This classic yet controversial Japanese novel is available for the first time in English--a high-octane thriller about senseless youth violence that is a potent allegory of what it means to be young and survive in today's dog-eat-dog world.

The cult Japanese bestselling phenomenon! Koushun Takami's notorious high-octane thriller is based on an irresistible premise: a class of 42 junior high school students are taken to a deserted island where, as part of a ruthless authoritarian program, they are electronically collared, provided with weapons of varying potency, and sent out onto the island. If they are in the wrong part of the island at the wrong time, their collars will explode. If they band together to save themselves a collar will explode at random. If they try to escape from the island, they will be blown up. Their only chance for survival lies in killing their classmates. Criticized as violent exploitation when first published in Japan - where it then proceeded to become a runaway bestseller - BATTLE ROYALE is a Lord of the Flies for the 21st century, and a potent story of politics and survival in a dog-eat-dog world. Made into a controversial hit movie of the same name, BATTLE ROYALE is already a contemporary Japanese pulp classic, and is now available for the first time to the UK mainstream.

Koushun Takami’s Battle Royale is an international best seller, the basis of the cult film, and the inspiration for a popular manga. And fifteen years after its initial release, Battle Royale remains a controversial pop culture phenomenon. Join New York Times best-selling author John Skipp, Batman screenwriter Sam Hamm, Philip K. Dick Award-nominated novelist Toh EnJoe, and an array of writers, scholars, and fans in discussing girl power, firepower, professional wrestling, bad movies, the survival chances of Hollywood’s leading teen icons in a battle royale, and so much more! -- VIZ Media

“Lucy Parker writes deliciously fun enemies-to-lovers perfection!” — Tessa Bailey, New York Times bestselling author Beloved author Lucy Parker pens a delicious new romantic comedy that is a battle of whisks and wits. Ready… Four years ago, Sylvie Fairchild charmed the world as a contestant on the hit baking show, Operation Cake. Her ingenious, creations captivated viewers and intrigued all but one of the judges, Dominic De Vere. When Sylvie's unicorn cake went spectacularly sideways, Dominic was quick to vote her off the show. Since then, Sylvie has used her fame to fulfill her dream of opening a bakery. The toast of Instagram, Sugar Fair has captured the attention of the Operation Cake producers…and a princess. Set… Dominic is His Majesty the King’s favorite baker and a veritable British institution. He’s brilliant, talented, hard-working. And an icy, starchy grouch. Learning that Sylvie will be joining him on the Operation Cake judging panel is enough to make the famously dour baker even more grim. Her fantastical baking is only slightly more troublesome than the fact that he can’t stop thinking about her pink-streaked hair and irrepressible dimple. Match… When Dominic and Sylvie learn they will be fighting for the once in a lifetime opportunity to bake a cake for the upcoming wedding of Princess Rose, the flour begins to fly as they fight to come out on top. The bride adores Sylvie’s quirky style. The palace wants Dominic’s classic perfection. In this royal battle, can there be room for two?

"Parental advisory explicit content" -- p. [1] of cover.

A 9th grade class is forced to fight each other to the death on a reality telvision program, demonstrating the lengths to which the government will go to prevent school violence.

Twelve-year-old Grey has been sucked into a hacked, virtual reality version of Fortnite Battle Royale along with one hundred other players. To get home, he must become one of the top five players before the season ends, or he’s stuck in Fortnite for another two months. Grey and his friend have gone up in ranks and are learning how to build structures to improve their tactics. While they’re not at the top by any means, they are solidly in the middle of the pack. They aspire to be like the Top Player, who has been unbeatable for fifteen games in a row. No one knows how the Top Player does it, but everyone is chasing him. Before Grey can aspire to beat the Top Player, though, he has to get through the Rival players that are just above him. These players are threatened by him and his friend and hunt them down in every battle. Grey wants to beat them, but he can’t figure out how. How can Grey survive long enough to beat the Top Player? And will he ever escape the Fortnite world?

Reads from back to front and from right to left.

This pop-fiction novel carries the reader on a suspenseful adventure juxtaposing teenage angst against a colorful Tokyo backdrop, in an unforgettable tale that blurs the boundaries between reality and fantasy.

Reads from back to front and from right to left.