The Poisoned King

The Poisoned King is the second book in Katherine Rundell's acclaimed Impossible Creatures fantasy series, perfect for middle-grade readers aged 10-14. This thrilling installment sees protagonists Christopher and Anya return to the Archipelago, a hidden realm where mythical creatures thrive. They must embark on a perilous mission to root out a mysterious poison, involving daring rescues, encounters with dragons and sphinxes, and a quest for justice. The book is rich with adventure, courage, and a strong sense of righting wrongs, making it an engaging read for children who love epic fantasy and mythical beasts. It features beautiful illustrations, a map, and a bestiary, enhancing the immersive experience.

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • THE SECOND BOOK IN THE LANDMARK NEW FANTASY SERIES THAT BEGAN WITH IMPOSSIBLE CREATURES “Rundell is back with a sequel . . . which offers magical thrills for young readers and adults alike.”—The New York Times Return to the magic of the Archipelago in the dazzling sequel to the runaway, smash hit Impossible Creatures, hailed as “an instant classic” (Katherine Applegate, Newbery Medal Winner for The One and Only Ivan)! *This spectacular book features foil and embossing on the jacket, full-color designed endpapers, and brilliant stained edges* Christopher Forrester woke to find a dragon chewing on his face—and his heart leapt for joy! He’d been dreaming of going back to the Archipelago, the secret cluster of islands where all the creatures of myth still live, and here was his summons. But there is a poison spreading in the Archipelago. Rooting it out will involve a daring rescue mission on the back of a sphinx, a stealthy entrance to a dragon’s lair, and a death-defying plan to save a prisoner held in the heart of a castle. At the center of this storm is Anya: a small girl with a flock of birds at her side, a new-hatched chick in her pocket, and a ravenous hunger for justice. Katherine Rundell’s second thrilling installment in the Impossible Creatures series involves castles, dragons, and revenge—the things of which great stories are made. The splendors within are brought to life with fifty illustrations, including a map and a bestiary of magical creatures. A GOOD HOUSEKEEPING KIDS' BOOK AWARD • A WALL STREET JOURNAL BEST CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE YEAR