Skin of bark, soul of a hero. An astonishing fantasy adventure from the bestselling author of The World of Podkin One-Ear series.

Albion city is governed by a puppet queen, secretly controlled by Lord Cromwell, and strange magic is afoot as six Guilds all compete to rule it. Although the Leaf Guild is the weakest, no one has reckoned with newcomer Jed Greenleaf's extraordinary ability to transform into a half-tree, covered over with bark. He just needs to learn how to harness that power.

Could he be the hero that the Guild needs to win at the Punchbowl tournament? It just might be that this year Jed can turn over a new leaf in the history books, and bring glory to the decaying Guild and peace to Albion.

Author: Kieran Larwood
Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Faber & Faber Children's
Published: 09/09/2025
Pages: 448
Weight: 0.88lbs
Size: 7.80h x 5.10w x 1.70d
ISBN: 9780571392049


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 07/01/2025

About the Author
Wyatt, David: - David Wyatt, the illustrator, lives in Devon. He has illustrated tales by many well-known authors, including Terry Pratchett, Philip Pullman and J. R. R. Tolkien.Larwood, Kieran: - Kieran Larwood moved to the UK from Kenya when he was two and now lives on the Isle of Wight. He has worked as a reception teacher, archery instructor, and in a cake factory! He won the Blue Peter Best Story Award.