We have updated our Privacy Policy Please take a moment to review it. By continuing to use this site, you agree to the terms of our updated Privacy Policy.
Something is wrong in the house that Lin’s family has rented; Lin is sure of it. The clocks tick too slowly. Frost covers the flower bed, even in a rain storm. And when a secret key marked ‘Twistrose’ arrives for her, Lin finds a crack in the cellar, a gate to the world of Sylver.
This frozen realm is the home of every dead animal who ever loved a child. Lin is overjoyed to be reunited with Rufus, the pet she buried under the rosebush. But together they must find the missing Winter Prince that night in order to save Sylver from destruction.
They are not the only ones hunting for the boy. In the dark hides a shadow-lipped man, waiting for this last Winter Prince to be delivered into his hands.
Exhilarating suspense and unforgettable characters awaits the readers of this magical adventure, destined to become a classic.
This frozen realm is the home of every dead animal who ever loved a child. Lin is overjoyed to be reunited with Rufus, the pet she buried under the rosebush. But together they must find the missing Winter Prince that night in order to save Sylver from destruction.
They are not the only ones hunting for the boy. In the dark hides a shadow-lipped man, waiting for this last Winter Prince to be delivered into his hands.
Exhilarating suspense and unforgettable characters awaits the readers of this magical adventure, destined to become a classic.
Newsletter Signup
By clicking ‘Sign Up,’ I acknowledge that I have read and agree to Hachette Book Group’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
Reviews
. . . charm and storytelling verve carry it through to its bittersweet ending
A wintry epic of secret doors, magic keys and frozen souls, best enjoyed by a roaring fire with a large plate of waffles. The kind of book every child wants to get at Christmas.
Skillfully blending facets of classic high fantasy, this debut novel will captivate readers with its rich plot and detailed worldbuilding . . . Fantasy that evokes the classics of yore and stands proudly among them
Featured in the Gransnet list of best children's books of 2013
In Tone Almhjell's evocative wintry fantasy The Twistrose Key, Lin grieves for a pet vole who lived in her pocket. One day she enters a snowy world where beloved pets have become human, and sets out to find a lost boy. The plot is complicated but the relationships are touching, with settings of poetic splendour - frozen landscapes, cosy rooms, bustling inns.
Featured in the Gransnet list of best children's books of 2013
This book is pure magic. I want to live in it.
. . . beautifully written. The dialogue sparkles. The descriptive passages are wonderful. The prose sparkles and dances off the page, creating a truly vivid world. And there's a Scandinavian flavour to it that feels really fresh . . . The Twistrose Key comes highly recommended to all fans of magic aged from 10 and up - and by up, we mean the grown ups too.
. . . charm and storytelling verve carry it through to its bittersweet ending
. . . my children's book of the year is The Twistrose Key, a dazzling debut by Norwegian writer, Tone Almhjell. She has created the stunning wintery world of Sylver, peopled by human-sized creatures who were all formerly pets. Our heroine, Lin, manages to get into the world using a key marked 'Twistrose', and is reunited with her much missed pet vole, Rufus. The book has a Narnia-esque feel and possesses the plot, pace and dash of a classic.
a brilliant mix of legend, childhood games... conspiracy, emotion and dangerous adventure, with wonderful illustrations throughout
. . . my children's book of the year is The Twistrose Key, a dazzling debut by Norwegian writer, Tone Almhjell. She has created the stunning wintery world of Sylver, peopled by human-sized creatures who were all formerly pets. Our heroine, Lin, manages to get into the world using a key marked 'Twistrose', and is reunited with her much missed pet vole, Rufus. The book has a Narnia-esque feel and possesses the plot, pace and dash of a classic.
In Tone Almhjell's evocative wintry fantasy The Twistrose Key, Lin grieves for a pet vole who lived in her pocket. One day she enters a snowy world where beloved pets have become human, and sets out to find a lost boy. The plot is complicated but the relationships are touching, with settings of poetic splendour - frozen landscapes, cosy rooms, bustling inns.
This exhilarating tale is set in the timeless world of snowy Sylver - a home to every dead animal that ever loved a child. Packed with adventure, there is a surprise on nearly every page. Original and captivating, this story is suitable for both boys and girls who are 11+ and good experienced readers. Adults would enjoy it too I'm sure. This is such a good book that I could not put it down.
The Twistrose Key is a charming adventure story in the tradition of C S Lewis and Brian Jacques. This is a good, old-fashioned quest of a story and would make a lovely winter read to snuggle up with on a cold, dark night.
A wintry epic of secret doors, magic keys and frozen souls, best enjoyed by a roaring fire with a large plate of waffles. The kind of book every child wants to get at Christmas.
Skillfully blending facets of classic high fantasy, this debut novel will captivate readers with its rich plot and detailed worldbuilding . . . Fantasy that evokes the classics of yore and stands proudly among them
This book is pure magic. I want to live in it.
. . . beautifully written. The dialogue sparkles. The descriptive passages are wonderful. The prose sparkles and dances off the page, creating a truly vivid world. And there's a Scandinavian flavour to it that feels really fresh . . . The Twistrose Key comes highly recommended to all fans of magic aged from 10 and up - and by up, we mean the grown ups too.
The Twistrose Key is a charming adventure story in the tradition of C S Lewis and Brian Jacques. This is a good, old-fashioned quest of a story and would make a lovely winter read to snuggle up with on a cold, dark night.
a brilliant mix of legend, childhood games... conspiracy, emotion and dangerous adventure, with wonderful illustrations throughout
This exhilarating tale is set in the timeless world of snowy Sylver - a home to every dead animal that ever loved a child. Packed with adventure, there is a surprise on nearly every page. Original and captivating, this story is suitable for both boys and girls who are 11+ and good experienced readers. Adults would enjoy it too I'm sure. This is such a good book that I could not put it down.