Children’s / Teenage fiction: Fantasy

Book SynopsisA spell-binding new adventure from acclaimed performer and bestselling author Carrie Hope Fletcher.After defeating the Crowood Witch and saving the day, Ivy, Maggie and the rest of the Double Trouble Society are on the lookout for their next big adventure.They won''t have to wait long - there are three new kids in town and they''re all behaving very mysteriously . . .The Double Trouble Society know how to handle witches but can they manage vampires, werewolves and ghosts as well?Readers love The Double Trouble Society series:''Makes you believe there''s magic in every one of us''''Could not stop reading this wonderful and charming story''''Mysterious and exciting!''

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Book SynopsisLearn English with Billy and the Minpins! A Penguin Readers book. Discover fifteen famous Roald Dahl adventures, adapted for learners of English aged 7+. Can you read them all?Penguin Readers is an ELT graded reader series for learners of English as a foreign language. With simplified text, illustrations and language learning exercises, the print edition also includes instructions to access supporting material online.In these Penguin Readers editions, Roald Dahl''s stories have been aligned to the CEFR framework A1 to A2+, in four levels. Each book is also Lexile measured. The graded readers feature illustrated new words, language activities, and fun games between chapters, encouraging students and teachers to structure learning and make real progress. Every book also includes projects and discussions.Visit the Penguin Readers website for downloadable quizzes, worksheet

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Book SynopsisJohn Flanagan's Ranger's Apprentice and Brotherband adventure series have sold more than eight million copies worldwide. His books are available in more than one hundred countries, are regularly on the New York Times bestseller lists, and have had multiple award shortlistings and wins in Australia and overseas. John, a former television and advertising writer, lives with his wife in a Sydney beachside suburb.

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Book SynopsisEveryone gets a signal that tells them the exact halfway point oftheir lives. Flint knows he will die at 16 and science-obsessedSeptember is determined to find a cure for half-lifing. Chancebrings the two together, but is their time together destined to endin heartbreak or can September find a cure?

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Book SynopsisAgatha Black is from 1812, and Saul needs to find a way to get her back there. With new friend Agnes, can he work out how to make time travel happen?Trade Review'Young readers familiar with time transfers from TV will enjoy the situation and absorb some information about life 200 years ago along the way.'-- School Librarian journal'This book is very exciting [...] I especially enjoyed learning some history while I read. I would recommend this book for boys and girls who like history.'-- Children's Books, The Guardian'A good, solid adventure story that engages the reader throughout and moves towards a satisfying conclusion.'-- Carousel'I like the book and I think upper elementary school readers will like it as well.'-- Guys Lit Wire blog'This is really a sweet story [...] While it's written for young adults, I really enjoyed this and intend to buy a copy for my personal library.'-- Journey of a Bookseller blog'This is a well-structured time-slip story that cleverly keeps its momentum and manages, largely through the sympathetic character of Saul, to draw the reader in.'-- Books for Keeps'This story is really charming, and in the end, very heartwarming [...] I highly recommend it for middle school readers and beyond.'-- The Goode Word blog'Janis is a clever teacher. Rather than explain the differences between life then and now, she uses humour and misunderstandings to provide a gentle history lesson in the midst of an exciting adventure.'-- Lothian Life'This book had a great story line. The characters in the book felt and acted their age. There was a good character arc throughout the book. I read this book in a fairly short time because the story just sucks you right in.'-- Rantings, Ravings and Ramblings blog'Mackay has written another playful, easy going story for pre-teens full of lively dialogue [...] Agatha comes off the page as an interesting, talented person, presenting fascinating facts of life in the past.'--New View'I would highly recommend this book to adventure lovers'--Rhona, aged 11, Flora Stevenson Primary'I loved this book, it is the best I have ever read, I would read this again and again'--Cera, aged 11, Law Primary School'I have never been so inspired by a book'--Rebecca, aged 10, Kilmartin Primary

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Book SynopsisA laugh-out-loud, modern take on the ever popular body-swap story from bestselling author Beth Garrod. Perfect for 9+ fans of Rachel Renée Russell's Dork Diaries and Alesha Dixon’s Star Switch. Twelve-year-old Lily Mavers and her sister, Erin, do not get on. It doesn’t help that Lily has nothing in common with her overachieving, Grade A student sister. But after an emergency trip to the oddly named Hairy Godmother salon, Lily and Erin leave with much more than a new look – they’ve got a whole new life. Because the sisters have undergone a full-on body switch and they're about to find out that life in each other's shoes is much harder than it looks!Praise for Sister Switch: ‘World-class and whip-smart comedy magically mixed with a sweet message about sibling friendship. I absolutely loved it!’ Sibéal Pounder, aut

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Book SynopsisMeet Moss, an apprentice dino-dung shoveler working in Primordia''s royal stables. He couldn''t be any further down the pecking order without being underground - and he''ll certainly never get a chance to be a knight like his hero, Sir Brutus Fallsword. But fate takes a twist when Moss discovers that he has a gift for speaking to dinosaurs. He is suddenly and unexpectedly enlisted into training a truly fearsome beast - the huge and mighty Tyrannosaurus rex belonging to the king''s own daughter, Princess Opal!When a treacherous knight launches a coup against the king, the castle descends into chaos. Can Moss and Opal hope to save the Kingdom? Or will they be added to the dino-dung-pile?Find out in this first book in the Dino-Quest series!JOIN THE QUEST! Medieval fantasy collides with prehistoric peril in the illustrated Dino-Quest series, packed with action, drama, and laugh-out-loud humour. Perfect for young adventurers aged 7+.

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Book SynopsisSecond in Cassandra Clare's internationally bestselling Infernal Devices trilogy about the Shadowhunters.Love and lies can can corrupt even the purest heart Second in the bestselling prequel series to The Mortal Instruments, set in Victorian London. Tessa Gray find her heart drawn more and more to Jem, while her longing for Will, despite his dark moods, continues to unsettle her. This edition contains a bonus story, a map and a new foreword by Cassandra Clare. Read all the sensational books in The Shadowhunter Chronicles: The Mortal Instruments, The Infernal Devices, Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy, The Bane Chronicles, The Dark Artifices, The Last Hours and The Shadowhunter's Codex.Trade ReviewThe plot is fantastic and so orginal! Twists, turns, mysterious, haunting moments. Things you never saw coming did! I enjoyed every page from beginning to end .As soon as I opened the novel it was so haunting and exciting. It had my pulse facing, heart pounding tears rolling down my face and smiling with excitement. This book brought me in straight away and I couldn't believe how many jaw dropping moments there truly was! -- http://www.dark-readers.com/2011/11/book-review-clockwork-prince-inferal.html * Dark Readers *As well as a ridiculous skill for making you fall in love with her characters, Cassandra Clare really knows how to spin an addicting and all-consuming plot. The impending threat of Mortmain, the fear of Charlotte losing the Institute and wondering what on earth Jessamine was up to made me nearly unable to stop after ‘just one more chapter’ as I kept telling myself. The action was furiously paced and had me holding my breath and the softer down times often had me grinning like an idiot. I love everything that Cassandra Clare writes, even though she writes horrible cliffhangers, and I am beyond ready for Clockwork Princess. * So Little Time for Books *A triumph of a book. Cassandra Clare never disappoints and I am sure that this book will have all the success that it truly deserves. Clockwork Prince is out everywhere in two days’ time, so be sure to pick up a copy. You won't regret it, I promise. Warning: The ending may break your heart a little. * YA Book Reads *Clockwork Prince blends together romance and none stop action seamlessly, Cassie Clare showing other Young Adult authors how paranormal romance is done. * Jess Hearts Books *During Queen Victoria’s reign, London’s downworld is full of supernatural creatures in turmoil. Shadowhunters are tryng to irradicate demons, including Will, who changes when his past is revealed. Other Shadowhunters attempt to find out what their enemy, Mortmain, wants with Tessa. Links between different characters made the story unpredictable. I loved it – can’t wait for the next one! * Tesco Magazine Book Club *Highly recommended for anyone looking for thrilling action, hilarious asides and genuine emotion – all in one great book. * Mountains of Instead *

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Book SynopsisWhen twelve-year-old Aru Shah's schoolmates dare her to prove thatthe museum's Lamp of Bharata is cursed, she doesn't think there'sany harm in lighting it. Little does Aru know that lighting thelamp has dire consequences. She unwittingly frees an ancient demonwho freezes her mother in time - and it's up to Aru to save her.

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Book SynopsisWicked Queen Malice has cast a spell on Summer''s storybook and unleashed all the fairytale baddies into the Secret Kingdom. Now the gnomes of Flower Forest are being terrorised by a giant, who''s destroying the precious sugarsap trees! Can the girls catch the giant and get him back in the book before the peaceful land is ruined for ever?

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Book SynopsisWicked Queen Malice has cast a spell on Summer''s storybook and unleashed all the fairytale baddies into the Secret Kingdom. Ellie, Summer and Jasmine are called to Snugglewool Village, where the wool imps make warm winter clothes for everyone in the Secret Kingdom. But a wily Big Bad Wolf has just got himself elected mayor, and he''s up to no good... Can the girls unmask the wolf before he blows the whole village down, and get him back in the book?

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Book SynopsisEnter a magical world of friendship and fun!In the sixth book of the first Secret Kingdom series, every fairy in the kingdom is at Glitter Beach to watch the magic being renewed in the kingdom for another year. But Queen Malice is also nearby... Can Ellie, Summer and Jasmine save the glitter dust and keep the magic alive? Secret Kingdom is a brand new series full of the things girls love most: special friendships, secrets and magical adventures. Newly confident readers will be swept away by the magical stories of three children whose courage and resourcefulness save a fantastical land from disaster.Full of all the things little girls love best: special friendships, secrets and magical adventures, all set in an incredible kingdom!Eye-catching illustrations throughout.Become best friends with Ellie, Summer and Jasmine - plus Trixi the pixie!Help Ellie, Summer and Jasmine save the Secret Kingdom from wicked Queen Malice and her naughty storm sprites. A new excit

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Book SynopsisWhen mean Queen Malice puts a spell on King Merry, Ellie, Summer and Jasmine must find six magical ingredients to make a cure. They''re soon off to Bubble Volcano to find the first ingredient. Can they find the hidden bubblebee hive and get the magic honeycomb they need to save King Merry?Trade ReviewThere's friendship, fun, magic and adventure in six new titles in the collectable Secret Kingdom series, which made a strong debut this summer. * Bookseller *

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Book SynopsisEnter a magical world of friendship and fun!

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Book SynopsisQueen Malice has decided that Summer, Jasmine and Ellie are the cause of all her problems - so she''s stolen their special talents!The only way to get their gifts back is to award four special talent prizes. But how can the girls give Jasper the Art Imp the Sparkle Statue without Ellie''s artistic ability?

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Book SynopsisJasmine, Summer and Ellie are so excited to meet Pinky the Animal Elf and all her pet friends. But Queen Malice has taken away Summer''s talent with animals! When Queen Malice casts a spell to transform Pinky, the girls must work out which creature she is and award her the Pet Show Prize before it''s too late!

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Book SynopsisEnter a magical world of friendship and fun!

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Book SynopsisLearning to read is fun with the Rainbow Magic Fairies! Developed in conjunction with Early Years reading consultants and based on the most up-to-date educational research, the Rainbow Magic Beginner Readers are the perfect way to introduce your child to the magical world of reading.Trade ReviewA sure-fire hit for girls - MumsenseRemains the number one series for girls aged five and over - BooksellerHugely popular with young girls - Sunday ExpressA lovely set of books for girls to collect - Parents in Touch

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Book SynopsisQueen Malice has cast her most dangerous spell yet! The wicked queen has cursed the Magic Hourglass and when the sand runs out, all the magic will be gone from the Secret Kingdom forever! Jasmine, Ellie and Summer must find the four Enchanted Objects to break Queen Malice''s spell. But King Merry''s ancestors lost the objects long ago! With the magic in the Secret Kingdom already going wonky, can the girls help Fairy Prince Felix find the charmed heart?

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Book SynopsisBattle fearsome beasts and fight evil with Tom and Elenna in the bestselling adventure series for boys and girls aged 7 and up.If Dark Wizard Malvel captures Ghost Beast Rykar''s key, he will be able to return to wreak havoc in Avantia, leaving Tom and Elenna trapped on the Isle of Ghosts. Can Tom hope to defeat both the Beast and his oldest enemy once and for all? There are FOUR thrilling adventures to collect in this series - don''t miss out! Zulok the Winged Spirit; Skalix the Snapping Horror; Okira the Crusher and Rykar the Fire HoundIf you like Beast Quest, check out Adam Blade''s other series: Team Hero, Sea Quest and Beast Quest: New Blood!

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Book SynopsisIt's sports day at sea otter summer camp and the Sea Keepers are invited! A magical series about saving our oceans.

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Book SynopsisMercy and her sister Charity have never questioned their daily routine, each day unfolding exactly as the next. They live at night, sleep during the day and see their widowed father only rarely - their house shrouded in perpetual winter. Then one day, Mercy is woken to find a snowdrop on her pillow. A sign of spring, a subtle hint at a possible different future. A chance meeting with the mysterious Claudius sets her to questioning everything she has ever known - not least the truth behind her mother''s death. Bit by bit Mercy traces her parents'' story through the past, travelling back to see herself as a young child, silent witness to the dramatic events Claudius himself plays an enormous part in - only when she has pieced together the truth can her world begin to move on.

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Book SynopsisA gorgeous picture book to delight all little readers, with shooting stars and starry bedrooms. Collect the whole series for a year-round library of beautiful books.

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Book SynopsisKohei Fujiwara has never seen a big ryu in real life. Those dragons all disappeared from Japan after World War II, and twenty years later, they’ve become the stuff of legend. Their smaller cousins, who can fit in your palm, are all that remain. And Kohei loves his ryu, Yuharu, but… …Kohei has a memory of the big ryu. He knows that’s impossible, but still, it’s there, in his mind. In it, he can see his grandpa — Ojiisan — gazing up at the big ryu with what looks to Kohei like total and absolute wonder. When Kohei was little, he dreamed he’d go on a grand quest to bring the big ryu back, to get Ojiisan to smile again. But now, Ojiisan is really, really sick. And Kohei is running out of time. Kohei needs to find the big ryu now, before it’s too late. With the help of Isolde, his new half-Jewish, half-Japanese neighbor; and Isolde’s Yiddish-speaking dragon, Cheshire; he thinks he can do it. Maybe. He doesn’t have a choice. In The Lost Ryu, debut author Emi Watanabe Cohen gives us a story of multigenerational pain, magic, and the lengths to which we’ll go to protect the people we love.

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Book Synopsis'A deliciously thrilling mystery, full of heart, wisdom, wit and ingenuity' Edwina Wyatt, award-winning author of The Secrets of Magnolia Moon 'Easily one of the most charming books for young readers I have come across... A perfect balance of fun, fantasy, humour and innocence' Katrina Nannestad, author of the Travelling Bookshop series _______________ There are those that hunt monsters to harm them and there are those that hunt monsters to help them. Which one are you? Dressed in sparkly red shoes and carrying her strawberry-scented notebook, Mary-Kate accompanies her archaeologist mother to the quiet English countryside to investigate some unusual bones found in an old well. But soon she realises that the village of Woolington is not as peaceful as it seems; the ground trembles beneath them, there are mysterious noises, and the locals are obsessed with a terrifying old legend. Could there be any truth in the myth of the beast who lives in the ancient well? With the help of a new friend, Mary-Kate starts getting to the bottom of this monstrous mystery.

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Book SynopsisLonny is a lifeling. He has the power to heal any living creature and bring it back from the dead. But he pays a price for this gift - by lengthening the creature's life, he shortens his own. So Lonny has to be careful, has to stay hidden in the forest. Because if people knew what he could do, Lonny would be left with no life at all...A brilliant novel from the author of The Middler about family, secrets and a terrible power.

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Book SynopsisA prickling sensation grew on the back of her neck, spreading up her scalp. It was the feeling of being watched. She whirled to face the doorway but it was empty.Raven O?Sullivan doesn?t remember what happened in Hyacinth House five years ago. When her father died during a paranormal investigation there, everyone said it was an accident, but she?s pretty certain it?s her fault.Her brother, Archer, wasn?t there that night. When asked to investigate the supposed ghost of Hyacinth House, he can?t resist saying yes. Even if his sister wants nothing to do with it.Éabha McLoughlin has grown up seeing and hearing things no one else does. Now that she?s starting college, she finally has the freedom to find out why. The daring Archer and his eclectic team seem like a good place to start.But everyone has their secrets, and they all lead back to Hyacinth House ?

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Book SynopsisDive into magic with Mermaid Academy! Beautifully illustrated, action-packed underwater adventures for young readers.

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Book SynopsisA thrilling, unputdownable adventure, from the highly-acclaimed author of the Waterstones Children's Book Prize-shortlisted Orion Lost and the Blackwell's Children's Book of the Year, Adam-2.The world of Colony is in ruins. No one knows what caused society to begin tearing itself apart - but the secret may lie with Cora, a girl living on the mountainside far away from others. Cora possesses an extraordinary gift: the power to see back in time, from an event back to its causes. Even more incredibly, sometimes she can change events. But the present is looking for Cora, and she is forced on the run - and must decide who she is, what she can do ... and how to fix the future.With incredible twists and turns, and a hugely gripping story, The Consequence Girl is a brilliantly-imagined, ambitious and high-concept adventure from one of the most exciting new voices in children's fantasy and science fiction.

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Book SynopsisGet ready for an exciting fairy adventure with the no. 1 bestselling series for girls aged 5 and up. When Rachel and Kirsty meet on the ferry to Rainspell Island one summer holiday, they have no idea that such magical adventures with the fairies await them! In this sixth book in the series, Rachel and Kirsty enter a magical world in order to find Izzy the Indigo Fairy...'These stories are magic; they turn children into readers!' ReadingZone.comIf you like Rainbow Magic, check out Daisy Meadows' other series: Magic Animal Friends and Unicorn Magic!Trade ReviewWritten with easy vocabulary for young (girly) readers. * Junior *

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Book Synopsis'Wise and wondrous' - Holly BlackGarth Nix is on hilarious form as he spins his very own fairy tale, featuring Princess Anya, who, with her loyal dog, must embark on a terribly important (capital Q) Quest to acquire the ingredients for a reversal lip balm, the vital item needed to change a frog back to a prince . . . oh, and save her kingdom from her villainous step(step)father. Winner of the Mythopoeic Fantasy Award for Children's Literature, 2018A brilliantly funny take on fairytales and quests for younger readers. p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Georgia; color: #232323; -webkit-text-stroke: #232323} span.s1 {font-kerning: none}Trade ReviewThis beautifully told romp of fairy tale is at its core a meditation on the perils of power. Wise and wondrous. -- Holly BlackNix takes inspiration from classics and improves on them . . . Great fun with heart. * Kirkus, starred review *This book is humorous, entertaining and beautifully feminist. Princess Anya is a wonderful twist on the fairy princess. The characters were wonderfully quirky. This really is a beautiful story. * The Whispering of the Pages *First things first - how beautiful the actual hardback Frogkisser! is. With a beautiful slip cover, bright yellow bookmark, gorgeous froggy endpapers and elegant leaf detailing on each chapter heading, this book was a delight to look at, even before I started to read. Piccadilly Press have outdone themselves with the print quality on this one... Far from being just a tale of a girl and her dog on a magical adventure, Frogkisser! Also touches on issues of privilege and responsibility, allowing Anya (and the reader) to reflect on her situation without ever feeling preachy. * Much Ado About Books *There is more than enough here to satisfy your imagination and I ended up loving every second. There were a lot of funny and lighthearted moments as well as a lot of morals and great lessons to be learned. A brilliant fractured fairytale full of magic, adventure and a fantastic cast of characters. * Laura's Little Blog *Fairy tales have never been this much fun! Kiss those traditional tales goodbye and put on your lip balm as you love, laugh and race through the pages of this super funny and mischievous romp featuring madcap magic, perilous quests, kissing frogs and very evil stepfathers...Nix is on top form as he conjures up one of the most entertaining middle grade books of 2017. Frogkisser! is a gorgeous, gregarious story full of fun and laughter but also a subtle contemporary fable offering welcome, worldly wise messages for readers of all ages about the perils of too much power, and the imperative to be thankful for any privileges that might come your way. A charming children's odyssey with grown-up sophistication... simply magical! * Lancashire Evening Post *I can see why Nix is so popular. He really knows how to tell a story. This is really funny and I just love how it flowed altogether. A must read for the whole family! * Words From A Reader *This novel has everything you could possibly want in a fairytale and more - humour, wit, a feisty princess and of course frogs. There are nods to every classic fantasy you have ever read here and the whole makes for a supremely satisfying read. It's a handsome production and has some very lovely frog endpapers too. * Books for Keeps *With absurdism and wit reminiscent of Pratchett, Frogkisser is an absolute joy that had me weeping with laughter on many occasions. Nix captures dogs with such a knowing smile, and imbues Anya with such courage and kindness that you can't help but root for her. This is one of my favourite books so far this year. Pure joy, silliness and magic; really what more could you want? * Little HuxTales *a really adventurous story, full of unexpected meetings and a varied cast of characters, which will appeal to boys and girls. This is a great book for 9+ readers, or a quick, fun, feminist fairy tale for anyone a bit older than that. * Adventures With Words *A fairy tale for the modern feminist generation. * Booktrust *This novel has everything you could possibly want in a fairytale and more - humour, wit, a feisty princess and of course frogs. There are nods to every classic fantasy you have ever read here and the whole makes for a supremely satisfying read. It's a handsome production and has some very lovely frog endpapers too. * Books For Keeps *This book is funny, I loved that despite the title it's not a romance, and it's about having responsibility handed to you and deciding what you'll do about it. Anya doesn't just decide to be a hero, she has a path. That path is filled with wit, drama, magic and uniqueness which makes this story more entertaining. * Luna's Little Library *The newest entry into the 'empowered princess' genre...jaunty and amusing. * New York Times Sunday *A witty, refreshing twist on a well-thumbed fairytale, FROGKISSER is Nix at his irreverent best. -- Kiran Millwood Hargrave * Kiran Millwood Hargrave *a brilliant, modern take on a classic fairytale by a master story-teller. This book is a brilliant read, for boys and girls and anyone who loves a sprinkling of magic in their lives. * Armadillo Magazine *This funny take on fairy tales follows Princess Anya and her loyal dog as they embark on a terribly important quest * Big Issue North *Nix takes the Roald Dahl template of a child struggling against grown-up forces and adds magic, thievery, seven dwarves and some talking dogs. This is a fast-paced and lively read * INIS Reading Guide *This superb new age fairy tale is bold, inventive and funny. There are twists and turns and considerations aplenty. We love this book! * Book Wagon *Great fun, a book to treasure * Carousel *Frogkisser takes a refreshing approach to the traditional princess fairy tale. In this story, there are no passive princesses pining over princes. Nix creates strong and powerful female characters who take their fates, and the fate of their kingdom, into their own hands * Children's Books Ireland *

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Book SynopsisThe Mars trilogy tells the story of Lora and her family, settlers struggling to survive on the red planet.Apparently safe in the City Inside, Lora becomes suspicious of its human/Martian authorities. But then she gets the chance to join their expedition to the Martian plains to find Grandma's friend Ruby, survivor of the old Earth starships. When their flying saucer crash-lands Lora must lead on through deadly adventures. They find Ruby but she's changed, and admits to abandoning Lora's Ma and sister Hannah to an ancient and dangerous Martian spirit. Horrified, Lora sets out again, to try to save her family.

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Book SynopsisSHORTLISTED FOR THE 2021 COSTA CHILDREN'S BOOK AWARDSUNDAY TIMES CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE WEEK 'A sophisticated magical tale, awash in sinister villains and perplexing plights ... bursting with invention' – Financial Times 'Dreamy and odd, yet razor sharp and terrifying all rolled into one ... The Neverending Story and Spirited Away and Coraline all rolled into one amazing story. If you have fans of manga, fans of headstrong, flawed characters, witty and brave sidekicks and truly gut-wrenching monsters then this is the one for you. I can't recommend it enough.' – Lucas Maxwell, School Librarian of the Year'The story is every bit as bizarre, brilliant, fantastical and exciting as I'd hoped. Definitely one to watch out for' – Kiran Millwood Hargrave__________________________A thrilling tale of friendship and courage - Maggie Blue, strongwilled and isolated, sees her enemy from school taken through a window to a parallel world by one of their teachers and determines to follow, whatever the cost. With the help of irascible cat, Hoagy, they discover a world where happiness is being stolen - and they must do everything they can not to be caught up in its web of destruction.Maggie Blue is an outsider, both at home and at school. She lives with her eccentric aunt Esme, and has no friends other than the irascible Hoagy, a stray cat who can talk to her. When Magge sees Ida, her foe from school, being taken through a window to another world by one of their teachers who has transformed into a wolf, she is determined to save her, whatever the cost. But the dark world is full of danger, a place where happiness is valued above all else, and Maggie discovers that her role is far more important than anyone could have guessed. A thrilling and gripping tale of friendship, courage and the power of being yourself.Trade ReviewA sophisticated magical tale, awash in sinister villains and perplexing plights...bursting with invention * Financial Times *Dreamy and odd, yet razor sharp and terrifying all rolled into one... The Neverending Story and Spirited Away and Coraline all rolled into one amazing story. If you have fans of manga, fans of headstrong, flawed characters, witty and brave sidekicks and truly gut-wrenching monsters then this is the one for you. I can't recommend it enough. -- Lucas Maxwell, School Librarian of the YearThe story is every bit as bizarre, brilliant, fantastical and exciting as I’d hoped. Definitely one to watch out for. -- Kiran Millwood HargraveTroubling, exultant, terrifying and magnificent....it seems to create worlds within worlds, connect the climate change to emotional frailty. Furthermore, it is clever, urgent and searing. -- Bookwagon UKAs well as being an incisive critique of capitalism and human greed – especially the devastating impact it has on our environment – Maggie Blue and the Dark World is a fast-paced adventure story, full of humour, bravery and good old-fashioned wickedness. By centring the experience of somebody typically overlooked, it shows readers that we are all worthy of adventures – exactly as we are. -- Cheshire Education Library ServiceThe characters are so well drawn and delightfully eccentric that one can become totally engaged in this well-developed story...An author worth watching – and a good read for fans of fantasy-based adventures. -- Lovereading for Schools, Book of the MonthAn under-confident child who goes through a portal into another world on a rescue quest is a standard formula in children’s fantasy adventures. So too is a talking animal companion. What distinguishes this well-crafted debut is the freshness of its prose and the way it sidesteps clichés. Twelve-year-old Maggie lives with her aunt, who is eccentric as expected, but in particular, unfamiliar ways. Her mother is ill — her depression portrayed with grim truthfulness. The classmate Maggie is trying to rescue has been unkind, but is not just the mean-girl type. The cat companion who speaks is not just there to be wise-cracking, but is elderly and only eventually heroic. The female villain does not wear high heels and red lipstick. The evil mastermind and the dangers of the other world are strange. We come to care. Happily, this is the first of a series. * Nicolette Jones, Sunday Times Children's Book of the Week *

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