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  • Published: 5 January 2021
  • ISBN: 9780241372913
  • Imprint: Penguin
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 336
  • RRP: $16.99

The Ship of Shadows




An epic magical adventure that spans the high seas.

Aleja whiles away her days in her family's dusty tavern in Seville, dreaming of distant lands and believing in the kind of magic that she's only ever read about in books. After all, she's always being told that girls can't be explorers.

But her life is changed forever when adventure comes for her in the form of a fabled vessel called the Ship of Shadows. Crewed by a band of ruthless women, with cabin walls dripping with secrets, the ship has sailed right out of a legend. And it wants Aleja.

Once on board its shadowy deck, she begins to realize that the sea holds more secrets than she ever could have imagined. The crew are desperately seeking something, and their path will take them through treacherous waters and force them to confront nightmare creatures and pitch-dark magic. It will take all of Aleja's strength and courage to gain the trust of her fellow pirates - and discover what they are risking everything to find.

  • Published: 5 January 2021
  • ISBN: 9780241372913
  • Imprint: Penguin
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 336
  • RRP: $16.99

Also by Maria Kuzniar

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Praise for The Ship of Shadows

A feast for the imagination . . . an enthralling adventure.

Abi Elphinstone, author of Sky Song

This swashbuckling tale has it all - storms in jars, magic kraken bells, lost cities and a truly unique pirate ship. I loved it.

Alex Bell, author of The Polar Bear Explorers' Club

Vibrant, fast-paced and full of exciting ideas. Looking forward to the next adventure.

Jo B, Bookseller

An excellent adventure that is sure to steal the hearts of many young readers. The cover is just as lovely as the story inside.

Nicole B, Netgalley reviewer

You'll feel like you've travelled the world with Maria Kuzniar's immersive writing and engaging characters. . . Thrilling, exciting and intriguing and I can't wait for the next instalment!

Rhiannon, Waterstones bookseller

This incredible adventure has everything! A crew of fierce female pirates, treasure to be found, magic and a journey to a lost city. Myths, legends, hopes, dreams, family and friendship and finally feeling as though you belong. I want to belong to the family on The Ship of Shadows.

Erin H, Librarian

I loved every moment of it and already can't wait for the next in the series.

John M, Netgalley reviewer

I loved getting to know the characters in the book as they travel land and sea on their adventures. It is brilliantly written by Maria Kuzniar. This is a book for everyone who has dreams and is determined to follow them.

Donna R, Netgalley reviewer