Collection: Adult

Born to be a sorceress. Cursed to be an assassin. Chosen to be his empress.

Magic has two immutable rules-every spell requires a sacrifice and every curse can be broken.

Amira Brindonu is a sorceress turned assassin, bound in a curse that forces her to obey her father, even to the point of high treason. When he orders her to kill the future emperor, she fails, but discovers a secret that could bring the whole of the empire to its knees.

The archduke is stricken by a curse that could sentence him and his people to damnation, but Amira could be the only key to breaking it. In a desperate last-ditch effort, the archduke takes Amira prisoner and makes a pact to protect her from her curse if she will help free him of his own.

As time begins to run out, Amira soon learns that there are enemies that blades can't touch and there are fates worse than death. Caught in a web of sorcery, intrigue, and her growing feelings for the archduke, the assassin must decide just how much she is willing to give to save the only man she's ever loved.

Every curse can be broken, but can two cursed people save each other?

"Razor-sharp, darkly comedic, and emotionally piercing. With the satirical bite of Richard Russo's Straight Man, the introspection of Fredrik Backman's A Man Called Ove, and the reinvention of Andrew Sean Greer's Less, Kenney's vivid prose transforms the mundane into unexpected hilarity."
--Booklist (starred review)

An Indie Next & LibraryReads Pick for April

The Office meets Six Feet Under meets About a Boy in this coming-of-middle-age tale about having a second chance to write your life's story.

Bud Stanley is an obituary writer who is afraid to live. Yes, his wife recently left him for a "far more interesting" man. Yes, he goes on a particularly awful blind date with a woman who brings her ex. And yes, he has too many glasses of Scotch one night and proceeds to pen and publish his own obituary. The newspaper wants to fire him. But now the company's system has him listed as dead. And the company can't fire a dead person. The ensuing fallout forces him to realize that life may be actually worth living.

As Bud awaits his fate at work, his life hangs in the balance. Given another shot by his boss and encouraged by his best friend, Tim, a worldly and wise former art dealer, Bud starts to attend the wakes and funerals of strangers to learn how to live.

Thurber Prize-winner and New York Times bestselling author John Kenney tells a funny, touching story about life and death, about the search for meaning, about finding and never letting go of the preciousness of life.

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

"Mohammed El-Kurd has written a new Discourse on Colonialism for the twenty-first century."
--Robin D. G. Kelley

Perfect Victims is an urgent affirmation of the Palestinian condition of resistance and refusal―an ode to the steadfastness of a nation.

Palestine is a microcosm of the world: on fire, stubborn, fragmented, dignified. While a settler colonial state continues to inflict devastating violence, fundamental truths are deliberately obscured--the perpetrators are coddled while the victims are blamed and placed on trial.

Why must Palestinians prove their humanity? And what are the implications of such an infuriatingly impossible task? With fearless prose and lyrical precision, Mohammed El-Kurd refuses a life spent in cross-examination. Rather than asking the oppressed to perform a perfect victimhood, El-Kurd asks friends and foes alike to look Palestinians in the eye, forgoing both deference and condemnation.

How we see Palestine reveals how we see each other; how we see everything else. Masterfully combining candid testimony, history, and reportage, Perfect Victims presents a powerfully simple demand: dignity for the Palestinian.

Sometimes You're Hungry for Something Different. Something With a Bit of a Bite to It.

Nikk Alcaraz, creator of Practical Peculiarities, brings you a book full of peculiar desserts that will bring a distinctly macabre air to your next dinner party. Your guests will know that they've finally caught your eye when you bring out a platter of Apple Eye Pies that stare up from the plate. Or, gaze in wonder as you tempt the hands of fate with a Tarot Sun Sheet Cake that brings magic to mind.

Alluring recipes fill the pages of Nikk's book, made complete with gilded edges, spine ridges and gold foil that will entice any eye and become an aesthetic fixture in your home. Internationally recognized for his creepy confections, Nikk has delivered a mystifying masterclass in all things dark and delicious.

Dare to depart from ordinary confections and conjure up some extraordinary bakes―they're to die for!

In this highly-anticipated new action manga, a young boy is framed for murder and cast off the edge of a floating city into the abyss, where he grapples with the monsters that the elite high above would rather forget. The more the rich glitter, the higher the price paid by the poor...

With a premise that recalls Battle Angel Alita and kinetic battles reminiscent of Attack on Titan, Gachiakuta is a must-read for fans of dark, dystopian fantasies like Deadman Wonderland!

Return to the Sphere and take revenge for Regto's death--that's what Rudo swore to do. After receiving an eyewitness report that people had been seen coming and going from the Sphere to the ground, the Cleaners followed the rumor all the way to No Man's Land to find the mysterious woman who might have the information Rudo needs. They fight off numerous trash beasts and manage to find the woman, but then something goes horribly wrong, and Enjin seems to be out for the count...!

In this highly-anticipated new action manga, a young boy is framed for murder and cast off the edge of a floating city into the abyss, where he grapples with the monsters that the elite high above would rather forget. The more the rich glitter, the higher the price paid by the poor...

With a premise that recalls Battle Angel Alita and kinetic battles reminiscent of Attack on Titan, Gachiakuta is a must-read for fans of dark, dystopian fantasies like Deadman Wonderland!

In the middle of the battle with the Raiders, Rudo finally awakened his abilities. He has the power to find the worth in objects and draw it out to its full potential! After driving back the Raiders, one of them revealed Rudo's vital instrument is actually part of a series, as well as the existence of a "border" connecting the Sphere and the ground. Now that Rudo has a clue to returning home, he sets out to solve this brand-new mystery. But many dangers lie ahead...

"Hikaru's" unexpectedly violent encounter with the mysterious hamster-toting Tanaka only worsens his already weakened condition. Without knowing Tanaka's intentions, the boys must act quickly to uncover the mountain's secrets. Investigating the Indou family's "sin" will be difficult now that Hikaru's dad has passed, but they may be able to get some answers out of his closest friend--if Yoshiki's father is willing to talk...

The first book from Joyce White Vance: equal parts civics class, history lesson, and call to save the Republic, Giving Up Is Unforgivable is a political manifesto for our present moment.

"We're in this together."

For the past two years, Joyce Vance has signed off posts on her chart-topping Substack, Civil Discourse, with these four words. In that time, she's guided readers through a continued erosion of democratic norms, the unprecedented felony conviction of an ex-president, and the approaching specter of a second Trump administration. Now that it's upon us, Vance helps us understand how to avoid burnout and despair and exercise the democratic muscles we need to save the Republic.

Giving Up Is Unforgivable is a clarion call to action--putting our current crisis in historical context and sketching out a vision for where we go next. Vance's message is hopeful at its heart, even as it acknowledges the daunting challenges that lie ahead. She is the constitutional law professor you never knew you needed, explaining the legal context, the political history, and the practical reasons that the rule of law still matters, while also empowering you to do something--from the small (that conversation you've been meaning to have with your uncle or volunteering for your favorite political cause) to the big (starting a grassroots movement or running for political office).

Consider this the birth of a countermovement to Project 2025, a rallying cry for citizen engagement to counter the second Trump administration and save American democracy.

An astounding multigenerational saga, Red Clay chronicles the interwoven lives of an enslaved Black family and their white owners as the Civil War ends and Reconstruction begins.

In 1943, when a frail old white woman shows up in Red Clay, Alabama, at the home of a Black former slave--on the morning following his funeral--his family hardly knows what to expect after she utters the words "... a lifetime ago, my family owned yours." Adelaide Parker has a story to tell--one of ambition, betrayal, violence, and redemption--that shaped both the fate of her family and that of the late Felix H. Parker.

But there are gaps in her knowledge, and she's come to Red Clay seeking answers from a family with whom she shares a name and a history that neither knows in full. In an epic saga that takes us from Red Clay to Paris, to the Côte d'Azur and New Orleans, human frailties are pushed to their limits as secrets are exposed and the line between good and evil becomes ever more difficult to discern. Red Clay is a tale that deftly lays bare the ugliness of slavery, the uncertainty of the final months of the Civil War, the optimism of Reconstruction, and the pain and frustration of Jim Crow.

With a vivid sense of place and a cast of memorable characters, Charles B. Fancher draws upon his own family history to weave a riveting tale of triumph over adversity, set against a backdrop of societal change and racial animus that reverberates in contemporary America. Through seasons of joy and unspeakable pain, Fancher delivers rich moments as allies become enemies, and enemies--to their great surprise--find new respect for each other.

"Everything you need to know about plant-based cooking . . . a foundational book to use on repeat."--Melissa Clark, The New York Times

Discover the richness of global vegan cuisine with this "dependable, thorough, and vibrant" (Yotam Ottolenghi) cookbook featuring more than 300 mouthwatering recipes for flavorful staples, weeknight meals, and celebratory feasts, from a James Beard Award-winning food writer.

ONE OF NPR AND BON APPÉTIT'S BEST COOKBOOKS OF THE YEAR

Plant-based eating has been evolving for centuries, creating a storied base of beloved recipes that are lauded around the globe. Mastering the Art of Plant-Based Cooking is the first book to collect these dishes and wisdom into a single volume, treating vegan food as its own cuisine, worthy of mastery.

As an award-winning food editor and writer, Joe Yonan has spent years reporting on and making plant-based foods. With his finger on the pulse of this ever-growing cuisine, he has collected recipes and essays from prominent food writers in the plant-based sphere, creating a book that shows the true abundance of vegan food around the world, offering something for everyone. The book opens with an in-depth pantry section, showing how to create homemade versions of foundational ingredients like milks, butters, stocks, dressings, and spice mixes. The following chapters build on these elements, with recipes for meals throughout the day like:

- Smoky Eggplant Harissa Dip
- Chile-Glazed Sweet Potato and Tempeh Hash
- Citrus and Mango Salad with Fresh Turmeric and Cucumbers
- Bibimbap with Spicy Tofu Crumbles
- White Pizza with Crispy Cauliflower and Shitakes
- Enchiladas Five Ways
- Black Tahini Swirled Cheesecake

With numerous variations on base recipes, an extensive dessert section, hundreds of vegan meals, and stunning photography, Mastering the Art of Plant-Based Cooking will become a mainstay in your kitchen, delivering new ideas for years to come.

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER A GLOBE & MAIL BESTSELLER

The acclaimed chef, New York Times bestselling author, and executive producer and actor on The Bear redefines cooking's iconic trinity: soups, salads, and sandwiches.

Chances are you've eaten a soup, salad, or sandwich in the past day (or maybe all three). This trio makes up so many of our meals but is rarely given the attention it deserves-until now. Matty Matheson, known for his bold, innovative flavors, has created a cookbook that will revolutionize how you think of these kitchen basics. This book is for anyone and everyone, offering up Matty's signature twists on the classics, delivered with minimal effort for maximum flavor.

Find your favorite combination by mixing and matching dishes like:

• Soups Giant Meatball Soup; Crab Congee; Creamy Sausage Soup with Rapini and Tortellini; Caldo de Pollo
• Salads Everyone's Mom's Macaroni and Tuna Salad; Griddled Salami Panzanella Salad; Peaches with Goat Cheese, Mint, Honeycomb, Olive Oil, and Espellete
• Sandwiches Cubano; Italian Combo; Sun Warmed Tomato Sandwich; Banana Bread French Toast with Fried Egg, Peameal Bacon, and Maple Syrup

Packed with character, personal stories, scrumptious recipes, and vivid photographs of a day-in-the-life with Matty and his family, Soups, Salads, Sandwiches will have you fearlessly whipping up your own combinations in the kitchen.

A Holmes and Watson-style detective duo take the stage in this fantasy with a mystery twist, from the Edgar-winning, multiple Hugo-nominated Robert Jackson Bennett

"Great fantasy detective stories are too rare, but Bennett--[a] rising star of fantasy--more than delivers."--Charlie Jane Anders, The Washington Post

"A thoroughly satisfying delight from start to finish."--Amal El-Mohtar, The New York Times Book Review

NOMINATED FOR THE EDGAR AWARD - A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: The New York Times Book Review, NPR, Elle, BookPage

In Daretana's greatest mansion, a high imperial officer lies dead--killed, to all appearances, when a tree erupted from his body. Even here at the Empire's borders, where contagions abound and the blood of the leviathans works strange magical changes, it's a death both terrifying and impossible.

Assigned to investigate is Ana Dolabra, a detective whose reputation for brilliance is matched only by her eccentricities. Rumor has it that she wears a blindfold at all times, and that she can solve impossible cases without even stepping outside the walls of her home.

At her side is her new assistant, Dinios Kol, magically altered in ways that make him the perfect aide to Ana's brilliance. Din is at turns scandalized, perplexed, and utterly infuriated by his new superior--but as the case unfolds and he watches Ana's mind leap from one startling deduction to the next, he must admit that she is, indeed, the Empire's greatest detective.

As the two close in on a mastermind and uncover a scheme that threatens the Empire itself, Din realizes he's barely begun to assemble the puzzle that is Ana Dolabra--and wonders how long he'll be able to keep his own secrets safe from her piercing intellect.

By an "endlessly inventive" (Vulture) author with a "wicked sense of humor" (NPR), The Tainted Cup mixes the charms of detective fiction with brilliant world-building to deliver a fiendishly clever mystery that's at once instantly recognizable and thrillingly new.

Named one of the Best Cookbooks of 2024 by THE NEW YORK TIMES, LOS ANGELES TIMES, WASHINGTON POST, FORBES, BUSTLE, FOOD & WINE, EATER, FOOD NETWORK, THE NATIONAL POST

'There is sweetness to be had on every page of Crumbs, and so many delicious discoveries, too.' - Dorie Greenspan, New York Times bestselling author

'As one of our most gifted writers and bakers, Mims invites you to explore the rich diversity of cookies in Crumbs sparking your curiosity - and cravings - with every page.' - Andy Baraghani, New York Times bestselling and James Beard Award winning author

Bake your way around the world with the ultimate collection of 300 irresistible, authentic, and delicious cookie recipes from nearly 100 countries

Whether enjoyed at breakfast, with afternoon tea, on holidays, or as a late-night snack, cookies are a universally beloved treat. In Crumbs, food writer, recipe developer, and self-confessed baking obsessive Ben Mims takes home cooks on a delicious tour across countries and cultures, presenting a sweet and satisfying guide to crumbly, crunchy, chewy desserts - from Snickerdoodles, Date-Filled Maamoul, and Almond Macaroons to Cardamom Biscuits, Italian Waffle Cookies, and Okinawan Brown Sugar Shortbread.

Organized geographically, Crumbs is chock-full of old-world and modern classics, and intriguing local recipes from more than 100 countries. Each begins with a fascinating origin story, followed by clear, step-by-step instructions and notes on regional variations.

Beginners will appreciate Mims's introduction to essential equipment, ingredients, and techniques such as shaping, rolling, and slicing, while bakers of all skill levels will find inspiration in the bounty of recipes, each carefully tested and perfected for home kitchens. Richly illustrated and easy to navigate, the book features gorgeous photographs and special icons designating dairy-free, gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan recipes, as well as approachable, easy-to-make options that come together in 30 minutes or less.

Recipes include: Chocolate-Glazed Elisenlebkuchen, Danish Pepper and Spice Cookies, Egyptian Stuffed Eid Cookies, Filipino Powdered Milk Shortbreads, French Macarons, Icelandic Gingerbread, Malaysian Milky Cashew Cookies, Nigerian Coconut Macaroon Balls, Pakistani Cumin Seed Cookies, Portuguese Biscoitos, Puerto Rican Guava and Almond Thumbprint Cookies, Rugelach, Spanish Almendrados, Shrewsbury Biscuits, Speculaas, Sri Lankan Crunchy Sugar Cookies, Syrian Sesame and Pistachio Cookies, Thai Rolled Wafer Cookies, Venezuelan Shortbread Cookies, and Welsh Griddled Currant Cookies, plus international variations on wedding cookies, Christmas cookies, and other sweet treats for special celebrations.

In The Carrier Bag Theory of Fiction, visionary author Ursula K. Le Guin retells the story of human origin by redefining technology as a cultural carrier bag rather than a weapon of domination.

Hacking the linear, progressive mode of the Techno-Heroic, the Carrier Bag Theory of human evolution proposes: 'before the tool that forces energy outward, we made the tool that brings energy home.' Prior to the preeminence of sticks, swords and the Hero's long, hard, killing tools, our ancestors' greatest invention was the container: the basket of wild oats, the medicine bundle, the net made of your own hair, the home, the shrine, the place that contains whatever is sacred. The recipient, the holder, the story. The bag of stars.

This influential essay opens a portal to terra ignota: unknown lands where the possibilities of human experience and knowledge can be discovered anew.

With a new introduction by Donna Haraway, the eminent cyberfeminist, author of the revolutionary A Cyborg Manifesto and most recently, Staying with the Trouble and Manifestly Haraway.

With images by Lee Bul, a leading South Korean feminist artist who had a retrospective at London's Hayward Gallery in 2018.

A nerd must fight powerful spirits and aliens all vying for the secret power of his "family jewel," so who better to fight alongside him than his high school crush and a spirit granny?!

Momo Ayase and Okarun are on opposite sides of the paranormal spectrum regarding what they'll believe in and what they won't. Their quest to prove each other wrong leads them down a path of secret crushes and paranormal battles they'll have to participate in to believe!

A gravely injured Okarun wakes up to an out-of-body experience! And when he answers Momo's phone, he's sucked through the telephone wires to where Seiko and Turbo Granny are in the middle of a battle. Thankfully, Turbo Granny is able to teach Okarun a technique for returning to his body that will also help in the impending alien invasion. Elsewhere, Momo and the others are undergoing their own training, but when they return home on the predicted date of the invasion, they find it's already begun!