Books published by publisher Lume Books

Legend says the Pied Piper came to our world twice: once to Hamelin in 1284 and then to the Isle of Wight in 1377.In a modern twist on the classic tale, Lizzie and Richie are two modern kids who are thrown into parallel worlds as they try to save their medieval friends from the Piper. With a mixture of adventure, intrigue and villainy with a twist ending, this book is a brilliant children's novel that will have them gripped to the very end and demanding another installment once it's finished. Suitable for the 8-14 range, it has something for boys, girls and grown-ups alike and is a brilliant before bedtime read.

Passionate literary geniuses - their own story...The authors of such literary classics as Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, and Agnes Grey, Charlotte, Emily, and Anne Brontë were extraordinary not just because they were successful female writers in Victorian England, but because they were from the same family. Growing up, all three sisters were significantly influenced by each other's writing, but perhaps most importantly by their troubled brother, Branwell.The Brontë Family is a fascinating examination into the unconventional lives of each sibling, offering an insight into the minds of the gifted authors whose passionate tales continue to enthral readers today.Praise for The Brontë Family:'In Kenyon's hands, the sisters come alive individually and as a family' - Leigh Fenly, The San Diego Union-Tribune'An extraordinary biography about an extraordinary family' - Jane Halsall, The Shy LibrarianKaren Kenyon is a journalist and author. She teaches Creative Writing at Mira Costa College in Cardiff, California. Karen has visited England several times, and at the Brontë Parsonage she found herself drawn to the Brontës and their story, going on to write many articles about them. Her other books include Sunshower and Charles Dickens: Compassion and Contradiction.

Djela's grandfather, Psin Khan, has returned as head of the Merkit tribe from fighting the enemies of the Mongols.A trusted member of the Kha Khan’s court, Psin is always ready and willing to entertain Djela with stories of bravery and sacrifice. Djela wants to prove that he too can live up to his family name.And when his father praises him during archery practise he is sure he is about to receive his first adult bow.But then everything goes wrong.To protect his friend Djela lies to his father.And no Mongol could tolerate a deliberate untruth... Djela is sent off to the far north station as punishment, herding the family flocks of cattle and horses for a month. There was nothing Djela hated more.But there was excitement at the North Camp he had not anticipated. Some of the men insisted that a ghost tiger was killing their calves. Whatever it was, it eventually became Djela's job to track it down. And it was in his relentless pursuit of the mysterious beast that he became a true heir to his grandfather…‘a master story-teller’ - Houston ChronicleCecelia Holland is widely acknowledged as one of the finest historical novelists of our time. She is the author of more than thirty novels, including ‘Hammer For Princes’ and ‘The King’s Road’.Endeavour Media is the UK’s leading independent publisher of digital books.

One of the most dramatic heroine's of the American Civil War, Pauline Cushman acted as a Union spy and scout while behind enemy lines in the South. She was eventually captured, brought before General Nathan Bedford Forest, and sent to General Bragg for prosecution. She was found guilty and sentenced to hang, but was rescued by the forces of General James Garfield. Praised by Abraham Lincoln for her courage and services, General Garfield made Cushman a brevet major.This biography was written in 1865 by her friend, Ferdinand Sarmiento, was “prepared from her notes and memoranda.” The account spans her early life, her entry into the secret service of the Army of the Cumberland, as well as the exciting adventures with the rebel Chieftains and others while within enemy lines.Published before the close of the war, this book is not only interesting for Cushman's story, but as an example of the type of literature that a northern audience, after four years of horrific war, was hungry for.

Most people know that Louisa May Alcott based the characters in Little Women on her own parents, her sisters, and herself.Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy, the four famous March sisters in Little Women, were more than just storybook characters. The author, Louisa May Alcott, based that book on her own loving family — her parents and her sisters, Anna, Elizabeth, and May.Bronson Alcott’s mother taught him to write on their kitchen floor. Determined to make a life for himself, Bronson set out to find an educational institution where he could teach. Through his endeavours, Bronson met his future wife, Abba May. Once married, they moved to Germantown — the start of their many moves. His four daughters, Anna, Louisa, Elizabeth and May, were his pride and joy. Louisa was the most daring of all of them. From an early life, Louisa was always getting into trouble and loved the outdoors. This fierce determination of Louisa’s — to embark upon the unknown — was a trait she carried through to adulthood. Growing up in a household full of love and joy helped bridge the upheaval everytime they moved. They were poor, but happy. As Louisa grew, she started to understand the difficulties her parents had faced, and continued to face. Determined to help her parents, Louisa set out on a number of employment opportunities — teaching, sewing, nursing, writing — bringing in meagre wages, however hard she tried. Through a turn of fate, her short stories and letters brought her to the attention of publishers. A particularly cunning publisher, Mr Thomas Niles, urged Louisa to write a book for girls. Louisa wrote about her own mother and sisters. Little Women became a sensational hit around the world.From the proceeds, Louisa was able to provide her family with the desperately needed stable income — her one aim in life. She gave her family everything they ever wanted or needed. She finally had fame and affection — something that was seldom earned.In this book, Cornelia Meigs tells us the full story of the Alcott (March) family. An unbelievable story of a brave, loving family, even more wonderful than Little Women. Praise for Invincible Louisa "[A] graceful, well-written account" – Children’s Literature '[It tells of the] gallant girlhood of this favorite of American story tellers.’ - Kirkus Reviews Cornelia Lynde Meigs (1884–1973) was an American writer of fiction and biography for children, teacher of English and writing, historian and critic of children's literature. She won the Newbery Medal for Invincible Louisa and also wrote three Newbery Honor Books.

BODY FOUND IN RESERVOIR.When the body of a young girl is pulled from a reservoir, the crime remains unsolved for six months. Flame-haired Karen Cady, hoping to follow in her father’s private detective footsteps, thinks she can solve the mystery. Someone must know who killed Natalie Stevens – and why. But Karen must be careful as she begins to unravel a secret that someone is prepared to kill for.Praise for Penny Kline‘Absorbing’ – The Scotsman‘Economically but fluently crafted’ - Evening PostPenny Kline is married with two grown-up children, and lives in Bath with her husband and her dog. Kline has worked as a teacher, psychologist and student counsellor. She now writes full time, and has written four books for adults – Dying to Help, Feeling Bad, A Crushing Blow and Turning Nasty. A Watery Grave is her first – of many – thrilling books for children.

Always watching, always waiting...Kell has always dreamed of the world beyond the Enclave and imagined a life of freedom where he could choose his own path.Yet the Enclave is safe and harmonious. Ruled by the All Mother, it has protected the Community from the endless frozen dark and from the fury of the Ice Demon for thousands of years. Those living in the Enclave are led to believe that the All Mother is a benevolent and worldly leader who would never let Kell or any of her people come to harm.But Kell is restless and stifled by the doctrines of the Enclave. He wonders what lies outside this world and begins to ask questions. Too many questions. Dangerous questions. The teachings of the All Mother are sacred and to doubt her is treacherous. Even his beloved friend Shamra thinks he should silence his thoughts of escape for his own protection. There are people watching, knowing and hearing all the time.Soon Kell hears whispers of a rebellion against the All Mother. Whispers of liberation. Whispers of possibility. To be disconnected could be a dream, or a nightmare. Kell realises there is only one way to find out.Ice is a mesmerising adventure of a mythical world locked in snow and ice. It is a troubling vision of a future that has succumbed to a new ice age where some dare to dream of a new beginning. Ice is the first part of The Wintering, a major trilogy.Stephen Bowkett was born and brought up in a mining valley in South Wales. He taught English at secondary school in Leicestershire for many years before becoming a full-time writer, and a qualified hypnotherapist. He has published twenty-five books, mainly science fiction and fantasy, for both adults and children. He also writes poetry, plays and educational non-fiction.

“In all, Capt. Ball has destroyed forty-three German aeroplanes and one balloon, and has always displayed most exceptional courage, determination and skill.” - Victoria Cross Citation.Captain Albert Ball was Britain’s first celebrity fighter pilot.During the First World War Albert Ball soared to fame as a fighter pilot ace for his courage, daring and skill.Ball was adored by the British and respected by the infamous German Red Baron.When Ball ran out of ammunition he shot an enemy pilot out of the aircraft with his revolver.Enemy planes would turn around when they spotted the bright red nose of his plane.At just nineteen Albert Ball received the Victoria Cross, the Military Cross, the Distinguished Service Order, and the Russian Order of St. George.Boy Hero of the Air is a school story, an adventure tale, and an air story all rolled into one. First published in 1921 for schoolboys, Boy Hero of the Air is an engaging biography including anecdotes from Ball’s childhood and from his fellow airmen.Walter Alwyn Briscoe (1878-1934) wrote a number of biographies, including on Albert Ball VC and Lord Byron. He succeeded his father as Librarian for Nottingham in 1916.

What will they find? Can they survive? Will they ever come home?‘Absorbing Science fiction’ – Kirkus ReviewsSixteen year old Jeremy Grant, born in Australia, comes to live with his uncle Dr. Lachlan McKinnon in Inverard, Scotland, following the sudden death of his parents. On his arrival, Janet Campbell, his uncle’s pretty secretary, also a science student, meets him at the train station and Jeremy takes an instant liking to her.On their journey to Jeremy’s uncle’s house, Janet gives him an overview of the inhabitants. Jeremy is fascinated to learn that there is a deep secret guarded beyond the electric fence at his uncle’s residence. Jeremy spends his first night in silence. With his uncle too busy to pay much attention to him, he has his evening meal alone, with just the friendly cook, Miss Smith, as intermittent company. The silence is shattered by something that sounds like the wail of a banshee … a long-drawn, piercing wail …Over the next few days, Jeremy learns his uncle has built a spaceship, one of a kind, rivalled only by a European called Hermanoff. McKinnon is aware that Hermanoff may have planted a spy within his team of workmen and, with only a few days to go until launch, he becomes aware of potential sabotage attempts. With Jeremy’s help, McKinnon must strive to keep his work secret and safe.McKinnon soon realises his nephew is no longer a young boy and extends his invitation of travelling to new frontiers to Jeremy. Beyond excited at the prospect of a new discovery, Jeremy does all he can to ensure he is knowledgeable about spaceflight. Shadowing Janet, he soon becomes familiar with the mechanics of the spaceship. With the launch imminent, a certain fear amongst the travellers takes over the household. Will they reach their destination? The mythic planet Hesikos…What will they find there? … Can they survive? … Will they ever come home?The Lost Planet is a thrilling science fiction adventure tale, filled with trials and tribulations, wonder and calamity, as Jeremy, McKinnon and company endeavour to make their voyage into the great unknown.Praise:‘Absorbing Science fiction’ – Kirkus ReviewsAngus MacVicar was an accomplished Scottish author, screenwriter and playwright who published work in a variety of genres. Earlier in his career he was known for his crime thrillers and autobiographies, but his early writing was interrupted by his service as a captain in the Royal Scots Fusiliers. As a result, most of his juvenile science fiction was not published until after World War II. It was then that his ‘Lost Planet’ series became extremely popular, with MacVicar himself adapting the stories as TV and radio serials.

If you like a ghost story with a twist and a dash of dark humour, then this is the book for you. It contains 13 tales written by bestselling children’s author Roger Hurn. But these spooky stories aren’t just for kids - they’re for everyone who enjoys having their spine tingled and their imagination stirred!You’ll meet characters like the man who couldn’t lose - until he played cards one dark and stormy night for his life; the hitchhiker who thumbed a ride in a haunted car; and the girl who wished never to grow old, but who then discovered you should be very careful what you wish for!So, close the curtains, settle down in your favourite chair and read this haunting little book – if you dare! Roger Hurn has had over 70 books for children published. He is well known for his author visits to schools and has enormous experience as an educator having taught at all levels from Nursery to Higher Education. His experience led to him being a consultant advisor to the UK Home Office and the Children’s Directorate. In his spare time Roger plays seven-a-side football and, to the horror of music lovers everywhere, guitar in a rock band.

None of them will ever be the same again.Ninian is the heir to Arcady, but her happy childhood is brought abruptly to an end when, in a rite of passage, she and three of her friends venture into the Barren Lands.There they hear voices that tell them secrets that shouldn't be shared and give gifts that shatter souls. None of them will ever be the same again.Priests struggle with their faith as a deadly plague spreads through the land and evil forces take hold of its people. There is only one woman destined to save them, brought up to carry the secret of generations which she fiercely guards. The knowledge she possesses offers the only possible form of salvation, a secret which is buried deep within the Avardale lake. Together with her cousin they must call upon the ancient mysteries of the magical Tearstone and the siren call of a sleeping leviathan.With the number of deaths increasing and surrounding villages being wiped out, one family must fight to put aside their spiritual differences and risk their lives to save all those who depend on them. The battle which follows is beyond religious explanation as legend becomes reality and hope is all that is left.DARKFELL is the story of a people under threat of persecution, of a waterborne plague bringing sickness to the healthy. It is the stunning return to the world of IMPERIAL LIGHT. Mary Corran was born the younger daughter of an art historian and an Aegean Archeologist, which may explain the influence of Greek culture and history on her fantasy novels. Instead of pursuing an academic career, she decided to be a child of the seventies and travel overland to India and back. The need to develop a career sent her back to university to read History at Oxford, and marry a fellow student. After working in the City as an oil analyst for ten years, Mary went on to write the fantasy trilogy Imperial Light, Darkfell and Fate, which Venture Press will be publishing. Also available, a memoir chronicling her years of illness, Wasteland. She currently lives in Eastbourne, United Kingdom, where she is writing a new novel.

A place to call home…His real name was Jeffrey Moore, but everyone in the small Indian village called him Ganesh.Jeffrey liked the nickname — after the elephant-headed Hindu god, the Remover of Obstacles.He liked the village, too, with its bustling, noisy main street, its temples and shady courtyards and the Mission School to which he and his friend Rama walked each day.Besides, whilst his parents were American, Jeffrey himself had been born in India and now, at fourteen, he felt like he belonged there.But living somewhere does not necessarily mean you belong there, as Jeffrey discovers when his father dies and his neighbours begin to look upon him as a foreigner.With no future for him in India, he begins his journey to America, to start a new life with his aunt.The small Midwestern town is strange, but Jeffrey soon feels at one with the rambling, three-story house his great-grandfather built with his own hands, surrounded by the echoes of his unfamiliar ancestors.The new school he has to go to takes more time. The kids in his class aren’t exactly unfriendly, but his entire life in India — Hinduism, yoga, mantras — is totally alien to them.Feeling like an outsider, Jeffrey wonders if he will ever feel at home, let alone make friends, in this cold, northern land.However, when the new house he has grown to love, and the aunt who has made it his home, both come under threat, it is his new-found friends, and an ancient Hindu tradition, that Ganesh turns to for help.From the exotic eastern shores of India to the modernised lands of America in the west, Ganesh is a heart-warming tale of self-discovery and belonging.Praise for Malcolm Bosse‘A deeply moving novel of a young boy’s search for roots in two countries.’ – New York TimesMalcolm Joseph Bosse (1926–2002) was an American author of both young adult and adult novels. He was born in Detriot, Michigan, and is a graduate of Yale University. He served in the US Navy and was also an English teacher in City College of New York in Manhattan. His novels are often set in Asia, and have been praised for their cultural and historical information relating to the character's adventures. Bosse mostly wrote historical fiction after the publication of The Warlord, which quickly became a bestseller. He also won the Deutscher Jugendliteraturpreis in 1983.