Part gothic thriller and part coming-of-age story, a new illustrated middle-grade fantasy from award-winning author Frances Hardinge and acclaimed illustrator Emily Gravett about a strange island filled with ghosts and long-buried secrets
A remarkable and ultimately heartwarming story of grief, family, kindness, and being true to yourself.
On the misty island of Merlack, the lingering dead can cause unspeakable harm if they’re not safely carried to the island of the Broken Tower, where they can move on. Milo’s father always told him that he wasn’t suited for dealing with the dead and could never become the Ferryman of the Dead—but one day, he’s unexpectedly thrust into the role. And his father is his first passenger . . .
Soon after, the teenage daughter of the Lord of Merlock passes. But the Lord of Merlock isn’t prepared to give her up, and he follows Milo’s boat in pursuit, in a boat filled with armed men and two sinister magicians at his command. It’s a race to the island as Milo must face swarms of sinister moths, strange headless birds, and chillingly shrouded figures to carry his ghostly passengers across the secret seas.
Filled with suspense and Hardinge’s signature sparkling prose, this new story—accompanied throughout by striking illustrations by award-winning illustrator Emily Gravett—will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Praise
***STARRED REVIEW***
"Gravett’s spectacularly misty, atmospheric illustrations, all in shades of indigo, heighten what is most elusive and poignant about Hardinge’s story—the sorrow of endings, the significance of last messages, and the inexorability of mortality. Hardinge’s own poetic language...brings multiple shimmering layers to both plot and imagery in this melancholic, fantastical tale."
—Kirkus Reviews
***STARRED REVIEW***
"Gravett’s spectacularly misty, atmospheric illustrations, all in shades of indigo, heighten what is most elusive and poignant about Hardinge’s story—the sorrow of endings, the significance of last messages, and the inexorability of mortality. Hardinge’s own poetic language...brings multiple shimmering layers to both plot and imagery in this melancholic, fantastical tale."
—Horn Book Magazine
***STARRED REVIEW***
"Using spare, evocative prose, Hardinge weaves a nuanced and affecting tale about grief, compassion, and the importance of living life fully. Gravett (A Song of Gladness) enhances the otherworldly tone with black, white, and light blue illustrations that are by turns bold and ethereal."
—Publishers Weekly
"[P]owerful...a compelling, engaging pace...Gravett’s stylishly intricate illustrations are melancholy and eerie...Contemplative fantasy readers not ready for Hardinge’s longer works will appreciate this introduction."
—The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
"The moody story, with all the feel of a real folktale, deftly manages to be both a thrilling sea chase and a touching story of loss and coming of age. Sweetly macabre."
—Booklist Reviews
