The Volume of Possible Endings

A rollicking steampunk sea adventure in which a boy who suffers stage-fright is suddenly centre stage: the only one who can right an ancient wrong and save the kingdom. Dorrity is the only child in magic-free Owl Town. When she finds an enchanted book with dire predictions, she must face her enemies. And who is the strange boy who has appeared in the Beastly Dark? This stand-alone pre-teen adventure/fantasy novel is the third book in the “Tales of Fontania” series of novels, following The Travelling Restaurant and The Queen and the Nobody Boy. Filled with humour, action, adventure, and magic, this is a truly gripping read featuring a large and memorable cast of characters.

Short-listed for PANZ Book Design Awards: Best Children's Book 2015
Short-listed for LIANZA Children's Book Awards: Esther Glen Medal for Junior Fiction 2015

"Else contrives a plot that leaves neither characters nor readers much chance to catch their breaths . An entertaining romp, more comical than scary and with a poignant but hopeful close."

"Another delightfully visual hardback, with charming illustrations this is Else’s third story from the magical land of Fontania … and possibly the best."

"An excellent tale of magic, adventure, invention, humour and silliness [and] snappy, witty dialogue between the characters."

Barbara Else is the author of six adult novels, and is one of New Zealand's most respected writers. She is a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to literature, and has worked as a university tutor, editor and freelance writer. Barbara lives in Wellington, New Zealand. Visit her blog at She is the author of the following Gecko Press books: The Travelling Restaurant, The Queen and the Nobody Boy

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