Maggie Blue and the Dark World

Shortlisted for the 2021 Costa Children's Book Award

Sunday Times Children's Book of the Week

A thrilling tale of friendship and courage - Maggie Blue, strongwilled and isolated, sees her enemy from school taken through a window to a parallel world by one of their teachers and determines to follow, whatever the cost. With the help of irascible cat, Hoagy, they discover a world where happiness is being stolen - and they must do everything they can not to be caught up in its web of destruction.

Maggie Blue is an outsider, both at home and at school. She lives with her eccentric aunt Esme, and has no friends other than the irascible Hoagy, a stray cat who can talk to her. When Magge sees Ida, her foe from school, being taken through a window to another world by one of their teachers who has transformed into a wolf, she is determined to save her, whatever the cost. But the dark world is full of danger, a place where happiness is valued above all else, and Maggie discovers that her role is far more important than anyone could have guessed. A thrilling and gripping tale of friendship, courage and the power of being yourself.

“A sophisticated magical tale, awash in sinister villains and perplexing plights ... bursting with invention” FINANCIAL TIMES

“Dreamy and odd, yet razor sharp and terrifying all rolled into one ... The Neverending Story and Spirited Away and Coraline all rolled into one amazing story. If you have fans of manga, fans of headstrong, flawed characters, witty and brave sidekicks and truly gut-wrenching monsters then this is the one for you. I can't recommend it enough.” LUCAS MAXWELL, School Librarian of the Year

“The story is every bit as bizarre, brilliant, fantastical and exciting as I'd hoped. Definitely one to watch out for” KIRAN MILLWOOD HARGRAVE