The Holly King: The thrilling new wartime fantasy adventure

Written by Mark Stay

Narrated by Candida Gubbins

'Fast-paced, entertainingly creepy, laugh-out-loud funny, and genuinely moving' Michelle Paver

'Full of magic and delight' Rowan Coleman

‘A rural Ben Aaronovitch!’ C. K. McDonnell

The Holly King is coming, and you’re on his list . . . 
 
It's December 1940, and Christmas has come to Woodville. Faye Bright is looking forward to a good old knees-up after a year of supernatural mayhem and Luftwaffe air raids, but it seems glad tidings are in short supply.
 
Already contending with food rationing and sky-high beer prices, the village is upended by the arrival of the Holly King, an ancient power bent on reclaiming his woodland domain. No mortal magic can stand in his way.
 
As the winter solstice draws in and the villagers fall under the Holly King’s spell, Faye, Bertie and the witches race to prevent his sinister Feast of Fools from reaching its deadly conclusion. But when terrible truths threaten to tear them apart, can they confront the mistakes of the past to save the village from destruction?
 
Or has Woodville seen its last Christmas?

***

For fans of Lev Grossman and Terry Pratchett comes the fourth novel in this delightful series of war, mystery and a little bit of magic . . .
 
Don't miss the other magical books in the WITCHES OF WOODVILLE series!
#1 The Crow Folk
#2 Babes in the Wood
#3 The Ghost of Ivy Barn

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio UK
• Release date: Sep 14, 2023
• ISBN: 9781398520813

Mark Stay

Mark Stay got a part-time Christmas job at Waterstone’s in the nineties (back when it still had an apostrophe) and somehow ended up working in publishing for over 25 years. He would write in his spare time and (he can admit this now) on company time, and sometimes those writings would get turned into books and films. Mark is also co-presenter of the Bestseller Experiment podcast, which has inspired writers all over the world to finish and publish their books. Born in London, he lives in Kent with YouTube gardener Claire Burgess and a declining assortment of retired chickens. Follow him on Twitter and online at:    @markstay markstaywrites.com witchesofwoodville.com  

Reviews for The Holly King

[Julie Grice · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I have read all the previous books about Faye Bright and her adventures and found them very entertaining and humorous.
However, this book The Holly King, is the best yet. Very clever story which made me really chuckle but also thought provoking. Thanks for a great read Can’t wait for the next one.

[ivona b. · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great book, lovely story. It's nice to read about Fay slowly learning and growing.