For schoolteacher Thomas Abbey there was no writer to equal Marshall France, a legendary author of children's books who hid himself away in the small town of Galen and died of a heart attack at the age of forty-four. Tom and his girlfriend Saxony, wanting to write France's biography, arrive in Galen, where they discover the writer's fiercely protective daughter Anna is waiting for them. Before long, they realise that this idyllic little town and its inhabitants - both human and animal - are not quite what they seem: France's magic has spread beyond the printed page …

Author Biography

SALES POINTS No.9 in the Millennium Fantasy Masterworks series, a library of the most original and influential fantasy ever written 'I can't remember when I've been so blown away by a fantasy novel' Stephen King 'Beguiling and original, this in an intricate, challenging and ultimately chilling tale, full of startling juxtapositions and surprises' Washington Post 'The most original first novel to appear in my generation of writers' Pat Conroy' 'A marvellous, exciting, beautifully written book, and absolutely riveting' Ruth Rendell