Wilson’s debut, set 130 years ago in an alternate Scandinavia, is hard to categorise – in the best way. It contains elements of the fantasy, mythology and thriller genres, which combine to create a distinctive and highly readable story. It follows Ebenezer Munch, who is exiled to the cold island of Niflheim into the care of his estranged grandfather, the powerful Woden Tørsen, following his mother’s death. Almost immediately, Eben discovers there is a killer on the loose. While trying to acclimatise to the biting winds of his new home and solve the mystery of the murderer, he realises Niflheim is not just an island, it is a gateway to something much darker. Alongside all of this, Eben discovers magic and romance – but, most importantly, he starts to discover who he truly is. DK is pitching this as “perfect for fans of Holly Jackson and Karen McManus”, but its atmospheric, eerie setting reminded me more of Frances Hardinge. I think it will appeal to teenagers who are not looking for spicy stories, but who like a little bit of darkness woven into their adventures. Excitingly,DK will publish a sequel next year.