Collection: Fantasy

Part parable, part fantasy novel, part laugh-out-loud satire, American Desert is the story of Theodore Street, a college professor on the brink of committing suicide. When the decision is taken out of his hands--he's hit by a car and his head is severed from his body--he must come to terms with himself. At his funeral, he sits up in his own coffin with the stitches that bind his head to his body clearly visible. Everyone is horrified by this resurrection. He becomes a source of fear and embarrassment to his daughter, and an object of derision and morbid curiosity to the press and the scientific communities, and is anointed as a sort of devil by an obscure religious cult. In the process, Theodore manages to reestablish his relationship with his estranged wife and family and to rediscover the value of his life. In this experimental, satirical, and bizarre novel, critically acclaimed author Percival Everett once again takes on the assumptions of a culture whose priorities have gone out of whack. He lampoons the press, religion, and academia while offering, ultimately, an existential meditation of what constitutes being alive.

In a small town in Appalachia, people paint their doorways blue to keep spirits away.

Black ferns grow where death will follow.

And Weatherly Opal Wilder is a Death Talker.

When called upon, she can talk the death out of the dying and save their lives; only once, never twice. But this truly unique gift comes at a price, rooting Weatherly to people who only want her around when they need her and resent her backwater ways when they don't.

Weatherly's cousin Adaire also has a gift: she's a Scryer and can see the future reflected back in dark surfaces. Right before she is killed in an accident, Adaire saw something unnerving, and that's why Weatherly believes she was murdered--never thinking for a moment that it was an accident. But when Weatherly, for the first time, is unable to talk the death out of the mayor's son, the whole town suspects she is out for revenge, that she wouldn't save him.

With the help of clues Adaire left behind and her family's Granny Witch recipe box, Weatherly sets out to find the truth behind her cousin's death, whatever it takes.

Imbued with magic, witchery, and suspense, Dana Elmendorf's In the Hour of Crows is a thrilling tale of friendship, identity, and love.

"This is fantasy served with a twist of Monty Python, parody that works by never taking itself too seriously." --Publishers Weekly

Murder! Mahem! Bacon sandwiches! People are dying suspiciously in Ankh-Morpork, and Sam Vimes of the City Watch will find the truth. Another brilliant and hilarious Discworld adventure from beloved New York Times bestselling author Terry Pratchett

For Commander Sam Vimes, Head of the Ankh-Morpork City Watch, life consists of trouble . . . and more trouble: a werewolf with pre-lunar tension, a dwarf with attitude, a golem who's begun to think for itself. Now he's got the unusual deaths of three elderly Ankh-Morporkians on his hands. It's murder in Discworld!--which ordinarily is no big deal. The problem is, the deaths do not bear the clean, efficient marks of the Assassins' Guild; there's an apparent lack of motive, and there's no trace of anything alive having been at the crime scene. What Vimes does have are some tracks of white clay and more bothersome "clue" thingies that muck up his investigations.

The anger of a fearful populace is already targeting the city's small community of golems--those mindless, absurdly industrious creatures of baked clay, who can occasionally be found toiling in the city's factories. And certain highly placed personages are using the unrest as an excuse to resurrect a monarchy--which would be bad enough even if their would-be "king" wasn't as empty-headed as your typical animated pottery.

In addition to quieting the restless populace, Vimes has to find out whodunit--and howdunit too. He's not even sure what they dun. But as soon as he knows what the questions are, he's going to look for some answers.

The Discworld novels can be read in any order, but Feet of Clay is the 3rd book in the City Watch collection and the 17th Discworld book.

The City Watch collection in order:

Guards! Guards!Men at ArmsFeet of ClayJingoThe Fifth ElephantNight WatchThud!Snuff

"Unadulterated fun."--San Francisco Chronicle

The fate of Ankh-Morpork and the Discworld itself rests on the unlikely shoulders of newly promoted Corporal Carrot and his hapless charges in the City Watch in this wildly wacky Discworld novel from the legendary New York Times bestselling author Terry Pratchett.

Corporal Carrot has been promoted and is now in charge of the new recruits guarding Ankh-Morpork from Barbarian Tribes, Miscellaneous Marauders, unlicensed Thieves, and other dangerous Discworld denizens. It's a big job for an adopted dwarf keeping the likes of young coppers Lance-constable Cuddy (really a dwarf), Lance-constable Detritus (a troll), Lance-constable Angua (a woman) and Corporal Nobbs (disqualified from the human race for shoving) in line.

Especially since someone in Ankh-Morpork has been getting dangerous ideas about crowns and legendary swords, and destiny--which points its crooked finger again when an ancient document reveals that Ankh-Morpork has a secret sovereign . . . and his name is Carrot.

It's the beginning of the most awesome epic encounter of all time (or at least all afternoon), in which the fate of a city--indeed of the universe itself!--depends on a young man's courage, an ancient sword's magic, and a three-legged poodle's bladder.

The Discworld novels can be read in any order but Men at Arms is the 2nd in the City Watch collection and the 15th Discworld book.

The City Watch series in order:

Guards! Guards!Men at ArmsFeet of ClayJingoThe Fifth ElephantNight WatchThud!Snuff

This is not 'Cozy' in the traditional sense, unless you find misery and betrayal to be as comforting as a cup of hot cocoa. Caraway of the Sea is a grim-cozy low fantasy, featuring an asexual fmc who happens to be a renowned badass pirate. This book is for the girls who are moody, feisty, and in another world may also be stabby. Trust me you will fall in love with Caraway.

"Caraway Auclair has devoted herself to protecting her brother, serving as the ship's first mate and enforcer. Sacrificing nearly all she is to ensure that he becomes the most fearsome pirate Captain to ever sail the Carnelian Sea. She realizes too late, that the seas have only grown darker, and the waves more fearsome, they threaten to pull her under completely and mold her into something akin to a nightmare.

After Caraway's closest friend dies in a brutal storm, grief puts Caraway and her brother at odds more than ever before.

When they dock on Isla Dalia after the devastating storm, Caraway is surrounded by both friend and foe, oftentimes unable to distinguish between the two. She must navigate a torrent of emotions unlike any she has weathered before. Seeking out any and all distractions, she begins to grow dangerously close to a rival Captain, despite her brother's warnings.

As another storm looms, ever encroaching upon her crew's uncertain future, her fears are laid bare for all to see. Caraway struggles to face the demons of her past ... only to discover that they pale in comparison to the monster that she had a hand in creating.

As she drifts further away from all that she once knew, secrets slowly begin to surface, and the tides of her life as she knew it begins to shift ...

A shift that just might destroy the life she's worked so hard to protect, and her future with it."

What to expect!

Caraway of the Sea is a new adult pirate fantasy, featuring an asexual main character. This book is not cozy unless you are like me and find misery and betrayal to be like a warm cup of hot cocoa. This book does NOT contain any explicit content (Spice), although it is well-seasoned in my opinion. If you look for any of these items in a book, you should enjoy the voyage: rage, paranoia, tension, secrets, betrayal, mischief, banter, slow-burn forbidden romance, one bed, rivals, found family, and of course LGBTQA+ representation.

CONTENT WARNINGS:

Violence, gore, blood, vomiting, character deaths (both on and off the page), discussion of and attempted of SA, drowning, dismemberment, anxiety, emotional abuse, physical abuse, manipulation, PTSD, sharp objects and gun violence, swearing, narcissism (very heavy), depression, and alcoholism.

When her brother Hero falls mysteriously ill, talented and proud Celene, daughter of the king and leader of the Royal Knights, turns in desperation to the evil sorcerer Sidra for help. When the cost of her soul proves too high for Celene, an enraged Sidra weaves her dark magic. Celene becomes an outcast... and a legend - the Cursed Unicorn. Will she ever be able to break the spell?

In this supernatural thriller, six teenagers attempt to survive the horrors - both human and supernatural - that haunt them as they try to escape a seemingly infinite forest where far older, crueler things wait for them with plans of their own.

The celebrated world of The Sandman expands with the direct sequel to The Sandman Universe: Nightmare Country, as the Corinthian takes a bite out of Silicon Valley!

Enter the Sandman Universe once again for the latest chapter of The Sandman saga!

The Corinthian has been turned loose on our realm once more, and this time he sets his sights on the very root of rapacious American capitalism--Silicon Valley.

His relentless pursuit of the Smiling Man will carve a bloody path from the C-suite of Prophet Capital to the bowels of a demonic nightclub, and no one will be safe from his reach. Not Ken, living large in the Bay Area since parting ways with Barbie all those years ago. Not Max, a nervous hedge fund manager on the rise who's never quite fit anywhere. Not anyone.

Multiple Eisner Award-winning writer James Tynion IV reunites with superstar horror artist Lisandro Estherren to bring you the nightmare-fueled follow-up you've been craving, a tale that will plumb the bottomless depths of our yearning for more at the heart of the American dream.

This volume collects The Sandman Universe: Nightmare Country - The Glass House #1-6.

Narwhal and Jelly meets The Amazing World of Gumball in this first book in a delightful graphic novel chapter book series about Cloud Puppy--part puppy, part cloud, and all adorable--and her forays into friendship, adventure, and all things geeky!

Meet Cloud Puppy! Her hobbies include making rainbows, super sniffing, and, of course, reading the Pretty Princess Warrior Dragonetta series with her best friend, Berry Rose. After Cloud Puppy finds out that her favorite author will be a guest at the local comic book convention, she and Berry Rose decide to attend in homemade costumes.

But when they both insist on dressing up as the same character, Cloud Puppy and Berry Rose have their first fight ever! Now, they're going to the convention separately. Will these feuding friends be able to make amends?

Author Lynn Becker and illustrator Nate Carvalho's board book June Moon is a whimsical bedtime story that sparks imagination and laughter as the moon mirrors a child's playful actions, becoming a cherished favorite for young readers year-round and a perfect bonding experience for parents and children before sleep.

Rising moon
Shining moon,
Magic as a June moon.

A story of seasides and summertimes, in June Moon, the rising and setting of the moon mirrors a child's imaginative play and bedtime routine, all bathed in the natural magic of an evening in June.

With gorgeous illustrations and seamless transitions between reality and the fantasy of a child's view of the night sky, readers of all ages will reach for this lilting bedtime poem again and again.

Since Mike Mignola's Hellboy first hit the stands in 1993, it has become a cultural sensation, racking up a dozen Eisner Awards and inspiring numerous spinoffs -- from a novel line, to video games, to feature films. Now, Dark Horse is pleased to present the comics that started it all, collected in deluxe hardcover editions. Sized at a generous 9' x 12', and handsomely bound to match The Art of Hellboy, each volume contains the equivalent of two full trade paperbacks.

There are many things that go bump in the night, and I am one of them.

As a wolf, my hate towards Hunters was born from fire and blood.

I know all too well the brush of death others only speak of in hushed whispers. It marked me and everyday since I have fought to prove myself. To be the strongest, the best wolf in the Red Mountain Pack.

To live up to my family name.

Until one night, one trap, one chance encounter changes all that.

Thrown into the middle of an ancient war I have no choice but to fight for those I love but war takes casualties, including people's souls.

If friends can become enemies...what can enemies become?

I guess we will find out before the moon is full.

Welcome to the Court of Beasts, where wilderness prevails.

Who lived? Who died? Little has been revealed about the year following the fall of Starlight Beacon and the ultimate triumph of the Nihil - until now! The Jedi Council, reeling from its losses, has recalled its Jedi Knights from across the galaxy and instituted its emergency measures. Master Yoda has a plan to save both the Order and the galaxy, but he must touch the dark side to achieve it, and the consequences will be grave indeed. Jedi Knight Bell Zettifar, with his trusty charhound Ember at his side, will battle to rid the galaxy of the villainous Nihil. And fresh from his sweetest triumph, Marchion Ro - ruthless Eye of the Nihil - must face his greatest trials! Plus: What is the Stormwall, and what danger does it pose to the Republic? Collecting STAR WARS: THE HIGH REPUBLIC - SHADOWS OF STARLIGHT #1-4.

Get lost in the newest fantasy from the author of A Hunger of Thorns, on a beguiling journey behind the closed doors of a sinister secret society. Featuring a steamy enemies-to-lovers romance and a fight for the witching world that will get your heart racing.

Merry doesn't need a happily-ever-after. Her life in the charming, idyllic town of Candlecott is fine just as it is. Simple, happy, and with absolutely no magic. Magic only ever leads to trouble.

But Merry's best friend, Teddy, is joining the Toadmen--a secret society who specialize in backward thinking and suspiciously supernatural traditions--and Merry is determined to stop him. Even if it means teaming up with the person she hates most: her academic archnemesis, Caraway Boswell, an ice-cold snob who hides his true face under a glamour.

An ancient Toad ritual is being held in the sinister Deeping Fen, and if Merry doesn't rescue Teddy before it's finished, she'll lose him forever. But the Toadmen have been keeping dangerous secrets, and so has Caraway. The farther Merry travels into Deeping Fen's foul waters, the more she wonders if she's truly come to save her friend . . . or if she's walking straight into a trap.

There's nothing the Toadmen love more than a damsel in distress.

Most fairytales end with a wedding and a happily-ever-after--but this is no fairytale. The first volume of Suji Kim's hit web novel, now available in English print for the first time.

Lady Maximilian is the daughter of the powerful Duke Croyso, but she is rarely allowed outside her family's sprawling castle for fear that her stutter will tarnish their noble name. When she is forced to marry Sir Riftan, a low-born knight caught in one of her father's schemes, Maxi doesn't dare hope for happiness, let alone love. Her stumbling communication and his gruff manner sour their romance before it can begin, and Riftan leaves without a word the morning after their wedding night.

Now, three years after their wedding vows, Riftan has returned as a war hero. To Maxi's bewilderment, despite rumors that he was offered marriage to Princess Agnes, a beautiful and reknowned sorceress, Riftan still wants Maxi for his wife. And when he comes to claim her, his want becomes a desire that threatens to suffocate Maxi, even as she is overcome by the scorching heat that Riftan's presence now ignites within her.

Featuring an evocative text and luminous paintings, this stunning book celebrates the power of stories--how they connect us, inspire us, and keep memories alive.

Griffin's grandmother spins the most marvelous stories, from breathtaking fairy tales to fascinating family lore. These stories fuel his imagination and fill their days with magic. So when he sees her once-bright spark begin to fade, Griffin is scared to think of the future. Fortunately, though, he has her stories to guide him--and to remind him that he is braver than he could ever imagine.