Description
A dose of magic could save the world . . . Fourteen-year-old Janie Scott is new to London and she's finding it dull, dreary and cold - until she meets Benjamin Burrows who dreams of becoming a spy. When Benjamin's father, the mysterious apothecary, is kidnapped he entrusts Janie and Benjamin with his sacred book, full of ancient spells and magical potions. Now the two new friends must uncover the book's secrets in order to find him, all while keeping it out of the hands of their enemies - Russian spies in possession of nuclear weapons. Beautifully written and expertly paced, this stunning and poignant novel will have readers on the edge of their seats.
A magical and thrilling novel about a young girl whose life unexpectedly transforms when she gets swept up in a race to save the world from nuclear war.
About the Author
Maile Meloy has written several adult novels and short story collections.Her stories have been featured in The New Yorker, The Paris Review and Granta. This is her first young adult novel. Visit Maile at www.mailemeloy.com.
Reviews
"If you read anything this summer, this book should be the one." * Daily Telegraph *
"Meloy weaves fantasy into a fine work of historical fiction." * New York Times *
"Book of the Week" * Sunday Times *
"An absorbing and original historical thriller with a Pullman-esque feel. There's an irresistible seam of magic, and a vivid 1950's setting." -- Fiona Noble * The Bookseller *
"Cracking read" * Evening Standard *
"Part fantasy and part historical, this beautifully written and expertly paced, stunning and poignant novel will have readers on the edge of their seats." * Julia Eccleshare, LoveReading4Kids *
"Thoroughly enjoyable adventure, filled with magic, humour, memorable characters . . . with evocative, confident prose." * Publishers Weekly *
"A whodunit seasoned with fantasy, and a psychological thriller. Ian Schoenherr's moody black-and-white drawings intensify its atmosphere." * Irish Times *
"A gem of historical fiction." * Sunday Star Ledger *
"Inventive, smart and fun, an absolute delight." -- Rebecca Stead, author of When You Reach Me
Awards
Long-listed for CILIP Carnegie Medal (UK).
Book Information
ISBN 9781849395069
Author Maile Meloy
Format Paperback
Page Count 368
Imprint Andersen Press Ltd
Publisher Andersen Press Ltd
Weight(grams) 293g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 129mm * 22mm
A magical and thrilling novel about a young girl whose life unexpectedly transforms when she gets swept up in a race to save the world from nuclear war.
About the Author
Maile Meloy has written several adult novels and short story collections.Her stories have been featured in The New Yorker, The Paris Review and Granta. This is her first young adult novel. Visit Maile at www.mailemeloy.com.
Reviews
"If you read anything this summer, this book should be the one." * Daily Telegraph *
"Meloy weaves fantasy into a fine work of historical fiction." * New York Times *
"Book of the Week" * Sunday Times *
"An absorbing and original historical thriller with a Pullman-esque feel. There's an irresistible seam of magic, and a vivid 1950's setting." -- Fiona Noble * The Bookseller *
"Cracking read" * Evening Standard *
"Part fantasy and part historical, this beautifully written and expertly paced, stunning and poignant novel will have readers on the edge of their seats." * Julia Eccleshare, LoveReading4Kids *
"Thoroughly enjoyable adventure, filled with magic, humour, memorable characters . . . with evocative, confident prose." * Publishers Weekly *
"A whodunit seasoned with fantasy, and a psychological thriller. Ian Schoenherr's moody black-and-white drawings intensify its atmosphere." * Irish Times *
"A gem of historical fiction." * Sunday Star Ledger *
"Inventive, smart and fun, an absolute delight." -- Rebecca Stead, author of When You Reach Me
Awards
Long-listed for CILIP Carnegie Medal (UK).
Book Information
ISBN 9781849395069
Author Maile Meloy
Format Paperback
Page Count 368
Imprint Andersen Press Ltd
Publisher Andersen Press Ltd
Weight(grams) 293g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 129mm * 22mm
