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Joanna Russ (Modern Masters of Science Fiction #42)
by Gwyneth JonesExperimental, strange, and unabashedly feminist, Joanna Russ's groundbreaking science fiction grew out of a belief that the genre was ideal for expressing radical thought. Her essays and criticism, meanwhile, helped shape the field and still exercise a powerful influence in both SF and feminist literary studies.Award-winning author and critic Gwyneth Jones offers a new appraisal of Russ's work and ideas. After years working in male-dominated SF, Russ emerged in the late 1960s with Alyx, the uber-capable can-do heroine at the heart of Picnic on Paradise and other popular stories and books. Soon, Russ's fearless embrace of gender politics and life as an out lesbian made her a target for male outrage while feminist classics like The Female Man and The Two of Them took SF in innovative new directions. Jones also delves into Russ's longtime work as a critic of figures as diverse as Lovecraft and Cather, her foundational place in feminist fandom, important essays like "Amor Vincit Foeminam," and her career in academia.
Arthur C. Clarke (Modern Masters of Science Fiction #36)
by Gary WestfahlAlready renowned for his science fiction and scientific nonfiction, Arthur C. Clarke became the world's most famous science fiction writer after the success of 2001: A Space Odyssey. He then produced novels like Rendezvous with Rama and The Fountains of Paradise that many regard as his finest works. Gary Westfahl closely examines Clarke's remarkable career, ranging from his forgotten juvenilia to the passages he completed for a final novel, The Last Theorem. As Westfahl explains, Clarke's science fiction offered original perspectives on subjects like new inventions, space travel, humanity's destiny, alien encounters, the undersea world, and religion. While not inclined to mysticism, Clarke necessarily employed mystical language to describe the fantastic achievements of advanced aliens and future humans. Westfahl also contradicts the common perception that Clarke's characters were bland and underdeveloped, arguing that these reticent, solitary individuals, who avoid conventional relationships, represent his most significant prediction of the future, as they embody the increasingly common lifestyle of people in the twenty-first century.
Lingua Cosmica: Science Fiction from around the World
by Dale KnickerbockerAnthologies, awards, journals, and works in translation have sprung up to reflect science fiction's increasingly international scope. Yet scholars and students alike face a problem. Where does one begin to explore global SF in the absence of an established canon? Lingua Cosmica opens the door to some of the creators in the vanguard of international science fiction. Eleven experts offer innovative English-language scholarship on figures ranging from Cuban pioneer Daína Chaviano to Nigerian filmmaker Olatunde Osunsanmi to the Hugo Award-winning Chinese writer Liu Cixin. These essays invite readers to ponder the themes, formal elements, and unique cultural characteristics within the works of these irreplaceable—if too-little-known—artists. Dale Knickerbocker includes fantasists and genre-benders pushing SF along new evolutionary paths even as they draw on the traditions of their own literary cultures. Includes essays on Daína Chaviano (Cuba), Jacek Dukaj (Poland), Jean-Claude Dunyac (France), Andreas Eschbach (Germany), Angélica Gorodischer (Argentina), Sakyo Komatsu (Japan), Liu Cixin (China), Laurent McAllister (Yves Meynard and Jean-Louis Trudel, Francophone Canada), Olatunde Osunsanmi (Nigeria), Johanna Sinisalo (Finland), and Arkady and Boris Strugatsky (Russia). Contributors: Alexis Brooks de Vita, Pawel Frelik, Yvonne Howell, Yolanda Molina-Gavilán, Vibeke Rützou Petersen, Amy J. Ransom, Hanna-Riikka Roine, Hanna Samola, Mingwei Song, Tatsumi Takayuki, Juan Carlos Toledano Redondo, and Natacha Vas-Deyres.
J. G. Ballard (Modern Masters of Science Fiction)
by D. Harlan WilsonProphetic short stories and apocalyptic novels like The Crystal World made J. G. Ballard a foundational figure in the British New Wave. Rejecting the science fiction of rockets and aliens, he explored an inner space of humanity informed by psychiatry and biology and shaped by Surrealism. Later in his career, Ballard's combustible plots and violent imagery spurred controversy--even legal action--while his autobiographical 1984 war novel Empire of the Sun brought him fame. D. Harlan Wilson offers the first career-spanning analysis of an author who helped steer SF in new, if startling, directions. Here was a writer committed to moral ambiguity, one who drowned the world and erected a London high-rise doomed to descend into savagery--and coolly picked apart the characters trapped within each story. Wilson also examines Ballard's methods, his influence on cyberpunk, and the ways his fiction operates within the sphere of our larger culture and within SF itself.
Polgara The Sorceress (The Belgariad, Book #7)
by David Eddings Leigh EddingsIn the story of Polgara, a beautiful woman whose constancy and inner power have been the foundation of all the luck and love that have saved the world, the full truth of The Belgariad is revealed.
Born To Exile
by Phyllis EisensteinAlaric, a young minstrel with a talent for magic, roamed the lands in search of his fortune. And in Castle Royale, it seemed he had found both his fortune and his true love, the beautiful Princess Solinde. But could a penniless orphan hope to claim such a royal treasure?
Daughter of the Empire (Empire Trilogy #1)
by Raymond E. Feist Janny WurtsMagic and murder engulf the realm of Kelewan. Fierce warlords ignite a bitter blood feud to enslave the empire of Tsuranuanni. While in the opulent Imperial courts, assassins and spy-master plot cunning and devious intrigues against the rightful heir. Now Mara, a young, untested Ruling lady, is called upon to lead her people in a heroic struggle for survival. But first she must rally an army of rebel warriors, form a pact with the alien cho-ja, and marry the son of a hated enemy. ...
The House Without Windows
by Barbara Newhall FollettEscape into the wild from the comfort of your own home this winter, with a dazzling lost classic of nature writing... Eepersip is a girl with the wild in her heart. She does not want to live locked up behind the walls of a house. So she runs away - first to the Meadow, then to the Sea, and finally to the Mountain. Her heartbroken parents follow their daughter, trying to bring her home safe, but Eepersip has other ideas...Republished by Penguin with a new introduction and hand-inked illustrations by beloved artist Jackie Morris, The House Without Windows is a timeless fable about wildness, freedom and the redemptive power of the natural world.'I can safely promise joy to any reader of The House Without Windows. Perfection' Eleanor Farjeon, winner of the Carnegie Medal and The Hans Christian Andersen Award 'Gloriously illuminated by Jackie Morris's moving art, this is a work of strange power for our own bewildered times' Nick Drake 'A classic, as miraculous and awe-inspiring as the author' Xinran, author of The Good Women of China
Puckoon
by Spike MilliganDISCOVER PUCKOON, SPIKE MILLIGAN'S CLASSIC SLAPSTICK NOVEL 'Pops with the erratic brilliance of a careless match in a box of fireworks' Daily MailIn 1924 the Boundary Commission is tasked with creating the new official division between Northern Ireland and the Irish Free State. Through incompetence, dereliction of duty and sheer perversity, the border ends up running through the middle of the small town of Puckoon.Houses are divided from outhouses, husbands separated from wives, bars are cut off from their patrons, churches sundered from graveyards. And in the middle of it all is poor Dan Milligan, our feckless protagonist, who is taunted and manipulated by everyone (including the sadistic author) to try and make some sense of this mess . . .'Bursts at the seams with superb comic characters involved in unbelievably likely troubles on the Irish border' Observer'Our first comic philosopher' Eddie Izzard
Ghost Detectives: The Missing Dancer (Ghost Detectives)
by Emily MasonGhost Detective: The Lost Dancer is brilliant for younger fans of the spy series The Gallagher Girls and also paranormal fiction. Girls of 9+ will love the gentle romance, school friendships and thrilling detective case to be solved. The perfect series for aspiring tweens.Some ghosts are haunted by their past . . .When Abi, Sarah , Hannah and Grace are visited by the ghost of a littl lost girl trying to dance one last time so that her spirit can rest, they jump at the chance to help. But this Ghost Detective case seems to be shrouded in secrets and everywhere they look, people get upset. With clues runing out, can the Ghost Detectives solve the mystery of the missing dancer?Emily Mason is an exciting new Irish author. Her previous book Ghost Detective: The Lost Bride was her debut novel for Puffin. Emily has been a bookworm since she was little. She is now an editor and author but has yet to see any ghosts herself...
Ghost Detectives: The Lost Bride (Ghost Detectives)
by Emily MasonSome ghosts are haunted by their past. When the local museum needs volunteers to help it reopen, Abi, Hannah, Sarah and Grace sign up. The girls discover that the museum has a link to the spirit world when they find an ancient diary and meet a ghost bride from another century. She can't rest in peace until she finds out why her true love left her at the altar. The Ghost Detectives have a romantic first mystery to solve!
Wolf King: Now a major Netflix animated series (Wereworld)
by Curtis JoblingSoon to be a major Netflix animated series!'You're the last of the Werewolves, son. Don't fight it . . . conquer it.'Discover the epic fantasy adventure series as Drew Ferran learns he's the last of a long line of Werewolves - and rightful ruler of a land governed by Werelords.When the air is clear, Drew Ferran can pick up the scent of a predator.When the moon breaks through the clouds, a terrifying fever grips him.And when a vicious beast invades his home, his flesh tears, his fingers become claws, and Drew transforms . . .Can Drew battle the Werecreatures determined to destroy him and master the wolf within?Shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize, Wolf King is perfect for fans of Percy Jackson and Skandar and the Unicorn Thief.'Epic' - Guardian'Unpredictable, exciting - hugely recommended' - Bookbag
Celeste Express: The War of The Wurms (Celeste Express)
by Alexander SlaterIn the kingdom of Galaxandria, Princess Celeste Starwing is in BIG trouble. After one bratty incident too many, her father decides she needs to learn a lesson – and so she’s packed off to the Intergalactic Post Office, and given a mission to whip it into shape. Otherwise it’s goodbye to being a princess forever – gulp!But Celeste and her new assistant, Podge, soon find they’re up against a more than just towering piles of unsent letters. Mysterious portal magic known as wurms are putting them out of business – and it looks like the wurms are more sinister than anyone could know. In fact, they might have something to do with Celeste’s mother, who she’s never known . . .Now it’s up to Celeste and Podge – and their adorable collection of Stardust Bunnies – to stop the wurms, uncover what happened to Celeste’s mother – and maybe save the galaxy while they’re at it.This out-of-this world story is stuffed full of incredible adventure, brilliant intergalactic worlds, and amazing cartoon-style artwork – perfect for fans of Super Mario Bros, Amelia Fang, Peanut Jones and Adventures on Trains.
The Shattered Lands
by Brenna Nation'An enemies to lovers must-read' - Gay Times18 years after her disappearance, the princess has returned. But what is left of her kingdom?Sapphire finds herself in Eriobis with a crown, a castle and too many handmaidens to count. And so her life begins as the heir to the throne of a country she doesn't understand - a country ruled by magic and secrets.That's before she meets Ashes. A dark witch with the power to destroy Sapphire's life and kingdom. But Ashes also happens to be the only person that can help her discover the truth.And the answers might unravel the very world she's come to know.'A bewitching fantasy packed with dark secrets, luscious world building and heart shattering twists, Brenna Nation has woven a romantic and devastating tale about the things we do for love.' - Rosie Talbot, author of Sixteen SoulsPerfect for fans of The Dark Tide and Six Of Crows, discover the secrets of Eriobis in this magical Sapphic story.
Gulliver's Travels
by Jonathan SwiftA set of 6 much-loved stories from classic English literature for children, brought together by Puffin Books in beautiful paperback cover designs.In the strange countries of Lilliput, Brobdingnag, Laputa and the land of the Houyhnhnms, Gulliver meets some extraordinary people and remarkable creatures. From a race of miniature folk to some surprisingly gentle giants and wise horses, Gulliver sees society from many different perspectives. Back in England life seems very ordinary after all his experiences, but Gulliver's fantastic adventures change his views on human behaviour forever.In the same collection:Peter PanThe Great Adventures of Sherlock HolmesOliver TwistFive Children and ItAlice's Adventures in Wonderland
Then There Was One
by Wendy Cross"The pages turn themselves in this sizzling debut. Wendy Cross is relentless!" Jennifer Lynn Alvarez, author of Friends Like These.Let the games begin.Every inhabitant in the Quadrant knows about The Pinnacle, a reality TV contest set on a remote planet with a five million cash prize. For three desperate entrants, winning would mean the world:Rich-girl BEX can finally leave her broken family behind.For politician’s son ZANE, it’s his only opportunity to save his mother.And it’s outcast RAYA’S last chance at a better life.But as the competition starts, the contestants are quick to discover that this year’s game has unscripted and DEADLY consequences.And the only thing they’re truly competing for, is SURVIVAL.
Lights Up: Discover the magical story for 9-12 year olds
by Lisette AutonDiscover this theatrical, magical adventure about putting the ghosts of the past to rest, from the disability activist and award-winning author of The Secret of Haven Point. Perfect for fans of Elle McNicoll and Sophie Anderson.Just like her favourite person in the whole world – her grandad – Hettie’s favourite place in the whole world – the Arts Centre – has gone. And Hettie can’t quite work out how she’s supposed to feel anything like how she did before.Many years before, Jack is feeling lonely too. But his life changes when he’s taken in by a theatre troupe and learns the secrets of the mysterious people behind the acts.And many years before that, Araine is also struggling, with a life that doesn’t look anything like she thought it would. A meagre existence where it seems like rich people, with their evenings out at the theatre, don’t have a thing to worry about.When you’re feeling alone it can be hard to see the light.But even though they live YEARS apart, Hettie, Jack and Araine are connected in ways they never imagined.A magical story full of ghosts, theatre, friendship and family - and featuring disabled heroes.
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.
Supersausage to the rescue! (Superpets! #1)
by Rachel MorrisroeThe first book in a hilarious series for 7+ readers from bestselling author Rachel Morrisroe, packed with laughs, heart and superhero pets! Nine-year-old Harry has always wanted a dog and when he sees Dottie at the local animal shelter he knows she's the perfect puppy for him. What he doesn't realise is that Dottie is a dog with a difference . . . she can talk and fly!And Harry's not the only one interested in Dottie, and soon they are both scooped up in their very first mission with the SuperPets, a secret league of very special pets who keep the world safe from harm.But the other SuperPets have been kidnapped by Sparkletta Crystal, can "Super Sausage" (aka Dottie) and Harry stop the evil supervillain in her tracks before it's too late?Full of friendship, fun and silly superhero antics, this is the perfect new series for fans of The Naughtiest Unicorn, Wigglesbottom Primary and The Secret Life of Pets!
Daisy and the Trouble With Space (A Daisy Story #17)
by Kes GrayThe BRAND NEW laugh-out-loud new Daisy adventure, from bestselling author of the Oi Frog series, Kes Gray.Here comes trouble!Daisy and her class have SPACE FEVER after a talk about stars, moons and faraway planets. THEN their teacher announces they're going to spend a WHOLE WEEK learning all about space. How COSMIC is that?!Trouble is, SPACE FEVER follows Daisy back home too. And turning your bedroom ceiling into the universe isn't that easy. Even with lots of glow-in-the-dark stars, superglue, and your best friend to help . . .If you love this DAISY adventure, look out for more including DAISY AND THE TROUBLE WITH UNICORNS, DAISY AND THE TROUBLE WITH CHOCOLATE and DAISY AND THE TROUBLE WITH SCHOOL TRIPS!
Tiny Dogs: The perfect chapter book for young readers (Tiny Dogs)
by Rose LihouTiny dogs, big adventures!Meet the tiny dogs in the third chapter book from debut author-illustrator Rose Lihou, with full-colour illustrations throughout.'Ridiculously delightful' - Guardian It's Bea's birthday. She would be happy spending it playing in the garden with the tiny dogs, but her mum thinks they should have a party. Bea is excited and a little bit nervous. . .There is so much that could go wrong! Will everyone have a good time at her party? Will her granny put strange ingredients in her birthday cake? And what IF someone spots the tiny dogs? You're invited to Bea's birthday party! Can you help the tiny dogs make Bea's party the best birthday party ever? A colour chapter book series, perfect for readers moving on from picture books. Tiny Dogs: Bea's Secret FriendsTiny Dogs: The Lost School PetTiny Dogs: The Best Birthday Party
Tiny Dogs: Bea’s Secret Friends (Tiny Dogs)
by Rose LihouTiny dogs, big adventures!Meet the tiny dogs in this first chapter book from debut author-illustrator Rose Lihou, with full-colour illustrations throughout.'Ridiculously delightful' - Guardian Bea and her mum are moving in with her grandparents, which will mean a new school, new friends, and big changes for Bea. . .All Bea can remember about Granny and Grandad's house is their big, beautiful garden with its colourful flowers and secret hide-and-seek spots, but when Bea and her mum arrive, the garden has grown sad and neglected.The wild garden feels like the perfect place for Bea to hide away from all the changes in her life, but when she hears a strange noise in the long grass, she can't quite believe what she finds. . .FOUR TINY DOGS, NO BIGGER THAN MICE!Follow the adventures of Bea and the tiny dogs as they become friends and work together to save the garden! A colour chapter book series, perfect for readers moving on from picture books. Tiny Dogs: Bea's Secret Friends Tiny Dogs: The Lost School PetTiny Dogs: The Best Birthday Party
The Lost Sunlion: A magical adventure for ages 8-12 (The Last Firefox #3)
by Lee NewberyThe third magical adventure in the Last Firefox series.When out-of-control weather brings danger to his home town, Charlie Challinor suspects that more than climate change might be to blame. Heading back to Fargone with Cadno the firefox, Lippy and Roo, Charlie discovers the magical realm is also in dire peril.The sinister giant Gawr has stolen the Cariad, the Heart of Fargone, mixing up the world's magic and plunging the land into chaos. With the Cariad's ancient guardian, the sunlion Llew, missing in action, only Charlie and his friends can save the day - but at what cost . . . ?
The First Shadowdragon (The Last Firefox #2)
by Lee NewberyAll legends start somewhere . . .After defeating the evil Grendilock and saving Cadno, the last firefox, Charlie Challinor is looking forward to a well-earned rest. But when a familiar face appears from the realm of Fargone, Charlie's family is once again swept up into adventure.Along with Lippy, Roo and new magical friend Blodyn, Charlie must travel to Fargone to face the dreaded Draig, the shadowy monster that is slowly draining the life from the land - and uncover the lost secret that links Draig's history to Charlie's own . . .The magical sequel to The Last Firefox, one of the most exciting children's debuts of 2022.
The Star-Child (Little Clothbound Classics)
by Oscar WildeLittle Clothbound Classics: irresistible, mini editions of short stories, novellas and essays from the world's greatest writers, designed by the award-winning Coralie Bickford-Smith.With warmth, tenderness and quiet wit, Oscar Wilde's fables and fairy tales have moved and delighted for generations. In far-off kingdoms and ocean realms, in the company of giants and nightingales, Wilde speaks of heartbreak and redemption, of cruelty and compassion, of love lost, of love gained, of love lasting. Included in this selection are stories from The Happy Prince and A House of Pomegranates.'His tales will dazzle children and intrigue adults' Guardian