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Part gothic thriller, part coming-of-age story, Frances Hardinge''s brilliant, richly layered tale and Emily Gravett''s extraordinary pictures are wrapped in an irresistible gift package. On the misty island of Merlank, the lingering dead cause untold harm unless they are safely carried to the island of the Broken Tower, from where they can move on. Although his father had always told Milo he was not suited to dealing with the Dead, and could never become the Ferryman, one day he is unexpectedly thrust into the role. One of his passengers is his own father. Another is the teenage daughter of the Lord of Merlank, who, unprepared to give her up, follows in pursuit, in bigger boat, filled with armed men and two dark magicians at his command. Milo must face untold traps, dangers and fears as he carries his ghostly passengers across secret seas . . . Swarms of sinister moths, strange headless birds and chillingly shrouded figures of death will keep you on the edge of your seat in this remarkable and ultimately heart-warming story of grief, family, kindness, and being true to yourself.
About the author
Frances Hardinge spent a large part of her childhood in a huge old house that inspired her to write strange stories from an early age. She read English at Oxford University, then got a job at a software company. However, a few years later a persistent friend finally managed to bully Frances into sending a few chapters of
Fly By Night, her first children's novel, to a publisher. Macmillan made her an immediate offer. The book went on to publish to huge critical acclaim and win the Branford Boase First Novel Award. She has since written many highly acclaimed children's novels, including
Fly By Night's sequel
Twilight Robbery, as well as the Carnegie-shortlisted
Cuckoo Song and the Costa Book of the Year winner,
The Lie Tree.
Emily Gravett has a rare talent for creating exceptional books for children. The winner of two CILIP Kate Greenaway Medals, her skill and wit are second to none. Emily first sprang into the limelight with the ground-breaking
Wolves, which has been followed by such modern classics as
Meerkat Mail,
Little Mouse's Big Book of Fears,
Monkey and Me and
Again! and the fabulous Bear and Hare series for younger readers, as well as the beautiful
Tidy,
Old Hat, Cyril and Pat and
Meerkat Christmas. Each book is unique and different from the last - and each features endearing, beautifully drawn characters that touch the heart and tickle the funny bone. Emily lives in Brighton with her family.
