The same evening Josh Underhill went missing, the black horse appeared on the hill above the house.
Thirteen-year-old Ella knows that words are powerful. So she should have known better than to utter a wish and a curse on the same day, even in jest.??
When the boy she has cursed goes missing, in the same sudden, unexplained way as her father several years earlier, Ella discovers that her family is living in the shadow of a vengeful kelpie, a black horse-like creature.
With the help of her beloved pony Magpie, can Ella break the curse of the kelpie and save not just her family, but the whole community?
Rachael King's writing is immersive and vibrant, rich in lore and an appreciation of the natural world that fans of Katherine Rundell, Susan Cooper and Kiran Millwood Hargrave will love.
'A compelling and lovingly crafted novel.' David Mitchell
'Stunningly original. I loved it!' Bren MacDibble
'I was gripped until the very end and it left me in tears.' Stacy Gregg
'Eerie and beautiful.' Elizabeth Knox
Format: Paperback
Imprint: Allen & Unwin
Published: March 2024
ISBN: 9781991006646
'Exquisitely crafted and thrumming with old magic.' Rachael Craw
'I could not put it down.' Zana Fraillon
'Set to become an all-time favourite for adults and children alike.' Tania Roxborogh
Orders leave our Dunedin shop every business day at 11am. Deliveries take around 2-3 days to the main centres. Please allow an extra couple of days for rural orders.
We only offer delivery within New Zealand at this time.
New Zealand Rates:
Dunedin Central & West Harbour residents: Free delivery
Urban Delivery: $6.50
Rural Delivery: $8.50
Free shipping for orders throughout New Zealand over $75.
We wrap all online orders in our bespoke PICTURA tissue. You'll also usually receive a bookmark, postcard or colouring sheet!
