Stone

Description

A second novel from the bestselling author of Branford Boase-shortlisted and Carnegie-nominated Witch. An engrossing story of fathers and sons, death and grief, and unexpected bonds, new and old, forged by dark and benign magic. On the day of his dad's funeral, Sam finds a strange, black stone which he senses has supernatural power. But that is just the beginning. Stowed in his pocket, the stone increases Sam's strength and speed at a single touch. And he starts seeing things: two girls dancing, a lone figure on a hilltop summoning ravens, walking with wolves... and his dad too. Could this small, black stone really help bring back his dad? Grappling with grief, guilt and an array of untested, otherworldly abilities, Sam's life feels too crowded - as lies, threats and his lightning temper cause chaos. How can he cope with the turmoil in his head and all around him? 'A book filled with enchantment, in every sense. Dark, exciting and pacy, Witch brilliantly balances magic and realism' Anthony McGowan, author of Carnegie-winning Lark on Witch 'There is real magic here... Perfect reading for a dark, stormy night' Irish Times Weekend

Finbar Hawkins is a graduate of the Bath Spa MA in Writing for Young People. He grew up in Blackheath, London and now lives in Wiltshire with his family, in a landscape steeped in myth and legend. He is a creative director for Aardman in Bristol, where he makes fun interactive things for children of all ages. Finbar's debut novel, Witch, shortlisted for the Branford Boase Award and nominated for the 2022 Carnegie medal, is also published by Zephyr. Find Finbar @finbar_hawkins on Twitter and Instagram and at finbarhawkins.com

PRAISE FOR WITCH: 'Hawkins' descriptive power is considerable' Financial Times. 'I felt its dark jewelled cloak fall about my shoulders and magic me to the time of witch-craft. A story that captures sibling rivalry so perfectly and tells its tale so beautifully I didn't want it to finish' Jasbinder Bilan, author of Aarti and the Blue Gods. 'There is real magic here, though what leaps off the page is the creepy atmosphere and the raw emotion of a grieving, raging girl... Perfect reading for a dark, stormy night' Irish Times. 'I couldn't stop reading this 5-star story for teens, full of witchcraft,revenge and the power of women' Mel Darbon, author of Rosie Loves Jack. 'Evey is a marvellous, complex, flawed heroine... Hawkins is a master of raising and re-raising the stakes... The tale builds to a climax of incredible, cinematic imagery... A fantastic first outing' -- Cory Doctorow, author of Attack Surface