The first book in a brand new fantasy series from Adrian Tchaikovsky - a coming-of-age tale as a young girl must find her place in a dangerous world on the brink of war.

It's addictively brilliant! The protagonist is vivid and sympathetic - and I love both the story and the world Adrian has created. It's meticulously thought out and utterly believable John Gwynne A classically brilliant fantasy writer, a pusher of boundaries, a great storyteller Paul Cornell A brilliantly conceived and executed shape-changer Bronze Age saga featuring a heartbreaking heroine ... Readers will be captivated by the well-realized characters, splendid action, and a satisfying conclusion that promises more wonders to come Publishers Weekly (starred review) This is a satisfying read, a story you can really lose yourself in SFX

Adrian Tchaikovsky was born in Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire, before heading off to Reading to study psychology and zoology. For reasons unclear even to himself, he subsequently ended up in law. He has worked as a legal executive in both Reading and Leeds, where he now lives. Married, he is a keen live role-player and occasional amateur actor. He has also trained in stagefighting, and keeps no exotic or dangerous pets of any kind - possibly excepting his son. He's the author of the critically acclaimed Shadows of the Apt series, Children of Time and Guns of the Dawn.