Jodie Garnish’s The Spectaculars is certainly a spectacular debut. Colourful and characterful, with a fabulously evoked world of theatrical magic, and the perennial appeal of a boarding school setting, this is perfect for 9+-year-olds who adore visual adventure stories and drama, of both the literary and performative kind.
According to the Minister, “who isn’t so keen on people who are different”, Spectaculars, (beings with unique performance abilities from the stars) are on the rise throughout the Sunless Provinces and have been deemed a Grade Six Dangerous Species. In this perilous climate, Harper becomes an apprentice at the Spectaculars’ boarding school and Grand Wondria Music Hall and Theatre, which travels the Hidden Peaks, a realm that’s long been a refuge for magical people. But, with a menacing villain on the prowl, Wondria is very much under threat.
Teeming with theatrical atmosphere, the magic of friendship, and lashings of courage, this is an immersive, energetic adventure.
The Greatest Showman meets The Night Circus for children, The Spectaculars is the enchanting new middle-grade adventure series that combines magic, theatre and danger with a large pinch of starstuff.
When three figures arrive at Harper's window in a flying canoe, informing her that she is due to start her apprenticeship, Harper discovers she is a Spectacular - a magical performer, gifted special powers from the stars. Harper is thrilled to be part of the Spectaculars' travelling theatre and boarding school, until everything is plunged into great danger.
With her new friends Trick and Thief, Harper sets out to save her school... But while dreams come true at the Wondria, nightmares might just be lurking in the wings.
'A story of magic, friendship and theatre that shines star-bright' Maria Kuzniar, author of The Ship of Shadows
'Beautifully written, imaginative and witty, The Spectaculars immerses you in a thrilling magical world with characters you fall in love with right from the start' Hannah Durkan, author of Zeina Starborn and the Sky Whale
Author
About Jodie Garnish
Jodie Garnish is a playwright and performer, usually based in London. She studied Drama at the University of East Anglia before going on to train at Drama Studio London.
She has had plays produced at various London theatres and at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, which were critically acclaimed. Her career as a performer, including in shows designed for young people, has allowed her to shape the world of The Spectaculars, as well as giving her good insight into what young people love. She's thrilled to have combined her passion for performance and children's literature in her debut novel.
