The Threads of Magic

By Author / Illustrator

Alison Croggon, Matt Saunders

Genre

Adventure

Publisher

Walker Books Ltd

ISBN

9781406384741

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

05-03-2020

Synopsis

An atmospheric and riveting fantasy adventure, perfect for fans of Frances Hardinge and Cornelia Funke.
Pip lives on his wits in the city of Clarel. When he pickpockets the wrong man, he finds himself in possession of a strange object - a heart in a silver casket. What's more, the heart seems to be trying to communicate with Pip, and the royal officials who lost it will stop at nothing to get it back.

Pip has unwittingly broken an ancient spell, and his theft will have far-reaching consequences for the whole city. As the ancient war between the Spectres and witches of Clarel reignites, the heart prepares to seek revenge for all it has suffered...

Alison Croggon conjures a rich, immersive world with brilliant and memorable characters in this captivating story of loyalty, courage and friendship.

Reviews

Pip is a young boy who makes his living by pick-pocketing and thieving, so that he and his older sister, El, can survive. One day he pickpockets the wrong man and finds himself thrust in to a dark and dangerous world full of assassins and witches! There are a range of characters in this book, who all develop in their unique way throughout the story. These characters vary from the sweet and innocent El, through to the dark-minded Spectres. The world that these characters inhabit is brilliantly written and comes to life around them. The book is quite dark in places, but has a strong message of courage and friendship as well. Reviewed by Andrew Mullen / 384 pages / ages 9 - 12