Books

Secret of the Shadow Beasts

from Dial Young Readers, Penguin Random House

When the light is gone, the dark things come…

On the island nation of Brannland, shadow beasts emerge at night to hunt humankind. Only children immune to their venom can fight them and live. Nora Kemp is immune, but her father wouldn’t let her train. When a shadow beast hurts her mum, Nora joins the battle. In a secret fortress, Nora meets the Order of the Hawk. Their world is unlike anything she’s ever known. But something is wrong: The shadow beasts are increasing. And the government is keeping secrets…secrets that may tie to Nora herself. If Nora can’t find answers, it’s only a matter of time before the shadow beasts take over all of Brannland.

“Percy Jackson meets The Witcher in this fast-paced middle-grade fantasy filled with creatures of the night.” —Booklist

“The fantasy page-turner centers around the strength of friendship and the importance of working together, along with using creativity and ingenuity to problem solve. VERDICT A satisfying adventure, and one to hand to fans of Amari and the Night Brothers.” —School Library Journal

The Hunt for the Mad Wolf’s Daughter

from Kathy Dawson Books, Penguin Random House

The companion to a New York Times Editors’ Choice and Kids’ Indie Next List Pick—a heart-pounding adventure starring a strong heroine who is battling the challenges of being a legend—perfect for reading aloud with the whole family.

Brave warrior, bloodthirsty villain, vicious lass, wolf’s head—Drest can see herself in most of the names she’ s been called, except the last. Wolf’s head. It’s a sentence of death-without-trial that’s been decreed by the ruler of Faintree Castle: the traitor Sir Oswyn. And one of his knights is determined to earn the sentence’s rich reward.

 “Magras deftly balances introspection and action as Drest proves herself willing to risk everything—and the result will leave readers cheering. . . . A standout among quest tales for middle graders.” —Kirkus Reviews (Full Review)

“Magras maintains the breathtaking pace of the previous book . . . In addition to all the action, the book is laced with humor while maintaining an undercurrent of thoughtfulness. No sophomore slump here: the book is every bit as good as its predecessor.” —Booklist

The Mad Wolf’s Daughter

from Kathy Dawson Books, Penguin Random House

***A New York Times Editors’ Choice***

A Scottish medieval adventure about the youngest in a war-band who must free her family from a castle prison after knights attack her home–with all the excitement of Ranger’s Apprentice and perfect for fans of heroines like Alanna from The Song of the Lioness series.

One dark night, Drest’s sheltered life on a remote Scottish headland is shattered when invading knights capture her family, but leave Drest behind. Her father, the Mad Wolf of the North, and her beloved brothers are a fearsome war-band, but now Drest is the only one who can save them. So she starts off on a wild rescue attempt, taking a wounded invader along as a hostage.

From The New York Times: “Drest is a ferocious heroine…it’s clear we’re in the hands of a master storyteller….The Mad Wolf’s Daughter feels like an instant classic.”

From Publishers Weekly (starred review): “Empathetic, bold, and entirely herself at a time when women were dismissed as weak, Drest shines in this fast-paced adventure.”