Wilder than Midnight

"An absolutely enchanting tale . . . I adored it." Tamzin Merchant, author of The Hatmakers 
 
A bold and evocative new adventure novel from Cerrie Burnell, celebrating difference and found family. Perfect for fans of Sophie Anderson, Katherine Rundell and Catherine Doyle. 
 
Silverthorne is a place of secrets. A forest of twisting paths and tangled thorns. A castle with locked towers and whispers of tragedy. A village trapped between terrors known and unknown. But something is stirring in the leaves . . . 
 
Saffy is a good girl, tired of being told to stick to the forest paths, and always follow the rules. 
Aurelia is a hidden girl, locked in a castle tower, dreaming of escaping the fate she's told awaits her. 
Wild Rose is a fierce girl, raised by wolves, full of spells and fearlessness and cunning. 
 
 
Together, they will change life in Silverthorne forever. 
 
"Wildly exciting and wickedly whimsical . . . a story as warming and delicious as stolen porridge." Hana Tooke, author of The Unadoptables 
 
"One of the most delightful stories I've read in years. Burnell's writing sparkles like starlight, guiding you through a wild fairy tale brimming with friendship, magic and hope." Maria Kuzniar, author of The Ship of Shadows series 
 
"A story of girls, glorious girls, in all their feisty, feminine brilliance." Nizrana Farook, author of The Girl Who Stole an Elephant

This story is just the sort I would have loved as a girl - I adored its sparkling words, feisty heroines and spirited narrative as well as its message of loving the body we're born with - pure fairytale magic with so many twists. From the very first turn of the page it swept me under its powerful spell...I would happily have lived there for a hundred years!

Wilder than Midnight is my new favourite fairy tale adventure; magnificent as a starry sky, and guaranteed to bring beauty, magic and joy into the hearts of all who read it.

Nizrana Farook, author of The Girl Who Stole an Elephant

Cerrie Burnell is an author, actor and ambassador. During her time on CBeebies she broke down barriers, challenged stereotypes and overcame discrimination to become one of the most visible disabled presenters on children's television. She is also the author of thirteen children's books including her award-winning non-fiction title, I Am Not A Label.

Silverthorne is a place of secrets and stories. A forest full of twisting paths and tangled thorns. A castle with locked towers and murmurs of tragedy. A village trapped between terrors known and whispered. And something is stirring in the leaves . . . 
 
Saffy is a good girl, tired of being told to stick to the forest paths, and always follow the rules. 
Aurelia is a hidden girl, locked in a castle tower, dreaming of escaping the fate she's told awaits her. 
Wild Rose is a fearless girl, raised by wolves, full of spells and cunning. 
 
Together, they will change Silverthorne forever.

Dark Enchantments

From Cerrie Burnell, author of Wilder than Midnight, comes a gorgeous tale of spellbinding magic, wild adventure and the power of friendship and courage. 
 
In the Kingdom of Veniera is a mystical place called ‘the ether’, where subjects can find the magical strands afforded to their place in society. Most magic is good, but there are also dark enchantments, extremely rare, only to be used in the most desperate of times. . . 
 
Fifteen years ago, two babies were born to very different families. But both girls were born without their right hands and, as they grew up, their matching long dark hair, sparkling green eyes and disabilities make it tricky to tell them apart. 
 
Neva grew up to be a talented thief, able to cast enchantments she shouldn’t. She also longs to be an opera singer, but lacks the confidence to step into the spotlight. 
 
Aria is the last princess of her tragic family. She can only access one golden strand, a royal enchantment. Though she’s a brave young woman, her secret lack of magic makes the kingdom extremely vulnerable to foes. 
 
Though they were expected to lead very different lives, a chance encounter one midsummer’s eve will entwine Aria and Neva in a thrilling and dangerous adventure that will change their fates forever.

In the Kingdom of Veniera is a mystical place called ‘the ether’, where subjects can find the magical strands afforded to their place in society. Most magic is good, but there are also dark enchantments, extremely rare, only to be used in the most desperate of times. . . 
 
Fifteen years ago, two babies were born to very different families. But both girls were born without their right hands and, as they grew up, their matching long dark hair, sparkling green eyes and disabilities make it tricky to tell them apart. 
 
Neva grew up to be a talented thief, able to cast enchantments she shouldn’t. She also longs to be an opera singer, but lacks the confidence to step into the spotlight. 
 
Aria is the last princess of her tragic family. She can only access one golden strand, a royal enchantment. Though she’s a brave young woman, her secret lack of magic makes the kingdom extremely vulnerable to foes. 
 
Though they were expected to lead very different lives, a chance encounter one midsummer’s eve will entwine Aria and Neva in a thrilling and dangerous adventure that will change their fates forever.

Cerrie Burnell

A Wilder than Midnight Story

Long ago, on a winter's eve, two sisters walked into a wolf-wild wood but only one returned. . . 
 
The Faraway Wood is full of twisting thorns and sharp teeth. Stirring with myth and music. It's the perfect place for bandits, thieves and secrets to hide. 
 
Until a prince goes missing. 
 
Lilac is a strong girl, happy with her found family, yet searching for her sister. 
Clover is a determined girl, eager to find what's been lost to her, though scared to leave her village. 
Hester is a smart girl, one step ahead of trouble, and ready for adventure. 
 
Together, they will unite the realm.

Cerrie Burnell

Swifter than Starlight

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