Author:Jonathan Stroud

When Emily, Simon and Marcus discover the deserted castle, it seems like an escape from the midwinter snows and their individual loneliness. But their occupation of the ruin quickly takes on a momentum of its own, and soon threatens their friendship, their freedom and their lives.
A gripping novel of real originality . . . The careful setting-up, subtle delineation of character, meticulous observation of the castle itself - in some ways the story's main character - and the gradual increase in the pace and tension of this riveting narrative mark this as a novel of real skill and technique
—— CarouselPacked with suspense and palpable tension . . . This compelling thriller is impossible to put down
—— The BooksellerA brilliant book, evocatively written and full of sinister suspense
—— BBC ParentingThis is a novel which challenges assumptions abour race, gender roles and family loyalties
—— Irish TimesIt is well executed with convincing dialogue, humour and lively and believable main characters acting as teenagers of today do
—— InisThis is a brave and successful attempt to help readers understand a complex, topical situation in our real world
—— The BooksellerThought-provoking book with sensitivity, wit and warmth . . . Its admirable message comes wrapped in a fast-paced and exciting adventure story populated with well-rounded characters
—— Irish Times






