Jig encounters every peril ever faced on a fantasy quest.

After barely surviving an adventure he never wanted, the scrawny little nearsighted goblin called Jig is now known as Jig Dragonslayer, and has the power of healing, thanks to the forgotten god he worships. But being a hero isn't all it's cracked up to be. Not when the goblin leader wants him dead, and everyone else actually expects him to keep doing heroic-and incredibly dangerous-things.

If you think it’s hard being a hobgoblin or a human, try living a goblin’s life for a while. In fact, try imagining what it’s like to be the runtiest goblin in the caves, the lone worshiper of a god who’s been forgotten for a good reason, and the target everyone points to at the first hint of trouble. Try picturing yourself as Jig Dragonslayer, and see how you like it…

Despite impossible odds, Jig was still alive. He’d survived an adventurer’s quest against a dragon and a necromancer, a pixie invasion that had ogres and trolls dropping like flies, and, most frightening of all, the threat of being made chief of the goblins. He wasn’t sure how much more he could stand. Naturally, he was about to find out.

War was brewing in the world outside the Mountain, and when the goblin’s lair was invaded by human warriors in search of the Rod of Creation, Jig knew it was just the start of another really bad day…

You may have heard of Johannes Cabal; he is a necromancer and a little infamous. He is also very sensitive to attempts on his life. When a murder of crows tries to... well, murder him, and the contents of his bath are transmuted into hot nitric acid, he suspects someone may mean him harm. The trail leads to one of the less travelled parts of Hell itself, and there Cabal will need a guide.

As Dante had his Virgil, so Cabal employs the services of a devil who is a monster, a predator, and -- most alien of all to Cabal -- a woman. The devil Zarenyia and he delve deep into Hell, even into Satan's greatest mistake, to confront challenges quite outside the ken of any mortal. But one should always use a long spoon when supping with a devil, and Cabal soon realises the unthinkable, a horror beyond his experience. He is actually beginning to like her.

Read the full story for free at Tor.com.

In this uproarious and clever debut, it's time to give the Devil his due.

Johannes Cabal, a brilliant scientist and notorious snob, is single-mindedly obsessed in heart and soul with raising the dead. Well, perhaps not soul... He hastily sold his years ago in order to learn the laws of necromancy. But now, tormented by a dark secret, he travels to the fiery pits of Hell to retrieve it. Satan, who is incredibly bored these days, proposes a little wager: Johannes has one year to persuade one hundred people to sign over their souls or he will be damned forever.

To make the bet even more interesting, Satan throws in that diabolical engine of deceit, seduction, and corruption known as a "traveling circus" to aid in the evil bidding. What better place exists to rob poor sad saps of their souls than the traveling carnivals historically run by hucksters and legendary con men?

With little time to lose, Johannes raises a motley crew from the dead and enlists his brother, Horst, a charismatic vampire (an unfortunate side effect of Johannes's early experiments with necromancy), to be the carnival's barker. On the road through the pastoral English countryside, this team of reprobates wields their black magic with masterful ease, resulting in mayhem at every turn.

Johannes may have the moral conscience of anthrax, but are his tricks sinful enough to beat the Devil at his own game? You'll never guess, and that's a promise!

Brilliantly written and wickedly funny, Johannes Cabal the Necromancer combines the chills and thrills of old-fashioned gothic tales like The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, the mischievous humor of Wicked, and the sophisticated charms of Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell and spins the Faustian legend into a fresh, irreverent, and irresistible new adventure.

Johannes Cabal, necromancer of some little infamy, returns in this riotously clever and terrifically twisted tale of murder and international intrigue.

In this genre-twisting novel, infamous necromancer Johannes Cabal, after beating the Devil and being reunited with his soul, leads us on another raucous journey in a little-known corner of the world. This time he’s on the run from the local government.

Stealing the identity of a minor bureaucrat, Cabal takes passage on the Princess Hortense, a passenger aeroship that is leaving the country. The deception seems perfect, and Cabal looks forward to a quiet trip and a clean escape, until he comes face-to-face with Leonie Barrow, an enemy from the old days who could blow his cover. But when a fellow passenger throws himself to his death, or at least that is how it appears, Cabal begins to investigate out of curiosity. His minor efforts result in a vicious attempt on his own life-and then the gloves come off.

Cabal and Leonie-the only woman to ever match wits with him-reluctantly team up to discover the murderer. Before they are done, there will be more narrow escapes, involving sword fighting and newfangled flying machines. There will be massive destruction, not to mention resurrected dead . . .

Steampunk meets the classic Sherlockian mystery in this rip-roaring adventure where anything could happen . . . and does.

Beyond the wall of sleep lies the Dreamlands. For countless millennia, they have been explored only by those philosophers, mystics, and poets with a certain detachment from mundane reality. Well, those halcyon days are over, beatniks.

Johannes Cabal is coming.

Cabal, a necromancer of some little infamy, is employed by the mysterious Fear Institute to lead an expedition into the Dreamlands to hunt and destroy the dread Phobic Animus, the very source of all the world's fear. Along the way, they will encounter witches, vile abominations, and far too many zebras.

And, when they finally come close to their goal, Cabal will have to face his own nightmares. But for a man who communes easily with devils and the dead, surely there is nothing left to fear....

Horst Cabal has risen from the dead. Again. Horst, the most affable vampire one is ever likely to meet, is resurrected by an occult conspiracy that wants him as a general in a monstrous army. Their plan: to create a country of horrors, a supernatural homeland. As Horst sees the lengths to which they are prepared to go and the evil they cultivate, he realizes that he cannot fight them alone. What he really needs on his side is a sarcastic, amoral, heavily armed necromancer.

As luck would have it, this exactly describes his brother.

Join the brothers Cabal as they fearlessly lie quietly in bed, fight dreadful monsters from beyond reality, make soup, feel slightly sorry for zombies, banter lightly with secret societies that wish to destroy them, and--in passing--set out to save the world.*

*The author wishes to point out that there are no zebras this time, so don't get your hopes up on that count. There is, however, a werebadger, if that's something that's been missing from your life.

Now married with children, Cecelia and Kate must face a threat to the wizarding world

It's been a decade since Kate and Cecelia foiled Napoleon's plot to reclaim the French crown. The cousins now have estates, children, and a place at the height of wizarding society. It is 1828, and though magic remains at the heart of the British Empire, a new power has begun to make itself felt across England: the steam engine. As iron tracks crisscross the countryside, the shaking of the locomotives begins to disrupt the workings of English magic, threatening the very foundations of the Empire.

A foreign wizard on a diplomatic mission to England vanishes, and the Prime Minister sends Cecelia's husband to investigate. In order to accompany her husband to the north of England, Cecelia leaves her children in Kate's care. As Cecelia and James fight for the future of magic, Kate is left with a no less daunting problem: how to care for a gaggle of disobedient, spell-casting tots.

Claire Hansen was a keeper...

gifted—or cursed—with the job of being one of Earth's Guardians, "Summoned" to areas where anomalies existed, where rifts had opened—or had been opened. Such places were the world's danger spots where, if they weren't sealed in time, all the minions of Hell might break through.

After she'd closed the portal into Hell at the Elysian Fields Guest House, Claire and her talking cat, Austin, found they'd acquired a new companion—Dean. Though Dean was a Bystander and shouldn't have been allowed to even remember Keepers existed, somehow in the course of their mutual ordeal at the Elysian Fields, he'd become an indispensable part of Claire's life. She knew she should change his memories and force him to leave her. Any other course was bound to lead to disaster. But as it turned out, it was already too late, for without Dean around Claire could easily become a danger to herself and the very fabric of space and time.

Yet with Dean around—and a little of her sister Diana's meddling thrown in—the world was headed straight for Chaos.

And Claire was about to face a challenge beyond her wildest imagining—a catastrophe created by the power of love—when an angel and a devil each manifested in the mortal world as fully endowed teenagers, who didn't have a clue how to handle their all-too-human bodies, raging hormones, and opposing needs to do good and evil....

My name is...

One year before a certain useless goddess and NEET extraordinaire hit the scene, Megumin, the "Greatest Genius of the Crimson Magic Clan," is hard at work. Ever since a life-changing encounter in her youth, the young wizard has dedicated her every waking moment to the pursuit of the ultimate offensive magic, Explosion! (Well... every moment not spent hustling food from her self-proclaimed rival.) And while the big sister's away, the little one will play. On a routine trip into the woods, Megumin's little sister, Komekko, finds a strange black kitten. Little does she know that this cat plays a key role in unsealing a Dark God's tomb...

Lady Aqua, Control Your Followers!

With the ultimate offensive magic finally under her belt, Megumin is off to Axel Town to start her adventure, and nothing will stand in her way! ...Except poverty. A trip from the local Teleportation Station isn't cheap, and the closest it can get her to Axel is Arcanletia, the city of water and hot springs. It looks like Megumin's got her (part-time) work cut out for her. Thankfully, she can look forward to help from Yunyun-as well as a certain sect of devout lunatics!

A GREAT ADVENTURE STARTS OFF WITH A BANG!... AND A WHIMPER.

Axel-a town where many would-be legends find their humble beginnings. It is here that the Crimson Magic duo endeavor to leave their mark on the world... but the only kind of mark Megumin can leave is a giant, smoking crater. And most parties simply don't have room for a wizard limited to one excessively powerful Explosion per day. Sadly, Yunyun isn't doing any better. Every party-request flyer she posts reeks of desperation, and her self-confidence bar is in the red! Will no one take a chance on these poor problem children?!

Someone's stolen Megumin's heart!

Enamored with a supercool masked man from the Silver-Haired Thief Brigade and captivated by the group's outlaw lifestyle, the Arch-wizard resolves to form her own crew of bandits to support her newfound idols. Unfortunately, her "thieves" are problem children all around: a girl who can't make friends, a super-overpowered princess, and a priestess with questionable morals. Can the explosion-obsessed leader of this band of unlikely burglars pull things together when real trouble strikes?

Who Ya Gonna Call...?

Everyone's favorite Crimson Magic wizard is back with a new series of odd jobs to endure... and each request is more self-centered than the last! This time around, there's the classic frog hunt, another slime crisis involving Cecily and the Axis Church, and an encounter with a mysterious beast. Can Megumin, Yunyun, and Iris maintain their sanity while dealing with these deadbeats?!

Game loving shut-in Kazuma Sato's life as a young schoolboy in Japan abruptly comes to an early end... or at least it was supposed to. When he opens his eyes, though, he sees a beautiful goddess that offers him a once in an after-lifetime chance to be reborn in a parallel world. The catch is that the world is violent and threatened by a growing evil! Fortunately, he can choose any one thing to bring with him. So he chooses the goddess, Aqua! And so his adventure with his gorgeous companion begins--if he could just get enough money and food to survive, keep his goddess out of trouble, and avoid grabbing the attention of the Demon King's army!

Kazuma's first winter in another world isn't going so well. With companions like Aqua (Arch-priest), Megumin (Arch-wizard), and Darkness (Crusader), his party of advanced classes should be the most powerful in Axel--but they're so dysfunctional, even the easiest-seeming quest goes terribly awry, and they can barely save enough to afford a stable! When an opportunity arises to stay in a mansion, it's like a dream come true--the only catch is that they have to exorcise the evil spirits haunting it. Goddess Aqua is an expert with the undead, so the quest should be a piece of cake, right...? Unfortunately, with this useless goddess, things have a way of working out for the worst...

After successfully saving the town from Mobile Fortress Destroyer, Kazuma is ready to sit back and enjoy the hero treatment: fame, fortune, and...criminal charges?! Now in hot water with the law, he has to find a way to clear his name with the help of Aqua, Megumin, and Darkness before the judge can sentence him to death. Darkness has a plan to buy more time, but will it be enough...? After all, in this wonderful world, who knows what'll happen?

When adventurers are stressed and tired, there's only one place to go-hot springs! Kazuma and crew head to a town well known for their amazing open air baths and atmospheric surroundings. The only problem is that it's also famous as home to the Axis Church. Aqua couldn't be more delighted to visit all her "cute" followers but the others have heard more than enough stories to be afraid...

After Kazuma and crew's less-than-relaxing vacation, Yunyun burst onto the scene with shocking news-the Crimson Magic Clan is in danger, and she wants to bear his children to save it! Kazuma returns with her to the village, but the situation isn't quite what he expected...

I WANT A LITTLE SISTER!

As Kazuma spends his downtime bemoaning his party's lack of a little-sister archetype, he's invited to a royal banquet, where he meets the young Princess Iris. She's enthralled by his tales of adventure, and once she takes a liking to him, Kazuma ends up getting transported to the royal castle! Though he's initially unsure of what to expect, life with Iris turns out to be a dream come true, and Kazuma doesn't ever want to wake up. . .so when he hears rumors of a "righteous thief" stalking the capital, Kazuma declares he'll be the one to capture the dastardly do-gooder!

Still sitting pretty on the reward money from defeating several of the Demon King's generals, Kazuma is taking it easy. Darkness, on the other hand, is nowhere to be found. Just as rumors about Darkness leaving to marry a lord begin to circulate, a letter turns up.

"I can't see you anymore. Please accept my resignation from the party."

Is this the beginning of the end for everyone's favorite band of misfit adventurers?!

The Demon Lord's forces are headed to Axel Town. And among them is a user of... Explosion Magic?! Looks like it's Megumin's time to shine!

Luck be a lady tonight!

Seeking financial support in the fight against the Demon King's army, Princess Iris visits the neighboring nation of Elroad to meet the prince: her husband-to-be. But Kazuma won't hand over his little sister to just anyone! Scratch that. He won't hand her over, period! Posing as her escort, he tags along in an attempt to derail yet another wedding (and rake in the dough). But no sooner than they arrive in Elroad are they informed that the engagement is off, and there won't be any financial support at all! And so it falls to Kazuma to use his wit and insanely good Luck to milk the Casino Kingdom for all it's worth!

With the Iris Escort mission behind them, Kazuma and the gang relax in the lap of luxury at the Royal Palace, but it isn't long before they receive an unexpected visitor. A wild Komekko appeared! They decide to look after her for a while and bring her back to the mansion. But once she starts gushing about how amazing Axel's adventurers are, they can't resist the urge to flex and end up accepting a rather troublesome quest from the adventurers guild...

There's a new girl in town! And for some reason, she keeps calling Darkness "Mama". But there's a perfectly reasonable explanation for that...right? So while that gets sorted out, Darkness has taxes to collect! It's time for the high-income adventurers to pay their dues and Kazuma's at the top of the list. Naturally, one night after a long game of Cat and Mouse: Tax Evasion Edition, they find themselves handcuffed together, and Darkness sees it as the perfect opportunity to ask Kazuma a burning question.

"...Do you like Megumin?"

ETERNAL LIFE CAN GET LONELY

There's a stalker on the loose! ...Or so it would seem. Apparently, Wiz has been receiving a lot of attention from a mysterious man. After some eavesdropping reveals the terrifying extent of his knowledge about her, she receives a letter requesting they meet. And when she brings it to Vanir and Kazuma, Vanir gets unusually worked up and threatens to take action! This gives Wiz the push she needs to handle the issue herself... but it looks like someone has been filling her head with weird ideas. For starters, why is she acting like a blushing bride to be?!

HAIL TO THE CHIEF!

It's back to Crimson Magic Village for Kazuma's party! Yunyun is about to undergo the Chief's Trials, and it always helps to have friends close by. The challenge is one that steadily ramps up in difficulty, so it's best attempted in pairs. But why is Yunyun so determined to become chief anyway? Could she possibly have an idea for sweeping village reform? In the meantime, reports are flooding in of loud explosions echoing through the night. Megumin is the prime suspect, of course, but Kazuma secretly knows she isn't responsible... Why? Because he and Megumin were in bed together the whole time...!

BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR!

Serena's priestly prowess is making a splash in Axel! ...Much to Aqua's dismay. Is the town only big enough for one powerful priest? Does Axel not need its goddess anymore...? Yet unbeknownst to most, winning the affection of the masses ties into Serena's master plan! While having many faithful followers suits her goals, her true prize is Kazuma Satou! If successfully enthralled, the greatest obstacle to the Demon King's ambitions would finally be removed! At least, that was the hope...

P.S. PLEASE LOOK FOR ME.

With Serena's sudden rise in popularity, Aqua's insecurity sends her fleeing from town, leaving only a letter behind. If they no longer need their goddess, then Aqua won't stay where she isn't wanted! She'll beat the Demon King by herself, save the world, and return to the heavenly realm! Little does she know, though, that the people of Axel are nothing without their beloved mascot--not that Kazuma plans to do anything about it. He's only Level 1, after all. Oh, who is he kidding? With this latest development bringing him straight to the Demon King's castle gates, it's time for Kazuma to rally the troops, power-level like never before to awaken his hidden potential, and get his goddess back!

Using a huge pile of Mananite to power up Megumin's Explosion, Kazuma's party blows a hole into the barrier surrounding the Demon Lord's Castle. But after reconvening with Aqua, our intrepid heroes will have to answer an important question before they settle things once and for all... Just how much cash can they expect for bringing the Demon Lord down? In the final volume of the hit action-comedy, a cowardly NEET and Axel's favorite bunch of misfits steel themselves for one last battle!

From the moment when they first met, in the commission of the same, audacious theft, Fafhrd, the giant barbarian warrior from the Cold Waste, and the Gray Mouser, master thief, novice wizard and expert swordsman, felt no ordinary affinity. Forged over the gleam of sharpened steel as, back to back, they faced their foes, theirs was a friendship that would take them from adventure to misadventure across all of Nehwon, from the caves of the inner earth to the waves of the outer sea. But it was in the dark alleys and noisome back streets of the great fog-shrouded city of Lankhmar that they became legends.

THE FIRST BOOK OF LANKHMAR includes the first four volumes of the hugely enjoyable Swords series.

After their legendary adventures in the northern wastes and beyond, Fafhrd, the giant barbarian warrior, and the Gray Mouser, master thief, novice wizard and expert swordsman, are back home in Lankhmar again, and looking for an easy time. But Lankhmar is under attack from a strange horde of invaders, including a two-headed dragon and an army of miniature wanderers ...Once those threats are seen off, a quest to the farthest reaches of Nehwon is in prospect. And then, in the last book of their adventures, Fafhrd goes sailing through the clouds, and the Mouser takes to the seas, before we finally bid a fond, if sad, farewell to Lankhmar.

THE SECOND BOOK OF LANKHMAR includes the last three volumes of the hugely enjoyable series.

The adventures of Sergeant and his cat continue! The human Beast Catcher has been forcibly separated from his furry girlfriend Shelly, but our hero's character level is too low to follow her into the wider world or take proper vengeance. All he can do now is gain strength, level up his character and skills, and add to his ever growing list of enemies to one day be punished... or leave that to his ginger kitten Whiskers, fast becoming an expert in curse magic.

In the meantime, a terrible storm is brewing in the sandbox for beginner players. The humans and the sherkhs are on the brink of war for domination of this land fenced off from the rest of the world. The sherkhs are choosing a general for their army, and one of the candidates is an old acquaintance of our hero. The main task for Sergeant and his cat now is to avoid falling into the grip of a bloody conflict.

Jody never asked to become a vampire. But when she wakes up under an alley Dumpster with a badly burned arm, an aching back, superhuman strength, and a distinctly Nosferatuan thirst, she realizes the decision has been made for her.

Making the transition from the nine-to-five grind to an eternity of nocturnal prowlings is going to take some doing, however, and that's where C. Thomas Flood fits in. A would-be Kerouac from Incontinence, Indiana, Tommy (to his friends) is biding his time night-clerking and frozen-turkey bowling in a San Francisco Safeway. But all that changes when a beautiful undead redhead walks through the door... and proceeds to rock Tommy's life -- and afterlife -- in ways he never thought possible.

Martin Banks is just a normal guy who has made an abnormal discovery: he can manipulate reality, thanks to reality being nothing more than a computer program. With every use of this ability, though, Martin finds his little "tweaks" have not escaped notice. Rather than face prosecution, he decides instead to travel back in time to the Middle Ages and pose as a wizard.

What could possibly go wrong?

An American hacker in King Arthur's court, Martin must now train to become a full-fledged master of his powers, discover the truth behind the ancient wizard Merlin... and not, y'know, die or anything.

The adventures of an American hacker in Medieval England continue as Martin Banks takes his next step on the journey toward mastering his reality-altering powers and fulfilling his destiny.

A month has passed since Martin helped to defeat the evil programmer Jimmy, and things couldn't be going better. Except for his love life, that is. Feeling distant and lost, Gwen has journeyed to Atlantis, a tolerant and benevolent kingdom governed by the Sorceresses, and a place known to be a safe haven to all female time-travelers. Thankfully, Martin and Philip are invited to a summit in Atlantis for all of the leaders of the time-traveler colonies, and now Martin thinks this will be a chance to try again with Gwen. Of course, this is Martin Banks we're talking about, so murder, mystery, and high intrigue all get in the way of a guy who just wants one more shot to get the girl. The follow-up to the hilarious Off to Be the Wizard, Scott Meyer's Spell or High Water proves that no matter what powers you have over time and space, you can't control rotten luck.

After Ben Holiday purchased Landover, he discovered the magic kingdom had some problems. The Barons refused to recognize a king and the peasants were without hope. To make matters worse, Ben learned that he had to duel to the death with the Iron Mask, the terrible lord of the demons--a duel which no human could hope to win....

A year had passed since Ben Holiday bought the Magic Kingdon from the wizard, Meeks. But unbeknownst to him, he has been the victim of a trap by Meeks, who has succeeded in stealing the Paladin and appropriating his face. Suddenly none of Ben's friends know him, but all of his enemies do. He must win it all back again--only this time on his own!

Questor Thews is only a semi-competent wizard, but when High Lord Ben Holiday and his love Willow need use of his powers, he tries to comply. He tries, all right, but he doesn't have all that much faith in himself--not since he turned a terrier into an imp. Still, he'll do what he can....

A volume of songs, rhymes and poems from "The Red Book". They tell of Tom's encounters with Goldberry, with Old Man Willow, who tries to trap Tom inside his trunk, with the Badger-folk, and with the ghostly Barrow-wight, as well as with a princess, trolls, dwarves and legendary beasts.

A riotous new fantasy series that will challenge the funniest the field has to offer--from the creator of the bestselling Amber series and one of the genre's legendary humorists. Azzy Elbub, demon, has his sights set on the Millenial Evil Deeds Award, given to the being whose acts do the most toward reshaping the world. But his evil plans go far astray. . . .

The last Millennial contest--between the forces of Good and Evil for control of the universe--didn't work out quite so well for Evil and its rooters. But it's time for the next round, and this time the demon Mephistopheles is carrying the ball for the forces of Darkness. But all is not as it seems. The harried archdemon mistakenly signs up a medieval cutpurse names Mack the Club, thinking him the learned Dr. Faust. The demon Azzie, still stinging from the Evil's last defeat (and not being chosen to head the current effort), takes events into his own claws. And the pious angel Michael--well, let's just say some of his tactics in the titanic struggle to come are not quite cricket.

On a devilish sabbatical in Europe, Azzie discovers that morality plays are all the rage. He decides to strike back by producing an "immorality play", in which seven nondescript human pilgrims will be allowed by magic to attain their hearts' desires. But the forces of Good are determined to close the play before it opens. New characters suddenly start roaming the stage, such as a Grateful Dead-listening Cyclops, and Azzie's own protagonists begin changing their hearts' desires on the slightest whim. This is one theatrical production that could do without an angel - and there's even worse news waiting in the wings...

A Recipe for Myth-Adventure...

Skeeve is a magician's apprentice (and a wanna-be thief) until an assassin's bolt kills his master, Garkin. Along with Aahz, the green-scaled, purple-tongued demon and master magician summoned by Garkin, he sets out on a quest to get even. The road to vengeance is bound to prove rocky, however, because Skeeve can barely light a candle with his beginning magic, and Aahz has lost his own considerable magical abilities as a consequence of Garkin's summoning spell.

Before they can confront the power-mad wizard who ordered Garkin's assassination, they must survive a trip to a weird alternate dimension, encounters with Impish hit-men and a somewhat dull but persistent demon hunter who rides a friendly war unicorn, outwit a sharp-dealing Deevel, and deal with other uncanny enemies and even stranger friends... all without killing each other in the process!

YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT'S IN THE CARDS...

Before the creation of Disboard, a world where everything is decided by games, there raged a terrible war among the various races. The Immanity weren't the only ones fighting to end that war, though--one Elf had her own plans: Whoever's left standing after the world is destroyed is the winner! What tricks did Think Nirvalen have up her sleeve all those years ago? Who was actually pulling the strings behind the Great War? And did Nina Clive, Think's overworked assistant, even make it out alive?!

In this fantasy world, everything's a game--and these gamer siblings play to win!

Meet Sora and Shiro, a brother and sister who are loser shut-ins by normal standards. But these siblings don't play by the rules of the "crappy game" that is average society. In the world of gaming, this genius pair reigns supreme, their invincible avatar so famous that it's the stuff of urban legend. So when a young boy calling himself God summons the siblings to a fantastic alternate world where war is forbidden and all conflicts--even those involving national borders--are decided by the outcome of games, Sora and Shiro have pretty much hit the jackpot. But they soon learn that in this world, humanity, cornered and outnumbered by other species, survives within the confines of one city. Will Sora and Shiro, two failures at life, turn out to be the saviors of mankind? Let the games begin...!

The gamer siblings have their eyes on a new target--the land of the animal girls...

It's gamer siblings vs. animal girls, but first there's some angel trouble to deal with! After having been summoned to the world of Disboard, where a boyish god has declared that all conflicts must be resolved via games, the genius gamer siblings Sora and Shiro have ascended to rule over the strange world's embattled humans. Now brother and sister must challenge the other races directly, and the games are afoot! Will Sora and Shiro be able to stand against the might of the angelic Flügel race?

The next chapter in the hit fantasy series begins here!

In the world of Disboard, everything is decided by games. And after rising to reign as the monarchs of the remnants of Disboard's humans, gamer siblings Sora and Shiro have now wagered the fate of every human being alive on the outcome of a game against the Eastern Union! But immediately after making this wager, Sora disappears, leaving only a cryptic message behind. "Blank," the legendary two-in-one gamer, has been torn asunder! What is Sora thinking? What will Shiro do? What will become of humanity? And what about the paradise of animal-girls?!

"Didn't I tell you? It's checkmate. You guys... were doomed long ago."

In the third volume of the bestselling alternate-world fantasy series, it's a risky showdown against the Werebeasts!

Having been transported to the world of Disboard, where everything is decided by games, Sora and Shiro (who together form the unstoppable gamer team) are still winning. They've racked up an unbroken string of victories against opponents armed with all manner of magic and treachery. As the pair enjoy a well-deserved vacation in the Eastern Union, they're approached by a Dhampir named Plum. Sora and Shiro prepare for battle, but this game is one of the very few they haven't beaten and mastered--the game of love!

In the world of Disboard, everything is decided by games. Since arriving in this strange place, genius gamer siblings Sora and Shiro have risen to become king and queen of what's left of Disboard's humans. Their latest challenge is winning an unwinnable romance game against the races of Dhampir and Siren. To uncover the true strategy to beat this sadistic game of love, they head for the home of the angelic Flügel: the midair city of Avant Heim. But the Flügel are a hideously powerful race, created specifically to kill gods. Will things really go as planned?

Before Sora and Shiro set foot on Disboard, there was another remarkable duo!!

Tet, the One True God, takes a break to amuse himself among the mortals only to collapse on the streets of Elkia. When a familiar face finds him and lends a helping hand, the God of Play regales her with a tale from the Great War about a human man who challenged the world and a strange girl who sought to comprehend the human heart...

Let the games begin!

At the end of the eternal Great War, the world where everything is decided by games, "Disboard," is born as the means to an end are changed from violence and force to games and wagers. But winners still trample losers, and the victims pile up. A young shrine maiden laughs at how nothing has changed. As the gamer siblings Sora and Shiro play a dice game where the number of dice you have is determined by your age, everyone seems to be against the pair. Will they survive, or will they lose the game--and their lives?

History repeats itself...or does it?!

With the end of Sora and Shiro's dice game against the Old Deus fast approaching, they're faced with completing Jibril's final task-a strategic simulation game set during the ancient Great War, before the world of Disboard changed. As leaders of the weakest race, Immanity, the gamer siblings have one objective: Ensure that in this version of the War, no one dies. But when their Old Deus opponent demands a sacrifice, Sora and Shiro will have to come up with some unconventional tactics to secure victory!

Gamer siblings Sora and Shiro have at last defeated the Old Deus Holou, and now they're switching gears: their next endeavor is to make Holou the number-one idol pop star in all of Disboard! But amid the chaos of their pet project comes a strange message from the representative of the 10th-ranked race, the Ex Machina... Is another arduous battle on the horizon for Sora and Shiro?!

After pulling off a successful coup d'etat for the throne, Sora and Shiro take their devil-may-care attitude to running a pharmacy. Fellow Immanity Chlammy comes to deliver a letter from the 8th ranked race, the Dwarves... and they've got a bone to pick with the gamer siblings! Will Blank come out of this battle with another race piece, or have they finally met their match?!

HOW DO YOU BEAT THE GAME OF LOVE?

Sora, Shiro, Steph, Jibril, and Emir-Eins find themselves somewhere completely unfamiliar: a Spratul, home of the ninth-ranked Ixseed, the Fairies. Next thing they know, a Fairy named Foeniculum shows up and announces that unless they partner up into couples, they'll be trapped there forever... Oh, and the whole thing is being livestreamed. To emerge victorious, Sora must choose one of the four ladies as his girlfriend--but what if they simply pair off with one another and leave him in the lurch?!

The absurdly outrageous, sarcastically satiric, and always entertaining New York Times bestselling author Christopher Moore returns in finest madcap form with this zany noir set on the mean streets of post-World War II San Francisco, and featuring a diverse cast of characters, including a hapless bartender; his Chinese sidekick; a doll with sharp angles and dangerous curves; a tight-lipped Air Force general; a wisecracking waif; Petey, a black mamba; and many more.

San Francisco. Summer, 1947. A dame walks into a saloon...

It's not every afternoon that an enigmatic, comely blonde named Stilton (like the cheese) walks into the scruffy gin joint where Sammy "Two Toes" Tiffin tends bar. It's love at first sight, but before Sammy can make his move, an Air Force general named Remy arrives with some urgent business. 'Cause when you need something done, Sammy is the guy to go to; he's got the connections on the street.

Meanwhile, a suspicious flying object has been spotted up the Pacific coast in Washington State near Mount Rainer, followed by a mysterious plane crash in a distant patch of desert in New Mexico that goes by the name Roswell. But the real weirdness is happening on the streets of the City by the Bay.

When one of Sammy's schemes goes south and the Cheese mysteriously vanishes, Sammy is forced to contend with his own dark secrets--and more than a few strange goings on--if he wants to find his girl.

Think Raymond Chandler meets Damon Runyon with more than a dash of Bugs Bunny and the Looney Tunes All Stars. It's all very, very Noir. It's all very, very Christopher Moore.

Christopher Moore returns to the mean streets of San Francisco in this outrageous follow-up to his madcap novel Noir.

San Francisco, 1947. Bartender Sammy "Two Toes" Tiffin and the rest of the Cookie's Coffee Irregulars--a ragtag bunch of working mugs last seen in Noir--are on the hustle: they're trying to open a driving school; shanghai an abusive Swedish stevedore; get Mable, the local madam, and her girls to a Christmas party at the State Hospital without alerting the overzealous head of the S.F.P.D. vice squad; all while Sammy's girlfriend, Stilton (a.k.a. the Cheese), and her "Wendy the Welder" gal pals are using their wartime shipbuilding skills on a secret project that might be attracting the attention of some government Men in Black. And, oh yeah, someone is murdering the city's drag kings and club owner Jimmy Vasco is sure she's next on the list and wants Sammy to find the killer.

Meanwhile, Eddie "Moo Shoes" Shu has been summoned by his Uncle Ho to help save his opium den from Squid Kid Tang, a vicious gangster who is determined to retrieve a priceless relic: an ancient statue of the powerful Rain Dragon that Ho stole from one of the fighting tongs forty years earlier. And if Eddie blows it, he just might call down the wrath of that powerful magical creature on all of Fog City.

Strap yourselves in for a bit of the old razzmatazz, ladies and gentlemen. It's Christopher Moore time.

The Perfect Servant (NOT!)

He looked like a cross between a dragon and a catfish, and he could bend iron bands into pretzels with a flick of his hand. But what Zdim the mild-mannered demon really was, was a scholar of logic and philosophy. That's why when Zdim was drafter for a year's servitude on the mortal plane he felt that a monumental administrative error had been made.

And even though Zdim resolved to be absolutely obedient and to do exactly what he was told, the wizard who employed him soon agreed.

Jorian, ex-king of Xylar, has had enough adventures to last a lifetime. But when his brother Kerin, youngest son of Evor the Clockmaker, commits an indescretion with Adeliza, a neighbor's daughter, he is packed off on a hasty quest to uncover the secret of an advanced clock escapement for the family firm. A pragmatic, cautious sort, he preps for his journey with a crash course from his experienced brother in useful skills -- swordsmanship and foreign tongues, of course, but also lying and burglary. He is hampered and sometimes aided by the sprite Belinka, commissioned by the calculating Adeliza to ensure Kerin's faithfulness.

Kerin's goal takes him east across the Inner Sea, the Sea of Sikhon and the Eastern Ocean to the empire of Kuromon, where he is promised the secret in return for a magical fan lost centuries before. It has the property of making whatever it is waved at disappear without a trace. Along the way he must contend with a treacherous sea captain and his suspicious navigator, the duplicitous sorcerer Pwana, and the pirate crew of Malgo, who has a grudge against Kerin's family.

A more pleasant complication is Nogiri, a princess of the island empire of Salimor, whom Kerin has liberated (much to the displeasure of Belinka) from the pirates. Kerin returns her to Salimor only to lose her to the nefarious designs of Pwana, and a dire fate from which she can only be preserved by a daring rescue -- on roller skates!

Finally Kuromon is reached and negotiations are concluded satisfactorily, but only at the cost of an unexpected regime change by fan...

King Jorian was rather attached to his head. Hence, he felt his promise to seal the Kist of Avlen, a treasure trove of ancient manuscripts on magic, was little enough a price to pay for a chance to escape his own beheading.

But when the quest pitted him against one peril after another - a murderous wizard and his giant squirrel, a castle full of executioners, a marauding troop of ape men, and a voluptuous 500-year-old princess who was also a serpent - Jorian wondered if he'd made a good bargain!

The Best Mislaid Plans.

Wizardly schemes, Jorian knew went oft a-gley. But this time the wizard's plan seemed simple. Since ancient prophecy foretold that the clocks would save Iraz, Jorian must repair the great tower clocks that his father had built.

If everything went well, Karadur could then plan the rescue of Jorian's beloved wife, Queen Estrildis from Xylar.

And Jorian would be appointed Clockmaster of Iraz, a position that would require him to break a pirate siege, placate an amorous priestess, and stay at least one step ahead of the Royal Guard of Xylar - where he was still wanted as the star sttraction of a royal beheading!

Never Trust a Demon.

Three years earlier, Jorian had been the crowned King of Xylar. But the laws of Xylar decreed that each randomly chosen King must be beheaded at the end of a five-year reign. Jorian had a prejudice against losing his head. With the aid of the aged wizard Karadur, he managed to flee.

Unfortunately he had not been able to bring his beloved wife, Queen Estrildis, with him, nor had he yet been able to find a means of freeing her from the palace in Xylar City.

Now, however, he felt that his luck was about to change. He and the aged wizard Karadur were being flown through the night air in a great copper bathtub, powered by a demon under Karadur's control. Ahead of them lay Xylar City. There, while the demon kept the bathtub hovering above the palace, Jorian could let down a rope and rescue Estrildis.

It should have been a foolproof scheme...

When humans arrived on Maras Mantia, home of dwarves, elves, and all the other old races, they raped the land of its soul and magic. And, now the Orcs, whom Earthlings hunted down and slaughtered like beasts of the field, may be the chosen creatures destined to win peace for all.

In Orario, fearless adventurers band together in search of fame and fortune within the monstrous underground labyrinth known as Dungeon.

But while riches and renown are incentive enough for most, Bell Cranel, would-be hero extraordinaire, has bigger plans.

He wants to pick up girls.

Is it wrong to face the perils of Dungeon alone, in a single-member guild blessed by a failed goddess? Maybe. Is it wrong to dream of playing hero to hapless maidens in Dungeon? Maybe not. After one misguided adventure, Bell quickly discovers that anything can happen in the labyrinth--even chance encounters with beautiful women. The only problem? He's the one who winds up the damsel in distress!

"Hello, white-hair."

When someone calls out to Bell with these words, he discovers that the voice belongs to a girl who introduces herself as Lilly. Somewhat goaded into teaming up with her despite the many doubts running through his head, Bell has a successful turn in the dungeon with his new companion.

Though their alliance is short-lived, the negative rumors swirling about the guild to which Lilly belongs, the Soma Familia, are anything but. Later Bell is confronted by the tales of a mysterious sacred wine said to steal the hearts of all who drink it, and--?!

With the help of his new supporter Lilliluka, novice adventurer Bell Cranel is making progress deeper into the dungeon. With new equipment and new allies, he thinks things are finally starting to go his way... but he's dead wrong! Bell's in a panic, Lilliluka's being cryptic, and Hestia's drunk! The trouble never seems to end in this third volume of the hit comedy-fantasy series!

Following his defeat of the Minotaur, Bell has reached Level Two--and is the new record holder for the fastest to do so. Suddenly everyone in Orario wants to form a party with him and go adventuring! But with sudden popularity comes many a complication. How will Bell and Hestia know whom to trust? The Familia myth--written by the goddess and lived by the boy--continues!

Bell, along with his adventuring party of Welf the swordsmith and Lilly the supporter, has made it into the middle floors of the Dungeon, but the schemes of another party have stranded them there! Hestia's going to need to send help, but will the rescuers arrive in time to save Bell and his friends from the monster that's got them cornered? The familia myth of the boy and the goddess continues!

"Hestia, I challenge you to a War Game!"
"What's with you, Apollo?"

A War Game--an all-out proxy war between gods, and the winner takes all. But what is it that Apollo wants? Hestia's beloved Bell Cranell, of course! With a week to go until the Game, things are bleak enough, but then Lilly is kidnapped by the Soma Familia. The outlook isn't good , but Bell has made many friends through his adventures, and they won't stand idly by. The familia myth continues!

Having triumphed in the War Game, Lilly, Welf, and Mikoto have forged new bonds with each other and with Bell, and the new-and-improved Hestia Familia is feeling distinctly more familial. But when Bell has to venture into the pleasure quarter of Orario to come to Mikoto's aid, he's soon tangled up in more intrigue than he bargained for. Ishtar Familia owns the night here, and none of Bell's experience can prepare him for their courtesan wiles!

The Rakia Kingdom dispatches soldiers. The God of War Ares leads the army of 30,000 on a sudden invasion. As the sounds of their thunderous march approaches the Labyrinth City Orario...not much changes. On the other side of the wall, the invaders raise their war cries but inside, the adventurers continue their peaceful daily lives. A prum marriage proposal, a city girl's secret, romantic ballads serenading the deities--and a goddess weaving her own love song. These are the ordinary days of the gods and their children in Orario.

Having reached a new level of the Dungeon, the Colossal Tree Labyrinth, Bell meets a dragon girl named Wiene who can speak human language. Once he learns she has come under attack from humans and monsters alike, he vows to protect her. This decision brings chaos to the capital as the two navigate ruthless hunters, the irremediable strife between monsters and humans, and the plans of the Guild's true leader. The bizarre situation shakes humans, monsters, and deities to the core in volume nine!

After encountering intelligent monsters in the Dungeon, Bell and Weine share a tearful goodbye as Hestia Familia return to the surface short one member. But not long after their parting, the Guild confirms the existence of armed monsters and immediately calls on Orario's strongest to exterminate this threat. Bell is forced to make some of the hardest decisions of his life when he's the only thing standing between a massacre of monsters and adventurers.

After saving the young dragon girl Wiene, Bell's name has become synonymous with "greedy", "despicable", and "traitor." He and his familia have completely lost the trust and respect of everyone residing in Orario. There's no time for him to feel sorry himself when his newfound monstrous friends, the Xenos, need his help to get home. But now that the the greatest obstacle in their way is Loki Familia, does Bell have what it takes to raise a fist against his beloved idol, the Sword Princess Aiz Wallenstein?

And so the boy begins to run again.

Bell has grown through combat with his greatest rival.

A rank up, a denatus, a new nickname...as he draws attention from the people and deities of Orario, the young adventurer receives a letter.

"A mission... an expedition?"

Bell has reached a higher level, and he must therefore take on an even more challenging adventure.

The order from the Guild leads him toward a new stage.

And so, a faction alliance sets out for the Dungeon.

Alongside his companions, Bell faces new floors, new monsters, and new unknowns.

Seeing the future always comes at a cost!

Someone has been murdered. The prime suspect in the latest crime to rock Rivira is the elf Gale Wind, now a blacklisted fugitive with a bounty on her head. After hearing this shocking accusation, Bell and his friends prepare to pursue her in order to clear her name. On the eve of their journey, Cassandra recalls a terrible dream that portended seventeen prophecies-and if they come true, the people she cares for most will die. Her solitary battle against ruin begins as Bell chases a Lyu consumed by a thirst for revenge!!

The prophecy of despair continues...

When an unprecedented calamity on the twenty-seventh floor leaves Bell and Lyu stranded, Bell's party needs to keep fighting without him. With their route to the surface lost and Hestia Familia's captain missing in action, Lilly must take command to ensure they all make it home alive. Ten floors below, Bell and Lyu are injured and alone, forced to struggle against the harshest challenge the Dungeon has to offer, which puts their very lives on the line. Bell has never been this deep down before nor completely unprepared, meaning Lyu's knowledge and strength are essential to their survival. However, the forlorn elf finds herself standing on the border between life and death, bound by her past, remembering once again exactly how her devotion to justice died so many years ago...

"After all, my goddess once told me that resting is part of an adventurer's job."

After going deeper than they've ever gone before and surviving the dangers of the Dungeon, Bell and his companions have more than earned themselves a respite. In the warm sunlight and safety of the surface, everyone has a moment to sit and reflect on just how much they've changed. Bell's thoughts return to the day everything began. Hestia remembers her trials after leaving the heavens. Lilly thinks of the cindery past she has overcome. Welf gazes into the sky but sees days long gone. Eina's scarred heart reminds her of what she's lost. Lyu mulls over her oath to uphold justice. Mikoto and Haruhime relive the peace of their youth. These are the stories of where they all came from and how far they've come...

IT'S AN HONEST-TO-GODDESS DATE!

After every Elegia, there must be a Goddess Festival. The celebration of the harvest is meant to clear away the somber mood hanging over the city and bring about joy and laughter. The festival promises to be anything but fun for Bell, though, after a love letter is hand delivered to him by a high-ranking member of Freya Familia--and it's from Syr of all people! What's Syr's connection to one of the strongest familias in the city? Why did she choose this moment to ask him out? And what will his answer be?!

Sometimes carrying out justice requires... cross-dressing?!

When a troubled couple tells the story of how their daughter was taken to pay off a gambling debt, Lyu's conscience and the legacy of Astrea Familia compel her to take action!

The many skills Lyu learned as an adventurer are formidable, but she'll need more than brute force to challenge the influential Grand Casino. Unable to sneak or fight her way inside, Lyu puts all her trust in Syr's rescue plan: Go through the front door posing as Count Maximilian and his beautiful wife!

THE SEARCH FOR LOVE IS ON!

A fey mood strikes Freya, sparking a new quest to find her Odr, the one destined to stand forever by her side. Naturally, her followers are against it. They remember all too well the disaster that her last adventure turned out to be. Unfortunately for them, such a minor setback has never been enough to stop the goddess of beauty from following wherever her heart leads-which, this time, happens to be the sandy dunes of Kaios. Freya is eager to spread her wings to see what discoveries this new land has to offer, even as her familia frantically searches for her, no matter the cost...!

Aiz Wallenstein, the Sword Princess, is known as one of the most powerful warriors from one of the most powerful groups in the city of Orario: Loki Familia. With them, she ventures into the deepest parts of the labyrinthine Dungeon beneath the city, stalking the monstrous denizens that lurk there and vanquishing them with the blazing light of her sword. But when she meets a certain white-haired boy, the encounter will change both of them forever...

A room bathed in crimson red blood, the air choked with the smell of iron, and a shattered skull atop a dead adventurers corpse...

Thanks to Aiz and crew, the tumultuous events of Monsterphilia ended without incident, and they were finally able to relax-but only for a moment. Soon, they find themselves embroiled in a suspicious case of murder. As they begin to investigate, the ladies soon realize that they're getting involved with a killer that's more horrifying than they thought.

"What, is this...?"

In the midst of all this, they find a mysterious jewel that may connect to everything else. These events taking place above and below the surface will rock Orario to its core as the darkness lurking in the city bursts forth!

After the tumultuous events in the Dungeon, Aiz has finally reached the vaulted Level 6! But in spite of this amazing news, the Sword Princess seems to be completely depressed. There are two reasons.

The first is that she finally managed to meet the white-haired boy again, but once more, he ran away from her with everything he had. The second is that the monster tamer she fought so hard against knew her name--a name that absolutely no one else should know, and yet...

Meanwhile, from the depths of the Dungeon comes a mysterious crystal ball that's about to plunge both underground and surface worlds quietly into chaos!

After the tumultuous events in the Dungeon, Aiz has finally reached the vaulted Level 6! But in spite of this amazing news, the Sword Princess seems to be completely depressed. There are two reasons.

The first is that she finally managed to meet the white-haired boy again, but once more, he ran away from her with everything he had. The second is that the monster tamer she fought so hard against knew her name--a name that absolutely no one else should know, and yet...

Meanwhile, from the depths of the Dungeon comes a mysterious crystal ball that's about to plunge both underground and surface worlds quietly into chaos!

After the massive battle on the 59th floor, Loki Famila makes their return. However, along the way their progress is halted by the appearance of an Irregular and they make camp on the 18th floor. There, Aiz faces an unexpected and sudden reunion with a certain white-haired boy that a certain young elf couldn't be less excited to see. The other adventurers are all curious, hoping to find out more about the fastest growing adventurer in history but Lefiya has other ideas...

Many will brave the Dungeon, if it lets them escape their past...

Now that their big expedition is over, Loki Familia is headed to Port Meren in search of the rumored second entrance to the Dungeon. After arriving, everyone finally gets a chance to relax on the gorgeous beaches of the lakeside city, even if it's all thanks to their goddess's obviously ulterior motives. But before they settle in, a storm arrives!

Kali Familia and their patron deity of carnage have made landfall, ready to stir up trouble. What's worse, there seems to be bad blood between them and the Amazon twins, Tione and Tiona! As sinister shadows darken Meren, the two sisters are forced to face their turbulent history!

Using what clues they obtained in Meren, Loki Familia sets forth on an investigation of the Labyrinth District's renowned Daedalus Street. Their enemy's stronghold in front of them, they finally have the Evils right where they want them-.

"You shall become the cornerstone of my ancestor's greatest work... the man-made dungeon Knossos."

Only, an unimaginable labyrinth of darkness awaits, and with it, more terrors of its own: A cursed family lineage, their captain's old nemesis, the last of the evil gods, and even the red-haired creature woman, Levis.

This nest of evil will prove to be Aiz and crew's greatest threat yet!

"Farewell, Loki Familia... and sweet dreams."

Bete Loga-

-Even when compared with the rest of Loki Familia, his steadfast belief that only the strong matter is considered extreme. In the wake of the withdrawal from Knossos, his callousness towards those who died in battle has isolated him from the rest of the familia but there is more than meets the eye...

When an Amazon named Rena suddenly appeared before Bete, her aggressive attempts to win him over ever so gradually lead to them to begin... living together?! Bete can hardly believe it himself, but soon his interactions with the girl bring up old memories of companions lost. However, the assassin's blade that stole his comrades from him before has begun to loom once more!

The times may change, but the legends of adventuring never will!

After Bete helps bring an end to the Amazon hunt, there's hardly a moment to rest before a new threat approaches Orario! The Kingdom of Rakia has dispatched a massive invading army, and adventurers answer the call to halt their advance. As Loki Familia readies itself for battle once more, a young girl's unexpected question opens the door to the past when Riveria shares one small, private story about her days during Aiz's childhood. While the fragments of memory lead the high elves' thoughts to times long gone, the grown-up Aiz feels conflicted after finding herself in a village that worships a dragon... Has she changed since her first fitful days of fighting monsters, or is some part of her still the Doll Princess?

Orario has erupted in fear and bewilderment as weapon-wielding monsters appear above ground. This Irregular is drawing every power residing within the city into a whirlwind of trouble. For Loki Familia, this seems like the best lead they have so far in their search for the key to the man-made dungeon. The Sword Princess steels herself as they begin their search, but in this fateful battle that revolves around people and monsters, Aiz will have to grapple with much more than she bargained for.

After her conflict with Bell, Aiz falls into a stupor as she questions the very reason she fights. Her heart heavy with a whirlpool of emotions and thoughts, she decides to face the young boy once again!

The time for the final battle has come. These young women-these adventurers-are preparing for the ultimate struggle. No matter who wins, who loses, who lives, who dies, there will be no glory or riches to win. Those who fall shall not be remembered in the annals of history. Even so, they stand strong in the face of the greatest evil the world has seen in 1000 years. This is the story of one more familia...

In Christopher Moore's ingenious debut novel, we meet one of the most memorably mismatched pairs in the annals of literature. The good-looking one is one-hundred-year-old ex-seminarian and "roads" scholar Travis O'Hearn. The green one is Catch, a demon with a nasty habit of eating most of the people he meets. Behind the fake Tudor faÇade of Pine Cove, California, Catch sees a four-star buffet. Travis, on the other hand, thinks he sees a way of ridding himself of his toothy traveling companion. The winos, neo-pagans, and deadbeat Lotharios of Pine Cove, meanwhile, have other ideas. And none of them is quite prepared when all hell breaks loose.

'Twas the night (okay, more like the week) before Christmas, and all through the tiny community of Pine Cove, California, people are busy buying, wrapping, packing, and generally getting into the holiday spirit.

But not everybody is feeling the joy. Little Joshua Barker is in desperate need of a holiday miracle. No, he's not on his deathbed; no, his dog hasn't run away from home. But Josh is sure that he saw Santa take a shovel to the head, and now the seven-year-old has only one prayer: Please, Santa, come back from the dead.

But hold on! There's an angel waiting in the wings. (Wings, get it?) It's none other than the Archangel Raziel come to Earth seeking a small child with a wish that needs granting. Unfortunately, our angel's not sporting the brightest halo in the bunch, and before you can say "Kris Kringle," he's botched his sacred mission and sent the residents of Pine Cove headlong into Christmas chaos, culminating in the most hilarious and horrifying holiday party the town has ever seen.

Move over, Charles Dickens -- it's Christopher Moore time.

Having a Save Point's not as Convenient as you'd think...

Subaru Natsuki was just trying to get a snack at the convenience store but wound up summoned to another world. He encounters the usual things--life-threatening situations, silver haired beauties, cat fairies--you know, normal stuff. All that would be bad enough, but he's also gained the most inconvenient magical ability ever--time travel, but he's got to die to use it. How do you repay someone who saved your life when all you can do is die?

The only ability Subaru Natsuki gets when he's summoned to another world is time travel via his own death. But to save her, he'll die as many times as it takes.

This time, Repeating Death might not be enough...

Breaking free of his death loop in the royal capital, Subaru awakes in an opulent mansion, being tended to by the twin maids Ram and Rem. After sustaining terrible injuries, he has been taken to the home of the Provincial Lord Roswaal L. Mathers, Emilia's guardian. Subaru quickly comes to know the eccentric Lord of the manor, the inseperable twin maids, and the mysterious, childlike librarian, Beatrice. Their quiet, peaceful days abruptly end as another cycle of death begins! Subaru is the only one who remembers the time he's spent with the people he cares about, but will he be able to save them?

The only ability Subaru Natsuki gets when he's summoned to another world is time travel via his own death. But to save her, he'll die as many times as it takes.

The Best Ending Need a Perfect Play-Through...

After doing the unthinkable to get one more chance, Subaru wakes up in an all to familiar guest room. He knows exactly what he needs to do to survive--and make sure everyone else does, too. With no room for mistakes, Subaru is desperate to put on a perfect performance. But just when he needs to hold it together, his mental trauma pushes him to the edge. Subaru is trying to hang on until he can save everyone...but who will save Subaru?

The only ability Subaru Natsuki gets when he's summoned to another world is time travel via his own death. But to save her, he'll die as many times as it takes.

Death isn't the Only Way to Lose Progress...

At long last, Subaru can finally enjoy a breather...until an envoy visits to discuss the royal selection. Determined to help Emilia win the throne, Subaru accompanies her to the capital, but Emilia herself stubbornly refuses his assistance. As the tension grows between the royal candidates, so does the friction in the pair's relationship. Has Subaru's devotion gone to far?

The only ability Subaru Natsuki gets when he's summoned to another world is time travel via his own death. But to save her, he'll die as many times as it takes.

Even a Save Point might not be Enough to Fix This...

Subaru has really made a mess of things this time. After getting into a fight with the girl of his dreams, Subaru is stuck in the Karsten estate with Rem while Emilia heads home without him. Consumed by a sense of powerlessness, he spends his time desperately training--all the while wondering, "What's the Point?" Is there any reason for him to struggle at all? But while he grapples with his inner demons, the Witch Cult may no longer be content to sit back...

The only ability Subaru Natsuki gets when he's summoned to another world is time travel via his own death. But to save her, he'll die as many times as it takes.

Resets aren't a Promise Things Will get Better...

After suffering terribly at the hands of Petelgeuse, the Archbishop of Sloth, Subaru has returned once more to the capital with his ability, Return by Death. Swearing revenge, he'll need to find allies and borrow their strength to strike back at the Witch Cult and save Emilia. But how will he manage that when he has nothing to offer, powerless as he is...?

The only ability Subaru Natsuki gets when he's summoned to another world is time travel via his own death. But to save her, he'll die as many times as it takes.

Every Failed Save is Another Change to Make a Comeback...

Dying helplessly time and again has broken Subaru Natsuki's spirit, but Rem's words gave him the strength to stand up once more. Now, using what he has learned thanks to Return by Death, Subaru drags royal candidates Crusch and Anastasia into a desperate hunt for the White Whale in order to save Emilia. Many have gathered to defeat the Demon Beast of Mist, which has plagued the world for more then four centuries, including the beast-man mercenary group Iron Fangs, seasoned veterns yearning for vengeance, and a certain Sword Devil who is overjoyed that this moment has finally come...

The only ability Subaru Natsuki gets when he's summoned to another world is time travel via his own death. But to save her, he'll die as many times as it takes.

SAVE POINTS ARE NO EXCUSE FOR SLOTH...

The harrowing battle against the White Whale has finally been won, meaning Sabaru can focus on returning to the Mathers domain. This time, with soldiers from the expeditionary force as well as Julius at his back, he is ready to fight the Witch Cult raiders who are under the command of the Archbishop of Sloth, Petelgeuse Romanee-Conti! In order to thwart the madman's plot to inflict unspeakable tragedy upon the Lady Emilia and eveyone else Sabaru cares about, Subaru uses what little he had learned from Return-by-Death. Realizing that he can't save them alone, Sabaru will beg, plead, and cooperate with whomever it takes to defy fate itself!

The only ability Subaru Natsuki gets when he's summoned to another world is time travel via his own death. But to save her, he'll die as many times as it takes.

Having lost his deadly duel with Petelgeuse Romanée-Conti, Subaru Natsuki goes back in time once more.

Subaru returns to the world and, yet to shake off the effects of the ferocious battle, works with his allies to weave a new strategy - all to foil the wicked plans of the body-hopping Bishop of the Deadly Sins.

Emilia, remaining behind in Roswaal Manor, also realizes that something lurks in the vicinity of the mansion. She urges the populace to take refuge, but the circumstances of her birth prove to be a wall she is helpless to overcome. Yet the arrival of the "Sword Devil" offers her a ray of hope-

"If you tell me ten things you hate about yourself, I'll tell you twelve that I love about you."

The ninth volume of the popular web novel, a tale of encounters and farewells. The third arc, Return to the Capital, reaches its conclusion-!!

The only ability Subaru Natsuki gets when he's summoned to another world is time travel via his own death. But to save her, he'll die as many times as it takes.

The times may change, but the legends of adventuring never will!

With the Witch Cult and the Archbishop of Sloth defeated, Subaru Natsuki is finally reunited with Emilia. Overcoming their bitter parting, the two manage to reconcile only for new troubles to take center stage. Even though the coast is now clear, half of the villagers who escaped have yet to return. Hoping to meet up with Roswaal, Ram, and the missing residents of Earlham, Subaru and the others head toward the Sanctuary. Waiting for them inside are the unwelcoming inhabitants of the Sanctuary and a very suspiciously amused Roswaal. Though Subaru tries his best to find a way to bring everyone home, when past and present collide, he'll come face-to-face with a Witch who lives in his dreams!

The only ability Subaru Natsuki gets when he's summoned to another world is time travel via his own death. But to save her, he'll die as many times as it takes.

Searching for even the slightest clue on how to escape the barrier of Sanctuary, Subaru must rely on Return from Death once more! Beginning the loop again, he must find the courage to face Elza, the terrifying assassin obsessed with gouging out the innards of her targets-and the first person to kill Subaru! The greatest challenge he'll have to face isn't knives or swords, but confusion when events play out completely differently from his last life!

The only ability Subaru Natsuki gets when he's summoned to another world is time travel via his own death. But to save her, he'll die as many times as it takes.

It seems no matter how many times Subaru returns to Sanctuary using his ability Return by Death, nothing ever goes the same way twice. Unexpected things keep happening, and the truth he learns threatens to crush him. He'll have to get back up if the world is to have any hope of avoiding the impending whiteout...

The only ability Subaru Natsuki gets when he's summoned to another world is time travel via his own death. But to save her, he'll die as many times as it takes.

Having caught a glimpse of the hellish future that might await him, Subaru braces himself for a second trial that has taken a strange form! Surrounding him are six witches, each bearing the name of a terrible sin, and the final witch who destroyed them all has finally arrived as well...

The only ability Subaru Natsuki gets when he's summoned to another world is time travel via his own death. But to save her, he'll die as many times as it takes.

After settling things with Garfiel and bringing him onto their side, Subaru and his dearest friends prepare for the next challenges they must overcome. Emilia challenges the tomb's Trial once more to confront her painful past while one of the Ryuzu clones recounts how the Sanctuary came to be, recalling the history of this fateful place.

The only ability Subaru Natsuki gets when he's summoned to another world is time travel via his own death. But to save her, he'll die as many times as it takes.

THIS IS WHAT IT TAKES TO BE EMILIA'S KNIGHT!

Bestial roars echo across Roswaal Manor as Elsa and Garfiel finally collide. Leaving this dire foe to his dependable ally, Subaru has his long-awaited reunion with Beatrice. Whether she'll listen to him this time is still anyone's guess. Meanwhile, Emilia forges ahead in the Trials and confronts the unknowable present: a world portraying impossible happiness filled with the blessings of the Witch. With his friends scattered across the map and exotic demon beasts closing in, it's up to Subaru to cut open a path to the future for them all--no exceptions and no one left behind!

The only ability Subaru Natsuki gets when he's summoned to another world is time travel via his own death. But to save her, he'll die as many times as it takes.

One year after the battle in the Sanctuary, a message arrives from Anastasia-an invitation for Emilia and her supporters to visit the city of Priestella. There, they will meet many familiar faces and see many amazing sights. As they take in the sights and rekindle old friendships, malevolent forces lurk behind the scenes. What new tragedy does fate have in store for them?

The only ability Subaru Natsuki gets when he's summoned to another world is time travel via his own death. But to save her, he'll die as many times as it takes.

TIME ATTACK CHALLENGE!

Pristella is minutes away from disaster, and Subaru is the only one who has any idea what's coming. Sirius, the Archibishop of Wrath, has an insidious power and is more than willing to use it to commit an act of terror in the name of love. To have any hope of saving the city's residents, Subaru will first need to figure out how to handle the shortest time limit Return by Death has ever given him. Will his powerful allies and newfound skills be enough to keep the Water Gate City safe from the catastrophe that's about to come knocking?

The only ability Subaru Natsuki gets when he's summoned to another world is time travel via his own death. But to save her, he'll die as many times as it takes.

After Subaru and his friends fail to retake city hall, the Water Gate City of Pristella is hit by a deluge of muddy water. Though Subaru vows to turn the tide, the Witch Cult's Archbishops continue to plunge the city deeper into chaos, calling forth otherworldly beasts to sow madness and terror. With his allies scattered, Subaru bets it all on a gambit that could reverse his fortunes in one fell swoop!

The only ability Subaru Natsuki gets when he's summoned to another world is time travel via his own death. But to save her, he'll die as many times as it takes.

In order to reclaim their city from enemy forces, the royal selection candidates and the knights finally face off against the Witch Cult Archbishop! Meanwhile, Subaru and Reinhardt crash the worst wedding ever to rescue Emilia from the clutches of Regulus, Archbishop of Greed. But will this tag team consisting of the weakest and strongest knights in the kingdom be enough to topple their "invincible" opponent?

THIS FIGHT IS JUST GETTING STARTED!

The only ability Subaru Natsuki gets when he's summoned to another world is time travel via his own death. But to save her, he'll die as many times as it takes.

Despite terrible odds, the Archbishop of Greed and the Archbishop of Wrath have been defeated. Still, the battle for Pristella rages on! The unending hunger of Gluttony, the insatiable desire of Lust, the unquenchable fighting spirit of Eight-Arms Kurgan, and the never-ending karma of the former Sword Saint all threaten the peace of the city. Sparks fly as Sabaru and his freinds continue the fight beneath the silvery moon. Their hope to turn things around may lie in an old vow, a promise with a friend and the Astrea family!

The only ability Subaru Natsuki gets when he's summoned to another world is time travel via his own death. But to save her, he'll die as many times as it takes.

The Witch Cult has finally been driven from the Water Gate City, but the turbulent events have left deep scars. Far too many people have even been robbed of their very identities. In order to save them, Subaru and his friends set off on a dangerous journey to the Pleaides Watchtower. To get there, they will need to cross the Auguria Sand Dunes, home to vicious demon beasts of every kind. But they have nothing to fear with their companions the Demon Beast Master, the twin sisters Ram and Rem, and the Finest of Knights Julius... right?

The only ability Subaru Natsuki gets when he's summoned to another world is time travel via his own death. But to save her, he'll die as many times as it takes.

WHEN WILL THE EXAMS END?

Subaru makes history with his friends after reaching the unreachable tower deep in an unpassable land that even Reinhard finds inhospitable. Waiting for them is a Sage who is quite different from all the stories... not to mention several tests set up centuries earlier to judge the worthiness of visitors seeking the untold knowledge resting within the tower. If they pass, access to the hidden wisdom of the legendary Sage may help them find a way to save Rem and the other victims of the Witch Cult. Fail... and they might not leave alive...

The only ability Subaru Natsuki gets when he's summoned to another world is time travel via his own death. But to save her, he'll die as many times as it takes.

The trials in the Pleiades Watchtower are underway! The promise of untold knowledge and maybe a way to save their friends is what brought Subaru's party here and though they have had some initial success, they're currently stuck, unsure how they can get past Reid Astrea, the legend himself. And if that wasn't enough trouble, Subaru might have finally lost... his memories?!

The only ability Subaru Natsuki gets when he's summoned to another world is time travel via his own death. But to save her, he'll die as many times as it takes.

THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES...

Subaru has forgotten almost everything that happened since he first came to this strange new world, and he still has no idea why. The only thing he knows for sure is that if he doesn't figure out what's going on soon, he and his friends are going to die horribly in this danger-filled tower. There are hungry archbishops, a living legend, and even a giant scorpion skulking around. Worse, they still haven't made any progress with the examination. Subaru's only hope may be in the Taygeta archive, where the memories of untold millions lie within the books of the dead...

The only ability Subaru Natsuki gets when he's summoned to another world is time travel via his own death. But to save her, he'll die as many times as it takes.

Subaru Natsuki is determined to make it through the Pleiades Tower without losing anyone, and he's willing to die however many times it takes. It's going to take more than just guts to get everyone out and Subaru's still only one man. Luckily, his friends won't let him brave the challenges of the tower alone. And then it appears--his own book of the dead, a record of pasts that never came to be...

The bestselling series from author Tappei Nagatsuki continues in this spin-off where some of your favorite characters capture the spotlight!

THEIR DREAM FOR THE FUTURE WAS BORN LONG AGO...

During the royal selection, Duchess Crusch Karsten declares her plans for the Dragonfriend Kingdom of Lugunica: to destroy the covenant with the Dragon and rebuild the nation stronger than before. But where did her radical vision come from? Why does she want to change her country so badly? The answer lies in her past...

This collection of short stories chronicles Crusch's growth into a nobel Duchess vying for the crown, her vassal Ferris's struggles with knighthood and family, and their love for the warm-hearted young prince who inspired them both.

When a devil falls for an angel...

Long ago, a great war raged between the royal military of Lugunica and the demi-humans. On that battlefield, a noteworthy young warrior was born---Wilhelm Trias, dubbed the Sword Devil. But despite his skill with a blade, the boy would need to grow much more before he could become a true hero. This is the story of a legendary swordsman--and how he learned to love.

THE WAR IS OVER, BUT THE WEDDING IS JUST BEGINNING...

After overcoming more obstacles than any couple should have to endure, Wilhelm and Theresia can finally be together. The hopeful bride and groom soon discover, though, that wedded bliss comes with trials all its own. After a shaky ceremony and an overly crowded honeymoon, the Sword Devil and Sword Saint get to enjoy carefree days tackling mundane headaches and the impositions of their loved ones-but true danger lurks around the corner when the world cries out for the devil of the sword once more!

Murder in the empire means war for the Kingdom of Lugunica!

While Julius, Reinhard, and Ferris are on a diplomatic mission to secure a peace treaty, a Volakian general winds up dead. All fingers point to...the Sword Saint? The three knights find themselves on the run and abduct the ruler of the Empire himself, Vincent Volakia. Their only hope is to stay alive long enough to uncover the real culprit behind the killing. With the famous Nine Divine Generals after them, however, that might be easier said than done!

In the Sacred Empire of Vollachia, largest of the Four Great Nations, the strong rise to the top and the weak sink to the bottom. No one is exempt from this ironclad mandate--not even the Emperor. Prisca Benedict, a discerning member of the Vollachian royal family, is still but a child when she is thrust into the Emperor Selection Ceremony to determine her father's successor. Now, she must face off against her own siblings in a battle for the crown... where only one of them can make it out alive.

When the townspeople of Gramarye become mesmerized by the beat of strange floating musical crystals, Rod Gallowglass sets out to uncover their mysterious origins before he loses his children to their sinister charm.

"Who'd want to kill a dumb cartoon bunny?"

That's what Eddie Valiant wants to know. He's the toughest private eye in Los Angeles, and he'll handle anything - if you're human. If you're a Toon, that's another story.

Eddie doesn't like Toons - those cartoon characters who live side-by-side with humans. Not the way they look, and especially not the way they talk: word-filled balloons come out of their mouths and then disintegrate, leaving dust all over his rug.

Eddie will work for a Toon if his cash supply is low enough. So he reluctantly agrees when Roger Rabbit, a Toon who plays straight man (or should that be straight rabbit) in the Baby Herman cartoon series, asks him to find out who's been trying - unsuccessfully - to buy his contract from the DeGreasy Brothers syndicate.

Then Rocco DeGreasy is murdered - and Roger is the prime suspect! The rabbit is also, as Eddie soon discovers, very, very dead.

Who censored Roger Rabbit? And who shot Rocco DeGreasy? Was it Roger, or was it Rocco's hot-cha-cha girlfriend, Jessica Rabbit? Why had Jessica - a pretty steamy number for a Toon - ever married a dopey bunny in the first place? And why does everybody want Roger's battered old teakettle?

As Eddie combs L.A. from the executive suites of the DeGreasy Brothers to Sid Sleaze's porno comic studio, he uncovers art thefts, blackmail plots... and the cagiest killer he's ever faced.

In Who Censored Roger Rabbit?, author Gary K. Wolf has created a wonderfully skewed - and totally believable - world compounded of equal parts Raymond Chandler, Lewis Carroll, and Warner Brothers. This riotously surreal spoof of the hard-boiled detective novel is packed with action and laughs. From first page to last, Who Censored Roger Rabbit? is sheer delight.

Celebrated author Gary K. Wolf's cult classic and highly praised novel Who Censored Roger Rabbit? is the basis for the blockbuster Walt Disney/Steven Spielberg Academy Award winning film Who Framed Roger Rabbit.

Loch is seeking revenge. It would help if she wasn't in jail.

The plan: to steal a priceless elven manuscript that once belonged to her family, but now is in the hands of the most powerful man in the Republic. To do so Loch--former soldier, former prisoner, current fugitive--must assemble a crack team of magical misfits that includes a cynical illusionist, a shapeshifting unicorn, a repentant death priestess, a talking magical warhammer, and a lad with seemingly no skills to help her break into the floating fortress of Heaven's Spire and the vault that holds her family's treasure--all while eluding the unrelenting pursuit of Justicar Pyvic, whose only mission is to see the law upheld.

What could possibly go wrong?

Who would have thought a book of naughty poems by elves could mean the difference between war and peace? But if stealing the precious volume will keep the Republic and the Empire from tearing out each other's throats, rogue soldier Isafesira de Lochenville--"Loch" to friends and foes alike--is willing to do the dishonest honors. With her motley crew of magic-makers, law-breakers, and a talking warhammer, she'll match wits and weapons with dutiful dwarves, mercenary knights, golems, daemons, an arrogant elf, and a sorcerous princess.

But getting their hands on the prize--while keeping their heads attached to their necks--means Loch and company must battle their way from a booby-trapped museum to a monster-infested library, and from a temple full of furious monks to a speeding train besieged by assassins. And for what? Are a few pages of bawdy verse worth waging war over? Or does something far more sinister lurk between the lines?

A thief's good deeds are never done.

Loch and her crew are determined to stop the ancients from returning to reclaim the world they once ruled, but the kidnapping of a friend throws their plans awry. When a desperate rescue turns into a shocking reunion, the ancients return and seize power. Determined to stop them, Loch and the group look for a way to close the gate to the ancients' world, but this time, they find themselves up against an enemy that has insinuated itself into the highest ranks of the Republic. Cruel, cunning, and connected, the ancients target the crew's families and histories, threatening to tear friendships apart.

If that weren't bad enough, Loch must deal with her treacherous assassin sister, her turncoat ancient friend, and a daemon who has sworn to hunt her to the ends of the earth. In order to save the Republic and pull off her largest con ever, Loch will need her friends...and maybe her enemies too.

A Voyage to Cacklogallinia; With a Description of the Religion, Policy, Customs and Manners, of That Country

The novel itself is best understood as a Satire on British politics, commerce, and culture of the times (1727).

The novel takes Captain Brunt first to an unknown Caribbean Island inhabited by immense talking fowl and then to the Moon, a venue in which the spirits of humans from Earth await further passage, and act as god-wards.

The Consolidator, or Memoirs of Sundry Transactions from the World in the Moon, translated from the Lunar Language by Daniel Defoe.

The Consolidator is at once early science fiction in the form of an early voyage to the moon, a satire on the moral and intellectual currents of the time, a tongue-in-cheek praise of China's contribution to world knowledge, and a Whiggish version of the historical events of the previous 45 years.

Lucian travels with fifty companions to the Moon, where they become embroiled in a space war; they then fly past the Sun and back to Earth, where they land in the sea and are soon swallowed by an enormous whale, from which they escape and visit various Islands, where Lucian's fertile imagination piles marvel upon lunatic marvel, and simultaneously mocks them.

"Extracts From Captain Stormfield's Visit To Heaven" is the first-person account of a sea captain's trip to heaven after his death. First published serially in "Harper's Magazine" in December 1907 and January 1908 (though written 30 years earlier), then as a Christmas gift book. "Extracts" was the last book Mark Twain published during his lifetime.

Penguin Island (1908) has been called "the best social satire ever written" (Toni Ungerer).

The story takes place in Antarctica, where a fictional penguin population mirrors the foibles of human beings. With the devil's help, a missionary arrives in Antartica and baptizes the local penguins. With God's help, he then turns them into human beings. As a result, the penguins must now try to figure out how to live together and create a civilization. They experience their own barbaric Ancient Times and Middle Ages, and in their efforts to create a modern age, they undergo social conflicts and devastating wars.

Written in the spirit of rationalism and enlightenment,Penguin Island is a wickedly funny, incisive portrait of religious fanatacism.

Four generations ago in the land of Euthymia, King Thalion - called the Wise, but known as the Fool - gave his crown to his court jester, Sagamore. The jester became Sagamore the Shrewd, who begat King Vespin the S neaky, who begat King Valgus the Brutal, father of the young Prince Abderian who - although not the eldest of Valgus's many children - may well inherit the throne. Everyone wants the throne but Abderian. Yet it is he who bears the Mark of Sagamore... and the Curse.

The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis is a classic masterpiece of religious satire that entertains readers with its sly and ironic portrayal of human life and foibles from the vantage point of Screwtape, a highly placed assistant to "Our Father Below." At once wildly comic, deadly serious, and strikingly original, C. S. Lewis's The Screwtape Letters is the most engaging account of temptation – and triumph over it – ever written.

Some editions of this book also contain the short fiction work "Screwtape Proposes a Toast".

STARTING FROM ZERO AGAIN!

A curious visitor has arrived at Roswaal Manor, bringing with her fantastic tales of heroes and faraway places?and also a spot of trouble. Meanwhile, Rem works very hard around the manor. Perhaps too hard. So for at least one day, everyone agrees to chip in to give her a break that she, naturally, has no idea how to spend. Al, on the other hand, would prefer to work as little as possible. Unfortunately, his master Priscilla's husband has been weaving a web of intrigue, and Al will have to decide how he wants to navigate the shadows of his new home.

The Sin du Jour procurement team has been tasked with acquiring a substantial cache of rare Welsh gold for a rather important event, but when they stumble upon rival factions of the smallest warriors they've ever encountered, they'll need to bring out the big guns if they're to survive.

Read the full story for free at Tor.com.

In New York, eating out can be hell.

Everyone loves a well-catered event, and the supernatural community is no different, but where do demons go to satisfy their culinary cravings?

Welcome to Sin du Jour - where devils on horseback are the clients, not the dish.

The staff of New York's premier supernatural catering company, has their work cut out for them in this outrageous follow-up to Envy of Angels.

Love is in the air at Sin du Jour.

The Goblin King (yes, that one) and his Queen are celebrating the marriage of their son to his human bride. Naturally the celebrations will be legendary.

But when desire and magic mix, the results can be unpredictable.

Our heroes are going to need more than passion for the job to survive the catering event of the decade!

The team at Sin du Jour--New York's exclusive caterers-to-the-damned--find themselves up against their toughest challenge, yet when they're lured out west to prepare a feast in the most forbidding place in America: Hollywood, where false gods rule supreme.

Meanwhile, back at home, Ritter is attacked at home by the strangest hit-squad the world has ever seen, and the team must pull out all the stops if they're to prevent themselves from being offered up as the main course in a feast they normally provide

Starring: The Prince of Lies, Lena Tarr, Darren Vargas. With Byron Luck. Introducing: the Easter Bunny.

Pride's Spell is the third installment in Matt Wallace's Sin du Jour series.

Catering for a charismatic motivational speaker, the staff of the Sin du Jour catering agency find themselves incapacitated by a force from within their ranks. A smile and a promise is all it took.

And for some reason, only the men are affected. It's going to take cunning, guile and a significant amount of violence to resolve.

Another day of cupcakes and evil with your favorite demonic caterers.

Lina Inverse doesn't like to brag but she's a genius sorceress, invincible warrior and a legend in her own lunchtime. She's a strikingly gorgeous woman, if you happen to like a flat-chested 15 year old. Lina's also in need of cold hard cash. When she stumbles upon some loot stashed away by a group of bandits, she figures they won't mind sharing. But when the booty's owners go ballistic (it seems she took a bit more than her share of the spoils), a secret hidden in the treasure holds the key to the ensuing hilarity in this fantasy novel that is sure to cast its spell on everyone!

This is the first novel that launched The Slayers -- anime, manga, and Legend.

This time, the story tells of Lina and Gourry's arrival in the city of Atlas. Two mages are in conflict to lead the local Sorcerer's Guild after the previous leader disappeared. Tarim, one of the mages looking to take over the guild, looks to hire Lina and Gourry as body guards. (Obviously, he disbelieves Lina's reputation.) The appearance of the two Mazoku (Seigram and Gio Gaia) ensures that Lina takes the job. However, as events progress, the disappearance of the former leader of the guild needs investigation and the results could have dire consequences for Lina and Gourry, especially with Mazoku around.

The whole world is after our favorite small-chested sorceress, Lina Inverse, when she learns that a bounty has been put on her head! The real surprise comes when she discovers that it was none other than Rezo, the Red Priest, who placed the price on her head! Lina, Gourry and Zelgadis battle it out with the Red Priest that they thought they had defeated two months earlier. Is this Rezo the real deal?

It seems our little band of adventurers just can't catch a break. Employed as guards, Lina and Gourry accompany Sylpheel to Saillune City. Unfortunately, the royal family feud is downright deadly. Can they help Prince Philionel survive assassination attempts and keep their own heads on straight? When you've got the deadliest hunters, dark sorcerers, bug-like monsters and other grotesque creatures on your tail, it's going to take a little sorceress with some major magical power and a swordsman with phenomenal abilities and a lot of luck to save the day.

Lina has lost her magic! In an attempt to restore it, she travels to a village where Ruby Eye Shabragnidu, the demon lord, is said to live. There, a mysterious priest sells Lina a magic talisman... but will it be enough to restore power to our favorite flat-chested sorceress? Let's hope so. Next up, the group must venture to Mane, where Zelgadiss has but one wish: to get his body back! With magical beasts, the Sword of Light, and one of the biggest and baddest demons, this flavor-filled volume of Slayers is one delicious dish!

After receiving the message, "Come to Vezendi, or someone will die," Lina and the gang set off for Vezendi. And it's no easy trip--everywhere they go, a trap is awaiting them. Who could be behind the chaos? It's Lina's old "friend" Zuuma, who will stop at nothing to enact his revenge on Lina and Gourry. When the group finally decides to finish off Zuuma once and for all, will their efforts be enough?

Guided by Xelloss, an agent of the Greater Beast Zelas Metalium, Lina Inverse and her crew make their way to the heart of Dilse Kingdom--a country with many hidden mysteries--including the Claire Bible. While it seems fate has deemed that Xelloss take Lina to those manuscripts, she's not sure what his real plan is... but she really wants that Claire Bible, so she'll do whatever it takes!

Without warning, Phiblizo appears and attacks Chaos Dragon Gaav. He kidnaps Gourry by using the Sword of Light and taunts Lina to join them in Sairaag, a city that is now a barren wasteland with only a single Flagoon since the demon's resurrection. But Lina doesn't have time to think about the consequences--she has to settle things with the Hellmaster once and for all!

Spellsinger (1983) is a fantasy novel written by Alan Dean Foster. The book follows the adventures of Jonathan Thomas Meriweather who is transported from our world into a land of talking animals and magic. It is the first in the Spellsinger series.

The Hour of the Gate (1984) is a fantasy novel written by Alan Dean Foster. The book follows the continuing adventures of Jonathan Thomas Meriweather who is transported from our world into a land of talking animals and magic. It is the second book in the Spellsinger series.

Clothahump, the wizard, is dying. All that can save him are rare medicinal powers to be found across the Glittergeist Ocean, past distant Snarken, Jon-Tom, the Spellsinger, sets out on the most perilous pilgrimage of his still-young career, armed with only his music-making duar and a reluctant Mudge, the otter, as his guide. Along the way he conjures up Roseroar, Amazonian tiger, rescues Jalwar, the ferret, and together they free Folly, the beauty, from bondage! Spellsinger and his motley crew press on, confronting a forest of Fungoid Frankensteins on the Muddletop Moors, a parrot pirate on the high seas, cannibal fairies in the enchanted canyon, and the evil wizard of Malderpot who poses the greatest challenge of all!

The Moment of the Magician (1984) is a fantasy novel written by Alan Dean Foster. The book follows the continuing adventures of Jonathan Thomas Meriweather who is transported from our world into a land of talking animals and magic. It is the fourth book in the Spellsinger series.

For more than a century, The Wind in the Willows and its endearing protagonists--Mole, Mr. Toad, Badger, and Ratty--have enchanted children of all ages. Whether the four friends are setting forth on an exciting adventure, engaging in a comic caper, or simply relaxing by the River Thames, their stories are among the most charming in all English literature.

Naomi Novik ended her acclaimed, beloved nine-volume Temeraire series last year with a stunning finale, League of Dragons. Fans missing their favorite series can now rejoice: Novik returns with an original Temeraire collection as unique as the world she has created, with each tale inspired by an accompanying piece of fan art.

The Temeraire novels provide a window into an alternate nineteenth century populated with Novik's own richly human and unforgettably draconic characters as they adventure alongside well-known historical figures. That tradition continues here. Readers will delight at appearances by fan-favorite characters from the series and historical figures like the famed explorer Matteo Ricci. In "Planting Season," Novik shows us an early glimpse of American dragon John Wampanoag at Boston Harbor. "Golden Age" finds a dragon who believes he remembers being called Celeste hatch from a shipwreck-tossed crate onto an island where he meets others of his kind. But other famous fictional characters are to be discovered here as well. Readers will certainly recognize a certain Miss Bennet (here Captain Bennet) and her suitor, Mr. Darcy, in "Dragons and Decorum."

Filled with the inventive world-building, rich detail, sparkling wit, and deep emotion that readers have come to expect from Novik's work, Golden Age and Other Stories is a treasure at home on any Temeraire-lover's bookshelf.

Table of Contents:

• Volly's Cow
• Planting Season
• Dawn of Battle
• Golden Age
• Succession
• Dragons and Decorum
• (drabbles)

Clay Cooper and his band were once the best of the best, the most feared and renowned crew of mercenaries this side of the Heartwyld.

Their glory days long past, the mercs have grown apart and grown old, fat, drunk, or a combination of the three. Then an ex-bandmate turns up at Clay's door with a plea for help--the kind of mission that only the very brave or the very stupid would sign up for.

It's time to get the band back together.

A middle-aged pawnbroker-poet is allowed to regain his youth for a year of amorous adventures in this compelling fantasy. Filled with strange beasts, alien gods, fabulous lands, beautiful ladies, and an aura of the supernatural, Cabel's allegory leads its hero through affairs with Guenevere and the Lady of the Lake as well as confrontations with God and the Devil.

The 1919 publication of Jurgen catapulted its author into a position as one of the most enigmatic and controversial literary figures of his era. Critical response ranged from lavish praise to violent denunciations, including attempts to have the novel banned for obscenity. Modern readers consider it a landmark in the history of American fantastic fiction and a successor to the traditions of Rabelais, Sterne, Swift, and Voltaire. Its gentle blend of comedy and irony in a fantastic setting has enchanted generations of readers.

'Outside! What's it like?'

Masklin looked blank.

'Well,' he said. 'It's sort of big-'

To the thousands of the tiny nomes who live under the floorboards of a large department store, there is no Outside. Things like Day and Night, Sun and Rain are just daft old legends.

Then a devastating piece of news shatters their existence: the Store - their whole world - is to be demolished. And it's up to Maskin, one of the last nomes to come into the Store, to mastermind an unbelievable escape plan that will take all the nomes into the dangers of the great Outside...

The first title in the magnificent trilogy, The Bromeliad.

And Grimma said, We have two choices. We can run, or we hide. And they said, Which shall we do?

She said, We shall Fight.

A Bright New Dawn is just around the corner for thousands of tiny nomes when they move into the ruined buildings of an abandoned quarry. Or is it?

Soon strange things begin to happen. Like the tops of puddles growing hard and cold, and the water coming down from the sky in frozen bits, Then humans appear and they really mess everything up. The quarry is to re-opened, and the nomes must fight to defend their new home. But how long will they be able to keep the humans at bay - even with the help of the monster Jekub?

It wasn't a thing, it was a bit of shaped sky...

Somewhere in a place that is so far up there is no down, a ship is waiting to take the nomes home - back to wherever they came from. And one nome, Masklin, knows that they've got to try and contact this ship.

It means going to Florida (wherever that is), then getting to the launch of a communications satellite (whatever that is). A ridiculous plan. Impossible. But Masklin doesn't know this, so he tries to do it anyway. And the first step is to try and hitch a ride on a new kind of truck, a truck with wings - Concorde.

The final title in the magnificent trilogy, The Bromeliad.

Joe and Marge, minutes away from death, are rescued and brought from Earth to the magical world of Husaquahr by the wizard Throckmorton P. Ruddygore to battle the forces of Hell itself!

In Husaquahr, behind the cloak of seeming peace, evil was stirring again as the Dark Baron plotted with a Demon Prince to bring about Armageddon. Master Sorcerer Throckmorton P. Ruddygore could only trust one man with the mission of spying upon the evil villians: Joe. The only problem was, Joe had just been bitten by a weredog . . .

The Dark Baron, defeated at last, had been stripped of all his magical power and exiled to Earth. But there he enlisted a computer to create even more effective spells. Helped by the forces of Hell, the Dark Baron is once again threatening Husaquahr -- and only Joe and Marge can stop him!

The evil Dark Baron has escaped and joined forces in the far North with the Master of the Dead to theaten all of Husaquahr with enslavement. Only Joe can stop them -- but Joe is no longer quite himself. In fact, he's not sure who he is!

MORTAL DILEMMA

An ancient evil was seeping forth from the Sea of Dreams: the Old Ones were rising from the depths to challenge both Heaven and Hell. Their assault boded ill for Earth, and worse for the magical land of Husaquahr, where magic was played by the Book. Under the Rules, only the Great McGuffin could stop that looming menace.

But the McGuffin was lost, somewhere in Hell....

Master wizard Throckmorton P. Ruddygore once again summoned a handful of heroes to stave off disaster. But Joe, the truck-driver-barbarian-turned-wood-nymph, was busy with his--or her?--own problems, so Ruddygore had to assign Marge, the changeling nymph, to shepherd an untried youngster on his first quest. Her new protégé was none other than Irving, Joe's human son: estranged, bitter--and irresistibly attractive!

Marge wanted to turn down the mission, but too much depended on it! Once in the dark realm, though, her good intentions began to erode. Could any nymph just say "no" to a son of Joe?

Through no fault of his own, the once human Jim Eckert had become a dragon. Unfortunately, his beloved Angie had remained human. But in this magical land anything could happen. To make matter worse, Angie had been taken prisoner by an evil dragon and was held captive in the impenetrable Loathly Tower. So in this land where humans were edible and beasts were magical -- where spells worked and logic didn't -- Jim Eckert had a big, strange problem.

In the sequel to The Dragon and the George, Sir James Eckert is transformed back into the shape of a dragon. Now he must learn to control his magical abilities and truly become the Dragon Knight--which carries some responsibilities he hadn't counted on.

Sir James, the Dragon Knight, faces his most terrifying challenge in the nearly indestructible Hollow Men, spirits of the dead who reside in empty suits of armor.

As France prepares for war against England, Jim Eckert, the Dragon Knight--a twentieth-century college professor transported to an alternate medieval England--discovers that he is all that stands between England and utter destruction.

In the middle of the Earl of Somerset's lavish Christmas feast, the fortress is attacked by an army of land-hungry trolls and a band of traitors, and brave Dragon Knight Sir James undertakes a mission that no one can win.

A siege is approaching, and the city has little time to prepare. The people have no food and no weapons, and the enemy has sworn to slaughter them all.

To save the city will take a miracle, but what it has is Orhan. A colonel of engineers, Orhan has far more experience with bridge-building than battles, is a cheat and a liar, and has a serious problem with authority. He is, in other words, perfect for the job.

Sixteen Ways To Defend a Walled City is the story of Orhan, son of Siyyah Doctus Felix Praeclarissimus, and his history of the Great Siege, written down so that the deeds and sufferings of great men may never be forgotten.

This is the history of how the City was saved, by Notker the professional liar, written down because eventually the truth always seeps through.

The City may be under siege, but everyone still has to make a living. Take Notker, the acclaimed playwright, actor, and impresario. Nobody works harder, even when he's not working. Thankfully, it turns out that people enjoy the theater just as much when there are big rocks falling out of the sky.

But Notker is a man of many talents, and all the world is, apparently, a stage. It seems that the empire needs him - or someone who looks a lot like him - for a role that will call for the performance of a lifetime. At least it will guarantee fame, fortune, and immortality. If it doesn't kill him first.

In his highly acclaimed debut, The Lies of Locke Lamora, Scott Lynch took us on an adrenaline-fueled adventure with a band of daring thieves led by con artist extraordinaire Locke Lamora. Now Lynch brings back his outrageous hero for a caper so death-defying, nothing short of a miracle will pull it off.

After a brutal battle with the underworld that nearly destroyed him, Locke and his trusted sidekick, Jean, fled the island city of their birth and landed on the exotic shores of Tal Verrar to nurse their wounds. But even at this westernmost edge of civilization, they can't rest for long-and are soon back to what they do best: stealing from the undeserving rich and pocketing the proceeds for themselves.

This time, however, they have targeted the grandest prize of all: the Sinspire, the most exclusive and heavily guarded gambling house in the world. Its nine floors attract the wealthiest clientele-and to rise to the top, one must impress with good credit, amusing behavior... and excruciatingly impeccable play. For there is one cardinal rule, enforced by Requin, the house's cold-blooded master: it is death to cheat at any game at the Sinspire.

Brazenly undeterred, Locke and Jean have orchestrated an elaborate plan to lie, trick, and swindle their way up the nine floors... straight to Requin's teeming vault. Under the cloak of false identities, they meticulously make their climb-until they are closer to the spoils than ever.

But someone in Tal Verrar has uncovered the duo's secret. Someone from their past who has every intention of making the impudent criminals pay for their sins. Now it will take every ounce of cunning to save their mercenary souls. And even that may not be enough....

God is dead. "Died and fell into the sea." That's what Raphael, a despondent angel with luminous white wings and a blinking halo, tells Anthony Van Horne on his fiftieth birthday.

Soon Van Horne is charged with captaining the supertanker Carpo Valparaiso (flying the colors of the Vatican) as it tows the two-mile-long corpse through the Atlantic toward the Arctic, in order to preserve Hime from sharks and decomposition. Van Horne must also contend with ecological guilt, a militant girlfriend, an estranged father, sabotage both natural and spiritual, a crew on (and sometimes past) the brink of mutiny, and greedy huksters of oil, condoms, and doubtful ideas.

As he rings his wild, Vonnegutian changes on everything from male chauvinism to the Catholic Church, James Morrow once again proves himeself to be one of the premier satirists of our time while still managing to capture some of the beauty and sorrow of the world. With Towing Jehova, the Denver Post declared, Morrow "solidifies his position as Christianity's Salman Rushdie, only funnier and more sacrilegious."

Magic Is Alive, Science Is Afoot....

Trying to discover time travel, absent-minded genius Dr. Marvin Brewster accidentally transports himself to a parallel universe where magic really works... a land that resembles medieval England, but is populated by leprechauns, virgin-hating unicorns, coffee drinking beatnik vampire elves, rapping Rastafarian grunge dwarves, philosophically musing dragons, ambulatory vegetation, bumbling outlaws, gorgeous brigand queens, cursed were-princes and evil wizards.

In a world where science is unknown, Brewster's knowledge results in his being mistaken for a sorcerer... but the real sorcerers have a powerful, exclusive guild, and Brewster's not a member.

As he searches for his missing time machine, Brewster sees no harm in the locals thinking he's a wizard, but the Grand Director of the Sorcerer's Guild is out to find this interloper and learn the secret of the strange device that he arrived in....

The Voice in the Ether...

Trying to discover time travel, scientific genius Dr. Marvin Brewster accidentally transports himself to a parallel universe that suspiciously resembles the setting of a fantasy novel... a strange, medieval world where magic really works, unicorns hate virgins and smell terrible, elves drink human blood and play guitars, dwarves wear dreadlocks and flannel plaids, talking dragons dream our universe, and sorcerers are powerful enough to detect the presence of the narrator and attempt to take over the plot.

Trapped without his time machine, which has mysteriously disappeared, Brewster enlists the aid of the residents of Brigand's Roost to help him find it, in exchange for bringing some progress to their village in the form of solar power, showers, prescription lenses, a wondrous, alchemical concoction he calls "soap," and a strange, lightweight metal called "aluminum."

However, any science that is sufficiently advanced would seem like magic to those who didn't understand it, and the Sorcerers and Adepts Guild takes a dim view of anyone who practices magic without paying their dues....

Trying to discover time travel, genius scientist Dr. Marvin Brewster accidentally transports himself to a parallel universe where magic really works and reality is ... a little different. His knowledge of science causes him to be mistaken for a sorcerer, something he exploits in his efforts to survive and find his missing time machine, which is the only way that he can get back home.

However, what Brewster doesn't know is that his time machine has fallen into the hands of Warrick Morgannan, the powerful Grand Director of the Sorcerers and Adepts Guild, and using magic in his attempts to learn how the machine works, Warrick keeps putting people into the machine and making them disappear ... only to reappear in our world, where a British tabloid reporter stumbles on what may be the biggest story of his life.

Frustrated in his efforts to learn the secret of the time machine, Warrick turns his magic on the Narrator, the disembodied "voice in the ether" that only he can hear, determined to find a way to interfere with the Narrator's mysterious ability to control events...

Stephen's god died on the longest day of the year...

Three years later, Stephen is a broken paladin, living only for the chance to be useful before he dies. But all that changes when he encounters a fugitive named Grace in an alley and witnesses an assassination attempt gone wrong. Now the pair must navigate a web of treachery, beset on all sides by spies and poisoners, while a cryptic killer stalks one step behind...

He's a paladin of a dead god, tracking a supernatural killer across a continent. She's a nun from a secretive order, on the trail of the raiders who burned her convent and kidnapped her sisters.

When their paths cross at the point of a sword, Istvhan and Clara will be pitched headlong into each other's quests, facing off against enemies both living and dead. But Clara has a secret that could jeopardize the growing trust between them, a secret that will lead them to the gladiatorial pits of a corrupt city, and beyond...

A travel writer takes a job with a shady publishing company in New York, only to find that she must write a guide to the city - for the undead! Because of the disaster that was her last job, Zoe is searching for a fresh start as a travel book editor in the tourist-centric New York City. After stumbling across a seemingly perfect position though, Zoe is blocked at every turn because of the one thing she can't take off her resume --- human.

Not to be put off by anything -- especially not her blood drinking boss or death goddess coworker -- Zoe delves deep into the monster world. But her job turns deadly when the careful balance between human and monsters starts to crumble -- with Zoe right in the middle.

Growing up an orphan in an isolated cottage in the woods, young Terence never expected much adventure. But upon the arrival of Gawain, his life takes a surprising turn. Gawain is destined to become one of the most famous knights of the Round Table. Terence becomes Gawain's squire and leaves his secluded life for one of adventure in King Arthur's court. In no time Terence is plunged into the exciting world of kings, wizards, knights, wars, magic spells, dwarfs, damsels in distress, and enchanters.

As he adjusts to his new life, he proves to be not only an able squire but also a keen observer of the absurdities around him. His duties take him on a quest with Gawain and on a journey of his own, to solve the mystery of his parentage. Filled with rapier-sharp wit, jousting jocularity, and chuckleheaded knights, this is King Arthur's court as never before experienced.

When Dorothy triumphed over the Wicked Witch of the West in L. Frank Baum's classic tale, we heard only her side of the story. But what about her arch-nemesis, the mysterious witch? Where did she come from? How did she become so wicked? And what is the true nature of evil?

Gregory Maguire creates a fantasy world so rich and vivid that we will never look at Oz the same way again. Wicked is about a land where animals talk and strive to be treated like first-class citizens, Munchkinlanders seek the comfort of middle-class stability and the Tin Man becomes a victim of domestic violence. And then there is the little green-skinned girl named Elphaba, who will grow up to be the infamous Wicked Witch of the West, a smart, prickly and misunderstood creature who challenges all our preconceived notions about the nature of good and evil.

In this captivating New York Times bestseller, beloved author Gregory Maguire returns to the land of Oz and introduces us to Liir, an adolescent boy last seen hiding in the shadows of the castle after Dorothy did in the Witch. Is he really Elphaba's son? He has her broom and her cape-but what of her powers? In an Oz that, since the Wizard's departure, is under new and dangerous management, can Liir keep his head down long enough to grow up?

The tiny kingdom of Yurt is the perfect place--or so it seems--for someone who barely managed to graduate from the wizards' school, especially after all that embarrassment with the frogs. But Daimbert, newly hired Royal Wizard of Yurt, senses an evil spell at work. But who could be responsible? The beautiful young queen? Her flighty aunt? The dour chaplain? The old, retired Royal Wizard, who seems to know more than he's saying? Or someone from out of the castle's past? Daimbert quickly realizes that finding out and saving his kingdom may take all the magic he never learned properly in the first place, with his life the price of failure--good thing he knows how to improvise!

In Jasper Fforde's Great Britain, circa 1985, time travel is routine, cloning is a reality (dodos are the resurrected pet of choice), and literature is taken very, very seriously. England is a virtual police state where an aunt can get lost (literally) in a Wordsworth poem and forging Byronic verse is a punishable offense. All this is business as usual for Thursday Next, renowned Special Operative in literary detection. But when someone begins kidnapping characters from works of literature and plucks Jane Eyre from the pages of Brontë's novel, Thursday is faced with the challenge of her career. Fforde's ingenious fantasy-enhanced by a Web site that re-creates the world of the novel--unites intrigue with English literature in a delightfully witty mix.

If Thursday thought she could avoid the spotlight after her heroic escapades in the pages of Jane Eyre, she was sorely mistaken. The unforgettable literary detective whom Michiko Kakutani of The New York Times calls "part Bridget Jones, part Nancy Drew and part Dirty Harry" had another think coming. The love of her life has been eradicated by Goliath, everyone's favorite corrupt multinational. To rescue him Thursday must retrieve a supposedly vanquished enemy from the pages of "The Raven." But Poe is off-limits to even the most seasoned literary interloper. Enter a professional: the man-hating Miss Havisham from Dickens's Great Expectations. As her new apprentice, Thursday keeps her motives secret as she learns the ropes of Jurisfiction, where she moonlights as a Prose Resource Operative inside books. As if jumping into the likes of Kafka, Austen, and Beatrix Potter's Tale of the Flopsy Bunnies weren't enough, Thursday finds herself the target of a series of potentially lethal coincidences, the authenticator of a newly discovered play by the Bard himself, and the only one who can prevent an unidentifiable pink sludge from engulfing all life on Earth.

The inventive, exuberant, and totally original literary fun that began with The Eyre Affair continues with Fforde's magnificent new adventure, the second installment in what is sure to become a classic series of literary fantasy.

Jasper Fforde has done it again in this genre-bending blend of crime fiction, fantasy, and top-drawer literary entertainment. After two rollicking New York Times bestselling adventures through Western literature, resourceful literary detective Thursday Next definitely needs some downtime. And what better place for a respite than in the hidden depths of the Well of Lost Plots, where all unpublished books reside? But peace and quiet remain elusive for Thursday, who soon discovers that the Well is a veritable linguistic free-for-all, where grammasites run rampant, plot devices are hawked on the black market, and lousy books-like the one she has taken up residence in-are scrapped for salvage. To make matters worse, a murderer is stalking the personnel of Jurisfiction and it's up to Thursday to save the day. A brilliant feat of literary showmanship filled with wit, fantasy, and effervescent originality, this Ffordian tour de force is the most exciting Thursday Next adventure yet.

The popularity of Jasper Fforde's one-of-a-kind series builds with each new book. Now in the fourth installment, the resourceful literary detective Thursday Next returns to Swindon from the BookWorld accompanied by her son Friday and none other than the dithering Hamlet. But returning to SpecOps is no snap--as outlaw fictioner Yorrick Kaine plots for absolute power, the return of Swindon's patron saint foretells doom, and, if that isn't bad enough, The Merry Wives of Windsor is becoming entangled with Hamlet. Can Thursday find a Shakespeare clone to stop this hostile takeover? Can she vanquish Kaine and prevent the world from plunging into war? And will she ever find reliable child care? Find out in this totally original, action-packed romp, sure to be another escapist thrill for Jasper Fforde's legions of fans.

It all begins when Cosmo Topper, a law-abiding, mild-mannered bank manager, decides to buy a secondhand car, only to find it haunted by the ghosts of its previous owners--the reckless, feckless, frivolous couple who met their untimely demise when the car careened into an oak tree. The ghosts, George and Marion Kerby, make it their mission to rescue Topper from the drab "summer of suburban Sundays" that is his life--and they commence a series of madcap adventures that leave Topper, and anyone else who crosses their path, in a whirlwind of discomfiture and delight.

As enchanting today as it was when first published in 1926, Topper has set the standard in American pop culture for such mischievous apparitions as those seen in The Ghost and Mrs. Muir, Heaven Can Wait, Beetlejuice, and Bewitched.

There are angels, and they are not beneficent or loving. But they do watch over us. They watch our lives unfold, analyzing us for repeating patterns and redundancies. When they find them, the angels simplify those patterns and remove the redundancies, and the problem that is "you" gets solved.

Carey doesn't much like that idea. As a punk living in New York City, 1977, Carey is sick and tired of watching strange kids with unnoticeable faces abduct his friends. He doesn't care about the rumors of tar-monsters in the sewers or unkillable psychopaths invading the punk scene--all he wants is to drink cheap beer and dispense ass-kickings.

Kaitlyn isn't sure what she's doing with her life. She came to Hollywood in 2013 to be a stunt woman, but last night a former teen heartthrob tried to eat her, her best friend has just gone missing, and there's an angel outside her apartment. Whatever she plans on doing with her life, it should probably happen in the few remaining minutes she has left.

There are angels. There are demons. They are the same thing. It's up to Carey and Kaitlyn to stop them. The survival of the human race is in their hands.

We are, all of us, well and truly screwed.

Following on the heels of Robert Brockway's comedic horror novel The Unnoticeables, The Empty Ones reveals the next chapter in the lives of a few misfits attempting to fight back against the mysterious Unnoticeables.

The Empty Ones follows Carey and Randall to London where they go to rescue Gus and fight more of these mysterious angel-like creatures, and stumble on a powerful and unexpected ally. Meanwhile, Kaitlyn, who was very nearly beat when last we saw her, continues her fight into the desert of Mexico and the Southwest US, seeking the mysterious gear cult. Once there, she discovers what the gear cult is really up to: trying to 'pin' the angels to Earth, focus their attention here, and get as much of humanity as possible "solved"--which, in their minds, is akin to being saved--and in the process discovers something incredible about herself.

With a snarled lip, The Empty Ones incorporates everything that made The Unnoticeables incredible, but like any good punk band, when you don't think they can get any louder, they somehow turn it up a notch. It's terrifying and hilarious, visceral and insane, chaotic and beautiful.

From the authors of the New York Times bestselling novel Welcome to Night Vale and the creators of the #1 international podcast of the same name, comes a mystery exploring the intersections of faith and science, the growing relationship between two young people who want desperately to trust each other, and the terrifying, toothy power of the Smiling God.

Nilanjana Sikdar is an outsider to the town of Night Vale. Working for Carlos, the town's top scientist, she relies on fact and logic as her guiding principles. But all of that is put into question when Carlos gives her a special assignment investigating a mysterious rumbling in the desert wasteland outside of town. This investigation leads her to the Joyous Congregation of the Smiling God, and to Darryl, one of its most committed members. Caught between her beliefs in the ultimate power of science and her growing attraction to Darryl, she begins to suspect the Congregation is planning a ritual that could threaten the lives of everyone in town. Nilanjana and Darryl must search for common ground between their very different world views as they are faced with the Congregation's darkest and most terrible secret.