Part gothic thriller and part coming-of-age story, a new illustrated middle-grade fantasy from award-winning author Frances Hardinge and acclaimed illustrator Emily Gravett about a strange island filled with ghosts and long-buried secrets

A remarkable and ultimately heartwarming story of grief, family, kindness, and being true to yourself.

On the misty island of Merlack, the lingering dead can cause unspeakable harm if they’re not safely carried to the island of the Broken Tower, where they can move on. Milo’s father always told him that he wasn’t suited for dealing with the dead and could never become the Ferryman of the Dead—but one day, he’s unexpectedly thrust into the role. And his father is his first passenger . . .

Soon after, the teenage daughter of the Lord of Merlock passes. But the Lord of Merlock isn’t prepared to give her up, and he follows Milo’s boat in pursuit, in a boat filled with armed men and two sinister magicians at his command. It’s a race to the island as Milo must face swarms of sinister moths, strange headless birds, and chillingly shrouded figures to carry his ghostly passengers across the secret seas.

Filled with suspense and Hardinge’s signature sparkling prose, this new story—accompanied throughout by striking illustrations by award-winning illustrator Emily Gravett—will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Frances Hardinge is the winner of the Costa Book of the Year for The Lie Tree, one of just two young adult novels to win the major UK literary prize. Known for her beautiful use of language, Hardinge has written many critically acclaimed novels, including Unraveller, Deeplight, A Skinful of Shadows, Cuckoo Song, Gullstruck Island, Fly by Night, Verdigris Deep, and Fly Trap. She lives in England. Visit her at franceshardinge.com. Emily Gravett is the winner of two CILIP Kate Greenaway Medals. Emily first sprang into the limelight with the groundbreaking Wolves, which has been followed by such modern classics as Meerkat Mail, Little Mouse’s Big Book of Fears, Monkey and Me, Again!, the Bear and Hare series, Tidy, Old Hat, Cyril and Pat, and Meerkat Christmas. Emily lives in Brighton, England, with her family.