Guardian of the Dead

In less than a day I had been harassed, enchanted, shouted at, cried on, and clawed. I’d been cold, scared, dirty, exhausted, hungry, and miserable. And up until now, I’d been mildly impressed with my ability to cope.

At her boarding school in New Zealand, Ellie Spencer is like any ordinary teen: she hangs out with her best friend, Kevin; obsesses over her crush on a mysterious boy; and her biggest worry is her paper deadline. Then everything changes: In the foggy woods near the school, something ancient and deadly is waiting.

Debut author Karen Healey introduces a savvy and spirited heroine with a strong, fresh voice. Full of deliciously creepy details, this unique, incredible adventure is a deftly crafted story of Maori mythology, romance, betrayal, and war.

2010 Aurealis Award Winner for Best Young Adult Novel

2011 Sir Julius Vogel Award Winner: Best New Talent

2011 NZ Post Children’s Book Awards Finalist

2011 William C. Morris Award Finalist, American Library Association

2011 Best Books For Young Adults List, American Library Association

2011 Chronos Award Nominee

2010 Australian Shadows Awards Finalist

2010 Golden Inky Award Shortlist, State Library of Victoria

Junior Library Guild Choice, Spring 2010

2010 Best Books For Teens List, Kirkus Reviews

STARRED REVIEW: [T]he weirdness and excitement increase exponentially. This story starts off fast and strong and just builds from there.“ School Library Journal

STARRED REVIEW: [E]nticing and utterly unique. This captivating tale will have readers hiding under the covers with a trusty flashlight until they finish the last fascinating and heartfelt page. – VOYA

Fast-paced adventure and an unfamiliar, frightening enemy set a new scene for teen urban fantasy.“ Kirkus Reviews

“Smart, hilarious, and wholly unique. Healey makes juxtaposing totally modern characters with numinous and ancient magic look effortless.” – Holly Black (the Modern Faerie series, The Spiderwick Chronicles)

“It’s been a long time since a debut novel grabbed me by the throat and wouldn’t let go. Quite simply, GUARDIAN OF THE DEAD is my favorite kind of read—creepy, funny, sexy, smart, and sometimes just downright, pull-the-covers-up-to-your-neck-and-pray-for-morning frightening. This book completely rocked my socks.” – Libba Bray (A Great And Terrible Beauty)

“Guardian of the Dead is funny, heartbreaking and always interesting: Ellie is one of my favourite heroines.” – Sarah Rees Brennan (The Demon’s Lexicon)

“A fresh and original urban fantasy debut with none of the usual suspects. More please!” – Justine Larbalestier (Magic or Madness series, Liar)

Extras: Want to know more about the world of Guardian of the Dead? Check out these pages on the world of Mansfield College, the Ngaio Marsh Theatre, and this replica of Mark’s bracelet!