The Doomspell [Hardcover]

If Hollywood ever decides to make a film of The Doomspell, they're going to need an awfully big budget. In his first highly imaginative novel, Cliff McNish has created a story so large in scope, so plentiful in amazing characters and containing so much colourful magic that even Steven Spielberg would have a hard time doing justice to it on the large screen.

At the heart of The Doomspell, proclaims the cover, is a battle between good and evil. What it fails to mention is that it is an enormous battle that begins the moment Rachel arrives unexpectedly in the frozen ice world of Ithrea. Along with her brother, Eric, Rachel has been sucked through a terrifying portal to this unhappy world by a witch called Dragwena. A loathsome creature--with blood-red skin, tattooed eyes, four sets of teeth and a writhing snake-mouth filled with purple-eyed, armoured spiders--Dragwena has been seeking her perfect partner for centuries. And now, her quest for one to rule by her side and to help spread her twisted hate to other planets has reached fever pitch. Rachel has been chosen. She has powers beyond her wildest dreams. Skills she never thought she had or would ever need. Abilities she must learn to utilise fast--or face the consequences of being overpowered by pure evil...

The book is a magical read, full of danger, treachery and excitement. It doesn't shy away from the occasionally gory results of Dragwena's wrath, but this thrilling read would not be complete without such honest detail. A page-turner, and sometimes a stomach-turner, The Doomspell never fails to enthral and captivate and is recommended for the bravest readers who do not flinch from such raw adventure. (Ages 10 and over) --John McLay

...an enchanting read. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

"an enchanting read". Teen Titles, Summer 2005 --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

A brilliant fantasy debut

In a blaze of light, rush of wind, and scrabble of claws, Rachel and her younger brother are ripped through the wall and hurtled on to another world. Like thousands of children before them, they have been snatched away by the Witch. But this time the Witch has met her match. Rachel discovers that she has extraordinary gifts: she can transform herself into a speck of dust, or fly on an owl's back, just as the Witch can. The Witch is excited - she has found someone she can use for her own evil purposes. But for the Witch's victims, Rachel is their only hope. Cliff McNish's first book is a real page turner. A great narrative drive, strong characters and emotions, a beautifully imagined world and delicious touches of magic and humour show him to be a natural-born storyteller with an instinctive understanding of what children will enjoy. Rave reports are coming in from 10 to 12 year-olds and from adult fantasy lovers too, indicating that in Cliff McNish we have discovered a new and highly commercial author of huge talent and an exceptionally broad appeal.

In a blaze of light, rush of wind and scrabble of claws, Rachel and Eric are ripped through a wall onto another world. Like thousands before them, they have been snatched by the Witch!

Rachel discovers that she has extraordinary gifts - magical gifts similar to the Witch's own. The Witch is excited to have found someone she thinks she can use for her own evil purposes. But, for the Witch's victims, Rachel is the only hope . . .

BOOK ONE OF THE DOOMSPELL TRILOGY

'Gripping . . . children have been fighting to borrow it' The Guardian

www.cliffmcnish.com

www.orionbooks.co.uk

Cover illustration by XXXXX

ISBN 978 1 85881 850 4

£6.99

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Cliff McNish is an IT specialist. He wrote this book as a response to a request for a story from his daughter Rachel, and is now working on the sequel.