Marcus Sedgwick - Author
One of the World Book Day 2015 Authors Marcus was our Guest Editor in July 2010. Click here to see all his selections.
Marcus began to write seriously in 1994, and his first book, Floodland, was published by Orion in 2000, and won the Branford-Boase award for best debut children's novel. Witch Hill followed in 2001, and was nominated for an Edgar Allan Poe Award.
The Kiss of Death was published in paperback in April 2009, and picked up a thread from his highly acclaimed My Swordhand is Singing (winner of the 2007 Booktrust Teenage Book Award). In between came what Marcus calls “my big one - a project I've been working on for so long my head hurts.” – Blood Red Snow White, which was first published to considerable acclaim in 2007.
2009 saw Marcus turn his attention to books for younger readers with the launch of a humorous new series: The Raven Mysteries, narrated by a grumpy raven, Edgar. Titles are Flood and Fang, Ghosts and Gadgets and Lunatics and Luck. The sixth book in the series, Creepy Caves, will be published in paperback in February 2015.
Marcus Sedgwick won the Branford Boase Award in 2001 with his debut novel, FLOODLAND. In 2007 MY SWORDHAND IS SINGING won the Booktrust Teenage Prize, and in 2011 LUNATICS AND LUCK won a Blue Peter Book Award. Marcus has been shortlisted for the CILIP Carnegie Medal six times. Marcus lives in Taninges, France.
In his spare time, he is also a stone carver and wood engraver and illustrates all his novels! Finally Marcus is also a drummer, and at the moment he plays in two bands: visit www.garrett-music.tv, and www.internationalbandofmystery.com to find out more.
Q&A with Marcus Sedgwick
Many of your novels are inspired by history and by myth and legend - have these areas always been a fascination of yours since childhood and if so how did this passion come about?
Yes, I always loved myths and legends - I used to read and re-read two books from the library - one a big illustrated edition of Greek Myths and the other Old Peter's Russian Tales. I don't know why I was fascinated by these stories, but maybe simply because I find them to be more glamorous than contemporary stories...
Apart from writing what are your passions?
I love music, both listening to it and playing it (I'm a drummer). A day without music is not a proper day... I also love travel and try to travel as much as I can manage.
Where did the idea come from for The Raven Mysteries?
It was a single line, the first line in the book in fact. I'd had it for ages but didn't know where I was going to use it until the character of Edgar came along: "I suspect I may have fleas again".
The Raven Mysteries are full of humour and mad-cap action, which is quite different from your novels for older readers. Was this a conscious decision of yours when setting out to write this series?
Absolutely, and it was great fun. After writing a few hardcore goth books, it was great to let my hair down with these stories. And it gave me fresh impetus to go back to the next YA novel, Revolver, with renewed determination to be gloomy!
Where and when do you write?
I write at the weekends, and mostly in the study in my loft, but also sometimes I travel to write - eg much of Revolver was written on trips to Sweden.
What age did you first start writing and when did you think that one day you'd write a novel that would actually be published?
I started to write as a teenager a bit, but properly when I was in my mid-twenties. It took a few years to think it might actually happen!
With both your publisher and author hat on, what advice can you give would-be children's authors in getting published?
The most important thing is to know your market! Who do you think your book is going to be read by? What else is out there that's like it? Are you writing something that will sell?
The historical context of most of your novels must mean a huge amount of research prior to writing each book. What does this involve and how long does it take?
It varies from book to book but it's not a chore as I love to do research. It's easier than actually writing the things! For Revolver, the research spanned about 16 months, of little trips here and there and lots and lots of reading!
What was your inspiration for Revolver ?
Finding an empty shell casing on the pavement in St Petersburg. It was a long way from there to the finished book but that was the start of it.
What was your favourite book as a teenager?
Without question, the Gormenghast trilogy by Mervyn Peake.
If you got into Doctor Who’s tardis, where (or when) would you go?
Great question, impossible to answer. So many amazing things to go and see – the building of the pyramids, a Viking boat putting out to sea, Man Utd winning the European Championship in 1968…
Who would you choose to be if you could be a celebrity for the day?
Matt Bellamy on any day with a gig.
If you were invisible for a day what would you do?
I’m invisible most days, so nothing much would change.
10 things you didn't know about Marcus Sedgwick
1 - I have an embarrassing middle name, but I'm not going to tell you what it is
2 - I am learning Swedish
3 - As well as playing the drums, I play bass guitar
4 - My grandfather invented the hydraulic tipper truck
5 - I have a pet raven called Edgar, though he doesn’t say much, eat much, or indeed, move much. There’s a possibility that he’s stuffed, I guess.
6 - I’m extraordinarily sleepy right now.
7 - I represented England (Juniors) at Fencing.
8 - I totally love football.
9 - I'm allergic to red peppers
10 - I believe there is only one radio or TV station worth listening to: Radio 3.
Author photo © Kate Christer
Shortlisted for the UKLA 2018 Book Award In a Nutshell: Gangs dice with death under the gaze of Mexican folk saint. A thought-fuelling thriller set in a gang-run neighbourhood near the border of Mexico and El Norte (America). The writing is poetically punchy. Exquisitely formed sentences are fired-off in smarting succession, and the juxtaposition of contemporary totems like Burger King buildings with the likes of folk saint shrines is smartly done. This is a richly layered novel in which important socio-political issues (gangs, poverty, corruption, migration, social divisions and dissonance) are made potently real through Arturo and Faustino’s predicaments. And alongside the enlightening Mexico-specific context, there’s much that is universal: friendship, loyalty, and searching for a sense of purpose. As paternal figure Siggy tells Arturo, “You just have to find out what it is you’re looking for.” Pacey and passionate, this truly exceptional book tells a tale that truly needs to be heard. ~ Joanne Owen
Shortlisted for the CILIP Carnegie Medal 2018 | In a Nutshell: Gangs dice with death under the gaze of Mexican folk saint. A thought-fuelling thriller set in a gang-run neighbourhood near the border of Mexico and El Norte (America). The writing is poetically punchy. Exquisitely formed sentences are fired-off in smarting succession, and the juxtaposition of contemporary totems like Burger King buildings with the likes of folk saint shrines is smartly done. This is a richly layered novel in which important socio-political issues (gangs, poverty, corruption, migration, social divisions and dissonance) are made potently real through Arturo and Faustino’s predicaments. And alongside the enlightening Mexico-specific context, there’s much that is universal: friendship, loyalty, and searching for a sense of purpose. As paternal figure Siggy tells Arturo, “You just have to find out what it is you’re looking for.” Pacey and passionate, this truly exceptional book tells a tale that truly needs to be heard. ~ Joanne Owen
Shortlisted for the UKLA 2016 Book Award in the 12 - 16 year old category. Shortlisted for the CILIP Carnegie Medal 2016. This is a remarkable and surprising book, just when you think you understand it, whoosh, the unexpected taps you on the shoulder again. There are four quarters to this story; they travel across time, yet somehow are connected and can be read in any order. The writing is clever, each story has a main character, each one different to the one that has gone before, yet linked in a vital way. If you do choose to read the stories in a different order to the one the author has chosen, will your experience be different, will you have an altered understanding, will you feel the same when you turn the final page? Compelling yet often uncomfortable, sharp yet subtle, this will make you feel, think and question what you know; this, is a wonderfully fascinating read. ~ Liz Robinson Shortlisted for the Costa Children's Book Award 2015. The Costa Award Judges thought The Ghosts of Heaven was “A startlingly original novel with a strong conceptual link to the motif of a spiral. A hugely ambitious work.”
One of our Books of the Year 2014 - Shortlisted for the Costa Children's Book Award 2014 This is a remarkable and surprising book, just when you think you understand it, whoosh, the unexpected taps you on the shoulder again. There are four quarters to this story; they travel across time, yet somehow are connected and can be read in any order. The writing is clever, each story has a main character, each one different to the one that has gone before, yet linked in a vital way. If you do choose to read the stories in a different order to the one the author has chosen, will your experience be different, will you have an altered understanding, will you feel the same when you turn the final page? Compelling yet often uncomfortable, sharp yet subtle, this will make you feel, think and question what you know; this, is a wonderfully fascinating read. ~ Liz Robinson The Costa Award Judges thought The Ghosts of Heaven was “A startlingly original novel with a strong conceptual link to the motif of a spiral. A hugely ambitious work.”
Longlisted for the Guardian Children's Fiction Book Award 2014 When sixteen-year-old Laureth’s father vanishes she is determined to track him down. So determined that she flies to New York to find him. But Laureth doesn’t go alone; she takes her seven year old brother with her because she needs him. Laureth is blind and Benjamin is essential as her guide. Award-winning Marcus Sedgwick tells a pell-mell adventure as the children unravel the mysteries of obsession and coincidence as they solve the riddle behind their father’s disappearance. In addition to our Lovereading expert opinion for She Is Not Invisible a small number of readers were lucky enough to be invited to review this title. Here's a taster....'There are some young adult books that stand out and demand to be read, not only by teens but by adults alike, and this is one of them.' Scroll down to read more reviews...
No child who reads this will ever sanction a war if they can help it. Marcus brings the horrors of World War One to life in fiction in the most dramatic of ways. It really is completely compelling, made all the more frightening by the fact that one of the key protagonists is able to see into the future. And if you like cliffhangers at the end of every chapter you can’t do better than this.
October 2013 Book of the Month When sixteen-year-old Laureth’s father vanishes she is determined to track him down. So determined that she flies to New York to find him. But Laureth doesn’t go alone; she takes her seven year old brother with her because she needs him. Laureth is blind and Benjamin is essential as her guide. Award-winning Marcus Sedgwick tells a pell-mell adventure as the children unravel the mysteries of obsession and coincidence as they solve the riddle behind their father’s disappearance. In addition to our Lovereading expert opinion for She Is Not Invisible a small number of readers were lucky enough to be invited to review this title. Here's a taster....'There are some young adult books that stand out and demand to be read, not only by teens but by adults alike, and this is one of them.' Scroll down to read more reviews...
Meet Cudweed and his slightly – well, unusual family. One day, feeling bored and anxious for teatime to arrive, Cudweed decides to ‘borrow’ his dad’s time machine. Oh, his dad just happens to be an inventor by the way. However, working a time machine is not as easy as he thinks and he soon ends up having all sorts of shenanigans. Will he ever make it back home and more importantly, will he make it back in time for tea! Red Early Reader books are the next step on your child's reading journey, encouraging independent reading with exciting stories and engaging illustrations. Short accessible chapters make them ideal for newly confident readers - we also think they're great for sharing too!
Hilarious and madcap space adventures happen to Cudweed after he builds a spaceship from a kit and sets off into the unknown with only his pet monkey Fellah for company. What happens when he hurtles off into the unknown and meets some far from friendly aliens will delight all new readers in this attractively illustrated early reader.
Shortlisted for the 2013 Leeds Book Award - July 2012 Book of the Month. Humour, magic and the altogether unexpected are woven together engagingly to create a delightfully original adventure. Elf Girl and Raven Boy meet by chance and soon become firm friends after Raven Boy crashes out of a tree and lands right on top of Elf Girl’s home! Great illustrations bring out the wit of this entertaining and easy to read story. It's from the creators of Raven Mysteries (Blue Peter award-winning Funniest Book with Pictures) and is perfect for readers of 8+.
Shortlisted for the CILIP Carnegie Medal 2013 May 2012 Book of the Month. Prize-winning Marcus Sedgwick's gift for powerful storytelling is at its very best in this emotionally charged, no holds barred novel. When journalist Eric Seven arrives on Blessed Island with a mission to uncover a mystery he is immediately captivated by its breathtaking beauty. And by the beauty of Merle. Why does Eric feel he's met her before? And what are the secrets the islanders are keeping from him? Eric's story leads easily into stories set at other times on this idyllic place which hides a dark and bloody heart. Unfolding the cleverly crafted and interwoven layers to their dramatic conclusion is a spell binding delight. A Piece of Passion from the publisher: "A story of devastating loss and a love that never falters. Midwinterblood is skillfully delivered, finely plotted and written with the assurance that comes from penning twelve acclaimed novels. From gothic to gruesome, from spy thriller to fairy tale, from angels to devels, Midwinterblood, both memorable and cleverly constructed, is Marcus Sedgwick’s best novel yet."
Prize-winning Marcus Sedgwick's gift for powerful storytelling is at its very best in this emotionally charged, no holds barred novel. When journalist Eric Seven arrives on Blessed Island with a mission to uncover a mystery he is immediately captivated by its breathtaking beauty. And by the beauty of Merle. Why does Eric feel he's met her before? And what are the secrets the islanders are keeping from him? Eric's story leads easily into stories set at other times on this idyllic place which hides a dark and bloody heart. Unfolding the cleverly crafted and interwoven layers to their dramatic conclusion is a spell binding delight. The Lovereading comment: Beautifully imagined, intricately and cleverly structured, this is a heart-wrenching and breathtaking love story with the hallmark Sedgwick gothic touches of atmosphere, blood-spilling and sacrifice. Have you ever had the feeling that you've lived another life? Been somewhere that has felt totally familiar, even though you've never been there before, or felt that you know someone well, even though you are meeting them for the first time? It happens. So, what would you sacrifice for someone you've loved forever? Tragically separated in life, Eric and Merle's souls have searched to be reunited through ten centuries, but can their love last? A Piece of Passion from the publisher: "A story of devastating loss and a love that never falters. Midwinterblood is skillfully delivered, finely plotted and written with the assurance that comes from penning twelve acclaimed novels. From gothic to gruesome, from spy thriller to fairy tale, from angels to devels, Midwinterblood, both memorable and cleverly constructed, is Marcus Sedgwick’s best novel yet."
Prize-winning Marcus Sedgwick returns his readers to Castle Otherhand and the hilarious and unlikely topsy turvy goings on there. Things have gone from bad to worse at the Castle and now it is up for sale. As Solstice records in her completely secret and totally private diary, she is at her wits end – as is everyone else – as to how all the difficulties within, including finding an eye-wateringly large sum of cash, can be resolved and how it can be saved. Luckily, Edgar the Raven, returns in time to put his mind to the problems and sort things out – in his own unusual way. Click here for more Raven Mysteries!
Goth Froth for Early Readers. Cudweed wants a monkey for his birthday in this brand new story featuring some of the characters that have proved such a hit in the Raven Mysteries series for slightly older kids but Cudweed's is a terrific introduction for readers aged 5-8 particularly boys.
Shortlisted for the CILIP Carnegie Medal 2011 Packed full of suspense, this is a tingling and chilling Gothic thriller in which nothing can quite be taken for granted. Rebecca is forced to abandon her bustling life in London for the unfamiliar village of Winterfold. So different from home, she finds it lonely and claustrophobic. When she meets Ferelith things begin to change and Rebecca soon finds herself caught up in a terrifying mystery from which there seems to be no escape. Marcus Sedgwick weaves several story strands together in this macabre tale.
Winner of the Blue Peter Book Award 2011: Most Fun Story with Pictures*. As told by a raven, this Gothic horror richly laced in humour is a delicious read – especially when the moon is full! Castle Otherhand is beset by problems. There are the usual ones of money troubles but this time there is a horrible new teacher who smells like a wet dog to contend with and Solstice and Cudweed are at his mercy. Enjoy all the usual – and decidedly unusual - happenings in this richly created world. Click here to see Marcus Sedgwick's other books, including the rest of the Raven Mysteries. Lovereading comment: If you’ve not yet entered the topsy-turvy world of The Raven Mysteries, then you’re missing an absolute treat. Sedgwick’s wonderful creation of a rather dysfunctional family is as original as it is weird and kids of 7+ will love the rather oddball humour and quirky characters including Edgar, the Raven who is also the Guardian of Otherland Castle and its secret weapon. *Here is a list of all the shortlisted books for the Blue Peter Book Award 2011: Best Book with Facts: Do Igloos Have Loos? - Mitchell Symons How the World Works - Christiane Dorion What You Need To Know Now: The World in Facts, Stats, and Graphics - Joe Fullman, Ian Graham, Sally Regan and Isabel Thomas Most Fun Story with Pictures: Alienography - Chris Riddell Mr Gum and the Cherry Tree - Andy Stanton Lunatics and Luck (The Raven Mysteries) - Marcus Sedgwick Favourite Stories: Dead Man's Cove (A Laura Marlin Mystery) - Lauren St John A Web of Air (Mortal Engines) - Philip Reeve Tall Story - Candy Gourlay
Chaos strikes after a trip to the circus, and the castle is suddenly filled with thieves, bunnies, and lethal cabbages, in the fifth of Marcus Sedgwick's quirky mysteries.
There is hilarious fun to be had in these mystery stories about the original, not to say odd, family who live in Otherhand Castle. Told by Edgar the Raven whose views are sharp even if his perspective is unusual, the upside down existence of Minty and her father Valevine, an inventor determined to find the Lost Otherhand treasure, is a delightful and surprising romp. The first Raven Mysteries title was also published recently.
This is the fourth title in a brilliant series of quirky tales for 7+ year olds featuring Edgar the faithful raven and the strange Otherhand family who live in Otherhand Castle. Meet Minty who is all in a fluster about the preparations for the Otherhand Ball because Solstice is spraying fake cobwebs everywhere and Valevine is disorganising everyone’s carefully laid plans, whilst Cudweed seems hungrier than ever and is preoccupied with ‘fresh brains’ and then chaos ensues when the lights go out and its Halloween. To view all the titles in the Raven Mysteries series click here Click here to visit the author's website or here for the official Raven Mysteries site. And if you like the Raven Mysteries, try Stitch Head by Guy Bass - click here.
A Richard and Judy Children's Book Club selection 2011 - Read by Yourself category 7+. Told from the bird’s eye view of a resident raven, this is a deliciously topsy-turvy comedy full of unusual details. The Otherhand family are far from normal and life in Otherhand Castle is distinctly strange. Edgar the raven cares little for them but, given his view point, he can’t help noticing that things are going very wrong indeed. Edgar’s account of the Otherhand’s family life and how they deal with the danger that is besetting them is as original as it is weird. Marcus generally writes for slightly older readers but this is an absolutely top notch read for the 7+ age range and is sure to get them hooked on reading and ready to then progress on to his books for older readers – click here for these. Flood and Fang is also available on audio. To view all the titles in the Raven Mysteries series click here. Click here to visit Marcus Sedgwick's website or here for the official Raven Myseries site. And if you like the Raven Mysteries, try Stitch Head by Guy Bass - click here.
Shortlisted for the CILIP Carnegie Medal 2011 Packed full of suspense, this is a tingling and chilling Gothic thriller in which nothing can quite be taken for granted. Rebecca is forced to abandon her bustling life in London for the unfamiliar village of Winterfold. So different from home, she finds it lonely and claustrophobic. When she meets Ferelith things begin to change and Rebecca soon finds herself caught up in a terrifying mystery from which there seems to be no escape. Marcus Sedgwick weaves several story strands together in this macabre tale.
Shortlisted for the prestigious Teenage Book Prize 2010. Shortlisted for the CILIP Carnegie Medal 2010, the Independent Booksellers' Book Prize 2010 and for the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize 2009. A tense, psychological drama set in the snowy wilderness of the Arctic Circle, where a boy confronts a stranger who has come to take revenge on his dead father. Gripping from the start it brings into sharp-focus decisions that 15 year-old Sig must make; decisions that could mean life or death, both for him and his remaining family. A message from the publisher: A true coming of age story set in the snowy wastes of the Arctic with an intriguing question and a stark choice at its very heart. Read it, and think about for a long time afterwards… The shortlisted titles for the 2010 Independent Booksellers' Award were: Running Wild by Michael Morpurgo Dog Loves Books by Louise Yates Auslander by Paul Dowswell Dogs by Emily Gravett The Unfinished Angel by Sharon Creech Henderson’s Boys: The Escape by Robert Muchamore Ostrich Boys by Keith Gray What’s for Dinner Mr Gum? by Andy Stanton Cosmic by Frank Cottrell Boyce The Last Leopard by Lauren St John Revolver by Marcus Sedgwick The Silver Blade by Sally Gardner The Teenage Book Prize 2010 shortlist: Halo - Zizou Corder Nobody's Girl - Sarra Manning The Enemy - Charlie Higson Revolver - Marcus Sedgwick Out of Shadows - Jason Wallace Unhooking the Moon - Gregory Hughes
Winner of the Blue Peter Book Award 2011: Most Fun Story with Pictures*. As told by a raven, this Gothic horror richly laced in humour is a delicious read – especially when the moon is full! Castle Otherhand is beset by problems. There are the usual ones of money troubles but this time there is a horrible new teacher who smells like a wet dog to contend with and Solstice and Cudweed are at his mercy. Enjoy all the usual – and decidedly unusual - happenings in this richly created world. Lovereading comment:If you’ve not yet entered the topsy-turvy world of The Raven Mysteries, then you’re missing an absolute treat. Sedgwick’s wonderful creation of a rather dysfunctional family is as original as it is weird and kids of 7+ will love the rather oddball humour and quirky characters including Edgar, the Raven who is also the Guardian of Otherland Castle and its secret weapon. *Here is a list of all the shortlisted books for the Blue Peter Book Award 2011: Best Book with Facts: Do Igloos Have Loos? - Mitchell Symons How the World Works - Christiane Dorion What You Need To Know Now: The World in Facts, Stats, and Graphics - Joe Fullman, Ian Graham, Sally Regan and Isabel Thomas Most Fun Story with Pictures: Alienography - Chris Riddell Mr Gum and the Cherry Tree - Andy Stanton Lunatics and Luck (The Raven Mysteries) - Marcus Sedgwick Favourite Stories: Dead Man's Cove (A Laura Marlin Mystery) - Lauren St John A Web of Air (Mortal Engines) - Philip Reeve Tall Story - Candy Gourlay
There is hilarious fun to be had in these mystery stories about the original, not to say odd, family who live in Otherhand Castle. Told by Edgar the Raven whose views are sharp even if his perspective is unusual, the upside down existence of Minty and her father Valevine, an inventor determined to find the Lost Otherhand treasure, is a delightful and surprising romp.Click here to see the other titles in the series.
There is hilarious fun to be had in these mystery stories about the original, not to say odd, family who live in Otherhand Castle. Told by Edgar the Raven whose views are sharp even if his perspective is unusual, the upside down existence of Minty and her father Valevine, an inventor determined to find the Lost Otherhand treasure, is a delightful and surprising romp. The first Raven Mysteries title was also published recently.
Shortlisted for the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize 2009 A tense, psychological drama set in the snowy wilderness of the Arctic Circle, where a boy confronts a stranger who has come to take revenge on his dead father. Gripping from the start it brings into sharp-focus decisions that 15 year-old Sig must make; decisions that could mean life or death, both for him and his remaining family.
CD - Audio. Read by Martin Jarvis. Told from the bird’s eye view of a resident raven, this is a deliciously topsy-turvy comedy full of unusual details. The Otherhand family are far from normal and life in Otherhand Castle is distinctly strange. Edgar the raven cares little for them but, given his view point, he can’t help noticing that things are going very wrong indeed. Edgar’s account of the Otherhand’s family life and how they deal with the danger that is besetting them is as original as it is weird. Marcus generally writes for slightly older readers but this is an absolutely top notch read for the 7+ age range and is sure to get them hooked on reading and ready to then progress on to his books for older readers – click here for his books for older readers. Click here to listen to an audio extract from Flood and Fang
Marcus Sedgwick returns with a heart-stopping, beautifully crafted novel featuring Peter from My Swordhand is Singing, set many years later but still on the trail of the Shadow Queen. Venice, the fabled city with its lapping waterways, crumbling magnificence, and dark twisting alleyways is the perfect setting for this captivating gothic novel of love and loss in the 18th century. Interwoven with the story of Peter are Marko and Sorrel, who are both seeking to discover why their fathers have disappeared. Each of them get caught up in a terrible and bloody struggle of life and death and the forces of good and evil. Once again, Sedgwick is at his beguiling best in this novel and it’s almost certainly heading for all the major book award shortlists.
A Richard and Judy Children's Book Club selection 2011 - Read by Yourself category Told from the bird’s eye view of a resident raven, this is a deliciously topsy-turvy comedy full of unusual details. The Otherhand family are far from normal and life in Otherhand Castle is distinctly strange. Edgar the raven cares little for them but, given his view point, he can’t help noticing that things are going very wrong indeed. Edgar’s account of the Otherhand’s family life and how they deal with the danger that is besetting them is as original as it is weird. Marcus generally writes for slightly older readers but this is an absolutely top notch read for the 7+ age range and is sure to get them hooked on reading and ready to then progress on to his books for older readers – click here for his books for older readers. Flood and Fang is also available on audio and the second title in the series, Ghosts and Gadgets is also now published. And if you like the Raven Mysteries, try Stitch Head by Guy Bass - click here.
Marcus Sedgwick returns with a heart-stopping, beautifully crafted novel featuring Peter from My Swordhand is Singing, set many years later but still on the trail of the Shadow Queen. Venice, the fabled city with its lapping waterways, crumbling magnificence, and dark twisting alleyways is the perfect setting for this captivating gothic novel of love and loss in the 18th century. Interwoven with the story of Peter are Marko and Sorrel, who are both seeking to discover why their fathers have disappeared. Each of them get caught up in a terrible and bloody struggle of life and death and the forces of good and evil. Once again, Sedgwick is at his beguiling best in this novel and it’s almost certainly heading for all the major book award shortlists.
Revolution! Arthur Ransome, an English journalist and writer, sets off for Russia and soon finds himself at the heart of a network of spies and so swept up in extreme danger as Trotsky and Lenin bring down the Tsars and impose the rule of the people. Fairy stories, romance and history and the true story of Arthur Ransome’s life are woven together in this prize-winning novel. For more titles by Marcus Sedgwick please click here. The Lovereading comment: The true story of master storyteller Arthur Ransome provides the background for this large scale and absorbing story. As a young man, Ransome was a journalist and, some thought, a spy, in Russia at the time of the enormous upheaval of the Russian Revolution. What he sees and how he feels about it is captivatingly described in this well written story. Shortlisted for the Costa Children's Book Award 2007.
Shortlisted for the Costa Children's Book Award 2007. The true story of master storyteller Arthur Ransome provides the background for this large scale and absorbing story. As a young man, Ransome was a journalist and, some thought, a spy, in Russia at the time of the enormous upheaval of the Russian Revolution. What he sees and how he feels about it is captivatingly described in this well written story.
Winner of the Book Trust Teenage book award 2007 and shortlisted for the 2007 Carnegie Award and our favourite to win the award. Highly readable yet thought-provoking, mysterious yet chilling, and so perfectly paced that it is totally unputdownable. The quality of the writing is superb in this gothic tale and it is sure to transfix readers from 10 upwards. This, the paperback edition includes an exclusive, brand new short story called Blackbeard. From Hugh (12) - I loved it! I loved it even more than I loved The Book of Dead Days (another of Marcus Sedgwick’s thrilling novels). Normally I don’t like horror books but this involved the reader so much more. At times I forgot the difference between myself and Peter! I felt his decisions and fears. I loved and hated the suspense and I even though I was so into the book I hadn’t a clue what was going to happen. At times I had to force myself to shut the book if it was mealtimes or way past my bedtime. I thought that it was an amazing creation and I hope Marcus makes a fortune because he deserves it!
Winner of the Booktrust Teenage Prize 2007. Hugh (12) - I loved it! I loved it even more than I loved The Book of Dead Days (another of Marcus Sedgwick’s thrilling novels). Normally I don’t like horror books but this involved the reader so much more. At times I forgot the difference between myself and Peter! I felt his decisions and fears. I loved and hated the suspense and I even though I was so into the book I hadn’t a clue what was going to happen. At times I had to force myself to shut the book if it was mealtimes or way past my bedtime. I thought that it was an amazing creation and I hope Marcus makes a fortune because he deserves it!Judges' comment:This novel has all the components of gothic horror: love, loss, regret and a touch of the supernatural, however it also gives a sense of the folk roots of the original vampire myth. The story is a pleasure to read as it has purpose and path and not a word is wasted. There is a sense of underlying menace and suspense throughout but it is never overdone. The author creates strong characters and sense of community and cleverly melds issues of religion and mysticism.
No child who reads this will ever sanction a war if they can help it. Marcus brings the horrors of World War One to life in fiction in the most dramatic of ways. It really is completely compelling, made all the more frightening by the fact that one of the key protagonists is able to see into the future. And if you like cliffhangers at the end of every chapter you can’t do better than this.
A brilliant, dark and compelling read that cleverly interweaves the story of a 17th century witch into the life of a boy whose world is forever haunted by fire, for his family home was destroyed by it as was his sister. Sensational writing will ensure it’s almost a one sitting read.
This is the stunning conclusion to The Book of Dead Days, a sweeping gothic fantasy that is packed with mystery and intrigue and the loose ends from the earlier book are brought together brilliantly into a story that is both mesmerizing, deeply thought-provoking and it definitely doesn’t have the ending you think it might. Very original.
An intriguing, action-packed, highly readable story that has a twist in it that you’ll never guess. The characters are beautifully drawn and the storyline very original. If you’re not into fantasy this is the author to get you into it for he merges fantasy and the real world so brilliantly. Having read this one we guarantee you’ll want to read the sequel, Dark Flight Down.
Compelling and gripping, beautifully crafted with a narrative that will stick in your mind long after you’ve finished. It’s a powerful story of magic and betrayal in a distant past whilst at the same time has a timeless ingredient to have broad appeal. If you’ve enjoyed Tolkien then you’ll love Sedgwick’s originality too.
This was hailed as one of the most extraordinary debuts when it was first published in 2000. Set in the near future on the east coast of England that has been reclaimed by the sea it tells the story of a girl who, having been mistakenly left behind by her parents escaping from the flood, she heads off to find them but ends up in the hands of a mob of nasty men on a small island. This is essential reading for it paints a vivid picture of what life may well be like in the not too distant future if we don’t do something NOW about global warming. Rest assured though it’s not a rant about that but the author brilliantly interweaves our possible future into an utterly compelling story.
Elf Girl and Raven Boy have survived Monster Mountains and arrived on the shores of Scream Sea. Kidnapped by Scrim, pirate captain of the Naughty Porpoise, they're held prisoner below decks as the ship sets sail. But Captain Scrim and his crew are even more interested in mermaids than in bird boys and pointy-eared girls, and when they capture one they throw the pirate party of a lifetime. Our daring duo, plus Rat and mermaid Molo, escape and go their separate ways, but not before Molo has given Raven Boy a tiny shell on a silver chain and told him to call on her for help. They continue their search for the Goblin King with adventures on a desert island, an 'invisible' spell, encounters with an even worse pirate called Blackblood on the stormy high seas, and then below the waves with the many scary beasts and monsters that roam the deep. No one said saving the world was easy!
Terror Town is Trouble with a capital T. What will happen to our intrepid trio (that includes Rat) when the Tears of the Moon are taken, and Terrible Tim and the Trolls are on their trail? There are tempers (Elf Girl's), tests (for Raven Boy), tunes (the Singing Sword's), oh and Zombies, with a capital Z, too. If you love Lemony Snicket, Araminta Spook or the Spiderwick Chronicles, you'll love Elf Girl and Raven Boy's hilarious adventures.
Winner of the Blue Peter Book Award 2011: Most Fun Story with Pictures*. As told by a raven, this Gothic horror richly laced in humour is a delicious read – especially when the moon is full! Castle Otherhand is beset by problems. There are the usual ones of money troubles but this time there is a horrible new teacher who smells like a wet dog to contend with and Solstice and Cudweed are at his mercy. Enjoy all the usual – and decidedly unusual - happenings in this richly created world. Click here to see Marcus Sedgwick's other books, including the rest of the Raven Mysteries. Lovereading comment: If you’ve not yet entered the topsy-turvy world of The Raven Mysteries, then you’re missing an absolute treat. Sedgwick’s wonderful creation of a rather dysfunctional family is as original as it is weird and kids of 7+ will love the rather oddball humour and quirky characters including Edgar, the Raven who is also the Guardian of Otherland Castle and its secret weapon. *Here is a list of all the shortlisted books for the Blue Peter Book Award 2011: Best Book with Facts: Do Igloos Have Loos? - Mitchell Symons How the World Works - Christiane Dorion What You Need To Know Now: The World in Facts, Stats, and Graphics - Joe Fullman, Ian Graham, Sally Regan and Isabel Thomas Most Fun Story with Pictures: Alienography - Chris Riddell Mr Gum and the Cherry Tree - Andy Stanton Lunatics and Luck (The Raven Mysteries) - Marcus Sedgwick Favourite Stories: Dead Man's Cove (A Laura Marlin Mystery) - Lauren St John A Web of Air (Mortal Engines) - Philip Reeve Tall Story - Candy Gourlay
Elf Girl and Raven Boy get hot and bothered in the desert as they come a few steps (with sand in their shoes) closer to finding the Singing Sword and the Tears of the Moon. They bump into a grumpy camel, a grumpier genie, Sultanas, Sandpeople and scorpions as they try to save the world from the Goblin King.
Saving the world isn't going very well for Elf Girl and Raven Boy. They've left Fright Forest and crossed a huge plain to the worryingly named Monster Mountains, where they find a sign telling them to Turn Back. They really shouldn't have ignored it! It's not the strange wailing noises they hear in the dark, or the gigantic yeti who wants to eat them for breakfast that they find alarming, so much as the crazy wizard, Jeremy, who seems intent on adding Elf Girl and Raven Boy, not to mention Rat, to his collection of all too life-like stone statues.
Shortlisted for the 2013 Leeds Book Award - July 2012 Book of the Month. Humour, magic and the altogether unexpected are woven together engagingly to create a delightfully original adventure. Elf Girl and Raven Boy meet by chance and soon become firm friends after Raven Boy crashes out of a tree and lands right on top of Elf Girl’s home! Great illustrations bring out the wit of this entertaining and easy to read story. It's from the creators of Raven Mysteries (Blue Peter award-winning Funniest Book with Pictures) and is perfect for readers of 8+.
Marcus Sedgwick returns with a heart-stopping, beautifully crafted novel featuring Peter from My Swordhand is Singing, set many years later but still on the trail of the Shadow Queen. Venice, the fabled city with its lapping waterways, crumbling magnificence, and dark twisting alleyways is the perfect setting for this captivating gothic novel of love and loss in the 18th century. Interwoven with the story of Peter are Marko and Sorrel, who are both seeking to discover why their fathers have disappeared. Each of them get caught up in a terrible and bloody struggle of life and death and the forces of good and evil. Once again, Sedgwick is at his beguiling best in this novel and it’s almost certainly heading for all the major book award shortlists.
Chaos strikes after a trip to the circus, and the castle is suddenly filled with thieves, bunnies, and lethal cabbages, in the fifth of Marcus Sedgwick's quirky mysteries. Click here for the Raven Mysteries website.
Scarlett Hart is the last of a long line of monster hunters, and this stubborn young orphan is determined to carry on her dead parents' work even if she's too young to be licensed by the monster hunters union. With the help of her loyal butler and a lot of awesome gadgets, Scarlett is out to slay monsters - and to take down the corrupt monster hunter who killed her parents! In a departure from the intense, literary teen fiction for which he is best known, Marcus Sedgwick has turned his pen to middle-grade adventure storytelling. Scarlett Hart: Monster Hunter, with Thomas Taylor (known for his illustrations in the British editions of Harry Potter) on the art, is a joyous, goofy, and above-all sincere adventure in the tone of Tintin, Nancy Drew, and classic kids' adventure comics of the 1940s.
Shortlisted for the UKLA 2018 Book Award In a Nutshell: Gangs dice with death under the gaze of Mexican folk saint. A thought-fuelling thriller set in a gang-run neighbourhood near the border of Mexico and El Norte (America). The writing is poetically punchy. Exquisitely formed sentences are fired-off in smarting succession, and the juxtaposition of contemporary totems like Burger King buildings with the likes of folk saint shrines is smartly done. This is a richly layered novel in which important socio-political issues (gangs, poverty, corruption, migration, social divisions and dissonance) are made potently real through Arturo and Faustino’s predicaments. And alongside the enlightening Mexico-specific context, there’s much that is universal: friendship, loyalty, and searching for a sense of purpose. As paternal figure Siggy tells Arturo, “You just have to find out what it is you’re looking for.” Pacey and passionate, this truly exceptional book tells a tale that truly needs to be heard. ~ Joanne Owen
Shortlisted for the CILIP Carnegie Medal 2018 | In a Nutshell: Gangs dice with death under the gaze of Mexican folk saint. A thought-fuelling thriller set in a gang-run neighbourhood near the border of Mexico and El Norte (America). The writing is poetically punchy. Exquisitely formed sentences are fired-off in smarting succession, and the juxtaposition of contemporary totems like Burger King buildings with the likes of folk saint shrines is smartly done. This is a richly layered novel in which important socio-political issues (gangs, poverty, corruption, migration, social divisions and dissonance) are made potently real through Arturo and Faustino’s predicaments. And alongside the enlightening Mexico-specific context, there’s much that is universal: friendship, loyalty, and searching for a sense of purpose. As paternal figure Siggy tells Arturo, “You just have to find out what it is you’re looking for.” Pacey and passionate, this truly exceptional book tells a tale that truly needs to be heard. ~ Joanne Owen
Shortlisted for the UKLA 2016 Book Award in the 12 - 16 year old category. Shortlisted for the CILIP Carnegie Medal 2016. This is a remarkable and surprising book, just when you think you understand it, whoosh, the unexpected taps you on the shoulder again. There are four quarters to this story; they travel across time, yet somehow are connected and can be read in any order. The writing is clever, each story has a main character, each one different to the one that has gone before, yet linked in a vital way. If you do choose to read the stories in a different order to the one the author has chosen, will your experience be different, will you have an altered understanding, will you feel the same when you turn the final page? Compelling yet often uncomfortable, sharp yet subtle, this will make you feel, think and question what you know; this, is a wonderfully fascinating read. ~ Liz Robinson Shortlisted for the Costa Children's Book Award 2015. The Costa Award Judges thought The Ghosts of Heaven was “A startlingly original novel with a strong conceptual link to the motif of a spiral. A hugely ambitious work.”
Eep ... The final adventure awaits! Nothing can stand in the way of Elf Girl and Raven Boy saving the world... Well, almost nothing. Just a sea monster, a dragon, and rivers of molten lava. Not to mention some seriously Creepy Caves. Defeating the Goblin King might be harder than they thought. The sixth laugh-out-loud adventure from BLUE PETER BOOK AWARD-shortlisted Marcus Sedgwick and Pete Williamson.
A reissue of this beautiful version of the Hans Christian Andersen classic, illustrated in Alison Jay's unique and attractive style. In this retelling by Marcus Sedgwick, the Emperor is a very proud and vain lion, served by his long-suffering Chamberlain and Treasurer. He wants to commission the finest set of robes ever seen! But the devious tailors have plans of their own... This new edition captures the charm of the timeless classic with a fresh new look.
Longlisted for the Guardian Children's Fiction Book Award 2014 When sixteen-year-old Laureth’s father vanishes she is determined to track him down. So determined that she flies to New York to find him. But Laureth doesn’t go alone; she takes her seven year old brother with her because she needs him. Laureth is blind and Benjamin is essential as her guide. Award-winning Marcus Sedgwick tells a pell-mell adventure as the children unravel the mysteries of obsession and coincidence as they solve the riddle behind their father’s disappearance. In addition to our Lovereading expert opinion for She Is Not Invisible a small number of readers were lucky enough to be invited to review this title. Here's a taster....'There are some young adult books that stand out and demand to be read, not only by teens but by adults alike, and this is one of them.' Scroll down to read more reviews...
No child who reads this will ever sanction a war if they can help it. Marcus brings the horrors of World War One to life in fiction in the most dramatic of ways. It really is completely compelling, made all the more frightening by the fact that one of the key protagonists is able to see into the future. And if you like cliffhangers at the end of every chapter you can’t do better than this.
The bestselling THE BOOK OF DEAD DAYS and THE DARK FLIGHT DOWN in a single volume.The days between 27 December and New Year's Eve are dead days, when spirits roam and magic shifts restlessly just beneath the surface of our everyday lives.There is a man, Valerian, whose time is running out, who must pay the price for the pact he made with evil so many years ago. His servant is Boy, a child with no name and no past; a child he treats with contempt, but who serves his master well and finds solace in the company of his only friend, Willow. Unknown to any of them it is Boy who holds the key to their destiny.THE BOOK OF DEAD DAYS and THE DARK FLIGHT DOWN are mesmerising stories of sorcery and desperate magic spanning dark cities, deadly courtrooms, and the threatening, frozen countryside. The truth about Valerian's past, Boy's identity and many other shattering secrets are laid bare as the Book of Dead Days is opened.
Laureth Peak's father is a writer. For years he's been trying, and failing, to write a novel about coincidence. His wife thinks he's obsessed, Laureth thinks he's on the verge of a breakdown. He's supposed to be doing research in Austria, so when his notebook shows up in New York, Laureth knows something is wrong.On impulse she steals her mother's credit card and heads for the States, taking her strange little brother Benjamin with her. Reunited with the notebook, they begin to follow clues inside, trying to find their wayward father. Ahead lie challenges and threats, all of which are that much tougher for Laureth than they would be for any other 16-year old. Because Laureth Peak is blind.Features an author's note read by Marcus Sedgwick and a bonus conversation between the author and reader.Read by Anna Cannings, from braille. Anna Cannings was born blind with Bilateral Microphthalmia. She grew up in Sussex, where she attended local mainstream schools. At 18, Anna set up her own audio production company, before embracing acting, taking guest lead roles in prime time TV dramas William and Mary and Bodies. Anna was chosen by artist Marc Quinn to be the subject of his marble sculpture on display at the famous White Cube gallery and by artist Rona Lee for her National Oceanography installation. She enjoys keep fit and walking with her guide dog Reno. Visit www.annacannings.com for more about Anna and her work.
Shortlisted for the 2015 CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal - November 2013 Book of the Month Award-winning Marcus Sedgwick has teamed up with authors and illustrators to create a page turning, apocalyptic story told in a striking black and white comic book form. Set in a dark future with England in a state of physical collapse as the waters rise and cities are destroyed by gangs and political collapse as politicians have been discredited, it tells of a world ruled by dangerous religious sects which violently control all aspects of the citizen’s lives. Christy, a fearless bike rider and fighter for freedom, is wanted for a murder she did not commit. How she must escape on a wild ride across the country but who can she trust? And how can she survive? A roller coaster of a read and thought provoking with it. In addition to our Lovereading expert opinion for Dark Satanic Mills a small number of readers were lucky enough to be invited to review this title. Here's a taster....'it is thrilling and I love the fact that it is futuristic too. I can tell that a lot of hard work has been put in this book because the pictures and the writing is perfect!' Scroll down to read more reviews...
Join the wonderfully weird Otherhand family and their faithful guardian, Edgar the raven, and discover the dark secrets of Castle Otherhand. In the sixth of the Raven Mysteries, all manner of disaster descends on Castle Otherhand; weirdness abounds, the family are on the verge of being thrown out of their own home, and there's still no sign of the fabled treasure of the Otherhand. Worse still, there's no sign of Edgar, either. So will it be diamonds or doom for the Otherhands?
Hilarious and madcap space adventures happen to Cudweed after he builds a spaceship from a kit and sets off into the unknown with only his pet monkey Fellah for company. What happens when he hurtles off into the unknown and meets some far from friendly aliens will delight all new readers in this attractively illustrated early reader.
Shortlisted for the CILIP Carnegie Medal 2013 May 2012 Book of the Month. Prize-winning Marcus Sedgwick's gift for powerful storytelling is at its very best in this emotionally charged, no holds barred novel. When journalist Eric Seven arrives on Blessed Island with a mission to uncover a mystery he is immediately captivated by its breathtaking beauty. And by the beauty of Merle. Why does Eric feel he's met her before? And what are the secrets the islanders are keeping from him? Eric's story leads easily into stories set at other times on this idyllic place which hides a dark and bloody heart. Unfolding the cleverly crafted and interwoven layers to their dramatic conclusion is a spell binding delight. A Piece of Passion from the publisher: "A story of devastating loss and a love that never falters. Midwinterblood is skillfully delivered, finely plotted and written with the assurance that comes from penning twelve acclaimed novels. From gothic to gruesome, from spy thriller to fairy tale, from angels to devels, Midwinterblood, both memorable and cleverly constructed, is Marcus Sedgwick’s best novel yet."
Join the wonderfully weird Otherhand family and their faithful guardian, Edgar the raven, and discover the dark secrets of Castle Otherhand. It's Halloween and the Otherhands are enjoying the Annual Pumpkin Hunt. And there are preparations to be made for the Great Halloween Ball. Minty is all a-fluster. Solstice is busy spraying fake cobwebs everywhere. Valevine is in charge of disorganising everyone's carefully laid plans, and Cudweed seems hungrier than ever and oddly preoccupied with 'fresh brains'. In fact when Silas, Valevine's long lost brother, turns up with Samantha, the Otherhands would be well-advised to check out their guests. It's not long before wily Edgar works out that there's a preponderance of vampires and not all of them have false teeth. Just when he's about to solve the latest mystery at Otherhand Castle, the lights go out... Dedicated website on Raven Mysteries: www.ravenmysteries.co.uk
Goth Froth for Early Readers. Cudweed wants a monkey for his birthday in this brand new story featuring some of the characters that have proved such a hit in the Raven Mysteries series for slightly older kids but Cudweed's is a terrific introduction for readers aged 5-8 particularly boys.
The prize-winning vampire novel MY SWORDHAND IS SINGING and its companion THE KISS OF DEATH in an omnibus edition.In the bitter cold of an unrelenting winter, Tomas and his son, Peter, arrive in the inhospitable village of Chust and settle there as woodcutters. When a band of gypsies comes to the village, Peter's drab existence is turned upside down. He is infatuated by the beautiful gypsy princess, Sofia. And, intoxicated by their love of life, he is drawn into their deadly quest. For these travellers are Vampire Slayers and Chust is a community to which the dead return to wreak revenge on the living.Years on, and Peter is still on the trail of the Shadow Queen. His search leads him to Venice, a city whose beauty disguises many ugly secrets. The Shadow Queen is there, gathering strength, recruiting a new army of the Undead for a final confrontation. Hers is the kiss of death.
Shortlisted for the CILIP Carnegie Medal 2011 Packed full of suspense, this is a tingling and chilling Gothic thriller in which nothing can quite be taken for granted. Rebecca is forced to abandon her bustling life in London for the unfamiliar village of Winterfold. So different from home, she finds it lonely and claustrophobic. When she meets Ferelith things begin to change and Rebecca soon finds herself caught up in a terrifying mystery from which there seems to be no escape. Marcus Sedgwick weaves several story strands together in this macabre tale.
There is hilarious fun to be had in these mystery stories about the original, not to say odd, family who live in Otherhand Castle. Told by Edgar the Raven whose views are sharp even if his perspective is unusual, the upside down existence of Minty and her father Valevine, an inventor determined to find the Lost Otherhand treasure, is a delightful and surprising romp. The first Raven Mysteries title was also published recently.
A Richard and Judy Children's Book Club selection 2011 - Read by Yourself category 7+. Told from the bird’s eye view of a resident raven, this is a deliciously topsy-turvy comedy full of unusual details. The Otherhand family are far from normal and life in Otherhand Castle is distinctly strange. Edgar the raven cares little for them but, given his view point, he can’t help noticing that things are going very wrong indeed. Edgar’s account of the Otherhand’s family life and how they deal with the danger that is besetting them is as original as it is weird. Marcus generally writes for slightly older readers but this is an absolutely top notch read for the 7+ age range and is sure to get them hooked on reading and ready to then progress on to his books for older readers – click here for these. Flood and Fang is also available on audio. To view all the titles in the Raven Mysteries series click here. Click here to visit Marcus Sedgwick's website or here for the official Raven Myseries site. And if you like the Raven Mysteries, try Stitch Head by Guy Bass - click here.
Shortlisted for the prestigious Teenage Book Prize 2010. Shortlisted for the CILIP Carnegie Medal 2010, the Independent Booksellers' Book Prize 2010 and for the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize 2009. A tense, psychological drama set in the snowy wilderness of the Arctic Circle, where a boy confronts a stranger who has come to take revenge on his dead father. Gripping from the start it brings into sharp-focus decisions that 15 year-old Sig must make; decisions that could mean life or death, both for him and his remaining family. A message from the publisher: A true coming of age story set in the snowy wastes of the Arctic with an intriguing question and a stark choice at its very heart. Read it, and think about for a long time afterwards… The shortlisted titles for the 2010 Independent Booksellers' Award were: Running Wild by Michael Morpurgo Dog Loves Books by Louise Yates Auslander by Paul Dowswell Dogs by Emily Gravett The Unfinished Angel by Sharon Creech Henderson’s Boys: The Escape by Robert Muchamore Ostrich Boys by Keith Gray What’s for Dinner Mr Gum? by Andy Stanton Cosmic by Frank Cottrell Boyce The Last Leopard by Lauren St John Revolver by Marcus Sedgwick The Silver Blade by Sally Gardner The Teenage Book Prize 2010 shortlist: Halo - Zizou Corder Nobody's Girl - Sarra Manning The Enemy - Charlie Higson Revolver - Marcus Sedgwick Out of Shadows - Jason Wallace Unhooking the Moon - Gregory Hughes
Revolution! Arthur Ransome, an English journalist and writer, sets off for Russia and soon finds himself at the heart of a network of spies and so swept up in extreme danger as Trotsky and Lenin bring down the Tsars and impose the rule of the people. Fairy stories, romance and history and the true story of Arthur Ransome’s life are woven together in this prize-winning novel. For more titles by Marcus Sedgwick please click here. The Lovereading comment: The true story of master storyteller Arthur Ransome provides the background for this large scale and absorbing story. As a young man, Ransome was a journalist and, some thought, a spy, in Russia at the time of the enormous upheaval of the Russian Revolution. What he sees and how he feels about it is captivatingly described in this well written story. Shortlisted for the Costa Children's Book Award 2007.
Winner of the Book Trust Teenage book award 2007 and shortlisted for the 2007 Carnegie Award and our favourite to win the award. Highly readable yet thought-provoking, mysterious yet chilling, and so perfectly paced that it is totally unputdownable. The quality of the writing is superb in this gothic tale and it is sure to transfix readers from 10 upwards. This, the paperback edition includes an exclusive, brand new short story called Blackbeard. From Hugh (12) - I loved it! I loved it even more than I loved The Book of Dead Days (another of Marcus Sedgwick’s thrilling novels). Normally I don’t like horror books but this involved the reader so much more. At times I forgot the difference between myself and Peter! I felt his decisions and fears. I loved and hated the suspense and I even though I was so into the book I hadn’t a clue what was going to happen. At times I had to force myself to shut the book if it was mealtimes or way past my bedtime. I thought that it was an amazing creation and I hope Marcus makes a fortune because he deserves it!
This is the stunning conclusion to The Book of Dead Days, a sweeping gothic fantasy that is packed with mystery and intrigue and the loose ends from the earlier book are brought together brilliantly into a story that is both mesmerizing, deeply thought-provoking and it definitely doesn’t have the ending you think it might. Very original.
An intriguing, action-packed, highly readable story that has a twist in it that you’ll never guess. The characters are beautifully drawn and the storyline very original. If you’re not into fantasy this is the author to get you into it for he merges fantasy and the real world so brilliantly. Having read this one we guarantee you’ll want to read the sequel, Dark Flight Down.
Compelling and gripping, beautifully crafted with a narrative that will stick in your mind long after you’ve finished. It’s a powerful story of magic and betrayal in a distant past whilst at the same time has a timeless ingredient to have broad appeal. If you’ve enjoyed Tolkien then you’ll love Sedgwick’s originality too.
A brilliant, dark and compelling read that cleverly interweaves the story of a 17th century witch into the life of a boy whose world is forever haunted by fire, for his family home was destroyed by it as was his sister. Sensational writing will ensure it’s almost a one sitting read.
This was hailed as one of the most extraordinary debuts when it was first published in 2000. Set in the near future on the east coast of England that has been reclaimed by the sea it tells the story of a girl who, having been mistakenly left behind by her parents escaping from the flood, she heads off to find them but ends up in the hands of a mob of nasty men on a small island. This is essential reading for it paints a vivid picture of what life may well be like in the not too distant future if we don’t do something NOW about global warming. Rest assured though it’s not a rant about that but the author brilliantly interweaves our possible future into an utterly compelling story.
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