Harper Collins Australia
September 2026
ISBN: 9781460769645
RRP: $16.99
This new stand-alone fantasy from Kiah Thomas will have middle-grade readers completely absorbed. With a truly evil villain, a mysterious and seemingly contradictory imp, a long-standing curse and two young people from very different social stations, there is plenty with which to engage.
With a lust for power as has happened so often throughout history, the King of Edgemere cursed his own city by stealing magic that was not his to claim. Ever since Edgemere has been shrouded in clouds, with its people suffering in multiple ways. Legend has it that the curse will be broken by the touch of the rightful heir but only on the Anniversary. But though the doors remain locked, Thea’s best friend Jack has disappeared inside the castle and is trapped there.
With great courage and ingenuity Thea determines to rescue him – but it will not be done without help and it also not be done without having to trust those who seem untrustworthy. It’s a great adventure and has some real parallels to life. Sheraldon is such a fabulous character and both Thea and her new ally, Alexander, make a formidable pairing.
I enjoyed writing notes for it and think it would make a super read-aloud for a class or, alternatively, a book group or readers’ circle title. There is plenty to debate and plenty to chew over as well. It’s a 5 ☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️for readers from around Years 4-7.
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