Most Popular Books by Sarah Zettel

Four galaxy-spanning novels by an award-winning author with a “gift for creating fully realized cultures” (Booklist). In Fool’s War, Katmer Al Shei has done well with the starship Pasadena, cutting corners where necessary to keep her crew paid and her journeys profitable. But there are two things she will never skimp on: her crew—and her fool. For a long space journey, a certified Fool’s Guild clown is essential, to amuse, excite, and otherwise distract the crew from the drudgeries of interstellar flight. Her newest fool, Evelyn Dobbs, is a talented jester. But does she have enough wit to save mankind? In Playing God, the planet of the Dedelphi has been riven by war for two centuries. Though delicate, swanlike creatures, the planet’s natives are fierce in battle, and their ceaseless conflict has reduced their world to a wasteland. To save themselves and their world, the Dedelphi have forged a fragile peace and called for outside intervention. The Earth corporation Bioverse constructs a plan to heal the shattered planet. It’s the most ambitious engineering project the universe has ever seen, and if it backfires, the result will almost certainly be genocide. In The Quiet Invasion, Dr. Helen Failia is nearing middle age at eighty-three, but has lost none of her fighting spirit. The founder of Earth’s first fully functioning colony on Venus, she will do anything to ensure that the home she’s built and nurtured not only survives, but thrives. Despite her constant work, funding for the colony is running out, and she’s dreading telling the ten thousand colonists they must move to Earth, a world some of them have never even seen. When one of her probes returns with the unprecedented proof of an ancient alien artifact on the surface of Venus she cannot believe her luck. This is the first evidence that humanity is not alone, and the discovery will surely secure the research colony’s future. In Reclamation, Eric Born knows his way around the universe. He’s a quick-thinking merchant blessed with natural telekinetic skill. He’s also that rarest of creatures, a human being. Humans have been scattered across the universe, powerless and oppressed, dispersed so widely that no one knows what planet they first came from. Eric survives by selling his talents to the mysterious galactic tyrants known as the Rhudolant Vitae, but has never forgotten he belongs to the human race, and the distant world, the Realm of the Nameless Powers. The Realm may be a backwater, but Eric will do anything to protect his home from the merciless and powerful Vitae.

Fans of Libba Bray''s The Diviners will love the blend of fantasy and jazz-hot Chicago in this stylish series. After rescuing her parents from the Seelie king at Hearst Castle, Callie is caught up in the war between the fairies of the Midnight Throne and the Sunlit Kingdoms. By accident, she discovers that fairies aren''t the only magical creatures in the world. There''s also Halfers, misfits that are half fairy and half other--laced with strange magic and big-city attitude. As the war heats up, Callie''s world falls apart. And even though she''s the child of prophecy, she doubts she can save the Halfers, her people, her family, and Jack, let alone herself. The fairies all say Callie is the Bad Luck Girl, and she''s starting to believe them. A strong example of diversity in YA, the American Fairy Trilogy introduces Callie LeRoux, a half-black teen who stars in this evocative story full of American history and fairy tales. Supports the Common Core State Standards. Praise for Bad Luck Girl: "All the powers that be want to use Callie''s magic to win the war for their side, and nobody cares what happens to Callie, Jack or the Halfers, raising the stakes to frighteningly high levels. Callie and Zettel bring this stellar trilogy to a satisfyingly sentimental conclusion." --Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review "[Zettel''s] strong characterizations, historical detail, and carefully constructed fantastic elements create a high-energy literary fusion that fans will devour." --SLJ

A powerful queen and an Arthurian knight risk their lives and love for their kingdoms in this romantic fantasy from an award-winning author. Romance and Arthurian legend combine in this epic series featuring the women of Camelot. In order to provide protection and stability for her fractious kingdom, Laurel Carnbrea, queen of Cambryn, must marry Sir Agravain, knight of the Round Table and nephew of King Arthur, a man she has never met and about whom she knows nothing. But Laurel is determined to keep her people united, even if it means marrying a man widely believed to be heartless. Famously acerbic and impatient, Agravain finds much to admire in his new wife’s courage, sense, and beauty. And to his surprise, finds himself opening his sealed heart to her bravery and warmth. But Lynet and Agravain are given no time to come together. Agravain’s homeland of Gododdin is in peril. His father, the mad King Lot, is dying, and the foul sorceress Morgaine prepares to invade. Summoning her family’s magical power, Laurel readies herself for battle alongside her new husband. But as she prepares to stand against the darkest evil, Lynet’s secrets may doom her, and the man she’s beginning to love . . . Praise for the Queens of Camelot series “A real happy ending takes love, effort, and sacrifice. Pick up a copy of Camelot’s Blood if you want an epic romance!” —Silver Petticoat Reviews on Laurel: Camelot’s Blood “This novel delivers passion, danger, and excitement laced with fantasy.” —RT Book Reviews on Risa: In Camelot’s Shadow “A spellbinding journey.” —BookLoons Reviews on Elen: For Camelot’s Honor

Callie LeRoux has put her grimy, harrowing trip from the depths of the Dust Bowl behind her. Her life is a different kind of exciting now: she works at a major motion picture studio among powerful studio executives and stylish stars. Still nothing can distract her from her true goal. With help from her friend Jack and guidance from the great singer Paul Robeson, she will find her missing mother. But as a child of prophecy and daughter of the legitimate heir to the Seelie throne, Callie poses a huge threat to the warring fae factions who''ve attached themselves to the most powerful people in Hollywood . . . and they

The Empress of the magical world of Isavalta, realizes that her treacherous husband is trying to control both her mind and her empire. Her only true help comes from an unexpected source.

A magical fantasy romance set in Arthurian England from the Philip K. Dick Award–winning author of Reclamation and The Other Sister. An epic series featuring the women of Camelot begins with this tale of forbidden magic and enduring love. Lady Risa of the Morelands has already caught the eyes and won the hearts of many suitors. Not one of them, though, can gain the approval of her father, Lord Rygehil. When Risa discovers his secret—that he promised her to the necromancer Euberacon—she is furious, and terrified. Refusing to be a sacrifice, Risa runs away rather than submit to her fate. But Euberacon is determined to claim his bride, and Risa’s raw courage and archery skills are no match for his magic. Lucky for her, she is not alone. Sir Gawain, fearless captain of King Arthur’s Round Table will never refuse a fight—or a chance to save a beautiful maiden. But no matter how distressed she is, Risa isn’t an ordinary damsel, and even in the midst of battle she poses no ordinary risk to Gawain’s gallant heart. But Euberacon will not surrender his prize without a fight. Risa and Gawain are quickly ensnared in his web of poisonous enchantments. His deadly magics may destroy their lives, their love, and all Camelot with them. Praise for Risa: In Camelot’s Shadow “Based on the famous poem, ‘Sir Gawain and the Green Knight,’ this novel delivers passion, danger, and excitement laced with fantasy.” —RT Book Reviews “Absorbing and exciting.” —Analog “Zettel’s artful combination of romance and . . . adventures is truly magical to read and is accessible to even those unfamiliar with Arthurian writings.” —Historical Novel Society

Fantasy-roman.

A maiden fights to bring peace to Arthurian England in this romantic fantasy from an award-winning author. Love finds a way in this epic series featuring swords, sorcery, and the women of Camelot. The daughter of the steward of Cambryn, Lynet has seen the damage that following one’s heart can do. Now the threat of war looms over her land. Desperately searching for a way to restore peace to her home and honor to her family, Lynet and her sister decide that Lynet will seek the help of the last heir to the ancient royal house of Cambryn: the High Queen Guinevere. In Camelot, Gareth, squire of Sir Lancelot, is filled with pride and swagger. But when a potential war calls Queen Guinevere to Cambryn, Gareth finds himself in the company of a young woman who has no patience for his shows of bravado, and for the first time in his life Gareth finds himself with something real to prove. The love growing between Gareth and Lynet is undeniable, but so is the danger into which they are drawn. Only if they come to terms with their pasts and learn to trust again will they be able to overcome the festering darkness threatening to consume them both. Praise for the Queens of Camelot series “High fantasy at its best.” —SFF on Lynet: Under Camelot’s Banner “This novel delivers passion, danger, and excitement laced with fantasy.” —RT Book Reviews on Risa: In Camelot’s Shadow “A spellbinding journey.” —BookLoons Reviews on Elen: For Camelot’s Honor

Fantasy-roman.

All four novels in the fantasy romance series featuring the beautiful women of Camelot from the Philip K. Dick Award–winning author of Reclamation. In this riveting series, author Sarah Zettel expands the legend of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table to tell the stories of those untold heroes: the Queens of Camelot . . . Risa: In Camelot’s Shadow: When Lady Risa of the Morelands discovers her father has promised her to the evil sorcerer Euberacon, she runs away. After meeting the gallant Sir Gawain, she thinks everything has changed, but Euberacon has other plans . . . Elen: For Camelot’s Honor: As treachery and violence threaten Elen’s homeland, a power begins to rise inside her. But with the foul witch Morgaine aiding her enemy, Elen will find strength and love in Sir Geraint. Lynet: Under Camelot’s Banner: With the threat of war and dark magic looming over her land, Lynet travels to Camelot to seek help from the High Queen Guinevere and restore honor to her family. But she also encounters the womanizing squire, Gareth. Laurel: By Camelot’s Blood: Laurel, queen of Cambryn, thought an arranged marriage to the reserved Sir Agravain would save her kingdom. However, she wasn’t expecting to spend her honeymoon on the battlefield. Praise for the Queens of Camelot series “Zettel’s artful combination of romance and . . . adventures is truly magical to read and is accessible to even those unfamiliar with Arthurian writings.” —Historical Novel Society on Risa: In Camelot’s Shadow “This novel delivers passion, danger, and excitement laced with fantasy.” —RT Book Reviews on Risa: In Camelot’s Shadow

The Dedelphi, fierce inhabitants of a violent world at war for centuries, have unleashed a biological weapon that has poisoned their planet. Lynn Nussbaumer & her company were hired to clean the infection out of the ecosystem but some groups within the Dedelphi society want to use the humans & their advanced technology to exterminate their enemies.

An unwelcome engagement, a mysterious plot that hints at treason, and a possible murder add even more excitement to sixteen-year-old Peggy Fitzroy''s life as she continues to serve as both a lady-in-waiting and confidential agent to King George of England.

In this romantic fantasy from the award-winning author of Reclamation, a Welsh chieftain’s daughter and an Arthurian knight battle a vile sorceress. Steel and sorcery collide in this epic series featuring the women of Camelot. When treachery and violence destroy Elen’s homeland, a power begins to rise inside her. But it will take more than that untested magic to avenge her family, unite her people, and reclaim their land. Her enemy receives power from an evil source: the wicked sorceress Morgaine LeFay, who will stop at nothing to destroy King Arthur and his knights of Camelot. And she plans to use Elen to work for her own vile purpose. The thought of Elen in danger stirs something in the heart of Sir Geraint. Quiet and stalwart, he has always remembered the warmth they once shared. He will do anything to help her, even traveling undercover into enemy territory, where his martial skill and the love he shares with Elen will be put to the ultimate test . . . Praise for Elen: For Camelot’s Honor “Lyrical, heartwarming, and engaging.” —Explorations “Fine characterizations, lyrical writing, and intricate plotting make for a spellbinding journey.” —BookLoons Reviews

DIVA stunning discovery by a team of scientists on Venus endangers Earth itself/divDIV At eighty-three, Dr. Helen Failia is nearing middle age but has lost none of her fighting spirit. The founder of Earth’s first fully functioning colony on Venus, she will do anything to ensure that the home she’s built and nurtured not only survives, but thrives. Despite her constant work, funding for the colony is running out, and she’s dreading telling the ten thousand colonists they must move to Earth, a world some of them have never even seen. When one of her probes returns with the unprecedented proof of an ancient alien artifact on the surface of Venus she cannot believe her luck. This is the first evidence that humanity is not alone, and the discovery will surely secure the research colony’s future./divDIV /divDIVAs Helen and her team investigate the strange new find, they learn that humanity is not the only species with its eye on the planet. A dying race of spacefaring aliens needs a new home, and Venus is perfect for the people and their massive, living cities. But these newcomers consider the human presence on Venus a very small problem, one that can be swept aside if it dares get in the way./div

A New York Times Notable Book from the author of Reclamation: A young woman must face off against an alien force within her starship’s computer. Katmer Al Shei has done well with the starship Pasadena, cutting corners where necessary to keep her crew paid and her journeys profitable. But there are two things she will never skimp on: her crew and her fool. For a long space journey, a certified Fool’s Guild clown is essential to amuse, excite, and otherwise distract the crew from the drudgeries of interstellar flight. Her newest fool, Evelyn Dobbs, is a talented jester. But does she have enough wit to save mankind? In the computers of the Pasadena, something is emerging. The highly sophisticated software that makes interstellar travel practical is playing host to a new form of artificial intelligence, a living entity. And it will do whatever it takes to survive . . . Displaying “the influence of Asimov’s robot stories and C. J. Cherryh’s elaborate, sophisticated spaceship adventures,” this is a science fiction masterpiece that asks the thought-provoking question, “What if the next great life-form with which we must contend isn’t from the stars but from our hard drives?” (Publishers Weekly)

From the award-winning author of Dangerous Deceptions. “Like its heroine, Zettel’s tale is still smarter and wittier than its rivals.”—Kirkus Reviews Things are turning around for seventeen-year-old Peggy Fitzroy, a once-orphaned spy. Her father is back from the dead, and her unwanted engagement has been called off for good. But when a mysterious veiled woman shows up, Peggy uncovers a fresh slew of questions about her past, present, and future. Now Peggy is back at the palace, unsure of the loyalties she thought she held. With the Jacobite uprising stalking ever closer to the throne, it’s imperative that Peggy discover who she can really trust. Can she save herself and the royal family, or is she doomed as a pawn in this most deadly game? “For fans of humorous historical mysteries . . . a delightful read.”—VOYA “Court shenanigans and stolen kisses yet abound . . . But fret not, gentle readers, because feisty ‘Peggy Mostly’ and her champions (sly cousin Olivia and brave sweetheart Matthew) always get their man, usually with dramatic flair to boot.”—Kirkus Reviews

DIVWinner of the Locus Award for Best First Novel: With mankind spread thinly across the galaxy, two refugees must find humanity’s home/divDIV Eric Born knows his way around the universe. He’s a quick-thinking merchant blessed with natural telekinetic skill. He’s also that rarest of creatures, a human being. Humans have been scattered across the universe, powerless and oppressed, dispersed so widely that no one knows what planet they first came from. Eric survives by selling his talents to the mysterious galactic tyrants known as the Rhudolant Vitae, but has never forgotten he belongs to the human race, and the distant world, the Realm of the Nameless Powers. The Realm may be a backwater, but Eric will do anything to protect his home from the merciless and powerful Vitae./divDIV /divDIVWith the help of fellow refugee Arla Rengate, Eric embarks on a journey across the stars. To save the Realm, he will have to cross the Vitae, and discover a secret that holds the key to the origins of mankind. /div

Fans of Libba Bray’s The Diviners will love the blend of fantasy and twentieth-century history in this stylish series. Callie LeRoux is choking on dust. Just as the biggest dust storm in history sweeps through the Midwest, Callie discovers her mother''s long-kept secret. Callie’s not just mixed race—she''s half fairy, too. Now, Callie''s fairy kin have found where she''s been hidden, and they''re coming for her. While dust engulfs the prairie, magic unfolds around Callie. Buildings flicker from lush to shabby, and people aren’t what they seem. The only person Callie can trust may be Jack, the charming ex-bootlegger she helped break out of jail. From the despair of the Dust Bowl to the hot jazz of Kansas City and the dangerous beauties of the fairy realm, Sarah Zettel creates a world rooted equally in American history and in magic, where two fairy clans war over a girl marked by prophecy. A strong example of diversity in YA, the American Fairy Trilogy introduces Callie LeRoux, a half-black teen who stars in this evocative story full of American history and fairy tales. Supports the Common Core State Standards.

In the untamed country of the Welsh borders, a knight of the Round Table must keep a close watch on his honour and his heart.

Peggy Fitzroy is clever enough to fake her way into King George''s court in London, but is she clever enough to survive in his Palace of Spies?

Fantasy-roman.

Two sisters who couldn''t be more different come together to plan a shocking revenge in this "addicting" (Hello Giggles) domestic thriller. Two sisters. One murder plan. Everyone thought reckless, troubled Geraldine Monroe was the bad sister -- especially when she fled town after her mother''s death twenty-five years ago. But people don''t know the truth. Marie Monroe knows. She was there for their father''s cruel punishments, the constant manipulation, the lies. Everyone thinks she''s the perfect daughter -- patient and kind, and above all obedient. No one would suspect her of anything. Especially not murder. Now Geraldine''s home again, and she and Marie have united in a plan for the ultimate revenge. But when old secrets and new fears clash, everyone is pushed to the breaking point . . . and the sisters will learn that they can''t trust anyone-not even each other. "The story of Geraldine''s return to her roots is vividly told... [for] readers looking for something to follow Jeanette Walls'' nonfiction The Glass Castle." -- Booklist "An excellent psychological thriller that''s filled with dark family secrets and plenty of intrigue." -- New York Journal of Books

It''s a dream for a "Vampire Chef"-cater the high-profile wedding of a 200-year-old vampire and a wealthy witch. So why did celebrity chef Oscar Simmons walk away from this gig? Charlotte agrees to take his place, even though she knows this event, thrown by power-hungry vampires and witches, could make (or break) her career, her restaurant, and her life. But when Simmons turns up dead, the groom''s family starts vanishing, and the police start asking pointed questions, Charlotte fears she may have picked the wrong wedding to stake her reputation on...

Charlotte Caine isn''t called "the Vampire Chef" because she''s a member of New York''s undead community-she just cooks for them. Her restaurant, Nightlife, is poised to take the top slot in the world of "haute noir" cuisine. But when a drunk customer causes a scene, a glowing review from the city''s top food critic doesn''t seem likely-especially when that customer winds up dead on Nightlife''s doorstep. Now, with her brother under suspicion for the murder, Charlotte has to re-open her restaurant and clear her brother''s name-before they both become dinner.

A compulsive family drama about a mother''s desperate search to reclaim her daughter from the horrors of her own past, perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell''s Then She Was Gone. Beth Fraser finally has her life together. She''s built a successful career in the tech sector, has a bright fifteen-year-old daughter, and she''s completely erased all evidence of her troubled past. At least that''s what she thought. Dana Fraser always wondered why she''s the only kid with two backup phones, emergency drills, and a non-negotiable check-in time every single day. When a stranger approaches her on the street claiming to be her grandmother, Dana starts to question what else her mother has been hiding. Soon Beth''s worst nightmare is coming true: Dana is in grave danger, and unless Beth is willing to pull one last con job for her parents, she may never see her daughter again.

As humanity faces extinction, Chena and Teal Trust are chosen to immigrate as part of the "Eden Project" devised by the brilliant ecologists of Pandora, a planet closely matching Earth. Once they arrive, the Trusts quickly learn the scientists don''t want new blood--only raw DNA. When Chena''s mother is killed, Chena and Teal vow to fight the system that killed her. (June)

An evocative and highly engaging romantic fantasy set in the evocative time of King Arthur.

An evocative romantic fantasy set in the legendary time of King Arthur. Lynet of Castle Cambryn sets off for Camelot to beg aid of Guinevere. Lynet of Cameliard is the youngest child of Lord Kenan, who holds Castle Cambryn in the name of Queen Guinevere. When Lynet''s brother, Colan, murders their father the castle and its people are thrown into disarray. Leaving her elder sister Laurel behind as a hostage, Lynet sets off for Camelot to beg Guinevere to return to Cameliard with her and restore order. Meanwhile at Camelot, Lancelot''s squire Gareth, youngest brother of the renowned Sir Gawain, is getting himself into all sorts of trouble, first by dallying too much with the ladies, then by losing a duel against an elderly knight, behaviour which reflects on the reputation of Lancelot himself. When Lynet arrives at court to make her appeal, Gareth sees a way to redeem himself. But the danger is greater then either of them could have realized. For Lynet''s fugitive brother, Colan, has allied himself with Arthur''s half-sister and sworn enemy, the sorceress Morgaine. Morgaine plans to use the troubles at Cameliard to bring about Guinevere''s downfall, fatalling weakening Arthur. Can Gareth and Lynet put aside their growing feelings for one another in order to avert catastrophe?

Ein Familiengeheimnis, das alles verändert! Kansas 1935: Inmitten des schlimmsten Staubsturms aller Zeiten verschwindet die Mutter der 13-jährigen Callie spurlos. Plötzlich taucht wie aus dem Nichts ein Fremder auf – und schickt Callie auf eine mysteriöse Reise, um das Geheimnis ihrer Herkunft zu lüften. Wer ist ihr Vater? Warum wartet ihre Mutter schon seit Callies Geburt auf seine Rückkehr? Und: Wo ist ihre Mom? Gemeinsam mit dem Jungen Jack macht Callie sich auf den Weg. Der Beginn eines fantastischen Abenteuers – denn Callie entdeckt nicht nur die Wahrheit über ihre Familie, sondern auch ihre Gefühle für Jack ... Eine starke Heldin, eine zarte Romanze und eine außergewöhnliche Reise Fesselnde Mischung aus Abenteuer, History und Romantik