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KNICK-KNACK, PADDY WHACK, BETTY’S BACK!When the twin princesses fall under a dreadful spell, little Betty and her gang must find the cure — oh, and stop a wicked wizard from building a theme park on the island of Little Dollop. Iced bun, JOB DONE!For readers of You’re A Bad Man, Mr Gum and Grimwood!The princesses of Wobbly Rock, Pam and Pamm, have swooned into a coma, thanks to a bunch of poisonous daffodils inadvertently given to them by Betty’s swashbuckling, moustachioed 11-year-old cousin, Freddy Steady. Now the gang must go in search of wicked weasels on the island of Little Dollop to find the cure. But naughty sorcerer Hearty Stu has plans of his own for the princesses. And our noble stallion Simon Anderson has plans for Freddy Steady’s SUPER annoying green unicorn Salad whom he doesn’t like even a tiny little bit no sir nuh-uh.DOCTOR FOSTER WENT TO GLOUCESTER!"OMIGOSH! Nicky Smith-Dale and Sarah Horne pulled off the hat-trick! THRICE as joyously barmy and TRIPLE as nail-biting as before! A riotous ride of bonkers that’ll have you snorting with laughter from the very first page.” Ramzee, author of The Cheat Book

*PLUTARCH AWARD FOR THE BEST BIOGRAPHY OF 2024* *SHORTLISTED FOR THE DUFF COOPER PRIZE* ‘SUBLIME’ A NEW STATESMAN BOOK OF THE YEAR 2024 ‘STUNNINGLY GOOD’ THE TIMES BEST HISTORY BOOKS 2024 ‘COMPULSIVE’ A PROSPECT BOOK OF THE YEAR 2024 ‘BRILLIANT’ A SPECTATOR BOOK OF THE YEAR 2024 ‘A delicious, grippingly paced tale of rogues, riotous sex, regicide and realpolitik’INDEPENDENT BEST BOOKS FOR CHRISTMAS ‘This is the page-turner that Buckingham’s short, racy life deserves’DAILY TELEGRAPH ‘Vivid, erudite and sympathetic … The Scapegoat shows that [Hughes-Hallett’s] eye for the seamy realities of an extraordinary life is as sharp as ever’ THE TIMES ‘Lord Buckingham rockets off the page of this gloriously epic, seductively detailed biography’ OLIVIA LAING As King James I’s favourite, Buckingham was also his confidant, gatekeeper, right-hand man and lover. When Charles I succeeded his father, he was similarly enthralled and made Buckingham his best friend and mentor. A dazzling figure on horseback and a skilful player of the political game, Buckingham rapidly transformed the influence his beauty gave him into immense wealth and power. He became one of the most flamboyant and enigmatic Englishmen at the heart of seventeenth-century royal and political life. With a novelist’s touch, Lucy Hughes-Hallett transports us into a courtly world of masques and dancing, exquisite clothes, the art of Rubens and Van Dyck, gender-fluidity, same-sex desire and appallingly rudimentary medicine. Witch hunts coexisted with Francis Bacon’s empiricism and public opinion was becoming a political force. Falling from grace spectacularly, Buckingham came to represent everything that was wrong with the country. From kidnappings and murder plots to men weeping in Parliament over civil liberties, The Scapegoat navigates love, war-fever and pacifism in a society on the brink of cataclysmic change. In this immersive and authoritative account, Hughes-Hallett summons an era that still resonates today. - ‘Written with such verve and invention … Fascinating book’ TOM SUTCLIFFE, BBC RADIO 4's FRONT ROW 'The Scapegoat brilliantly dramatises the complex and glittering Duke of Buckingham and the political and sexual intrigue of the court of James I. Hughes-Hallett combines the instincts and talents of a novelist with a historian's vivid sense of period and social change’ COLM TÓIBÍN ‘A flamboyant character, an epic rise and tragic fall, brought to life with intelligence, tenderness and profound scholarship’ ADAM ZAMOYSKI ‘Buckingham’s rise and fall is as old as Tiberius’ love for Sejanus and as contemporary as a celeb crash-and-burn. Hughes-Hallett is a matchless historian with an unfailing eye for the revealing detail’ SUE PRIDEAUX ‘A true Jacobean drama, except bloodier and sexier. Lucy Hughes-Hallett writes with gusto and insight’ PAUL THEROUX ‘Compulsively readable and elegantly written … [Lucy Hughes-Hallett] has brought Buckingham gloriously alive’ FINANCIAL TIMES ‘Crisp and vivid … The story is a tragic one, no less so for being told here with verve, erudition and empathy’ NEW STATESMAN ‘Richly multilayered … Hughes-Hallett proves herself alive to the nuances of gender and sexuality in the early seventeenth century…refreshingly light and contemporary, while at the same time suited to the seventeenth century’ TLS ‘This is an absorbing, even thrilling journey through the dark and tangled networks of Stuart England … outstanding’ DIANE PURKISS

A Times and Waterstones Book of the Year 'A superb work of history' JAMES HOLLAND 'A thrilling account from a master of Second World War history' DAN SNOW A landmark history of the U-Boat war told through the experiences and recollections of the U-Boat crews themselves. Winston Churchill famously remarked that the threat of the German U-Boats was the only thing that had “really frightened” him during World War Two. The U-Boats certainly claimed a bitter harvest among Allied shipping: nearly 3,000 ships were sunk, for a total tonnage of over 14 million tonnes, nearly 70% of Allied shipping losses in all theatres of the war. With justification, then, they are an integral part of the traditional narrative of the Battle of the Atlantic; a story of technological brilliance, dramatic sinkings, life and death, and – of course – the sinister, unseen threat of the U-Boats themselves. For Allied seamen during the war, the U-Boat was a hidden menace, a faceless killer lurking beneath the waves; and the urgent needs of survival afforded them little time or energy to consider the challenges and privations of their enemy. History, however, affords us that time and energy, and any pretence of comprehensiveness demands that we consider what life was like for the crews of those most claustrophobic vessels; packed into a steel hull, at the mercy of the enemy, of the elements – and of basic physics. Germany’s U-Boat crews posted the highest per-capita losses of any combat arm during World War Two. Some 30,000 German submariners were killed – over 75% of the total number deployed – the vast majority of whom have no grave except the seabed. Using archival sources, unpublished diaries and existing memoir literature, this book will give the U-Boatmen back their voice, allowing their side of the narrative to be aired in a comprehensive manner for the first time. With that testimony, Wolfpack takes the reader from the heady early days of the war, when U-Boat crews were buoyed with optimism about their cause, through to the challenges of meeting the Allied counterthreat, to the final horror of defeat, when their submarines were captured by the enemy or scuttled in ignominy. Using the U-Boatmen’s own voices to punctuate an engaging narrative, it tells their story; of courage, certainly, but also of fear, privation and – ultimately – failure.

NEW stunning paperback edition showcasing the original E.H.Shepard art with Milne’s classic, timeless poetry for children.‘Hush! Hush! Whisper who dares! Christopher Robin is saying his prayers!''E.H.Shepard’s original, iconic artwork has been reproduced for this 100th anniversary range so it truely pays homage to the vividness of the original art that accompanied Milne’s classic, favourite stories.In this famous collection of verse for children, we join Christopher Robin and his friends for a trip to Buckingham Palace, learn what a King likes for his breakfast and meet a much-loved bear for the very first time.Curl up with A.A.Milne’s classic book of poetry for children, When We Were Very Young. This is the first volume of rhymes written especially for children by Milne – as popular now as when they were first written.This special 100th anniversary paperback collection is a heart-warming and funny introduction to children’s poetry, offering the same sense of humour, imagination and whimsy that we’ve come to expect from Milne''s favourite books about Winnie-the-Pooh, that Bear of Very Little Brain.This book is all the more special due to E.H.Shepard’s decorations, which are shown in full, glorious colour. They are truly iconic and contributed to him being known as ‘the man who drew Pooh’.Milne and Shepard had a unique working relationship for their time, in that they closely collaborated on the design of the storybooks and poetry. This joint approach to laying out the words and illustrations was clearly the perfect partnership; Shepard entirely captured the charm of Pooh’s world, created by Milne, resulting in the gorgeous books we all know and love.The nation’s favourite teddy bear has been delighting generations of children for nearly 100 years. Milne’s classic children’s stories – featuring Piglet, Eeyore, Christopher Robin and, of course, Pooh himself – are gently humorous while teaching lessons about friendship and kindness.Pooh ranks alongside other beloved character such as Paddington Bear, and Peter Rabbit as an essential part of our literary heritage. Whether you’re 5 or 55, Pooh is the bear for all ages.Do you own all the classic Pooh title? innie-the-PoohThe House at Pooh CornerWhen We Were Very YoungNow We Are SixReturn to the Hundred Acre WoodThe Best Bear in All the WorldOnce There Was a BearTales from the ForestWinter in the WoodSome retro reviews of the original publication in the 1920s:“To children it is something more than a volume, it is a treasure trove – richer in value than Aladdin’s Cave or any sunken Spanish galleon that ever carried gold from Peru. In literature it ranks with the highest and the greatest. It is a classic!”, Northern Weekly Gazette, 18th September 1926“Now, when Mr. A. A. Milne started the ‘Christopher Robin’ poems in ‘Punch’ he was starting something altogether bigger than he knew.”, Sheffield Daily Telegraph, 9th December 1926“When Mr. Milne began four years ago to write verses for his small son, and, through ‘Punch’, had the good fortune to have them illustrated by Mr. E. H. Shepard, he little realised that within a few months five continents would be clamouring for the adventures of ‘Christopher Robin’ and his pets.”, Sunday Express, 21st October 1928

Join the PAW Patrol pups for exciting adventures in this treasure trove of 8 storybooks!This adorable box of 8 favourite stories is perfect for PAW Patrol fans. From a dinosaur rescue and surprise birthday, to a pirate treasure hunt and a mighty pup mission, this box set is sure to keep little ones entertained.With a bamboo carry handle, just pop the books back in the treasure chest and take them with you!This pup-tacular collection includes:Pirate Pups!Mighty Pup Power!Daddy Dinosaur RescueMother’s Day in Adventure BayItty Bitty Kitty RescuePuppy Birthday to You!Cat Pack PowerPups Save the School Bus!

NEW stunning paperback edition showcasing the original E.H.Shepard art with Milne’s classic, timeless stories.‘You’re the Best Bear in All the World,’ said Christopher Robin. ‘Am I?’ said Pooh hopefully.E.H.Shepard’s original, iconic artwork has been reproduced for this 100th anniversary range so it truely pays homage to the vividness of the original art that accompanied Milne’s classic, favourite stories.Meet the world’s favourite bear in this delightful collection, in which Pooh gets into a tight place, nearly catches a Woozle, and discovers the wrong sort of honey – amongst other things!A.A.Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh is nothing less than a true children’s classic. Winnie-the-Pooh may be a Bear of Very Little Brain, but thanks to his friends Piglet, Eeyore and, of course, Christopher Robin, he’s never far from an adventure.This very special 100th anniversary paperback collection of the classic stories will delight fans of Winnie-the-Pooh young and old. Relive all your favourite moments in the Hundred Acre Wood, brought stunningly to life with the iconic original decorations by E.H.Shepard.Milne and Shepard had a unique working relationship for their time, in that they closely collaborated on the design of the storybooks and poetry. This joint approach to laying out the words and illustrations was clearly the perfect partnership; Shepard entirely captured the charm of Pooh’s world, created by Milne, resulting in the gorgeous books we all know and love.The nation’s favourite teddy bear has been delighting generations of children for nearly 100 years. Milne’s classic children’s stories – featuring Piglet, Eeyore, Christopher Robin and, of course, Pooh himself – are gently humorous while teaching lessons about friendship and kindness.Pooh ranks alongside other beloved character such as Paddington Bear, and Peter Rabbit as an essential part of our literary heritage. Whether you’re 5 or 55, Pooh is the bear for all ages.Do you own all the classic Pooh title? innie-the-PoohThe House at Pooh CornerWhen We Were Very YoungNow We Are SixReturn to the Hundred Acre WoodThe Best Bear in All the WorldOnce There Was a BearTales from the ForestWinter in the WoodSome retro reviews of the original publication in the 1920s:“‘Winnie-the-Pooh’ … in which Mr. A. A. Milne has made himself the humble chronicler, and Mr. E. H. Shepard the understanding illustrator, of the adventures of Christopher Robin and his teddy bear, is the ideal gift book.”, Sheffield Daily Telegraph, 9th December 1926“… a book that children will adore, and that their elders will pick up by stealth and read zestfully to the very end.”, The Aberdeen Press and Journal, 9th December 1926“Written with a lively fancy and a delicate literary sense, these adventures are sure of a warm welcome in the nursery.”, The Scotsman, 9th December 1926“Dialogue and situations such as these must have been as delightful to invent as they are delightful to read. And to have one’s fancies so delicately caught by the artistry of Mr. E. H. Shepard – that must have been another delight, which does not come to every author.”, The Sketch, 12th January 1927

Ready for liftoff, it’s time for an out-of-this-world adventure! Get ready for a supersonic tour of the universe through stunning photographs and fascinating facts. Written by the National Space Centre, this beautiful hardback book is the perfect gift to inspire young space explorers aged 9+. What’s on the itinerary? Explore the Solar System, planet by planetLearn about extraordinary space missionsWatch out for meteors, comets and asteroidsMarvel at the wonders of the night skyDiscover the mysteries of the Universe

The world''s most famous unsolved serial killer mystery, told from the perspective of a gang of women. PRE-ORDER NOW!''I wasn''t really sure there were any more takes to be had on the story of Jack the ripper. But I was wrong.'' Reader review????London, 1888. A monster prowls the gaslit streets, and the police are looking in all the wrong places, at all the wrong suspects. But three women refuse to stay silent.Emma, the chief detective’s sharp-witted wife, sees the investigation failing. Maggie, a private investigator, exposes men’s darkest secrets. Bet, a police station cleaner, overhears what others ignore.Together, they form an alliance to hunt down the killer dubbed Jack the Ripper. But as the women weave through the slums, brothels, and smoke-filled parlours of London’s underworld, they uncover corruption more sinister than they ever imagined.The city belonged to men – until now.Readers are hooked by The Women in the Shadows:''A fantastic reimaging'' ????''I can’t even begin to describe how many Jack the Ripper books I’ve read. But there are no books like this, and I’m so in love with the premise of it''????''If Emma, Bet and Maggie popped up again in some other historical mystery… I would not be mad. I would in fact be asking the bookseller to take my money.''????''This book grabbed me from the start and I couldn''t stop reading''????

Written by best-selling author Julian Holland, this is the story of British Railways. From its birth in 1948 to its demise in 1994, it was both loved and loathed by the country’s hard-pressed travelling public (most of whom didn’t own a car). Take a trip down memory lane and discover the story of the rise and fall of a British institution. Following the post-war Labour government’s decision to nationalise much of Britain’s transport undertakings, mining and heavy industry, British Railways was born on 1st January 1948. The new state-controlled railway system was saddled with an archaic and worn-out network, decrepit motive power and rolling stock brought on by six years of wartime hardship and lack of maintenance and investment. However, by the early 1950s the tide had slowly started to turn with a return to profitability and the introduction of new standardised classes of steam locomotives and rolling stock. The end for British Railways came at the beginning of 1965 when it changed its public image to British Rail and introduced the highly successful ‘Inter-City’ brand of passenger trains and High-Speed Trains. British Rail survived until 1993. However, mounting debt led to the passing of the Railways Act by Parliament in that year, ushering in a new era of privatisation. Discover the history of British Railways in this fully illustrated volume with topics such as: · Nationalisation and the birth of British Railways · British Railways standard steam locomotives from 1951–1960 · Early diesel, electric and gas turbine locomotives · Boat trains · Rural and seaside branch lines · Camping coaches · Travelling Post Office · Railway accidents · Trainspotting · The death of British Railways and the birth of British Rail · Privatisation: The end of British Rail

An empowering guide blazing a trail for women: midlife is a chrysalis, not a crisis.''A warm, witty and wise guide to embracing midlife – and far beyond’ Liz Earle''As a post-menopausal woman, l can absolutely tell you that it’s a freedom to be who you were always meant to be, and this book confirms it’ Carol VordermanIn the tumult of midlife, women can face a whirlwind of challenges: divorce, loss, career upheaval, and the daunting task of reinvention. At forty-nine, Eleanor Mills thought her life was going swimmingly. Then the bottom fell out of her world, and she had to start again from scratch.Much More to Come is the guide she longed for in those dark times. Within these pages, Eleanor shares stories of resilience and optimism; her own and those of women who have survived and thrived in midlife.Through moving stories and practical wisdom, Much More to Come cuts through the uncertainty and the self doubt, and proves that midlife is not to be feared, but embraced. It is a time for transformation, when we can finally become the women we always wanted to be.

A girl must enter a haunted mansion to save her brother from the traps and horrors inside.Amy is pretty happy living the quiet life at home. She can mine ore, read up on oceanography, hang out with her pet cat, Tuna. What’s not to love? Her brother, on the other hand …Marc is always leaving their village to look for excitement. But when a couple of weeks go by without any word from him, Amy can’t help but worry. Digging around, she discovers Marc has gone off alone in search of someplace called Glory’s Haven, a house deep in the forests where (supposedly) the greatest adventurer their town has ever seen stashed a ton of loot. With nobody else to turn to, Amy decides to mount a solo rescue mission for her lost brother. She and Marc explored together all the time when they were little. How hard could it be to find him no? urns out—it’s pretty hard. After facing spiders, zombies, a roving band of illagers, and some deceptively difficult cows, Amy is beginning to realize that something is seriously off with Glory’s Haven. Like why does this house seem to go on forever? And where did all these mobs come from? Amy will have to unravel these mysteries—and fast—if she hopes to find her brother and escape the spooky house unscathed. Whether she likes it or not, she’s in for the adventure of a lifetime!

NEW gorgeous hardback edition of David Benedictus'' sequel collection inspired by Milne’s classic stories, with Mark Burgess illustrations created in the style of E.H.Shepard''s iconic art.‘Hallo, everyone, I’m back!''Stunning 100th anniversary hardback edition of the official sequel story collection by David Benedictus, inspired by Milne’s classic stories about everyone’s favourite bear.The Rumours are true – Christopher Robin is back in the Hundred Acre Wood. This authorised sequel to A.A.Milne’s original stories allows readers to spend a few more treasured hours with the Best Bear in All the World as he goes in search of honey, is introduced to the game of cricket and enjoys a Harvest Festival.From the excitement of Christopher Robin’s return, to the curious business of learning to play cricket, Return to the Hundred Acre Wood features all the old friends we know and love – from Pooh to Piglet, Eeyore to Owl and Tigger to Rabbit.This 100th Anniversary range’s edition of David Benedictus’s authorised sequel to A.A.Milne’s original Winnie-the-Pooh stories is splendidly illustrated by Mark Burgess in the style of the original E.H.Shepard decorations. All of the old friends are in attendance. There’s still plenty of fun to be had in this Forest.The stories are decorated with beautiful illustrations by Mark Burgess in the style of E.H.Shepard. Mark is uniquely suited to this having also illustrated Once There Was a Bear,The Best Bear in All the World, Once There Was a Bear, Tales from the Forest and Winter in the Wood.Do you own all the classic Pooh title? innie-the-PoohThe House at Pooh CornerWhen We Were Very YoungNow We Are SixReturn to the Hundred Acre WoodThe Best Bear in All the WorldOnce There Was a BearTales from the ForestWinter in the WoodThe nation’s favourite teddy bear has been delighting generations of children for nearly 100 years. Milne’s classic children’s stories – featuring Piglet, Eeyore, Christopher Robin and, of course, Pooh himself – are gently humorous while teaching lessons about friendship and kindness.Pooh ranks alongside other beloved character such as Paddington Bear, and Peter Rabbit as an essential part of our literary heritage. Whether you’re 5 or 55, Pooh is the bear for all ages.

A cosy, festive murder mystery to curl up with in front of the fire, for fans of Clare Chase and Katie Gayle. PRE-ORDER NOW.In the charming village of Merrywell, an exciting new Christmas Market is bringing festive cheer and bustling crowds.But just as the stallholders toast a successful first day with mulled wine in the village bookshop, someone rushes in to announce that a body has been found. Once again in the wrong place at the wrong time, Violet Brewster is on hand to offer the police her astute – if perhaps unwelcome – opinion on the crime.While the police dismiss the death as an accident, Violet senses that there’s more to this tragedy than meets the eye. Determined to uncover the truth, she must navigate a maze of secrets and lies before the killer strikes again. As the festive season unfolds, can Violet solve the mystery before it’s too late?

?The bestselling magical rom-com now in a stunning hardback Collector''s Edition featuring beautiful sprayed edges and designed endpapers!?***‘I LOVED this book! Funny, hopeful and dreamy’ ALI HAZELWOOD‘An absolute delight’ CHRISTINA LAUREN***Florence Day is a ghost-writer with one big problem. She’s supposed to be penning swoon-worthy novels for a famous romance author but, after a bad break-up, Florence no longer believes in love. And when her strict (but undeniably hot) new editor, Benji Andor, won’t give her an extension on her book deadline, Florence prepares to kiss her career goodbye.When tragedy strikes and Florence has to head home, the last thing she expects to see is a ghost at her front door. Not just any ghost, however, but the stern form of her still very hot – yet now unquestionably dead – new editor.As sparks start to fly between them, Florence tells herself she can’t be falling for a ghost – even an infuriatingly sexy one. But can Benji help Florence to realise love isn’t dead, after al? f you fell in love with Funny Story, This Spells Love and The Hating Game, this laugh-out-loud romance will sweep you away.***Readers LOVE The Dead Romantics:‘This book made me sob, wow. It made me feel so many feelings … Please prepare to have nonstop tears running down your face’ ?????‘This book destroyed my life but in a hot way’ ?????‘Adorably romantic and an absolute pleasure to read’ ?????''Benji was a pure delight! Handsome, sexy and humble'' ?????''A bit quirky, funny, a bit sad at times but also makes you heart warm and romantic … couldn''t put it down'' ?????''A must read … I have a book hangover'' ?????

NEW 100th Anniversary range''s hardback edition of Jane Riordan’s authorised sequel collection inspired by Milne’s classic stories with Mark Burgess’ illustrations created in the style of E.H.Shepard’s iconic art.‘With a map in your hand, you know an adventure is about to begin …''Gorgeous 100th Anniversary range’s hardback edition of the official sequel story collection by Jane Riordan, inspired by Milne’s classic stories.Join Winnie-the-Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore and their friends as they delve deeper into the Forest than ever before. From blackberry throwing at the Prickly Place to stargazing at the Great Bear Lookout, there’s a story waiting to be told in every corner of the Hundred Acre Wood.This collection sees the introduction of Carmen, a little dog with lots of courage. Carmen may be small but she is mighty, and she has a loud ROAR! She was inspired by the discovery that A.A.Milne had a little toy dog mascot, which he called Carmen, with him during WW1.Jane’s writing is filled with the gentle humour, friendship and life lessons that echo A.A.Milne’s original stories. She has a true gift for conveying the essence of Milne’s characters and the Hundred Acre Wood, while showing her real affection for Winnie-the-Pooh, a true bastion of British literary heritage.‘One morning, Winnie-the-Pooh woke up with a tingling feeling in his toes that told him Something Good was about to happen …’This 100th Anniversary range’s hardback edition of the authorised collection celebrates the Hundred Acre Wood. The seven brand-new stories are set after the timeless tales in Winnie-the-Pooh and The House at Pooh Corner. They take us back to much loved places that Milne’s stories and Shepard’s map introduced us to, like Eeyore’s Gloomy Place and the Poohsticks Bridge as well as new settings that Pooh and his friends have adventures in. The stories also feature trips to the British Museum and the Tower of London.These sequel stories will be enjoyed by both new and long-standing Winnie-the-Pooh fans of all ages.The book makes a perfect gift for the special people in your life whatever their age.Jane Riordan has a strong pedigree in writing in the style of A.A.Milne, having also created Winnie-the-Pooh Meets the Queen, Winnie-the-Pooh Meets the King, Tales from the Forest, Winter in the Wood and Winnie-the-Pooh Easter Hunt.The stories are illustratrated by Mark Burgess in the style of E.H.Shepard. Mark is uniquely suited to this having also illustrated Return to the Hundred Acre Wood, The Best Bear in All the World, Tales from the Forest and Winter in the Wood.Collect all the Winnie-the-Pooh classic story and poetry collections:Winnie-the-PoohThe House at Pooh CornerWhen We Were Very YoungNow We Are SixReturn to the Hundred Acre WoodThe Best Bear in All the WorldOnce There Was a BearTales from the ForestWinter in the Wood

The spellbinding conclusion to the international bestseller Forged by Blood delves deeper into Nigerian mythology as the Oluso uprising comes to a head…and the young woman caught in between comes to her breaking point. The King is dead. The Oluso rebel. War is here. With the end of Alistair Sorenson’s tyrannical reign, Demi has accepted Jonas’s proposal to rule as his Queen with hopes to finally free her people, the magical Oluso. Yet social prejudice, corrupt council members, and the continued distrust of the nonmagical Ajes throughout the kingdom prove seemingly implacable obstacles. To make matters worse, Demi struggles to control her newly awakened iron blood magic. As Ekwensi’s rebel army – led in part by Colin, her best friend and one-time lover – become more triumphant in their mission, war seems inevitable. Before long, a new evil appears that hunts Oluso and Aje alike, promising desolation on a larger level than ever before. When the failed assassination puts the life of Demi’s loved one in danger as well as the future of the Oluso into question, Demi embarks on a treacherous journey to find an ancestral spirit whose aid could tip the scales in her favor. Whether her new powers will destroy the kingdom or heal the blood-soaked rifts that have pulled it apart, she does not know. Beyond the battles of swords and magic, there is the battle for Demi’s heart. Jonas – the former enemy prince – has divided loyalties despite his love for Demi. And Ekwensi and Colin have every intention of winning her to their side, while a past pledge hangs over Demi’s head. Demi is caught between the kingdom, her people, and the spirits, and must decide what sacrifices she is willing to make for peace, and whether she can outrun the greatest danger that constantly puts her in peril – her own heart. Only one thing is for certain… There will be blood.