The House at the Edge of Magic

By Amy Sparkes

A quirky, funny and fast-paced middle grade fantasy adventure, perfect for fans of Kaye Umansky, Sophie Anderson and Peter Bunzl.

Nine is an orphan pickpocket determined to escape her life in the Nest of a Thousand Treasures. When she steals a house-shaped ornament from a mysterious woman's purse, she knocks on its tiny door and watches it grow into a huge, higgledy-piggeldy house. Inside she finds a host of magical and brilliantly funny characters, including Flabberghast – a young wizard who’s particularly competitive at hopscotch – and a hideous troll housekeeper who’s emotionally attached to his feather duster. They have been placed under an extraordinary spell, which they are desperate for Nine to break. If she can, maybe they can offer her a new life in return…

Categories: Fiction

For readers aged: 9+

  • Publication details:
  • Format: Paperback
  • ISBN: 9781406395310
  • Published: 07 Jan 2021
  • Price: £6.99
  •  
  • Size: 198 x 129 mm
  • Pages: 240

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Customer reviews

Reviews

'A Diana Wynne Jones-ish adventure fizzing with imagination. Such fun – I loved it!' Sinead O'Hart

'A wonder-filled book that revels in magic and mayhem.' Abi Elphinstone

'The House at the Edge of Magic is wildly imaginative and relentlessly entertaining. It is a story like no other and I absolutely adored it!' David Walliams

'A wonder of a book that zip, zaps and zooms off the page.'

'This energetic, inventive romp has a touch of the late, great Diana Wynne Jones.' The Guardian

'Fantasy lovers will find a clever mix of tradition and invention in The House at the Edge of Magic.' The Daily Telegraph

'This funny tale has a cast of lovable characters and plenty of twists and turns. This is a hugely imaginative adventure that fans of Abi Elphinstone, Sophie Anderson and Diana Wynne Jones will love.' The Week Junior

'Featured in The Bookseller's January Previews 2021,' The Bookseller

'wonderfully quirky and inventive' The Bookseller

'inventive and lively' Sunday Express

'This fun and whimsical story about a young girl who steals a tiny house only to discover it can transform into a full sized house is filled with quirky characters and heart.' Country Living Online

'This is an entertaining and exciting story, perfect for reading aloud to your class and enticing readers who are ready for more challenging chapter books. It's buzzing with rich and riotous descriptions of magic gone wrong and fantastical characters that children will love.' Teach Primary

'Take a pinch of Oliver Twist, a dash of Harry Potter and mix with the humour of the picture books for which this author is already known, and you have this fast-paced, funny and entertaining story. This would be a wonderful introduction to the fantasy adventure genre and as the first in a new series this has the potential to be popular.' The School Librarian

'With a feel of “Oliver Twist” and some of the most quirky, magical moments I have ever read, this book is brilliant! Fabulous characters lead the chase through an expertly crafted world, allowing the whole story to burst off the page. Fortunately, as this is the first in a new series, more magical adventures are on the way. Implausible, hilarious and filled with heart, what a great way to start the reading year!' Fallen Star Stories Blog

'I would absolutely love to explore the chaotic corridors and rambunctious rooms of The House at the Edge of Magic in person. I was delighted to read a note at the back announcing further adventures of Nine and her companions, and am very much looking forward to returning to this house! There are echoes of Diana Wynne Jones and Dickens, yet this is thoroughly fresh and original. The House at the Edge of Magic is as addictive and delicious as the sweets frequently brandished by Eric the troll - I cannot wait for more!' Toppsta

'The world that Amy has created is wondrous and magical, and I loved every tiny enchanting detail she has carefully crafted and tossed into this marvellous melting pot. I cannot wait to spend more time in this delightful realm. Perfect for fans of magical middle grade, Abi Elphinstone, Michelle Harrison or LD Lapinski!' Toppsta

'If you like tense, magical mysteries, shows like Dodger or movies like Encanto, then this novel is a perfect mix for you.' National Geographic Kids

'There are no words that can say how wonderful I found this book, it had everything I wanted in a book, adventure and magic.' Book Bound

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Paperback
£6.99

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