<p>''Compulsive reading . . . rich, strange, beautiful'' Helen Macdonald, author of <i>H is for Hawk</i><br>''A strange, new and captivating look at a magical realm . . . Lavishly entertaining''<i> Independent</i><br>''Enthralling . . . a literary feast'' <i>Stylist</i><br><br>The world had forgotten Mr Crowe and his mysterious gifts. Until he killed the poet. <br><br>He lived a secluded life in the fading grandeur of his country estate. His companions were his faithful manservant and his ward, Clara, a silent, bookish girl who has gifts of her own. <br><br>Now Dr Chastern, the leader of a secret society, arrives at the estate to call Crowe to account and keep his powers in check. But it is Clara''s even greater gifts that he comes to covet most. <br><br>She must learn to use them quickly, if she is to save them all.</p>