Animalia

On an icy peninsula near the Arctic, there is a school where select students from around the globe are taught the secrets of the Victorian-era.

The school's programs are:

Apothecary – for pharmacists

Warbringer – for warriors

Machinist – for inventors

Artisan – for artists

Animalia – for animalists

Sunday Gråe wants to follow in her late father's footsteps and become Animalia – the way of working with animals' unique abilities that is taught only at the prestigious and secretive Svalbard School. Sunday's dreams come true when she is admitted, but Svalbard is more dangerous than she thought. The Animalia students are mysteriously going missing... and she could be next.

Light fantasy elements paint an alternate Victorian era that features students from all around the world working toward altruistic goals (conservation, art, justice, innovation, health, etc) and takes a grounded approach to a universal magic we've all felt in our everyday lives – connection to animals and the natural world. Perfect for fans of Enola Holmes, The Golden Compass, and Fantastic Beasts.

"...an appealingly eerie vibe, which will likely keep readers engaged to the last page." – Kirkus Reviews

"...The novel’s portrayal of Sunday Gråe’s journey into the enigmatic Svalbard School and her quest for truth amidst personal struggles is both engaging and inspiring. Murphy’s skillful storytelling and the depth of character development make the book a compelling read...offering readers a captivating and imaginative experience from start to finish." – IndieReader

"This was such an interesting take on the whole Fantasy/Magic school trope... I found the world that Murphy built very interesting and couldn't wait to see how it's explored..." – Lattes, Lipstick, and Literature