The wealthy Birling family lead a seemingly respectable life, until an inspector visits and changes their lives forever...This annotation-friendly edition of J.B. Priestley's classic play An Inspector Calls has:- Large spaces between lines for annotations- Large outer margins- Pages at the end of each act for note taking- An introduction and brief author biography by Mark Birch- A helpful glossary explaining old and unusual wordsFor more on our growing collection of annotation-friendly books visit: firestonebooks.com Read more

The third novel in the legendary and magical bestselling fantasy series from the Hugo and Nebula Award winning author, featuring dragons, adventure, romance, and heroism, perfect for fans of Rebecca Yarros’ Fourth Wing, Cassandra Clare and Brandon Sanderson.**Winner of the Ditmar International Science Fiction Award****Finalist for the Hugo Award for Best Novel**‘Anne McCaffrey is one of the titans of this genre, and one of my favorite authors of all time.’ Brandon Sanderson, New York Times bestselling author of the Mistborn series.‘Pern was one of the first fantasy worlds I fell into, and I am forever grateful.’ Leigh Bardugo, Sunday Times bestselling author of the Six of Crows series and The Familiar‘Anne McCaffrey’s Pern books forever changed how readers looked at dragons...books that shaped a generation and more of fantasy writers.’ Cassandra Clare, No. 1 New York Times bestselling author'One of McCaffrey's best!'-- ***** Reader review'You cannot fail to be totally immersed in this fantastic story, thrilling to the extreme.' -- ***** Reader review'If you have never tried the series, do. You won't regret it.' -- ***** Reader review*******************************************************************************A BOND IS FORMED THAT CANNOT BE BROKEN...Never had there been as close a bonding as the one that existed between the young Lord Jaxom and his extraordinary white dragon, Ruth.Pure white and incredibly agile, Ruth possessed remarkable qualities. Not only could he communicate with the iridescent, fluttering fire lizards, but he could fly. Back in time to any WHEN with unfailing accuracy.Nearly everyone else on Pern thought Ruth was a runt who would never amount to anything, but Jaxom knew his dragon was special. In secret they trained to fight against the burning threads from the Red Planet, to fly Back in time as well as Between, and finally their close and special union was to result in the most startling and breathtaking discovery of all...THE WHITE DRAGON is one of the most unforgettable episodes in Anne McCaffrey's world-famous Chronicles of Pern...The Dragonriders of Pern series continues in Dragondrums. Read more

Loved by millions of readers worldwide, let the greatest children's book series of all time take you on an unforgettable journey. The hope and wonder of Harry Potter's world will make you want to escape to Hogwarts again and again. This magical paperback box set is perfect for gifting!Harry Potter has never even heard of Hogwarts when letters start dropping on the doormat at number four, Privet Drive. Addressed in green ink on yellowish parchment with a purple seal, they are swiftly confiscated by his grisly aunt and uncle. Then, on Harry's eleventh birthday, a great beetle-eyed giant of a man called Rubeus Hagrid bursts in with some astonishing news - Harry Potter is a wizard, and he has a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. An incredible journey is about to begin! Follow Harry and his friends as they encounter two-faced professors and three-headed dogs, battle spiders and serpents, discover the mysteries of Divination and Dementors, and much, much more. The magic starts here .This box set contains all seven novels to whisk you away to Hogwarts and beyond; from the comforting cosiness of The Burrow to the thrills of a rain-streaked Quidditch pitch. With spectacular covers by award-winning artist Jonny Duddle, these gorgeous paperback editions are presented in a stunning slipcase featuring the sweeping landscape of Hogwarts castle and grounds. These books are to be treasured and read time and time again - an unmissable adventure series that has sparked a lifelong love of reading in children all over the world.Seven magical stories, one epic adventure.**********************************Praise for the Harry Potter books:'That rare thing, a series of stories adored by parents and children alike.' - Daily Telegraph'A phenomenon . Grown men in suits have been spotted with them on trains. Parents squabble over who gets to read them to the kids, and teachers say a chapter can silence the most rowdy of classes.' - Guardian'One of the greatest literary adventures of modern times.' - Sunday Telegraph'Spellbinding, enchanting, bewitching stuff.' - Mirror'The only thing wrong with it is that you can't put it down.' - Fiona Chadwick, 9 years old'It is very funny. I would love to be Harry and make up some magic spell to play on my teachers.' - Tom El-Shawk, 11 years old'My mum loved it so much she would not let my dad read any of it to me.' - Alexander Benn, 7 and 9¼ years old'It's for all ages and it's brilliant.' - Katrina Farrant, 10 years old Read more

'A classic, perhaps the supreme American novel' Sunday Times, Books of the Century'It was one of those rare smiles with a quality of eternal reassurance in it, that you may come across four or five times in life'Jay Gatsby is the man who has everything. But one thing will always be out of his reach ... Everybody who is anybody is seen at his glittering parties. Day and night his Long Island mansion buzzes with bright young things drinking, dancing and debating his mysterious character. For Gatsby - young, handsome, fabulously rich - always seems alone in the crowd, watching and waiting, though no one knows what for. Beneath the shimmering surface of his life he is hiding a secret: a silent longing that can never be fulfilled. And soon this destructive obsession will force his world to unravel. Read more

Greetings to you, the lucky finder of this Gold Ticket from Mr Willy Wonka! Tremendous things are in store for you!Charlie Bucket's life is about to change forever, thanks to one miraculous moment!Willy Wonka, chocolate maker extraordinaire, has hidden five golden tickets in five ordinary bars of chocolate, and any child who finds one will get the chance to visit his incredible factory.And Charlie has found one . . . But so have . . .Augustus Gloop - a glutton for chocolateVeruca Salt - a spoiled and selfish bratViolet Beauregarde - a repulsive gum-chewerMike Teavee - a television fiendWith a chocolate river, delectable confectionery and mysterious Oompa Loompas, Mr Wonka's factory is the most wondrous place Charlie has ever seen. Read more

The much-loved Roald Dahl story, updated for a whole new generation of readers with an exciting new interior design and cover look. These books gave Matilda a hopeful and comforting message: you are not alone.Matilda is a brilliant child with a magical mind.But her parents have decided she's just a nuisance who wastes too much time on reading and stories.And her headmistress Miss Trunchbull is a terrible bully, who thinks children are rotten and awful and should be locked up.Now it's time for Matilda to find the power to change her story, and show them just how extraordinary children can be . . .The text in this edition of Matilda was updated in 2022 for young independent readers. Read more

A bumper collection of five-minute short stories by the world's best-loved storyteller. Perfect for children aged 5 and up! Whizz through five-minute tales in this brilliant collection by Enid Blyton. From animal and school adventures to outdoor wanders and magical mischief and mayhem, there's a story for everyone! These traditional tales are ideal for younger children being read to and for newly confident readers to read alone. Each story stands alone and is the perfect length for reading at bedtime or in the classroom. Enid Blyton remains one of Britain's favourite children's authors and her bumper short story collections are perfect for introducing her to the latest generation of readers. Read all of Enid Blyton's bumper short story collections. New in 2023: Five-Minute Stories Stories of Tails and Whiskers Spellbinding Stories Stories for Christmas *** Enid Blyton® and Enid Blyton's signature are registered trade marks of Hodder & Stoughton Limited. No trade mark or copyrighted material may be reproduced without the express written permission of the trade mark and copyright owner. Read more

Loved by millions of readers worldwide, let the third story in the greatest children's book series of all time take you on an unforgettable journey. The hope and wonder of Harry Potter's world will make you want to escape to Hogwarts again and again. There's magic on every page!When the Knight Bus crashes through the darkness and screeches to a halt in front of him, it's the start of another far from ordinary year at Hogwarts for Harry Potter. Sirius Black, escaped mass-murderer and follower of Lord Voldemort, is on the run - and they say he is coming after Harry. In his first ever Divination class, Professor Trelawney sees an omen of death in Harry's tea leaves . But perhaps most terrifying of all are the Dementors patrolling the school grounds, with their soul-sucking Kiss .J.K. Rowling's enduringly popular Harry Potter books continue to captivate new generations of readers. Harry's third adventure alongside his friends, Ron and Hermione, invites you to explore even more of the wizarding world; from the secret passages of Hogwarts castle to the snowy lanes of Hogsmeade. This gorgeous paperback edition features a spectacular cover by award-winning artist Jonny Duddle, plus refreshed bonus material, allowing readers to learn about famous witches and wizards and find out more about the Patronus Charm. Get ready for the magical journey of a lifetime!TIME-TURNING - TREACHERY - TRANSFIGURATIONSeven magical stories, one epic adventure.**********************************Praise for the Harry Potter books:'That rare thing, a series of stories adored by parents and children alike.' - Daily Telegraph'A phenomenon . Grown men in suits have been spotted with them on trains. Parents squabble over who gets to read them to the kids, and teachers say a chapter can silence the most rowdy of classes.' - Guardian'One of the greatest literary adventures of modern times.' - Sunday Telegraph'Spellbinding, enchanting, bewitching stuff.' - Mirror'The only thing wrong with it is that you can't put it down.' - Fiona Chadwick, 9 years old'It is very funny. I would love to be Harry and make up some magic spell to play on my teachers.' - Tom El-Shawk, 11 years old'My mum loved it so much she would not let my dad read any of it to me.' - Alexander Benn, 7 and 9¼ years old'It's for all ages and it's brilliant.' - Katrina Farrant, 10 years old Read more

"Human beans is not really believing in giants, is they? Human beans is not thinking we exist."One dark, silvery moonlit night, Sophie is snatched from her bed by a giant!Luckily it is the Big Friendly Giant (the BFG), who is no ordinary bone-crunching giant, but instead prefers snozzcumbers and frobscottle to children.But there are other giants in Giant Country. And those giants have a plan to gallop far and wide to find some tasty human beans to eat.Can Sophie and the BFG stop them?The text in this edition of The BFG was updated in 2022 for young independent readers. Read more

Loved by millions of readers worldwide, let the seventh story in the greatest children's book series of all time take you on an unforgettable journey. The hope and wonder of Harry Potter's world will make you want to escape to Hogwarts again and again. There's magic on every page!As he climbs into the sidecar of Hagrid's motorbike and takes to the skies, leaving Privet Drive for the last time, Harry Potter knows that Lord Voldemort and the Death Eaters are not far behind. The protective charm that has kept Harry safe until now is broken, but he cannot keep hiding. The Dark Lord is breathing fear into everything Harry loves, and to stop him Harry will have to find and destroy the remaining Horcruxes. The final battle must begin - Harry must stand and face his enemy.J.K. Rowling's enduringly popular Harry Potter books continue to captivate new generations of readers. Harry's seventh adventure alongside his friends, Ron and Hermione, invites you to explore even more of the wizarding world; from the tombstones of Godric's Hollow to the sweeping grandeur of Malfoy Manor. This gorgeous paperback edition features a spectacular cover by award-winning artist Jonny Duddle, plus refreshed bonus material, including Albus Dumbledore's thoughts on a certain unbeatable wand made of elder. Get ready for the magical journey of a lifetime!VOWS - VENGEANCE - VOLDEMORTSeven magical stories, one epic adventure.**********************************Praise for the Harry Potter books:'That rare thing, a series of stories adored by parents and children alike.' - Daily Telegraph'A phenomenon . Grown men in suits have been spotted with them on trains. Parents squabble over who gets to read them to the kids, and teachers say a chapter can silence the most rowdy of classes.' - Guardian'One of the greatest literary adventures of modern times.' - Sunday Telegraph'Spellbinding, enchanting, bewitching stuff.' - Mirror'The only thing wrong with it is that you can't put it down.' - Fiona Chadwick, 9 years old'It is very funny. I would love to be Harry and make up some magic spell to play on my teachers.' - Tom El-Shawk, 11 years old'My mum loved it so much she would not let my dad read any of it to me.' - Alexander Benn, 7 and 9¼ years old'It's for all ages and it's brilliant.' - Katrina Farrant, 10 years old Read more

Loved by millions of readers worldwide, let the fourth story in the greatest children's book series of all time take you on an unforgettable journey. The hope and wonder of Harry Potter's world will make you want to escape to Hogwarts again and again. There's magic on every page!The Triwizard Tournament is to be held at Hogwarts. Only wizards who are over seventeen are allowed to enter - but that doesn't stop Harry dreaming that he will win the competition. Then at Hallowe'en, when the Goblet of Fire makes its selection, Harry is amazed to find his name is one of those that the magical cup picks out. He will face death-defying tasks, dragons and Dark wizards, but with the help of his best friends, Ron and Hermione, he might just make it through - alive!J.K. Rowling's enduringly popular Harry Potter books continue to captivate new generations of readers. Harry's fourth adventure invites you to explore even more of the wizarding world; from the foggy, frozen depths of the Great Lake to the silvery secrets of the Pensieve. This gorgeous paperback edition features a spectacular cover by award-winning artist Jonny Duddle, plus refreshed bonus material, allowing readers to learn more about the different breeds of dragon. Get ready for the magical journey of a lifetime!CURSES - COURAGE - COMPETITIONSeven magical stories, one epic adventure.**********************************Praise for the Harry Potter books:'That rare thing, a series of stories adored by parents and children alike.' - Daily Telegraph'A phenomenon . Grown men in suits have been spotted with them on trains. Parents squabble over who gets to read them to the kids, and teachers say a chapter can silence the most rowdy of classes.' - Guardian'One of the greatest literary adventures of modern times.' - Sunday Telegraph'Spellbinding, enchanting, bewitching stuff.' - Mirror'The only thing wrong with it is that you can't put it down.' - Fiona Chadwick, 9 years old'It is very funny. I would love to be Harry and make up some magic spell to play on my teachers.' - Tom El-Shawk, 11 years old'My mum loved it so much she would not let my dad read any of it to me.' - Alexander Benn, 7 and 9¼ years old'It's for all ages and it's brilliant.' - Katrina Farrant, 10 years old Read more

William Golding's Lord of the Flies is a dystopian classic: 'exciting, relevant and thought-provoking' (Stephen King). When a group of schoolboys are stranded on a desert island, what could go wrong?'One of my favorite books - I read it every couple of years.' (Suzanne Collins, author of The Hunger Games)A plane crashes on a desert island. The only survivors are a group of schoolboys. By day, they discover fantastic wildlife and dazzling beaches, learning to survive; at night, they are haunted by nightmares of a primitive beast. Orphaned by society, it isn't long before their innocent childhood games devolve into a savage, murderous hunt ... 'Stands out mightily in my memory ... Such a strong statement about the human heart.' (Patricia Cornwell)'Terrifying and haunting.' (Kingsley Amis)'Beautifully written, tragic and provocative.' (E. M. Forster)ONE OF THE BBC'S ICONIC 'NOVELS THAT SHAPED OUR WORLD'What readers are saying:'Every real human being should read this ... This is what we are.''It's brilliant, it's captivating, it's thought provoking and brutal and for some, its truly terrifying.''It can be read and re-read many times, and every time something new will appear.''There is a reason why this is studied at school ... Excellent read.''This is one of the few books I've read that I keep on my Kindle to read again.''I revisit this every few years and it's always fresh and impressive ... One of the best books I've ever read.' Read more

Penguin Weird Fiction: a celebration of the very best of the weird, a store of novels and tales that for generations have delighted and horrified.Woken from his sleep by an urgent request to attend to a new patient, Dr. John Vanaman is soon at the home of Jesse J. Robinson, a wealthy industrialist, struck gravely ill after a struggle with a burglar. The thief was after Robinson’s most prized possession, an item he obsessively guards: a mysterious green box, etched with a single line from an unknown language. Soon, Vanaman and Robinson's courageous neice, Leilah, are drawn into an odyssey, a voyage toward the box’s ancient, terrifying origin…The greatest novel by one of the pioneering female voices in horror writing, Gertrude Barrows Bennett’s Claimed! is a masterful intertwining fantasy, philosophy, and terror.‘The most important female writer of speculative fiction that you’ve probably never heard of’ Worlds Without End Read more

'If you really want to hear about it, the first thing you'll probably want to know is where I was born and what my lousy childhood was like, and how my parents were occupied and all before they had me, and all that David Copperfield kind of crap, but I don't feel like going into it, if you want to know the truth.'The first of J. D. Salinger's four books to be published, The Catcher in the Rye is one of the most widely read and beloved of all contemporary American novels.'The handbook of the adolescent heart' The New Yorker Read more

From Penguin's The Originals collection, The Outsiders is an outstanding story of teenage rebellion, written when the author was only 17. __________Teenagers in a small Oklahoma town have split into two gangs, divided by money, tastes and attitude. The Socs' idea of having a good time is beating up Greasers like Ponyboy Curtis. Ponyboy knows what to expect and knows he can count on his brothers and friends - until the night someone takes things too far, and life is changed forever.__________Iconic, outspoken, first. The Originals are the pioneers of fiction for young adults. From political awakening, war and unrequited love to addiction, teenage pregnancy and nuclear holocaust, The Originals confront big issues and articulate difficult truths. The collection includes: (Un)arranged Marriage - Bali Rai Stone Cold - Robert Swindells The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole - Sue TownsendThe Tulip Touch - Anne Fine I Capture the Castle - Dodie Smith Read more

Brave New World is a dystopian novel by English author Aldous Huxley, first written in 1931 and published in 1932. Largely set in a futuristic World State, inhabited by genetically modified citizens and an intelligence-based social hierarchy, the novel anticipates huge scientific advancements in reproductive technology, sleep-learning, psychological manipulation and classical conditioning that are combined to make a dystopian society which is challenged by only a single individual: the story's protagonist. Read more

The #1 New York Times Bestseller and instant Sunday Times BestsellerThe only official companion to the Harry Potter stories - the ultimate compendium of wizarding lists, charts, maps and all things magical!Whisk yourself away to Harry Potter's wizarding world with this Whiz-bang of an illustrated companion, suitable for readers of all ages. Discover magical places, study wandlore, encounter fantastic beasts and find out about the witches and wizards who lived. From the Sorting Hat to spell-casting, it's all packed inside!This dazzling gift book brings together beloved characters, unforgettable moments and iconic locations from the seven Harry Potter novels. It's the ultimate magical miscellany, filled with facts and fun about the wizarding world, beautifully catalogued and brilliantly explored. Joyfully illustrated throughout in full colour by seven stunning artists and tingling with things to spot on every page, this is the ideal introduction to the Harry Potter stories for new readers and the perfect book for families to share. The Harry Potter Wizarding Almanac also features an astonishing level of detail that is sure to surprise and fascinate lifelong fans. From incredible cross-sections to magical maps and ingenious lists, lose yourself exploring Hogwarts and beyond .Wherever you are in your Harry Potter journey, the Wizarding Almanac is for you. Although the pages feature characters, objects and plot points from throughout the series, including He Who Must Not Be Named, the information has been carefully crafted to not spoil your reading experience of the stories. If you are an advanced reader, story secrets are hidden on every page - how many can you find?#1 New York Times Bestseller (20th October) and instant Sunday Times Bestseller (w/e 14th October) Read more

Gripping, terrifying, an unputdownable read. Discover Graham Greene's most iconic novel.A gang war is raging through the dark underworld of Brighton. Seventeen-year-old Pinkie, malign and ruthless, has killed a man. Believing he can escape retribution, he is unprepared for the courageous, life-embracing Ida Arnold. Greene's gripping thriller exposes a world of loneliness and fear, of life lived on the 'dangerous edge of things.'In this gripping, terrifying, and unputdownable read, discover Greene's iconic tale of the razor-wielding Pinkie.'Brighton Rock when I was about thirteen. One of the first lessons I took from it was that a serious novel could be an exciting novel - that the novel of adventure could also be the novel of ideas' Ian McEwanWITH AN INTRODUCTION BY J.M. COETZEE Read more

Enter the sprawling and evocative world of John Steinbeck's masterpiece, "East of Eden." Set against the backdrop of California's Salinas Valley, this epic novel weaves a tale of family, love, and the eternal battle between good and evil.Immerse yourself in the lives of the Trask and Hamilton families as their destinies intertwine across generations. Follow the complex journey of Adam Trask, a man haunted by his own demons, and his two sons, the virtuous Aron and the tormented Caleb. Their lives are shaped by the enigmatic Cathy Ames, a woman of captivating beauty and dark secrets.Steinbeck's rich and lyrical prose paints a vivid portrait of the human condition, exploring themes of morality, free will, and the search for identity. With the Salinas Valley as a backdrop, the novel delves into the struggles of ordinary people, their dreams, and their battles against the forces that threaten to destroy them.As the narrative unfolds, "East of Eden" examines the timeless themes of sibling rivalry, redemption, and the nature of good and evil. Steinbeck's multifaceted characters come alive, grappling with their desires, ambitions, and the choices that shape their lives. From the tender moments of love and compassion to the depths of despair and betrayal, every page of this profound novel resonates with emotional intensity."East of Eden" stands as a testament to Steinbeck's unparalleled storytelling prowess and his profound understanding of the human spirit. It is a work that invites readers to reflect on their own capacity for good and evil, and the power of forgiveness and redemption to transcend the boundaries of fate.Prepare to be swept away by the sweeping narrative, the exquisite prose, and the profound wisdom that permeates every word. "East of Eden" is a literary journey that will leave an indelible mark on your heart and mind, reminding you of the enduring power of love, the complexity of human nature, and the eternal struggle to find one's place in the world.Open the book and embark on a transformative odyssey through the ages, where the bonds of family and the quest for truth intertwine in a tapestry of breathtaking beauty and profound insight. "East of Eden" beckons you to explore the depths of the human soul and discover the timeless truths that lie within. Read more

Illustrations in this ebook appear in vibrant full colour on a full colour ebook device, and in rich black and white on all other devices.Narnia… a land frozen in eternal winter… a country waiting to be set free.Four adventurers step through a wardrobe door and into the land of Narnia, a land enslaved by the power of the White Witch. But when almost all hope is lost, the return of the Great Lion, Aslan, signals a great change… and a great sacrifice.The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is the second book in C.S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia, a series that has become part of the canon of classic literature, drawing readers of all ages into a magical land with unforgettable characters for over fifty years. This is a stand-alone read, but if you would like to explore more of the Narnian realm, pick up The Horse and His Boy, the third book in The Chronicles of Narnia. Read more