A spellbinding epic and heartracing magical adventure from an exquisite new storytelling talent.Ahmed Pathak is a wonderful new voice the book took her years to write and it shows in the depth and care of each beat of the story Katherine RundellPhenomenal Sophie AndersonOne of the best childrens books I have read in a decade Louie StowellIndia 1855. The British rule and all across the country Indian magic is being stamped out.More terrifying still people born with magic are being snatched from their homes. Rumour is that they are being taken across the sea to England by the allpowerful sinister Company.When Chompas home is attacked and her mother viciously kidnapped Chompa born with powerful and dangerous magic that she has always been forbidden from using must travel to the smoky bustling streets of East London in search of her. But Chompa will discover far more treachery in London than she had bargained for and will learn that every act of her rare magic comes with a price . . .Exhilarating thoughtful and rich . . . Easily one of the years best books for children GuardianA wonderful writer who paints a thoroughly convincing heroine Daily TelegraphAn unexpected gem of a story . . . A stellar setting a gutpunch of a twist and an unforgettable heroine. This has all the hallmarks of classic childrens storytelling Nizrana FarookDazzling from start to finish Abi ElphinstoneA gripping and spellbinding fantasy woven together with threads of magic secrets and colonial history . . . An incredible cast of characters and a truly multicultural Victorian London that we dont see often enough Rashmi SirdeshpandeA wonderfully vibrant debut . . . A vivid magical adventure Jasbinder Bilan