New Releases by Nancy Holder

The world is gone, destroyed by human, ecological, or supernatural causes. Survivors dodge chemical warfare and cruel gods; they travel the reaches of space and inhabit underground caverns. Their enemies are disease, corrupt corporations, and one another; their resources are few and their courage is tested. Powerful original dystopian tales from nine bestselling authors offer bleak insight, prophetic visions, and precious glimmers of light among the shards and ashes of a ruined world. Stories from: Kelley Armstrong Rachel Caine Kami Garcia Nancy Holder Melissa Marr Beth Revis Veronica Roth Carrie Ryan Margaret Stohl

As long as there have been vampires, there has been the Slayer. One girl in all the world, to find them where they gather and to stop the spread of their evil and the swell of their numbers... Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Carnival of Souls: There is definitely something not quite right about the Travelling Carnival. When a once-shy pair of homely twins begin to parade around Sunnydale High like divas, Buffy and the others decide to investigate. But soon it becomes apparent that the price of admission is higher than they imagined. Willow is consumed by envy, Cordelia by greed, and Xander by gluttony. Angel reveals a dangerous new persona, while dark anger rises in Giles. More powerful still is the blinding pride that threatens to overwhelm Buffy and destroy all those she loves... Blooded: Chirayoju, a vampire of Chinese lore, and Sanno, the legendary Japanese Mountain King, have been locked in deadly battle for centuries. An ancient curse imprisoned the spirits of these two warriors in an antique sword; until the sword arrives in Sunnydale. Freed by accident, Chirayoju searches for a host body that will allow him to continue wreaking havoc among the living and the dead. Now Buffy''s on the trail of this legendary vampire... a bloody trail that leads straight through the heart of the Buffy-Xander-Willow triangle. One Thing or Your Mother: It''s tough being a teenage Slayer. On the verge of failing her junior year thanks to the annoying Principal Snyder, who seems to be acting even stranger than usual lately, Buffy agrees to meet with a tutor… one who may not have her best interests in mind. Not helping her studies is the fact that recently she''s been exhausted, waking up each morning feeling more tired than she did the night before. Fighting off exhaustion, Buffy learns that Principal Snyder is the target of a sleep deprivation spell that has taken over Sunnydale. As sleep takes hold of the citizens of Sunnydale, Buffy begins to realize that unless she breaks the spell soon, the nightmare is just beginning.

The gripping conclusion to the Crusade trilogyEby "New York Times"-bestselling authors Holder and Viguie.

DREAMS CAN COME TRUE. JUST NOT THE GOOD ONES. In Beacon Hills, a mountain lion is blamed for a spate of vicious attacks; Scott McCall wishes the cause was that simple. Unfortunately, hiding his werewolf identity, especially from Allison Argent, while fighting his need to shift, is only one problem. Keeping his mysterious, murderous Alpha off his back (literally), avoiding hunters, deciphering strange dreams about flames and impending doom . . . is really eating into lacrosse practice and hang-out time. So when Jackson Whittemore doesn’t show for his date with Lydia, Scott hopes that helping Allison track down their buddy will be simpler. Derek—whose hunger for vengeance blinds him to the dangers that lie in wait—and Stiles are also looking, but the worried teens’ search is leading right to the preserve from Scott’s nightmare. They aren’t the only ones in the woods, and their little trip starts looking less like a rescue mission and more like an elaborate trap—one that will force them to make the choice between killing and being killed. . . .

As the newly appointed Hunter, 17-year-old Jenn leads the fighting teams who defend against the Cursed Ones--the vampires who are taking over Earth--but an even more sinister force now threatens the teams of hunters, with the fate of humanity at stake.

In every generation, there is a Chosen One. A slayer destined to protect the human race. She alone must fight the demons of hell. She alone must risk her life to stop the spread of evil. Buffy is the Chosen One. In Halloween Rain, as if Halloween at the Hellmouth isn’t bad enough, a brewing storm threatens to bring new demons to life, just in time for a celebratory massacre. A curse on the school’s rummage sale causes strange behavior in the halls of Sunnydale High in Bad Bargain. Buffy and her friends are looking forward to the revival of the old drive-in theater, but when people start slipping into comas in Afterimage, this late show may be their last….

In every generation, there is a Chosen One. A slayer destined to protect the human race. She alone must fight the demons of hell. She alone must risk her life to stop the spread of evil. Buffy is the Chosen One. A night at the fair becomes a night of terror for Buffy and her friends when their personalities start matching the amusements in the park in Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Carnival of Souls. In One Thing or Your Mother, Buffy must face a fear worse than her typical demon: children. In Blooded, Willow accidentally turns her body into a vessel for the spirit of an ancient warrior—and he’s out for revenge.

From Bram Stoker Award–winning author Nancy Holder comes a chilling novel of horror on the sea. This is how it will be when you drown. . . . At a sun-washed dock in Long Beach, California, the creaky freighter, Morris, loaded with brightly colored boxcars, takes on passengers. Among the vacationers: a disgruntled yuppie couple, a child stricken by cancer, a woman searching for her lost husband, and a female cop packing a .38 and bitter memories of a boy who drowned before her eyes. In seas of love and blood they will drown, one at a time. And for their company, they will have those who have drowned before them—and those who have received a message in a bottle. . . . Praise for Dead in the Water “Dead in the Water is saturated with brooding, claustrophobic, hallucinatory menace. Nancy Holder’s vivid voice and sharp characterization make it all real. I’m never going on a boat again!”—Poppy Z. Brite “Dead in the Water is an involving and truly frightening book. This is the kind of horror that gets underneath your skin and works its way into your soul. Real terror . . . for those daring enough to take the trip. I enjoyed it immensely.”—Rick Hautala “Nancy Holder proves why she’s an award-winning author. Eerie—effective—excellent! A chilling combination of Lifeboat, Ship of Fools, and John Carpenter’s The Fog, Dead in the Water keeps you treading water with every page, gasping for breath, sucking you under. A nightmare cruise into black waters and terrifying depths.”—Lisa Cantrell “I’d feel safer in the water with Jaws.”—Brian Lumley “A nasty tale well told, infused with the eerily surreal quality of fevered nightmares. Discovering Nancy Holder is like finding a vein of true horror gold.”—Cheri Scotch “Man the lifeboats. Don your life jacket. Nancy Holder takes you on a cruise you won’t soon forget. Scary stuff.”—Maxine O’Callaghan “I couldn’t put it down! A whale of a tale. A page-turner—the first sentence will hook you and what follows will reel you in. Dead in the Water is fast-paced and exciting, mysterious and spooky!”—Chris Curry “Nancy Holder enshrouds fascinating characters within a chilling atmosphere and creates a relentless tale of terror at sea. Holder is one of my favorite writers.”—Elizabeth Massie

The gutsy heroine of Possessions and The Evil Within returns for another year of boarding school at the haunted Marlwood Academy. Lindsay wakes to find herself strapped down in the infirmary. She had a breakdown and might have tried to kill her nemesis Mandy or Mandy''s boyfriend, Troy-or both. The details are hazy, but one thing is certain: she is possessed by a spirit she cannot trust. Lindsay soon realizes that nowhere on campus is safe. Then, she finds a surprising ally in her former rival. Together, Lindsay and Mandy must figure out who can be trusted-and who wants them dead. But when Lindsay''s ex-boyfriend shows up at Marlwood, she is given a chance to get away and be free of the curse. Will she take Riley''s hand and run, or team up with a new love to save Marlwood from the evil spirits forever?

The Cursed Ones, or vampires, have made their presence known to mankind. They promised to help bring peace to the world but then declared war on humanity. The identity of their leader is unknown. Most people are too afraid or unwillingly to take a stand against them. Others, like eighteen-year-old Jenn Leitner, train secretly to become vampire fighters and risk everything in the process. Alongside her is fellow Hunter, Antonio de la Cruz. But Antonio has a secret - he is a vampire fighting on the side of humanity. Jenn must battle with her hatred of all things vampire, and her love for Antonio. For together only they can bring light into the darkness the vampires have drawn over the face of the planet…

War. Rage. Magic. Love. In May 1756 war is formally declared between the British and the French. During this highly dangerous time, Isabella Sevens is travelling with her father to the British stronghold Fort William Henry. In the forest, Wusamequin, the young and handsome medicine man, looks to avenge the death of his wife and child at the hands of British soldiers. When Wusamequin spots Isabella and her father, he alerts his warriors to capture them. But Wusamequin is quite taken with how bravely Isabella battles. He orders the warriors to spare her and her tfather, and they are dragged back to their village. However, many members of the Mohican tribe still want them to be killed. In a desperate plea to Wusamequin, Isabella vows to stay as his hostage if he lets her father go.

"Once upon a Time" Is Timeless When Rose''s mother dies, her only comfort is the exquisite rose garden her mother left behind. The purple blossoms serve as an assurance of her mother''s love. But Rose is dealt a second blow when her father dies and his greedy widow, Ombrine, and her daughter, Desirée, move in and take over the manor in true Cinderella fashion. Fate has been cruel to Ombrine and Desirée, too. So despite their harsh ways, Rose has compassion. But these feelings are bitterly tested when, in a rage, Ombrine tears out the garden. Rose nearly gives up all hope -- until a chance meeting with the king. Happiness might be within her reach, but first she must prevail over Ombrine. And then she must determine if she has the courage to love.

Vampires—the Cursed Ones—have declared war on humanity. Most people are too afraid or unwilling to take a stand, but eighteen-year-old Jenn Leitner trains to become a vampire hunter, risking everything in the process. When Jenn falls for Antonio, a vampire fighting on the side of humanity, she discovers a love that transcends attraction and physical consummation. But the closer Jenn and Antonio become, the greater the danger. Together, they must fight for their love—and to bring light into the darkness the vampires have drawn over the face of the planet.

In this sequel to New York Times bestselling author Nancy Holder''s Possessions, Lindsay finds out that she, too, is possessed, and must return to creepy Marlwood Academy in order to rid herself of the spirit. Lindsay''s afraid of what the spirit is telling her to do—kill Mandy! But the secrets of Marlwood go much deeper than Lindsay thought. Sometimes the girls who seem like enemies are actually on your side. And the voices you trust the most—the voices that come from within—are the ones that want you dead.

What the Cahors witches thought was the end of their troubles turns out to be only the beginning. A threat more powerful and more frightening than anything they have faced before has been watching and waiting. Holly and the Cahors witches must come together and find Jer and Eli as both the Deveraux and the Cahors family lines face eradication. All the secrets of the Cahors will be revealed, forcing them to overcome their greatest weaknesses in order to achieve their most powerful strengths. Only united do they have any chance at victory, but before the end, sacrifices will be made, alliances forged, and old friends lost forever.

A gripping novel packed with heart and heat, based on the hit television series Saving Grace Life’s been tough for Oklahoma police detective Grace Hanadarko. She’s got the talent it takes to make her a damn fine cop—but a personal life that can make your hair stand on end. Earl is not your average angel, but he is determined to lead Grace down the road to salvation—if he can handle the hard-as-nails journey. Oklahoma City is caught in the deadly cross fire between white-supremacist vigilantes known as the Sons of Oklahoma and black and Hispanic street gangs. Grace feels the pressure, especially when her best friend is targeted for protecting the runaway wife of the Sons’ abusive leader. As if arson, vandalism, and bloodshed aren’t enough for Grace to go full throttle, the very sick young friend of her nephew is kidnapped, and his abductors threaten to withhold medical treatment. But Grace has heart—and she won’t put down her gun until there’s nothing left to fight for.

The first two novels in a captivating, speculative series about an orphaned girl who is sent to live with witch relatives. Perfect for fans of Holly Black and Shea Earnshaw. Holly Cathers'' world shatters when her parents are killed in a terrible accident. Wrenched from her home in San Francisco, she is sent to Seattle to live with her relatives, Aunt Marie-Claire and her twin cousins, Amanda and Nicole. But as she struggles to settle into her new home, Holly''s sorrow and grief soon gives way to bewilderment at the strange incidents going on around her. Such as how any wish she whispers to her cat seems to come true. Or the way a friend is injured after a freak attack from a vicious falcon. And then there''s the undeniable, magnetic attraction to a boy Holly barely knows . . . Holly and her cousins, Amanda and Nicole, are about to be drawn into family feud spanning generations. And as they uncover a dark legacy of witches, secrets, and alliances, where ancient magic yields dangerous results, the girls learn of a shared destiny that is beyond their wildest imaginations . . . Praise for Witch & Curse: ''I thoroughly hope we see more collaborations from Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguié in the future.'' - The Book Bag Also by Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguié: Wicked: Legacy & Spellbound Wicked: Resurrection

A dazzling novel based on the hit television series Saving Grace In the shadow of past misfortune, Oklahoma police detective Grace Hanadarko lives life hard and fast. After Grace’s drinking and driving leads to tragedy, an uncharacteristic angel named Earl answers her prayers and hopes to guide her back on the right path. But saving Grace is about to become a hell of a ride. Ever defiant and rebellious, Grace does have a soft side, especially for kids. The body of a teenage boy dredged out of the Oklahoma River appears to be a suicide. But Grace soon discovers that the boy, Zack Lacey, may have been murdered, the victim of a brutal hate crime. As Grace digs with her typical driven style, she uncovers shocking secrets in young Zack’s life, forcing her to wrestle with questions of faith, hope, and justice. She’ ll deliver justice for the boy. As for faith–well, she’s working on it.

The It Girl meets The Exorcist in this chilling, haunted boarding school tale New-girl Lindsay discovers all is not right at the prestigious Marlwood Academy for Girls. Ethereal, popular Mandy and her clique are plotting something dangerous. Lindsay overhears them performing strange rituals, and sees their eyes turn black. It doesn?t help that the school itself is totally eerie, with ancient, dilapidated buildings tucked into the Northern California woods, a thick white fog swirling through campus. There are hidden passageways, odd reflections in the windows at night, and scariest of all is the vast lake rumored to have captured the ghost of a girl who drowned many years ago. What Lindsay doesn?t yet realize is that Mandy and her cohorts are becoming possessed by spirits who have haunted the school for two hundred years. Spirits who want someone dead... And that someone is Lindsay.

Who is Alex Carruthers? That is the question Wicked fans have been asking for nearly six years. Spellbound, the fourth and seemingly final book in the Wicked series, originally published in 2003, left readers on the edge of their seats with a classic cliffhanger ending. But now, as new fans of the bind-up editions of the series begin to ask the same question, the true and final conclusion to the Wicked series will emerge. And all their questions will be answered in this heart-stopping, magical adventure about witches, destiny, and the beyond.

He''s on his way. You had better be ready. Or he will kill you. At first, the warnings in Isabella DeMarco''s nightmares seem the likely result of the stresses in her life: the anniversary of her mother''s tragic death, her anxiety over applying to the police force, or what her acceptance might do to her protective cop father. Then she begins to hear voices in her head when she''s awake. Slowly she realizes that she''s not going crazy — she''s reading people''s minds. And that''s just the beginning. When the mysterious Jean-Marc enters her life, he introduces her to a dark world beyond anything she''s ever imagined and powers she never knew she had. Now he will lead her to her destiny...or her ultimate destruction.

Nia Diakos has an ordinary life--running her restaurant, taking care of her little sister. Suddenly her restaurant is attacked, her little sister kidnapped, and Nia is catapulted into a colossal war between the forces of good and evil among an ancient race of magicians known as The Gifted. And that''s only the beginning! Racing to retrieve the powerfully magical Jar of Naxos from the depths of the North Sea before the evil opposition finds it, Nia is paired with Erik, a merman chieftan, whose icy demeanor reflects a century of bitterness and grief. Despite the fierce attraction between them, Erik is guarded and cold. But as the two unite to defeat the evil enemy, Nia must be transformed into a mermaid in order to accomplish her mission--and the only way to do that is to become Erik''s lover and conceive his child!

Jean-Marc de Devereaux, son of the magical House of the Shadows and its most powerful mage, loses a part of himself when a demon ravages his soul. Though an intense union with Isabelle De Bouvard—a powerful mage—enables Jean-Marc to recover his soul, the union costs his forbidden lover her powers. And the powers of darkness still call out to him. If Jean-Marc heeds that call and kills Isabelle, the world will fall to the evil unleashed by their worst enemy—Isabelle''s twin sister. Somehow Jean-Marc must learn to control his deadly impulses and restore Isabelle''s memories. And the only way to do that might be impossible. For he must open himself to that most treacherous of all human emotions—love.…

The ancient race of powerful magic users called The Gifted have lived side-by-side with normal "Ungifted" humans for centuries. Led by a Guardian, each Gifted "House" governs a territory. But when the House of Blood crosses over to the dark side, evil supernatural beings who had been held in check are loosed upon the world. As the war between the forces of good and evil escalates, the other Houses must contend with internal dissention and treachery before they can vanquish a monstrous demon who can bring destruction upon all mankind. Journey through the astonishing world of The Gifted in this gripping series by award-winning author Nancy Holder. Bundle includes Daughter of the Flames, Daughter of the Blood, Son of the Shadows and Son of the Sea.

Allison Gracelyn''s worst nightmare has come true: She''s on the run from authorities. She''s being set up, and everything the Athenas—and her mother—have always stood for is in jeopardy. Yet clearing her name will mean battling an adversary wielding weapons unlike any she''s ever seen. Only the help of her handsome NSA contact, who offers to put his neck—and career—on the line, will be enough to stop her enemy''s deadly reign. But once she''s up close and personal with her long-distance partner, full disclosure suddenly seems the greatest risk of all.

"Zorro created by Johnston McCulley"--p. [4]

Hazel Stone wants nothing more than to be a part of the hottest clique in school, the Pretty Little Devils, but she’s stuck at a lunch table full of high school C-listers. Hazel has resigned herself to life as a nobody—when suddenly everything changes. The PLDs invite Hazel to one of the group’s famous parties, held at the site of one of their babysitting jobs. Before Hazel knows it, she’s in with the in crowd—and she couldn’t be more thrilled! But nothing turns out the way she expects. Especially when one her classmates becomes jealous of her newfound status—deadly jealous. Author Nancy Holder weaves a wicked tale about the price of popularity, and having the kind of friends some girls would just die for.

SOMETHING WICKED EVIL THIS WAY COMES. There''s something troubling about Professor Caligari''s Traveling Carnival. Perhaps it''s that no one can recall the arrival of its hard-to-miss caravan of old-style wagons, countless performers, and horse-drawn carts. Maybe it''s the creepy calliope music that tirelessly beckons visitors. Let''s face it, an enigma that chooses Sunnydale nearly guarantees it''s up to more than wholesome family entertainment. After a visit to the carnival''s Hall of Mirrors, a once-shy pair of homely sophomore twins parades the halls of Sunnydale High like diva supermodels on a runway. Intuiting the twins'' abrupt personality change as more than a self-confidence boost, Buffy -- joined by Angel, Giles, and the rest of the Scoobies -- decides to investigate the suspicious carnival firsthand. But soon it''s apparent that the price of admission is higher than she imagined. Those who enter the carnival''s attractions exit...changed. Each of the gang soon shows extreme displays of vice. Willow is wracked with envy. Cordelia''s greed consumes her. Xander unleashes his gluttony. Angel reveals a lusty new persona. And a dark anger rises in Giles. But it''s Buffy''s now-blinding pride that threatens to overpower her, and in the process destroy those she loves....

The Hot Blood anthology series pushes the boundaries of unbridled passion and unholy fear to the edge of human endurance. This tenth installment contains stories from Lawrence Block, Ramsey Campbell, and Nancy Holder.

Anthology of two previously published books, Witch and Curse.