Rotherweird

Andrew Caldecott's "Rotherweird" is a rich, intricate historical fantasy mystery for middle grade to young adult readers. Compared to the atmospheric depth of Gormenghast and the magical intrigue of Hogwarts, it introduces a peculiar English town, isolated since 1558 by a Tudor queen. Governed by ancient laws, Rotherweird forbids any study of its own history. The arrival of a powerful outsider, who purchases the entire town, sets off a chain of events that unearths long-buried secrets and challenges the town's very foundation. This lengthy novel is perfect for readers who enjoy complex world-building, puzzles, and a compelling, atmospheric narrative.

"Baroque, Byzantine and beautiful--not to mention bold. An enthralling puzzle picture of a book" --M. R. Carey, author of the best-selling The Girl With All the Gifts "Compelling... the love child of Gormenghast and Hogwarts." --The Guardian 1558: Twelve children, gifted far beyond their years, are banished by their Tudor queen to the town of Rotherweird. Some say they are the Golden Generation; some say the devil's spawn. But everyone knows they are to be revered--and feared. Four and a half centuries later, cast adrift from the rest of England by Elizabeth I and still bound by its ancient laws, Rotherweird's independence is subject to one disturbing condition: no one, but no one studies the town or its history. Then an Outsider arrives, a man of unparalleled wealth and power, enough to buy the whole of Rotherweird--deeply buried secrets and all...