The Undrowned Child [Hardcover]

'Sumptuous Venetian adventure... a great romp for more literary readers' (Fiona Noble THE BOOKSELLER )

'a stunning debut novel by bestselling adult novelist Michelle Lovric. Part fairy-tale, part historical fiction, this is writing that is alight and alive. Two worlds are held in balance, Venice on the cusp of change, as science exerts an ever stronger stranglehold against a deeper, underwater world of myth and mermaids. A beautifully told allegory that captures the power of language, this has definite crossover appeal.' (Jake Hope THE BOOKSELLER )

'Atmospheric, beautifully written and about Venice - A superb volume of adventure encompassing all that makes a good solid read. Includes ghosts, retribution, death, mermaids, seahorses, bravery - Absolutely brilliant. Read it in Venice if you can, if not, then read it and visit as soon as you can....' (Sue Chambers, Waterstone's Harrods WATERSTONES.COM )

'A wonderful alternate world historical fantasy, pitting myth and legend against science. Underlying environmental themes and well-drawn characters, including curry-loving mermaids, add depth to a satisfying literary adventure.' (THEBOOKBAG )

'A captivating magical fantasy in a secret watery underworld, The Undrowned Child tells how eleven year old Teodora is swept into the storybook world of invisible children whose task is to save the dying city of Venice. Working alongside the mermaids Theodora's task is immense. Together can they save the city before the water destroys it? With lyrical writing and an unputdownable plot this is something very special.' (Julia Eccleshare LOVEREADING4KIDS.COM )

'A mysterious tale set in an alternate historical fantasy Venice - with mermaids - it is gripping, elegant and original' (Daniel Hahn INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY )

"Michelle Lovric's first children's book reads like a harmonious cross between JK Rowling and Dan Brown - it's a carefully-conceived adventure set in 1800s Venice, where mermaids exist, children can see ghosts and librarians can change into cats... Lovric conjures up a delightfully mystical Venice and two sympathetic heroes in a fast-paced story, with a map and handy historical information, that will have children of all ages hooked." (PA SYNDICATED NEWS )

"An amazing urban fantasy adventure" (Customer review AMAZON )

"Scientists and subversive mermaids are just part of this unusual historical fantasy world" (Lesley Agnew BOOKSELLER CHILDREN'S BUYERS GUIDE )

"Make sure you don't read this book until you're on holiday as you won't want to put it down once you have started! Reccommended for anybody over the age of ten with an interest in history, mystery or simply a gripping storyline!" (Charlotte, age 12 FIRST NEWS )

"I've just read Michelle Lovric's The Undrowned Child, and for anyone who might feel the need for something Harry Potterish after HP himself; look no further. And if you're not, I still recommend reading this mermaid war drama set in Venice... Great adventure story! And don't be put off by the mermaids. Anything less mermaidish I've not come across. It's not cute; it's exciting and different." (Ann Giles BOOKWITCH )

"The Undrowned Child is a fantastic tale, rich in detail, complex, scary and Teo and Renzo make a fine couple battling all, risking life and limb for a city they love. Along the way the history of Venice unfolds and we meet astonishing creatures, flying Syrian cats and the massed forces of evil gathering to murder every living soul in Venice. The Undrowned Child is a truly astonishing novel by Michelle Lovric that any child who loves words and ghosts will treasure for a very long time." (Sam North HACKWRITERS.COM )

"This brilliant adventure is full of fantasy and drama and there's always something going on - the giant squid-like monster was a bit unexpected! You never know what's around the next corner and by the halfway point you are completely absorbed. I hope that many others will have as much pleasure reading this book as I did. " (Rachel SCOTTISH BOOK TRUST )

"a sumptuous read, as luxuriant and magical as Venice itself... So rich in detail is Lovric's tale that occasionally readers are in real danger of losing themselves in its labyrynthine twists and turns. Yet this is perhaps forgiveable, for, as any visitor to Venice knows, giving oneself up to its maze of alleyways and waterways is the only way to get to know the city. So it is with The Undrowned Child." (BOOKS FOR KEEPS )

"An intricate, fast paced plot, supported by stylish writing will hold the attention of good primary readers: in addition there are elements of humour and satire to add to the experience for KS3. I suspect there will be a number of requests for holidays in Venice!" (SCHOOL LIBRARIAN )

"This is the sort of book that is labelled 'for children' but will be passed around the eager family... Crammed with history, fantasy and beautiful comedy, this book gets a five star rating." (A.N. Wilson READER'S DIGEST )

It's the beginning of the 20th century; the age of scientific progress. But for Venice the future looks bleak. A conference of scientists assembles to address the problems, among whose delegates are the parents of eleven-year-old Teodora. Within days of her arrival, she is subsumed into the secret life of Venice: a world in which salty-tongued mermaids run subversive printing presses, ghosts good and bad patrol the streets and librarians turn fluidly into cats. A battle against forces determined to destroy the city once and for all quickly ensues. Only Teo, the undrowned child who survived a tragic accident as a baby, can go 'between-the-linings' to subvert evil and restore order.