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Impossible Creatures
Series: Impossible Creatures
Brief Description
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • THE FIRST BOOK IN THE LANDMARK NEW FANTASY SERIES THAT CONTINUES WITH THE POISONED KING “A glorious fantasy adventure . . . Brimming with intelligence, inventiveness and generosity of heart.”—The Wall Street Journal (One of the Best Children’s Books of...
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Impossible Creatures
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See moreChristopher discovers the Archipelago, a world where mythological creatures were secreted away by magic long ago, but those creatures are now dying, and it is up to Christopher and Mal, a girl from the Archipelago, to save both of their worlds.
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Description
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • THE FIRST BOOK IN THE LANDMARK NEW FANTASY SERIES THAT CONTINUES WITH THE POISONED KING
“A glorious fantasy adventure . . . Brimming with intelligence, inventiveness and generosity of heart.”—The Wall Street Journal (One of the Best Children’s Books of the Year)
Two kids race to save the world’s last magical place in this instant classic from “a writer with an utterly distinctive voice and a wild imagination.” (Philip Pullman, author of The Golden Compass)
This paperback edition features beautifully designed stenciled edges depicting a creature from the book!
The day that Christopher saved a drowning baby griffin from a hidden lake would change his life forever.
It’s the day he learned about the Archipelago—a cluster of unmapped islands where magical creatures of every kind have thrived for thousands of years, until now. And it’s the day he met Mal—a girl on the run, in desperate need of his help.
Mal and Christopher embark on a wild adventure, racing from island to island, searching for someone who can explain why the magic is fading and why magical creatures are suddenly dying. They consult sphinxes, battle kraken, and negotiate with dragons. But the closer they get to the dark truth of what’s happening, the clearer it becomes: no one else can fix this. If the Archipelago is to be saved, Mal and Christopher will have to do it themselves.
Katherine Rundell’s story crackles and roars with energy and delight. It is brought vividly to life with more than 60 illustrations, including a map and a bestiary of magical creatures.
A PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, KIRKUS REVIEWS, AND SHELF AWARENESS BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR
Series: Impossible Creatures
View all-
The Poisoned King
The dragons call out, and the ratatoskas tell of murder. Come with us now. There is justice to be done. Return to the magic of the Archipelago... The Poisoned King is the dazzling second book in Katherine Rundell's epic and bestselling Impossible Creatures series. 'There was Tolkien, there is Pullman and now there is Katherine Rundell' – Michael Morpurgo When...Paperback$2000Elsewhere:$2299Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
15% offImpossible Creatures
There was Tolkien, there is Pullman and now there is Katherine Rundell. Wondrous invention, marvellous writing. – Michael Morpurgo ‘Rundell’s first foray into fantasy is both a deft, rich homage to the greats of children’s literature and an absorbing, profoundly poignant quest story for those aged 9+ – quite possibly her best yet’ – The Guardian A book stuffed full...Paperback$1700Elsewhere:$2299Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
20% offImpossible Creatures
‘There was Tolkien, there is Pullman and now there is Katherine Rundell. Wondrous invention, marvellous writing.' – Michael Morpurgo ‘Rundell’s first foray into fantasy is both a deft, rich homage to the greats of children’s literature and an absorbing, profoundly poignant quest story for those aged 9+ – quite possibly her best yet’ – The Guardian A book stuffed full...Hardback$2000Elsewhere:$2699Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
The Poisoned King
Katherine Rundell returns with a perfect fantasy Telegraph The unmissable new story in the No.1 Sunday Times bestselling Impossible Creatures series, ideal for fans of Philip Pullman, Percy Jackson, and Skandar. There was Tolkien, there is Pullman and now there is Katherine Rundell – Michael Morpurgo When Christopher Forrester is unexpectedly woken by a miniature dragon chewing on his face,...Hardback$2499Elsewhere:$2699Unit price /UnavailableBackorderShips mid October -
Impossible Creatures
There was Tolkien, there is Pullman and now there is Katherine Rundell. Wondrous invention, marvellous writing. – Michael Morpurgo ‘Rundell’s first foray into fantasy is both a deft, rich homage to the greats of children’s literature and an absorbing, profoundly poignant quest story for those aged 9+ – quite possibly her best yet’ – The Guardian A book stuffed full...Hardback$3299Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
The Poisoned King
The unmissable new story in the No.1 Sunday Times bestselling Impossible Creatures series, for fans of Philip Pullman, Percy Jackson and Skandar. When Christopher Forrester is unexpectedly woken by a miniature dragon chewing on his face, his heart leaps for joy. For months he’s dreamed of returning to the Archipelago – the secret islands where all the creatures of myth...Paperback$1999Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
The Poisoned King
'Katherine Rundell returns with a perfect fantasy' Telegraph BOOKS ARE MY BAG READERS' AWARD WINNER The unmissable new story in the No.1 Sunday Times bestselling Impossible Creatures series, for fans of Philip Pullman, Percy Jackson and Skandar. 'There was Tolkien, there is Pullman and now there is Katherine Rundell' – Michael Morpurgo When Christopher Forrester is unexpectedly woken by a...Hardback$3299Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
New ReleaseThe Neverfear
A world of richly-imagined wonder Cressida Cowell It’s the Midsummer Feast on the Islet of Glimt and on this magical moonlit evening, the word on everyone’s lips is bandits. Reports of masked men burning villages are spreading throughout the Archipelago, but worse is still to come: Christopher and Anya are ambushed and one of the people they love most is...Paperback$1999Elsewhere:$2299Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
Impossible Creatures
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • THE FIRST BOOK IN THE LANDMARK NEW FANTASY SERIES THAT CONTINUES WITH THE POISONED KING “A glorious fantasy adventure . . . Brimming with intelligence, inventiveness and generosity of heart.”—The Wall Street Journal (One of the Best Children’s Books of the Year) Two kids race to save the world’s last magical place in this...Paperback$4000Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 2-3 weeks -
Pre-orderThe Neverfear
A world of richly-imagined wonder – Cressida Cowell It’s the Midsummer Feast on the Islet of Glimt and on this magical moonlit evening, the word on everyone’s lips is bandits. Reports of masked men burning villages are spreading throughout the Archipelago, but worse is still to come: Christopher and Anya are ambushed and one of the people they love most...Hardback$2399Elsewhere:$2699Unit price /UnavailableOut 1 Dec 2026Pre-order -
Impossible Creatures
‘There was Tolkien, there is Pullman and now there is Katherine Rundell. Wondrous invention, marvellous writing.' – Michael Morpurgo ‘Rundell’s first foray into fantasy is both a deft, rich homage to the greats of children’s literature and an absorbing, profoundly poignant quest story for those aged 9+ – quite possibly her best yet’ – The Guardian 'A book stuffed full...PaperbackSold Out
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780593809891
Publisher: Random House USA Inc
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 26 August 2025
Country: United States
Imprint: Yearling (imprint of Random House Children's Books)
Illustration: BLACK-AND-WHITE ILLUSTRATIONS
Contributors:
- Illustrated by Ashley Mackenzie
Audience: Children
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 22.0mm
Width: 143.0mm
Height: 210.0mm
Weight: 397g
Pages: 384
About the Author
KATHERINE RUNDELL is the author of Rooftoppers (an ALA-ALSC Notable Book, winner of the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize), Cartwheeling in Thunderstorms (a Boston Globe–Horn Book Award winner), The Wolf Wilder, The Explorer (winner of the Costa Children’s Book Award), and The Good Thieves. She grew up in Zimbabwe, Brussels, and London, and is currently a Fellow of St. Catherine’s College, Oxford. Her books for adults include Super-Infinite: The Transformations of John Donne (winner of the Baillie Gifford Prize) and Why You Should Read Children’s Books, Even Though You Are So Old and Wise.
ASHLEY MACKENZIE is a Canadian artist and illustrator with a special affinity for dragons, dryads, and all magical creatures.
Also by Katherine Rundell
View all-
The Poisoned King
The dragons call out, and the ratatoskas tell of murder. Come with us now. There is justice to be done. Return to the magic of the Archipelago... The Poisoned King is the dazzling second book in Katherine Rundell's epic and bestselling Impossible Creatures series. 'There was Tolkien, there is Pullman and now there is Katherine Rundell' – Michael Morpurgo When...Paperback$2000Elsewhere:$2299Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
15% off
Impossible Creatures
There was Tolkien, there is Pullman and now there is Katherine Rundell. Wondrous invention, marvellous writing. – Michael Morpurgo ‘Rundell’s first foray into fantasy is both a deft, rich homage to the greats of children’s literature and an absorbing, profoundly poignant quest story for those aged 9+ – quite possibly her best yet’ – The Guardian A book stuffed full...Paperback$1700Elsewhere:$2299Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
Super-Infinite
A sparkling and very modern biography of John Donne: the poet of love, sex, and death, shortlisted for the Baillie Gifford Prize and now in paperback. Shortlisted for the Baillie Gifford Prize 2022 A Sunday Times top ten bestseller 'Masterly.' - Observer 'Wonderful, joyous.' - Maggie O'Farrell 'Frankly brilliant.' - Sunday Times 'Unmissable.' - Simon Jenkins 'Every page sparkles.' -...Paperback$2799Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
The Golden Mole
The Golden Mole by Katherine Rundell offers a richly painted tapestry of the natural world, brimming with enchantment, wonder, and urgency. This captivating non-fiction work takes readers on an extraordinary journey across the globe, shedding light on some of the planet's most bizarre and remarkable creatures. From the elusive pangolins and the steadfast wombats to the graceful lemurs and the...Paperback$2799Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
The Poisoned King
Katherine Rundell returns with a perfect fantasy Telegraph The unmissable new story in the No.1 Sunday Times bestselling Impossible Creatures series, ideal for fans of Philip Pullman, Percy Jackson, and Skandar. There was Tolkien, there is Pullman and now there is Katherine Rundell – Michael Morpurgo When Christopher Forrester is unexpectedly woken by a miniature dragon chewing on his face,...Hardback$2499Elsewhere:$2699Unit price /UnavailableBackorderShips mid October -
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Impossible Creatures
‘There was Tolkien, there is Pullman and now there is Katherine Rundell. Wondrous invention, marvellous writing.' – Michael Morpurgo ‘Rundell’s first foray into fantasy is both a deft, rich homage to the greats of children’s literature and an absorbing, profoundly poignant quest story for those aged 9+ – quite possibly her best yet’ – The Guardian A book stuffed full...Hardback$2000Elsewhere:$2699Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
One Christmas Wish
Go on an adventure with Katherine Rundell ... NOMINATED FOR THE CILIP CARNEGIE MEDAL NOMINATED FOR THE CILIP GREENAWAY MEDAL From the winner of the Costa Children's Book Award 'A writer with an utterly distinctive voice and a wild imagination' – Philip Pullman 'A book that will be treasured forever' - Irish Times 'A moving, witty and magical tale' -...Paperback$1899Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Rooftoppers
Winner of the Waterstones Children's Book Prize Winner of the Blue Peter Book Award Shortlisted for the CILIP Carnegie Medal From the winner of the Costa Children's Book Prize 'A writer with an utterly distinctive voice and a wild imagination' – Philip Pullman Everyone tells Sophie that she was orphaned in a shipwreck – found floating in a cello case...Paperback$2899Unit price /UnavailableBackorderShips early October -
The Wolf Wilder
'A writer with an utterly distinctive voice and a wild imagination' - Philip Pullman 'A truly compelling read … totally original and yet has the familiar feel of an established classic' - Jacqueline Wilson A story of friendship, hope and sweeping adventure in the snowy wilds of Russia, The Wolf Wilder is a modern classic from internationally bestselling author Katherine...Paperback$2499Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
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The Good Thieves
'An amazing adventure story, told with sparkling style and sleight of hand' - Jacqueline Wilson FOYLES CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE YEAR 2019 A glittering, page-turning adventure set amidst the streets of New York, The Good Thieves is a modern classic from internationally bestselling author Katherine Rundell. Fresh off the boat from England, Vita Marlowe has a job to do. Her...Paperback$2000Usually:$2499Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
The Golden Mole
A lavish edition of Katherine Rundell's gloriously illustrated and fascinating bestiary, featuring three new additions to the treasure trove of vanishing wonders. 'Exquisite and timely.' Maggie O'Farrell 'A rare and magical book. I didn't want it to end.' Bill Bryson 'A witty, intoxicating paean to Earth's wondrous creatures.' Observer 'A total miracle.' Max Porter A Sunday Times Bestseller Shortlisted for...Hardback$4500Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
The Golden Mole
'A rare and magical book. I didn't want it to end.' - Bill Bryson A pangolin's tongue is longer than its body. It keeps it furled in a nifty pouch near the hip. A swift flies 200,000 miles in its lifetime. That's far enough to get to the moon and back - then back to the moon. There's a fable...Hardback$3999Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks
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