Impossible Creatures

By: Katherine Rundell

Narrated by: Samuel West

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • THE FIRST BOOK IN THE LANDMARK NEW FANTASY SERIES THAT CONTINUES WITH THE POISONED KING

“A glorious fantasy adventure . . . Brimming with intelligence, inventiveness and generosity of heart.”—The Wall Street Journal (One of the Best Children’s Books of the Year)

Two kids race to save the world’s last magical place in this instant classic from “a writer with an utterly distinctive voice and a wild imagination.” (Philip Pullman, author of The Golden Compass)

The day that Christopher saved a drowning baby griffin from a hidden lake would change his life forever.

It’s the day he learned about the Archipelago—a cluster of unmapped islands where magical creatures of every kind have thrived for thousands of years, until now. And it’s the day he met Mal—a girl on the run, in desperate need of his help.

Mal and Christopher embark on a wild adventure, racing from island to island, searching for someone who can explain why the magic is fading and why magical creatures are suddenly dying. They consult sphinxes, battle kraken, and negotiate with dragons. But the closer they get to the dark truth of what’s happening, the clearer it becomes: no one else can fix this. If the Archipelago is to be saved, Mal and Christopher will have to do it themselves.

Katherine Rundell’s story crackles and roars with energy and delight. It is brought vividly to life with more than 60 illustrations, including a map and a bestiary of magical creatures.

A PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, KIRKUS REVIEWS, AND SHELF AWARENESS BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

This audiobook edition includes a downloadable Bestiary PDF to accompany the audio, as well as drawings for each beast.

Magical, compelling, coming of age masterpiece

I absolutely loved everything about this book! As an elementary librarian, I’m always on the lookout for superb novels that will capture young readers. This is my newest novel to promote! Perfect for readers who love heroic characters set against impossible circumstances!

Beautiful

K. Rundell's writing is absolutely beautiful! This is middle grade fiction at its finest. Not just entertainment but a story with depth and meaning. My boys (8 and 9) thoroughly enjoyed the narration together.

What a magical book

I love this story, it brings me back to reading books like the Chronicles of Narnia and the Percy Jackson books mixed with the magic of Harry Potter. I can’t wait to read the next book.

A refreshing change in a time of non-original fantasy.

Rundell has woven a narrative that soars past the familiar confines of fantasy, breathing life into themes that have long been overshadowed. This tale is a bold and refreshing creation, captivating both the young and the old with its originality.

The world of Archipelago is finely crafted, exuding an ancient authenticity. Each element and creature, though rooted in fantasy lore, offers a novel discovery, inviting readers to explore its depths.

The characters, both main and side, along with the creatures, are captivating and endearing. The antagonists leave a lasting impression, and the moments of love and tragedy resonate deeply. The final act breaks away from the typical fantasy exposition, offering a more authentic and profound experience. It respects the reader’s intellect and emotions, eschewing excessive detail.

For those who cherish animals, fantasy, and simply put–good storytelling–this one is a must-read.

Absolutely beautiful

The story, characters, word choice, pace, metaphors, visualizations, and performance were perfect. I only wish it were longer and that the series was already complete.