"'The best thing for being sad,' replied Merlyn, beginning to puff and blow, 'is to learn something. That is the only thing that never fails.'" ~ T.H. White (1906-1964), British writer, The Sword in the Stone
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New and Recently Released!
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| Shifting Shadows: Stories from the World of Mercy Thompson by Patricia BriggsShort Stories. Although set in the overlapping worlds of Patricia Briggs' Mercedes Thompson books and her Alpha and Omega novels, these 12 short pieces shift focus away from the series' protagonists and onto a diverse cast of supporting characters. Ranging from previously published short stories to novellas to unseen "outtakes" from series entries, these fast-paced, engaging tales will whet readers' appetites for shapeshifter-themed adventures featuring intriguing characters and detailed world-building. |
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| The Witch with No Name by Kim HarrisonUrban Fantasy. Keeping the peace between Cincinnati's demonic, elven, and vampiric populations has always been a full-time job for Rachel Morgan. However, a recent discovery that enables vampires to reclaim their lost souls threatens to upset the already fragile ceasefire among the city's paranormal inhabitants. Nevertheless, Rachel is determined to fight for the rights of all beings, living and undead, even if it means sacrificing her own life. Because The Witch With No Name is the conclusion to Kim Harrison's Hollows series, newcomers should start with Dead Witch Walking. |
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Focus on: Arthurian Fantasy
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| The Winter King: A Novel of Arthur by Bernard CornwellArthurian Fantasy. Set in 6th-century Britain, The Winter King presents King Arthur as a powerful, but fallible, warlord battling the invading Anglo-Saxons in order to protect his people. Meanwhile, his adviser Merlin, a druid, strives to stem the tide of Christian missionaries determined to convert the Celts. Eschewing supernatural themes in favor of military maneuvers and political intrigue, this 1st book in the Warlord Chronicles, followed by Enemy of God and Excalibur, should please fans of gritty, violent historical fantasies based on Celtic legend. |
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| Gwenhwyfar: The White Spirit by Mercedes LackeyArthurian Fantasy. Gwenhwyfar, daughter of King Lleudd, has two choices: wise woman or warrior. Gwen chooses the latter path, becoming her father's war chief and gaining the name "the White Spirit" for her martial prowess -- until the powerful Ladies of the Well summon her for a different purpose: to wed High King Arthur. Although Gwenhwyfar possesses the second sight that would make her an asset to Arthur, her resentment at the loss of her freedom will have far-reaching consequences. Interested in other novels that place this traditionally underwritten character in a starring role? Try Rosalind Miles' Guenevere trilogy or Alice Borchardt's Tales of Guinevere. |
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| Merlin: Book Two of the Pendragon Cycle by Stephen R. LawheadArthurian Fantasy. Merlin tells the story of his life in this 2nd book in Stephen R. Lawhead's Pendragon Cycle. The son of the druid Taliesin and Princess Charis of Atlantis, Merlin -- or "Myrddin" -- trains as a bard on Ynys Avallach, the Isle of Avalon, but also learns the way of the warrior from his late father's people, the Cymry. For a time, he exists with a foot in each world, but tragedy strikes and sends him into exile, where he learns that his destiny is to prepare the way for a great king who will one day establish the Kingdom of Summer. This 2nd stand-alone book in the Pendragon Cycle combines Celtic mythology, Arthurian lore, and the legend of Atlantis in a richly detailed, action-packed narrative. |
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| Isolde, Queen of the Western Isle: The First of the Tristan and Isolde Novels by Rosalind MilesArthurian Fantasy. Tristan, a member of King Arthur's round table, is also the nephew of the King Mark of Cornwall -- whose betrothed, Irish Princess Isolde, becomes the young knight's lover when she nurses him back to health after he sustains a near-fatal wound. But since Isolde's marriage to King Mark is a political union, her love for Tristan threatens the political stability of Britain. Author Rosalind Miles' tale of star-crossed Celtic lovers Tristan and Isolde should please readers who enjoy Arthurian legends. If you enjoy this book, check out the other volumes of the trilogy: The Maid of the White Hands and The Lady of the Sea. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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