The Grimmelings

The Grimmelings by Rachael King is a mesmerising tale that weaves together the enchanting beauty of the natural world with the eerie magic of folklore. Thirteen-year-old Ella lives with a heart full of stories and the knowledge that words hold immense power. Living in a quiet, rural community, her life takes a dark turn the evening her neighbour Josh Underhill goes missing, coinciding with the eerie appearance of a black horse on the hill above her house.

When Josh disappears under mysterious circumstances—strangely mirroring the unexplained vanishing of her father years earlier—Ella begins to uncover sinister truths lurking in her family’s past. Her curiosity leads her to the legend of the kelpie, a vengeful, shape-shifting water spirit known to take the form of a horse. Driven by a sense of guilt and the desire to protect her community, Ella, alongside her loyal and spirited pony, Magpie, embarks on a quest to break the kelpie’s curse.

Ella's journey is a heart-pounding adventure filled with evocative landscapes, ancient magic, and an exploration of the compassion and bravery that bind a community together. It’s a narrative that beautifully captures the essence of coming-of-age wrapped in the bewitching cloak of mythology.

Rachael King's writing is both immersive and vibrant, rich in mythical lore and deep appreciation of the natural world. It will resonate with fans of authors like Katherine Rundell, Susan Cooper, and Kiran Millwood Hargrave. Her prose delights in exploring language while telling an arresting tale that remains with the reader long after the final page.

'Splendidly inventive, expertly controlled, full of passion and compassion, and a narrative I would give four fingernails to have thought of.' - David Hill

'A compelling and lovingly crafted novel.' - David Mitchell

'There is a freshness of imagination in this story combined with prose that delights in exploring language while also telling an arresting tale.' - Nicholas Tucker, Books for Keeps

'Stunningly original. I loved it!' - Bren MacDibble

'I was gripped until the very end and it left me in tears.' - Stacy Gregg

'Eerie and beautiful.' - Elizabeth Knox

'Exquisitely crafted and thrumming with old magic.' - Rachael Craw

'I could not put it down.' - Zana Fraillon

'Set to become an all-time favourite for adults and children alike.' - Tania Roxborogh

'Filled with evocative landscapes and stunning horses, this exciting novel also has the classic feel of The Dark Is Rising and other stories of ancient magic come to life. A wonderful read for ages 10+.' - Readings

The Grimmelings is not just a story for children but a riveting read for adults who seek to uncover the timeless magic embedded in folklore and the power of the human spirit in the face of ancient forces. A must-read, it captivates from beginning to end, leaving a lasting impression on anyone who wanders into its magical realms.