Christopher Golden

The ultimate fan guide to "this season's most distinctive and sharply written new show" ("Entertainment Weekly"), this o… The ultimate fan guide to "this season's most distinctive and sharply written new show" ("Entertainment Weekly"), this official companion book includes exclusive interviews, never-before-seen photos, a day on the set journal, and more. of color photos. read more

Instant Replay During a routine slaying, Buffy encounters a vampire named Veronique who knows the slayer's name and can… Instant Replay During a routine slaying, Buffy encounters a vampire named Veronique who knows the slayer's name and can anticipate her attack. One who doesn't have the proper respect for Mr. Pointy. One who cannot die. If slain, she will reincarnate in a new body. An invincible demon is the last thing Buffy needs right now. Joyce Summers is about to undergo a serious operation, calling up all of her daughter's fears about her own mortality. Angel wants to comfort Buffy, but her mother's crisis underscores the differences between them: he will live forever, while she will grow old...or die young. Torn between her duties as the Chosen One, Buffy needs the support of her friends to help her solve a rash of grave robberies, head off an influx of new vampires, and take Veronique down once and for all. For Veronique is on a mission -- to bring about the unification of her masters, the Triumvirate, into one all-powerful demon that will drink the blood of the last man on earth... read more

"A powerful, demonic force has escaped from the infernal real - putting the human world in dire peril. It seeks an ally… "A powerful, demonic force has escaped from the infernal real - putting the human world in dire peril. It seeks an ally in Danny Ferrick, the youngest member of the Menagerie - a changeling who is already tormented by his dark, primal urges, the legacy of his demon father. Tempted into sampling the horrific but thrilling existence of a full-fledged demon, Danny is on the edge of renouncing all that makes him human. Now time is running out for the other members of Doyle's team as they struggle to save their friend friend from falling into darkness - and taking all of humanity with him ..."--P. [2] of cover. read more

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"You got Slayer problems? You know what I find works real good with Slayers? Killing them." -- Spike It's 1940, and Euro… "You got Slayer problems? You know what I find works real good with Slayers? Killing them." -- Spike It's 1940, and Europe is ravaged by World War II -- an ideal environment for demon paramours Spike and Drusilla. The anniversary of Dru's resurrection as a vamp impends, and Spike wants to celebrate. What better gift than Freya's Strand -- a powerful necklace rumored to allow its wearer to shape-shift at will? Spike learns of a demon named Skrymir, who claims to possess the bauble and is willing to trade. Spike's task is to infiltrate the Watcher's Council headquarters and get his hands on the list of young women in training to take over as Slayer should they be called. In exchange for Freya's Strand, Spike must kill the reining Slayer, a brazen young woman named Sophie, as well as the Slayers-in-Waiting. And if he succeeds, it could mean the end of the Chosen One -- all of the Chosen Ones -- forever.... read more

Timothy and his friend Cassandra may have beaten the evil sorcerer Alhazred, but their problems aren't over.

Combine a Boston P.I., the Vatican, and vampires, and what do you have? A novel-and a series-that will appeal to fans of… Combine a Boston P.I., the Vatican, and vampires, and what do you have? A novel-and a series-that will appeal to fans of Jim Butcher, Charlaine Harris, and Dan Brown. read more

All Hell is Breaking Loose!Led by the fanatical Il Maestro, the Sons of Entropy are assaulting the supernatural Boston m… All Hell is Breaking Loose!Led by the fanatical Il Maestro, the Sons of Entropy are assaulting the supernatural Boston mansion that holds back the realm of monsters, and stealing the life force from the besieged Gatekeeper. In limbo, the Ghost Roads are crumbling, becoming weak and unstable where Hell and the Otherworld have begun seeping in, blurring the passages that lead to the human world. And Xander lies mortally wounded from a failed attempt to free Joyce Summers from the clutches of the zealots who hold her hostage. With the Gatekeeper rapidly weakening, Buffy sends Willow and Cordelia to escort Xander along the Ghost Roads to the Gatehouse, which may hold his only hope of survival. Meanwhile, she, Giles, and an unlikely band of allies take their fight to the very mouth of Hell itself, desperately hoping to save Joyce and repel the evil spawn before Sunnydale becomes a demonic ground zero. Only then can Buffy safeguard the Gatekeeper's eleven-year-old heir, the only one able to prevent the ultimate destruction of humanity. read more

Hellboy, a bloodred, cloven-hoofed demon raised by the United States government, is a top field agent for the Bureau for… Hellboy, a bloodred, cloven-hoofed demon raised by the United States government, is a top field agent for the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense. He questions the unknown -- then beats it into submission. In the upper reaches of the Himalayas, Hellboy's ex-girlfriend, archaeologist Anastasia Bransfield, believes she has found the location of the legendary "Dragon King Pool" -- thought to be the ancient dwelling of an evil dragon who inflicted horrific devastation on the land and its people. Every year the villagers would sacrifice a child to placate the beast, until one day an unlikely hero fought the dragon and won, bringing peace and prosperity to the land. But Anastasia's triumph at her discovery is short-lived. Soon unearthly creatures are seen lurking around the dig site, someone is sabotaging the excavation with dire results, and the young daughter of one of the dig leaders goes missing. It looks like a job for Hellboy -- but his toughest challenge might be putting his past with Anastasia behind him.... read more

The world knows Jack London as a writer who lived his own real-life adventures. But there are some parts of his life tha… The world knows Jack London as a writer who lived his own real-life adventures. But there are some parts of his life that have remained hidden for many years, things even he couldn’t set down in writing. Terrifying, mysterious, bizarre, and magical—these are the Secret Journeys of Jack London. Clinging to life after he is captured in an attack by savage pirates, Jack is unprepared for what he faces at the hands of the crew and their charismatic, murderous captain, Ghost. For these mariners are not mortal men but hungry beasts chasing gold and death across the North Pacific. Jack’s only hope lies with Sabine—a sad, sultry captive of Ghost’s insatiable hunger. But on these waters, nothing is as it seems, and Sabine may be hiding dangerous secrets of her own. The second installment in the adventures of the young Jack London is a masterpiece of tension and emotion. Christopher Golden and Tim Lebbon, along with illustrator Greg Ruth, have crafted a tale for readers of all ages, an action-packed, romantic, and suspenseful descent into the darkest desires of men and beasts and the hell that awaits them. read more

Buffy Summers just wants to be a normal teenager, but destiny has other plans. As the latest in a long line of Slayers,… Buffy Summers just wants to be a normal teenager, but destiny has other plans. As the latest in a long line of Slayers, she is humanity's sole defender against the vampires and demons lurking beneath the unsuspecting town of Sunnydale. With an ancient evil stirring and the weight of prophecy on her shoulders, Buffy must embrace her extraordinary calling while navigating the mundane struggles of high school and friendship. The safety of the world rests on her ability to balance her life as a reluctant hero with her desperate desire for normalcy. read more

Peter Octavian's powerful sorcery guards his world against evil. Now he must go on a perilous journey to save those cond… Peter Octavian's powerful sorcery guards his world against evil. Now he must go on a perilous journey to save those condemned to a fate worse than death itself… When Octavian called upon Gaea to rid the Earth of demons, her magic banished not only the demons but also the Shadows – vampires who had foresworn evil and fought alongside him, some for many years. Together with two unlikely companions – a wise-cracking goblin with the ability to walk the paths between worlds, and a demon changeling struggling to come to terms with what he is – Octavian sets out on what seems to be an impossible mission: to free his friends from Hell. There he finds some unexpected figures from his past - and an enemy of his own making, driven by an implacable hatred, whose power is equal to his own and whose quest for vengeance is personal… Praise for The Shadow Saga: 'Reading Of Saints and Shadowsagain, I was amazed how many elements now familiar in the vampire and thriller genres appeared in Saintsfirst. Golden's imagination and expert plotting wove these elements into a startlingly original book, as exciting to read now as it was when it first appeared on the rack' Charlaine Harris read more

“Urban realism meets dark fantasy in this spine-tingling [and] wonderfully creepy thriller of a ghost story” exploring N… “Urban realism meets dark fantasy in this spine-tingling [and] wonderfully creepy thriller of a ghost story” exploring New Orleans history (Publishers Weekly, starred review). Max Corbett has returned to New Orleans for the funeral of his former girlfriend, Gabrielle Doucette, but between the destruction wrought by Hurricane Katrina and the devastation of his ruined relationship, the city feels alien. At Gabrielle's graveside, Max meets a man who tells him of a real magic practitioner—not some Bourbon Street phony—who could open a window to the past and send a warning to Gabrielle. Maybe Max can even deliver the warning in person? The man offers Max a cheap map and sends him on his way. But it turns out this quest is not so easy. When Max comes to his first stop, he is drawn into the fabric of history to witness dark and violent periods. And with each passing step, a grim conspiracy is revealed... "Golden and Lebbon vividly evoke the rich, enduring character of New Orleans, as well as spinning a compelling fantasy yarn that builds momentum as Max works his way through the city's history." —Booklist read more

In this chilling new collection from Bram Stoker Award-winner Christopher Golden, the author takes you on a tour of his… In this chilling new collection from Bram Stoker Award-winner Christopher Golden, the author takes you on a tour of his darkest nightmares. From a little door inside an elevator to a hellish prison for stolen children, from a terrifying future where nightfall means death to a fairy tale past in which lies and illusion enrage the ghosts all around us. The Ghosts of Who You Were collects some of Golden's finest stories, tales of bad fathers and ancient monsters, the promises of strangers, parties that never end, and a collection of Hollywood curses. Featuring the Bram Stoker Award-nominated story "The Bad Hour," The Ghosts of Who You Were is Golden's finest collection yet. read more

It begins here Bringing Buffy the Vampire Slayer right bang up to date, this stunning new story arc ties in directly wit… It begins here Bringing Buffy the Vampire Slayer right bang up to date, this stunning new story arc ties in directly with Buffy's incredible fourth season. Angel is gone, Buffy's world is in pieces, and now - of course - Sunnydale needs her to be at her fighting best. The demons are gathering, a mass influx unlike any seen before. And behind it all, the new menace of Vraka and Xerxes the Blind, and a plan to wash Sunnydale in the Blood of Carthage. New villains, new supporting characters and Spike's back It really doesn't get much (horribly) better than this read more

The second book featuring the Menagerie, a mix of otherworldly beings including a sorcerer, a scientist, and a 16-year-o… The second book featuring the Menagerie, a mix of otherworldly beings including a sorcerer, a scientist, and a 16-year-old demon, who all have one thing in common--a hunger for justice. Original. read more

For centuries they lived amongst us. The frightful and wondrous, the angelic and bloodthirsty. Living in a reality just… For centuries they lived amongst us. The frightful and wondrous, the angelic and bloodthirsty. Living in a reality just beyond the Veil, humanity’s myths and legends are caught in a struggle for their very survival—against hunters far more powerful than they are. Into this struggle has stepped a New England lawyer who once wanted to be an actor—a man who both longs for the mortal woman he was to marry and is desperate to rescue the sister who’s been taken hostage. Neither hero nor warrior, Oliver Bascombe now finds himself brandishing a magical sword, walking in the company of a woman who sometimes appears as a fox and a man made of pure ice, and dueling with albino giants and winged killers. For in the world of the Borderkind—and the realms that exist beyond it—Oliver is discovering just how vulnerable are humankind’s myths, the dire consequences of their extinction, and the reason he was chosen to save them.… From the Trade Paperback edition. read more

"The Pride, back in L.A.? Their parents, alive? Karolina had never realized hope and fear could feel so much alike." Wri… "The Pride, back in L.A.? Their parents, alive? Karolina had never realized hope and fear could feel so much alike." Written by New York Times best-selling author Christopher Golden, Runaways: An Original Novel is a fresh take on the Marvel fan favorite. Including the first issue of the revived Runaways comic series written by Rainbow Rowell and with art by Kris Anka, it's easy for fans of the comics, fans of the new Hulu TV show, and first-time readers to all enjoy this new take on an old classic. Turns out murderous Super Villains don't make for good parents. The Runaways had no choice. They had to kill them. Well, more or less. Now Nico, Karolina, Gert, Chase, and Molly are on the run again, hiding out and trying to regain a sense of normalcy. But kids with super powers don't get to be normal. The city is overrun with criminals, each faction bent on murdering them for one reason or another. It's only when the Runaways uncover the truth behind their parents' past that they realize the evil isn't just in L.A. It's everywhere. read more

In this enthralling new tale from bestselling author Christopher Golden, one man is drawn into a realm just across the v… In this enthralling new tale from bestselling author Christopher Golden, one man is drawn into a realm just across the veil from our own, where every captivating myth and fairy tale is true, the vanished exist–and every fear is founded…. Yielding to his father's wishes, Oliver Bascombe abandoned his dream of being an actor and joined the family law firm. Now he will marry a lovely young woman bearing the Bascombe stamp of approval. But on the eve of his wedding, a blizzard sweeps in–bringing with it an icy legend who calls into question everything Oliver believes about the world and his place in it…. Pursued by a murderous creature who heeds no boundaries, Jack Frost needs Oliver's help to save both himself and his world–an alternate reality slowly being displaced by our own. To help him, Oliver Bascombe, attorney-at-law, will have to become Oliver Bascombe, adventurer, hero–and hunted. So begins a magnificent journey where he straddles two realities…and where, even amid danger, Oliver finds freedom for the very first time. From the Trade Paperback edition. read more

KNOCKIN' ON EVIL'S DOOR Werewolves. Trolls. Sea Monsters. Rain of toads. Skyquakes. Sunnydale is being besieged by dark… KNOCKIN' ON EVIL'S DOOR Werewolves. Trolls. Sea Monsters. Rain of toads. Skyquakes. Sunnydale is being besieged by dark forces. But even with Buffy providing her unique style of damage control while Giles is hospitalized out of town, it's more than one Slayer can handle -- especially since the abominations are coming from a centuries-old portal through time and space. Somehow, the hell-hole must be found and corked at its source. For Buffy, Angel, and the rest of her gang, that means a road trip to Boston where an ailing Gatekeeper resides over a supernatural mansion that has been, until recently, holding the world's worst monsters at bay. Once there, Buffy discovers the catastrophic truth: the magical structure houses thousands of rooms, all of which are doorways to limbo's "ghost roads," and all of which may bring her face-to-face with the most nefarious forces in hell and on earth -- forces bent on horrific plans far worse than the Slayer ever imagined. read more

For centuries, Vatican sorcerers kept demons and monsters out of our world with the magic found in a grimoire called The… For centuries, Vatican sorcerers kept demons and monsters out of our world with the magic found in a grimoire called The Gospel of Shadows. Years ago, to save his people from madmen, Peter Octavian defeated those sorcerers and the Gospel of Shadows itself was banished from the Earth. Ever since, the evils and monstrosities lurking in parallel worlds have been waking to the realization that our magical defences are down – the barriers keeping them out of our world are crumbling. With massive demonic incursions in locations around the world, Octavian should be focused on using his own sorcery to drive the evil out and rebuild our defences. But a renegade vampire named Cortez has murdered the person Octavian loves the most and, even with his friends and allies around him, he is so lost in grief that he can think of nothing but revenge. There are others who can fight the darkness – mages, Shadows, witches, Reapers and vampire samurai – but only the warrior-mage, Peter Octavian, can defeat it. If he will answer the call. read more

In bestselling author Christopher Golden's supernatural thriller Red Hands, sometimes a story is a warning. Sometimes th… In bestselling author Christopher Golden's supernatural thriller Red Hands, sometimes a story is a warning. Sometimes the warning comes too late When a mysterious and devastating bioweapon causes its victims to develop Red Hands, the touch of death, weird science expert Ben Walker is called to investigate. A car plows through the crowd at a July 4th parade. The driver climbs out, sick and stumbling, reaching out...and everyone he touches drops dead within seconds. Maeve Sinclair watches in horror as people she loves begin to die and she knows she must take action. But in the aftermath of this terror, it’s Maeve who possesses that killing touch. Fleeing into the mountains, struggling with her own grief and confusion, Maeve faces the dawning realization that she will never be able to touch another human being again. "Weird s**t expert” Ben Walker is surprised to get a call from Alena Boudreau, director of the newly restructured Global Science Research Coalition. There’s an upheaval in the organization and she needs to send someone she can trust to Jericho Falls. Whoever finds Maeve Sinclair first will unravel the mystery of her death touch, and many are willing to kill her for that secret. Walker’s assignment is to get her off the mountain alive. But as Maeve searches for a hiding place, hunted and growing sicker by the moment, she begins to hear an insidious voice in her head, and the yearning, the need... the hunger to touch another human being continues to grow. When Walker and Maeve meet at last, they will unravel a stunning legacy of death and betrayal, and a malignant secret as old as history. read more

In 525 B.C., the Persian king Cambyses sent fifty thousand soldiers across the conquered Egyptian desert to take an oasi… In 525 B.C., the Persian king Cambyses sent fifty thousand soldiers across the conquered Egyptian desert to take an oasis city not far from where the Libyan border stands today. According to Greek history, a hurricane-force sandstorm struck near the end of their six-hundred-mile trek. The army -- all fifty thousand men -- vanished without a single trace. Fast forward to 1986. A British archaeological team, sent to the edge of the Great Sand Sea to exhume evidence of the incident, has also gone missing. So the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense is sending the world's greatest paranormal investigator, Hellboy, to find the missing Brits and to discover what became of The Lost Army. Dark Horse is proud to present a milestone in the history of Hellboy. This illustrated novel is written by Christopher Golden, best-selling author of the book Of Saints and Shadows. Hellboy creator Mike Mignola has done sixty-eight black-and-white illustrations for the story, and those illustrations alone are worth the price of admission. read more

In Christopher Golden's first horror novel in more than a decade--a work reminiscent of early Stephen King--Snowblind up… In Christopher Golden's first horror novel in more than a decade--a work reminiscent of early Stephen King--Snowblind updates the ghost story for the modern age. The small New England town of Coventry had weathered a thousand blizzards . . . but never one like this. Icy figures danced in the wind and gazed through children's windows with soul-chilling eyes. People wandered into the whiteout and were never seen again. Families were torn apart, and the town would never be the same. Now, as a new storm approaches twelve years later, the folks of Coventry are haunted by the memories of that dreadful blizzard and those who were lost in the snow. Photographer Jake Schapiro mourns his little brother, Isaac, even as---tonight---another little boy is missing. Mechanic and part-time thief Doug Manning's life has been forever scarred by the mysterious death of his wife, Cherie, and now he's starting over with another woman and more ambitious crimes. Police detective Joe Keenan has never been the same since that night, when he failed to save the life of a young boy . . . and the boy's father vanished in the storm only feet away. And all the way on the other side of the country, Miri Ristani receives a phone call . . . from a man who died twelve years ago. As old ghosts trickle back, this new storm will prove to be even more terrifying than the last. Spellbinding in scope and rooted deeply in classic storytelling, Christopher Golden has written a chilling masterpiece that is the best work of his career and a standout supernatural thriller. With richly textured characters, scarred and haunted by the ghosts of those they loved most, Snowblind is rooted deeply in classic storytelling. Christopher Golden has written a chilling masterpiece that is both his breakout book and a standout supernatural thriller. read more

A young Boston family is torn apart—into parallel dimensions—in this dark urban fantasy by the authors of The Map of Mom… A young Boston family is torn apart—into parallel dimensions—in this dark urban fantasy by the authors of The Map of Moments. From Beacon Hill to Southie, Boston is a place of close-knit neighborhoods. But as Jim Banks and Trix Newcomb soon learn, it is also a city divided, split into three separate versions of itself by a mad magician once tasked with its protection. Jim’s happy family includes his wife Jenny, their daughter Holly, and Jenny’s best friend Trix—who has secretly been in love with Jenny for years. But when Jenny and Holly inexplicably disappear, they leave behind a Boston in which they never existed. Only Jim and Trix remember them. Only Jim and Trix can bring them back. With the help of Boston’s Oracle, an elderly woman with magical powers, Jim and Trix travel between the fractured cities in search of Jenny and Holly. But if Jim and Trix fail, the spell holding the separate Bostons apart will fail too, and the cities will collide in a cataclysmic implosion. Someone, it seems, wants just that. And that someone has deadly shadow men at their disposal. read more

When Ellen Ripley finally returns to Earth, she learns that the planet LV-426—now called Acheron—has been colonized. But… When Ellen Ripley finally returns to Earth, she learns that the planet LV-426—now called Acheron—has been colonized. But LV-426 is where Ripley and crew of the Nostromo found the original Xenomorph—the killing machine known as the Alien. The colony known as Hadley's Hope is where a group of colonists—protected by the Colonial Marines—seek to terraform the inhospitable planet, and to uncover Acheron's unknown resources. Two of the residents are Anne and Russell Jorden, wildcatters who came with an infant son, Tim, seeking a fortune that eluded them on Earth. On Acheron, Anne gives birth to the colony's first newborn. Rebecca Jordan, also known as Newt. The wildcatters discover a vast, decaying ship, once piloted by members of a strange, unknown race. The horseshoe-shaped vessel is of particular interest to Weyland-Yutani, and may be the answer to their dreams. But what Anne and Russ find aboard the ship proves to be the stuff, not of dreams, but of nightmares. read more

Behind the façade of a stately Boston brownstone, The Menagerie marshals their last defenses. Together, they will confro… Behind the façade of a stately Boston brownstone, The Menagerie marshals their last defenses. Together, they will confront the minions of utter darkness, who have already begun their quest to resurrect the most malevolent of the fallen angels--whose wrath against mankind knows no bounds. read more

Archaeologist Dr. Geena Hodge is on the precipice of success: her team has found an entrance to an underground chamber w… Archaeologist Dr. Geena Hodge is on the precipice of success: her team has found an entrance to an underground chamber while searching for the Petrarch’s lost library. A documentarian is joining her team for the descent into the long-hidden structure and may be the key to extensive funding. Best of all, she is able to share the excitement of this momentous occasion with her assistant-slash-lover, Nico, whose psychic presence resonates in her own mind. Within a strikingly preserved room—unlike any Venetian excavation—the team finds only one artifact: a small vessel that immediately mesmerizes Nico. While the team investigates a slab of granite inlaid in the floor, Nico becomes transfixed by the object, and before he can be stopped, he has the urn in his hands. Then, it is broken open on the ground. And with that, the impossibly withheld groundwater begins to fill the chamber... In the clamor to escape the rapidly flooding room and save the found texts, the team is sent in all directions. And Nico’s mind, always attuned to Geena’s, seems to go quiet. His actions in the days after the incident feel unlike him, and his consciousness seems to dissolve beneath the weight of his experience with the artifact. What insidious force was within? And what can satisfy its restless will? read more

"A wonderful, wild ride." —Michael Koryta, New York Times Bestselling author of How It Happened and If She Wakes From th… "A wonderful, wild ride." —Michael Koryta, New York Times Bestselling author of How It Happened and If She Wakes From the New York Times bestselling and Bram Stoker Award-winning author comes the sensational new novel that turns ancient lore into a modern-day horror. In one variation on the myth of Pandora’s Box, there were two jars, one for Pandora and one for her sister. One contained blessings of the gods, the other all the world’s curses... Archaeologist Sophie Durand has spent her life studying ancient mythology and languages. Years of work have led her to the greatest discovery of her career, a subterranean city deep in the heart of Northern Iraq. When Sophie’s team uncovers a secret chamber whose walls are covered in cuneiform, along with a warning from Alexander the Great, history and mythology begin to merge. The writings confirm the Pandora tale of two jars, but the chamber guards only one. It’s a find that could make history, or start a war. Weird-science expert Ben Walker is called in as the mystery grows ugly. Those who believe the myth want to know which jar was found, the one containing blessings or the one full of curses. Governments rush to lay claim, but jihadi forces aren’t waiting for the dust to settle. Whatever the jars contain, they want it, no matter the cost. For Sophie, Walker, and the others, the Pandora Room may soon become their tomb. In a novel that breathes new life into the supernatural thriller, Christopher Golden's pulse-pounding tale is not to be missed. read more

Horror. To rescue Nicole, the young lady on whom he has a crush, Kevin and his friends must venture into a perilous, nig… Horror. To rescue Nicole, the young lady on whom he has a crush, Kevin and his friends must venture into a perilous, nightmarish world from which they may never escape. read more

Since the beginning of time, the demonic races have gathered every century to resolve conflicts among them and to determ… Since the beginning of time, the demonic races have gathered every century to resolve conflicts among them and to determine the course of their future. This centennial event was called the Dark Congress. In the second century b.c., however, the Dark Congress failed to resolve their conflicts. Instead, the Congress ignited into a war that drove wedges between the various demon races from that time until now. And all of it began as a result of Kandida, the great North African river demon, being nearly killed by forces in the Congress and magically entombed in the riverbank. But now, Kandida is free, and for the first time in centuries, the Dark Congress is being called again. All demon races and other varieties of supernatural creatures have been called to gather at the Hellmouth in Providence, Rhode Island. Some gather in hopes of resolution, some in favor of war, and Kandida is tasked to broker a treaty and guide the Congress to peace, wherein everyone might simply agree to disagree. And so the demons gather under a banner of a truce. But the demons still harbor many bitter disagreements with one another. The Congress must have an arbiter of these conflicts, and that someone is Buffy Summers. Buffy is horrified and disgusted to be included. After all, she is not a demon...is she? She knows so little about her powers that she cannot say for certain where they truly spring from. How can she spend so much time wallowing in the darkness without becoming part of it? Can she possibly agree to a truce with all the horrors of the world, and allow them to come Providence without any attempt to stop them? And does she have a choice? read more

Stories of suspense, sorrow, and horror by the Bram Stoker Award–winning, New York Times–bestselling author of Ararat. A… Stories of suspense, sorrow, and horror by the Bram Stoker Award–winning, New York Times–bestselling author of Ararat. A circus clown willing to give anything to be funny. A spectral gunslinger who must teach a young boy to defend the ones he loves. A lonely widower making a farewell tour of the places that meant the world to his late wife. A faded Hollywood actress out to deprive her ex-husband of his prize possession. These are just some of the characters to be found in Tell My Sorrows to the Stones, a remarkable collection of short fiction by one of today’s literary masters of darkness. “Some of my editor friends tell me that horror fiction is finally starting to make a comeback. If that’s true, writers like Christopher Golden are a big part of the reason.” —George R. R. Martin read more

Intrepid college-age sleuth Jenna Blake starts investigating a string of homicidal rages by teenagers and learns that ea… Intrepid college-age sleuth Jenna Blake starts investigating a string of homicidal rages by teenagers and learns that each of the killers had been given a mystery gift--a self-erasing bootleg video that alters the brain and cranks the viewer into a murderous frenzy. She must find out what was on the tape and where it came from. read more

You never know when you’ll find yourself falling through one of the cracks in the world.… Two of today’s brightest stars… You never know when you’ll find yourself falling through one of the cracks in the world.… Two of today’s brightest stars of dark fantasy combine their award-winning, critically acclaimed talents in this spellbinding new tale of magic, terror, and adventure that begins when a young woman slips through the space between our everyday world and the one hiding just beneath it. Always assume there’s someone after you. That was the paranoid wisdom her mother had hardwired into Jasmine Towne ever since she was a little girl. Now, suddenly on her own, Jazz is going to need every skill she has ever been taught to survive enemies both seen and unseen. For her mother had given Jazz one last invaluable piece of advice, written in her own blood. Jazz Hide Forever All her life Jazz has known them only as the “Uncles,” and her mother seemed to fear them as much as depend on them. Now these enigmatic, black-clad strangers are after Jazz for reasons she can’t fathom, and her only escape is to slip into the forgotten tunnels of London’s vast underground. Here she will meet a tribe of survivors calling themselves the United Kingdom and begin an adventure that links her to the ghosts of a city long past, a father she never knew, and a destiny she fears only slightly less than the relentless killers who’d commit any crime under heaven or earth to prevent her from fulfilling it. From the Trade Paperback edition. read more

In a world where ancient evils refuse to die, a malevolent force stirs within the walls of a forgotten estate, echoing a… In a world where ancient evils refuse to die, a malevolent force stirs within the walls of a forgotten estate, echoing a dark history tied to forbidden magic. Long-dead magicians, bound by dark rituals, have found a way to persist through time, seeking to possess the living and reignite their terrifying power. Now, an unwitting individual finds themselves drawn into this horrifying legacy, facing a battle for their very soul and the souls of those around them. As the lines between past and present blur, they must uncover the secrets of the house and confront an insidious evil that threatens to consume everything. read more

?A powerful and haunting tale? (Clive Barker) from the Bram Stoker Award-winning author of Strangewood. Janine Hartschor… ?A powerful and haunting tale? (Clive Barker) from the Bram Stoker Award-winning author of Strangewood. Janine Hartschorn left David Bairstow for a man who abandoned her once he discovered she was pregnant with his child. A miscarriage almost ended her life. Now she and David are reaching for a second chance. But something is determined to keep them apart. Something with the power to conjure up ghosts from David?s past and make them real. Something Janine knows from her near-death experience. read more

College sophomore Sarah is deep in the throes of a classic slump: grades are plummeting, friendships are fraying, and ev… College sophomore Sarah is deep in the throes of a classic slump: grades are plummeting, friendships are fraying, and every day feels like a battle. But when her anxieties begin to manifest as chilling, impossible occurrences, she realizes her sophomore struggles are far from ordinary. A malevolent entity is feeding on her despair, twisting her world with unsettling whispers and dark omens that threaten to consume everything she holds dear. Sarah must confront not only her personal demons but also this creeping supernatural force before her slump becomes a terrifying, irreversible nightmare for her campus and beyond. read more

In most stories we get the perspective of the hero, the ordinary, the everyman, but we are all the hero of our own tale,… In most stories we get the perspective of the hero, the ordinary, the everyman, but we are all the hero of our own tale, and so it must be true for legions of monsters, from Lucifer to Mordred, from child-thieving fairies to Frankenstein's monster and the Wicked Witch of the West. From our point of view, they may very well be horrible, terrifying monstrosities, but of course they won't see themselves in the same light, and their point of view is what concerns us in these tales. Demons and goblins, dark gods and aliens, creatures of myth and legend, lurkers in darkness and beasts in human clothing . . . these are the subjects of THE MONSTER'S CORNER. read more

The official novelization of the summer blockbuster The Predator, Shane Black's new movie with a screenplay by Shane Bla… The official novelization of the summer blockbuster The Predator, Shane Black's new movie with a screenplay by Shane Black and Fred Dekker.For centuries Earth has been visited by warlike creatures that stalk mankind's finest warriors. Their goals unknown, these deadly hunters kill their prey and depart as invisibly as they arrived, leaving no trace other than a trail of bodies.When a young boy accidentally triggers the universe's most lethal Hunters' return to earth, only a ragtag crew of ex-soldiers and a disgruntled science teacher can prevent the end of the human race. read more

The acclaimed authors of The Map of Moments and The Secret Journeys of Jack London join creative forces once more in thi… The acclaimed authors of The Map of Moments and The Secret Journeys of Jack London join creative forces once more in this epic, standalone novel—an exciting dark fantasy of gods and mortals, fools and heroes, saviors and destroyers with a brilliant beam of hope at its core—that should more than appeal to readers of N.K. Jemisin and Brandon Sanderson. In the great kingdom of Quandis, everyone is a slave. Some are slaves to the gods. Most are slaves to everyone else. Blessed by the gods with lives of comfort and splendor, the royal elite routinely perform their duties, yet some chafe at their role. A young woman of stunning ambition, Princess Phela refuses to allow a few obstacles—including her mother the queen and her brother, the heir apparent—stand in the way of claiming ultimate power and glory for herself. Far below the royals are the Bajuman. Poor and oppressed, members of this wretched caste have but two paths out of servitude: the priesthood . . . or death. Because magic has been kept at bay in Quandis, royals and Bajuman have lived together in an uneasy peace for centuries. But Princess Phela’s desire for power will disrupt the realm’s order, setting into motion a series of events that will end with her becoming a goddess in her own right . . . or ultimately destroying Quandis and all its inhabitants. read more

A hidden world of ancient magic and dark, forgotten conflicts pulses beneath the unsuspecting surface of modern life. Wh… A hidden world of ancient magic and dark, forgotten conflicts pulses beneath the unsuspecting surface of modern life. When a terrifying new threat emerges from this veiled society, a lone warrior is thrust into a desperate quest to uncover its source. They must navigate treacherous supernatural politics and confront horrifying creatures before an old, deadly war spills into the unaware human realm. The fate of both worlds hangs in the balance, demanding a terrible price for true wisdom. read more

Peter Octavian once believed he understood the fragile truce between the hidden demonic underworld and the mortal world… Peter Octavian once believed he understood the fragile truce between the hidden demonic underworld and the mortal world above. But when an ancient celestial presence awakens, unleashing a divine terror that mirrors the darkest hellspawn, his precarious existence unravels. Trapped between forces of both blinding light and infernal shadow, Octavian must navigate a deadly spiritual war where salvation and damnation blur. With innocent lives hanging in the balance and the very soul of the city threatened, he must confront the unsettling truth that not all angels are benevolent, and not all devils are truly evil. The fate of humanity rests on his ability to discern friend from foe before both heaven and hell claim their ultimate prize. read more

First in a new quartet. Timothy is the only person in existence without magical powers, and has spent most of his life h… First in a new quartet. Timothy is the only person in existence without magical powers, and has spent most of his life hidden on a remote island. When Timothy is finally taken back to the city of his birth, he is marked for death. Timothy can't imagine what threat he poses. He wields no power--or does he? read more

As TJ Randall, he pens the tales of Strangewood, the most popular series of children's books since The Wizard of Oz. As… As TJ Randall, he pens the tales of Strangewood, the most popular series of children's books since The Wizard of Oz. As Thomas Randall, he is a recently divorced father coping with joint custody, which permit him with only weekend visits with his young son. But when his son is hospitalized with an incurable catatonia, the reality and fantasy of Thomas's life start to merge... His son has been taken hostage into the world Randall created. Strangewood is at war. read more

From a master of horror, dark fantasy, and suspense comes a compelling and uniquely original work of paranormal suspense… From a master of horror, dark fantasy, and suspense comes a compelling and uniquely original work of paranormal suspense in which one man finds himself trapped in a web of ever-shifting reality which threatens to remake the whole of the world—unless he can find a way to stop it. For Will James, facing his tenth high school reunion is far from his finest hour—especially since his life has not gone exactly as he planned. Dumped at the altar by his high school sweetheart and with his dreams of being a prize-winning reporter dashed by his job at a Boston tabloid, he is not sure he is ready to face his former peers. But what he does find at the reunion is far more than he bargained for. He soon learns that one of his buddies had died several years back—even though Will had received an e-mail from him only a few days before. It is not long before other people Will was convinced were alive are turning out to be dead as well—or married to other people, or childless where they used to have children. And new memories are swarming in to replace what Will is convinced was his old life, until he no longer knows what is real and what is not. The only thing he does know for certain is that he has to figure out why he alone remembers snatches of another life before everything dissolves into this new, darker reality. From the Trade Paperback edition. read more

Out of Tune is calling. A song half-heard. The murmur of a voice singing in the dark. There it is again...a few words se… Out of Tune is calling. A song half-heard. The murmur of a voice singing in the dark. There it is again...a few words set to an old melody filled with mystery, heartbreak and horror. Out of Tune gathers a collection of original dark fantasy tales inspired by folk ballads. Here you'll find stories of strange creatures and strangers humans, treachery and love, murder and monsters. Out of Tune brings together some of today's most talented writers and sets them loose in that swirling darkness at the edge of town. NY Times bestselling author and editor Jonathan Maberry unleashes his own brand of dark forces with a line-up of bestsellers and award winners. Kelley Armstrong, Jack Ketchum, Simon R. Green, Seanan McGuire, Christopher Golden, David Liss, Gregory Frost, Keith R.A. DeCandido, Jeff Strand, Lisa Morton, Jeff Mariotte & Marsheila Rockwell, Nancy Holder, Del Howison, and Gary Braunbeck. With commentary on each source ballad by folklorist Nancy Keim Comley. Now get ready to dance to the music of the night. read more

Renting a beach house for the summer, a group of teenagers encounters an uninvited and unwanted guest in the "Beach Blan… Renting a beach house for the summer, a group of teenagers encounters an uninvited and unwanted guest in the "Beach Blanket Psycho," who threatens their very survival. Original. read more

Buffy has to annihilate the king at the Rennaisance fair and watch Rioland who is to become the Slayer's mortal adversar… Buffy has to annihilate the king at the Rennaisance fair and watch Rioland who is to become the Slayer's mortal adversary. read more

Led by Peter Octavian, the Shadows continue their battle against the ruthless Hannibal and his vampiric minions, who mea… Led by Peter Octavian, the Shadows continue their battle against the ruthless Hannibal and his vampiric minions, who mean to enslave humanity-and devour all in their path. read more

Jenna Blake investigates mysterious murders at Somerset University.

Pike re-enters Buffy's life and she finds herself caught between her history with him ... and her future with Angel.

Jenna Blake investigates several murders in Somerset which may be the work of one killer, but they each have a completel… Jenna Blake investigates several murders in Somerset which may be the work of one killer, but they each have a completely different, ritualized pattern. read more

Body of Evidence It's time for some fun in the sun, as Jenna and Yoshiko hit Florida just in time for spring break...but… Body of Evidence It's time for some fun in the sun, as Jenna and Yoshiko hit Florida just in time for spring break...but the last thing's she's expecting is another mystery! A series of deaths by seemingly natural causes turns out to be suspicious as each of the bodies proves to have mutations of some kind. Following autopsies, an interesting pattern emerges: each of the victims once worked for the government, and when further research reveals similar deaths in other states, Jenna begins to wonder if these deaths were natural after all.... read more

In this Body of Evidence Thriller, college-age sleuth Jenna Blake tackles a crime wave in the Boston area that appears t… In this Body of Evidence Thriller, college-age sleuth Jenna Blake tackles a crime wave in the Boston area that appears to be the work of the living dead. Jenna has to piece together an explanation for these zombie crimes. The dead can't really rise from their graves--or can they? read more

Master sleuth Jenna Blake investigates the third killing in recent weeks in which the heart is torn out of the corpse. W… Master sleuth Jenna Blake investigates the third killing in recent weeks in which the heart is torn out of the corpse. When her friends become the target, Jenna finds that her chief suspect hits a little too close to home. The series is based on real cases and emphasizes the use of science-based problem solving. read more

"It's quite a mystery, isn't it? I mean, how do you burn someone to death in public, and not have anyone notice?"Two peo… "It's quite a mystery, isn't it? I mean, how do you burn someone to death in public, and not have anyone notice?"Two people burst into flame, burned alive in front of plenty of eyewitnesses with no obvious cause. Spontaneous human combustion is a bizarre phenomenon, but according to published accounts, it happens. Could that be what occurred here? Or is it murder?As Jenna Blake turns nineteen, she is getting over a recent breakup and is rekindling an old flame. Between her personal life and college, she has enough on her hands. The last thing she needs is another nasty little puzzle.But the burn victims' clothes weren't flammable, the crime scenes reveal no evidence of arson, and none of the various witnesses can provide anything resembling a clue. In fact, she and Slick are just beginning to re-evaluate their faith in rational, scientific explanation when the fire claims another victim, and an incredible explanation presents itself. Even as they struggle with their discovery, the danger hits far too close to home.... read more

they're real, and they're here.... Prowlers Jack Dwyer can see dead people, and they can see him. In fact, he has made a… they're real, and they're here.... Prowlers Jack Dwyer can see dead people, and they can see him. In fact, he has made a regular practice of communicating with his dead friend Artie from the Ghostlands, where Artie's spirit wanders. Artie helps keep Jack apprised of Prowler activity, and Jack, along with his sister, Courtney, and their friends, tracks these violent killers down and stops them. Artie's latest piece of information is startling: a vicious beast known as the Ravenous is stalking the Ghostlands. It's Jack's turn to help the endangered spirits -- without endangering himself. He's got some help from a woman who is not quite as young as she seems -- but the Ravenous has got his scent. Meanwhile Jasmine, pack leader and dangerous hunter, has issued a hit on Jack and his friends. But if he consults his allies in the Ghostlands for help, Jack will attract the Ravenous. It's a double-edged sword -- and Jack's not sure he can avoid being cut.... read more

Adjusting to college life has not been easy for Buffy as she watches Willow fit in nicely, but as Sunnydale is overrun b… Adjusting to college life has not been easy for Buffy as she watches Willow fit in nicely, but as Sunnydale is overrun by vampires, Buffy must forget her jealousies and fight the battles needed to rid Sunnydale of its demons. read more

Michael and Jillian Dansky seemed to have it all–a happy marriage, two successful careers, a bright future. But late one… Michael and Jillian Dansky seemed to have it all–a happy marriage, two successful careers, a bright future. But late one October evening, all that changed. Driving home from a Halloween masquerade, Michael momentarily nods off behind the wheel–and wakes to find nothing is the same. Standing by his car is the little girl he came within a breath of running down. She leads Michael to her “home,” an empty house haunted by whispers, and sends him away with a haunting whisper of her own: “come find me.” But in the weeks to follow, it’s clear that someone–or some thing–doesn’t want Michael to find her: ominous figures in grey coats with misshapen faces are following him everywhere. And then Jillian wakes one morning replaced by a cold, cruel, vindictive woman Michael hardly recognizes as his wife. Michael must now search not only for the lost girl, but for a way to find the Jillian he's always loved, and to do so he must return to where the nightmare began. Down an isolated lane where he’ll find them, or die trying. From the Trade Paperback edition. read more

Jenna Blake tries to find out who is responsibly for spreading a very dangerous and contagious virus in the Boston area.

“A fabulously entertaining combination of Victorian conventions, sensuous undertones, and some seriously evil magic.” –C… “A fabulously entertaining combination of Victorian conventions, sensuous undertones, and some seriously evil magic.” –Charlaine Harris, author of Dead to the World, on Ghosts of Albion: Accursed Before you can save Albion, you must destroy the poison in its black heart. William and Tamara Swift’s newfound sorcerous powers as Protectors of Albion pale before the demonic forces threatening Britannia. But William and Tamara have formidable allies in Lord Byron, Queen Bodicea, and Lord Admiral Nelson–England’s noble, notorious Ghosts of Albion. Responding to a plea from Cornwall, Tamara discovers that the rumors of young women, both human and fairy, vanishing without a trace are horribly true. Instead of hard clues, she uncovers only whispers of witches, infernal abductions, and a pyre of innocents planned for the solstice. Indeed, Tamara has never faced a more dangerous task–for the legendary land of King Arthur’s Camelot also harbors dark, bloody deeds and a waking evil. Soon nothing, not even mighty Albion, will be safe from the deadly peril. Amber Benson, who immortalized Tara in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Christopher Golden, Bram Stoker Award—winning author of the Shadow Saga, have created a voluptuous, twisted thriller. Based on the BBC Web series that became a smash hit in England, Ghosts of Albion: Witchery brings to life a sizzling, ninteenth century world of fiends, phantoms, and spine-tingling terror. Praise for Ghosts of Albion: Accursed “Demons, bodice-ripping passion, and some good old murky London gloom; all one can ask for in a dark night’s reading.” –Kirkus Reviews “Equal doses of dark humor and genuine horror.” –Library Journal From the Trade Paperback edition. read more

When Eve, mother of all humanity and of all vampires, agrees to help the Legion of Doom find the hidden realm of Eden in… When Eve, mother of all humanity and of all vampires, agrees to help the Legion of Doom find the hidden realm of Eden in exchange for her freedom, Doyle and the Menagerie must stop them from turning a blessed garden into a cursed wasteland. Original. read more

RESURRECTION! The hungry dead have risen. They shamble down the street. They hide in backyards, car parks, shopping cent… RESURRECTION! The hungry dead have risen. They shamble down the street. They hide in backyards, car parks, shopping centres. They devour our neighbours, dogs and policemen. And they are here to stay. The real question is: what are you going to do about it? How will you survive? How will the world change when the dead begin to rise? Bram Stoker-award-winning author Christopher Golden has assembled an original anthology of never-before-published zombie stories from an eclectic array of today's most popular horror, fantasy, thriller and literary writers. Inside are tales about military might in the wake of an outbreak, survival in a wasted wasteland, the ardour of falling in love with a zombie, and a family outing at the circus. Here is a collection of new views on death and resurrection. With stories from Joe Hill, John Connolly and many others, this is a wildly diverse and entertaining collection - the last word on the undead. read more

The official novel of Naughty Dog’s award-winning videogame franchise! In the ancient world there was a myth about a kin… The official novel of Naughty Dog’s award-winning videogame franchise! In the ancient world there was a myth about a king, a treasure, and a hellish labyrinth. Now the doors to that hell are open once again. Nathan Drake, treasure hunter and risk taker, has been called to New York City by the man who taught him everything about the “antiquities acquisition business.” Victor Sullivan needs Drake’s help. Sully’s old friend, a world-famous archaeologist, has just been found murdered in Manhattan. Dodging assassins, Drake, Sully, and the dead man’s daughter, Jada Hzujak, race from New York to underground excavations in Egypt and Greece. Their goal: to unravel an ancient myth of alchemy, look for three long-lost labyrinths, and find the astonishing discovery that got Jada’s father killed. It appears that a fourth labyrinth was built in another land and another culture—and within it lies a key to unmatched wealth and power. An army of terrifying lost warriors guards this underground maze. So does a monster. And what lies beyond—if Drake can live long enough to reach it—is both a treasure and a poison, a paradise and a hell. Welcome to The Fourth Labyrinth. read more

Buffy Summers is the Chosen One. Born with unnatural strength and instincts, she alone must fight off the vampires of th… Buffy Summers is the Chosen One. Born with unnatural strength and instincts, she alone must fight off the vampires of the world to save humankind. Not to mention the fact that she mustalsodeal with the usualteen nightmares: dating, friends, and high school. Buffy, along with her best friends Willow and Xander, strugglesto save the world one fiesty vamp at a time. Halloween Rain ~ Even without a maniacal scarecrow, a Sunnydale Halloween is a truly horrific happening. There are enough zombies and vampires about, ready to party hearty and eat some brains, to keep the Slayer and her friends up all night. But then the rain starts to fall... Bad Bargain ~ All hell breaks loose when Sunnydale High is once again the focus for channelled evil - but is the infestation of strange demonic vermin a harbinger of something much worse to come…? AfterImage ~ A mysterious stranger has designs on Sunnydale as the town prepares for an all-night session of horror films at the Drive-in - and that's when things get very weird indeed. read more

When chaos erupts in the small coastal town of Hawthorne, Massachusetts, former vampire-turned-mage Peter Octavian and e… When chaos erupts in the small coastal town of Hawthorne, Massachusetts, former vampire-turned-mage Peter Octavian and earthwitch Keomany Shaw arrive to investigate. Years ago, Octavian helped expose the secret existence of vampires to the world, dismantling the Vatican's sorcery corps in order to save his fellow shadows from destruction. But without the Vatican sorcerers, the magical barriers they spent centuries constructing to keep the forces of darkness out of our world are beginning to fail, and things are slipping through. Now an ancient god of chaos is awakening in Hawthorne, its influence spreading...and it's Octavian's fault. If he can't stop it, the blood of all human kind will be on his hands. read more

Set after the fourth season of the groundbreaking television drama Sons of Anarchy, from the mind of Executive Producer… Set after the fourth season of the groundbreaking television drama Sons of Anarchy, from the mind of Executive Producer Kurt Sutter... With half of the club recently released from Stockton State Penitentiary, and the Galindo drug cartel bringing down heat at every turn, the MC already has its hands full. Yet Jax Teller, the VP of SAMCRO, has another problem to deal with. He's just learned that his Irish half-sister, Trinity, has been in the United States for months, entangled with Russian Bratva gangsters. Now that she's abruptly gone missing, he's sure the brewing mafia war is connected to her disappearance. Jax heads to Nevada with Chibs and Opie to search for her and seek revenge. Trinity may be half-Irish, but she's also half-Teller, and where Tellers go, trouble follows. read more

"The original prose novel featuring multiple illustrations by Hellboy artist Mike Mignola, plus the one-shot comic The W… "The original prose novel featuring multiple illustrations by Hellboy artist Mike Mignola, plus the one-shot comic The Widow and the Tank"--Dark Horse website. read more

The Gospel of Shadows enabled the Catholic Church to control all manner of supernatural beings for centuries. When the b… The Gospel of Shadows enabled the Catholic Church to control all manner of supernatural beings for centuries. When the book was destroyed -- and the ruling body of the Church with it -- it enabled the Shadows, the vampires of legend, to learn the hidden truth of their triple nature: part human, part demonic, part divine. But it also weakened the barriers that exist between the worlds, and now beings of pure evil are breaking through -- creatures from other dimensions for which Hell is just a name. Peter Octavian, once a powerful Shadow, now restored to humanity, is the only man with sufficient knowledge to stop them. Aided by a earthwitch, a vampire and a priest, and calling on the magical forces of mother nature herself, Octavian stands between the Earth and apocalypse, as entire cities are plunged into the abyss. read more

The next gripping, atmospheric horror novel from NYT bestselling author Christopher Golden, set in a deteriorated, half-… The next gripping, atmospheric horror novel from NYT bestselling author Christopher Golden, set in a deteriorated, half-sunken freighter ship off the coast of Galveston, TX. Charlie Book and Ruby Cahill have history. After their love ended in heartbreak years ago, they never expected to see each other again. Now, as part of his work for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Book lives aboard the Christabel, a 19th century freighter half-sunken off the shore of Galveston. Over many years, a massive forest of mangrove trees has grown up through the deck of the ship, creating a startlingly beautiful enigma Book calls the Floating Forest. As a powerful storm churns through the Gulf, he intends to sleep on board as usual. But when he arrives at the dock, he's stunned to find Ruby there waiting for him. And she's not alone. With her are a mysterious woman and her infant child, asking Book to hide them safely aboard the Christabel while they're on the run. Only it isn't the police who are after them, it's a coven of witches the woman, Mae, has fled, stealing away the helpless infant for whom the coven had hideous plans...or so Mae claims. It's lunacy and Book wants nothing to do with it. But after the way he and Ruby ended things, and the unspoken pain between them, he can't refuse. Yet even as he brings them out to the ruined ship and its floating forest, there are shadowed figures looming back in Galveston, waiting out the storm. And despite the worsening wind and rain, the night birds are flying, scouring the coastline for their prey. read more