If you’ve ever wished your pet was secretly a griffin or that your morning commute involved flying islands and talking beasts — welcome.
Katherine Rundell’s Impossible Creatures series is an enchanting tale set in a world where myth and magic are not only real, but endangered, mysterious, and utterly irresistible.
Whether you’re a fantasy fanatic, a curious newbie, or a parent hunting for a story that will enchant your child and secretly captivate you too, this series delivers on fantasy for curious minds. Rundell, already beloved for her lyrical prose and wild imagination, has created a world that feels like it’s been waiting for us all along.
With The Poisoned King, the second book in the series, out in the wild, there’s never been a better time to explore the Archipelago and meet the impossible creatures who call it home...
Who is Katherine Rundell?
Katherine Rundell is the kind of author who makes you believe in magic again. A former Oxford fellow, rooftop explorer, and award-winning author, she’s known for stories that sparkle with wit, adventure, and heart.
Katherine was born in Kent but spent much of her childhood in Zimbabwe — a place that left a vivid imprint on her imagination. Moving to Brussels at age 14 added another layer to her formative years, and both experiences shaped the emotional landscape of her debut novel, The Girl Savage, which she penned at just 21!
Her books are incredibly inventive and have scooped up multiple awards, crowning her as one of the most influential children’s fiction author of modern times, and Impossible Creatures might just be her most ambitious adventure yet…
Impossible Creatures Series
Impossible Creatures (2023)
Meet Christopher Forrester, a boy who stumbles into the Archipelago — a secret string of islands where mythical creatures still roam. Think phoenixes, ratatoskas, and miniature dragons (yes, really). But this magical world is under threat, and alongside the fierce and feathered Mal, Christopher must protect the creatures before their magic fades forever. It’s a story of courage, curiosity, and the kind of friendship that can outrun a sphinx.
Praise for Impossible Creatures:
- ‘Magnificent’ The Times
- ‘Her best yet’ Michael Morpurgo
- ‘Readers will seize this with delight’ Philip Pullman
- ‘A masterpiece to rival Tolkien’ Daily Telegraph
- ‘A book stuffed full of fantastical, magical delight’ Cressida Cowell
The Poisoned King (2025)
The sequel opens with a miniature dragon nibbling Christopher’s face. This time, he’s swept into a rescue mission involving newborn Gagana chicks, ancient secrets, and a poisoned monarch whose fate could unravel the Archipelago. Rundell deepens the magic, sharpens the stakes, and delivers a tale that’s equal parts thrilling and tender.
Why You’ll Love This Series
- For fantasy fans: Think Tolkien meets Pullman, with a dash of Rundell’s signature charm.
- For young readers (and adults too): It’s rich, readable, and full of heart.
- For dreamers: It’s a world that feels just one secret door away.
Where to Start
Start with Impossible Creatures, then delve into The Poisoned King. Whether you’re 8 years old or 88, this series is a magical escape that lingers long after the last page.
The Archipelago is Waiting…
Katherine Rundell’s Impossible Creatures series is more than just a fantasy adventure, it’s a celebration of curiosity, courage, and the wild magic of storytelling. From the windswept islands of the Archipelago to the tiniest dragon with a taste for earlobes, Rundell’s world is bursting with wonder and heart.
Whether you’re starting with Impossible Creatures or eagerly turning the pages of The Poisoned King, you’re in for a ride that’s thrilling, thoughtful, and totally unforgettable. So grab a blanket, a sweet treat, and maybe a griffin feather (if you can find one), and let yourself be swept away.
