The Clockwork Key by Vashti Hardy

The Clockwork Key by Vashti Hardy

Embark on an action-packed quest to find the lost town of clockwork in the first of a new fantasy adventure series from Vashti Hardy, packed with her trademark STEM inventions.

Mabel and Will Greystone are looking forward to an exciting holiday with their aunt Lucy, a famous relic hunter in the land of Marvolia.

Using an ancient map, they are searching for the legendary lost town of Umber, famous for the invention of clockwork, which was mysteriously abandoned hundreds of years ago. The only other clue they have is a strange old key left behind by the last inhabitant of the town, but they have no idea what the key is for.

Also on the hunt for Umber is devious Byron Cogsworth, desperate for the glory such an important discovery will bring. Can Mabel, Will and Aunt Lucy find Umber before him? And what secrets will the clockwork key unlock …?

Particularly suitable for readers aged 9+ with a reading age of 8.

"Think Indiana Jones with a big serving of steampunk and a delicious helping of archaeology, and you have Relic Hunters, a fantastic new world-building adventure series from the inventive imagination of bestselling author Vashti Hardy … an exhilarating reading experience, full of amazing inventions and intriguing mysteries, and an exciting opener to a brilliant new fantasy series" – Lancashire Post

"An Indiana Jones-style adventure that will thrill young readers … [Vashti's] incredible imagination has produced an entirely original new world for us." — Mrs Sydney's Famous World's Smallest Library, blog

"This is a brilliantly imaginative, action-packed Indiana-Jones-esque adventure with a wonderful blend of archaeology, fantasy and technology." — Book Craic, blog

"Vashti’s signature story elements shine through: a passion for STEM, the strength and intelligence of her characters, empowerment of girls, and inspiring adults who challenge young people to be true to themselves … Adventure, peril, puzzles and success lie around every corner." — Scope for Imagination, blog

"I adored the strong female characters … the historical, archaeological and STEM themes blending with the fantasy and spirit of adventure. The cliffhanger ending leaves the reader wanting more and dying to read the next book in the series! An expertly crafted, page-turner of a short story." — Mini Travellers, blog

"Vashti’s wonderful writing and style with wonderful characters, world-building and imaginative inventions. Accompanied with stunning illustrations by Rebecca Sheerin that really bring this story to life, The Clockwork Key is a middle grade book that readers are going to love." — Emma Suffield, blogger

Vashti Hardy is the critically acclaimed and bestselling author of children’s books including the Blue Peter Book Award winner Wildspark. Vashti’s other titles include the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize shortlisted Brightstorm and the FCBG Children’s Book Award shortlisted The Griffin Gate.