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  • Published: 11 February 2027
  • ISBN: 9780241840573
  • Imprint: Penguin Audio
  • Format: Audio Download
  • RRP: $36.00

The House of Dusk




Moments after a fatal car accident, a boy wakes up in the underworld, and an extraordinary journey begins. A unique, gripping and life-affirming children's novel, perfect for fans of Philip Pullman, Liz Hyder and Patrick Ness, and featuring stunning artwork from Hugo-nominated illustrator Tom Roberts.

The last thing Ismail remembers is the sudden flash of headlights through the rain. When he wakes, he is alone, and somewhere very different.

Ismail's journey through the underworld begins at the base of a sprawling house: so vast and dark that he cannot see the top. It's here that Ismail learns of the legend: whoever can journey through the House, up to the highest point, will win their heart’s desire. If they choose it, they will win life.

The House is a dangerous place, with vicious beasts and perilous traps at every turn. No one has made it before. But as Ismail travels through halls, libraries and whole worlds within worlds, strange things begin to happen. Locked doors swing open, broken lights flicker on - almost as if the House recognises Ismail.

Almost as if this is not his first time in the House.

  • Published: 11 February 2027
  • ISBN: 9780241840573
  • Imprint: Penguin Audio
  • Format: Audio Download
  • RRP: $36.00

About the authors

Tom Roberts

Tom Roberts is an illustrator based in Cheltenham, England. He has created over 200 pieces of artwork for publishers all over the world, including Penguin Random House, HarperVoyager, Gollancz, Tor Books and many others. He is a favourite illustrator for authors Hannah Kaner, Robert Jackson Bennett and Mark Lawrence, and has illustrated multiple series for each of them. Tom’s technique comes from years of drawing with pencils and colouring digitally.

Russell Franklin

Russell Franklin was born in Solihull and now lives and works in London. His first novel for adults, The Broken Places, a moving exploration of the troubled life of Ernest Hemingway's youngest child, was called a 'myth-busting novel of rare skill and integrity' by David Mitchell. After a career as an associate agent at a Soho-based literary agency, he's now writing full time. This is his first book for children.

Praise for The House of Dusk

A gripping and poetic book that breathes heart, warmth and humour into a monstrous underworld

Beth O'Brien, Carnegie Medal-winning author of Wolf Siren

Strange and thrilling and properly epic, The House of Dusk is absolutely bursting with imagination and heart - I couldn’t put it down

Rebecca Orwin, author of Monsters at the End of the World

Wildly ambitious, weird, wonderful . . . I loved it. I wish I could go back in time and read this as a child so it could seep into my bones for a lifetime. An extraordinary book . . . Masterful

Liz Hyder, Waterstones Children's Book Prize-winning author of Bearmouth

With the vibes of A Wrinkle in Time and The NeverEnding Story, but with an originality all its own, The House of Dusk stands out like a beacon. Give it to your most daring readers. They’ve been waiting for this

Patrick Ness, Carnegie Medal-winning author of A Monster Calls and the Chaos Walking trilogy

A gripping story, with compelling characters, a perilous quest and a richly imagined world. An author to watch

Rashmi Sirdeshpande, Diverse Book Award-winning author of Dadaji's Paintbrush and Hari Kumar: Ultimate Superstar

Breathtakingly imaginative and brilliantly written

Thomas Taylor, author of Malamander and The Lantern and the Labyrinth