Anne Bishop The Dark Kingdom is preparing itself for the arrival of a new Queen. But this new ruler is young, and very susceptible to influence and corruption. And now, enemies begin a ruthless game of politics and intrigue, magic and betrayal, and the destiny of an entire world is at stake.

Anne Bishop Jaenelle's vampiric, adoptive father, Saetan, and her foster-family of demons shelter her. To restore her memory and emotional balance, they move to Kaeleer, where Jaenelle befriends the kindred animals. As she recovers strength and memory, Jaenelle resolves to restore Daemon and cleanse Terreille.

Anne Bishop Jaenelle Angeline has made her Offering to the Darkness and reigns as Queen of Ebon Askavi. The Shadow Realm lies under her protection. No longer will the corrupt Blood slaughter her people. Jaenelle must unleash the terrible glory that is Witch to destroy her enemies once and for all.

Anne Bishop Ever since the slaughter of the witches, the Fae - who should be shielding their long-lost cousins from danger - have ignored the needs of the rest of the world. And shadows are again gathering in the eastern villages - dark, portent shadows that threaten the lives of every witch, woman and Fae.

Anne Bishop With the eastern barons under his control and a growing army of black-coated torturers, Adolfo is headed toward the Mother's Hills - the wellspring of magic in Sylvalan, as well as home to the reclusive witches of the House of Gaian. The battle to end all battles looms closer.

Anne Bishop In Sylvalan, a witch hunt is in full force. As witches and innocents are brutally murdered, magic is disappearing from the land, and the roads between the world of humans and that of faeries are vanishing one by one. This is a dark fantasy of a world in danger of being destroyed by those who deny themselves their heritage.

Anne Bishop In this engaging story of Jared, a Red-Jeweled Warlord and unwilling pleasure slave, Bishop returns to the world of her Black Jewels trilogy (Daughter of the Blood, Heir to the Shadows, and Queen of the Darkness). Jared, who has murdered his owner and attempted escape, is recaptured and sold to the mysterious Gray Lady. It soon becomes clear that Jared's new queen is not what she seems to be, and he joins with his fellow slaves—all of whom hide their own secrets—to protect the Gray Lady. During her desperate flight from Dorothea SaDiablo, the Black Widow intent on destroying her and claiming her territory, Jared comes to terms with his own demons and discovers what it means to be truly bonded to a queen.

Bishop uses her usual skill to move interesting, rounded characters through a well-drawn world. Although this is a standalone book, there are ties with the events of the trilogy, most especially the appearance of the compelling Daemon Sadi. The author still pulls no punches in describing the sexual violence and misery that are as much a part of this intricate world as the gender role-reversals and the often-agonizing demands of honor and magic. A pleasurable read for fans of emotionally charged fantasy who enjoy both complex characters and societies, and who are not averse to following characters through their struggles and achievements. —Luc Duplessis

Marie Brennan Description: When a witch is born, a doppelganger is created. For the witch to master her powers, the twin must be killed. But what happens when the doppelganger survives? Mirage, a fierce bounty hunter, lives by her wits and lethal fighting skills. She always gets her mark. But her new mission will take her into the shadowy world of witches, where her strength may be no match against magic. Miryo is a witch who has just failed her initiation test. She now knows that there is someone in the world who looks like her, who is her: Mirage. To control her powers and become a full witch, Miryo has only one choice. To hunt the hunter and destroy her.

Trudi Canavan Sonea knows Akkarin is a black magician, but he claims guardianship of her, basically holding her hostage. But she is accepted into the Magicians' Guild, and becomes one of the best magicians as this is the only way she will gain some measure of freedom. This is the second instalment of the series.

Trudi Canavan Life should have been easier for Sonea, now that Regin ignored her, and the rest of the novices treated her with wary respect, but she cannot forget what she witnessed in Akkarin's underground room.

Trudi Canavan Auraya is chosen as the fifth White, a representative of the gods in the mortal world. Raised in a small village, Auraya's opinions often conflict with those of her fellow Circlians. But she is powerfully gifted and has a talent for negotiation that could help to unite northern Ithania.

Trudi Canavan In the aftermath of their defeat of the Pentadrian army, the White are unsure of their next move. The five gods are largely silent, although Auraya has been forbidden to fly. Leiard ahs disappeared, and Auraya fears she has seen the last of him.

Trudi Canavan The Pentadrians, frustrated by their degeat at the hands of the Circlians, plot and scheme to bring down their enemies by means other than direct conflict.

Trudi Canavan The magicians of Imardin gather together to purge the streets of vagrants and miscreants. But their protective shield is not as impenetrable as they think. Sonia is amazed when she throws a rock through the barrier. The Guilds' worst fear has been realised. There is an untrained magician loose in Imardin.

Cecilia Dart-Thornton This first novel by Australian writer Cecilia Dart-Thornton begins the Bitterbynde series, the saga of a young woman's search for her past as well as her destiny. An orphaned refugee taken in as a servant of powerful Isse Tower, a prominent Relay Station in the world's communications network, the main character is a nameless, badly scarred mute with little hope for better—until he escapes by stowing away on a magical Windship and is befriended by cheerful Sianadh, a self-professed madman and adventurer. Sianadh gives his companion two precious gifts: a name, Imrhien, and the knowledge that he is really she, raised as a boy to protect her from even worse treatment. Together, the two journey into the deep green heart of a great forest, defeat the tricky magics of various eldritch wights, and discover a vast treasure that will change their lives forever. When Imrhien learns of Maeve One-Eye, a healer who may be able to repair her scars and restore her memory, the girl is determined to seek her out. On the dangerous trip west, Imrhien meets and falls in love with the Dainnan ranger Thorn, but doubts he could ever return her affections. While this novel doesn't stand well alone, readers who crave long and detailed journeys through fantastic lands filled with magical creatures will enjoy Imrhien's travels. Dart-Thornton's world takes many traditional elements of epic fantasy and manages to stir them into something charming and new. —Charlene Brusso

Cecilia Dart-Thornton Though her memory remains clouded by sorcery, Imrhien (heroine of "The Ill-made Mute") must take vital news to the King-Emperor of Caermelor, hoping also to find there the fearless ranger who has won her heart. She assumes the identity of 'Rohain', a noblewoman visiting from the distant Sorrow Isles, but finds the King and his rangers heading off to battle the Unseelie hordes. Meanwhile, awaiting their return, the newcomer must survive in a court where treachery and deceit are as deadly as any eldritch peril. Worse still, attacks by nightmare monsters of the Wild Hunt grow ever more frequent and brutal, and when evil forces lay siege to the royal sanctuary on a hidden mystic island, she realises with horror that she herself is the real target of these onslaughts - but has no idea why.

Cecilia Dart-Thornton Australian author Cecilia Dart-Thornton's American debut, The Ill-Made Mute, earned praise from fans, critics, and colleagues; the lyrical novel's admirers include no less an authority than the Grande Dame of Fantasy, Andre Norton. The sequel, The Lady of the Sorrows, garnered further acclaim. Now, Dart-Thornton concludes her high-fantasy trilogy, The Bitterbynde, with The Battle of Evernight.

Once a scarred and nameless mute, Tahquil has regained her voice, her looks, and some memory. But she and her companions, Viviana and Caitri, are stranded far from the man she loves, and are being pursued by the tireless and dangerous Lord Morragan, Crown Prince of Faerie. Tahquil may not regain the rest of her memory in time to save her companions or herself. And even if she does, a shocking discovery may doom any possibility of love.

The Battle of Evernight is not for newcomers to Dart-Thornton's fantasy universe. Her trilogy has a complex plot and her world of Erith is developed with uncommon depth. Additionally, The Battle of Evernight has some structural problems. Too many of its early events don't really forward the plot. The climax occurs too far from the conclusion. And the ending's coy note may annoy fans as well as newcomers. Also, while not a structural flaw, the three main female characters are disappointingly passive, and seem to exist mostly to be acted upon by the males; for example, Tahquil observes the critical titular battle from a distance. If you're new to the Bitterbynde, start with The Ill-Made Mute. —Cynthia Ward

Dave Duncan

Dave Duncan Wallie Smith is staring death in the face; only a miracle can save him. And then one does! The Goddess appears to preserve his soul, but she does much more than that. She promises to bestow upon him a new and powerful body, and, more importantly, to endow him with the fabled Sapphire Sword of Chioxin. But nothing in this world or any other comes without a price. The Goddess demands that, for her services, Wallie become her champion. It will be an honor to serve such a presence, to have the chance to be victorious over all challengers. But Wallie and his sword quickly find themselves outmatched in a world of high-stakes magic. Even the Goddess's priests cannot offer any resistance to the invading sorcerers and their quest to conquer souls for the Fire God. Wallie will need to find in himself and in the world the powers that will save all mortals. He will need to find The Coming of Wisdom.

Dave Duncan Wally Smith, having died on Earth, finds himself reincarnated as a swordsman in another world and entrusted by the presiding goddess with a mission that has no appeal for him at all. Can he bring together all the swordsmen to finally defeat the Sorcerors and their terrible technology? Wally isn't quite convinced he should, but Goddesses can be very persuasive... This is the third and final exciting book, after THE RELUCTANT SWORDSMAN and THE COMING OF WISDOM in THE SEVENTH SWORD TRILOGY.

Dave Duncan

Dave Duncan

Dave Duncan

Dave Duncan

Dave Duncan

Dave Duncan

Dave Duncan

Dave Duncan

Dave Duncan

Dave Duncan

Dave Duncan

Dave Duncan

Dave Duncan On the parallel world of Nextdoor, the Filoby Testament predicts the coming of D'ward the Liberator, who is to bring death to Zath, God of Death. Edward Exeter has done all he can to dodge the prophecy, but it is inescapable: he must become the Liberator or the world he has come to love will be despoiled. Fortunately, Edward has been reared to meet challenges and to lead, and so, growing more powerful every day with mana from his followers, he sets out to confront Zath. Although the people of Nextdoor welcome the Liberator, Edward's friends from Earth have mixed feelings about him, and the other gods of Nextdoor aren't pleased about his rivalry. Can Edward bring down an entire pantheon? And what will he put up in its place?

Dave Duncan's writing could be fuelled by mana from his growing numbers of fans; this trilogy is a satisfying, entertaining fantasy.

Dave Duncan

Dave Duncan

Dave Duncan

Dave Duncan

Dave Duncan

Dave Duncan

Dave Duncan

Dave Duncan

Graham Edwards

Graham Edwards

Graham Edwards

Kate Elliott The Kingdom of Wendar is in turmoil. King Henry still holds the crown, but his reign has long been contested by his sister Sabella, and there are many eager to flock to her banner. Internal conflict weakens Wendar's defences, drawing raiders, human and inhuman, across its borders. Terrifying portents abound and dark spirits walk the land in broad daylight. Suddenly two innocents are thrust into the midst of the conflict. Alain, a young man granted a vision by the Lady of Battles, and Liath, a young woman with the power to change the course of history. Both must discover the truth about themselves before they can accept their fates. For in a war where sorcery, not swords, may determine the final outcome, the price of failure may be more than their own lives.

Kate Elliott Kate Elliott's KING'S DRAGON launched a magnificent new epic fantasy. Now, with PRINCE OF DOGS, one of the most exciting fantasy series of recent years continues ...Sanglant - the prince of dogs, King Henry's bastard son - is being held captive in the city of Gent by Bloodheart, The Eika warlord. Liath, now one of the King's Eagles - and still grieving over the loss of Sanglant - is desperately trying to unlock the secrets of her own past. Unless she masters her powers she may prove a grave danger to everyone, herself included. Alain, now proclaimed a Count's heir, is increasingly troubled by visions of the enemy he befriended and the Lady of Battles whom he's sworn to serve. And Fifth Brother, least favoured son of Bloodheart, has returned to the lands of his own people to unite the scattered tribes and build an army to do his father's bidding. While King Henry continues this progress through his troubled realm, Sanglant, Liath, Alain and Fifth Brother fight their own individual battles. Only time will tell who will prove triumphant as all of them are caught up in the dangers and turmoil of a world at war ...

Kate Elliott There is nothing more tragic than legitimate ambition comprehensively thwarted. Kate Elliott's fantasy sequence has a bleak sadness even in its moments of triumph, simply because her heroes and heroines seem as if they are never going to get the chance to be all they could be. Alan, suddenly adopted heir to the local noble, is obliged to marry an anorexic princess whose hobby of heresy extends to fake stigmata; royal courier Liath and more than slightly deranged royal bastard Sanglant find that their love stands in the way of the King's dynastic plans; the prattish monk Ivar runs away from heresy proceedings and hides among a princeling's boon companions and catamites. And while the nobility juggle marriages and churchmen bicker about doctrine, invaders amass on the borders and the world seems booked for cataclysms both political and metaphysical. Elliott has not yet become as popular as she probably deserves—she has a real sense of what even an imaginary medieval world should be like in its pompous scholarship and simple piety, and her characters are interestingly fluid; place Ivar in a cavalry charge, and he does quite well. This third volume sustains the pace and grim tone of its predecessors in the Crown of Stars sequence. —Roz Kaveney, Amazon.co.uk

Kate Elliott Lost and alone in an unknown country, Alain struggles to survive as he is unwittingly drawn into an ancient conflict between humankind and their old enemy, the Cursed Ones. Separated from her husband and child, Liath must undergo her greatest test in a land of exile. Only here can she hope to discover the truth of her parentage and learn the extent of her remarkable powers. Mourning the loss of his wife, the bastard prince Sanglant seeks his father, King Henry, to warn him about the conspiracy of powerful sorcerers who wish to destroy the Aoi, the Lost Ones, once and for all - no matter how much destruction their magic will unleash. But King Henry's gaze is fixed on the throne of Aosta and the imperial crown left vacant for two generations. As a Quman army, sweeping in from the eastern steppes, ravages the Wendish countryside, Henry marches south, ignoring the pleas of his beleaguered subjects. The great cataclysm, foretold in the stars, is approaching...Look out for more information on this book and others on the Orbit website at www.orbitbooks.co.uk

Kate Elliott The cataclysm long foretold has shaken the world. King Henry's obsession with uniting the warring kingdoms of Wendar and Varre has left his people destitute and vulnerable to attack. As earthly and supernatural forces gather to overthrow all Henry has fought for, Alain and Liath come to realise their twin destinies. Between them they hold the key to secrets which could yet save Henry's realm, but even they may be powerless should the Cursed Ones return. Look out for more information on this and other titles at www.orbitbooks.co.uk

Kate Elliott

Kate Elliott

Jennifer Fallon The Sisters of the Blade rule Medalon with an army of elite Defenders to enforce their oppressive rule and keep their neighbours out. R'shiel Tenragan, daughter of the First Sister, Joyhinia, and her half-brother, Tarja, find themselves caught up in their mother's political intrigues.

Jennifer Fallon R'shiel must now learn to use her awesome powers to protect her people from the political scheming of their long-time enemy.

Jennifer Fallon Medalon has surrendered to Karien and Tarja is once more an outlaw. The Defenders are scattered and their only hope for aid is Damin Wolfblade and the vast army of Hythria.

Jennifer Fallon On the world of Ranadon there is no night and both suns shine brightly. The intervention of Belagren, High Priestess of the Shadowdancers, has banished the Age of Shadows from the skies. Belagren's power is unquestioned until circumstances tip political rivalries into a deadlier game altogether.

Jennifer Fallon Dirk has fled Senet ahead of his pursuers and finds himself in the company of rebels and smugglers. He now has some very hard choices to make and the sheltered life he has on the island of Elcast with his family does not seem to have prepared him for the person he finds himself becoming.

Jennifer Fallon The conclusion to the Second Sons trilogy. Marked as a traitor by his own people and distrusted by his new allies, Dirk Provin walks a dangerous tightrope of political intrigue as he tries to find a way to expose the truth about the second son.

Jennifer Fallon Marla Wolfbalde, princess of Hythria, is determined to restore her family to its former glory. But power may only be gained through a man. In a desperate bid, Marla marries Warlord Dregain, bearing him a son that is heir to the throne. However, there are forces in the land that don't want the house of Wolfbalde to be restored.

Jennifer Fallon Marla Wolfblade is effectively ruling Hythria in her brother's name. The country is stable and there is peace and prosperity. But problems start when Marla brings into the family the orphaned daughter of her third husband, Luciena Mariner, who carries a deadly secret.

Jennifer Fallon Marla Wolfblade has been shattered by the deaths of her court'esa and her fourth husband. But as she plans to take her revenge against Alija Eaglespike, a foolish deal she made years ago with the Assassin's Guild comes back to haunt her. This is a saga of intrigue, power plays, and a mother's ruthless ambition.

Jennifer Fallon On the world of Amyrantha, the immortals have power over the natural elements, their power peaking every 1,000 years at the high tide of the Tide Star.

Jennifer Fallon 'The Tide Lords are returning and that means every man, woman and child is in danger ...' Arkady is exiled to the repressive Torlenian capital, where she makes some unexpected friends and some powerful enemies, all of whom seem bent on using her to wreak vengeance on each other. Things are not going smoothly for Declan Hawkes, the King's Spymaster, either, and not just because the Empress of the Five Realms has turned up in Caelum with her family. Jaxyn Aranville is determined to quash any opposition to his plans for the Glaeban throne and Arkady's husband, the Duke of Lebec, is in his way. And in the stark deserts of Torlenia, a meeting between two powerful Tide Lords could put to rest eight thousand years of enmity ... or not ...

Jennifer Fallon The eternal desire for immortality is at the core of this epic series, from an Australian author.

Jennifer Fallon The Tide Lords have gathered in Jelidia and find they must find the Chaos Crystal that brought them to this world. It is discovered that Elyssa, Scard Crasii, Warlock's cruel immortal mistress knows the location of the Chaos crystal and with every immortal searching for the crystal the stakes are high.

David Farland The Runelords is that rare book that will remind you why you started reading fantasy in the first place. Much of the setting—and even some of the story—is conventional fantasy fare, but David Farland, aside from being a masterful storyteller, has built his world around a complex and thought-provoking social system involving the exchange of "endowments." Attributes such as stamina, grace, and wit are a currency: a vassal may help his lord by endowing him with all of his strength, for instance, and in turn the vassal comes under the lord's care as his "dedicate," too weak to even walk. A Runelord might have hundreds of such endowments, giving him superhuman senses and abilities, but he then must care for the hundreds that he has deprived of strength, or beauty, or sight.

Runelords excels because this novel idea is not mere window dressing—Farland uses it to explore fundamental questions of life and morality. The story's hero, the young Runelord Gaborn, struggles to define his role in this "shameful economy" while keeping his commitments to himself, to his people, to the woman he loves, and to the earth itself. We end up asking ourselves the same questions: Should you choose your friends based on insight or virtue? Is it better to be just or good? Competent fantasy lets you escape to adventure in faraway lands, but exceptional fantasy makes sure you have something to think about when you get back. Runelords accomplishes the latter. —Paul Hughes

David Farland

David Farland The young king Gaborn Val Orden finds that he has lost his protective powers and comes to rely upon Averan, a young girl who is apprenticed to the earth wizard Binnesman. Gaborn must convince her to help him rid his land of reavers, but Averan is fearful, and time is running out.

David Farland Certain works of fantasy are immediately recognizable as monuments, towering above the rest of the category. They have been written by the likes of Stephen R. Donaldson, Robert Jordan, and Terry Goodkind. Now add to that list David Farland, whose epic fantasy series began with The Runelords, continued in Brotherhood of the Wolf and the New York Times bestseller Wizardborn, and reaches its peak now in The Lair of Bones.

Prince Gaborn, the Earth King, has defeated the forces arrayed against him each time before: the magical and human forces marshaled by Raj Ahten, who seeks immortality at any cost and has given up his humanity in trade; and the inhuman, innumerable, insectile hordes of the giant Reavers from under the Earth, whose motives are unknowable, but inimical to human life. Now there must be final confrontations, both on the field of battle, with the supernatural creature that Raj Ahten has become, and underground, in the cavernous homeland of the Reavers, where the sorcerous One True Master who rules them all lies in wait—in the Lair of Bones. The survival of the human race on Earth is at stake.

Raymond E. Feist The astonishing first volume in Raymond E. Feist's bestselling Serpentwar series...Ancient powers are readying themselves for a devastating confrontation, and a dark queen has raised a standard and is gathering armies of unmatched might. Into this battleground of good and evil a band of desperate men are forced whose only hope for survival is to face this ancient power and discover its true nature. Their quest is at best dangerous and at worst suicidal. Among them are some unlikely heroes - Erik, a bastard heir denied his birthright, and his friend Roo, an irrepressible scoundrel with a penchant for thievery are accompanied by the mysterious Miranda upon whom all must wager their lives. She appears to be an ally but also possess a hidden agenda and may prove to be a more deadly foe when the final confrontation is at hand!

Raymond E. Feist In war there there can no greater price than freedom...The second volume of Feist's earth-shatteringly brilliant Serpentwar Saga Roo Avery, recently returned from a harrowing brush with the armies of the Emerald Queen, is now free to choose his own destiny and his ultimate ambition is to become one of the richest and most powerful merchants in Midkemia. But nothing can prepare him for the dangers of the new life he has chosen, where the repayment of a debt can be as deadly as a knife in the shadows. Even those closest to him are suspect and as Roo struggles to build his financial empire, betrayal is always close at hand. But while Roo works towards achieving his goal, memories of the invasion haunt him still. For the war with the Emerald Queen is far from over and the inevitable confrontation will pose the biggest threat yet to his new found wealth and power.

Raymond E. Feist The third novel in the besetselling Sepentwar series. Midkemia is once again under the terrible shadow of the Emerald Queen. Her demonic forces gathered at the distant land of Novindus, she is ready to launch a devastating invasion against the Kingdom of the Isles. Two men stand in her way: Eric Von Darkmoor, battle-hardened soldier, and the Pug — warrior of magical powers. But it soon becomes clear that deeper, darker forces are at play than the Queen's impending onslaught — forces of an evil so great it could tear the whole world apart.

Raymond E. Feist

Raymond E. Feist This is the second volume of Raymond E. Feist's great epic of heroic fantasy. For nearly a year peace reigned the enchanted kingdom of Rillanon. But new challenges awaited Arutha the Prince of Krondor when Jimmy The Hand - youngest thief in the Guild of Mockers - came upon a sinister Nighthawk poised to assassinate him. What evil power raises the dead and makes corpses do battle with the living at the behest of the Guild of Death? And what high magic can defeat it? The new King of Midkemia is threatened - and a life-or-death quest must be undertaken for an antidote to a poison that fells a beautiful Princess on her wedding day! "The best new fantasy concept in years! Has a chance of putting its author firmly on the throne next to Tolkein - and keeping him there" - "Dragon". "Epic scope! vivid imagination!a significant contribution to the growth of the field of fantasy" - "Washington Post".

Raymond E. Feist An evil wind blows through Midkemia. Dark legions have risen up to crush the Kingdom of the Isles and enslave it to dire magics. The final battle between Order and Chaos is abotu to begin in the ruins of the city called Sethanon.

Now Pug, the master magician sometimes known as Milamber, must undertake an awesome and perilous quest to the dawn of time to grapple with an ancient and terrible Enemy for the fate of a thousand worlds.

Raymond E. Feist A newly revised edition of Raymond E. Feist' s continuation of his classic Riftwar series. Set twenty years after the events of the Riftwar, Prince of the Blood follows the adventures of Prince Arutha's sons in the dangerously unstable Great Empire of Kesh. Set twenty years after the events in The Riftwar Saga, Prince of the Blood follows the adventures that erupt when a group of powerful nobles attempt to overthrow the Empress of Kesh, bitterly dividing the court. In the centre of the conflict are the two princes of Krondor, Borric and Erland. When Borric escapes and makes a desperate journey back tothe court to warn of the traitor's plans — which if they were to succeed, would start a war that would twar the Empire apart. From the author of the phenomally successful novels in The Riftwar series comes the newly revised tale of swashbuckling adventure in one of the most popular fantasy worlds ever created. Prince of the Blood is the classic, action-packed saga of conflict and love, magic and legend, from the master of epic fantasy.

Raymond E. Feist Raymond E. Feist's classic fantasy epic, Magician, has enchanted readers for over twenty years. The revised edition was prepared to celebrate the tenth anniversary of its publication, and incorporates over 15,000 words of text omitted from previous editions. At Crydee, a frontier outpost in the tranquil Kingdom of the Isles, an orphan boy, Pug, is apprenticed to a master magician — and the destinies of two worlds are changed forever. Suddenly the peace of the Kingdom is destroyed as mysterious alien invaders swarm the land. Pug is swept up into the conflict but for him and his warrior friend, Tomas, an odyssey into the unknown has only just begun. Tomas will inherit a legacy of savage power from an ancient civilization. Pug's destiny is to lead him through a rift in the fabric of space and time to the mastery of the unimaginable powers of a strange new magic.

Raymond E. Feist Set ten years after the events in "Prince of the Blood", this book is a remarkable adventure of mystery and magic. In Amos Trask's ship, Prince Nicholas and Squire Harry set sail for a friendly visit to Uncle Martin in Crydee. But while the two are guests in Crydee, disaster strikes. Nicholas, third son of Prince Arutha, is a gifted youngster, but sheltered by life at his father's court in Krondor. To learn more of the world outside the palace walls, Nicholas and his squire, Harry, set sail for pastoral Crydee, where Arutha grew up. Shortly after their arrival, Crydee is brutally attacked. The castle is reduced to ruins, the townspeople slaughtered and two young noblewomen — friends of Nicholas — are abducted. As Nicholas ventures further from the familiar landmarks of his home in pursuit of the invaders, he learns that there is more at stake than the fate of his friends, more even than fate of the Kingdom of the Isles, for behind the murderous pirates stands a force that threatens the entire world of Midkemia, and only he is destined to confront this terrifying threat.

Raymond E. Feist The video game industry has always drawn upon works of fiction for inspiration—sooner or later, the process had to reverse itself. Krondor the Betrayal began its life as the bestselling role-playing video game of all time, written by Raymond E. Feist for Dynamix Inc. Feist, whose Serpentwar Saga has sold millions of copies and established him as one of the most popular fantasy authors of modern times, also wrote this novelization which places the action of the game in the context of his fully-realized fantasy setting, Midkemia.

Feist's fans are legion. Longtime readers will be delighted at the return of popular characters Pug the Wizard, Squire Locklear, and others, as they face the menace of a marauding elf war-chieftain and a mysterious cabal of wizards. But first-time Feist readers may find Krondor the Betrayal baffling and tiresome—without the momentum of the larger series, much of the story's effect is diminished. The video game influence in this book is unmistakable—as evidenced by an encumbrance of sword fights, multilevel conspiracy, and two-dimensional characters. Anyone who enjoys reading about Midkemia will be thrilled to play the demonstration version of the CD-ROM game (included with the book). —Brendan J. LaSalle

Raymond E. Feist Something is rotten in the state of Krondor: the Mockers, the gang of goons and bullyboys that were James's colleagues back when he was known as Jimmy the Hand, have been decimated in vicious fighting on the rooftops and in the sewers. That, and a seemingly random slew of murders, tips off the Crown that some outside concern is attempting an underworld power-grab right under the Prince's nose. Raymond E. Feist's second Riftwar book, Krondor the Assassins, continues the action of Krondor the Betrayal with Prince Arutha and Squire James back in the Midkemian capital, returning triumphantly from their campaign against the Tsurani magician Makala and moredhel headman Delekhan. But Arutha quickly sends James, née Jimmy, back into the city's seedy underbelly to investigate, and in the process he forms a sort of Krondorian secret service. Could the assassins of the Nighthawks be responsible, or perhaps some Keshian interest? James, naturally, begins to suss the situation out, which becomes even more complicated when a hunting party including the visiting Crown Prince of Olasko is beset by shape-shifting magicians.

James and Arutha, both classic feel-good-fantasy heroes—the type of guys with a twinkle in their eye who seem virtually indestructible—eventually track their enemies down to a deserted Keshian fortress, facing assorted assassins, demons, and evil priests in the process. Not the most imaginative or compelling fantasy around, but The Assassins is still a fun romp for fans of the Krondor band. —Paul Hughes

Raymond E. Feist After a pirate raid, the Tear of the Gods is lost below the waves. Without it the temples cannot speak with the gods. Squire James, Willian and Jazhara must find a new one in the distant mountains, opposed by the minions of Sidi, servant of the Dark God. The next in the massively successful new Krondor series.

Raymond E. Feist, William R. Forstchen

Lynn Flewelling

Lynn Flewelling

Lynn Flewelling

Terry Goodkind

Terry Goodkind

Terry Goodkind

Terry Goodkind

Robin Hobb A glorious classic fantasy combining the magic of Ursula Le Guin's The Wizard of Earthsea with the epic Mastery of Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. Now reissued in gorgeous new livery. Fitz is a royal bastard, cast out into the world with only his magical link with animals for solace and companionship. But When Fitz is adopted into the royal household, he must give up his old ways and learn a new life; weaponry, scribing, courtly manners; and how to kill a man secretly. Meanwhile, raiders ravage the coasts, leaving people soulless. As Fitz grows towards manhood, he will have to face his first terrifying mission, a task that poses as much risk to himself as it does to his target: for Fitz is a threat to the throne ! but he may also be the key to the future of the kingdom.

Robin Hobb Tutored in the dark arts of the assassin under the devious eye of King Shrewd, young Fitz, the illegitimate son of the noble Prince Chivalry, finds the fate of the kingdom in his hands when it is attacked by the treacherous Red Ship Raiders.

Robin Hobb

Robin Hobb

Robin Hobb

Robin Hobb

Robin Hobb Return to the world of the Farseers...Robin Hobb's best loved characters, Fitz , The Fool and Nighteyes the wolf, face new adventures and trials in the first book of The Tawny Man trilogy. When Assassin's Quest closed, Fitz was living in self-imposed exile. Wracked with pain, he had chosen to discard the magical gifts that had seen him survive the wonders and torments of navigating the legendary city of the Elderlings, and of raising a dragon. Now, in this the first of a new trilogy, we are returned to the world of the Six Duchies and the lives of those who managed to survive the events of the first Assassin trilogy. Fifteen years have passed and events are about to sweep Fitz out of his quiet backwater life and into the main political current again. Persecution of the Witted has become rampant throughout the Six Duchies despite Queen Kettricken's effort to damp it. The Witted themselves have begun to strike back. So when 15 year old Prince Dutiful disappears, is it only because he is nervous about his betrothal ceremony to an Outislander princess, or has he been taken hostage by the Witted? Worse, is he perhaps another 'Piebald Prince', a Farseer tainted by Wit magic?As the desperate situation worsens, Kettricken has no choice but to summon Fitz to Buckkeep, for who better to track the young prince down than another gifted with the Wit, together with his bonded companion, the wolf Nighteyes?

Robin Hobb The second in the thrilling new fantasy series, from the author of the bestselling Assassin trilogy. Fitz has succeeded in rescuing Prince Dutiful from the clutches of the Piebald rebels, and has returned with him to Buckkeep castle. With Dutiful safe again, Queen Kettricken can proceed with plans to marry him to the Outislander princess, Elliania, but with tensions building among the peoples of the Six Duchies over Kettricken's tolerance of the Wittted, even Buckkeep is no longer safe. A reluctant Fitz is assigned to protect the young prince, and also train him in the Skill, and in doing so he finally makes contact not only with his estranged daughter, Nettle, but with someone in Buckkeep who may possess a greater Skill talent than Fitz. And who may represent a terrible threat to the Farseers. Meanwhile, Elliania arrives, and before she will accept Prince Dutiful's betrothal challenges him to undertake an impossible quest. He must kill a legendary Outislander dragon.

Robin Hobb

Robin Hobb

Robin Hobb

Robin Hobb

Robert E. Howard Conan the Cimmerian—the boy-thief who became a mercenary, who fought and loved his way across fabled lands to become King of Aquilonia. Neither supernatural fiends nor demonic sorcery could oppose the barbarian warrior as he wielded his mighty sword and dispatched his enemies to a bloody doom on the battlefields of the legendary Hyborian age. Collected here in the chronological order they were first published are Robert E. Howard's definitive stories of Conan, exactly as he wrote them. A foreword and afterword by Stephen Jones provide a biography of Howard along with a comprehensive overview of his writing and background on the world of pulp fiction. World Fantasy Award-nominee Les Edwards contributes a black and white frontispiece, along with a gold embossed work on the leather-style cover, while Hugo Award- and Bram Stoker Award-winning editor and author Stephen Jones provides an insightful afterword.

Ian Irvine

Ian Irvine

Ian Irvine

Ian Irvine The alliance has failed. There is a dark full moon on mid-winter's day - sign that the foretelling has come to pass. Karan is held captive in desolate Carcharon tower. Karan's lover, Llian, is in chains, falsely accused of betraying her to the enemy. Rulke the Charon is unstoppable now, and plans to open the Way between the Worlds. If he succeeds the world will be overwhelmed by the dread armies of the void and an endless night will fall...For more information on this or any other Orbit title, visit the Orbit website at www.orbitbooks.co.uk

Robert Jordan The second book in Robert Jordan's internationally bestselling epic fantasy series, THE WHEEL OF TIME, now reissued with a stunning new cover design. The Forsaken are loose, the Horn of Valere has been found and the Dead are rising from their dreamless sleep. The Prophecies are being fulfilled - but Rand al' Thor, the shepherd the Aes Sedai have proclaimed as the Dragon Reborn, desperately seeks to escape his destiny. Rand cannot run forever. With every passing day the Dark One grows in strength and strives to shatter his ancient prison, to break the Wheel, to bring an end to Time and sunder the weave of the Pattern. And the Pattern demands the Dragon. Look out for more information on this title and others at www.orbitbooks.co.uk

Robert Jordan Life in Emond's Field has been pretty boring for Rand Al'Thor and his friends until a strange young woman arrives in their village. Moraine is an Aes Sedai, a magician with the ability to wield the One Power, and she brings warnings of a terrible evil awakening in the world. That very night, the village is attacked by bloodthirsty Trollocs - a fearsome tribe of beast-men thought to be no more than myth. As Emond's Field burns, Moraine and her warrior-guardian help Rand and his companions to escape. But it is only the beginning of their troubles. For Moraine believes Rand Al'Thor is the Dragon Reborn, and that he is fated to unite the world against the rising darkness and lead the fight against a being so powerful and evil it is known simply as the Dark One. Part One of the opening volume to Robert Jordan's classic Wheel of Time series, The Eye of the World continues with TO THE BLIGHT, also available in March 2003.

Robert Jordan The third book in Robert Jordan's internationally bestselling epic fantasy series, THE WHEEL OF TIME, now reissued with a stunning new cover design. The Land is One with the Dragon - and the Dragon is One with the Land The Shadow lies across the Pattern of the Age, and the Dark One has turned all his power against the prison that binds him. If it fails he will escape and nothing will stand in the storm that blows then ...save the man that was born to battle the darkness: Rand al' Thor, the Dragon Reborn. But to wage his war Rand must find Callandor, ancient Sword of the Dragon ...and the Forsaken will shatter the world to thwart him. Look out for more information about this title and others at www.orbitbooks.co.uk

Robert Jordan The fourth book in Robert Jordan's internationally bestselling epic fantasy series, THE WHEEL OF TIME, now reissued with a stunning new cover design. The Stone of Tear, invulnerable fortress of legend, has fallen. The Children of the Dragon have risen to the call of prophecy and march to the aid of the Light. Callandor, the Sword That Is Not a Sword, is held by Rand al' Thor, the man proclaimed as the Dragon Reborn. But still the shadows lengthen and still the Forsaken grow in strength. If he is to fight them, Rand must master the male half of the True Source, a power corrupted by the Dark One, a power that drives men to madness, a power that may save or damn the world. Find out more about this title and others at www.orbitbooks.co.uk

Robert Jordan The bonds and wards that hold the Great Lord of the Dark are slowly failing, but still his fragile prison holds. The Forsaken, immortal servants of the Shadow, weave their snares and tighten their grip upon the realms of men, sue in the knowledge that their master will soon break free. Rand al'Thor, the Dragon Reborn, knows that he must strike at the Enemy, but his forces are divided by trachery and by ambition. Even the Aes Sedai, ancient guardians of the Light, are riven by civil war. Betrayed by his allies, pursued by his enemies and beset by the madness that comes to the male wielders of the One Power, Rand rides out to meet the foe. And the fires of Heaven scour the world.

Robert Jordan Rand al' Thor, the Dragon Reborn, strives to bind the nations of the world to his will, to forge the alliances that will fight the advance of the Shadow and to ready the forces of Light for the Last Battle. But there are other powers that seek to command the war against the Dark One. In the White Tower the Amyrlin Elaida sets a snare to trap the Dragon, whilst the rebel Aes Sedai scheme to bring her down. And as the realms of men fall into chaos the immortal Forsaken and the servants of the Dark plan their assault on the Dragon Reborn ...Find out more about this title and others at www.orbitbooks.co.uk

Robert Jordan Robert Jordan has created a rich and intricate tapestry of characters in his Wheel of Time series. In this seventh volume, Rand al'Thor—the Dragon Reborn—draws ever closer to the Last Battle as a stifling heat grips the world.

Robert Jordan Robert Jordan's bestselling Wheel of Time epic is one of the most popular fantasy series of all time for a reason. Jordan's world is rich and complex, and he's assembled an endearing, involving core of characters while mapping out an ambitious and engaging story arc.

But with the previous book, Crown of Swords, and now with Path of Daggers, the series is in a bit of a holding pattern. Path continues the halting gait of the current plot line: Rand is still on the brink of losing it, all the while juggling the political machinations around him and again taking to the field against the Seanchan. The rest of the Two Rivers kids and company don't seem to be moving much faster. Egwene continues to slowly consolidate her hold as the "true" Amyrlin (finally getting closer to Tar Valon and the inevitable confrontation with Elaida), and Nynaeve and Elayne keep on wandering toward the Lion Throne, again on the run from the Seanchan. Mat Cauthon is barely mentioned, and fellow ta'veren Perrin keeps busy with politics in Ghealdan. The ending does provide promise, though, that book nine might match the pace and passion of the previous books.

If you're already hooked, you could sooner overcome a weave of Compulsion than avoid picking up a copy of Path of Daggers. But if you're new to the series, start at the beginning with the engrossing, much-better-paced Eye of the World. —Paul Hughes

Robert Jordan Is Robert Jordan still doing the Light's work? Even loyal fans have to wonder. (And if you're not a fan yet, you'll have to read the previous 6,789 pages in this bestselling series to understand what all the fuss is about.)

Everyone's in agreement on the Wheel of Time's first four or five volumes: They're topnotch, where-have-you-been-all-my-life epic fantasy, the best in anybody's memory at the time since The Lord of the Rings. But a funny thing happened on the way to Tarmon Gai'don, and many of those raves have become rants or (worse) yawns. Jordan long ago proved himself a master at world-building, with fascinating characters, a positively delicious backstory, and enough plot and politics to choke a Trolloc, but that same strength has become a liability. How do you criticize what he's doing now? You want more momentum and direction in the central plot line, but it's the secondary stories that have made the world so rich. And as in the last couple of books, (A Crown of Swords and The Path of Daggers), Jordan doesn't really succeed at pursuing either adequately, leaving a lot of heavily invested readers frustrated.

Winter's Heart at least shows some improvement, but it's still not The Eye of the World. Elayne's still waiting to take the crown of Andor; the noticeably absent Egwene is still waiting to go after the White Tower; Perrin gets ready to pursue the Shaido but then disappears for the rest of the book. About the only excitement comes with the long-awaited return of Mat Cauthon and a thankfully rock 'em, sock 'em finale in which Rand finally, finally changes the balance of power in his fight against the Dark One. —Paul Hughes

Robert Jordan

George R. R. Martin

George R. R. Martin Readers of epic fantasy series are: (1) patient—they are left in suspense between each volume, (2) persistent—they reread or at least review the previous book(s) when a new installment comes out, (3) strong—these 700-page doorstoppers are heavy, and (4) mentally agile—they follow a host of characters through a myriad of subplots. In A Game of Thrones, the first book of a projected six, George R.R. Martin rewards readers with a vividly real world, well-drawn characters, complex but coherent plotting, and beautifully constructed prose, which Locus called "well above the norms of the genre."

Martin's Seven Kingdoms resemble England during the Wars of the Roses, with the Stark and Lannister families standing in for the Yorks and Lancasters. The story of these two families and their struggle to control the Iron Throne dominates the foreground; in the background is a huge, ancient wall marking the northern border, beyond which barbarians, ice vampires, and direwolves menace the south as years-long winter advances. Abroad, a dragon princess lives among horse nomads and dreams of fiery reconquest.

There is much bloodshed, cruelty, and death, but A Game of Thrones is nevertheless compelling; it garnered a Nebula nomination and won the 1996 Locus Award for Best Fantasy Novel. So, on to A Clash of Kings! —Nona Vero

George R. R. Martin

George R. R. Martin

Fiona McIntosh

Fiona McIntosh War looms between Morgravia and Briavel, and the threat from the Mountain King grows stronger. Struggling against time and repulsed by his latest disguise, everything Wyl Thirsk has striven to prevent is happening, including the marriage of his beloved Queen Valentyna of Briavel to the reviled King Celimus.

Fiona McIntosh Wyl Thirsk has seen his best friend murdered and his sister imprisoned by King Celimus of Morgravia. Now the king has turned his attention to the neighbouring realm of Briavel - and the woman Wyl loves. Whl is desperate to return to Valentyna and prevent her marriage to Celimus, but fate has other plans.

Fiona McIntosh

Fiona McIntosh

Fiona McIntosh The Paladin are reunited in the Heartwood and the Trinity is revealed at last. But what is the key to the secret which will unlock their power? The Land is in peril and they are helpless to save it. The battle lines are set for the final confrontation between the two most powerful sentients.

Karen Miller

Karen Miller Following the death of his family, Prince Gar is now King Gar and his assistant Asher has become the most powerful Olken in history. Dangerous deception is revealed and enemies on all sides close in for blood and Gar is forced to make a terrible decision can the circle of secret Olken magicians save him or his kingdom?

Garth Nix

Garth Nix

Garth Nix

Garth Nix

Garth Nix The first in an ambitious seven-book sequence, Mister Monday is surely the publication that will prove that Garth Nix is one of the best fantasy writers at work today. In turn, imaginative, spellbinding and hugely original, this award-winning author from Australia begins an expansive multi-volume work that is sure to stand the test of time if this first episode is anything to go by.

Arthur Penhaligon is supposed to die and he almost does on a school run when he collapses because of his chronic asthma. In his dreams he is visited by the enigmatic Mister Monday, who gives him a mysterious atlas and a magic key shaped like the minute hand of a clock. But Arthur wakes up and Mister Monday wants everything back. With these "gifts", Arthur suddenly assumes new powers and with them frightening responsibilities. Arthur's family and friends are under threat from a sudden outbreak of drug-resistant influenza and it seems the cure to this curious rash of afflictions can only be found inside a vast house that only Arthur can see.

Arthur has no option but to step inside and in doing so becomes the world's most unlikely hero and champion. Battling obstacles such as dog-faced Fetchers and people with Wings, robots and unbreakable chains, Arthur fights to stay intact and for meaning to this crazy world he has tumbled upon.

There's something about the way Nix tells stories that is strangely compelling. His mix of magic and fantasy, history and future visions, are truly unique. It's difficult to guess what will follow in further volumes, but that's half the fun of reading an author like this. It could be said that Nix is in many ways the heir to Philip Pullman's throne. Suitable for readers aged 10 and over. —John McLay

K.J. Parker Perimadeia: the famed Triple City and the mercantile capital of the known world. Behind its allegedly impregnable walls, everything is available—including information that will allow its enemies to plan one of the most devastating sieges of all time. The man called upon to defend Perimadeia is Bardas Loredan, a fencer–at–law, weary of his work and the world. For Loredan is one of the surviving members of Maxen’s Pitchfork, the legendary band of soldiers who waged war on the Plains tribes, rendering an attack on Perimadeia impossible. Until now… But Loredan has problems of his own. In a city where court cases are settled by lawyers arguing with swords not words, enemies are all too easily made. And by winning one particular case, Loredan has unwittingly become the target of a young woman bent on revenge. The last thing he needs is the responsibility of saving a city.

K.J. Parker K.J. Parker received critical acclaim for his Fencer Trilogy, and Shadow is the first book in the Scavenger Trilogy—a series that takes fantasy fiction into remarkable new territory. A man wakes in the wilderness, amid scattered corpses and inquisitive crows. He has no memory of who he is or how he came to be there. The only clues to his former existence lie in his apparent skill with a sword and the fragmented dreams that permeate his sleep.

K.J. Parker K.J. Parker's Shadow began a ground-breaking new series that takes fantasy into remarkable new territory. Now, with Pattern, the extraordinary story of Poldarn takes a new shape. In a world he does not know, Poldarn's future is uncertain. Pursued by invisible enemies and haunted by the demons of his past, nobody can be trusted—not even himself, it seems. Attempting to piece together his own life from whatever scattered fragments he can find and dreams that hide as much as they reveal has brought him nothing but trouble. Now all he craves is peace. But will he find it on the island he believes to be his childhood home? Or will this place hold more terrors for him to confront?

K.J. Parker The city of Perimadeia has fallen. Bardas Loredan, the man who was chosen to save it, is now on the Island—a recluse living in the mountains, away from his family, with only a young apprentice for company. His life as a fencer–at–law is over. Instead, Loredan spends his days perfecting the art of bow making. But his isolation will not last forever, and when the Island comes under attack, his skills as a soldier and leader are once again called into play. The second installment in The Fencer Trilogy, The Belly of the Bow firmly establishes K.J. Parker in the top rank of fantasy writers.

K.J. Parker After years spent in the saps under the defenses of the apparently impregnable city of Ap’Iscatoy, Bardas Loredan, sometimes fencer–at–law and betrayed defender of the famed Triple City, is suddenly hero of the Empire. His reward is a boring administrative job in a backwater, watching armor tested to destruction in the Proof House. But the fall of Ap’Iscatoy has opened up unexpected possibilities for the expansion of the Empire into the land of the Plains people, and Bardas Loredan is the one man Temrai the Great, King of the Plains tribes, fears the most… The Proof House is the gripping, hugely entertaining conclusion of K.J. Parker’s Fencer Trilogy.

K.J. Parker This series from the author of The Fencer Trilogy (Colours in the Steel, The Belly of the Bow, and The Proof House) takes fantasy into new territory with the spellbinding story of Poldarn.

Melanie Rawn Melanie Rawn's best-selling debut is a novel of love and war, magic and madness, and deadly dangerous dragons that hold the secret to unimaginable wealth that could prove key to mutual peace-or a bloody tyrant's reign. And among it all, an idealistic young ruler struggles to civilize a culture that understands the strength of the sword-but has yet to discover the true power of knowledge.

Melanie Rawn As High Prince and Princess, Rohan and Sioned must keep both the peace and the secret of the dragons. But the legacy of their evil predecessor remains-and as their son Pol grows up, the kingdom splits in what may become a bloody battle for the crown.

To make things worse, a long-vanquished foe vows to destroy the Prince. The only hope of defeating their dark sorcery lies in reclaiming the knowledge so carefully concealed in the long-lost Star Scroll.

Melanie Rawn The third fantasy epic in the "Dragon Prince" series. The Sunrunners now have the ancient Star Scroll: an arcane fund of forgotten spells and knowledge - the only record of an old foe that is now against them once more. Andry, the new Lord of Goddess Keep, must struggle to unlock its secrets.

Melanie Rawn A generation of peace is about to be shattered as a seemingly unstoppable invasion force lays siege to High Prince Rohan's realm. For Andry, the Sunrunner Lord, the invasion is a fulfilment of his long-ago visions of disaster to come. This is the first book in the "Dragon Star" trilogy.

Melanie Rawn As war rages over the land, the High Prince is forced to retreat, abandoning his castles and towns, until Prince Pol rallies his forces in a desperate attempt to halt the advance of the invading army.

Melanie Rawn In the sequel to Stronghold and The Dragon Token, the High Prince Pol and the Sunrunner Lord Andry must draw upon all their magic and military might to defeat their enemy.

J. K. Rowling Say you've spent the first 10 years of your life sleeping under the stairs of a family who loathes you. Then, in an absurd, magical twist of fate you find yourself surrounded by wizards, a caged snowy owl, a phoenix-feather wand, and jellybeans that come in every flavor, including strawberry, curry, grass, and sardine. Not only that, but you discover that you are a wizard yourself! This is exactly what happens to young Harry Potter in J.K. Rowling's enchanting, funny debut novel, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. In the nonmagic human world—the world of "Muggles"—Harry is a nobody, treated like dirt by the aunt and uncle who begrudgingly inherited him when his parents were killed by the evil Voldemort. But in the world of wizards, small, skinny Harry is famous as a survivor of the wizard who tried to kill him. He is left only with a lightning-bolt scar on his forehead, curiously refined sensibilities, and a host of mysterious powers to remind him that he's quite, yes, altogether different from his aunt, uncle, and spoiled, piglike cousin Dudley.

A mysterious letter, delivered by the friendly giant Hagrid, wrenches Harry from his dreary, Muggle-ridden existence: "We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry." Of course, Uncle Vernon yells most unpleasantly, "I AM NOT PAYING FOR SOME CRACKPOT OLD FOOL TO TEACH HIM MAGIC TRICKS!" Soon enough, however, Harry finds himself at Hogwarts with his owl Hedwig... and that's where the real adventure—humorous, haunting, and suspenseful—begins. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, first published in England as Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, continues to win major awards in England. So far it has won the National Book Award, the Smarties Prize, the Children's Book Award, and is short-listed for the Carnegie Medal, the U.K. version of the Newbery Medal. This magical, gripping, brilliant book—a future classic to be sure—will leave kids clamoring for Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. (Ages 8 to 13) —Karin Snelson

J. K. Rowling

J. K. Rowling

J. K. Rowling

J. K. Rowling

J. K. Rowling

Jonathan Wylie

Jonathan Wylie

Jonathan Wylie