Mask of Aribella

Review 'a captivating fantasy ... This enthralling adventure will make readers yearn for their own masks and powers' GUARDIAN 'Hoghton's exciting premise is enriched by the Venetian setting, where the deceptive cobbled streets, maze of rivers and idiosyncratic islands make it easy to slip between a realist register and fantasy. Hoghton adds her own singular details too: the derelict palace that reveals itself only to the Cannovacci is particularly memorable. Luna the cat plays only a minor role, but her reappearance near the books finale, redoubles the remarkable reunion that Hoghton finally grants her fearless heroine.' THE IRISH TIMES 'The Mask of Aribella ... is a fabulous and, given it's setting of Venice, topical debut ... Gorgeously written with touches of Philip Pullman and Eva Ibbotson, this is almost as captivating as a trip to La Serenissima itself.' AMANDA CRAIG, NEW STATESMAN --- Product Description A captivating fantasy for middle grade readers - power, corruption and friendship collide in this enthralling adventure! 'a captivating fantasy ... This enthralling adventure will make readers yearn for their own masks and powers' GUARDIAN 'Hoghton's exciting premise is enriched by the Venetian setting, where the deceptive cobbled streets, maze of rivers and idiosyncratic islands make it easy to slip between a realist register and fantasy' THE IRISH TIMES Aribella lives in Venice, the daughter of an impoverished lacemaker. But she has a secret: when angered, sparks shoot from her fingertips. Afraid, Aribella leaves her old life behind, only to discover the world of the Cannovacci: warriors with magical skills, sworn to defeat the strange spectres menacing the city … • A captivating fantasy by debut author Anna Hoghton, a young and thrilling new voice for middle-grade readers. • Original and arresting storytelling in the captivating setting of historical Venice. • Themes of power, corruption, friendship and celebrating your true self.