Ned Waddlesworth and The Circus of Marvels are back, and this one has adversaries even scarier than The Clowns! For me, The Gold Thief was an eagerly awaited sequel, given that Ned’s Circus of Marvels was one of my top 10 middle grade books of last year…

It’s been a year and a half since Ned was reunited with his parents, and life has returned to normal. Well, as normal as it can be for the extraordinary family. The daily training, the ring on his finger and the back pack he always carries are Ned’s only reminders of what happened beyond The Veil. That is, until The Nit Inspector pays a visit…

Gold reserves across the globe are disappearing, and no one knows who or why. When Ned’s parents disappear too, his peaceful, family life is torn away once more and he’s reunited with The Circus of Marvels to face the biggest threat to The Hidden and the world yet. Can he and Lucy, Engineer and Medic learn to control their powers and face it down in time, together?

Gripping, edge of the seat adventure full of action, intrigue, family, friendship and hope. The Circus family and their foes are vividly brought to life in fantastical settings. I can’t wait for the next instalment.

Great for fans of Northern Lights, Cogheart, Mortal Engines, The Dreamsnatcher and Sea.