Calling all budding Stephen King fans... this is the book for you!

The first book in a horrifying new fantasy sequence from Joseph Delaney, the internationally multi-million-selling author of The Spook's Apprentice.

They heard shouting, and cries of fear. Crafty looked down the slope and realised what had happened to cause so much panic. Without warning, the dark wall of the Shole had advanced.

Crafty can't remember a time before the Shole - the terrifying mist that has engulfed most of Britain, leaving those trapped in it to either die or be transformed into terrifying monsters: the aberrations.

He's been stuck in his family's cellar for nearly a year, his only companions his restless, whispering dead brothers, and an unusually friendly aberration he names the Bog Queen.

But then Crafty's life abruptly changes.

He is ordered to report to the Castle, where he will train as a gate grub - operators of magical portals that allow the mysterious guild of Gatemancers to explore within the Shole. It is a dangerous job, with a very short life expectancy...

To survive, Crafty will have to use every inch of his cunning - whatever the cost.

The first book in a horrifying new fantasy sequence from Joseph Delaney, the internationally multi-million-selling author of The Spook's Apprentice.

About the Author
Joseph Delaney was the best-selling author of the Spook's series, which has been published in 30 countries and sold millions of copies. The first book, The Spook's Apprentice, was adapted into a major motion picture starring Jeff Bridges and Julianne Moore. Joseph passed away in August 2022, shortly after handing in his last manuscript.

Reviews
Praise for The Spook's Apprentice series: Be warned - these books are seriously scary * The Times *
Packed full of scary creatures and chilling characters, I only wish this had been much, much longer. This is a must for all fantasy and adventure fans * Sam, 13, LoveReading4Kids *
A thrilling fantasy novel full of monsters, action and intriguing characters - I highly recommend it! * Brodie, 12, LoveReading4Kids *
This book was utterly unputdownable - I loved each and every second of time I spent reading it! I was torn between wanting to find out what happened and not wanting the book to end! * Rebekah, 15, LoveReading4Kids *
A page turning story that kept you hanging on edge * Matilda, 11, LoveReading4Kids *
I think that the Beast Awakens is a fabulous read because it lulls the reader into a never ending journey through the magical kingdom, the Shole, and the people involved * Nick, 12, LoveReading4Kids *



Book Information
ISBN 9780241320990
Author Joseph Delaney
Format Paperback
Page Count 320
Imprint Puffin
Publisher Penguin Random House Children's UK
Weight(grams) 223g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 129mm * 19mm