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A spellbinding, epic and heart-racing magical adventure from an exquisite new storytelling talent.

‘Ahmed Pathak is a wonderful new voice; the book took her years to write, and it shows in the depth and care of each beat of the story’ – Katherine Rundell

‘Phenomenal’ – Sophie Anderson

‘One of the best children’s books I have read in a decade’ – Louie Stowell

India, 1855. The British rule, and all across the country, Indian magic is being stamped out.

More terrifying still, people born with magic are being snatched from their homes. Rumour is that they are being taken across the sea – to England – by the all-powerful, sinister Company.

When Chompa’s home is attacked and her mother viciously kidnapped, Chompa – born with powerful and dangerous magic that she has always been forbidden from using – must travel to the smoky, bustling streets of East London in search of her. But Chompa will discover far more treachery in London than she had bargained for – and will learn that every act of her rare magic comes with a price . . .

‘Exhilarating, thoughtful and rich . . . Easily one of the year’s best books for children’ – Guardian

‘A wonderful writer who paints a thoroughly convincing heroine’ – Daily Telegraph

‘An unexpected gem of a story . . . A stellar setting, a gut-punch of a twist, and an unforgettable heroine. This has all the hallmarks of classic children’s storytelling’ – Nizrana Farook

‘Dazzling from start to finish’ – Abi Elphinstone

‘A gripping and spellbinding fantasy woven together with threads of magic, secrets and colonial history . . . An incredible cast of characters and a truly multicultural Victorian London that we don’t see often enough’ – Rashmi Sirdeshpande

‘A wonderfully vibrant debut . . . A vivid magical adventure’ – Jasbinder Bilan