Frances Hardinge's formative years in a vast, isolated old house within a peculiar village sparked a lifelong passion for crafting strange, magical tales. Her narratives delve into complex ethical dilemmas through captivating fantastical journeys. Known for her rich, imaginative prose and profound understanding of the human psyche, Hardinge offers readers a unique exploration of fantasy and morality.
Set in a perilous world, this gripping narrative follows a young girl's struggle for survival against overwhelming odds. The story weaves together elements of suspense and danger, showcasing her resilience and determination as she navigates a landscape fraught with challenges. Crafted by two bestselling authors, it promises a captivating blend of tension and emotional depth, making it a must-read for fans of dark thrillers.
"A grown-up gothic fairy tale" -- The Guardian's "five best young adult books of 2023" "With its silver-sprinkled jacket, this elegiac story . . . is perfect" Children's Book of the Week - The Sunday Times The award-winning, bestselling Frances Hardinge and Emily Gravett unite for the first time to conjure up a thrilling fairy tale of ghosts and magic, highly illustrated throughout with a luscious blue ink. On the island of Merlank, the Dead must not be allowed to linger. The very sight of their ghosts can kill you. When young Milo is thrust into the role of Ferryman following his father's sudden death, he is the one who must carry away the Dead. Pursued by a vengeful lord and two malignant magicians, Milo must navigate strange and perilous seas where untold threats whisper in the mist. Does he have the courage and imagination to complete his urgent mission? From the Costa Book Award-winning Frances Hardinge, author of The Lie Tree and Unraveller, with spectacular illustrations from double Kate Greenaway Medal winner Emily Gravett, this riveting coming-of-age tale will sweep you away on an unforgettable journey. Island of Whispers is a beautiful hardback glittering all over with silver moths, making the most exquisite gift for anyone who loves mysterious fantasy worlds and graphic novels. Perfect for fans of Neil Gaiman and Kiran Millwood Hargrave.
One of our finest storytellers,' Sarah Perry, author of The Essex SerpentFrom Frances Hardinge, the Costa Award-winning author of The Lie Tree comes Deeplight. The gods of The Myriad were as real as the coastlines and currents, and as merciless as the winds and whirlpools. Now the gods are dead, but their remains are stirring beneath the waves . . .On the streets of the Island of Lady's Crave live 14-year-old street urchins Hark and his best friend Jelt. They are scavengers: diving for relics of the gods, desperate for anything they can sell. But there is something dangerous in the deep waters of the undersea, calling to someone brave enough to retrieve it. When the waves try to claim Jelt, Hark will do anything to save him. Even if it means compromising not just who Jelt is, but what he is . . .
Exploring the richly crafted universe of the Apt, this anthology features contributions from acclaimed fantasy writers, each delving into unique facets of the world established by Adrian Tchaikovsky. The collection is framed by two original stories from Tchaikovsky, showcasing a blend of creativity and imagination. Readers will encounter diverse narratives that highlight the complexities of the Apt and its inhabitants, crafted by award-winning authors who bring their distinct voices to this collaborative venture.
A Skinful of Shadows is a dark historical fantasy set in the early part of the English Civil War. Makepeace is an illegitimate daughter of the aristocratic Fellmotte family, and as such shares their unique hereditary gift--the capacity to be possessed by ghosts. Reluctant to accept her appointed destiny as vessel for a coterie of her ancestors, she escapes. As she flees the pursuing Fellmottes across war-torn England, she accumulates a motley crew of her own allies--outcasts, misfits, criminals, and one extremely angry dead bear. From Costa Book of the Year award-winning author Frances Hardinge comes another historical fantasy that's sure to satisfy her leagues of fans who are eager for more.
The leaves were cold and slightly clammy. There was no mistaking them. She had seen their likeness painstakingly sketched in her father's journal. This was his greatest secret, his treasure and his undoing. The Tree of Lies. Now it was hers, and the journey he had never finished stretched out before her.When Faith's father is found dead under mysterious circumstances, she is determined to untangle the truth from the lies. Searching through his belongings for clues, she discovers a strange tree. A tree that feeds off whispered lies and bears fruit that reveals hidden secrets.But as Faith's untruths spiral out of control, she discovers that where lies seduce, truths shatter...
Challenging traditional notions of gender, this book presents compelling arguments and evidence that showcase women's strength and resilience. It explores various dimensions of female empowerment, highlighting historical figures and contemporary role models who defy stereotypes. Through insightful analysis and inspiring stories, the narrative encourages readers to reconsider societal perceptions of women, emphasizing their capabilities and contributions across different fields.
Cuckoo Song by Frances Hardinge, the Costa Award-winning author of The Lie Tree, is a fantastically eerie and beautifully written novel, and was shortlisted for the prestigious Carnegie Medal. The first things to shift were the doll's eyes, the beautiful grey-green glass eyes. Slowly they swivelled, until their gaze was resting on Triss's face. Then the tiny mouth moved, opened to speak. 'What are you doing here?' It was uttered in tones of outrage and surprise, and in a voice as cold and musical as the clinking of cups. 'Who do you think you are? This is my family.' When Triss wakes up after an accident, she knows that something is very wrong. She is insatiably hungry; her sister seems scared of her and her parents whisper behind closed doors. She looks through her diary to try to remember, but the pages have been ripped out. Soon Triss discovers that what happened to her is more strange and terrible than she could ever have imagined, and that she is quite literally not herself. In a quest to find the truth she must travel into the terrifying Underbelly of the city to meet a twisted architect who has dark designs on her family - before it's too late . . . 'Everyone should read Frances Hardinge. Everyone. Right now' - Patrick Ness, author of A Monster Calls.
Everyone should read Frances Hardinge. Everyone. Right now.' Patrick NessA Face Like Glass is an astonishing and imaginative novel from the Costa Award winning author of The Lie Tree, Frances Hardinge.In the underground city of Caverna the world's most skilled craftsmen toil in the darkness to create delicacies beyond compare - wines that can remove memories, cheeses that can make you hallucinate and perfumes that convince you to trust the wearer, even as they slit your throat. The people of Caverna are more ordinary, but for one thing: their faces are as blank as untouched snow. Expressions must be learned, and only the famous Facesmiths can teach a person to show joy, despair or fear - at a price.Into this dark and distrustful world comes Neverfell, a little girl with no memory of her past and a face so terrifying to those around her that she must wear a mask at all times. For Neverfell's emotions are as obvious on her face as those of the most skilled Facesmiths, though entirely genuine. And that makes her very dangerous indeed . . .