{"title":"Lizzy's Favourite Standalone Fantasy and Romantasy Reads","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"babel","title":"Babel","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTraduttore, traditore: An act of translation is always an act of betrayal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOxford, 1836.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe city of dreaming spires.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is the centre of all knowledge and progress in the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd at its centre is Babel, the Royal Institute of Translation. The tower from which all the power of the Empire flows.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrphaned in Canton and brought to England by a mysterious guardian, Babel seemed like paradise to Robin Swift.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUntil it became a prison…\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut can a student stand against an empire?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBabel\u003c\/em\u003e is the #2 Sunday Times and #1 New York Times Bestseller.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'One for Philip Pullman fans' - \u003cstrong\u003eThe Times\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'This one is an automatic buy' - \u003cstrong\u003eGlamour\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'Ambitious, sweeping and epic' - \u003cstrong\u003eEvening Standard\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'Razor-sharp' - \u003cstrong\u003eDaily Mail\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'An ingenious fantasy about empire' - \u003cstrong\u003eGuardian\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn incendiary new novel from award-winning author R.F. Kuang about the power of language, the violence of colonialism, and the sacrifices of resistance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'A masterpiece that resonates with power and knowledge. \u003cem\u003eBabel\u003c\/em\u003e is a stark picture of the cruelty of empire, a distillation of dark academia, and a riveting blend of fantasy and historical fiction – a monumental achievement.' - Samantha Shannon, author of \u003cem\u003eThe Priory of the Orange Tree\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eR.F. Kuang’s \u003cem\u003eBabel\u003c\/em\u003e was a New York Times bestseller w\/c 11-09-2022.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/VsSEhILxUPI?si=TDXPcxSkzjXRaDz2\" title=\"YouTube video player\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HarperCollins New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45685718122732,"sku":"9780008501853","price":25.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780008501853_fdb7d35b-0989-4ed5-8174-12dfed9daf94.jpg?v=1736115421"},{"product_id":"tress-of-the-emerald-sea","title":"Tress of the Emerald Sea","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e#1 \u003ci\u003eNew York Times\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e Bestselling author Brandon Sanderson brings us deeper into the Cosmere Universe with a standalone adventure that will appeal to fans of \u003ci\u003eThe Princess Bride.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe only life Tress has known on her island home in an emerald-green ocean has been a simple one, with the simple pleasures of collecting cups brought by sailors from faraway lands and listening to stories told by her friend Charlie. But when his father takes him on a voyage to find a bride and disaster strikes, Tress must stow away on a ship and seek the Sorceress of the deadly Midnight Sea.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAmid the spore oceans where pirates abound, can Tress leave her simple life behind and make her own place sailing a sea where a single drop of water can mean instant death?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePraise for Brandon Sanderson\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\"Epic in every sense.\" -\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Guardian\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e on \u003ci\u003eThe Way of Kings\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\"Brandon Sanderson's reputation is finally as big as his novels.\" -\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe New York Times\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e on \u003ci\u003eWords of Radiance\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\"If you're a fan of fantasy and haven't read the Mistborn trilogy yet, you have no excuses.\" -\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eForbes\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e on \u003ci\u003eMistborn\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\"One of the best authors in the genre.\" -\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eLibrary Journal\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e (starred review) on \u003ci\u003eThe Alloy of Law\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\"Mystery, magic, romance, political wrangling, religious conflict, fights for equality, sharp writing and wonderful, robust characters... Sanderson is a writer to watch.\" -\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003ePublishers Weekly\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e, starred review, on \u003ci\u003eElantris\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette New Zealand Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45714454479084,"sku":"9781399613392","price":29.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781399613392.jpg?v=1726008133"},{"product_id":"under-the-whispering-door","title":"Under the Whispering Door","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eUnder the Whispering Door\u003c\/em\u003e by TJ Klune is a masterful blend of wit, poignancy, and kindness, offering a comforting narrative for those navigating life's challenges. This enchanting story introduces Wallace Price, a man who dedicated his existence to his career, only to find himself confronting his mortality in the most unexpected of ways.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eUpon his death, Wallace's spirit is collected by a reaper at his own meagrely-attended funeral. Initially outraged and in denial, Wallace is eventually led to Charon's Crossing—a quaint tea shop where the tea is always perfectly brewed, the scones are freshly baked, and the deceased make their final arrangements to cross over. The shop is owned by Hugo, a gentle and wise soul who guides the dead to their next destination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWallace, who had always prioritised work over relationships and leisure, reluctantly accepts his fate. Through his interactions with Hugo, the quirky resident ghost, and the tea shop's patrons, Wallace begins to reflect on what he missed out on during his life. He starts to see the beauty in small moments, the joy in human connection, and the importance of taking time for oneself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs Wallace sips tea, shares jokes, and connects with those around him, he realises he has a unique opportunity. Given one week to traverse the door to the other side, Wallace is determined to live a lifetime in these seven days, experiencing everything he had ignored when he was alive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFans of \u003cem\u003eA Man Called Ove\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eThe Good Place\u003c\/em\u003e will be drawn to this queer love story, touched by its profound messages and heartwarming characters. \u003cem\u003eUnder the Whispering Door\u003c\/em\u003e is an extraordinary tale about acceptance, discovery, and the enduring power of love and kindness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePraise for TJ Klune:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"I loved it. It is like being wrapped up in a big gay blanket. Simply perfect.\"\u003c\/em\u003e - V. E. Schwab, No.1 New York Times bestselling author of \u003cem\u003eThe Invisible Life of Addie LaRue\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"A modern fairy tale about learning your true nature and what you love and will protect. It's a beautiful book.\"\u003c\/em\u003e - Charlaine Harris, No.1 New York Times bestselling author\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"A whimsical, warm-hearted fantasy.\"\u003c\/em\u003e - Guardian\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"Fans of queer fantasy won't want to miss this.\"\u003c\/em\u003e - Publishers Weekly\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"The Distribution and Logistics Company (TDLC)","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45719562191084,"sku":"9781529087994","price":22.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781529087994.jpg?v=1726131333"},{"product_id":"the-honey-witch-by-sydney-j-shields-9780356522531","title":"The Honey Witch","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eReading \u003ci\u003eThe Honey Witch\u003c\/i\u003e is like dreaming in a fragrant sunlit garden while bees sing around you. It's a gorgeous book, with a lovely cottagecore ambience and a heart-warming sapphic romance intertwined with unique magic that enchants the imagination.\u003c\/b\u003e - India Holton, internationally bestselling author\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Honey Witch of Innisfree can never find true love. That is her curse to bear. But when a young woman who doesn't believe in magic arrives on her island, sparks fly in this deliciously sweet debut novel of magic, hope, and love overcoming all.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTwenty-one-year-old Marigold Claude has always preferred the company of the spirits of the meadow to any of the suitors who've tried to woo her. So when her grandmother whisks her away to the family cottage on the tiny Isle of Innisfree, with an offer to train her as the next Honey Witch, she accepts immediately. But her newfound magic and independence come with a price: No one can fall in love with the Honey Witch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhen Lottie Burke, a notoriously grumpy sceptic who doesn't believe in magic, shows up on her doorstep, Marigold can't resist the challenge to prove to her that magic is real. But soon, Marigold begins to care for Lottie in ways she never expected. And when darker magic awakens and threatens to destroy her home, she must fight for much more than her new home—at the risk of losing her magic and her heart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eA delicious debut that combines the swoon-worthy romance of \u003ci\u003eBridgerton\u003c\/i\u003e and the whimsical sorcery of \u003ci\u003ePractical Magic\u003c\/i\u003e, with a dash of \u003ci\u003eThe Secret Life of Bees\u003c\/i\u003e thrown in for good fun.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePraise for \u003ci\u003eThe Honey Witch\u003c\/i\u003e:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Honey Witch\u003c\/i\u003e is a sweet feast, brimming with whimsy, magic, and tender longing... sugar-glazed and heart-warming and thoroughly enjoyable.\u003c\/b\u003e - Rachel Gillig, author of \u003ci\u003eOne Dark Window\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAs sweet and warm as honeyed tea. Shields' debut deftly explores love, loss, and loneliness—and the joy of seeing magic in all things, however small. With charming characters and a lush setting, \u003ci\u003eThe Honey Witch\u003c\/i\u003e will delight fans of cosy fantasy.\u003c\/b\u003e - Allison Saft, author of \u003ci\u003eA Far Wilder Magic\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEnchanting, whimsical, and firmly rooted in finding yourself after loss, this novel will break your heart and then soothe it with magic honey. Pour yourself a cup of tea, drizzle in some local honey, and let this decadent book transport you.\u003c\/b\u003e - Breanne Randall, author of \u003ci\u003eThe Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Honey Witch\u003c\/i\u003e will charm you with its setting and its love for all things natural—especially bees! This tale of a young witch dealing with a curse and a battle between dark magic and light, with her romance in the balance, offers a whimsical adventure for readers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette New Zealand Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45943680008428,"sku":"9780356522531","price":30.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780356522531.jpg?v=1732593898"},{"product_id":"alchemised-by-senlinyu-9780241714348","title":"Alchemised","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this standalone dark fantasy debut, a woman with missing memories fights to survive a war-torn world of necromancy and alchemy, while navigating a complex relationship with the man tasked to unearth the deepest secrets of her past.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“\u003ci\u003eWhat is it you think you’re protecting in that brain of yours? The war is over. Holdfast is dead. The Eternal Flame extinguished. There’s no one left for you to save.”\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce a promising alchemist, Helena Marino is now a prisoner—of war and of her own mind. Her Resistance friends and allies have been brutally murdered, her abilities suppressed, and the world she knew destroyed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the aftermath of a long war, Paladia’s new ruling class of corrupt guild families and depraved necromancers, whose vile, undead creatures helped bring about their victory, holds Helena captive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAccording to Resistance records, she was a healer of little importance within their ranks. But Helena has inexplicable memory loss of the months leading up to her capture, making her enemies wonder: Is she truly as insignificant as she appears, or are her lost memories hiding some vital piece of the Resistance’s final gambit?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo uncover the memories buried deep within her mind, Helena is sent to the High Reeve, one of the most powerful and ruthless necromancers in this new world. Trapped on his crumbling estate, Helena’s fight—to protect her lost history and to preserve the last remaining shreds of her former self—is just beginning. For her prison and captor have secrets of their own . . . secrets Helena must unearth, whatever the cost.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House Distribution","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46119016857836,"sku":"9780241714348","price":31.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780241714348.jpg?v=1758922548"},{"product_id":"katabasis-by-rf-kuang-9780008501877","title":"Katabasis","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e'\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eKatabasis\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eis a formidable, timeless work, destined to be a modern classic'\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOLIVIE BLAKE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'\u003cem\u003eKatabasis\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eis more than a novel to savor. This book is an experience. I envy those who get to read it for the first time'\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eREBECCA ROSS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'A witty, gory, harrowing ride'\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLEIGH BARDUGO\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKatabasis, noun, Ancient Greek. The story of a hero's descent to the underworld.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrad student Alice Law has only ever had one goal: to become the brightest mind in the field of analytic magick.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut the only person who can make her dream come true is dead and – inconveniently – in Hell. And Alice, along with her biggest rival Peter Murdoch, is going after him.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut Hell is not as the philosophers claim, its rules are upside-down, and if she’s going to get out of there alive, she and Peter will have to work together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat’s if they can agree on anything.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWill they triumph, or kill each other trying?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2025’s most unexpected love story is going to be hell in the new novel by\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eSunday Times\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eNumber One Bestseller R.F. Kuang. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/VsSEhILxUPI?si=TDXPcxSkzjXRaDz2\" title=\"YouTube video player\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HarperCollins New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46263722049772,"sku":"9780008501877","price":28.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/81XMp1a2vqL._AC_UF894_1000_QL80.jpg?v=1744082269"},{"product_id":"the-maiden-and-her-monster-by-maddie-martinez-9781035048779","title":"The Maiden and Her Monster","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe forest eats the girls who wander out after dark . . .\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAn atmospheric dark fantasy rooted in fairytales, folklore, and sapphic romance. \u003cem\u003eThe Maiden and Her Monster\u003c\/em\u003e by Maddie Martinez is perfect for fans of Katherine Arden, Ava Reid, and Naomi Novik.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs the healer's daughter, Malka has seen how the forest's curse has plagued her village. But the Ozmini Church only comes to collect its tithe, not to listen to heretics with false tales of monsters in the trees.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhen a clergy girl wanders too close to the woods and Malka's mother is accused of her murder, Malka strikes an impossible bargain with a zealot Ozmini priest. If she brings him the monster, he will spare her mother from execution.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhen she ventures into the blood-soaked woods, Malka finds a monster, though not the one she expects: an inscrutable, disgraced golem who agrees to implicate herself, but only after Malka helps her fulfill an ancient promise by freeing the imprisoned rabbi who created her.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBut a deal easily made is not easily kept. As their bargain unravels a much more sinister threat, protecting her people may force Malka to endanger the one person she left home to save - and face her growing feelings for the very creature she was taught to fear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e'A dark and endlessly enchanting fairy tale'\u003c\/em\u003e - Ava Reid, No. 1 New York Times bestselling author of \u003cem\u003eA Study in Drowning\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e'A gorgeous dark fantasy rendered in detail sharp as a tailor's needle'\u003c\/em\u003e - S. T. Gibson, No. 1 Sunday Times bestselling author of \u003cem\u003eA Dowry of Blood\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e'A dark, poignant fairy tale about resilience, faith, and redemption'\u003c\/em\u003e - Allison Saft, the Sunday Times bestselling author of \u003cem\u003eA Dark and Drowning Tide\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"The Distribution and Logistics Company (TDLC)","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46670042038508,"sku":"9781035048779","price":37.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781035048779.webp?v=1752758392"},{"product_id":"the-everlasting-by-alix-e-harrow-9781529061185","title":"The Everlasting","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFrom Alix E. Harrow, the\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eSunday Times\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cb\u003ebestselling author of\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eStarling House\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e, comes a moving and genre-defying quest.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eA legend. A lie. A love story.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA lady-knight whose legend built a nation meets a retiring historian in awe of her fame. He's sent back through time to make sure she plays her part... even if it breaks his heart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSir Una Everlasting was Dominion’s greatest hero: the orphaned girl who became a knight, who died for queen and country. Her legend lives on in songs and stories, in children’s books and recruiting posters - but her life as it truly happened has been forgotten. Centuries later, Owen Mallory - failed soldier, struggling scholar - falls in love with the tale of Una Everlasting. Her story takes him to war, to the archives, and then into the past itself. Una and Owen are tangled together in time, bound to retell the same story over and over again, no matter what it costs. But that story always ends the same way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIf they want to rewrite Una’s legend, and finally tell a different story, they’ll have to rewrite history itself - and change their lives in the process.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePraise for \u003ci\u003eThe Everlasting\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e‘An exquisite, epic romance... Simply superb’ – Freya Marske\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'A book so wildly original as to be unlike any other... Simply a masterpiece' - Laura Steven\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e‘As dark and oppressive as it is utterly sublime... I loved every word of it’ – Olivia Atwater\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e‘Incandescent. \u003ci\u003eThe Everlasting\u003c\/i\u003e should enshrine Alix E. Harrow as one of the finest writers of our generation’ – Cassandra Khaw\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003csmall\u003eAlix E. Harrow's \u003ci\u003eStarling House\u003c\/i\u003e was a \u003ci\u003eSunday Times\u003c\/i\u003e bestseller w\/c 18\/11\/2023, a Waterstones Book of the Month and a Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick.\u003c\/small\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"The Distribution and Logistics Company (TDLC)","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46744867209452,"sku":"9781529061185","price":31.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/f187f05aa5649a710e1fc92ba635210a.jpg?v=1755744970"},{"product_id":"the-poet-empress-by-shen-tao-9781399628976","title":"The Poet Empress","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHouse of the azalea, where thorn meets bud;\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBrother betrays brother, blood forgets blood.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eYoung rice farmer Yin Wei was forced to become concubine to Prince Guan Terren - a monstrous wielder of poetry magic, and heir to the Azalea throne - to save her family from the famine blighting the land of Tensha.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eNow confined to the imperial court, Terren's cruelty is not the only danger Wei faces. He and his honourable older brother are locked in a deadly succession war, while Terren's thirty concubines are fighting a war of their own, for the position of future empress.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTo survive, Wei must harden her heart, rely on her wit, and become dangerous herself - even if it means learning the one forbidden poem that can kill Terren and save both herself and the nation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBut there's a problem - for the spell to work against a man she hates, it must be written with love.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDebut author Shen Tao introduces readers to the lush, deadly world of \u003cem\u003eThe Poet Empress\u003c\/em\u003e, a sweeping, epic and intimate fantasy perfect for fans of \u003cem\u003eThe Serpent \u0026amp; the Wings of Night, The Song of Achilles\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eShe Who Became the Sun\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette New Zealand Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46811944452332,"sku":"9781399628976","price":32.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/6962cc67cbc020a16a82e09d626ec4da.jpg?v=1757635098"},{"product_id":"the-swans-daughter-by-roshani-chokshi-9781399717571","title":"The Swan's Daughter","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePrince Arris knows that marriage means murder.\u003c\/b\u003e After poorly wording a wish to a sea witch, all one needs to rule the Isle of Malys is the heart and hand in marriage of the kingdom's heir. Thus, Arris expects that the day of his marriage will be the one of his murdering. His only chance at a long life is finding true and lasting love.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhen Arris's parents announce a tournament of brides to compete for the throne, a slew of eligible, lovely and possibly murderous bachelorettes make their way to Rathe Castle. But Arris cannot tell who is here out of love for him or lust for power.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eUntil he meets Demelza.\u003c\/b\u003e As a veritas swan, Demelza's song wrings out the truth. Forced into hiding, Demelza strikes a deal. Arris will provide her with safekeeping in exchange for her truth-telling song to sort through his potential brides.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhile Arris is used to dodging death threats and Demelza is accustomed to fighting for her voice to be heard, to survive the tournament of brides requires a different kind of bravery. And perhaps the bravest thing one can do is not merely protect one's life but find the courage to chase a life worth living.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Swan's Daughter\u003c\/i\u003e by Roshani Chokshi explores themes of love, power, and the pursuit of a life truly worth living.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette New Zealand Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46811971289324,"sku":"9781399717571","price":23.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781399717571.jpg?v=1757626611"},{"product_id":"blood-over-bright-haven-by-m-l-wang-9781804950760","title":"Blood Over Bright Haven","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA riveting dark academia fantasy about the limits of truth and power, from the author of \u003cem\u003eThe Sword of Kaigen\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTRUTH OVER DELUSION\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor twenty years, Sciona has devoted every waking moment to the study of magic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhen she finally achieves her ambition to become the first woman admitted to the High Magistry at the University of Magics and Industry, she finds herself undermined at every turn. Instead of a lab assistant, she's paired with a janitor, putting her crucial research at risk.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBut Thomil wasn't always a janitor. Once a nomadic hunter from the wild plains outside the city, he now sees a chance to understand the forces that decimated his tribe and drove him from his homeland.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTogether they will uncover an ancient secret that could change the course of magic forever—if it doesn't get them killed first.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e'A storytelling masterclass'\u003c\/em\u003e - Mark Lawrence\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e'Innovative and brilliantly written'\u003c\/em\u003e - Seanan McGuire\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46853075206380,"sku":"9781804950760","price":28.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/17521903482830.jpg?v=1759181154"},{"product_id":"a-dark-forgetting-by-kristen-ciccarelli-9780008800390","title":"A Dark Forgetting","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe #1 \u003cem\u003eNew York Times\u003c\/em\u003e bestselling author of \u003cem\u003eThe Crimson Moth\u003c\/em\u003e (published as \u003cem\u003eHeartless Hunter\u003c\/em\u003e in North America) weaves an epic love story of a magical girl, the boy she left behind, and a deadly curse.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e'Lush, dark, and romantic. I could have remained lost in the woods forever.'\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eIsabel Ibañez, #1 \u003cem\u003eNew York Times\u003c\/em\u003e bestselling author of \u003cem\u003eWhat the River Knows\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e'A tale comprised of deep emotion, sizzling romance, and a gripping mystery.'\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eTricia Levenseller, #1 \u003cem\u003eNew York Times\u003c\/em\u003e bestselling author of \u003cem\u003eThe Shadows Between Us\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eSing us a song of the forest, of the Wood King who rules there, and the tithe he demands…\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eNo matter how far Emeline Lark runs, the song of the forest reaches her, luring her away from her dreams of the stage and back to her small town and its superstitions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBut every superstition is rooted in truth, and when her grandfather goes missing, Emeline will be forced to return to Edgewood and the forest beyond.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThere, even Hawthorne Fell, a brooding tithe collector, cannot dissuade her from her path – a path that will lead her into the court of the fabled Wood King himself – and into a bargain with the deadliest price.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeaturing a bonus chapter exclusive to print and digital editions.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e'Darkly gorgeous and moving… full of curses and fae magic that will capture your heart and wrap it in thorns before setting you free again, forever changed.'\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eEvelyn Skye, \u003cem\u003eNew York Times\u003c\/em\u003e bestselling author of \u003cem\u003eThe Crown's Game\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eOriginally published in North America as \u003c\/em\u003eEdgewood\u003cem\u003e.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HarperCollins New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46951027900652,"sku":"9780008800390","price":46.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/61cea16a7ed760007add8a7a5d02e195.jpg?v=1762373049"},{"product_id":"vow-of-eternal-night-by-lily-crozier-9781761354571","title":"Vow of Eternal Night","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eVow of Eternal Night\u003c\/em\u003e is a gothic romantasy 'Beauty and the Beast' retelling about a vampire prince and the captive bride who will do anything to break his curse. It's perfect for fans of Naomi Novik, Heather Fawcett, and \u003cem\u003eHowl's Moving Castle\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe gorgeous first edition features stunning printed edges.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eClara Wagner has always known that monsters are real, and that the worst of them is Prince Raleigh of Rostenburg. For years, the prince has treated his people as livestock to sate his thirst for blood. But when he decides it's time to marry, Clara inadvertently finds herself at the centre of his attention.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAbducted and forced into a betrothal against her will, Clara would do anything to escape her fate. And so she is given an ultimatum: lift Raleigh's vampiric curse before the end of the year or become his bride for eternity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eVow of Eternal Night\u003c\/em\u003e is a gothic, slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romantasy inspired by 'Beauty and the Beast' about the lengths people will go to for love, and the many faces monsters can wear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'It's rare that a gothic romance surprises me, but \u003cem\u003eVow of Eternal Night\u003c\/em\u003e did. Fun, gripping, and desperately goth. One of the best I've read all year.' - T. Kingfisher\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'Deliciously wicked, deeply romantic . . . this is a debut novel you simply cannot miss.' - C. S. Pacat\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House Distribution","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47033691701484,"sku":"9781761354571","price":31.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781761354571.jpg?v=1764240809"},{"product_id":"the-girl-with-a-thousand-faces-by-sunyi-dean-9780008479503","title":"The Girl with a Thousand Faces","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA haunting dark urban fantasy set in historical Hong Kong, where ancient myths and local legends combine in a story of ghosts, grief and women who will not forgive.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e‘Bound to be an immediate classic’\u003c\/em\u003e – \u003cstrong\u003eHannah Kaner, \u003cem\u003eSunday Times\u003c\/em\u003e bestselling author of \u003cem\u003eGodkiller\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e‘Will tear out your heart and heal it in the same breath’\u003c\/em\u003e – \u003cstrong\u003eEliza Chan, \u003cem\u003eSunday Times\u003c\/em\u003e bestselling author of \u003cem\u003eFathomfolk\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e‘Richly imagined and transportive’\u003c\/em\u003e – \u003cstrong\u003eOlivie Blake, \u003cem\u003eSunday Times\u003c\/em\u003e bestselling author of \u003cem\u003eThe Atlas Six\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e‘A haunting story of loneliness, love and loss’\u003c\/em\u003e – \u003cstrong\u003eGareth Brown, \u003cem\u003eSunday Times\u003c\/em\u003e bestselling author of \u003cem\u003eThe Book of Doors\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMercy Chan is a triad exorcist with a mysterious past. After washing up on the shores of Hong Kong with no memory during World War II, she found a home in Kowloon Walled City, an infamous, ghost-infested slum full of lost and traumatised civilians. Since the war ended, Mercy has rebuilt her life and found work as a ghost-talker for the local triad, dealing with the angry and bitter spirits who haunt this place.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBut the past she can’t remember won’t let her go. An unusually powerful ghost lurks in Kowloon’s waterways, drowning innocents and threatening the district. Unnervingly, it claims to know Mercy – and her forgotten childhood.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs Mercy is drawn into a deadly cat-and-mouse game with this malignant spirit, she begins to realise that the monster she fights within these walls may well be one of her own making.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HarperCollins New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47380795359468,"sku":"9780008479503","price":28.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/dbbb98f4b65a5737c1409170db6087b3.jpg?v=1773305979"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.co.nz\/collections\/lizzys-favourite-standalone-fantasy-and-romantasy-reads.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}