The Second Sight of Zachary Cloudesley

Wild, bewitching and propulsive, Sean Lusk's drama of prophetic visions, exotic feats of engineering, transgressive desire and familial love is one of those novels that makes you rejoice that we are a storytelling species. The Second Sight of Zachary Cloudesley, peopled with vivid characters and sumptuously-imagined scenery is a triumph of the imagination, of language, and of generosity.

Liz Jensen

With a cast of colourful characters who are guaranteed to charm, this hugely entertaining book is full of imagination, adventure, wit and warmth.

Anita Frank

Flavoured with characters of Dickensian brilliance...One taste, you'll be addicted.

Essie Fox

A superb historical novel... Sean Lusk has a bright future ahead of him.

William Ryan

One of the best books I've read this year. Atmospheric, engaging, and elegantly written, this amazing tale of a clockmaker whose son possesses unusual talents is completely unforgettable.

Sunday Times bestselling author, Bonnie Garmus

Fans of eccentrically flavoured historical fiction with a touch of magic are in for a treat with this bustling Dickensian debut about a boy born with the ability to see into the minds of everyone he meets and which spans 18th-century Europe, from London to Constantinople.

Metro

[A] dashing, magical debut . . . intricately plotted, and peopled with intriguing characters and cunning clockwork

Daily Mail

An original and unique tale that blends historical fiction with magical realism and steampunk. Moreover, it features tragedy, humour, and adventure, amongst a Dickensian backdrop whilst remaining accessible to a large audience; there is something for everyone.

The Strand Magazine

Packed with intrigue, vividly drawn characters and heartstopping emotion, this beautifully written, ingeniously crafted debut is absolutely enthralling

Sunday Express

An original coming-of-age tale... enjoyable and imaginative debut

Sunday Times (Historical Fiction Book of the Month)

Inventive, fantastical... memorable

The Times

An exhilarating magic carpet ride to 18th century Constantinople

Saga

[A] transporting, beguiling historical mystery fans of Anna Mazzola will devour

Woman's Weekly

Lusk is already an accomplished and award-winning short story writer, and it shows in the scope of his world-building, and the emotional depth of his characters . . . a novel that confidently plays with elements of magical realism and historical fantasy, offering the reader an enthralling journey and an enchanting protagonist.

The Irish Times

A superb debut...fans of magical realism will love this

Prima

A classic tale of adventure...chock full of brilliant characters, atmospheric descriptions and fascinating facts. The result is a joy to read

Dorset Magazine

Beautifully written, with brilliant characters and this very lush feel . . . really transports you to a different time and place.

Sara Cox, Radio Times

The main thing that struck me was the beauty of the relationship between father and son . . . that was what pulled me in, I desperately wanted them to be reunited. It was heart-breaking

Jessie Cave, Sunday Times bestselling author

I just fell in love with it within the first two sentences . . . When a book does that to you, when it really grabs you, it's just so powerful . . . this book is like the love child of Charles Dickens and Isabel Allende

Ruth Jones, Sunday Times bestselling author

A rich detailed and vibrant tale of a young man finding himself against the backdrop of 18th century London and Constantinople

Scottish Book Trust, Book of the Month