Sometimes it takes a little courage to discover magic

Eleven-year-old Lina has never seen the world beyond the prison camp until the night she escapes with her best friend, Bogdan. As the pair journey across a snowy Russian wilderness, they are pursued by a vengeful sorceress and her pack of shadow wolves. The children will need every ounce of bravery – and a little sorcery of their own – if they are to survive…

 
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A world of magic is only a whisper away... Born in a Soviet prison camp, Lina has never seen the world outside until the night she escapes with her best friend...
 
 
 

Longlisted for the Branford Boase Award 2020

Shortlisted for the Stockton Children’s Book of the Year 2021

Children’s Book of the Month at QBD Australia, January 2021

 
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“Orton’s use of language is masterful and her vivid descriptions bring the journey to life… Perfect to snuggle up with on a winter’s afternoon.”

– Reading Zone

 

“This is fantasy at its best.”

– Daily Telegraph

 

“Readers will be captivated… A magical, snowy adventure perfect for winter nights.”

– BookTrust

 

“It’s an unusual juxtaposition - the harsh world of political prisoners in a forced labour camp versus one of ice castles, spirit children and giant eagles. Katharine Orton pulls it off brilliantly.”

– The Bookseller

 

“A tale that sparkles with frosty magic.”

– Thomas Taylor, author of the Eerie-on-Sea Mystery series

 

“A coming-of-age tale that’s compelling, exciting and as chilling as the snow-bound landscape in which it is set.”

– The Financial Times

 

“Featuring themes of bravery, friendship, sorcery and survival, this beautifully written story is ideal for fans of magical adventure tales.”

– The Week Junior

 
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Three things about Nevertell

1

The title comes from “Never tell a child about things they cannot see.” This meant that children shouldn’t be told fairy tales, and because I love fairy tales, it ended up inspiring the book. It was actually real advice to go on walls in nurseries, which I found in a book about the Soviet Union.

2

In the first version of Nevertell I ever wrote, Lina escaped all on her own, leaving her friend Bogdan behind. But I got a third of the way through and realised something important was missing… Bogey!

3

After Nevertell was written, someone got in touch with me to tell me the story of her grandfather, who – like Lina – really had been imprisoned in a Gulag as a child, escaped (and broken back in again!) numerous times in order to go to a nearby school. I was amazed, and so unbelievably grateful to hear such an incredible, true story of someone’s life and family history.