This is an extraordinary book. A page-turner full of mystery . . . The language is dusted with magic . . . My advice: Be first in line

STEPHEN KING, author of It

Sophisticated in its exploration of the complex relationship dynamics at play . . . Still, there is that sense of immersion . . . a groundedness that hooks the reader. The writing is full of delightful sensory detail . . . and well-observed description . . . Contemporary fantasy could certainly do with more sophisticated, updated takes on the genre like this one

Jessie Lethaby, THE TIMES

Enchantingly sinister . . . A Gothic thriller, with a frisson of magic

Jennifer Harlan, NEW YORK TIMES

A pacy, modern-day narrative . . . Every step is richly and enjoyably plotted, carefully laying the ground for a payoff that asks clear-eyed and uncomfortable questions about the true nature of artistic inspiration

Piers Torday, SPECTATOR

This slippery investigation into the price of creativity is a dark fairytale

GUARDIAN, 70 Brilliant Books to Read Over Summer

Not since Donna Tartt's The Secret History have I loved a book filled with such magic and mystery as I have Melissa Albert's The Children … This is a layered, haunting adult fairy tale … I loved this book, you will love it, you will buy it, you will read it so fast

Jenna Bush Hager, Read with Jenna