Gargantis

Description: (SHORT-LISTED FOR BOOKS ARE MY BAG READERS AWARDS 2020 (UK)

There's a storm raging in Eerie-on-Sea. Has the mighty Gargantis come back from the deep...? When an ancient bottle is found washed up on the beach after a ferocious electrical storm, all the residents of Eerie-on-Sea seem to want it ... but should they in fact fear it? Legend has it that the bottle contains an extraordinary secret that spells doom for the whole of Eerie-on-Sea. Could it be true that the vast sea creature Gargantis has awoken from her slumbers, and is causing the large cracks that are appearing all across the town? Finding themselves entrusted with the bottle, Herbie and Violet discover they will need to ride the terrible storm and pacify the creature if they want to save Eerie-on-Sea from sliding into the ocean and being lost for ever.

Review: Taylor's magical touch makes you believe the impossible. -- Catherine Doyle
...another expertly unspooling tale of derring-do in which a beast of a storm, a hooded stranger and a mechanical crab feature, as well as a very good joke about a toolbox, inside which a moggy is either alive or dead (or both, a la Schrodinger). Herbie is, understandably, terrified of the deep. Guess where he's headed? Just the bottom of the Vortiss, where the not-so-mythical Gargantis lurks. * The Guardian *
I, and several members of my class, have been eagerly awaiting this book after thoroughly enjoying Malamander. We read together and discussed virtually and all agreed that we weren't disappointed. This return to Eerie on Sea was very welcome and enjoyed by us all. * Teacher via Toppsta *
I couldn't wait to read this as I loved the first book, Malander. It follows Herbie and Violet as they battle to save Eerie-on-Sea from the vast sea creature. I couldn't put the book down as it was so exciting! * Reader, aged 10 via Toppsta *
I've been anxiously waiting for the next book in the Malamander series to come out. Gargantis is just so good! I loved returning to Eerie-on-Sea and meeting all my favourite characters again and discovering new ones. Erwin the cat plays a big part in this book, always piping up at unexpected moments. The action is fast-paced and there are lots of sudden turns. I recommend this book to anyone who wants a nail-biting adventure and mystery. * Reader, aged 10 via Toppsta *

Author Biography: Thomas Taylor is an award-winning author-illustrator for children. He illustrated the cover for the very first Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and has since gone on to write and illustrate several picture books and young novels; most recently he illustrated Scarlett Hart: Monster Hunter, written by Marcus Sedgwick. The first title in his Eerie-on-Sea Mystery series, Malamander, was published to huge acclaim in 2019 and the series has been translated into 20 different languages to date. Thomas lives on the south coast of England and can be found on Facebook and Twitter: @ThomasHTaylor Thomas Taylor is an award-winning author-illustrator for children. He illustrated the cover for the very first Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and has since gone on to write and illustrate several picture books and young novels; most recently he illustrated Scarlett Hart: Monster Hunter, written by Marcus Sedgwick. The first title in his Eerie-on-Sea Mystery series, Malamander, was published to huge acclaim in 2019 and the series has been translated into 20 different languages to date.