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The Monster Next Door: Read It Yourself - Level 2 Developing Reader (Read It Yourself)
by LadybirdGeorge is an ordinary boy with an ordinary family who like eating fish and chips. Green is a monster with a monster family who love tucking into green slime for dinner. What on earth will happen when George and Green swap lives for a day?The Monster Next Door is from Developing Reader Level 2 and is ideal for readers aged from 5+ who can read short, simple sentences with help.Each book has been carefully checked by educational and subject consultants and includes comprehension puzzles, book band information, and tips for helping children with their reading.With five levels to take children from first phonics to fluent reading and a wide range of different stories and topics for every interest, Read It Yourself helps children build their confidence and begin reading for pleasure.
Moonstone
by null Laura PurcellFrom award-winning bestseller Laura Purcell comes her YA debut, MOONSTONE. 'Brilliant and beautiful, Moonstone is the gothic werewolf love story we've all been waiting for. Easily one of my favourite books of the year!' JJA Harwood, author of The Thorns Remain Don’t misbehave. Beware the moon. And never go out after dark … Following a scandal at the Vauxhall pleasure gardens, Camille is sent to the woods to live with her reclusive godmother and her strange daughter, Lucy. Cast out from polite society, she must learn to live by her godmother’s strict rules. Camille has never met anyone quite like Lucy before, and as they grow closer and cross forbidden boundaries, strange things begin to happen. Mysterious deaths, claw marks raking the doors, and the nights are pierced by the howls of a creature that sounds almost … otherworldly. Should Camille be more afraid of what’s hiding in the woods – or her own heart? From the award-winning, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Silent Companions, Moonstone is a haunting gothic romance with real bite.
The Morningside
by Téa ObrehtThere's the world you can see. And then there's the one you can't. Welcome to The Morningside.The Morningside was once the jewel of Island City. But now the luxury high-rise is crumbling and Island City is half-underwater.The building's newest resident is an eleven-year-old girl, Silvia. Having arrived with only her mother, who is stubbornly secretive, Silvia knows little about the place they left behind. But her aunt, Ena, superintendent of the high-rise, delights in recounting the richly imaginative folktales of their demolished homeland to her little niece.Suddenly Silvia's world fills with magic and myths. Myths that seem to be coming true, when she encounters the mysterious inhabitant of the building's penthouse, Bezi Duras, and her three massive dogs that may or may not be humans in disguise . . .Consumed by curiosity, Silvia embarks on a mission to find out the truth about Bezi Duras, and her own haunted past.'Obreht has prodigious talent for storytelling' GUARDIAN'A tremendously talented writer' ANN PATCHETT
Mutant Narratives in Ecological Science Fiction: Thinking with Embodied Estrangement (Posthumanism in Practice)
by Kaisa KortekallioUsing an innovative multidisciplinary approach which is deeply invested in posthumanist thought, this book demonstrates how reading science fiction shapes the way we engage with lived environments. In dialogue with works by widely studied science fiction authors Greg Bear, N.K. Jemisin, Paolo Bacigalupi, and Jeff VanderMeer, it draws out how they function as mutant narratives. The first to systematically integrate three fields – feminist posthumanism, cognitive narratology, and science fiction studies – it offers a complex and coherent understanding of readerly experience as material, embodied, dynamic, and imaginative. Covering a range of urgent topics, including climate fiction, New Weird fiction, and new phenomenologies of the body, this book is the first to demonstrate how readerly experience acts as a site for ethical and political reorientation in the time of climate change.
The Nightingale's Castle: A thrillingly evocative and page-turning gothic historical novel for fans of Stacey Halls and Susan Stokes-Chapman
by Sonia Velton'I was blown away by this dark, enchanting story of witchcraft, power and injustice. ..nothing short of brilliant' Mary ChamberlainErzsébet Báthory, whose infamous place in history characterises her as the 'Blood Countess', was accused of the murder of over 600 peasant girls in Hungary, 1610. The Nightingale's Castle tells the story of a woman fighting for her survival and the complicated, often cruel, household over which she presides.Praise for The Nightingale's Castle'Moving, fascinating and haunting.. A mesmerising combination of gothic horror and elegant restraint' Francesca De Tores, author of Saltblood'Gripping... a fascinating exploration of women's struggle to have their truth heard' Louise O'NeillIn 1573, Countess Erzsébet Báthory gave birth to an illegitimate child. The infant, a girl, was swiftly bundled up and handed to a local peasant family to be brought up in one of the hamlets surrounding the Castle. Many years later, 15-year-old Boróka reluctantly leaves the safety of the only home she has ever known in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains. Trusted members of the countess's household have been sent out to gather new serving girls, and the kindly old man who has taken care of Boróka for almost all her life knows that it is dangerous to turn them away.Boróka struggles to find her place at Cachtice Castle: she is frightened of the countess's reputation as an alleged murderer of young girls, and the women who run the castle are terrifyingly cruel. When plague comes into the heart of the castle, a tentative bond begins to form between Boróka and the Countess Báthory. But powerful forces are moving against a woman whose wealth poses such a threat to the king: can the countess really trust the women who are so close to her? And when the show trial begins against the infamous 'Blood Countess' where will Boróka's loyalties lie?
The Nightmare in Him: An addictive world awaits in this spicy fantasy romance . . .
by Suzanne WrightAn addictive world awaits in this spicy fantasy romance, perfect for fans of Sarah J Maas, Raven Kennedy and Scarlett Sinclair. Meet Wynter and Cain . . .The new trilogy from worldwide bestselling author Suzanne Wright, author of The Dark in You, continues. A seriously spicy fantasy romance perfect for fans of Sarah J Mass, Raven Kennedy and Scarlett Sinclair. Meet Wynter and Cain . . .'This wonderfully wicked lady never fails to deliver the absolute best always . . . I'm equal parts envious and in awe of her mind' Netgalley review'Please Suzanne don't ever stop writing' Netgalley review......................The Ancients and the Aeons. Two groups of powerful immortals that have not seen eye to eye for millennia. And right now, at the heart of their conflict, stands Wynter Dellavale.Wynter is a witch who sought safe haven for herself and her coven in Devil's Cradle. Founded by seven Ancient beings, the Home of Monsters provides protection, shelter, and will never give you up to outsiders . . . providing you pay the Ancients' substantial fee. Wynter already wears the brand of Cain - the mark that says she is in his service and that her soul partly belongs to him. But as their relationship deepens, Wynter has to make a choice from which there's no turning back. Cain cannot reveal the nightmare which lives inside him, the beast that could tear apart the woman who means more to him than he ever thought possible. But with his brother Abel out for revenge, and the suspicious reappearance of his other relatives, Cain sees that Devil's Cradle is on the verge of war. As the stakes are raised, Cain knows he needs more than anything to keep Wynter safe and by his side - forever.What readers are saying about Suzanne Wright:'The chemistry sizzles off the page' Netgalley review'Hot as hell . . . explosive' Netgalley review'It's been two minutes since my last fix and I need Suzanne Wright to give me more' Edgy Reviews'No words to describe how much I ADORE this extraordinary and magical read!!!' Gi's Spot Reviews on Burn'Sarcastic banter, a sexy alpha demon and his smart-mouthed heroine, an intense, highly passionate romance . . . I devoured this book from start to finish!' The Escapist Book Blog on Burn'Unique, original and very entertaining' Ramblings from this Chick
Nur the Vlogger Fairy (Rainbow Magic #1154)
by Daisy MeadowsNur the Vlogger Fairy is planning Fairyland's biggest vlogger meet-up ever - Magic Vlog Con! But jealous Jack Frost wants to become a vlogging superstar and has stolen Nur's magical objects. Without them, vloggers can't make fun videos. Nur needs Rachel, Kirsty, Gracie and Khadijah's help to get her enchanted objects back and show Jack Frost that vlogging is for expressing yourself, not becoming famous. Can the fairy friends find Nur's lucky ring light, her cool camera and her magic microphone and save Magic Vlog Con? 'These stories are magic; they turn children into readers!' ReadingZone.comIf you like Rainbow Magic, check out Daisy Meadows' other series: Magic Animal Friends and Unicorn Magic!
The O.D.D. Squad: Rise of Invisidog (The O.D.D. Squad #1)
by Stuart HeritagePerfect for fans of Bunny Vs Monkey and Dog Man!Do you want to laugh your pants off? Of course you do. In which case - come on into the world of the O.D.D. Squad - a team of (sort of) heroic animal crime-fighters you'll never forget. Though maybe not for the right reasons . . .Justice City. Rain soaks its streets. Crime soaks it more. The fate of the entire city has been left in the hands (well, paws) of one brave superhero.That's right - dun dun dunnnnnn - INVISIDOG!Invisidog hunts for danger wherever he finds it. There is no job too big, and no criminal too tough for the mighty Invisidog. He is the shadows!! And actually, that's kind of the problem. Because Invisidog's amazing superpowers . . . are kind of rubbish.Turns out being invisible isn't all that helpful when you're trying to rid a city of terrible criminals. They tend to have a habit of ignoring you for one thing. So Invisidog's going to have to think BIG. Can he convince the most amazing superheroes of all time - adorable-but-mighty Quack Attack, and the world's greatest thinker, Detective Octopus - to join forces?(What does O.D.D. Squad stand for? Well you'll have to read and find out, won't you?)'Great read, beautifully illustrated' Joe Brumm, creator of Bluey
Officer Clawsome: Lobster Cop (Officer Clawsome #1)
by Brian "Smitty" SmithDog Man meets SpongeBob in Officer Clawsome: Lobster Cop, a fast-paced and funny middle grade graphic novel series about the latest and greatest crimefighting duo!
One Last Breath
by Ginny Myers SainThe New York Times bestselling author of Dark & Shallow Lies delivers another chilling supernatural thriller filled with murder, romance and mystery.
The Pale Dreamer: A Bone Season novella (The Bone Season)
by Samantha ShannonA dreamer is born – the exhilarating prequel to the ground-breaking, extraordinary Bone Season series from the bestselling author of The Priory of the Orange Tree.In the perilous heart of Scion London, a dangerous and valuable poltergeist is on the loose – and it must be caught before chaos erupts on the streets of the capital. Here, the clairvoyant underworld plays by its own rules, and rival gangs will stop at nothing to win such a magnificent prize.Sixteen-year-old Paige Mahoney is working for Jaxon Hall, the most notorious mime-lord in the city. He thinks she is hiding a powerful gift, but it refuses to surface. Maybe this is the opportunity she needs to secure her position in his gang, the Seven Seals…
The Pale Dreamer: A Bone Season novella (The Bone Season)
by Samantha ShannonA dreamer is born – the exhilarating prequel to the ground-breaking, extraordinary Bone Season series from the bestselling author of The Priory of the Orange Tree.In the perilous heart of Scion London, a dangerous and valuable poltergeist is on the loose – and it must be caught before chaos erupts on the streets of the capital. Here, the clairvoyant underworld plays by its own rules, and rival gangs will stop at nothing to win such a magnificent prize.Sixteen-year-old Paige Mahoney is working for Jaxon Hall, the most notorious mime-lord in the city. He thinks she is hiding a powerful gift, but it refuses to surface. Maybe this is the opportunity she needs to secure her position in his gang, the Seven Seals…
Paper Dragons: Book 1 (Paper Dragons #1)
by Siobhan McDermott'A soaring, luminous new world ... An absolute delight!' Jessica Townsend'An incredibly original and immersive fantasy adventure' L.D. Lapinski'An absolute feast for the senses' Nizrana Farook'A thrillingly immersive story of courage, self-discovery, and magic' Sinead O'HartAn extraordinary destiny unfolds . . .Twelve-year-old Zhi Ging has always been an outcast. Until she receives an invitation to Hok Woh, an underwater school that offers her the chance to become immortal, and to finally belong. There, she battles in hair-raising boat races, meets ageshifting tutors and competes in thrilling trials.But there are rumours of a growing dark force . . . and students who fail the trials are disappearing. Can Zhi Ging uncover the truth before it's too late?The first in the unmissable magical fantasy series of 2024, set to take the world by storm. Perfect for fans of Nevermoor and Dragon Mountain.
The Past Master (The Leap Cycle #4)
by Patience AgbabiIt's New Year's Eve and there's trouble on the timeline. Elle is sent on an urgent trip to the 31st of December 1999, the eve of the new millennium, where Millennia's on the rampage. She aims to reinvent herself as a malevolent millennial by taking on Time itself. Can Millennia change the past to destroy the future? It can't be left to chance. It's up to Elle and The Infinites to save the world. And with the very nature of time at stake, they'll have unexpected help from friends in high places. It's the final countdown. And it starts now . . .
Penguin Readers Level 3: Alice Through the Looking Glass
by Lewis CarrollPenguin Readers is an ELT graded reader series for learners of English as a foreign language. With carefully adapted text, new illustrations and language learning exercises, the print edition also includes instructions to access supporting material online.Titles include popular classics, exciting contemporary fiction, and thought-provoking non-fiction, introducing language learners to bestselling authors and compelling content.The eight levels of Penguin Readers follow the Common European Framework of Reference for language learning (CEFR). Exercises at the back of each Reader help language learners to practise grammar, vocabulary, and key exam skills. Before, during and after-reading questions test readers' story comprehension and develop vocabulary.Alice Through the Looking Glass, a Level 3 Reader, is A2 in the CEFR framework. The text is made up of sentences with up to three clauses, introducing first conditional, past continuous and present perfect simple for general experience. It is well supported by illustrations, which appear on most pages.Alice is playing with her kitten when she begins to feel tired. Suddenly the looking-glass moves and changes color. Alice steps through the glass into a magic world. It is even stranger than Wonderland... what might she find there?Visit the Penguin Readers websiteExclusively with the print edition, readers can unlock online resources including a digital book, audio edition, lesson plans and answer keys.
People in Glass Houses: Harmony 17 (Harmony #11)
by Jayne CastleDive into the alien world of Harmony in this new novel by New York Times bestselling author Jayne Castle.His name is Joshua Knight. Once a respected explorer, the press now calls him the Tarnished Knight. He took the fall for a disaster in the Underworld that destroyed his career. The devastating event occurred in the newly discovered sector known as Glass House - a maze of crystal that is rumoured to conceal powerful Alien antiquities. The rest of the Hollister Expedition team disappeared and are presumed dead.Whatever happened down in the tunnels scrambled Josh's psychic senses and his memories, but he's determined to uncover the truth. Labelled delusional and paranoid, he retreats to an abandoned mansion in the desert, a house filled with mirrors. Now a recluse, Josh spends his days trying to discover the secrets in the looking glasses that cover the walls. He knows he is running out of time.Talented, ambitious crystal artist Molly Griffin is shocked to learn that the Tarnished Knight has been located. She drops everything and heads for the mansion to find Josh, confident she can help him regain control of his shattered senses. She has no choice - he is the key to finding her sister, Leona, a member of the vanished expedition team. Josh reluctantly allows her to stay one night but there are two rules: she must not go down into the basement, and she must not uncover the mirrors that have been draped.But her only hope for finding her sister is to break the rules . . .
Pippin and the Birthday Bake: Book 3 (Pixie Magic #3)
by Daisy MeadowsBest friends Alice and Leo love making things, and they're never happier than when they're working together in Leo's garden shed, which they've turned into an arts and crafts studio. Then one day they are transported to a miniature world where magical creatures - the Pixies and Glitterbugs - use their creative talents to make special objects from items that were once treasured. Pixie Magic gives these objects the power to solve people's problems!But disaster strikes when Grimble and Grumble, the mean Nixies, steal Pippin the Baking Pixie's magical tools. Now Pippin can't bake a magical birthday cake to help the children's friend Hannah's birthday party go with a swing. Can the friends work together to use their talents - and a dash of Pixie Magic - to save the day, so that everyone can enjoy the magic of creativity?This magical new series is tailor-made to appeal to young readers including existing Daisy Meadows fans, with a winning combination of magic, friendship and craft.
Pirano the Water Dragon: Series 31 Book 2 (Beast Quest #1131)
by Adam BladeFree the Beasts. Live the Adventure.Join the New Protectors as they battle Beasts and fight Evil in the bestselling adventure series for boys and girls aged 7 and up!In the land of Tangala, legend tells of the Metamorphia - a league of sorcerers who once defied the Emperor and used their magic to create mighty Beasts. Now the New Protectors are on the trail of four such Beasts, resurrected by the witch Zuba. Our brave young heroes must travel to the four corners of the kingdom to defeat Zuba's Beasts before the realm is destroyed for ever . . . but fortunately they are joined by powerful animal companions of their own. When Miandra and her companion, Azul, travel to the coast, they discover a mighty water-Beast terrorising the people of Bridgetown. Can they tackle this deadly enemy?There are FOUR thrilling adventures to collect in the latest set of this beloved series - don't miss out!
Pirates of Darksea
by Catherine Doyle'Utterly brilliant. Sensationally swashbuckling. Completely magical' – A.F Steadman, author of Skandar and the Unicorn ThiefFrom the award-winning author of The Storm Keeper's Island, set sail on Catherine Doyle's latest perilous adventure to the magical islands of Darksea Deep in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean, where the full moon rests on the horizon, lies a secret kingdom called Darksea. Ruled by the Pirate King, Captain O'Malley, Darksea's tranquil waters have, of late, been haunted by an invisible and deadly monster – a monster that is eating the once-beautiful islands in gigantic bites. On the other side of the horizon, at his home in Galway, Max Reid and his family are battling a different monster. His big brother Christopher is in hospital and getting sicker – and his parents have begun to talk of miracles. Then one night a loud, bright red parrot taps on Max's bedroom window, carrying an invitation from the pirate king. Captain O'Malley needs a new crew member for a dangerous quest; and the reward is everything Max has been hoping for. But in Darksea, not everyone is as they seem. When Captain O'Malley's secret threatens to upend their mission and destroy Max's chance to help his family, Max realises he's going to have to navigate much more than he bargained for…
POKÉMON: ASH THE CHAMPION
by FarshoreBecome the ultimate Pokémon trainer with this mind-bending puzzle book! Test your skills with word, number and logic puzzles with varying levels of difficulty – so you can start off easy and work your way up. Featuring all your favourite Pokémon including Pikachu, Psyduck, Bulbasaur, Togepi and Squirtle, plus new characters from the Alola region.
Posthuman Subjectivity in the Novels of J.G. Ballard (Routledge Studies in Speculative Fiction)
by Carolyn LauThis book proposes that Ballard’s novels extrapolate the formation of a posthuman subjectivity that is centred around an affirmative understanding of what a human body can do. This new subjectivity transforms constraints and prescribed desires into creative openings in a hyper-mediated control society that conditions docile bodies through technology and consumerism. Set in surrealist predicaments in postwar affluent Western societies, Ballard’s novels remind us of the fragile veneer of order in the familiar every day. In these moments of crisis, complacent characters are compelled to undergo a process of defamiliarisation and transformation of their understanding of the self and the body. The ability to form new relationships with the unfamiliar is imperative to survival in a hostile environment. Ballard delineates both the possibilities and obstacles of forming these relationships. In particular, the author attributes the failure to do so to the irreconcilable contradictions of late capitalism.
Posthuman Subjectivity in the Novels of J.G. Ballard (Routledge Studies in Speculative Fiction)
by Carolyn LauThis book proposes that Ballard’s novels extrapolate the formation of a posthuman subjectivity that is centred around an affirmative understanding of what a human body can do. This new subjectivity transforms constraints and prescribed desires into creative openings in a hyper-mediated control society that conditions docile bodies through technology and consumerism. Set in surrealist predicaments in postwar affluent Western societies, Ballard’s novels remind us of the fragile veneer of order in the familiar every day. In these moments of crisis, complacent characters are compelled to undergo a process of defamiliarisation and transformation of their understanding of the self and the body. The ability to form new relationships with the unfamiliar is imperative to survival in a hostile environment. Ballard delineates both the possibilities and obstacles of forming these relationships. In particular, the author attributes the failure to do so to the irreconcilable contradictions of late capitalism.
A Promise of Peridot: An addictive enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance (The Sacred Stones, Book 2) (Sacred Stones)
by Kate GoldenFrom Kate Golden, author of the instant bestseller and viral phenomenon A Dawn of Onyx, comes the next seductive, sweeping, action-packed installment in her addictive Sacred Stones trilogy.A prophecy of death. A weapon of hope. A sacrifice of love.Arwen Valondale is sailing for the mysterious Kingdom of Citrine after the battle of Siren's Bay. Reeling from shocking revelations and her newfound powers, Arwen directs all of her pain and rage toward the man who betrayed her: King Kane Ravenwood.Kane's presence is unavoidable as he travels with Arwen and her friends to seek the Blade of the Sun, a legendary weapon inextricably tied to her fate and the future of the realm. Even an uneasy truce proves difficult as Arwen fights against her unresolved feelings for Kane, who is willing to become darkness itself to protect her.As Arwen faces creatures, foes, and magic beyond her wildest imaginings, she must discover the secrets of her past to defeat the monstrous Fae king Lazarus. But finding the light within might mean the death of her and everyone she loves.
Reading Tolkien in Chinese: Religion, Fantasy and Translation (Perspectives on Fantasy)
by Mr Eric ReindersApproaching translations of Tolkien's works as stories in their own right, this book reads multiple Chinese translations of Tolkien's writing to uncover the new and unique perspectives that enrich the meaning of the original texts. Exploring translations of The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, The Silmarillion, The Children of Hurin and The Unfinished Tales, Eric Reinders reveals the mechanics of meaning by literally back-translating the Chinese into English to dig into the conceptual common grounds shared by religion, fantasy and translation, namely the suspension of disbelief, and questions of truth - literal, allegorical and existential. With coverage of themes such as gods and heathens, elves and 'Men', race, mortality and immortality, fate and doom, and language, Reinder's journey to Chinese Middle-earth and back again drastically alters views on Tolkien's work where even basic genre classification surrounding fantasy literature look different through the lens of Chinese literary expectations.Invoking scholarship in Tolkien studies, fantasy theory and religious and translations studies, this is an ambitious exercises in comparative imagination across cultures that suspends the prejudiced hierarchy of originals over translations.
Red Side Story: The spectacular and colourful new novel from the bestselling author of Shades of Grey
by Jasper FfordeImagine a world where your position in society depended on what bit of the colour spectrum you could see. This is the world inhabited by Eddie Russett (red, middle-level) and Jane Grey (monochromatic, lowest in society). Eddie and Jane must negotiate the delicate Chromatic politics of society to find out what the 'Something that Happened' actually was, how society got to be this way, and crucially, is there Somewhere Else beyond their borders - and if there is, could there be Someone Else, too, someone whose unseen hand has been guiding the fortunes and misfortunes of the nation for the past 500 years?It's a tale of a young couple's thirst for justice and answers in an implacably rigid society, where the prisoners are also the guards, and cages of convention bind the citizens to only one way of thinking - or suffer the consequences. . ..