Mountainfell

"Glorious!" Lucy Strange, author of Sisters of the Lost Marsh

Perfect for fans of Abi Elphinstone and Sophie Anderson

There is nothing more dangerous than magic...

Eleven-year-old Erskin is used to danger; she lives in the shadow of Mountainfell, a place of wild creatures and dangerous magic. When the most powerful and deadly creature of all – the fearsome cloud dragon – snatches Erskin’s sister away, Erskin must face her greatest fear and journey onto the mountain to bring her back. A terrible power is stirring, and it is up to Erskin to save both her family and her home.


Praise for Mountainfell:

"A delightful story." Books for Keeps

"A glorious, heart-warming, magical adventure!" Lucy Strange, author of Sisters of the Lost Marsh

"A fantastical, perilous adventure, full of intrigue and self-discovery." Amy Wilson, author of A Girl Called Owl

Praise for Glassheart:

"With echoes of Susan Cooper, this has all the feel of a classic." Sarah Baker

“A masterfully written story surging with powerful energy.” Sinéad O'Hart

"Orton's fantastical world is creepily drawn; even better is her understanding of grief, suffering and healing." Observer

“Rich and atmospheric, Glassheart feels like a long-lost folktale brimming with ghostly magic.” Jennifer Bell

“Katharine Orton writes about history as someone who understands it, and about magic as though she could probably do it. Shatteringly good.” Nick Tomlinson

"Glassheart shimmers with magic and adventure... A story that left a sparkling splinter in my soul." Damaris Young

Praise for Nevertell:

“This is fantasy at its best.” Daily Telegraph

“A coming-of-age tale that’s compelling, exciting and as chilling as the snow-bound landscape in which it is set.” Financial Times

“Readers will be captivated … A magical, snowy adventure perfect for winter nights.” BookTrust

“Featuring themes of bravery, friendship, sorcery and survival, this beautifully written story is ideal for fans of magical adventure tales.” The Week Junior

“A tale that sparkles with frosty magic.” Thomas Taylor

“Orton's use of language is masterful and her vivid descriptions bring the journey to life … Perfect to snuggle up with on a winter's afternoon.” ReadingZone

“It’s an unusual juxtaposition – the harsh world of political prisoners in a forced labour camp versus one of ice castles, spirit children and giant eagles. Katharine Orton pulls it off brilliantly.” The Bookseller


An enchanting magical adventure set in the wild moors of Dartmoor – the second middle-grade novel from the author of Nevertell.

Through the glass, the magic is waiting…

Nona and her uncle travel everywhere together, replacing stained-glass windows in war-torn buildings. When a mysterious commission takes them to the lonely moors of Dartmoor, Nona discovers a wild and powerful magic which threatens everything. Can Nona protect those she loves – even if it means fighting darkness itself?

A beautifully imaginative and rich adventure about determination, courage and the power of love, set in the aftermath of World War Two. Perfect for fans of Abi Elphinstone, Sophie Anderson and Catherine Doyle.

Praise for Glassheart:

"With echoes of Susan Cooper, this has all the feel of a classic." Sarah Baker

“A masterfully written story surging with powerful energy.” Sinéad O'Hart
"Orton's fantastical world is creepily drawn; even better is her understanding of grief, suffering and healing." Observer

“Rich and atmospheric, Glassheart feels like a long-lost folktale brimming with ghostly magic.” Jennifer Bell

“Katharine Orton writes about history as someone who understands it, and about magic as though she could probably do it. Shatteringly good.” Nick Tomlinson

"Glassheart shimmers with magic and adventure ... A story that left a sparkling splinter in my soul." Damaris Young

Praise for Nevertell:

“This is fantasy at its best.” Daily Telegraph

“A coming-of-age tale that’s compelling, exciting and as chilling as the snow-bound landscape in which it is set.” Financial Times

“Readers will be captivated … A magical, snowy adventure perfect for winter nights.” BookTrust

“Featuring themes of bravery, friendship, sorcery and survival, this beautifully written story is ideal for fans of magical adventure tales.” The Week Junior

“A tale that sparkles with frosty magic.” Thomas Taylor

“Orton's use of language is masterful and her vivid descriptions bring the journey to life … Perfect to snuggle up with on a winter's afternoon.” ReadingZone

“It’s an unusual juxtaposition – the harsh world of political prisoners in a forced labour camp versus one of ice castles, spirit children and giant eagles. Katharine Orton pulls it off brilliantly.” The Bookseller



An enchanting magical adventure set in the wild moors of Dartmoor – the second middle-grade novel from the author of Nevertell.

Through the glass, the magic is waiting…

Nona and her uncle travel everywhere together, replacing stained-glass windows in war-torn buildings. When a mysterious commission takes them to the lonely moors of Dartmoor, Nona discovers a wild and powerful magic which threatens everything. Can Nona protect those she loves – even if it means fighting darkness itself?

A beautifully imaginative and rich adventure about determination, courage and the power of love, set in the aftermath of World War Two. Perfect for fans of Abi Elphinstone, Sophie Anderson and Catherine Doyle.

Praise for Glassheart:

"With echoes of Susan Cooper, this has all the feel of a classic." Sarah Baker

“A masterfully written story surging with powerful energy.” Sinéad O'Hart
"Orton's fantastical world is creepily drawn; even better is her understanding of grief, suffering and healing." Observer

“Rich and atmospheric, Glassheart feels like a long-lost folktale brimming with ghostly magic.” Jennifer Bell

“Katharine Orton writes about history as someone who understands it, and about magic as though she could probably do it. Shatteringly good.” Nick Tomlinson

"Glassheart shimmers with magic and adventure ... A story that left a sparkling splinter in my soul." Damaris Young

Praise for Nevertell:

“This is fantasy at its best.” Daily Telegraph

“A coming-of-age tale that’s compelling, exciting and as chilling as the snow-bound landscape in which it is set.” Financial Times

“Readers will be captivated … A magical, snowy adventure perfect for winter nights.” BookTrust

“Featuring themes of bravery, friendship, sorcery and survival, this beautifully written story is ideal for fans of magical adventure tales.” The Week Junior

“A tale that sparkles with frosty magic.” Thomas Taylor

“Orton's use of language is masterful and her vivid descriptions bring the journey to life … Perfect to snuggle up with on a winter's afternoon.” ReadingZone

“It’s an unusual juxtaposition – the harsh world of political prisoners in a forced labour camp versus one of ice castles, spirit children and giant eagles. Katharine Orton pulls it off brilliantly.” The Bookseller



An enchanting magical adventure set in the wild moors of Dartmoor – the second middle-grade novel from the author of Nevertell.

Through the glass, the magic is waiting…

Nona and her uncle travel everywhere together, replacing stained-glass windows in war-torn buildings. When a mysterious commission takes them to the lonely moors of Dartmoor, Nona discovers a wild and powerful magic which threatens everything. Can Nona protect those she loves – even if it means fighting darkness itself?

A beautifully imaginative and rich adventure about determination, courage and the power of love, set in the aftermath of World War Two. Perfect for fans of Abi Elphinstone, Sophie Anderson and Catherine Doyle.

Praise for Glassheart:

"With echoes of Susan Cooper, this has all the feel of a classic." Sarah Baker

“A masterfully written story surging with powerful energy.” Sinéad O'Hart
"Orton's fantastical world is creepily drawn; even better is her understanding of grief, suffering and healing." Observer

“Rich and atmospheric, Glassheart feels like a long-lost folktale brimming with ghostly magic.” Jennifer Bell

“Katharine Orton writes about history as someone who understands it, and about magic as though she could probably do it. Shatteringly good.” Nick Tomlinson

"Glassheart shimmers with magic and adventure ... A story that left a sparkling splinter in my soul." Damaris Young

Praise for Nevertell:

“This is fantasy at its best.” Daily Telegraph

“A coming-of-age tale that’s compelling, exciting and as chilling as the snow-bound landscape in which it is set.” Financial Times

“Readers will be captivated … A magical, snowy adventure perfect for winter nights.” BookTrust

“Featuring themes of bravery, friendship, sorcery and survival, this beautifully written story is ideal for fans of magical adventure tales.” The Week Junior

“A tale that sparkles with frosty magic.” Thomas Taylor

“Orton's use of language is masterful and her vivid descriptions bring the journey to life … Perfect to snuggle up with on a winter's afternoon.” ReadingZone

“It’s an unusual juxtaposition – the harsh world of political prisoners in a forced labour camp versus one of ice castles, spirit children and giant eagles. Katharine Orton pulls it off brilliantly.” The Bookseller

From the author of Nevertell and Glassheart comes a tale of magic and courage… Erskin’s journey to find her sister soon unfolds into far more, testing some of her oldest beliefs and earning her a few unexpected new friends. Mountainfell is a great read for anyone who has felt like they don’t quite fit in, or for those who sometimes lose patience with their older siblings. Recommended for readers ages 9+. Readings
Orton masterfully wields her pen to create a gloriously rich world with well-rounded, fleshed-out characters that offer conviction and depth. All readers will revel in the layers of the story being peeled away slowly, bit by bit; the environmental action theme is, refreshingly, not didactic and instead gently woven in among each layer of the spell-binding story. Erskin is a motivated and enterprising character who appeals to the reader and her story of living out magical adventures is exciting and rewarding for the target audience. The worldbuilding is second to none as is expected from Orton (her previous fantasy novels feature just as exquisite world-building – Orton is an expert craftsman of fantasy that feels like it could be a magic world just on the edge of our human world). This thoroughly enjoyable, richly engaging and warm-hearted fairy tale structured story is a sure-fire hit and all readers will embark upon a wondrous journey the moment they crack the spine of this story. Highly recommended. Reading Time
Erskin is a strong independent character, determined to not only find her sister, but to do what is right, With strong environmental themes, this book is full of adventure , magic and finding your place amongst it all. -- Vicki Thornton Magpies Magazine
This is an adorable fantasy tale with youthful heroes who rise above their own insecurities which makes it a wonderful Primary years story. The ability to hear and communicate with the world around them gives a magical environmental feel to the problems the characters face… There are hints of classic fantasy quests like Rowan of Rin or Tolkien’s fantasy world, but with a youthful simplicity that makes it immediately appealing for younger readers. ReadPlus

Katharine Orton is the critically-acclaimed author of Nevertell and Glassheart. After gaining an English degree and an MA in Creative Writing, Katharine worked for Barefoot Books in Bath before leaving to focus on her writing and her young family. She signed with her agent after taking part in the WoMentoring Project. She lives in Bristol.

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