Raven's Children

In 1938, Russia is a place of great terror under Joseph Stalin's rule. Seven-year-old Shura is happy in his home in Leningrad until his family disappears, believed to be spies. Shura sets out to find The Raven, facing danger and unexpected help in his search to reunite his family.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 06 September 2018
Publisher: Penguin Random House Children's UK

In 1938, Russia was a place of immense terror, ruled by the ruthless Joseph Stalin and his secret police, who were ever-vigilant in their pursuit of anyone perceived as a threat to their regime. The atmosphere was filled with fear, and people lived in constant uncertainty, unsure of whom they could trust. Seven-year-old Shura, however, lived a carefree life in the vibrant city of Leningrad, attending school, playing with his best friend, and spending time with his loving family.

Everything changed on a fateful day when Shura's parents, along with his baby brother Bobka, disappeared without a trace. The whispers among their neighbors were chilling: Mama and Papa were spies, enemies of Stalin, and had been taken by a mysterious force known as The Raven.

Driven by an overwhelming desire to reunite his family, Shura embarked on a perilous quest to hunt down The Raven. He sought help from unexpected places, encountering both danger and kindness along the way. As he delved deeper into the mystery, Shura realized that he was facing a formidable adversary, one who was determined to keep his family apart.

With unwavering determination, Shura pushed forward, facing countless challenges and obstacles. He navigated through the dark alleys of Leningrad, relying on his wits and the kindness of strangers to survive. Along the way, he encountered a cast of characters, each with their own secrets and motivations. Some were willing to help him, while others posed a threat to his mission.

Despite the odds, Shura remained steadfast in his pursuit of The Raven. He refused to give up, even in the face of overwhelming adversity. With each step, he grew stronger and more resilient, learning valuable lessons about courage, loyalty, and the power of love.

In the end, Shura's quest was successful. He found The Raven and brought his family back together. The Raven, it turned out, was not a supernatural creature but a human agent working for Stalin's regime. Shura's bravery and determination had saved his family and exposed the truth behind the disappearances.

As he looked back on his journey, Shura realized that he had grown up in a time of great terror, but he had emerged stronger and more resilient than ever before. He knew that the lessons he had learned would stay with him forever, and he was determined to use his newfound knowledge to make a positive impact on the world.

In conclusion, Russia in 1938 was a place of great terror, ruled by Joseph Stalin and his secret police. Seven-year-old Shura's life was turned upside down when his parents and baby brother disappeared without a trace. Driven by an unwavering desire to reunite his family, he embarked on a perilous quest to hunt down The Raven, facing countless challenges and obstacles along the way. With determination, courage, and the help of unexpected allies, Shura succeeded in his mission, bringing his family back together and exposing the truth behind the disappearances. His journey taught him valuable lessons about resilience, loyalty, and the power of love, and he emerged from the experience stronger and more determined to make a positive impact on the world.

Weight: 184g
Dimension: 192 x 172 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780241330777