Once Upon a Fever

In a fantasy world plagued by illness, two sisters search for a cure. When they meet a boy who can turn things into gold, their lives are changed forever. This novel is a must-read for fans of Philip Pullman and the Waterstones Book Prize 2023. It is a dark, clever, and enthralling fantasy that will leave readers feeling ambiguous and uneasy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 323 pages
Publication date: 07 July 2022
Publisher: Chicken House Ltd

A captivating and enthralling fantasy novel, perfect for fans of Philip Pullman and shortlisted for the prestigious Waterstones Book Prize 2023. This dark, clever, and utterly captivating tale transports readers to a vividly imagined world ravaged by magic.

Since the world fell ill with fantastical ailments, sisters Payton and Ani have grown up in the hospital of King Judes. Payton dreams of becoming a healer, working tirelessly to find a cure for her mother's sleeping fever. On the other hand, Ani believes that the remedy for all illnesses might be found in the green wilderness beyond the hospital walls.

One fateful day, Ani stumbles upon an imprisoned boy who possesses a remarkable ability—he can turn everything he touches into gold. As Ani and the boy embark on a perilous journey outside the hospital, they uncover a dark mystery that unfolds, revealing secrets that have been hidden for centuries.

The girls find themselves outside the hospital for the first time, in a sprawling, gothic city filled with fantastical illness and towering hospitals where dark secrets lurk beneath the surface. As they navigate through this treacherous world, they must confront their own fears and doubts, and confront the powerful forces that seek to control them.

Angharad Walker's writing is a masterful blend of clever world-building, philosophical themes, and suspense. Her vivid descriptions and intricate plotlines will keep readers captivated from the first page to the last. This is a novel that will appeal to fans of Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials, as well as those who enjoy immersive and atmospheric fantasy stories.

Praise for THE ASH HOUSE has been pouring in. Kirkus Reviews praised the novel for its "unexpected – and pleasing – combination of propitious and disquieting," while Publishers Weekly described it as "an unexpected – and pleasing – combination of propitious and disquieting." The Wall Street Journal praised the book for its "allegorical chill that settles slowly, like damp seeping in."

In conclusion, THE ASH HOUSE is a stunning fantasy novel that will transport readers to a world of magic, mystery, and adventure. Angharad Walker's writing is a testament to her talent and originality, and this novel is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who reads it. Don't miss out on this captivating and enthralling tale.

Weight: 256g
Dimension: 131 x 197 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781912626984