Description

Shortlisted for Foyles Book of the Year 2024

Take flight on this beautifully-written, epic and soaring new adventure, perfect for fans of Abi Elphinstone, Aisling Fowler, A. F. Steadman and Pari Thompson.

Astrid has lived in the rhubarb shed her whole life. The outside world is dangerous, Mama explains; she will understand when she’s older, but she cannot set foot beyond the door. Astrid longs to see the world; to meet other children; to live in the farmhouse with Mama. But what she longs for most of all is to see the stars.

Then one night, a stranger unlocks the shed: a stranger with wings. She has come to take Astrid to a secret city in the sky called London Overhead, far above the highest peak of the Shard. For Astrid, like her, is a Librae – and will soon grow wings of her own . . .

Astrid is swept into a breathtaking and magical world of new friendships, sweeping adventures and unimaginable discoveries at the ancient, beautiful school for Librae students: Starminster. But quickly she learns that all is not well in the glimmering city. And when rumours abound of missing children in London Underfoot, she begins to realise that Mama may have been right about the dangers waiting for Astrid all along . . .

Publisher Review

‘A heartfelt debut glittering with magic, joy, and adventure’ Natasha Hastings, author of The Miraculous Sweetmakers: The Frost Fair

‘A soaring adventure with magic and mystery at its heart, Starminster captured me from the first page’ Rachel Khoo, author of The Wishkeeper’s Apprentice

‘A soaring triumph of a debut, packed full of adventure and mystery. It blew me away’ Laura Noakes, author of Cosima Unfortunate Steals a Star

‘A beautifully written story full of imagination, adventure and edge-of-your-seat excitement. I loved it.’ Hannah Gold, author of Finding Bear

‘A wonderfully imagined story set above and below the London skyline, Starminster is a magical debut full of wonderfully supportive friendships, fabulous worldbuilding and a whole lot of heart.’ Clare Povey, author of The Unexpected Tale series