Daughter of a king, raised by a shieldmaiden—life should be simple, right?But in the wake of Haakon's fall, danger lurks around every corner for Bethany and Tora.Determined to honor Haakon’s memory, Bethany strives to provide Tora with a life of peace and safety. But Tora craves more than tranquility—she longs for glory and battle.Becoming a shieldmaiden is harder than Tora could ever have imagined. As a young woman in a man's world, she must use every resource at her disposal to survive, but it never seems enough.Can Tora live up to her legacy and claim her place in the Viking world, or will the pursuit of honor cost too much? Read more

A thrilling new fantasy about the lengths two sisters will go for each other from Rebecca Ross, the extraordinary Sunday Times and New York Times number-one-bestselling author of DIVINE RIVALS. Perfect for fans of Ember in the Ashes, Sky In the Deep, and Court of Fives.Two sisters… one unbreakable bondEvadne is finally going to be reunited with her older sister, Halcyon, who has been serving in the queen’s army for eight long years. But when Halcyon unexpectedly appears a day early, Evadne knows something is gravely wrong. Halcyon has been charged with a heinous crime and though her life is spared, she has been sentenced to fifteen years of punishment – five years of hard labour, five years of imprisonment and five years serving the house that she has wronged.Suspicious of the charges, as well as the details of the crime, Evadne volunteers to take part of her sister’s terms. If there’s a way to clear Halcyon’s name, she’ll find it. But as the sisters begin their sentences, they quickly learn that there are fates worse than death…Set in a richly-drawn, ancient world comes this epic fantasy from the author of The Queen’s Rising…Rebecca Ross's book 'Ruthless Vows' was a No.2 Sunday Times bestseller w/c 2024-05-27. Read more

Brion never meant to start a war. But when they murdered his parents and enslaved his sister and his sweetheart, they left him no choice. Brion of Wexford is the son of a crippled trapper living a quiet life on the edge of the vast and unruly heathland. But when Salassani raiders destroy his world, he must venture into the heathland to attempt the impossible task of finding the girls, rescuing them, and conveying them safely home across hundreds of miles of enemy territory.Now Brion finds himself pursued by men bent on his destruction, deprived of his protectors, and haunted by the knowledge that his murdered father has hidden a dark secret that could reshape Brion’s entire identity. Brion must find a way to stay alive long enough to get the girls safely home.This is an adventure series perfect for fans of John Flanagan’s Ranger's Apprentice, J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, T.H. White’s The Sword in the Stone, Christopher Paolini’s Eragon series, and George R. R. Martin’s Game of Thrones / A Song of Ice and Fire series. Read more

Is a kingdom worth the lives of those you love?Brion of Wexford is drawn into the war he helped to create, but never wanted to fight. When he seeks to unravel Weyland’s secrets and the truth about his own identity, Brion finds himself betrayed at every turn. Now the only way to survive and keep the Kingdom of Coll from falling to the invading Dunkeldi army is to find the lost prince and put him on the throne before it is too late.But the lost prince may not be who Brion thinks he is, and things spiral out of control as coups and countercoups plunge Coll into chaos just as the Dunkeldi army is poised to destroy the kingdom once and for all.This is an adventure series perfect for fans of John Flanagan’s Ranger's Apprentice, J.R.R. Tol-kien’s Lord of the Rings, T.H. White’s The Sword in the Stone, Christopher Paolini’s Eragon se-ries, and George R. R. Martin’s Game of Thrones / A Song of Ice and Fire series. Read more

Coming home is not always a sanctuary; sometimes, it's a bloody struggle.Ulv returns to his homeland after raiding in England, Ireland, and France, eager to regale Father with tales of victories and defeats. However, fate has other plans in store, and waiting for him in his homeland is nothing but more trouble.Julia, driven by an urgent quest, sets sail for Norway. During her voyage, she crosses paths with Ulv, who holds vital information about what she seeks and even the whereabouts of her long-lost mother. Amidst it all, an old secret threatens to unravel their bond from within. Can Ulv and Julia overcome these overwhelming obstacles and ultimately find solace?"Home" is the highly anticipated fourth installment of the bestselling Viking Ventures series, delivering exhilarating Viking historical fiction. Immerse yourself in a world of relentless action, gripping suspense, and authentic characters navigating a perilous realm. Åsli and Bakkjord's latest offering is a captivating addition to the series that will leave you eagerly turning the pages. Read more

'Exactly what I needed right now – a delightful, heartwarming, hilarious historical romp, overflowing with queer panic and terrible jokes. I loved it' -ALICE OSEMAN, bestselling author of HEARTSTOPPER'Fun and genuinely funny, with lovely friendships and first-rate dialogue. Gwen and Art may not be in love, but I fell for both of them' -RAINBOW ROWELL, #New York Times bestselling author of the SIMON SNOW trilogy* Winner of the YA Book Prize ** Winner of the Books Are My Bag Readers' Award for Young Adult Fiction ** Shortlisted for the Café Nero Children's Fiction Award ** Instant New York Times Bestseller*_______________Gwen, the quick-witted Princess of England, and Arthur, future lord and general gadabout, have been betrothed since birth. Unfortunately, the only thing they can agree on is that they hate each other. When Gwen catches Art kissing a boy and Art discovers where Gwen hides her diary (complete with racy entries about Bridget Leclair, the kingdom's only female knight), they become reluctant allies. By pretending to fall for each other, their mutual protection will be assured.But how long can they keep up the ruse? With Gwen growing closer to Bridget, and Art becoming unaccountably fond of Gabriel, Gwen's infuriatingly serious, bookish brother, the path to true love is looking far from straight …_______________'A total rollicking delight … Lex Croucher is one of my favourite romcom authors, and they should be yours too' - CASEY MCQUISTON, #1 New York Times bestselling author of I KISSED SHARA WHEELER and RED, WHITE & ROYAL BLUE'Congrats to Gwen and Arthur on their permanent acquisition of my ENTIRE heart. Suffice it to say that I loved this book to a degree that's slightly ridiculous'- BECKY ALBERTALLI, bestselling author of SIMON VS. THE HOMOSAPIENS AGENDA Read more

An epic and exhilarating story of deception, love and revenge, from the extraordinary Sunday Times and New York Times number-one-bestselling author of DIVINE RIVALS. Perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo, Sarah J Maas and Shelby Mahurin.Brienna is an arden, a student of the five passions – art, music, wit, dramatics and knowledge. On the summer solstice in her seventeenth year, she hopes to become mistress of the passion – one who has mastered her area of study. But Brienna knows that she was not granted a coveted place at her passion-house because of talent, like her arden-sisters. She is here because someone wished her hidden.Brienna has never learned her father’s identity. All she knows is that her mother was Valenian – from the land of elegance, etiquette and learning – and her father was Maevan. Brienna has never set foot in Maevana, but knows it is a wild, windswept place, fiercely proud of its ancient heritage of magical warrior queens – yet now suffering under the rule of a tyrannical king.Then Brienna begins to have visions: the inherited memories of a long-dead Maevan ancestor, who hid the legendary Stone of Eventide. If the Stone can be found, the rightful queen of Maevana can be restored to the throne. And Brienna has the power to do it.Swept into a dangerous new life of secret alliances, generations-old enmities, deep family secrets and smouldering first love, Brienna must ask herself what is stronger: the bond of chosen family, or that of blood . . .Rebecca Ross's book 'Ruthless Vows' was a No.2 Sunday Times bestseller w/c 2024-05-27. Read more

A deadly contagion races through England...Isabel and her family have nowhere to run from a disease that has killed half of Europe. When the world she knows and loves ends for ever, her only weapon is courage.The Black Death of 1349 was the deadliest plague in human history. All Fall Down is a powerful and inspiring story of survival in the face of real-life horror. Read more

Favourite son and heir to the powerful Norwegian king Harald Fairhair, Eirik was destined for greatness from the moment he was born.But his journey to becoming the second king of Norway was not an easy one. His first taste of battle comes at eleven when his father gives him three longships. Eirik spends the next nine years as a Viking, raiding in the east, west and north.Spurred on by his cunning wife Gunnhild, Eirik grows ever more ambitious and stops at nothing to achieve his goal of ruling all of Norway. His methods are brutal and bloody, and he gains a reputation as one of the most fearsome warriors in all of Scandinavia - earning him the nickname Bloodaxe.As Eirik’s power grows, so too does his list of enemies. Among them are vindictive berserks, wealthy jarls, and a dozen of his half-brothers conspiring to seize the throne. His conquests even lead him to Northumbria, where he clashes with the mighty King Athelstan of England.Through it all, Eirik remains fiercely determined to succeed, and his iron will and unshakable courage make him a force to be reckoned with.Åsli and Bakkejord deftly weave together history, action, and drama to create a fascinating portrait of Eirik Bloodaxe. Their vivid descriptions of Viking life and battle scenes are sure to transport readers back in time to this fascinating era. At its heart, this is a story about a man who was both a hero and a villain; a man driven by ambitions and desires, who left a lasting impact on Norway and England alike.Whether you are a fan of historical fiction or just looking for a thrilling read, Bloodaxe is not to be missed. Read more

"A very well written story full of adventure, humour, wit, and action. It would definitely deserve to be made into a movie."For fans of Uncharted, Indiana Jones, and Outer BanksPage Turner Awards FinalistBBNYA Semi-finalist#1 in Teen & Young Adult Thrillers and Suspense (Kindle Store)Fifteen-year-old Noah is shipped off to the Bahamas to spend time with a man he barely knows: his biological father Magnus.His mother had always depicted Magnus as a penniless drifter so Noah is surprised to discover that he runs an archaeological consultancy from an amazing yacht equipped with military-grade security. Desperate to forge a bond with his father, Noah asks to be included in the consultancy’s next assignment – the search for a mysterious medieval ring. Together with young uni drop-out Viggo and unrequited crush Isabelle, he follows the ring’s trail from Mexico to Sicily. But someone else is after it. Someone who will stop at nothing to lay his hands on it.As Noah faces danger after danger to delve into the ring's mystery, he discovers the truth about his father. And it’s a revelation that will change his life forever.**First in a series**PRAISE FOR THE TWELFTH RING“A great suspense mystery drama played out in the Bahamas. A cross between a Dirk Pitt and Indiana Jones adventure.” "A YA adult story perfect for adults too. Clever, humorous, and beautifully written, with a truly distinctive voice.""If you love the fast-paced travels of James Bond and the treasure hunting of Indiana Jones, you'll love this book!"“Great read. Compelling story, adventurous and fun! Looking forward to the next one.”"This book is a fast-paced and fun young adult adventure story. The action begins when Noah is sent to spend the summer with his practically unknown father in the Caribbean. Magnus (his father) is a free-lance archaeologist, martial arts expert, and secret keeper. It’s a treasure hunt that travels the world. There is nothing overly complex. The villains are villains, through and through. Tales of the Crusades and the Knights Templar are scattered throughout. This book is clearly intended to be the first book of a series since some secrets remain and more adventures are likely. There is some violence, including torture. There is some flirtation and innuendo, but no sex. All in all, it is not inappropriate for teenaged readers. The pacing is brisk, and the pages turn quickly." Read more

A band of fierce Viking warriors. A battle with enemies on both sides. A young man just trying to survive.Ulv, a youth raised on a tiny farm far from the jarls and warriors, faces his first raid with trepidation. With no seafaring or fighting experience, he's no warrior, no Viking. Yet he must prove himself to the Jarl and his crew. When disaster strikes, Ulv challenges a formidable warrior to a duel as his only means of escape. Against all odds, he must defeat an opponent twice his size if he is to survive. But survival seems unlikely, and victory even more so.Can Ulv rise from obscurity and earn honour in the eyes of the Jarl, or is he doomed to a life of enslavement?Viking' heralds the start of the 'Viking Ventures' series, a gritty Viking historical fiction saga. For those who enjoy underdog stories with intense action, fierce battles and authentic characters in an unforgiving world, Åsli and Bakkjord's latest instalment is a must-read.Pick up Viking today and immerse yourself in a gripping Viking saga book of honour, survival and prowess that will keep you on the edge of your seat from cover to cover. Read more

The heathland is in turmoil—In these four original stories from the heathland, you’ll meet new characters in the ongoing chronicles of the heathland and discover their personal sagas of loss and failure, of loyalty and triumph, born in the struggle for the heart and soul of the heathland.In Blood on the Reeds, a coup has toppled the royal line of Hassani and threatened all connected with that family. Thane must choose either to betray his king or rescue the last survivor of a massacre.In The Hidden Archer, war has erupted between Coll and the Salassani. Trapped in an isolated valley, Redmond faces an unseen enemy alone while his friends lay dying only yards away. Only one archer can walk out of the valley alive.In War of the One-Eyed Woman, the genocide of the Carpentini begins over the birth of an innocent girl. Edrick must rush to save his family before the Bracari capture and kill them all.In The Deadly Jest, the Order of the Rook has sent its newest initiate, Mara, on a dangerous mission into the southland. She finds herself entangled in intrigues of the heart and the treachery of those she should be able to trust.This volume contains three short stories and one novella. Read more

Noah is a typical teenager with a very atypical dream – becoming a modern-day Knight Templar. His estranged father, a senior commander within the Order, is dead set against it. For fans of Uncharted, Indiana Jones, and Outer Banks.**Page Turner Awards Finalist.**Wishing Shelf Book Awards Finalist**BBNYA FinalistAn ancient sword has been missing for centuries. Recovering it would prove Noah's worth to his father and earn him a place at the Clearview Templar Academy. When he stumbles across a Renaissance painting that holds a clue to the sword’s location, Noah’s dream seems within reach. As the death toll quickly mounts, it becomes apparent that others are hunting the sword – for far more evil ends. The future of the Templars, very much like Noah’s, is at stake. Together with his friend Viggo and mischievously attractive Isabelle, Noah embarks on the deadliest quest of his life. The sword’s dangerous trail will take them from the canals of Venice, to the spires of Seville, to a gripping showdown in the underwater caves of the Caribbean. A fresh, original adventure story. Can be read as a standalone novel or as the sequel to The Twelfth Ring.PRAISE FOR THE TEMPLAR SWORD 'Amazing story. Awesome plot. Perfect characters. OMG! This is a MUST READ!!!' Goodreads'Full of twists and turns, this book comes together in an exciting climax that leaves you reeling.’ ForBooksake 'Characters are spectacular, very real and very much people that I could relate to.' Goodreads‘Becoming a Templar Knight in the modern day... now that's a great hook. Sort of Indiana Jones meets Harry Potter... a legendary secret school, an evil villain and a treasure. If that doesn't grab a reader, nothing will.’ Ink & Insights'Reading it was like watching a movie in my head.' Goodreads‘Noah is a great main character and narrator for this story. He is witty and awkward and perfectly encompasses a teenage boy.’ Ink & Insights"Though likely considered a “young adult fiction”, as an older adult, I enjoyed this book tremendously. It’s adventure, mystery, great characters, and a storyline that keeps you wanting to see what comes next from this author." Amazon Reviewer‘Wow, Noah is one terrific character. He's instantly likable, and we find ourselves not only rooting for him, but rooting for the quest. His personality is incredibly well developed for a teen, and I like the fact that he's smart and driven.’ Ink & Insights Read more

The fight for Ireland intensifies, and the stakes are higher than ever.The Viking armies that plundered Ireland sit safely in their winter camps. Already controlling Dublin, the Northmen are planning to expand their reach and increase their riches.Ulv is alone in the wilderness, outlawed by his own, and condemned to a life behind enemy lines. Cold and afraid, he must fight for shelter, warmth and food. Only by handing Marcus over to the Jarl can he regain his freedom and honour.But first, he has to still his thirst for revenge.Marcus has been given another chance and has no desire to be anyone's slave. The heathens stand between himself and Julia, and he makes the Irish struggle his own. Soon, any companionship he felt with the Vikings is gone, and he prepares to face them in battle. This time he will be ready.Across the sea, Julia tries to make a living for herself. The world is a dangerous place for a young woman, and she soon discovers that mistakes seldom go unpunished.Follow Ulv, Marcus, Julia and the whole band of Viking misfits as they change the course of history.In the epic viking saga of ‘Viking Ventures’, you meet real historical figures like Ragnar Lothbrok and Charles the Bald. Witness the foundation of Dublin and the siege of Paris. Visit Hedeby and Rouen, and take part in battles, sieges and duels.The Viking Ventures trilogy is fast-paced Viking fiction in the spirit of The Northmen Saga by James L. Nelson, Odin's Game by Tim Hodkinson, God of Vengeance by Giles Christian and The Last Kingdom by Bernard Cornwell. You're in for a thrill! Read more

Haakon, the youngest son of aging Harald Fairhair of Norway, embarks on an extraordinary journey as he's sent to foster under King Aethelstan in the vibrant Anglo-Saxon court.In this foreign land, Haakon flourishes, dazzling lords and peers alike with his exceptional skills in statesmanship, military strategy, and politics. But as whispers from Norway reach him, carrying tidings of King Harald Fairhair's demise, Haakon is faced with a momentous challenge—to return home and challenge his infamous brother, Eirik Bloodaxe, for the Norwegian throne.This pivotal choice thrusts Haakon into an unyielding Northern climate, far from the comforts of King Aethelstan's court. Here, he not only battles external adversaries but also grapples with an internal conflict of faith, as his Christian beliefs clash with ancient Norse traditions.As the first Christian king in a realm of heathen warriors, Haakon's life becomes a relentless struggle, fraught with conflict and combat."Haakon the Good" is the latest installment in the thrilling 'Vikings of Norway' series, offering an enthralling blend of fast-paced action, epic battles, and vividly real characters within the brutal Viking world. Join Haakon on his epic odyssey and discover how a diplomatic and affable warrior fares in the savage Viking landscape. Don't miss out—secure your copy now! Read more

A wedding turning into a battle, a feast converted to a slaughter, a Viking band on the run. Julia stood barefoot in the mud in front of the doors of the great hall in Dubh Linn. Through the thin veil that covered her face, she could see Princess Ailbi shivering in the cold spring air. It would soon be warm enough.The doors opened slowly inwards by somebody not visible from the outside. Torches fluttered in the gloom inside, and between light and shadows there were figures. Unmoving, waiting. Like a gathering of cats waiting for a sparrow. Ailbi took a hesitant step, then another. She straightened her back and strode into the main hall. As terrified and proud as only a princess can be.Julia followed her. To the left, her Irish companion pulled a foot up from the mud with a squelch. Soon, there were similar noises behind her as ten bridesmaids took their first steps towards the door to Torgils’s great hall.Inside, Julia felt the warmth from the fireplace and the torches. And the cold from the men waiting for them. The enemy. Fear and anticipation sent a shiver through her body. The sudden movement drew many eyes to her. From behind her veil, Julia studied their faces. Closest to her, farthest from the throne, stood half a dozen tall men with broad shoulders, mighty fists, and golden rings and bracelets. They were veteran warriors, probably of Torgils’s hird.The bridesmaids were surrounded. They were bait. The trap was set.'Free' is the third book in the trilogy 'Viking Ventures'. Follow Ulv, Marcus, Julia and the whole band of Viking misfits as they change the course of history. In the epic story of 'Viking Ventures', you will meet real historical figures like Ragnar Lothbrok and Charles the Bald. You will bear witness to the occupation of Dublin and the siege of Paris. You will visit Hedeby and Rouen, and take part in battles, sieges and duels. Read more

Ailesse and her friends change the afterlife in the gripping conclusion to the fantasy duology that began with Bone Crier’s Moon from New York Times bestselling author Kathryn Purdie—perfect for fans of Stephanie Garber and Roshani Chokshi.Love is a matter of life and death.Bone Criers have been ferrying the dead into the afterlife for centuries, a dangerous duty only possible with the powers they gain from sacrificing their amourés, the men destined to love them and die. But Bone Criers Ailesse and Sabine—along with Ailesse’s love, Bastien—are working to chart their own course and rewrite the rules of the afterlife. If they don’t break the soul bond between Ailesse and her amouré, she could die—just as Bastien’s father did.Sabine struggles to maintain her authority as matrone of her famille—the role always destined for her sister—even as she fights to control the violent jackal power within her. Bastien is faced with a new dilemma as the spirits of the Underworld threaten the souls of his friends—and his father.  Ailesse attempts to resist her mother’s siren song as she’s drawn into her own version of the Underworld. How will she save her friends once she’s cut off from their world?This pulse-pounding follow-up to Bone Crier’s Moon is a story of love, sisterhood, and determination as three friends find the courage and power to shatter the boundary between the living and the dead. Read more

The epic sequel to THE QUEEN’S RISING: a tale of love, rebellion, alliance and betrayal, from the extraordinary Sunday Times and New York Times number-one-bestselling author of DIVINE RIVALS. Perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo, Sarah J Maas and Shelby Mahurin.Brienna and her new family have restored the rightful queen to the throne of Maevana. Now begins the difficult task of uniting the land’s fourteen proud, rebellious houses – and ensuring justice is served to the Lannons, the tyrannical monarchs who ruled over Maevana for so many years.Brienna is fast becoming Queen Isolde’s most trusted counsellor; and with every day, the love she shares with Cartier deepens. But there are those who do not accept Brienna, unable to see beyond her past, while some remain faithful to the Lannons and would do anything to tear the new queen down. And when Brienna discovers the true, shocking identity of someone within the castle, it threatens everything she holds dear …Rebecca Ross's book 'Ruthless Vows' was a No.2 Sunday Times bestseller w/c 2024-05-27. Read more

WINNER of the Golden Wizard Children's Book Award 2023!NOMINATED for The Book of the Year Award 2023 in the Ages 8+ Category.Get ready for an enchanting journey with "A Heart of Ice," where young royals embark on audacious quests of revenge and desire. Perfect for fans of "How To Train Your Dragon" and "Skandar and the Unicorn Thief," this magical fantasy adventure will captivate readers of all ages.Follow Prince Galderon and Amelina the Agile as they face terrifying battles in the treacherous realm of Ovamthia, while Princess Vanadae and King Magnus confront dark forces in an epic clash of light and darkness.With a gripping storyline, fantastical locations, and memorable characters, A Heart of Ice captures the essence of young aspiration and the bonds of friendship and love. Dive into this heart-stirring tale today and experience an exhilarating adventure like no other, with a world map, weapon illustrations and location artwork throughout.Don't forget to start with "Tales of Splendania: A Golden Wish" for the full enchanting experience.★★★★★ 'A mesmerising, enchanting follow-up to the first book'★★★★★ 'An extremely engaging and beautiful book'★★★★★ 'New favourite book!'★★★★★ 'A must-read! Truly incredible.'★★★★★ 'So much effort has been poured into this magical creation!'Perfect for readers who enjoyed...Skandar and the Unicorn ThiefThe Chronicles of NarniaThe Land of StoriesHow To Train Your DragonHarry PotterGreat for parents who are looking for...Chapter books for childrenFantasy books for kids 8-12Adventure stories for boys and girlsChildren's books about friendship and familyMiddle grade fantasy books Read more

From the authors of the best selling series ‘Viking Ventures’ comes the epic story of Harald Fairhair.The boy who inherited a war and built a kingdom.When King Halvdan the Black dies in 860, he is succeeded by his ten-year-old son, Harald. Immediately, rival kings and jarls unite to take advantage of the weakened state of the new king’s realm, and Harald’s army of 300 men is outnumbered three to one. The boy-king must step out from his father’s shadow and earn the respect of his men.After years of battle, Harald falls in love with Gyda, the daughter of King Eirik of Horthaland. The maiden rejects him and declares she will not give herself to any man unless he is the king of all of Norway. Harald accepts her challenge and vows that he will not cut or comb his hair until he has conquered and united Norway under his rule.At the great naval battle at Hafrsfjord, Harald faces an alliance of rival kings - rallied by Gyda’s father.Fairhair is the story of the boy who set out to be the first king of Norway.In Fairhair you will meet characters known from the Viking Ventures trilogy ('Viking*, 'Outlaw' & 'Free'), such as Ulv, Bjarn, Ragnvald, Julia and Geir Galne. In addition, a whole new cast of both real historical people and fictional characters will make their marks on this thrilling story.Fairhair is fast-paced Viking fiction in the spirit of the Viking Blood and Blade saga by Peter Gibbons, The Last Kingdom by Bernard Cornwell, The Norsemen Saga by James L. Nelson, and Odin's Game by Tim Hodkinson. Read more