Beyond the Mountains

The thrilling imaginative sequel to The Shadow Moth, which was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize.

Imogen and Marie return through the door in the tree to a whole new Yaroslav.

Miro is king, but hates it. Anneshka is no longer Queen. . . and hates it.

When Anneshka hears a prophecy that she will rule the Greatest Kingdom, she seizes Marie, believing her to be key to fulfilling it, and heads over the mountains. Imogen and Miro chase after them, in hot pursuit.

But what they find in the lands beyond will change everything again, and see them facing dangers they could never have imagined, both human and otherwise.

Beautifully illustrated throughout by Chris Riddell, exciting and funny, the Clock of Stars trilogy is a timeless fantasy from the most astonishing new voice in middle grade.

Reviews

Praise for The Shadow Moth:

“An utterly wonderful, timeless magical adventure packed with all the best things about children's fiction.” – Anna James, author of Pages & Co.

"A Clock of Stars: The Shadow Moth fluttered straight into my heart. Sometimes you pick up a book and know – from the very first pages – that you're reading an instant classic. This is one of those books. Prepare to be spellbound." – Carlie Sorosiak, author of I, Cosmo

“Utterly irresistible and hugely imaginative, the first instalment of a thrilling, funny fantasy series finds two misbehaving sisters plunged into a magical kingdom to face a deadly threat.” – Waterstones Best Books of 2020

“…a sparkling debut… boasts a funny, engaging voice, a strong sibling dynamic and a bold, intransigent heroine” Guardian

About the author

Francesca Gibbons worked as a copywriter at a marketing agency before leaving to focus on her career as a children’s author. The Shadow Moth is her debut novel. It was inspired by the gardens she visited as a child, and her love of folklore and monsters. It is the first book in the Clock of Stars trilogy.

Chris Riddell OBE is an author, an artist, the political cartoonist for the Observer and the illustrator of an extraordinary range of children’s books, including titles by Neil Gaiman and J. K. Rowling. He has enjoyed great acclaim for his own books for children, and has won many major prizes, including the Costa Award and an unprecedented three CILIP Kate Greenaway Medals.