A captivating fantasy for middle grade readers - power, corruption and friendship collide in this enthralling adventure! 'a captivating fantasy ... This enthralling adventure will make readers yearn for their own masks and powers' GUARDIAN 'Hoghton's exciting premise is enriched by the Venetian setting, where the deceptive cobbled streets, maze of rivers and idiosyncratic islands make it easy to slip between a realist register and fantasy' THE IRISH TIMES Aribella lives in Venice, the daughter of an impoverished lacemaker. But she has a secret: when angered, sparks shoot from her fingertips. Afraid, Aribella leaves her old life behind, only to discover the world of the Cannovacci: warriors with magical skills, sworn to defeat the strange spectres menacing the city ... * A captivating fantasy by debut author Anna Hoghton, a young and thrilling new voice for middle-grade readers. * Original and arresting storytelling in the captivating setting of historical Venice. * Themes of power, corruption, friendship and celebrating your true self.