Twelve-year-old Eli is an apprentice librarian at the largest library in the world. But when his grandmother falls ill, he enters the Glorious Race of Magical Beasts to raise money for her treatment.

This annual race is always held in the most perilous places and is full of spiky dangers. Most participants seek out unicorns and dragons to help them on their conquest. But not Eli. He embarks on this journey with his trusted pet and friend, Humphrey, his moon tortoise. Moon tortoises aren't suited to racing and Eli is no natural adventurer. But he soon finds himself in an unlikely partnership with Raven, a rule-breaker and skilled archer, and her ice hare - one of the fastest animals in the world.

If the two children put aside their differences and work together, they might just reach the finish line!

Alex Bell was born in 1986. She studied Law at university and signed her first book deal at nineteen. Since then she has written books for both adults and young people. After deciding to use her law degree for good, instead of for evil, she also works as an advisor for the Citizens Advice Bureau. Most of her spare time consists of catering to the whims of her Siamese cat.

Number of pages: 352
Reading age guide: 8 to 12 years
Publication date: 1st February 2024
Publisher: Faber & Faber
ISBN: 9780571382231
Format: Paperback

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