The Shadow Six - by Kelly Smith (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

When a forbidden soulshadow marks her as an imperfect child, a girl goes on the run to find answers about her forgotten past in this fast-paced and atmospheric first book in an illustrated middle grade fantasy series perfect for fans of Impossible Creatures and The Golden Compass.

Twelve-year-old Myrtle Rainwater is perfect. At least, that's what her merit book tells her. And on Greycloak Island, perfection is everything, because being perfect prevents the creation of soulshadows--dangerous, magical creatures born from the broken souls of deviant children.

Most importantly for Myrtle, perfection will allow her to transfer away from Stalebourne Boarding School and return to her childhood home to find answers about her aunt's death. But when a panther soulshadow with the name tag "Six" breaks into Myrtle's school on their all-important Inspection Day, claiming to belong to her, Myrtle's perfection is thrown into question.

Giving up everything she thinks she knows, she goes on the run with the panther and her sister, Natty, pursued by the island's ruthless Invigilators. The appearance of the soulshadow sets into motion a chain of events that not only leads Myrtle to new friends and enemies, but draws her closer to the truth about her past and what her future holds--as long as she is ready to face it.

With illustrations that bring the story to life, Kelly Smith's enthralling story whisks readers away on an adventure they won't soon forget!

About the Author

Kelly Smith lives in London with her husband, a very energetic six-year-old and far too many stuffed animal toys (including a panther). She has worked in charity fundraising for most of her career, writing up incredible true stories, but is delighted to now be writing fictional ones! The Shadow Six is her debut novel, largely inspired by her childhood (although her love of dystopian worlds, mischievous animals, spooky towers and magical forests may have played a part too).

Violeta Encarnación is an award-winning Cuban illustrator based in New York City, known for her vibrant, storytelling-driven visuals across traditional and digital media. Her work spans editorial publications, murals, and picture books, often exploring our connection to nature and each other and inviting viewers to reflect on these relationships. In her free time, she's an avid plant lover who is always pushing the limit of how much green her apartment can take, and a culinary enthusiast on the weekends. Visit her at VioletaEncarnacion.com and @_Violeta.Encarnacion_.