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.

• Author: Vashti Hardy
• Illustrator: Rebecca Sheerin
• Publisher: Barrington Stoke
• ISBN: 978‑0‑00‑868073‑2
• Publication date: 10 October 2024
• Dimensions: approximately 129 × 198 mm }
• Interest age: 9+; Reading age: approx. 8
• Designed as a dyslexia‑friendly title: accessible layout, supportive spacing, short chapters

FAQs

Q1. Is this book suitable for a reader with dyslexia?

Yes — published by Barrington Stoke, a specialist in accessible texts, and specifically noted as “particularly suitable for readers aged 9+ with a reading age of 8”.

Q2. What age is this book aimed at?

This title is ideal for interest age 9+, while supporting reading age from around 8.

Q3. What genre and themes does the book explore?

It’s a steampunk‑style fantasy adventure involving relic hunting, mechanical invention, puzzles, an ancient map and rivalry, set in a vivid world with STEM‑rich elements.

Q4. Can it support classroom or reading‑group discussions?

Definitely. With its action‑packed plot, accessible format and STEM and adventure themes, it offers rich opportunities for engagement, especially for learners who benefit from inclusive reading choices.

Q5. Is this a standalone book or part of a series?

This is Book 1 of a new adventure series (The Relic Hunters) — readers who enjoy it will likely look forward to subsequent books.