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The Lost Witch

A thrilling tale of magic and self-discovery

Melvin Burgess author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Andersen Press Ltd

Published:2nd Aug '18

Should be back in stock very soon

The Lost Witch cover

In The Lost Witch, Bea discovers her witch powers while navigating danger and trust issues, all while yearning for a normal life and connection with Lars.

In The Lost Witch, Bea finds herself in a world that is both enchanting and terrifying. She begins to experience visions, hear voices, and see creatures that no one else can perceive. This newfound reality is not just a figment of her imagination; it is a revelation of her unique abilities as a witch. Strangers arrive, revealing to Bea that she is different from others and possesses rare powers. However, this extraordinary gift comes with a heavy burden, as they warn her that she is being hunted.

While grappling with her identity and the strange occurrences around her, Bea longs for a normal life, particularly her growing connection with Lars, a mysterious boy she met at the skate park. As her parents dismiss her experiences as mere hallucinations, Bea faces a daunting challenge: to navigate the complexities of her powers while trying to maintain her everyday life. The stakes rise as danger lurks closer, forcing her to confront the reality of her situation.

The Lost Witch is a compelling tale by Carnegie Medal-winner Melvin Burgess that delves into themes of magic, trust, and self-discovery. As Bea struggles to discern whom she can rely on, the tension mounts. The journey of accepting her identity while facing imminent threats makes for an engaging read, appealing to young adults eager for a blend of fantasy and adventure.

"Extraordinary" -- Simon Mayo * Simon Mayo's Books of the Year podcast *
"Rich, twisty storytelling ... Written with observation and skill" -- Nicolette Jones * Sunday Times *
"Burgess is a master storyteller" -- Alex O'Connell * The Times, Children's Book of the Week *
"The godfather of young adult fiction" * BBC Front Row *
"Melvin Burgess is an original, experimental voice and in his first YA novel for five years he draws on the rich tradition of British fantasy rooted in landscape and folklore" -- Fiona Noble * Observer *
"Burgess’s work remains strong meat, sometimes overwhelming; abduction, seduction, deceit, coercion and the limits of moral responsibility all test the reader’s tolerance of trauma to breaking point in this arresting coming-of-age tale." -- Imogen Russell Williams * Guardian *
"Tackles issues of control, identity, personal freedom and trust through the medium of folklore and magic... An arresting, high-octane adventure" -- Sally Morris * Daily Mail *
"...an uncompromising look at issues in a way that doesn't patronise young adult readers. A tough page-turner." -- Jane Graham * Big Issue - Kid's Books of 2018 *
"Addressing the subjects of family, inheritance, friendship and politics, this is a compelling and exciting tale for teens" * Literary Review *
"A nuanced and thrilling tale of magic, seduction and coercion" * Irish Times *

  • Nominated for CILIP Carnegie Medal 2019 (UK)

ISBN: 9781783446902

Dimensions: 222mm x 144mm x 32mm

Weight: 453g

336 pages