In Deborah Hext’s enchanting new children’s fantasy novel, The Storyteller, magic is fading and stories are disappearing — thrusting a group of foster siblings into a race against time to save their world. Set to release on Monday, July 28, this captivating debut, aimed at readers aged eight to twelve, celebrates the strength and resilience of family forged by choice rather than blood.
Set in a fictional Cornish town, the story follows Tamsyn, the daughter of a storyteller, as she navigates life with her foster mother and siblings. Though not always smooth, her life is deeply rooted in the tales that shape their world. When a mysterious stranger reveals that someone is actively destroying the magic that protects them, their reality begins to unravel.
With hope dwindling, Tamsyn and her foster siblings embark on a perilous quest to restore the magic. Along the way, they face daunting obstacles, drawing on courage, unity, and the enduring power of stories to confront the challenges threatening their survival.
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Deborah Hext, who lives in Pamington in the Cotswolds, found inspiration during maternity leave while staying with her parents near Fowey in Cornwall. The region’s rich history and folklore, brimming with legends of pirates and smugglers, ignited her imagination. “It’s an area where the lines between reality and myth feel wonderfully blurred — a place where a playful dolphin might just be a mermaid in disguise,” she explains.
Drawing on her professional experience working with children facing diverse challenges, Deborah reflects, “No two families are alike, and few children experience a picture-perfect childhood. Families can be imperfect, and not every story has a simple happy chapter — but that doesn’t mean a joyful ending isn’t possible.”
She emphasizes the power of chosen families: “For me, the strongest bonds are between people who choose to be there for each other, day after day, without conditions. That’s a central theme in Tamsyn’s journey — realizing that family isn’t always about biology, but about the people who show up and love each other through everything.”
Originally from Stratford-upon-Avon, Deborah’s lifelong love of stories culminates in The Storyteller, her debut novel, published by The Book Guild and priced at £8.99. This enchanting tale invites young readers to believe in the magic of stories, the power of courage, and the unbreakable strength found in chosen family.