A haunting new mystery thriller from the award-winning Catherine Fisher.
In an absorbing mystery thriller, a teenage girl with a past arrives in a city: new name, new identity, new foster family. She has chosen the city herself, and is fascinated by its harmony and beauty, but is clearly in fear of discovery. She is nursing a secret from her early childhood, a secret that produces new terrors for her the moment she fears her identity has been spotted.
A parallel narrative tells of a young architect's apprentice, Zak, in 1750 -- working with Jonathan Forrest, a man obsessed with past Druidic mysteries and a new architectural vision for the city. He plans to create the world's first circular terraced street, the King's Circus - a plan greeted with scorn and derision. Zac soon realises there's more than just obsession with an architectural vision; there is some secret associated with building a hidden chamber in the centre of the Circus.
But Zac himself has his own confused and highly destructive agenda ...These narratives are framed by the voice of Bladud - mythical first builder of the city, destined to die in trying to fly. And ultimately his narrative brings all together in a clever and brilliantly intriguing climax.
About the Author
Catherine Fisher is an acclaimed novelist and poet, and has written many fantasy books, including The Oracle Prophecy series. Her first novel, The Conjuror’s Game, was shortlisted for the Smarties Book Prize. First published in the UK, Incarceron has garnered widespread praise, and was selected by The Times as its Children's Book of the Year.
Industry Reviews
PRAISE FOR INCARCERON AND SAPPHIQUE: '... displays all of her usual strenth of imagination ... she is simply too good to miss.' -- Independent '... stands out above all others. Its imaginative scale and gobsmacking finale make it one of the best fantasy novels written for a long time.' -- Times, Amanda Craig 'one of today's best fantasy writers ... a deliciously dark and scary ride.' -- Independent '... imaginative, rich in texture and vividly realised. Catherine Fisher writes with consummate skill and depth of feeling.' -- The Bookseller 'One of this year's most striking fantasy novels' -- Amanda Craig, The Times PRAISE FOR THE ORACLE SEQUENCE:'... a rich, resonant conclusion to the series.' -- Booklist - May 06 'Vivid, complicated, and thoroughly engrossing, this fast paced adventure keeps readers avidly turning pages until the majestic conclusion.' -- Horn Book Review May/June 06 '... an intoxicating world reminiscent of the Arabian Nights. Highly recommended.' -- The Bookseller 'suspense is constantly built ... rattles along at a dizzying pace ... next volume please.' -- School Librarian 'A crisp, quick-moving narrative and fully fleshed out characters will keep readers hooked' -- Publisher's Weekly 'A powerful and very exciting adventure story.' -- School Library Journal '... one of the most skilled and original writers currently working in young adult fantasy' -- New Welsh Review 'Beautifully imagined and realised, this novel of future regression is rich with strong characters, big issues and a compelling plot. It is a barnstorming piece of serious fantasy that doesn't put a foot wrong.' -- The Bookbag 'Catherine Fisher is an artist with words ... An engrossing, intricate story of an extraordinary journey undertaken by ricjly imaginative characters' -- Carousel 'a deliciously dark and scary ride.' -- Nicholas Tucker, The Independent 'a deep and sophisticated adventure story' -- Write Away '... wholly engaging and rushes along as a breathless and nail-biting pace ... a gripping read that should enthral both young and old fans' -- Buzz 'the most cleverly comples and fascinating novel for teenagers I have read since His Dark Materials.' -- School Librarian A sophisticated and beautifully written novel with a brilliant climax. -- School Librarian 20101001
