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The Naked World: Book Two of the Jubilee Cycle (Jubilee Cycle #2)
by Eli K. WilliamIn a world stripped bare of digital images and promotainment, unveiled with the audiovisual overlay of the ImmaNet, in an exposed world, a naked world, Amon Kenzaki awakens, lost and alone. He must now travel deep into the District of Dreams in search of Rashana Birla, the one person that might help him unravel the mystery of jubilee. But deprived of the apps and informational tools he’s depended on his entire life, traversing the largest bankdeath camp on Earth is no easy task.Inside an ephemeral labyrinth of slowly-dissolving disposable skyscrapers clogged to the limit with the bankdead masses, Amon soon finds himself face to face with two dangerous groups: a cult called the Opportunity Scientists, who preach bizarre superstitions about economic salvation, and a supposedly humanitarian organization called the Philanthropy Syndicate, whose mandate of serving the poor conceals rapacious motives.Amon takes refuge in Xenocryst, a community that genuinely strives to improve conditions in the camps, where he begins to work towards its cause and reconciles himself to his newfound poverty. But when political forces threaten the community’s existence and the lives of its members, he is forced to team up with a vending-machine designer, an Olympic runner, a fertility researcher, a corporate tycoon, and many others to expose the heinous secret festering at the heart of the action-transaction market he once served.In book two of the Jubilee Cycle, Eli K. P. William delves beneath the surface of his cyber-dystopian Tokyo to unearth the fate of outcasts trapped in its depths and shine a light on the financial obstacles blocking one individual’s efforts to help them.Skyhorse Publishing, under our Night Shade and Talos imprints, is proud to publish a broad range of titles for readers interested in science fiction (space opera, time travel, hard SF, alien invasion, near-future dystopia), fantasy (grimdark, sword and sorcery, contemporary urban fantasy, steampunk, alternative history), and horror (zombies, vampires, and the occult and supernatural), and much more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller, a national bestseller, or a Hugo or Nebula award-winner, we are committed to publishing quality books from a diverse group of authors.
The Name Ziya: A Tor Original
by Wen-yi LeeA girl reckons with what she must lose--and who she has become--in order to be accepted at the empire's most prestigious university.At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
The Name of All Things (A Chorus of Dragons #2)
by Jenn Lyons"Everything epic fantasy should be: rich, cruel, gorgeous, brilliant, enthralling and deeply, deeply satisfying. I loved it."—Lev Grossman on The Ruin of KingsYou can have everything you want if you sacrifice everything you believe. Kihrin D'Mon is a wanted man.Since he destroyed the Stone of Shackles and set demons free across Quur, he has been on the run from the wrath of an entire empire. His attempt to escape brings him into the path of Janel Theranon, a mysterious Joratese woman who claims to know Kihrin. Janel's plea for help pits Kihrin against all manner of dangers: a secret rebellion, a dragon capable of destroying an entire city, and Kihrin's old enemy, the wizard Relos Var.Janel believes that Relos Var possesses one of the most powerful artifacts in the world—the Cornerstone called the Name of All Things. And if Janel is right, then there may be nothing in the world that can stop Relos Var from getting what he wants. And what he wants is Kihrin D'Mon.Jenn Lyons continues the Chorus of Dragons series with The Name of All Things, the epic sequel to The Ruin of KingsA Chorus of Dragons1: The Ruin of Kings2: The Name of All ThingsAt the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
The Name of the Wind (Kingkiller Chronicle #1)
by Patrick RothfussMy name is Kvothe. I have stolen princesses back from sleeping barrow kings. I burned down the town of Trebon. I have spent the night with Felurian and left with both my sanity and my life. I was expelled from the University at a younger age than most people are allowed in. I tread paths by moonlight that others fear to speak of during day. I have talked to Gods, loved women, and written songs that make the minstrels weep. You may have heard of me. So begins a tale unequaled in fantasy literature—the story of a hero told in his own voice. It is a tale of sorrow, a tale of survival, a tale of one man’s search for meaning in his universe, and how that search, and the indomitable will that drove it, gave birth to a legend.
The Name of the Wind: The Kingkiller Chronicle: Book 1 (Kingkiller Chronicle)
by Patrick Rothfuss'I have stolen princesses back from sleeping barrow kings. I burned down the town of Trebon. I have spent the night with Felurian and left with both my sanity and my life. I was expelled from the University at a younger age than most people are allowed in. I tread paths by moonlight that others fear to speak of during day. I have talked to Gods, loved women, and written songs that make the minstrels weep. My name is Kvothe.You may have heard of me'So begins the tale of Kvothe - currently known as Kote, the unassuming innkeepter - from his childhood in a troupe of traveling players, through his years spent as a near-feral orphan in a crime-riddled city, to his daringly brazen yet successful bid to enter a difficult and dangerous school of magic. In these pages you will come to know Kvothe the notorious magician, the accomplished thief, the masterful musician, the dragon-slayer, the legend-hunter, the lover, the thief and the infamous assassin.The Name of the Wind is fantasy at its very best, and an astounding must-read title.
The Name of the Wind: The legendary must-read fantasy masterpiece (Kingkiller Chronicle #Bk. 1)
by Patrick RothfussThe lyrical fantasy masterpiece about stories, legends and how they change the world. The Name of the Wind is an absolute must-read for any fan of fantasy fiction.'This is a magnificent book' Anne McCaffrey'I was reminded of Ursula K. Le Guin, George R. R. Martin, and J. R. R. Tolkein, but never felt that Rothfuss was imitating anyone' THE TIMES'I have stolen princesses back from sleeping barrow kings. I burned down the town of Trebon. I have spent the night with Felurian and left with both my sanity and my life. I was expelled from the University at a younger age than most people are allowed in. I tread paths by moonlight that others fear to speak of during day. I have talked to Gods, loved women, and written songs that make the minstrels weep.My name is Kvothe.You may have heard of me'So begins the tale of Kvothe - currently known as Kote, the unassuming innkeepter - from his childhood in a troupe of traveling players, through his years spent as a near-feral orphan in a crime-riddled city, to his daringly brazen yet successful bid to enter a difficult and dangerous school of magic. In these pages you will come to know Kvothe the notorious magician, the accomplished thief, the masterful musician, the dragon-slayer, the legend-hunter, the lover, the thief and the infamous assassin.The Name of the Wind is fantasy at its very best, and an astounding must-read coming-of-age adventure.Readers adore The Name of the Wind:'The quality of the writing breathes magic into even fairly ordinary scenes, and makes some of the important ones extraordinary' Mark Lawrence'This is why I love fantasy so much . . . The writing style is smooth, the pacing just right . . . I would easily recommend this to anyone who enjoys fantasy, but also to people who enjoy great stories told wonderfully well' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐'For the love of God, if you haven't read this book and love these kinds of high fantasy novels, READ IT!' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐'The story is fantastic, the writing is amazing, and if you have a heart the main character will capture it' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐'Patrick Rothfuss is such a talented storyteller and there was never a dull moment throughout the entire book! . . . The Name of the Wind is a masterpiece and Patrick Rothfuss is a freaking genius' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐'This story was, simply put, excellent . . . Rothfuss has more than earnt his reputation. I'm so glad this book lived up to the hype . . . A jaw dropping five stars' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐'One of the best fantasy books of all time' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐'A legitimately wonderful story that is written beautifully . . . This should be one of the required reading books for any fan of fantasy' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
The Name of this Book Is Secret (The Secret Series #1)
by Pseudonymous BoschRead the series that's sold more than 2 million copies—if you dare!Warning: this description has not been authorized by Pseudonymous Bosch. As much as he'd love to sing the praises of his book (he is very vain), he wouldn't want you to hear about his brave 11-year old heroes, Cass and Max-Ernest. Or about how a mysterious box of vials, the Symphony of Smells, sends them on the trail of a magician who has vanished under strange (and stinky) circumstances. And he certainly wouldn't want you to know about the hair-raising adventures that follow and the nefarious villains they face. You see, not only is the name of this book secret, the story inside is, too. For it concerns a secret. A Big Secret.
The Named: The Complete Series (The Named #2)
by Clare BellAll five books in one volume: This fantasy epic about sentient prehistoric wild cats is &“powerful, moving, and memorable&” (Booklist, starred review). In this adventurous series by a PEN Award–winnning author, Ratha belongs to the Named, a clan of intelligent prehistoric cats who roam a primal landscape and battle for their lives against the savage enemies that stalk the territory. Ratha&’s Creature: Young Ratha is a herder, not a hunter. But when she&’s exiled from her clan after mastering the power of fire, she must survive the unforgiving wild with only her blazing &“creature&” to aid her. Clan Ground: Ratha&’s ability to control fire could help her clan grow stronger and even dominant—or wreak havoc from within. Now, she must choose the correct path to prosperity, or the Named will surely be doomed. Ratha and Thistle-Chaser: When Ratha clashes with a cat who guards an ocean and its creatures, the two discover a common bond—and unite against a demonic enemy. Ratha&’s Challenge: The Named encounter another tribe, and Ratha is torn between friendship and conquest. But her daughter may hold the solution—if she and Ratha can overcome their dark past. Ratha&’s Courage: When Ratha&’s clan shares the power of fire with another tribe, a disastrous blaze ignites a clash between them, and it&’s up to Ratha to end the carnage.
The Nameless
by Ramsey CampbellA new edition of the sinister masterpiece, now in development at Netflix.&“Was that an indrawn breath, or a hiss of static? She heard someone dialling on another line..."Barbara Waugh&’s daughter Angela was kidnapped aged four, and when a disfigured body turns up that appears to be the end of the matter. Dealing with grief, Barbara establishes herself as a literary agent. Years after the disappearance she receives a phone call from Angela. Convinced her daughter is alive, Barbara&’s investigations take her deep into London, New York, and Scotland. Was a brainwashing cult responsible for Angela&’s abduction? The more Barbara learns, the less she can trust, including those closest to her. Will she succumb to an evil so murderous it might not be of human origin? FLAME TREE PRESS is the imprint of long-standing Independent Flame Tree Publishing, dedicated to full-length original fiction in the horror and suspense, science fiction and fantasy. The list brings together fantastic new authors and the more established; the award winners, and exciting, original voices. Learn more about Flame Tree Press at www.flametreepress.com and connect on social media @FlameTreePress.
The Nameless Day (The Crucible, Book #1)
by Sara DouglassThis is the first book of a trilogy set in the middle ages where the fantasy is interesting and the historical detail is wonderful.
The Nameless Day: Book One Of 'the Crucible' (The Crucible Series #1)
by Sara DouglassThe Black Plague. The Pestilence. Disease and death haunt every town and village across 14th century Europe and none are immune from its evil. Some see the devastation of their world as a sign from God for Man's wickedness.But Brother Thomas Neville sees this swath of death as something much more. Neville is a man beset by demons. Or is it angels? He has had a visitation from none other than the Archangel Michael, who commands Thomas to a mission. This mission will take Neville across the length and breath of the continent in a desperate bid to find the means to stop the minions of Satan who have found a doorway out of Hell and are preparing to venture forth, to try and seize this world in preparation for an assault on Heaven itself.As Thomas Neville encounters angels and demons, saints and witches, he comes to realize that the armies of God and Satan are arraying themselves for the final battle...and that his soul is to be the battleground.The question is, has Neville picked the truly good side?At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
The Nameless Witch
by Natalie C. ParkerThe Nameless Witch is the wickedly exciting and queer sequel to The Devouring Wolf! For fans of Soman Chainani, Anne Ursu, and stories with lots of magic, action and a big heart.If you give your witch your name… …she&’ll steal your magic and grind your bones…After defeating the Devouring Wolf, Riley and her friends hoped they could leave scary legends behind and focus on being the best werewolves they can be. Nicknamed the Winter Pack because of when they turned, they&’ve got a unique bond thanks to how different they are as a prime, and some of the other pups think they get special treatment. It&’s all Riley and her friends can do to practice their magic skills, get all their homework done, and not let the other young wolves pick fights. Suddenly their bond leads them to a new threat—a young witch on the run. She isn&’t just any runaway, though. She&’s the next in line to become the magic-hungry Nameless Witch and even being in her presence is dangerous for werewolves. They say the Nameless Witch can take anything she wants from you if she knows your name. But this runaway doesn&’t want to be Nameless, she wants to choose for herself. The Winter Pack understands better than other wolves what that feels like, and they pledge to help her. Too bad the terrible power of the Nameless Witch has already marked the runaway, and Riley and her pack have no time before their new friend will turn, steal their magic and bones, and possibly even destroy all of Clawroot...
The Names: A Novel
by Florence KnappREAD WITH JENNA BOOK CLUB PICK AS FEATURED ON TODAY &“Beautiful, heart-wrenching, utterly original.&” —Miranda Cowley Heller, bestselling author of The Paper Palace The story of one family told three different ways, leading to three different fates—a dazzling debut that asks: Can a name shape the course of a life?In the wake of an enormous, history-making storm, Cora sets off with her nine-year-old daughter, Maia, to register her son&’s birth. Her husband, Gordon, a local doctor, respected in the community but a terrifying and controlling presence at home, intends for her to name the child after him. But when the registrar asks which name she wants to pick, Cora hesitates . . .What follows are three alternate and alternating versions of both Cora&’s and her young son&’s life, shaped by her brave last-minute choice of name. Spanning thirty-five years, the novel draws us in from the first page, as we follow three unforgettable journeys of one young man, but also his mother, grandmother, and sister. In richly layered prose, The Names explores the painful ripple effects of domestic abuse, the messy ties of family, and the possibilities of autonomy and healing.With exceptional sensitivity and depth, Knapp draws us into the story of one family, told through a prism of what-ifs, and shows us what we each can do with the &“one precious life&” we are given. The Names&’ brilliantly imaginative structure, its propulsive storytelling, and the emotional, gut-wrenching power of the book itself are certain to make it a modern classic.
The Naming (Pellinor #1)
by Alison CroggonIn the classic spirit of epic fantasy comes this glittering saga of a young girl who learns she possesses an uncanny gift - and is destined to use it to save her world from a terrifying evil. Maerad is a slave in a desperate and unforgiving settlement, taken there as a child when her family is destroyed in war. She doesn't yet know she has inherited a powerful gift, one that marks her as a member of the noble School of Pellinor and enables her to see the world as no other can. It is only when she is discovered by Cadvan, one of the great Bards of Lirigon, that her true identity and extraordinary destiny unfold. Now, she and her mysterious teacher must embark on a treacherous, uncertain journey through a time and place where the forces of darkness wield an otherworldly terror. The first book in a projected quartet, Alison Croggon's epic about Maerad and her remarkable yet dangerous gift is a beautiful, unforgettable tale. Presented as a new translation of an ancient text, THE NAMING evokes the rich and complex landscape of Annar, a legendary world just waiting to be discovered.
The Naming Of The Beasts: A Felix Castor Novel (Felix Castor Novel #18)
by Mike CareyThey say the road to Hell is paved with good intentions, but if you ask Castor he'll tell you there's quite a bit of arrogance and reckless stupidity lining the streets as well. And he should know. There's only so many times you can play both sides against the middle and get away with it. Now, the inevitable moment of crisis has arrived and it's left Castor with blood on his hands. Well, not his hands, you understand; it's always someone else who pays the bill: friends, acquaintances, bystanders.So Castor drowns his guilt in cheap whisky, while an innocent woman lies dead and her daughter comatose, his few remaining friends fear for their lives and there's a demon loose on the streets. But not just any demon - this one rides shotgun on his best friend's soul and can't be expelled without killing him. Looks like Felix Castor's got some tough choices to make, because expel the demon he must or all Hell will break loose. Literally . . .
The Naming Of The Beasts: A Felix Castor Novel (Felix Castor Novel #6)
by Mike CareyThey say the road to Hell is paved with good intentions, but if you ask Castor he'll tell you there's quite a bit of arrogance and reckless stupidity lining the streets as well. And he should know. There's only so many times you can play both sides against the middle and get away with it. Now, the inevitable moment of crisis has arrived and it's left Castor with blood on his hands. Well, not his hands, you understand; it's always someone else who pays the bill: friends, acquaintances, bystanders.So Castor drowns his guilt in cheap whisky, while an innocent woman lies dead and her daughter comatose, his few remaining friends fear for their lives and there's a demon loose on the streets. But not just any demon - this one rides shotgun on his best friend's soul and can't be expelled without killing him. Looks like Felix Castor's got some tough choices to make, because expel the demon he must or all Hell will break loose. Literally . . .
The Naming Song
by Jedediah BerryA gorgeously imaginative fantasy in the spirit of Hayao Miyazaki and Guillermo del Toro.“The Naming Song understands the fundamental magic of language, and breathes that magic onto every page.” —Holly Black, #1 New York Times bestsellerThere's nothing more dangerous than an unnamed thingWhen the words went away, the world changed.All meaning was lost, and every border fell. Monsters slipped from dreams to haunt the waking while ghosts wandered the land in futile reveries. Only with the rise of the committees of the named—Maps, Ghosts, Dreams, and Names—could the people stand against the terrors of the nameless wilds. They built borders around their world and within their minds, shackled ghosts and hunted monsters, and went to war against the unknown.For one unnamed courier of the Names Committee, the task of delivering new words preserves her place in a world that fears her. But after a series of monstrous attacks on the named, she is forced to flee her committee and seek her long-lost sister. Accompanied by a patchwork ghost, a fretful monster, and a nameless animal who prowls the shadows, her search for the truth of her past opens the door to a revolutionary future—for the words she carries will reshape the world.The Naming Song is a book of deep secrets and marvelous discoveries, strange adventures and dangerous truths. It's the story of a world locked in a battle over meaning. Most of all, it's the perfect fantasy for anyone who's ever dreamed of a stranger, freer, more magical world.At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
The Naming of the Beasts: A Felix Castor Novel (Felix Castor #5)
by Mike CareyAuthor of The Girl With All the Gifts Mike Carey presents the fifth book in his hip supernatural thriller series featuring freelance exorcist Felix Castor.They say the road to Hell is paved with good intentions, but if you ask Castor, he'll tell you there's quite a bit of arrogance and reckless stupidity lining the streets as well.He should know. There's only so many times you can play both sides against the middle and get away with it. Now, the inevitable moment of crisis has arrived and it's left Castor with blood on his hands.Castor drowns his guilt in cheap whiskey, while an innocent woman lies dead and her daughter comatose, his few remaining friends fear for their lives, and there's a demon loose on the streets. But not just any demon---this one rides shotgun on Castor's best friend's soul, and can't be expelled without killing him.Looks like Felix Castor's got some tough choices to make, because expel the demon he must---or all Hell will break loose. p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Times; -webkit-text-stroke: #000000} p.p2 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Times; -webkit-text-stroke: #000000; min-height: 16.0px} span.s1 {font-kerning: none} td.td1 {width: 298.0px; background-color: #ffffff; margin: 1.0px 1.0px 1.0px 1.0px}Felix Castor series:The Devil You KnowVicious CircleDead Men's BootsThicker Than WaterThe Naming of the BeastsBy the same author, writing as M. R. Carey:The Girl With All the GiftsFellsideThe Boy on the Bridge
The Nanny (Return to Tyler)
by Judith StacyHoly Terrors, The Lot Of 'Em!That's what everyone considered Josh Ingalls's unruly passel of kids-secretly, anyway. No sense offending the most eligible widower in town! But Annie Martin didn't care what a "catch" her employer was. She only wanted him to admit he loved his children. And possibly share a kiss or two-okay, maybe three...!This latest nanny was barely more than a girl herself, Josh Ingalls noted, but if a tree-climbing dynamo in trousers was what it took to manage his energetic tribe, he'd happily keep the amazing, amusing, arousing Annie Martin around forever!
The Nanny Arrangement
by Lily GeorgeA family in the making Becoming nursemaid to Paul Holmes's orphaned niece seems like the perfect solution to Becky Siddons's problems. After having her romantic hopes dashed, she's determined to focus solely on her charge and not the little girl's handsome uncle. Until Becky realizes she is losing her heart to a man determined to keep his own under lock and key.... Paul had hoped hiring Becky would allow him to keep a distance from his niece, a reminder of his late sister-and his failings in raising her. Yet he soon finds himself enjoying spending time with outspoken, impulsive Becky and the child. Can he take a chance on this unexpected, joyful new family?
The Nanny Trap (Billionaires and Babies)
by Cat SchieldIn her Billionaires and Babies novel, Cat Schield tells the story of a surrogate mother turned nanny turned...stand-in wife! Billionaire Blake Ford has one summer to get what he wants. He trusted country-bred beauty Bella McAndrews as his surrogate. Now she's agreed to be his infant son's temporary nanny. It is only a matter of time before he convinces her to capitulate to his true desire: becoming his wife. Blake believes his son deserves a mother's love. And Blake is determined to win this woman's love for himself, too...until a deep secret emerges, turning every truth upside down.
The Nanny and the Iceberg: A Novel
by Ariel DorfmanConceived the night of Che Guevara's burial in 1967, Gabriel McKenzie is inextricably bound up in the history and politics of his native Chile. Twenty-four years on, and still a virgin, Gabriel returns from Manhattan exile to confront his legacy: a Don Juan father and a country preparing for the five-hundredth anniversary of America's "discovery." Into Gabriel's quest for manhood and identity enter one iceberg, a faithful if eccentric nanny, and a whole host of fantastical characters.
The Nanny's Christmas Wish
by Ami WeaverIn her debut novel for Harlequin Special Edition, Ami Weaver gives a lonely single dad and his sweet son the perfect holiday gift-a nanny with a secret who just might heal their family in time for Christmas!Josh Tanner and Maggie Thelan share one unbreakable rule: no romantic entanglements. Period. So the lonely doctor hiring the former teacher as a live-in nanny for his little boy shouldn't be any kind of threat to their creed. Especially since Josh won't let go of the past-and Maggie can’t tell Josh who she really is....But rules are made to be broken, and while Maggie only wants to know the nephew she never knew she had, deeper feelings keep getting in the way! As the holiday season creeps closer, his rules collide with her secret. Can their unexpected love survive the truth?
The Nanny's Handbook to Magic and Managing Difficult Dukes
by Amy Rose BennettMary Poppins meets Bridgerton in a blend of cosy fantasy, historical romance and humour, as a recently graduated nanny finds her supernatural abilities are little help when it comes to falling for the shy, mysterious inventor who happens to be her employer. For readers of Heather Fawcett, India Holton and Freya Marske.London, 1851: Emmeline Chase, twenty-five-year-old widow and recent graduate of the Parasol Academy for Exceptional Nannies and Governesses, is more high-spirited than her peers would like. Few graduates, however, could turn a mismanaged teleportation onto a duke&’s rooftop into an offer of employment.Emmeline will need every trick in her nanny&’s handbook to manage eccentric horologist Xavier Mason, Duke of St Lawrence, and his three rambunctious wards. Xavier&’s charges have already sent two nannies packing thanks to frogs, firecrackers and general mayhem. And the duke has his own fair share of quirks, requiring absolute peace and quiet to work on his design for a clock to grace London&’s Westminster Palace.Emmeline is determined to restore order to the duke&’s household, but someone seems intent on sabotaging his plans. As she and Xavier work to identify the saboteur, Emmeline finds herself drawn to him, even though her nanny&’s handbook forbids fraternising with employers. But she&’s fairly sure the duke is falling under her spell, too…
The Nanny's Handbook to Magic and Managing Difficult Dukes (The Parasol Academy)
by Amy Rose BennettMary Poppins meets Bridgerton in a feel-good blend of cozy fantasy magic, historical romance, humor, and Victorian era charm, as a recent graduate of the Parasol Academy for Exceptional Nannies and Governesses finds her supernatural abilities are little help when it comes to falling for the shy, mysterious inventor who happens to be her employer… For readers of Heather Fawcett, Allison Saft, Katherine Arden, Freya Marske, and Olivia Atwater&’s Regency Faerie Tales series. Emmeline Chase, 25-year-old widow and new alumna, may be more high-spirited than the Academy would like. Few graduates, however, could turn a mismanaged teleportation onto a duke&’s rooftop into an offer of employment. But Emmeline&’s circumstances, along with her desperation to support her bankrupt, incarcerated father, have made her dauntless. Which seems the primary qualification to work for expert horologist Xavier Mason, Duke of St. Lawrence, and manage his three rambunctious wards. Yet Emmeline soon discovers that the nobleman&’s heart-melting voice and captivating mind present an entirely different sort of trouble. She cannot risk losing her license by fraternizing with her employer . . . Xavier&’s wards have sent two nannies packing in a month thanks to frogs, firecrackers, and general mayhem. In addition, Xavier&’s professional reputation is on the line. He&’s already considered odd, with his talking raven companion and his fascination with timekeeping instead of pleasure-chasing with his peers. Charming, vivacious Emmeline seems intrigued with his quirks—but Xavier must have absolute peace to design London&’s &“King of Clocks&” for Westminster Palace before the competition closes. Emmeline can no doubt restore order. As long as he doesn&’t fall under her spell . . . Yet, with a possible saboteur in their midst, and the attraction flaring between them threatening to become a deliciously disastrous distraction, a touch of magic may be required . . .