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The End of October: A page-turning thriller that warned of the risk of a global virus
by Lawrence WrightA DEADLY VIRUS. QUARANTINE. A WORLD IN LOCKDOWN. THE THRILLER THAT PREDICTED IT ALL. 'An eerily prescient novel about a devastating virus that begins in Asia before going global . . . A page-turner that has the earmarks of an instant bestseller.' New York Post'Eerily prescient. Too bad our leaders lack his foresight.' The New York TimesA race-against-time thriller, as one man must find the origin and cure for a new killer virus that has brought the world to its knees.At an internment camp in Indonesia, forty-seven people are pronounced dead with a mysterious fever. When Dr Henry Parsons - microbiologist and epidemiologist - travels there on behalf of the World Health Organization to investigate, what he finds will soon have staggering repercussions across the globe: an infected man is on his way to join the millions of worshippers in the annual Hajj to Mecca. As international tensions rise and governments enforce unprecedented measures, Henry finds himself in a race against time to track the source and find a cure – before it’s too late . . .***'Featuring accounts of past plagues and pandemics, descriptions of pathogens and how they work, and dark notes about global warming, the book produces deep shudders . . . A disturbing, eerily timed novel.' Kirkus Reviews'A compelling read up to the last sentence. Wright has come up with a story worthy of Michael Crichton. In an eerily calm, matter-of-fact way, and backed by meticulous research, he imagines what the world would actually be like in the grip of a devastating new virus.' Richard Preston, author of The Hot Zone'This timely literary page-turner shows Wright is on a par with the best writers in the genre.' Publishers WeeklyWHAT READERS ARE SAYING:'If you have a desire to really understand what is going on in the world right now, this is a novel that you cannot afford to miss!''Well-written and fast-paced. Most of all utterly, scarily, believable.''I HAVE LEARNED SO MUCH, and actually much of what I learned has informed my understanding of our current coronavirus pandemic.''Very well written and researched, and an all-around fascinating story'
The Enlightenment of the Greengage Tree: SHORTLISTED FOR THE INTERNATIONAL BOOKER PRIZE 2020
by Shokoofeh Azar*SHORTLISTED FOR THE INTERNATIONAL BOOKER PRIZE 2020*“If ever there was a book that needs to be read more than once, this is it.” - ArtsHub“A book that keeps on giving” - Brona’s Books“Extraordinary” - The Irish Times“Compelling, delightful and powerful” - David’s Book WorldA family story about the unbreakable connection between the living and the deadSet in Iran in the decade following the 1979 Islamic Revolution, this moving, richly imagined novel is narrated by the ghost of Bahar, a thirteen-year-old girl, whose family is compelled to flee their home in Tehran for a new life in a small village, hoping in this way to preserve both their intellectual freedom and their lives. But they soon find themselves caught up in the post-revolutionary chaos that sweeps across their ancient land and its people. Bahar’s mother, after a tragic loss, will embark on a long, eventful journey in search of meaning.The Enlightenment of the Greengage Tree speaks of the power of imagination when confronted with cruelty, and of our human need to make sense of trauma through the ritual of storytelling itself. Through her unforgettable characters, Azar weaves a timely and timeless story that juxtaposes the beauty of an ancient, vibrant culture with the brutality of an oppressive political regime."Not only richly imaginative but also emotionally powerful." - 1st Reading's Blog“Her novel ... embodies Iranian life in a state of constant “oscillation”, bringing into play “opposing poles” — like life and death, religion and politics ... — to evoke the extent of damage by an oppressive political regime.” - The Indian Express
Epitaphs for Underdogs
by Andrew Szepessy'A wonderful discovery' (Ian McEwan), this is a beguiling dystopian tale of a young man confronted with the truth about freedom. On a hot summer night, a young man sits in a dark cell in a Hungarian prison. The guards do not explain why he is here; he does not know if he will ever be released. But he is far from alone. Others, too, are trapped within the stone walls - singers and students, sages and spies. As the days pass, the man is drawn into their conversations and their lives, and soon becomes a witness to their sometimes outlandish acts of rebellion.Written in the early 1980s and inspired by Andrew Szepessy's own experiences, Epitaphs for Underdogs is a beguiling and exhilarating novel about power, justice and freedom, and about the solidarity that can be found in even the most unexpected places.'Beautiful... With its sense of the absurd, its laughter in the dark, it belongs in the great tradition of dystopian literature, with echoes of early Kundera and Nabokov' IAN McEWAN
Erika and the Angermare (Dream Defenders #1)
by Tom PercivalFrom Tom Percival, the creator of Silas and the Marvellous Misfits – a Marcus Rashford Book Club Choice! – and Ruby's Worry, comes the first title in the action packed Dream Defenders series. Erika and the Angermare (previously published as Attack of the Heebie Jeebies) is an exciting adventure that will help children how to understand and deal with being cross!Erika Delgano can sometimes get a little angry . . .Her little brother manages to ruin everything, and her parents don’t have any time for her.And one night things go from bad to worse when she falls asleep upset – she finds herself stuck in a bad dream with no way to get home and being chased by a terrifying Angermare!Enter the Dream Defenders – a top-secret organisation that will banish your worries while you sleep! Can they help Erika stand up to the Angermare, or will she be trapped forever?Discover more incredible Dream Defenders adventures in Chanda and the Devious Doubt and Silas and the Marvellous Misfits.
Eva Evergreen, Semi-Magical Witch (Eva Evergreen #1)
by Julie AbeA young witch must pass a coming-of-age quest or risk losing her magic forever in this enchanting fantasy -- perfect for fans of Kiki's Delivery Service and Aru Shah and the End of Time.Sometimes all you need is a pinch of magic...Eva Evergreen is determined to earn the rank of Novice Witch before her thirteenth birthday. If she doesn't, she'll lose her magic forever. For most young witches and wizards, it's a simple enough test:One: Help your town, do good all around.Two: Live there for one moon, don't leave too soon.Three: Fly home by broomstick, the easiest of tricks.The only problem? Eva only has a pinch of magic. She summons heads of cabbage instead of flowers and gets a sunburn instead of calling down rain. And to add insult to injury, whenever she overuses her magic, she falls asleep.When she lands in the tranquil coastal town of Auteri, the residents expect a powerful witch, not a semi-magical girl. So Eva comes up with a plan: set up a magical repair shop to aid Auteri and prove she's worthy. She may have more blood than magic, but her "semi-magical fixes" repair the lives of the townspeople in ways they never could have imagined. Only, Eva's bit of magic may not be enough when the biggest magical storm in history threatens the town she's grown to love. Eva must conjure up all of the magic, bravery, and cleverness she can muster or Auteri and her dreams of becoming a witch will wash away with the storm.
The Eve Illusion (Eve of Man Trilogy #2)
by Tom Fletcher Giovanna FletcherTHE SECOND BOOK IN THE BESTSELLING EVE OF MAN TRILOGY AND SUNDAY TIMES TOP 10 BESTSELLER - EVE AND BRAM HAVE ESCAPED, BUT CAN THEY SURVIVE?Eve is the last girl on earth.For the last sixteen years, Eve has been a prisoner. Guarded by the Mothers. Trapped by her fate. Watched by the world.Until she took her chance, and escaped.Eve finally has the freedom she has wanted for so long, and with Bram she has the love. But both come at a price. In this dangerous new world beyond the Tower, the regime is only ever one step behind. And, together with the desperate rebel group fighting against them, Eve has found herself in more danger than she ever could have imagined.With everything stacked against them, can Eve and Bram survive?Praise for Eve of Man'A Hunger Games-esque novel . . . a compelling read' The Mail on Sunday'Set in a dystopian future that has seen no girls born for 50 years . . . This promises to be one of the big books of the year. You'd be a fool to miss it' Heat'This chilling dystopia is at heart a love story, and the vivid characterisation has you rooting for the duo from page one' CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE MONTH Mail on Sunday'A thoughtful, and excellent read' The Sun
Every Sky A Grave: A Novel (The Ascendance Series #1)
by Jay PoseyHER WORD IS HER WEAPON Exhilarating and original, Every Sky A Grave tells an epic tale of truth and power on the greatest canvas there is: outer space.
Everyday Magic: The Adventures of Alfie Blackstack
by Jess Kidd'Had me giggling all the way through . . . I loved it!' Jasbinder Bilan 'Action-packed and bursting with fun' Sinéad O'Hart Welcome to Little Snoddington, where nothing is normal and every day is magic . . . Nine-year-old Alfie Blackstack’s parents have met a very unfortunate end. Now he’s living in the SUPER CREEPY Switherbroom Hall with his mad-haired Aunt Gertie and warty Aunt Zita. The thing is, Alfie's aunts aren't just weird – they’re WITCHES! When the circus arrives in town Alfie makes his first ever friend, the FEARLESS Calypso Fagan. But when Calypso's little sister Nova disappears, they must face the TERRIFYING Head Witch in a race to find Nova and stop the next Witch War.
The Evidence
by Christopher PriestTodd Fremde is an author, a writer of police procedurals and criminal mysteries. Invited to the remote island of Dearth, far across the Dream Archipelago, to talk at a conference, he finds himself caught up in a series of mysteries. How can Dearth claim to be completely crime-free, yet still have an armed police force? Why are they so keen for him to appear, but so dismissive when he arrives? Is his sense of time confused, or is something confusing happening to time itself?And how does this all connect with a murder committed on his home island, ten years before, and seemingly forgotten? Fremde's investigation and research will lead him to some dangerous conclusions...
Evie in the Jungle: World Book Day 2020
by Matt HaigA TRULY WILD ADVENTURE! Twelve-year-old Evie has a talent. She can HEAR what animals are thinking and she can TALK to them with her mind. When Evie goes on a trip to the Amazon rainforest, her powers are put to the test. She makes friends with pink river dolphins, must save an injured sloth, and discovers the secret life of a jaguar. Soon she sees that the jungle is in serious and deadly danger, and comes up with a rather risky plan to help save it . . . A brilliant new story from bestselling author Matt Haig, featuring Evie from Evie and the Animals and with illustrations by the award-winning Emily Gravett.
The Extraordinaries (The Extraordinaries #1)
by T J KluneIn Nova City, there are extraordinary people, capable of feats that defy the imagination. Shadow Star protects the city and manipulates darkness, and Pyro Storm is determined to bring the city to its knees using his power over fire. And then there's Nick who . . . well, being the most popular fanfiction writer in the Extraordinaries fandom is a superpower, right? Instead of fighting crime, Nick contends with a new year at school, a father who doesn't trust him, and a best friend named Seth, who may or may not be the love of Nick's short, uneventful life. It should be enough. But after a chance encounter with Shadow Star, Nova City's mightiest hero (and Nick's biggest crush), Nick sets out to make himself extraordinary. And he'll do it with or without Seth's reluctant help . . . Rainbow Rowell's Fangirl meets Brandon Sanderson's Steelheart in TJ Klune's YA debut: a queer coming-of-age story about a fanboy with ADHD and the heroes he loves.
The Eye of the Archer (Book of Guardians #3)
by Giti Chandra‘The worse it gets, the harder we’ll fight – it’s what we do’ Deep in the cosmic centre, Yggdrasil, the battle between Edasich the Hyena, and Elrai the Good Shepherd, is not going well. The signs that warn of unmitigated destruction are everywhere, and Harish Chandra’s Clan must fight for its very life and the future of the world. Lives will be given and lives will be taken when the gods themselves join forces with the Coven, Hsimah the Fang Collector and Álfhildur, Queen of Elves, to fight the final war against the evil Edasich. Once more into the breach, the twins lead the charge – while Adit has to journey to the centre of the Earth with Vera, a powerful witch gone rogue, Akshat must bring the Book of Guardians alive. Amar and Ananya, Tarini and Noor take their powerful gifts and indomitable hearts to war, risking everything in this last stand. Meanwhile, urgent questions loom: Who will hold the centre steady when Ragnarök, the Churning of the Ocean, begins? Can their uncle H’s new avatar, the centaur, foresee the future in the stars? Does someone hold another Starstone, the repository of supreme powers? And the most terrible knowledge of all: Who is the most formidable foe on the battlefield? Spellbinding and intense, The Eye of the Archer concludes the tenacious campaign of six extraordinary young people against a fearsome force that threatens to destroy everything good, everything worth saving, everything alive.
The Faceless Old Woman Who Secretly Lives in Your Home: A Welcome To Night Vale Novel (Welcome To Night Vale Ser. #3)
by Joseph Fink Jeffrey CranorFrom the New York Times bestselling authors of Welcome to Night Vale and It Devours! and the creators of the #1 podcast, comes a new novel set in the world of Night Vale and beyond.In the town of Night Vale, there's a faceless old woman who secretly lives in everyone's home, but no one knows how she got there or where she came from . . . until now.Told in a series of eerie flashbacks, the story of The Woman is revealed, as she guides, haunts and sabotages an unfortunate Night Vale resident named Craig. In the end, her dealings with Craig and her history in nineteenth century Europe will come together in the most unexpected and horrifying way.Part The Haunting of Hill House, part The Count of Monte Cristo, and 100% about a faceless old woman who secretly lives in your home.
Faery Tales
by Carol Ann DuffyOnce upon a time, there was a rich merchant who had three daughters. The girls were just as clever as they were bella and none more so than the youngest, whose name was Beauty.Disappear to faraway lands of wicked witches, evil monsters and brave heroines in Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy's stunning collection of fairy tales. Including her beautiful and haunting retellings of the Grimm classics Hansel and Gretel, Snow White and the Pied Piper, as well as other tales from around the world, and new stories of her own, this book will make you think again about once upon a time . . . With ethereal illustrations by Tommi Tomislav, this uncommonly beautiful book is a very special introduction to - or reminder of - many classic fairy tales.
Fairtail and the Perfect Puzzle: Series 3 Book 3 (Unicorn Magic)
by Daisy MeadowsWelcome to a secret world full of magic, unicorns and friendship! A wonderful series from the bestselling Daisy Meadows, author of RAINBOW MAGIC and MAGIC ANIMAL FRIENDS, and the most-borrowed author in UK libraries.Best friends Emily and Aisha are thrilled when they're whisked away on a new series of adventures in the magical Enchanted Valley, where good Queen Aurora rules kindly over the unicorns and other magical creatures. The unicorns are getting ready for a special festival of sports and games. But when the wicked unicorn Selena steals Fairtail's sportsmanship locket, everyone forgets how to play fair. Now all the games are being spoiled by players cheating! Can Emily, Aisha and their unicorn friends find the locket and save the day?
The Fallen Hero (The Dragon Warrior)
by Katie ZhaoThis Chinese mythology-inspired middle-grade fantasy series continues as heroine Faryn Liu embarks on a quest to save her brother and defeat the demons--perfect for fans of the Aru Shah and Kiranmala and the Kingdom Beyond books.Faryn Liu thought she was the Heaven Breaker, a warrior destined to wield the all-powerful spear Fenghuang, command dragons, and defeat demons. But a conniving goddess was manipulating her all along . . . and her beloved younger brother, Alex, has betrayed her and taken over as the Heaven Breaker instead. Alex never forgave the people who treated him and Faryn like outcasts, and now he wants to wipe out both the demons and most of humanity.Determined to prevent a war and bring Alex back to her side, Faryn and her half-dragon friend Ren join the New Order, a group of warriors based out of Manhattan's Chinatown. She learns that one weapon can stand against Fenghuang--the Ruyi Jingu Bang. Only problem? It belongs to an infamous trickster, the Monkey King.Faryn sets off on a daring quest to convince the Monkey King to join forces with her, one that will take her to new places--including Diyu, otherwise known as the underworld--where she'll run into new dangers and more than one familiar face. Can she complete her mission and save the brother she loves, no matter the cost?This richly woven middle-grade fantasy series, full of humor, magic, and heart, will appeal to readers who love Roshani Chokshi and Sayantani DasGupta.
The False Rose
by Jakob WegeliusSally Jones returns in the thrilling sequel to The Murderer's Ape! With gorgeously detailed black-and-white illustrations throughoutWhen Sally Jones and The Chief discover a curious rose-shaped necklace hidden aboard their beloved Hudson Queen, it's the start of a perilous adventure for our seafaring gorilla and her faithful friend. Determined to get to the bottom of the mystery, they set sail for Glasgow. There, they fall into the clutches of the city's most ruthless gang, commanded by a fearsome smuggler queen who will stop at nothing to snatch the necklace for herself.Held prisoner hundreds of miles from friendship and safety, Sally Jones must use all her strength, determination and kindness to escape and unravel the mysterious story of the false rose - a twisting tale leading all the way from Lisbon to Shetland and the South SeasJakob Wegelius is a Swedish writer and illustrator who lives and works in the small village of Mörtfors. The Murderer's Ape won the August Prize for Best Children's Book and the Nordic Council Children and Young People's Literature Prize. It also won the leading children's book prizes in Germany and France and was an International Youth Library White Raven selection. The Legend of Sally Jones is also available from Pushkin Children's. Visit Jakob at jakobwegelius.com.
Fantastic Hope
by Laurell K.HamiltonA collection of sixteen sci-fi and fantasy stories edited by No.1 New York Times and Sunday Times bestselling author Laurell K. Hamilton and author William McCaskey.A child's wish for her father comes true. The end of the world has never been so much fun. Conquering personal demons becomes all too real. It's not always about winning; sometimes it's about showing up for the fight. It's about loving your life's work, and jobs that make you question everything.In this anthology, seventeen authors have woven together brand-new stories that speak to the darkness and despair that life brings while reminding us that good deeds, humour, love, sacrifice, dedication and following our joy can ignite a light that burns so bright the darkness cannot last.Laurell K. Hamilton and William McCaskey are joined by Kevin J. Anderson, Griffin Barber, Patricia Briggs, Larry Correia, Kacey Ezell, Monalisa Foster, Robert E. Hampson, John G. Hartness, Jonathan Maberry, L. E. Modesitt, Jr., Jessica Schlenker, Sharon Shinn, M. C. Sumner, Patrick M. Tracy and Michael Z. Williamson in this collection.
Feathertide
by Beth Cartwright____________________________A magical fairytale-inspired debut about accepting being that little bit different, for fans of The Night Circus and The Bear and the Nightingale.____________________________A girl. A secret. A life-changing journey.'A beautiful fairytale of a book with the most delicious prose. I devoured every page' Alex Bell, Bestselling author of The Polar Bear Explorers' ClubBorn covered in the feathers of a bird, and kept hidden in a crumbling house full of secrets, Marea has always known she was different, but never known why. And so to find answers, she goes in search of the father she has never met.The hunt leads her to the City of Murmurs, a place of mermaids and mystery, where jars of swirling mist are carried through the streets by the broken-hearted.And Marea will never forget what she learns thereFeathertide is an enchanting, magical novel perfect for fans of Erin Morgenstern's The Night Circus and Katherine Arden's The Bear and the Nightingale.____________________________'I loved Feathertide ... if you would like to get lost in an adult fairy tale that also holds love and self-discovery at its heart then you will not be disappointed. I cannot wait for another release by Beth Cartwright.' REA BOOK REVIEWS 'It's a story that is totally addictive and just so beautifully written. It's powerful, moving and original and it's one I will definitely be highly recommending.' IT'S ALL ABOUT THE BOOKS 'Feathertide is an enticing and seductive tale that will enthrall and mesmerise all who get lost within its pages' SWIRL AND THREAD 'Every word is crafted beautifully and the imagery in this book is wonderful.' ONE MORE PAGE____________________________Readers are loving Feathertide! 'Magical, inventive and unique. A truly beautiful story.''Rarely there comes a book that makes you go wow. When it does you want to treasure every word, savour the book, never let it end. This is that book.''Beautifully written, reminiscent of old fairy tales, yet very modern in its concepts.''Quite literally the most beautiful book I've ever read.''Beth Cartwright's stunning prose left me enchanted and enthralled and I love this style of writing.'
Fierce, Fearless and Free: Girls in myths and legends from around the world
by Lari DonA brilliant, inclusive collection of traditional tales from around the world featuring amazing women and girls.Once upon a time, there was a handsome prince who – no, that's not right! Once upon a time, there were strong, fierce women who plotted, schemed, took action, showed kindness, used magic and trickery, and made their own destiny. From the long-haired Petrosinella who escaped the tower and broke the spell that the ogress had cast over her and Nana Miriam who beat a hippo using politeness and magic, to Kate Crackernuts who tried to save her stepsister from her mother's curse, these are stories of girls doing it for themselves!With stories drawn from all over the world, including China, Scotland, Armenia, Italy and Nigeria, Lari Don presents heroine stories that don't leave girls sitting around waiting to be saved by the handsome prince.
A Fire Born of Exile: A Xuya Universe Novel
by Aliette de Bodard'A great sapphic sci-fi' Samantha Shannon on The Red Scholar's WakeThe Scattered Pearls Belt is a string of habitats under tight military rule . . . where the powerful have become all too comfortable in their positions, and their corruption. But change is coming, with the arrival of Quynh: the mysterious and enigmatic Alchemist of Streams and Hills.To Minh, daughter of the ruling prefect of the Belt, Quynh represents a chance for escape. To Hoà, a destitute engineer, Quynh has a mysterious link to her own past . . . and holds a deeper, more sensual appeal. But Quynh has her own secret history, and a plan for the ruling class of the Belt. A plan that will tear open old wounds, shake the heavens, and may well consume her.A beautiful exploration of the power of love, of revenge, and of the wounds of the past, this fast-paced, heartwarming space opera is set against a backdrop of corruption, power, and political scheming in the far reaches of the award-winning Xuya universe.'De Bodard's worldbuilding dazzles ... a touching sci-fi romance that will delight fans and new readers alike'Publisher's Weekly starred review
Fire Boy (Fire Boy)
by J.M. JosephFire Boy is a laugh-out-loud story about friendship, unexpected superpowers, magical sweets, Inca legends and a cat named Lemon - perfect for fans of My Brother is A Superhero and The Parent Agency. When 11-year-old Aidan receives a mysterious package of sweets from South America in the post, he and his two best friends Sadie and Hussein eat one sweet each - and suddenly develop amazing superpowers. Sadie can move objects with her mind. Hussein can control any electronic device. And Aidan can ignite his body at will...though he can't always control the resulting flames.When they discover that the sweets were sent by a dangerous criminal who is trying to hunt them down to get them back, they have to use all their new powers to outwit him ... before everything goes up in a fiery blaze.But can three ordinary kids keep their powers a secret? Will Aidan learn to control his fiery capabilities? Or will the ultimate bad guy spoil the whole adventure?
Fire Burn, Cauldron Bubble: Magical Poems Chosen by Paul Cookson
by Paul CooksonCan you hear the distant dragon's rumble of thunder? And smell the sweet swampy aroma of the ogre? Can you taste the tangy tarantula tarts? And see the girl who's really a wizard? From magic carpets and wands to unicorns, potions, creams and lotions, Paul Cookson's brewing a spell of fantastically magic poems.On this tattered magic carpetYou can choose your destinationFor nothing's quite as magicalAs your imaginationBeautifully illustrated by Eilidh Muldoon, this enchanting anthology brings together work from a range of classic, established and rising poets. Whether you're in the mood for a haunting or a spell gone wrong, this collection of mesmerising poems will have you bewitched from beginning to end! Poets include: William Shakespeare, Lewis Carroll, Benjamin Zephaniah, John Agard, Valerie Bloom, Matt Goodfellow, Joshua Seigal and A.F. Harrold.
Fire in the Star: The Unicorn Quest 3 (The Unicorn Quest)
by Kamilla BenkoClaire Martinson has always depended on her older sister, Sophie, to take care of her, but now it's Claire's turn to protect her sister. On the trail of the last unicorn, Claire sets off on her own to make things right in Arden – the magical land she and her sister discovered when they climbed their great-aunt's chimney. But there are terrible forces working against her. Queen Estelle has returned, and she will not stop until she has taken revenge on all those who have opposed her. Claire, Sophie, and their friends must convince Arden's four guilds of magic to set aside the past if they are to have any hope of a future. Because if the queen has her way, Claire and Sophie will never return home and the unicorns of Arden will be lost … forever.The thrilling third book in the series for fans of Cornelia Funke, Diana Wynne Jones or The Chronicles of Narnia.
Fire in the Star: The Unicorn Quest 3 (The Unicorn Quest)
by Kamilla BenkoThe enchanting Unicorn Quest series reaches its thrilling conclusion as two sisters fight to save a magical land from destruction.* "Those who love Madeleine L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time . . . [or] Neil Gaiman's Coraline, can't miss this debut.” - Booklist, starred review, on The Unicorn Quest"An adventure-quest brimming with magic and heart." - Roshani Chokshi, New York Times bestselling author, on The Unicorn QuestAfter a lifetime of being the younger sister--of letting Sophie fight her battles, of following her on countless Experiences and through a fireplace into a magical land--it's finally Claire Martinson's turn to lead. And she'll do anything to keep her big sister safe: resist the wraiths' cold shadows, experiment with new and dangerous magic, become a thief in disguise.When Claire discovers that "only a queen can defeat a queen," she knows she must steal and reforge the ancient Crown of Arden to stand a chance against the darkness that threatens the world and her family. Because Queen Estelle d'Astora, desperate to reclaim her power, will stop at nothing to gain the support of the four guilds--even if it means killing the last unicorn. Claire will need every friend she's made to help her as the fate of Arden hangs in the balance . . . But the secrets of the unicorns are deeper than anyone could have ever imagined. Does Claire have what it takes to ignite the long-buried magic of this world and wake the fire in the stars? Or will the true salvation of Arden rest on one final and heartbreaking sacrifice?