'Exhilarating. Full of wonder and adventure.' Irenosen Okojie, author of Curandera

'A truly magical book, masterfully written from a remarkably astute storyteller.' Ashley Hickson-Lovence, author of Wild East

WHEN 12-YEAR-OLD KRISH FINDS OUT HIS MUM IS DYING, HE IS DESPERATE TO GIVE HER MORE TIME TO LIVE. THIS LEADS TO A DEAL WITH A STRANGE CREATURE TO TRAVEL TO ANOTHER REALM, ILIR, AND COLLECT THE MYRTHALI - THE ESSENCE OF TIME ITSELF.

Set three impossible challenges to win the Myrthali by the cruel King Obsendei in his palace made of living, breathing people, Krish heads out on a quest across the tiny desert world. Joining forces with the razor-tongued girl-wizard Balthrir, he'll dive into the Night Ocean, witness birds born in storms of fire, and be chased by hounds of shadow.

But Krish is about to learn that there's more than his mother's life at stake as he's embroiled in a bloodthirsty fight for power in Ilir. And this will push his friendship with Balthrir to its limits.

'I would highly recommend for anyone who loved His Dark Materials.' Eli Allison, author of Sour Fruit

Book 1 in the exhilarating Myrthali Series, second edition published by Breakthrough Books, crafted by humans, for humans. Look out for book 2, The Dream-Pedlars' Parade!