Awesome news for fans of middle grade dark fantasy: The Nowhere Beast by Leslie Vedder, illus. by Abigail Larson (sequel to The Labyrinth of Souls) is hitting shelves tomorrow!

For those unfamiliar with this delightfully spooky series, it follows Ix Tatterfall as she is swept into a world of magic and mystery due to her unique ability to see—and befriend—Nightmare beasts. With a fresh and frightful take on the classic magic school coming-of-age tale, this series has some wonderful worldbuilding, surprising reveals, and an endearing lead character with plenty of heart.

In The Nowhere Beast, Ix is about to deal with some big changes and challenges, including the titular menace, a creature born of malice who seeks to destroy all of the Waking World. Without giving too much away, I say that this sequel absolutely lives up to its foundations, especially in its subversive final act.

Thanks so much to Putnam and Penguin Young Readers for sending us copies of these!