The bestselling magical adventure, shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize!

'A classic winter's tale.' THE FINANCIAL TIMES

'... an engrossing, deeply atmospheric story.' THE TELEGRAPH

'A highlight of this year's fiction.' THE TIMES

'Fans of Eva Ibbotson will love this gripping tale.' THE WEEK JUNIOR

Alone in the world, Sophie dreams of being someone special, but she could never have imagined this ...

On a school trip to Russia, Sophie and her two friends find themselves on the wrong train.

They are rescued by the beautiful Princess Anna Volkonskaya, who takes them to her winter palace and mesmerises them with stories of lost diamonds and a tragic past.

But as night falls and wolves prowl, Sophie discovers more than dreams in the crumbling palace of secrets ...

• An exciting, atmospheric wintry adventure


• With shades of Eva Ibbotson, Cornelia Funke and Dodie Smith's I Capture the Castle


• Shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize and the Specsavers National Book Awards


• Over 100,000 copies sold worldwide