Download or read book Graceling written by Kristin Cashore and published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. This book was released on 2008 with total page 492 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Discover the Graceling Realm in this unforgettable, award-winning novel from bestselling author Kristin Cashore A New York Times bestseller ALA Best Book for Young Adults Mythopoeic Fantasy Award for Children's Literature Winner Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal, Booklist, and BCCB Best Book of the Year "Rageful, exhilarating, wistful in turns" (The New York Times Book Review) with "a knee weakening romance" (LA Times). Graceling is a thrilling, action-packed fantasy adventure that will resonate deeply with anyone trying to find their way in the world. Graceling tells the story of the vulnerable-yet-strong Katsa, who is smart and beautiful and lives in the Seven Kingdoms where selected people are born with a Grace, a special talent that can be anything at all. Katsa's Grace is killing. As the king's niece, she is forced to use her extreme skills as his brutal enforcer. Until the day she meets Prince Po, who is Graced with combat skills, and Katsa's life begins to change. She never expects to become Po's friend. She never expects to learn a new truth about her own Grace--or about a terrible secret that lies hidden far away . . . a secret that could destroy all seven kingdoms with words alone. And don't miss the sequel Fire and companion Bitterblue, both award-winning, New York Times bestsellers, and full of Kristin Cashore's elegant, evocative prose and unforgettable characters.

Download or read book Empire of Magic written by Geraldine Heng and published by Columbia University Press. This book was released on 2003 with total page 550 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Empire of Magic offers a genesis and genealogy for medieval romance and the King Arthur legend through the history of Europe's encounters with the East in crusades, travel, missionizing, and empire formation. It also produces definitions of "race" and "nation" for the medieval period and posits that the Middle Ages and medieval fantasies of race and religion have recently returned. Drawing on feminist and gender theory, as well as cultural analyses of race, class, and colonialism, this provocative book revises our understanding of the beginnings of the nine hundred-year-old cultural genre we call romance, as well as the King Arthur legend. Geraldine Heng argues that romance arose in the twelfth century as a cultural response to the trauma and horror of taboo acts--in particular the cannibalism committed by crusaders on the bodies of Muslim enemies in Syria during the First Crusade. From such encounters with the East, Heng suggests, sprang the fantastical episodes featuring King Arthur in Geoffrey of Monmouth's chronicle The History of the Kings of England, a work where history and fantasy collide and merge, each into the other, inventing crucial new examples and models for romances to come. After locating the rise of romance and Arthurian legend in the contact zones of East and West, Heng demonstrates the adaptability of romance and its key role in the genesis of an English national identity. Discussing Jews, women, children, and sexuality in works like the romance of Richard Lionheart, stories of the saintly Constance, Arthurian chivralic literature, the legend of Prester John, and travel narratives, Heng shows how fantasy enabled audiences to work through issues of communal identity, race, color, class and alternative sexualities in socially sanctioned and safe modes of cultural discussion in which pleasure, not anxiety, was paramount. Romance also engaged with the threat of modernity in the late medieval period, as economic, social, and technological transformations occurred and awareness grew of a vastly enlarged world beyond Europe, one encompassing India, China, and Africa. Finally, Heng posits, romance locates England and Europe within an empire of magic and knowledge that surveys the world and makes it intelligible--usable--for the future. Empire of Magic is expansive in scope, spanning the eleventh to the fifteenth centuries, and detailed in coverage, examining various types of romance--historical, national, popular, chivalric, family, and travel romances, among others--to see how cultural fantasy responds to changing crises, pressures, and demands in a number of different ways. Boldly controversial, theoretically sophisticated, and historically rooted, Empire of Magic is a dramatic restaging of the role romance played in the culture of a period and world in ways that suggest how cultural fantasy still functions for us today.

Download or read book Magical Symbols of Love Romance written by Richard Webster and published by Llewellyn Worldwide. This book was released on 2012-07-08 with total page 241 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Discover a fascinating world of romantic symbols beyond the familiar wine, roses, and candlelight. From pearls to pomegranates, tulips to truffles, vodka to Venus, Magical Symbols of Love & Romance explores the fascinating history of love iconography and reveals how to use the powerful archetypal energy of symbols to add romance, passion, or lasting love to your life. Learn the specific meaning of love symbols from a variety of sublime sources, including: foods, flowers, perfumes, gemstones, astrology, animals, tarot imagery, and color. This captivating guide also features true, modern-day success stories that illustrate how others have used love symbols to attract a lover, resolve relationship issues, or solicit a marriage proposal.

Download or read book The Night Circus written by Erin Morgenstern and published by Anchor. This book was released on 2011-09-13 with total page 389 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: #1 NATIONAL BESTSELLER • Two starcrossed magicians engage in a deadly game of cunning in the spellbinding novel that captured the world's imagination. • "Part love story, part fable ... defies both genres and expectations." —The Boston Globe The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called Le Cirque des Rêves, and it is only open at night. But behind the scenes, a fierce competition is underway: a duel between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who have been trained since childhood expressly for this purpose by their mercurial instructors. Unbeknownst to them both, this is a game in which only one can be left standing. Despite the high stakes, Celia and Marco soon tumble headfirst into love, setting off a domino effect of dangerous consequences, and leaving the lives of everyone, from the performers to the patrons, hanging in the balance.

Download or read book Into the Mystic written by deadwoodpecker and published by Stillpoint/Romance. This book was released on 2020-06 with total page 328 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Six tales of fantasy and romance to enchant, move, and delight: a world of magic and fairy tales interweaved with the supernatural and a bit of steamy romance thrown in for good measure.

Download or read book Ruinsong written by Julia Ember and published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR). This book was released on 2020-11-24 with total page 320 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In Julia Ember's dark and lush LGBTQ+ romantic fantasy Ruinsong, two young women from rival factions must work together to reunite their country, as they wrestle with their feelings for each other. Her voice was her prison... Now it’s her weapon. In a world where magic is sung, a powerful mage named Cadence has been forced to torture her country's disgraced nobility at her ruthless queen's bidding. But when she is reunited with her childhood friend, a noblewoman with ties to the underground rebellion, she must finally make a choice: Take a stand to free their country from oppression, or follow in the queen’s footsteps and become a monster herself.

Download or read book Elemental Magic written by Sharon Shinn and published by Penguin. This book was released on 2007-11-06 with total page 388 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: From wizards to weathermen, everyone has always known the powers of the four elements—natural forces that can direct the fates, change destiny, and unite lovers in the most unexpected ways. Now, those magical elements come together in perfect balance, in these stories from four charmed authors… In Air find romance...in a breathless retelling of the Cinderella fable from award-winning Sharon Shinn, “an amazing writing talent” (The Best Reviews). In Fire find adventure...in a parallel dimension of werewolves and love-slaves from USA Today bestselling Rebecca York, “a true master” (Rave Reviews). In Water find fantasy...and a remarkable universe of magic, demons, and dangerous passion from award-winner Carol Berg. And in Earth...discover the ultimate in profound pleasure from Jean Johnson, “a fresh new voice in fantasy romance” (Robin D. Owens). There is such a thing as perfect harmony between a man and a woman. Experience it for yourself in... Elemental Magic

Download or read book Forbidden Magic written by Jo Beverley and published by Penguin. This book was released on 2005-08-02 with total page 337 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Left penniless after her parents' death, Meg Gillingham is in dire straits. Reluctantly, she turns for help to her only legacy—a magic statue that will grant wishes, but at a price.

Download or read book How to Love Your Elf written by Kerrelyn Sparks and published by Kensington Books. This book was released on 2020-02-25 with total page 337 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Game of Thrones meets The Princess Bride in this hilarious new series, combining romance and high fantasy, by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kerrelyn Sparks. Raised in isolation on the magic-shrouded Isle of the Moon, five girls became five sisters. Now women, they are ready to claim their places in the world—and perhaps change it forever . . . FLAME AND FORTUNE Sorcha knew the mission was dangerous. Leaving the safe grounds of her brother’s kingdom and parlaying with the elves across their border . . . well, treachery seemed at least as likely as true peace. But to support her sister, Sorcha would brave far more than the underhanded ways of the elves. Or so she thought, before she was taken hostage. Of course, her captors didn’t count on her particular abilities—or on the help of the Woodsman, the mysterious thief who made his home in the forest. He saw the battle from the trees, saw the soldier attacking against incredible odds to save a comrade—and then saw the valiant fighter revealed as Princess Sorcha of Norveshka. He can’t tell if he wants to kidnap her or kiss her. But despite Sorcha’s stubbornness, his inconvenient honor, and a rebellion on the cusp of full war, something burns between them that neither can let go . . . “Sparks' crafting of distinct kingdoms and fantasy races is the strongest part of the series…An adventurous fantasy romp.” —Kirkus Reviews “Satisfying chemistry, a playful sense of adventure, and the threat of more danger to come keep the pages turning. Readers will revel in this fun, fast-paced fantasy romance.” —Publishers Weekly

Download or read book Heart s Blood written by Juliet Marillier and published by Penguin. This book was released on 2009-11-03 with total page 416 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: National bestselling author Juliet Marillier revisits the classic fairy tale of Beauty and the Beast in this “engaging Gaelic fantasy romance staring two fascinating reluctant souls”(Genre Go Round Reviews). Whistling Tor is a place of secrets, a mysterious, wooded hill housing the crumbling fortress belonging to Anluan—a chieftain whose name is spoken throughout the region in tones of revulsion and bitterness. A curse lies over Anluan’s family and his people, and the woods themselves hold a perilous force whose every whisper threatens doom. Then the young scribe Caitrin appears in Anluan’s garden, admiring the rare plant known as heart’s blood. Retained to sort through entangled family documents, Caitrin brings about unexpected changes in the household, casting a hopeful light against the despairing shadows. But even as Caitrin brings solace to Anluan, and the promise of something more between them, he remains in thrall to the darkness surrounding Whistling Tor. To free Anluan’s burdened soul, Caitrin must unravel the web of sorcery woven by his ancestors before it claims his life—and their love...

Download or read book Beyond the Highland Mist written by Karen Marie Moning and published by Dell. This book was released on 2009-11-04 with total page 382 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: He would sell his warrior soul to possess her. . . . An alluring laird... He was known throughout the kingdom as Hawk, legendary predator of the battlefield and the boudoir. No woman could refuse his touch, but no woman ever stirred his heart—until a vengeful fairy tumbled Adrienne de Simone out of modern-day Seattle and into medieval Scotland. Captive in a century not her own, entirely too bold, too outspoken, she was an irresistible challenge to the sixteenth-century rogue. Coerced into a marriage with Hawk, Adrienne vowed to keep him at arm's length—but his sweet seduction played havoc with her resolve. A prisoner in time... She had a perfect "no" on her perfect lips for the notorious laird, but Hawk swore she would whisper his name with desire, begging for the passion he longed to ignite within her. Not even the barriers of time and space would keep him from winning her love. Despite her uncertainty about following the promptings of her own passionate heart, Adrienne's reservations were no match for Hawk's determination to keep her by his side. . . .

Download or read book Magic Forged written by K. M. Shea and published by . This book was released on 2020-02-28 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: I'm one scrappy wizard.As someone with barely a flicker of magic, I've spent my life being mocked and surviving fights with bullies. But when my parents die in an accident, and I find myself responsible for our whole wizard house and family, I know my usual tactics aren't going to cut it.The situation veers from bad to catastrophic when my backstabbing cousin stages a coup and takes my family hostage.I barely manage to flee, but the only supernatural willing to help me is Killian Drake--the most feared vampire in the region, and a far more deadly villain than the jerk threatening my family.Is Killian sexy and charismatic? Heck yeah.He's also so powerful that my flight or fight instincts kick in every time our eyes meet. And he's definitely using me as his personal magic detector in his feud against the local fae.But Killian is also the first person to believe I might have more than just a scrap of magic. And if I can convince him to train me, I might get strong enough to free my family and get my house back.I'm not sure what happens when a scrappy wizard is taught how to fight by a hall of deadly vampires, but I'm about to find out.

Download or read book Magic and Romance written by Niamh Murphy and published by . This book was released on 2017-04-04 with total page 210 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Magic and Romance is a cross-genre collection of lesbian short stories. If you like reading about student-life, vampires, werewolves, ballroom dancing, historical romance, or even epic fantasy, all with a twist of lesbian romance and a dash of adventure then you will love this exciting and funny collection of Niamh Murphy's short stories.- In Rhythm (Contemporary Ballroom)Kara Telfer wants to be a great dancer. When she dances with her instructor, Ruby, their chemistry is obvious. The problem is, she has to dance with Felix, and the competition is tomorrow.- Enthralled (Vampire)Stella is a huntress, she only has one mission: to kill. But one night she decides to take on a Vampire hive alone, and with an ulterior motive...- Is She? (On-Campus Humour)Claire is lesbian, has just started university, and has the most beautiful housemate in the world: Jasmine. But how do you tell if a girl is interested?- The Lady Edris and the Kingdom in a Cave (Fantasy)Lady Edris is on a quest to find the cure for a terrible plague when she is captured by the very woman from whom she has sought help. Should she agree to terms and betray her people, or trust a stranger and risk her life?- Reason to Stay (Contemporary Humour)"I admit it, the way I handled this was all wrong. I got a little obsessive, then got a bit freaked out and then made some HUGE mistakes. Now the whole thing has got a little bit messy... but right now I need to run because there is a girl and I need to tell her something before she leaves. Forever."- Mask of the Highwaywoman (Historical)When Evelyn Thackery, the spirited daughter of a wealthy aristocrat, ventures across rough terrain to meet her future husband, she's abducted by a gang of vicious outlaws, one of whom she finds strangely fascinating.- The Black Hound (Gothic Horror)When Isobel is forced to live with her beautiful, but cold, Aunt in the crumbling ruins of Lansdowne, her only escape is to walk for a few hours on the bleak and lonely moors, but something sinister lurks in the darkness...- Delicious (Contemporary Erotic)Realising she is pining for someone out of her reach, Charlotte decides to end her friendship with her cookery teacher, Nadia, and move on. But Nadia is not the type to let her go that easily...

Download or read book Accidental Magic written by Nicole Hall and published by . This book was released on 2020 with total page 249 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Sera Allen didn't know it but the town in which she grew up has always been peopled with magical beings. After inheriting the family home, she finds out just how disastrously magical neighbors - and former high school sweethearts - can be.

Download or read book That Mafioso Magic written by Nicholas Bella and published by . This book was released on 2021-03-24 with total page 270 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Private detective, Adrian Elias, knows what trouble looks like, and ruthless mobster and lion shifter, Sage Tamir, was just that with a capital T. On top of smelling like heaven, the man has the face of an angel, with a body made for unbridled sin. A combination Adrian finds very hard to resist. Unfortunately, someone is trying to kill Sage and they're using magic to do it. Sage usually takes these types of matters into his own hands, but this time, he's out of his league. He believes the only person who can help him is the down-on-his-luck detective. Problem is, Adrian doesn't want to take his case because he feels it may be too dangerous. Never mind the volcanic-level attraction they seem to share for each other raising the stakes. Magic and mayhem awaits.Reader Advisory: 18 and older. Strong adult situations and language. A sarcastic PI and a no-nonsense mobster will keep you turning the pages way past your bedtime. Best order that pizza, because once you start this book, you won't want to stop.

Download or read book A Dance with the Fae Prince written by Elise Kova and published by Orion. This book was released on 2023-10-19 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Inspired by the tales of Cinderella, as well as Psyche and Eros, A Dance with the Fae Prince is perfect for fans of A Court of Silver Flames and An Enchantment of Ravens, featuring a a slow-burn romance and sizzling steaminess.[Bokinfo].

Download or read book One Dark Window written by Rachel Gillig and published by Hachette UK. This book was released on 2022-09-27 with total page 372 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: THE FANTASY BOOKTOK SENSATION! For fans of Uprooted and For the Wolf comes a dark, lushly gothic fantasy about a maiden who must unleash the monster within to save her kingdom—but the monster in her head isn't the only threat lurking. Elspeth needs a monster. The monster might be her. Elspeth Spindle needs more than luck to stay safe in the eerie, mist-locked kingdom she calls home—she needs a monster. She calls him the Nightmare, an ancient, mercurial spirit trapped in her head. He protects her. He keeps her secrets. But nothing comes for free, especially magic. When Elspeth meets a mysterious highwayman on the forest road, her life takes a drastic turn. Thrust into a world of shadow and deception, she joins a dangerous quest to cure the kingdom of the dark magic infecting it. Except the highwayman just so happens to be the King’s own nephew, Captain of the Destriers…and guilty of high treason. He and Elspeth have until Solstice to gather twelve Providence Cards—the keys to the cure. But as the stakes heighten and their undeniable attraction intensifies, Elspeth is forced to face her darkest secret yet: the Nightmare is slowly, darkly, taking over her mind. And she might not be able to stop him.