From the critically acclaimed author of Children of the Quicksands winner of the Times Children''s Fiction Competition comes a breathtaking magical adventure ...

Kuki is sure that the old family curse of the Abiku is a myth she will not die young.

Then, she meets a new friend,Enilo, while exploring the ruins of a forbidden house. When Kuki finds Enilo playing with children that are unmistakeably Arike wicked spirits she realises her curse might be true after all.

But the friends form a pact: Enilo promises to go to the spirit realm and destroy the secret charm that binds her there. But if she doesn''t return in one day and night, Kuki will fall dangerously ill

• The second novel by Times/Chicken House Competition-winning Efua Traoré, author of critically acclaimed Children of the Quicksands
• A beautifully evoked middle-grade adventure set in the authors native Nigeria and drawing from rich Yoruba mythology
• A story about the power of female friendship over fear and superstition

PRAISE FOR CHILDREN OF THE QUICKSANDS:

''A joy of a book: rich, warm, powerful storytelling''KATHERINE RUNDELL

''A thrilling adventure bright with the gorgeous colours of Nigeria glorious!''JASBINDER BILAN

''[A] beautifully evoked story''THE TELEGRAPH

''Traorés storytelling feels almost otherworldly ... exhilarating''THE TIMES