Reviews
'…a wonderfully imaginative and atmospheric adventure, rich in myth and legend and with a delicious gothic edge… Taylor is best known as an illustrator – he famously created the original jacket for Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone – but Malamander confirms him as a ferociously talented writer… this really is one that deserves all the buzz.' The Bookseller, Children's Book of the Month
'I was steeped in the briny world of the Malamander from the very first page. Set in Eerie on Sea, where mythical beasts to walk the misty shores, Thomas Taylor introduces us to a wonderful pair of detectives - Herbie and Violet – with a riddle to solve. This is fantastical storytelling at it’s best with a Dickensian cast and a terrifying beast from the deep. This enthralling oceanic adventure had me hoping our heroic lost and foundlings will have more mysteries to solve in books to come. I wanted to read on and on.' M. G. Leonard, Author of Beetle Boy
'Full of unforgettable characters and brimming with maritime mystery, Malamander is a masterclass in original story-telling. Taylor's magical touch makes you believe in the impossible.' Catherine Doyle, author of The Storm Keeper's Island
'Mermonkeys, monsters and magic, oh my! Malamander is a brilliantly plotted mystery swirling with secrets, myths and the enigmatic residents of one unforgettable sea-side town.' Jennifer Bell, author of The Uncommoners
'“Taylor knows how to create atmosphere and a sense of creepy place. It’s a book to be devoured, but is also born for the screen — and I can’t wait to see this south-coast Grand Budapest Hotel meets The Shape of Water (but with a better plot) become a hit.”' The Times, Children’s Book of the Week
'“This book introduces a diverse new detective duo in Herbie and Violet, and is told with such neat storytelling and surprising phrases it would be a joy to read aloud.”' The Sunday Times, Children’s Book of the Week
'“Taylor is a supremely elegant writer, who does not dilly-dally. The plot is delivered like gunfire, and even less confident readers will be encouraged by cliffhanger chapters and knuckle-whitening prose. But this is also a touching story of friendship and loss, with wonderful vignettes of children on the cusp of growing up. Children’s fantasy has become a crowded landscape in which new novelists can vanish without trace, but Taylor stands out. This is a sumptuously imagined book, which works a powerful spell.”' The Telegraph
'“Taylor’s prose effervesces with humour, the setting is richly atmospheric, the story sails along at a rate of knots and all the characters are beautifully drawn. Herbie and Violet are destined for more adventures and I, for one, can’t wait.”' The Daily Mail
'“This is a remarkable debut bubbling with dry humour, richly drawn characters and a wonderful sense of place.”' Daily Mail
'“It will keep you gripped and guessing to the end.”' Primary Times
'“This is a gripping seaside adventure full of weird twists and turns. This is a charming, well-written adventure story with a classic feel.”' BookTrust
'“A wondrous and fantastical seaside adventure awash with magically Gothic overtones. I loved the curious bookshop, home to mysterious mermonkey. A captivating cast and imaginative mythical creatures will have young readers hooked from start to finish. Tim Burton meets Treasure Island.”' South Wales Evening Post
'“[…] a wonderfully British and quirky seaside adventure story, which will be very appealing to readers along the coast.”' Primary Times East Sussex
'“Gripping, magical with shivers down your spine in all the right places, fiercely imaginative and darkly funny; just read it.”' Fallen Star Stories
'“A real page turner. Highly recommended!”' Annie Everall, Carousel
'“This is a story that is just the right amount of menacing and comforting. Monster teeth, or hot chocolate.”' BookWitch
'“This is a seriously exciting and slightly creepy adventure, bringing a whole new world of a seaside town vividly to life.”' Reading Zone
'The novel moves at a smart pace with enough twists and turns to retain interest… It may not stay on the library shelves very long once word gets out.' Lorna Cowburn, Royal Masonic School, NATE
'he knows plenty about enchanting children' featured in Sussex Life’s ‘Must-reads – Our Choice of the Best New Sussex Books’
'Clever writing, swirling with atmosphere, standout characters and a crackling story combine to make this something special.' The Irish Independent, Children’s Books of the Year
'Funny, moving, perfectly paced with wonderful characters - my debut of the year.' The Daily Mail, Children’s Books of the Year
'The seaside in midwinter makes a fabulous setting for Thomas Taylor's Malamander. More, please.' New Statesman
'This is a story about being comfortable in your own skin - and a likeable cast of characters keeps it upbeat. The series, called The Twitchers, also benefits from a sprinkling of wildlife facts, a relatable hero and a twisty plot.' Teen Breathe
'Quite frankly the best children’s fiction books ever!' Great British Life and Suffolk Magazine