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The 2024 Tor Books Holiday Gift Guide for All Your Niche Needs!

Do you hear that??

It’s the sweet, sometimes stressful sound of your gift list getting longer and longer as you remember all of the humans, animals, and unidentified entities in your life that you need to buy things for. That’s a lot of pressure, but don’t worry about it too much because we’ve put out heads together to come up with some egg-cellent recommendations for you, if we do say so ourselves.  Check them out here and let us know which ones you’re grabbing in the comments!

by Rachel Taylor and Tiana Tolbert


opens in a new windowMistborn by Brandon Sanderson: For the person in your life who’s been dying to start reading Brandon Sanderson, but doesn’t know where to start

Do you have that person in your life who’s always wanted to dive into Brandon Sanderson’s stunning worlds, but just didn’t know what to pick up first? We’re here to help and to tell you to kick their journey off with opens in a new windowMistborn, the first book in opens in a new windowThe Mistborn Saga. This book has heists, political intrigue, and epic fantasy–what more could they want? Even better, it has a fresh new cover AND there’s even a opens in a new windowboxed set, if you really want to be the best gift giver ever!


opens in a new windowWind & Truth by Brandon Sanderson: For the Brandon Sanderson aficionado

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Every Sanderson fan knows the wait for the next installment in the Stormlight Archive series feels like a lifetime (okay, it has been a lifetime). But now, you can give them the ultimate present— opens in a new windowWind & Truth!!! Packed with epic battles, mind-blowing magic systems, and the complex characters they’ve come to love, this book is everything they’ve been dreaming of and more. It’s basically the fantasy version of hitting the jackpot. It’s the perfect gift for the fantasy lover who’s ready to dive back into Roshar for the next epic chapter.


opens in a new windowLegends & Lattes and opens in a new windowBookshops & Bonedust: For the special edition collector! 

Some books are for reading, some books are for displaying, and some are for both! We are thrilled that BOTH opens in a new windowLegends & Lattes and opens in a new windowBookshops & Bonedust by #1 New York Times bestselling author Travis Baldree are now out with shiny new special editions, featuring updated covers, stenciled edges, beautiful endpapers, and delightful chapter art. Whether your friend has been dying to dive into cozy fantasy or just wants some beautiful books to show off on their shelves, you can’t go wrong by grabbing this set! 


opens in a new windowBlood of the Old Kings: For the K-Drama connoisseur 

Whomst among us hasn’t mooched off the friend who shelled out for Viki Pass PLUS? Listen, we need to know how My Sweet Gangster ends, okay?! But don’t worry, you can repay their kindness with a new epic fantasy they’ll love– opens in a new windowBlood of the Old Kings by Sung-il Kim, translated by Anton Hur (who, fun fact, also translated the opens in a new windowBTS memoir, also from Macmillan!) Filled with magic, necromancy, and the kind of high stakes we love to see from our dramas, you won’t regret making this the gift of choice this holiday season! 


opens in a new windowSomewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune: For the person who wishes they were on an island vacation instead of dealing with winter storms


We all have that friend in our life who hates, hates, HATESSS the cold. They yearn for sunshine and heat waves and a tropical paradise, so why not give them the gift of escapism this holiday season with opens in a new windowSomewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune? Journey to Marsyas Island and bask in another magical adventure with TJ Klune, a story of resistance, lovingly told, about the daunting experience of fighting for the life you want to live and doing the work to keep it. And don’t forget to get T opens in a new windowhe House in the Cerulean Sea in hardcover to match, now with teal sprayed edges!


opens in a new windowThe Naming Song by Jedediah Berry: For the Studio Ghibli enthusiast in your life

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For the friend who watches Spirited Away on loop and swears their cat is secretly a Totoro, opens in a new windowThe Naming Song will feel like pure magic. With its dreamy, mystical vibes and heartwarming story, it’s like opening a portal to a world where everything is just a bit more whimsical. Perfect for those who believe that a strong breeze could carry you off on an adventure. (We highly recommend they read this with the Howl’s Moving Castle soundtrack playing in the background. Game. Changer.)


opens in a new windowThe Fragile Threads of Power by V. E. Schwab: For the reader ready to go on a new adventure to a beloved world

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Have someone on your list who’s been obsessing over opens in a new windowA Darker Shade of Magic since forever? opens in a new windowThe Fragile Threads of Power is their ticket back to the world of four Londons—because let’s be honest, they never wanted to leave. This first book in V.E. Schwab’s new Threads of Power trilogy brings fresh faces (hello, Tess!) and old favorites together for a political chess game with magic, betrayal, and intrigue around every corner. Even though it can be read as a standalone, true fans will be thrilled to catch up with familiar characters. Gift it to the friend who’s ready for a new adventure—or who just needs a break from holiday small talk.


opens in a new windowStarter Villain by John Scalzi: For the friend who sends you way too many pictures of their cat

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Got a friend whose phone is 90% cat pics? opens in a new windowStarter Villain is the purr-fect gift for them (sorry, not sorry). It’s packed with evil felines, corporate takedowns, and just the right amount of cat-itude to keep them laughing—and sending even more pictures of their furball overlord. You’re welcome in advance. 


opens in a new windowA Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher: For the person who can’t get enough of unhinged fantasy retellings

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Listen, this isn’t your typical fairytale retelling. opens in a new windowA Sorceress Comes to Call takes The Goose Girl to a whooooole new level, complete with an evil sorceress, a white horse named Falada, and some truly terrifying killer geese. With dark magic, sinister schemes, and plenty of twists, it’s perfect for those who crave a little chaos in their stories. Plus, the stunning hardcover—featuring a foil stamp and custom endpapers illustrated by the author—makes this book as much of a treasure as the story itself. 


opens in a new windowWhen Among Crows by Veronica Roth: For the reader who’s favorite Taylor Swift album is folklore

Does someone in your life stand by the fact that folklore is Taylor Swift’s best album? Then they’re a person of *taste* and you should reward them with all kinds of folklore, including the Slavic folklore found in #1 New York Times bestseller Veronica Roth’s opens in a new windowWhen Among Crows! Swift and striking, this powerful short novel packs a punch and will leave you longing for more of this alternate Chicago dreamscape. 


opens in a new windowMasters of Death by Olivie Blake: For the friend who still wishes it was Halloween

Know someone who’s bummed scary season is over? Don’t worry, it lives on IN OUR HEARTS and on the pages of opens in a new windowMasters of Death by Olivie Blake, now in paperback with beautiful purple stained edges! This is a story about vampire, ghosts, and death itself–’tis the season! 


opens in a new windowStarling House by Alix E. Harrow: For the person whose favorite Disney movie is Beauty & the Beast

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For the friend who swoons over brooding castles and cursed heroes, Starling House is the perfect holiday gift. Think Beauty & the Beast, but with a haunted mansion, a cursed town, and no enchanted teapots—just eerie secrets and a misanthropic heir. With its stunning purple sprayed edges and a bonus short story, this edition is as gorgeous as it is spooky. It’s ideal for the friend who dreams of magical mansions, mysterious figures, and a whole lot of mystery (minus the enchanted rose).

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What to Read While You Wait for The Wheel of Time Season 3

by Kaleb Russell

In 2021, Amazon’s long awaited The Wheel of Time TV series arrived onto the scene to instant acclaim for its sumptuous production, compelling cast of characters, and its gorgeously rendered world; brimming with sprawl and wonder. Simply put, a faithful adaptation of the late Robert Jordan’s iconic fantasy series. Unfortunately, the first season ended as soon as it came, leaving many starved for more fantastical storytelling. And then season 2 released and it rocked! But also same problem—what do you do once you’re done watching? Fret not, for we have prepared a feast! Here are 7 fantasy series to tide you over until season 3 arrives!


opens in a new windowThe First Binding by R. R. Virdi opens in a new windowTales of Tremaine — R.R. Virdi

The first book in R.R. Virdi’s Tales of Tremaine series follows an enigmatic singer/storyteller named Ari and his journey to outrun his sinful past. Crafted in the tradition of stories like Patrick Rothfuss’ The Name of the Wind, opens in a new windowThe First Binding is a harrowing love letter to the fantasy genre and the art of storytelling. Based in a South Asian mythos, readers will find themselves enraptured by Virdi’s dashing prose and elegant world building. And as if you needed even more reasons to start reading,  opens in a new windowThe First Binding is now available in paperback! 


opens in a new windowThe Mystic Trilogy opens in a new windowMystic Skies by Jason Denzel — Jason Denzel

So you loved The Wheel of Time (of course!). You know who else loved Wheel? Jason Denzel. This stalwart Robert Jordan fan founded community fansite Dragonmount.com, and then went on to pen his own trilogy of epic fantasy. In this trilogy, a primal force called Myst pulses at the heart of the world. One young magi will defy law and tradition to unravel its secrets… One lucky reader who’s scrolling this post right now will discover their next fantasy binge… That’s right! The trilogy’s epic conclusion, opens in a new windowMystic Skies, is out now, so you can dive through this entire series in one go!


opens in a new windowThe Craft Sequence opens in a new windowThe Craft Sequence by Max Gladstone — Max Gladstone

The Craft Sequence takes place in a 21st century fantasy world where, after a terrible war that left significant swaths decimated, Gods deal and compete with wizard-run corporations for power and influence while necromantic lawyers levy dark magic to litigate their conflicts. Imagine rogue magicians flying to work on lightning bolts. CEOs taking the form of business suit clad skeletons whose flesh has worn away after years of manipulating elements of the universe. Monasteries operated by the lifeless corpses of their devote followers. Part fantasy epic, part legal thriller, Gladstone explores a myriad of topics including but not limited to religion, faith, finance, climate change, and so much more with an alarming level of wit and innovation. It’s a series that’s strange, wondrous, and terrifying in equal measure. Better yet, one could start with any book in the series as each book functions as interconnected standalones!

AND even BETTER yet, Max has returned to the world of the craft with opens in a new windowThe Craft Wars—a new series and entry point to this universe. This series is perfect for readers that just itch to squabble with gods and hate capitalism, and starts with opens in a new windowDead Country and will continue in  opens in a new windowWicked Problems.

opens in a new windowDead Country by Max Gladstone


opens in a new windowThe Stormlight Archive opens in a new windowRhythm of War by Brandon Sanderson — Brandon Sanderson

Who better to read than the author chosen by Robert Jordan himself to bring the The Wheel of Time series to a satisfying conclusion? Sanderson went on to craft a myriad of his own sprawling fantasy worlds, one such being Roshar, a world wracked by storms so violent, the planet’s ecology has taken a rather peculiar evolutionary track with animals growing shells to escape into and plant life developing internal evasive measures to survive. Then there are the Knights Radiant, 10 ancient orders whose magical weapons are the impetus for a cataclysmic war taking place on a ruined landscape known as the Shattered Plains. 10 years in the making, The Stormlight Archive promises to be another operatic fantasy on par with The Wheel of Time.


 

opens in a new windowA Chorus of Dragons opens in a new windowThe Ruin of Kings by Jenn Lyons — Jenn Lyons

After learning he’s the long-lost son of a treacherous prince, young Kihrin quickly realises the storybooks he was raised on – fanciful tales of heroic royals achieving heroic victories– are the furthest thing from the truth. Trapped in his new family’s web of deceit and maniacal ambitions, Kihrin must fight to find his own path. A path removed from the ruinous fate laid before him, a fate where he’s the villain destined to destroy the world. Intricately weaving two compelling narratives together, Lyons tells a compelling story about harrowing family drama and a boy vying for freedom.


opens in a new windowMoonfall opens in a new windowThe Cradle of Ice by James Rollins — James Rollins

New York Times bestselling author James Rollins flexes his storytelling chops by seamlessly transitioning from the realm of thrillers to that of science fantasy in the exciting debut of his new Moonfall series: opens in a new windowThe Starless Crown. The world of Urth has stopped rotating on its axis. Leaving one side of the planet sun swept, the other wreathed in shadow and ice. Follow Nyx, a gifted student who sees visions of a bleak apocalypse, and her band of outcasts in their journey to uncover the secrets of old that might just give them answers necessary to save their world. Wheel of Time fans will surely love this world of floating ships and prophetic gods.

And watch out for its sequel,  opens in a new windowThe Cradle of Ice, on sale now!


opens in a new windowWake the Dragon opens in a new windowGods and Dragons by Kevin J. Anderson — Kevin J. Anderson

his series marks Kevin J. Anderson’s triumphant return to epic fantasy in this tale of two warring continents setting aside their millenia-long blood feud to fight a common enemy. The reawakening of an ancient race that wants to see the world remade forces the the Three Kingdoms and Ishara to put aside past bloodshed to stand a fighting chance of saving their respective homes from ruin. Dragons, political intrigue, bombastic battles. What’s not to like?

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Tor Books’ Startlingly Specific Holiday Gift Guide

Do you hear that??

It’s the sweet, sweet sound of gifts and the necessity of buying them for all of the humans, animals, and unidentified entities in your life. That’s a lot of pressure, but don’t sweat, because we’ve got your back, and more importantly, we’ve got a ton of increasingly niche book recommendations to get you through the holiday season! Check them out here and let us know which ones you’re grabbing in the comments. 

by Rachel Taylor and a cat


opens in a new windowBookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree is for the treasured party member who’s saved your character’s life many times on TTRPG night

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We all have That One Amazing Player who has pulled our butts out of the fictional fire on D&D night, and what better way to show your endless appreciation than with the gift of LITERATURE?! High fantasy, secondhand books, and first love–what more could you ask for?


opens in a new windowMasters of Death by Olivie Blake is for the angsty goth who still wishes it was Halloween

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So they’re in denial that it’s not Halloween anymore, but guess what?! In the unbroken face of eternity, time has no meaning! Every day is Halloween!


opens in a new windowIn the Lives of Puppets by TJ Klune is for the plucky traveler who’s got the whole world to see

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There are many ways to see new and exciting worlds, and TJ Klune always provides queer and cozy adventures that you only need to pick up a book to explore. Consider picking up his latest venture for that friend who’s been bit by the travel bug!


opens in a new windowEbony Gate by Julia Vee & Ken Bebelle is for the action movie fanatic who owns a cardboard cutout of John Wick

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Assassins, dragon magic, and Chinese diaspora urban fantasy set in contemporary San Francisco.


opens in a new windowBook of Night by Holly Black is for the insatiable reader who has way more books to read than hands to hold them

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And if you order and opens in a new windowsubmit your receipt before 12/15, you can receive a Book of Night tote bag! Even Charlie Hall needs a safe sling to carry her contraband. Who’s Charlie Hall? A professional thief / bartender who pilfers shadow magic secrets! Read the book!


T. L. Huchu’s opens in a new windowEdinburgh Nights series is for the Supernatural fan who’s looking to expand their fandom across the pond

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Ropa dropped out of school to become a ghostalker, but she’s not just carrying messages anymore. You talk to one ghost and suddenly you’re spending late nights in the occult library, solving murders, and following trails of huskified children to their sinister spectral source.


opens in a new windowThe Terraformers by Annalee Newitz is for the science-enjoyer in your life who’s looking for environmentally-conscious fiction

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This sweeping, uplifting, and illuminating exploration of the future from a science fiction visionary is the perfect gift to give your non-fiction loving, environmentally aware bestie who wants to dip their toe into a more fictional space.


opens in a new windowTress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson is for fans looking for The Princess Bride vibes but just haven’t quite found them yet

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Do you have a Princess Bride superfan in your life? They don’t need another fandom-y Etsy gift this year–they need a book that gives them the same emotional rush they got the first time they laid eyes on the fairytale-inspired glory that is their favorite 1987 classic.


opens in a new windowEverfair by Nisi Shawl is for the history buff in your life who can’t stop thinking about other paths the world might have taken

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After being purchased back from the Congo Free State’s colonizer, Everfair becomes a land of fantastic technologies—of spying cats and gulls, nuclear dirigibles buoyed by barkcloth balloons, and silent pistols that shoot poison knives. What happens when these technological advances are brought to bear against Belgian tyrant Leopold II?

That’s opens in a new windowEverfair, and then you can read opens in a new windowKinning (on sale 1/23/24) for the continuation of this expansive alternate history.


opens in a new windowFractal Noise by Christopher Paolini is for the hardcore Trekkie who’s looking for major blockbuster movie vibes in their books

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Don’t let the bright and spiffy gif fool you—in this book they boldly go where no human has gone before, equally bold in how they look past the question: Might there have been a reason?


opens in a new windowThe Fragile Threads of Power by V. E. Schwab is for people looking to put a different kind of magic into their holidays

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Let’s put the magic into the holidays, shall we? V. E. Schwab returns to The Shades of Magic universe with a whole new series, perfect for readers who loved the original and new fans who want to explore magical alternate universes from in front of a cozy fireplace.


Shelley Parker-Chan’s opens in a new windowRadiant Emperor Duology is for the unhinged danmei consumer who’s looking for their next great read

 

Do you have someone in your life that consumes danmei like candy? Are they tired of waiting for their new favorite series to be translated so they can add it to their shelves? Do we have the series for you. opens in a new windowShe Who Became the Sun and opens in a new windowHe Who Drowned the World explore a stunning reinvention of the Ming Dynasty’s founding emperor. It’s queer, it’s fantastical, and it’s complete! Snag both books in the duology for them now.


opens in a new windowThornhedge by T. Kingfisher is for the friend with an ill-advised yet much-beloved Shrek 2 tattoo

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“Better out than in” on the inside of the wrist, opens in a new windowThornhedge open in hand.


opens in a new windowStarling House by Alix E. Harrow is for anyone who has never been disappointed by the combo of Mike Flanagan and a Scary House

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Home is where the heart is, and really puts you in a vulnerable position when your house HATES you.


opens in a new windowStarter Villain by John Scalzi is for Megamind

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If you’re not Megamind, keep scrolling. Just kidding—this book is also for cat lovers and fans of Despicable Me and The Venture Brothers.


opens in a new windowThe Great Hunt by Robert Jordan is for people who loved Season 2 of The Wheel of Time on Amazon Prime

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If you have someone in your life that got sucked into the masterpiece that was The Wheel of Time Season 2, don’t worry, you can help them relive the fun with The Great Hunt, the inspiration for the show and the second book in The Wheel of Time series!

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Our Ships Will Never Sink: A List of Tor Staffer’s Ultimate OTPs!

We have a lot of OTPs (One True Pairings) here at Tor, but today, we’re here to talk about our ULTIMATE OTPs. We asked our staff to tell us about their favorite TDA ships and they delivered.

Check them out below!


Poster Placeholder of - 99Samantha Friedlander, Marketing Assistant (she/her)

My favorite TDA OTP would have to be Esther and Cye from opens in a new windowUpright Women Wanted by Sarah Gailey. Their chemistry leapt off the page and was one of the many reasons why I loved this novella!

Image Place holder  of - 21Yvonne Ye, Ad/Promo Assistant (she/her)

opens in a new windowThe Stormlight Archive: I ship Kaladin/therapy, and if you’ve met the man, you’ll understand why

Alternatively! For the opens in a new windowTeixcalaan duology by Arkady Martine, I ship Three Seagrass/Mahit Dzmare because I support beleaguered bureaucrat 4 beleagured bureaucrat :))))) If your OTP doesn’t have email work sessions together, do they even love each other?

Placeholder of  -24a cat, Marketing Coordinator (he/him)

My TDA OTP is a match made in magic hell and it’s Talasseres Charossa from  opens in a new windowThe Unspoken Name by A. K. Larkwood and John Gaius from  opens in a new windowHarrow the Ninth. Tal is a rogue with a thing for garbage wizards and John Gaius, the Emperor Undying, is the garbage-ist wizard of all. This pairing is literally cursed, but so potent it must be true.

Image Placeholder of - 23Anna Merz, Publicity Assistant (she/her)

I would like to start this off by saying I for one ship the Marketing and Publicity teams at TDA xoxo

But also I mega ship Samson and Abitha from  opens in a new windowSlewfoot. A wholesome Monster/devil love of flower crowns, bees, and revenge.

Place holder  of - 9Becky Yeager, Manager of Ad/Promo & Marketing (she/her)

Kadou and Evemer from  opens in a new windowA Taste of Gold and Iron by Alexandra Rowland

One is a prince. The other one is a bodyguard. Could I make it any more obvious? Prince Kadou is kind, thoughtful, and anxious. Evemer is loyal, honorable, and reserved. Together they are everything I want out of a couple: a perfect balance of sweet and oh no, he’s hot. They bring out the very best in each other as they contend with conspiracies, a counterfeit crisis, and the periodic assassination attempt. If slow burn and pining are your cup of tea, then look no further than A Taste of Gold and Iron.

cover of A Strange and Stubborn Endurance by Foz MeadowsRachel Taylor, Marketing Manager (she/her)

Definitely Caethari and Velasin from  opens in a new windowA Strange and Stubborn Endurance by Foz Meadows. Arranged marriage trope? Queer romance? Yearning? WHAT MORE COULD I WANT?!?!?!

What is your SFF OTP? Let us know in the comments? 

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Books to Give the Fantasy Fan On Your List

Welcome to the procrastinator’s club! We know there are people out there who have already finished their Christmas shopping, but we’re honestly not sure how they do it. We’ve barely started. Luckily, we know the best last minute gift for nearly everyone: books. If you’re like us, and looking for some last minute gifts, never fear–we’re here to help. Here are some recommendations for the fantasy fans in your life. And don’t forget to check out our Science Fiction and Young Adult lists as well!

opens in a new windowAmberlough by Lara Elena Donnelly

opens in a new windowPoster Placeholder of - 20 Do you have a friend or family member that simultaneously wants to escape our current world and resist what’s going on in it? Then give them Amberlough. As twinkling lights yield to the rising flames of a fascist revolution, a smuggler, a spy, and a dancer try to survive using any means necessary–including each other.
 
 
opens in a new windowMiranda and Caliban by Jacqueline Carey

opens in a new windowPlaceholder of  -28 For the Shakespeare fan on your list, we have Miranda and Caliban, Jacqueline Carey’s beautiful retelling of The Tempest. We know the story of Prospero’s quest for revenge, but what about Miranda? What about Caliban, the so-called savage Prospero has chained to his will? Carey flips the coin on its head, showing us the rich inner lives of these neglected characters.

opens in a new windowFinn Fancy Necromancy by Randy Henderson

opens in a new windowImage Place holder  of - 2 We all know someone totally obsessed with Stranger Things. Hell, we’re pretty obsessed with Stranger Things. Randy Henderson’s quirky, fun series is the perfect gift for them. Finn Gramaraye was exiled to the Other Realm for the crime of necromancy at the age of 15, in 1986. Now he’s served his time, and is back in the modern world trying to make his way–and to figure out how things changed since his beloved 80s.

opens in a new windowAll the Birds in the Sky by Charlie Jane Anders

opens in a new windowImage Placeholder of - 35 For the literary reader who’s ready for a walk on the weird side, we recommend the Nebula Award-winning All the Birds in the Sky. An ancient society of witches has gone to war with a hipster tech startup, and the result just might be the end of the world. As the battle between magic and science wages in San Francisco, childhood friends Patricia and Laurence must decide if they’re going to choose sides–or stand together and try to save the world.

opens in a new windowThe Tiger’s Daughter by K. Arsenault Rivera

opens in a new windowPlace holder  of - 86 Are you looking for a gift for the feminist in your life? Look no further than the badass women in debut author K. Arsenault River’s The Tiger’s Daughter. Divine Warrior Empress O Shizuka and her best friend and partner, Qorin warrior Barsalayaa Shefali must defend the land from demons swarming from behind crumbling border walls. As the world falls apart, two goddesses arm themselves.

opens in a new windowThe House of Daniel by Harry Turtledove

opens in a new window The master of alternative history returns with a tale that baseball fans and history fans alike will love. Set in an alternate Great Depression America full of wild magic, Harry Turtledove’s story of minor league baseball, zombies, and hotshot wizards will enchant you. The world–and baseball–will never be the same.
 
opens in a new windowWild Cards I: Volume One edited by George R. R. Martin

opens in a new window For the person eagerly awaiting the last season of Game of Thrones and the next book in A Song of Ice and Fire, we recommend Wild Cards I, edited by George R. R. Martin. An alien virus struck the Earth, and in the aftermath humanity is changed–some become Aces, with superhuman mental and physical abilities. Others become Jokers–cursed with bizarre abilities and physical deformities. A shared world, the Wild Cards series features stories from a wide variety of authors, from Roger Zelazny, Walter Jon Williams, Melinda Snodgrass, and of course, George R. R. Martin himself.

opens in a new windowFrom the Two Rivers by Robert Jordan

opens in a new window Trying to get someone on your list into epic fantasy? From the Two Rivers is the perfect entry point. This sleek new edition is perfect for fans of the Wheel of Time series as well as newbies to the series. And after you start reading the adventures of Rand and his friends, you won’t want to stop. Luckily, the series clocks in at 14 books, so there’s plenty of adventure ahead! Love the look of this new mini-edition? There are five more of them!

opens in a new windowA Darker Shade of Magic Collector’s Edition by V. E. Schwab

opens in a new window Know someone who loves magic? London? Portals to parallel worlds? Characters you can’t help but ship? Then V. E. Schwab is perfect for you! And this new collector’s edition of A Darker Shade of Magic is perfect for newbies to Schwab’s worlds, but even more perfect for her superfans, who will jump for joy at the sight of the new short stories and gorgeous fan art in this edition.

opens in a new windowThe Stone in the Skull by Elizabeth Bear

opens in a new window Know someone who loves the worldbuilding aspect of fantasy? Look no further than Elizabeth Bear. In The Stone in the Skull, Bear returns to the world she created in her Eternal Sky trilogy, expanding it to even greater breadth and scope. Even as she explores the new territory of the Lotus Kingdoms, a contested territory of warring states, she delves into the close-knit and complex relationships between her vividly realized characters, anchoring epic fantasy in humor and humanity.

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New Releases: 10/17/17

opens in a new windowDark Signal by Shannon Baker

opens in a new windowImage Placeholder of - 98 Reeling from her recent divorce, Kate Fox has just been sworn in as Grand County, Nebraska Sheriff when tragedy strikes. A railroad accident has left engineer Chad Mills dead, his conductor Bobby Jenkins in shock. Kate soon realizes that the accident was likely murder.

Who would want to kill Chad Mills?

opens in a new windowDeadlands: Boneyard by Seanan McGuire

opens in a new windowImage Place holder  of - 45 Step right up to see the oddities and marvels of The Blackstone Family Circus and Travelling Wonder Show! Gasp at pit wasps the size of a man’s forearm. Beware the pumpkin-headed corn stalker, lest it plant its roots in you!

Annie Pearl is the keeper of oddities, the mistress of monsters. Her unique collection of creatures is one of the circus’s star attractions, drawing wide-eyed crowds at every small frontier town they visit. But Annie is also a woman running from her past…and the mother of a mute young daughter, Adeline, whom she will do anything to protect.

opens in a new windowEdgedancer by Brandon Sanderson

opens in a new windowPlaceholder of  -81 Three years ago, Lift asked a goddess to stop her from growing older–a wish she believed was granted. Now, in Edgedancer, the barely teenage nascent Knight Radiant finds that time stands still for no one. Although the young Azish emperor granted her safe haven from an executioner she knows only as Darkness, court life is suffocating the free-spirited Lift, who can’t help heading to Yeddaw when she hears the relentless Darkness is there hunting people like her with budding powers. The downtrodden in Yeddaw have no champion, and Lift knows she must seize this awesome responsibility.

opens in a new windowEnder’s Game by Orson Scott Card

opens in a new windowPlace holder  of - 41 Once again, Earth is under attack. An alien species is poised for a final assault. The survival of humanity depends on a military genius who can defeat the aliens. But who?

Ender Wiggin. Brilliant. Ruthless. Cunning. A tactical and strategic master. And a child.

opens in a new windowEnhanced by Carrie Jones

opens in a new windowPoster Placeholder of - 42 Seventeen-year-old Mana has found and rescued her mother, but her work isn’t done yet. Her mother may be out of alien hands, but she’s in a coma, unable to tell anyone what she knows.

Mana is ready to take action. The only problem? Nobody will let her. Lyle, her best friend and almost-boyfriend (for a minute there, anyway), seems to want nothing to do with hunting aliens, despite his love of Doctor Who. Bestie Seppie is so desperate to stay out of it, she’s actually leaving town. And her mom’s hot but arrogant alien-hunting partner, China, is ignoring Mana’s texts, cutting her out of the mission entirely.

opens in a new windowFrom the Two Rivers by Robert Jordan

opens in a new window Since its debut in 1990, The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan has captivated millions of readers around the globe with its scope, originality, and compelling characters. From the Two Rivers is a special edition that contains Part 1 of The Eye of the World, Jordan’s internationally bestselling epic fantasy saga, and is a perfect gift for old fans and new.

opens in a new windowLast Chance by Gregg Hurwitz

opens in a new window The New York Times bestselling author of Orphan X, Gregg Hurwitz, returns to Creek’s Cause to follow the Rains brothers as they fight an alien threat that has transformed everyone over the age of 18 into ferocious, zombie-like beings, in this thrilling sequel to The Rains.

Battling an enemy not of this earth, Chance and Patrick become humanity’s only hope for salvation.

opens in a new windowOld Man’s War by John Scalzi

opens in a new window John Perry did two things on his 75th birthday. First he visited his wife’s grave. Then he joined the army.

The good news is that humanity finally made it to the stars. The bad news is that, out there, planets fit to live on are scarce—and alien races willing to fight us for them are common.

opens in a new windowThe Rains by Gregg Hurwitz

opens in a new window In one terrifying night, the peaceful community of Creek’s Cause turns into a war zone. No one under the age of eighteen is safe. Chance Rain and his older brother, Patrick, have already fended off multiple attacks from infected adults by the time they arrive at the school where other young survivors are hiding.

Most of the kids they know have been dragged away by once-trusted adults who are now ferocious, inhuman beings. The parasite that transformed them takes hold after people turn eighteen–and Patrick’s birthday is only a few days away.

opens in a new windowSix Months, Three Days, Five Others by Charlie Jane Anders

opens in a new window Before the success of her debut SF-and-fantasy novel All the Birds in the Sky, Charlie Jane Anders was a rising star in SF and fantasy short fiction. Collected in a mini-book format, here—for the first time in print—are six of her quirky, wry, engaging best.

 

opens in a new windowVallista by Steven Brust

opens in a new window Vlad Taltos is an Easterner—an underprivileged human in an Empire of tall, powerful, long-lived Dragaerans. He made a career for himself in House Jhereg, the Dragaeran clan in charge of the Empire’s organized crime. But the day came when the Jhereg wanted Vlad dead, and he’s been on the run ever since. He has plenty of friends among the Dragaeran highborn, including an undead wizard and a god or two. But as long as the Jhereg have a price on his head, Vlad’s life is…messy.

opens in a new windowWild Cards I by George R.R. Martin & Wild Cards Trust

opens in a new window There is a secret history of the world—a history in which an alien virus struck the Earth in the aftermath of World War II, endowing a handful of survivors with extraordinary powers. Some were called Aces—those with superhuman mental and physical abilities. Others were termed Jokers—cursed with bizarre mental or physical disabilities. Some turned their talents to the service of humanity. Others used their powers for evil. Wild Cards is their story.

NEW FROM TOR.COM

opens in a new windowWeaver’s Lament by Emma Newman

opens in a new window Charlotte is learning to control her emerging magical powers under the secret tutelage of Magus Hopkins. Her first covert mission takes her to a textile mill where the disgruntled workers are apparently destroying expensive equipment.

And if she can’t identify the culprits before it’s too late, her brother will be exiled, and her family dishonoured…

NEW IN MANGA:

opens in a new windowAlice & Zoroku Vol. 2 Story and art by Tetsuya Imai

opens in a new windowBeasts of Abigaile Vol. 2 Story and art by Aoki Spica

opens in a new windowDevilman Grimoire Vol. 1 Story by Go Nagai; Art by Rui Takatou

opens in a new windowGhost Diary Vol. 3 Story and art by Seiju Natsumegu

opens in a new windowHatsune Miku Presents: Hachune Miku’s Everyday Vocaloid Paradise Vol. 1 Story and art by Ontama

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$2.99 eBook Sale: The Eye of the World: The Graphic Novel

Poster Placeholder of - 18The ebook edition of  opens in a new windowThe Eye of the World Graphic Novel: Vol. 1 written by Robert Jordan and adapted by Chuck Dixon and Chase Conley, is now on sale for only $2.99. This offer will only last for a limited time, so order your copy today!

About The Eye of the World: The Eye of the WorldThe Graphic Novel, Volume One begins Robert Jordan’s epic tale by introducing Rand al’Thor and his friends Matrim and Perrin at home in Emond’s Field, shortly before the spring festival. Moiraine Damodred and Lan Mandragoran appear and almost before Rand knows it, he’s fleeing his home village with Moiraine, Lan, his friends, and Egwene al’Vere, the innkeeper’s daughter, who wishes to become an Aes Sedai. The conclusion of this volume leaves the travelers on the road to Baerlon, barely ahead of the pursuing Trollocs and Draghkar. But even as they run for their lives, Moiraine and Lan begin to teach the young people what they will need to know to survive in this dangerous world.

The Eye of the World: The Graphic Novel, Volume One contains the first eight issues of The Wheel of Time comic book published by Dynamite Entertainment.

Order Your Copy

opens in a new windowkindle opens in a new windownook opens in a new windowPlaceholder of google play -88 opens in a new windowibooks2 82 opens in a new windowkobo

This sale ends September 1st.

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New eBook Bundles: 7/3/17

Here’s the new ebook bundles that went on sale today!

opens in a new windowThe Corean Chronicles: Volume One by L.E. Modesitt, Jr.

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Millennia ago, a magical disaster caused the fall of a great worldwide civilization, the end of a golden age. New civilizations have fought their way up from the ancient destruction and chaos, knowing little of the lost world that preceded them or the details of its fall. Corus today is a world of contending countries, of humans, but also of strange animals and supernatural creatures. It is a place of magical powers, and of a few people who are talented enough to use them. This discounted ebundle includes: Legacies, Darknesses, and Scepters. 

opens in a new windowDune: Legends, Heroes, Schools by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

Place holder  of - 89Frank Herbert’s Dune series is one of the great creations of imaginative literature, science fiction’s answer to The Lord of the Rings. Working from Frank Herbert’s own notes, the acclaimed authors continue to explore the Dune universe. This discounted ebundle includes: Legends of Dune: The Butlerian Jihad, The Machine Crusade, The Battle of Corrin; Heroes of Dune: Paul of Dune, The Winds of Dune; Schools of Dune: Sisterhood of Dune, Mentats of Dune, and Navigators of Dune.

opens in a new windowThe Wheel of Time: Books 5-9 by Robert Jordan

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Enter the world of The Wheel of Time, the genre-defining epic fantasy series by New York Times bestselling author Robert Jordan. The Wheel of Time turns and Ages come and go, leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth returns again. In the Third Age, an Age of Prophecy, the World and Time themselves hang in the balance. What was, what will be, and what is, may yet fall under the Shadow. This discounted ebundle includes: The Fires of Heaven, Lord of Chaos, A Crown of Swords, The Path of Daggers, and Winter’s Heart.

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New Releases: 5/30/17

Here’s what went on sale today!

opens in a new windowA Scourge of Vipers by Bruce DeSilva

opens in a new windowPoster Placeholder of - 44To solve Rhode Island’s budget crisis, the state’s colorful governor, Attila the Nun, wants to legalize sports gambling; but her plan has unexpected consequences. Organized crime, professional sports leagues, and others who have a lot to lose—or gain—if gambling is made legal flood the state with money to buy the votes of state legislators.

opens in a new windowFalse Hearts by Laura Lam

opens in a new windowPlaceholder of  -56Raised in the closed cult of Mana’s Hearth and denied access to modern technology, conjoined sisters Taema and Tila dream of a life beyond the walls of the compound. When the heart they share begins to fail, the twins escape to San Francisco, where they are surgically separated and given new artificial hearts. From then on they pursue lives beyond anything they could have previously imagined.

opens in a new windowMormama by Kit Reed

opens in a new windowImage Place holder  of - 21Dell Duval has been living on the street since his accident. He can’t remember who he was or where he came from. All he has is a tattered note in his pocket with an address for the Ellis house, a sprawling, ancient residence in Jacksonville. He doesn’t know why he’s been sent here. In the house, Lane and her son Theo have returned to the ancient family home—their last resort. The old house is ruled by an equally ancient trio of tyrannical aunts, who want to preserve everything. Nothing should ever leave the house, including Lane.

Something about the house isn’t right. Things happen to the men and boys living there. There are forces at work one of which visits Theo each night—Mormama, one mama too many.

opens in a new windowNight Magic by Jenna Black

opens in a new windowPlace holder  of - 65Philadelphia is locked in the grip of an evil magic that transforms its streets into a nightmare landscape the minute the sun sets each night. While most of the city hunkers down and hopes to survive the long winter nights, Becket Walker is roaming the darkened streets having the time of her life.

Once, the guilt of having inadvertently let the night magic into the city—and of having killed her onetime best friend—had threatened to destroy her. But now she’s been Nightstruck, and all her grief and guilt and terror have been swept away—along with her conscience.

opens in a new windowThe Wheel of Time Companion by Robert Jordan and Harriet McDougal

opens in a new windowImage Placeholder of - 66Over the course of fifteen books and millions of words, the world that Jordan created grew in depth and complexity. However, only a fraction of what Jordan imagined ended up on the page, the rest going into his personal files.

Now The Wheel of Time Companion sheds light on some of the most intriguing aspects of the world, including biographies and motivations of many characters that never made it into the books, but helped bring Jordan’s world to life.

NEW FROM TOR.COM:

opens in a new windowLightning in the Blood by Marie Brennan

opens in a new windowOnce, there was a call—a binding—and so, a woman appeared, present in body but absent in knowledge of her past self.

Making the ultimate journey of rediscovery was not without its own pitfalls—or rewards—and now Ree, a roaming Archeron, spirit of legend and time and physically now bound to her current form, has yet to fully uncover her true identity.

NEW IN PAPERBACK:

opens in a new windowBlood of Tyrants by Ken Shufeldt

opens in a new windowThe Dinosaur Knights by Victor Milan

opens in a new windowPanacea by F. Paul Wilson

NEW IN MANGA:

opens in a new windowThe Disappearance of Hatsune Miku Story by Muya Agami and cosMo@BousouP; Art by Yunagi

opens in a new windowThe High School Life of a Fudanshi Vol. 1 Story and art by Michinoku Atami

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Stories That Helped Me Find the Power Within

opens in a new windowMystic by Jason Denzel
Written by opens in a new windowJason Denzel

Over the years, I’ve often described The Wheel of Time as being like a heavyweight boxing champ. It’s big, bulky, powerful, and capable to blasting you to the ground with a massive uppercut of prose and conflict. The upper echelon of characters command titanic powers, making them almost god-like in stature. Balefire roars from their hands. Mountains and oceans fall from the sky when they gesture. Whole armies move at their command. Even dreams submit to their will, making no enemy safe.

More than that, the story, 4 million words long, spreads across fourteen novels (plus a prequel), commanding respect. Nobody is soon going to usurp WoT’s crown as the biggest, most expansive epic of our time. Even George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire or Brandon Sanderson’s Stormlight Archive are unlikely to unseat the champ in terms of sheer volume.

Robert Jordan created a world that can be used as a textbook example of thorough world-building. (If you want evidence of that, look no further than opens in a new windowThe Wheel of Time Companion. Love it or hate it, if you can survive 14 rounds (err, novels) with it, The Wheel of Time will leave you flat on your ass.

You would think that, with all its heft, and given the mighty presence it’s played in my life, the WoT would be the most inspiring force behind my own writing. But you’d be wrong. It certainly plays a huge role—there’s no way, after living and breathing Jordan’s world for twenty years that it couldn’t influence me—but the book that I most often come back to as the one that lights me up from inside is Ursula K. Le Guin’s A Wizard of Earthsea.

Where WoT is the reigning heavyweight champ, I’ve always seen Earthsea as that stoic kung-fu master who can floor you with a single finger. The book is only ten chapters long. Under 55,000 words in length. Yet the impact of Le Guin’s masterpiece is equal to the slam of Jordan’s magnum opus. With perfect prose, flawless style, and a timeless message that pierces straight to my heart, Le Guin crafted a story about a young man learning to become an apprentice wizard. About what it’s like to find power from within. And likewise, it’s about how our greatest enemies are ourselves.

Mystic is my response to those ideas. It draws inspiration from both Jordan and Le Guin while striving to be its own thing. This is my take on what it’s like to have to fight for your birthright when others would deny it to you. It’s about finding your true self, and in doing so, finding your inner heavyweight boxing, kung-fu master.

Buy Mystic today:
opens in a new windowAmazon | opens in a new windowBarnes & Noble | opens in a new windowBooks-a-Million | opens in a new windowiBooks | opens in a new windowIndiebound | opens in a new windowPowell’s

Follow Jason Denzel on Twitter at opens in a new window@JasonDenzel, on the opens in a new windowDragonmount Facebook page and on his opens in a new windowwebsite.

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