The Bookseller's Apprentice

Twelve-year-old Billy Pyke has a talent for sorting things out, whether it's his chaotic family home or the busy book stall at Paddy's Market. In 1871, the market is the loud, smelly, marvellous heart of Melbourne, and Billy is delighted to work at the book stall there for the eccentric Mr Cole. When his new friend Kezia warns him of a sinister magician called the Obscurosmith, Billy can't believe her stories of magical deals gone horribly wrong - until he sees them happening. And the night that the Obscurosmith crosses a terrifying and dangerous line, Billy realises something: if he wants the Obscurosmith stopped, he'll have to do it himself.

Award-winning author Amelia Mellor delivers another race-against-time adventure in this action-packed prequel to The Grandest Bookshop in the World. Loaded with tricks, riddles, magic and mayhem, The Bookseller's Apprentice is perfect for Mellor fans and newcomers alike.

• The highly anticipated new title from multi-award winning and best-selling children's author Amelia Mellor
• The Grandest Bookshop in the World has sold over 60,000 copies and been translated into 6 languages
• Puzzles and riddles woven through the narrative takes readers on a grand quest
• A prequel to Amelia's debut novel The Grandest Bookshop in the World but a wholly satisfying novel as stand-alone - rare in the magical realism genre
• Set in 1871 in Melbourne's real-life Paddy's Market - with a magical twist
• Amelia writes historical fiction that is richly detailed and accurate, but effortless to read
• A cracking hardback with a great RRP of $19.99 and a truly glorious jacket, The Bookseller's Apprentice is set to become a classic just like The Grandest Bookshop in the World