Impossible Creatures Series by Katherine Rundell 2 Books Collection Set - Fiction - Hardback

Titles in This Set:
Impossible Creatures
The Poisoned King

Format: Hardcover

Overview:
Two riveting installments in Katherine Rundell's Impossible Creatures series come together in this hardcover collection. Set across the Archipelago—a cluster of magical islands where mythic beasts still thrive—these books invite readers into a vividly imagined world where danger and wonder walk hand in hand. Impossible Creatures offers a bold, cinematic entry into Rundell’s fantasy universe, blending daring journeys with warm-hearted camaraderie and sharp wit. The Poisoned King continues the saga with heightened stakes, as a rising evil threatens both the islands and the world beyond, compelling characters to confront difficult truths and forge unlikely alliances. The collection showcases Rundell’s signature lucid storytelling, lush world-building, and affection for legendary beings—from phoenixes to griffins—while delivering suspenseful plots that move at a thrilling pace. This two-book set is a compelling gift for fans of epic fantasy and immersive adventures, crafted with Bloomsbury’s meticulous production and eye-catching cover art that signals a premium reading experience for families, classrooms, and individual collectors alike.

What This Collection Covers:
Across these two adventures, readers explore themes of courage, loyalty, and the cost of discovery within a living, breathing fantasy ecosystem. The Archipelago acts as more than a backdrop; it shapes choices, tests characters’ ingenuity, and challenges them to navigate moral gray areas in a world where creatures of myth still roam. The first book lays the foundations—maps, mysterious islands, and a sense that every myth has a heartbeat—while the second deepens the political intrigue and peril, introducing new allies and formidable adversaries as a deadly poison begins to spread. Together, the stories emphasize teamwork, resilience, and hope in the face of encroaching darkness. The collection also makes an excellent entry point for readers new to Rundell, offering a complete, self-contained journey that rewards careful reading with a satisfying sense of closure and momentum into future installments.

Book-by-Book Guide:

Impossible Creatures takes readers into the Archipelago, a shimmering realm where mythic beasts still live and breathe. This opening installment sets a brisk, adventurous pace and introduces a world where courage is tested by peril and curiosity drives discovery. Rundell’s clear, accessible prose balances wonder with danger, drawing readers into a land of secrets, daring travel, and clever creatures. The narrative blends humor with suspense, inviting young readers to imagine maps that come alive and creatures that spark the imagination. It’s a bold invitation to adventure that establishes the rules of this fantastical universe and tees up the questions that the sequel will answer, all while delivering a satisfying, page-turning reading experience.

The Poisoned King begins when Christopher discovers a Way-Between linking our world to the Archipelago, a realm where creatures from myth still thrive. He encounters Mal, a determined island girl who carries a flying coat and a baby griffin, while pursued by a dangerous foe. Together they embark on an urgent quest to uncover why the creatures are dying, traveling across the wild, wondrous archipelago in search of answers. The journey uncovers secrets guarded by sphinxes and tested by centaurs, as they race against time to save both the islands and the wider world from a rising evil. With tension, danger, and moments of grace, the narrative weaves courage and trust into a gripping, hopeful conclusion that leaves readers eager for what comes next.

Who This Set Is Perfect For:
This hardcover two-book collection is ideal for middle-grade readers who crave expansive fantasy, richly imagined settings, and fast-paced quests. Fans of mythology-inspired adventures will relish the Archipelago’s inhabitants, from soaring beasts to cunning adversaries. The dual-book format makes it a thoughtful gift for birthdays or holidays and a durable, long-lasting addition to any bookshelf. It also suits parents, teachers, and book clubs seeking a connected reading experience that sparks discussion about bravery, teamwork, and ethical choices in a vividly realized world. Families and classrooms alike will appreciate the opportunity to share a complete, immersive journey from start to finish, with room to pause for conversation and imagination between chapters.

Key Benefits:

• Two hardcover installments in a single collectible set
• Immersive Archipelago fantasy with mythic creatures
• Written by the award-winning, bestselling author Katherine Rundell
• Beautifully produced in a durable, gift-worthy format
• Excellent for family reading, bedtime chapters, and classroom discussions
• Perfect for fans of epic fantasy, world-building, and adventure
• Illustrative appeal and strong narrative pace support confident readers
• Great for building a curated library of contemporary children’s fantasy

About the Author:
Katherine Rundell is a celebrated, award-winning author of children’s literature, renowned for her inventive worlds and clear, engaging storytelling. Her works, including the Impossible Creatures series, are praised for vivid imagination, strong character voices, and a warmth that invites readers to think deeply about courage, friendship, and responsibility. Rundell’s writing has earned numerous accolades and widespread acclaim, establishing her as a leading voice in contemporary children’s fantasy. The Impossible Creatures books feature collaborative illustration by Ashley Mackenzie, enhancing the immersive experience with rich visual detail that complements Rundell’s lush storytelling. This collection showcases Rundell’s distinctive blend of myth, adventure, and heart, inviting readers to return to the Archipelago again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Set:
This two-book hardcover collection offers a complete, immersive voyage into a fantasy world where mythical creatures thrive and bravery is tested. Owning the full arc provides a seamless reading journey, ideal for binge-reading sessions with family or friends. The premium hardcover format, paired with evocative cover art, makes this a standout gift and a lasting keepsake for shelves. It’s an accessible entry point for new readers drawn to magical worlds, while also rewarding longtime fans with deeper world-building and escalating stakes. If you’re looking for a richly imagined fantasy escape that balances wonder with peril, this set delivers a rewarding, memorable experience that resonates beyond the final page.

Please Note: The individual books included in this listing will be dispatched as per the original UK ISBN and UK edition cover image shown in the image.