The Witch Trade

A deceptively ordinary beginning quickly turns into a magical, action-packed fantasy in this extraordinary tale. Abby Clover has been living with her aunt and uncle in the seaside town of Speller, ever since her explorer parents failed to return from one of their missions. The town's streets once rang with children's laughter, but they have now fallen silent, after most of the townsfolk's children were lost at sea in a terrible storm. Soon it becomes clear that these incidents are no accidents, but the result of dark forces at work. Could the stranger living in the lighthouse have anything to do with it? And who is Spike, Abby's mysterious friend, washed ashore after a storm and remembering nothing of his previous life? Together, Abby and Spike are drawn into a world more dangerous than they could ever imagine, where witches are battling for possession of Ice Dust, the ultimate source of magical power. Their journey takes them through magnificent caverns, treacherous seas and lost lands, and they meet a diverse cast of colourful characters on the way - including elves, monsters, trolls, good witches and bad witches, a magical albatross and the kindly Captain Starlight. The result is a vivid, breathtaking adventure, full of surprises, neat twists and gentle humour, which resolves into a satisfying conclusion. This is the sort of book that will make children want to read. Ages 8-10 (Kirkus UK)