Author:Joan Aiken
Dido's sister, Is, travels north to try and find her lost cousin. But instead of the promised Playland, she discovers an underground kingdom where children work as slaves in the worst conditions imaginable - under the rule of the sinister Gold Kingy. . .
Six generations of readers have found in the story of the March family universal truths about girls, families and growing up
—— GuardianA gothic romance dealing with the most taboo subject of all . . . Newbery has created a climactic period story, compelling in its description and psychological drama . . . the relationship between art and life is starkly framed
—— Elaine Williams , TES TeacherUnfolds with horrific credibility and total suspense
—— Gill Roberts , CarouselThis novel calls to mind the writings of the Bronte sisters . . . Despite or maybe because of the author seeming so unconcerned with current trends, this book works on every level. The plot is full of twists, the charcters are multi-dimensional, and the atmosphere of that grand Victorian house, with all its intrigue and hierarchy, is electric. Set in Stone is a gripping page-turner for children and adults alike
—— Glasgow HeraldThis is a plot-driven, exciting thriller
—— Audrey Baker , InisBlisteringly funny, and sad
—— Financial Times website[A] simple, funny and very engaging premise...Mulligan rewrites tragedy as a triumph, and turns the story into a neat way to explore friendship and tolerance.
—— GuardianOne of the best storytellers
—— Mr Ripley's Enchanted BooksMulligan certainly delivers in this extraordinary examination of grief....highly original, emotionally-charged black comedy / thriller. A worthy successor to Mulligan’s excellent Trash.
—— Daily Mail[A] poignant, imaginative take on adolescence
—— The Times, Saturday ReviewAddictive
—— BooktrustI really enjoyed this funny, sad and truthful fable...Mulligan makes a great deal of friendship and the huge source of strength and support it can be.
—— The Book BagA poignant and heart-warming story about life and all the hardships and troubles that this can bring...A fascinating and brilliant read...Another blinding story from Andy Mulligan, which delivers the unexpected with superb imaginative qualities.
—— Mr Ripley's Enchanted BooksA complex and absorbing novel with vivid characters
—— BooktrustGripping dark comedy . . . [A] clever portrayal of a boy on the cusp of adolescence struggling to reconcile opposing impulses within himself
—— Children's Books Ireland