Wild magic, Cowell's trademark bonkers humour, rich environmentalism and the complexities of family love are woven deftly through the first book in a fabulous new series

'A new Cressida Cowell series lifts the spirits as autumn damp descends...A witty, rip-roaring battle of good and evil, secrets and lies, monsters and magic ensues, illustrated with Cowell's signature black and white sketches, and underpinned by an ecological message. FAB-U-LOUS.

This rollicking story never lets up in energy, inventiveness and...good humour... Cressida Cowell is a genuine one-off.... Started 25 years ago, this story now forms the cornerstone for what looks likely to be yet another wildly popular series still to come.

Readers are dragged straight into a thrilling adventure story from the very first page with Cressida Cowell's ultra welcoming text and inviting illustrations. They are the kind of illustrations that are beautiful but also super unintimidating, the kind that make kids want to get out a pencil and draw their own pictures. This fits so well with the story, which is at its heart about the power of children's creativity and imagination

'In my opinion, this is the best story the author has written.' Without a shadow of a doubt, this will be one of the best reads of the year. The story strikes a quirky balance of wild and outrageous storytelling that only great authors can dream up. It is full of brilliant characters, dialogue, and a daring rescue mission with terrible beasts and a robot assassin.... Dream BIG and travel well.