Winner of 'Best New Fiction' in the Pacific Book Awards!
Beth, a shy only-child, finds life in the English village of Ferrehaven boring and uneventful. Her main worry is that her cat Gravel is being bullied and she doesn’t know why.
When Beth learns the astonishing reason, life becomes much more exciting and dangerous! Guided by a mysterious game that seems to know her dreams, Beth must help Gravel lift the magical curse that has made him an outcast among cats.
Together, Beth and Gravel embark on a quest to find a silver castle, created in the time of King Henry VIII, and uncover truths that challenge their understanding of reality. Along the way they encounter the enigmatic Beam Reapers who restore the moon’s lost rays and an ancient conflict dividing Ferrehaven.
Beth and Gravel navigate through perilous challenges, forge unexpected friendships and learn to understand the nature of being human and animal.
Switchling captures the essence of young adult fantasy adventure with its rich storytelling and dynamic characters. Perfect for readers of all ages seeking thrilling adventures and tales of friendship, Switchling promises an immersive journey filled with magic, courage, and the power of connection.
Winner of ‘Best New Fiction’ in the Pacific Book Awards; First-Placed Winner, International Firebird Book Awards, Finalist in the Page Turner Awards.
S G Fessel loves reading and writing fiction. She hopes to help readers enjoy using their imaginations, to gain a new understanding of the world while also having fun. If you read her novel 'Switchling', you might also guess that she is interested in history (having studied it at Emmanuel College, Cambridge and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine). 'Switchling' is her first novel. Inspiration struck when lying in bed one night, halfway between sleep and wakefulness (a state known as 'hypnagogia'). She heard a noise from outside and an image sprang to mind of figures in flowing robes carrying staffs. They were dragging an object across a windowsill from the downstairs flat and were taking it away. From there she started to wonder who these mysterious people might be and what they were stealing. They became the Honourable Society of Beam Reapers and the story developed around them. Dr Fessel is originally from London but now lives in San Francisco, California with her family and two friendly cats. Favorite authors include Jonathan Stroud, Natalie Babbitt, Joan Aiken, Philip Pullman, Quentin Blake, Annie Barrows, Lauren Child and Douglas Adams.
