bA magical book in the rich and whimsical world of the Kingdoms and Empires about a girl, a threat and a pickle jar filled with gold coins by the internationally bestselling and multi-award-winning author of iThe Stolen Prince of Cloudburst.ibbrbrb'Jaclyn Moriarty is one of the most original writers we have.'A bbMarkus ZusakbbrbrLillian Velvet lives a very lonely life with her cold and remote Grandmother. That is, until her tenth birthday, when she is given a pickle jar of gold coins, along with a note with clear instructions idon't igo out, idon't iopen the door for anyone, and idon't ispend all your coins in one day.brbrWhat happens next seems impossible. The coins whisk Lillian away to a different time and place. There she meets a small boy in a circus about to be crushed to death; a lively family, each member in a distinctive form of mortal danger; a boy with a skateboard; and a girl who can Whisper. And a web of dangerous magic closing tight around it all.brbrWhy is Lillian here How is she supposed to help these new friends And - most importantly - what happens if she failsbrbrAn exciting tale in the magical Kingdoms and Empires world, where seemingly disparate elements are spun until all is revealed as one delicious, tantalising whole.brbr'bComplex and cleverb, Lillian Velvet's adventure through time is expertly plotted and a joy to read. bShe's won my heart.b' bReece Carterb, bestselling author of iA Girl Called CorpseibrbrbPRAISE FOR THE KINGDOMS AND EMPIRES BOOKSbbr'Charms, thrills and delights aEUR| bbrilliantly evoking echoes of Diana Wynne Jonesb.' bGarth Nixb, bestselling author of the Keys to the Kingdoms seriesbrbr'Brimming with bright new magic aEUR| bJust perfectb.' bKaren Foxleeb, award-winning and bestselling author of iDragon Skinibrbr'It's bmy favourite book everb. I want to put it in a glass case to look at always. 5 stars!' Daisy, age 7brbr'bHumorous, whimsical and beguilingb aEUR| intricately and ingeniously plotted tale.' iThe Australianibrbr'bA middle-grade version of Terry Pratchett's Discworldb - fantasy adventure steeped in humour, with a touch of satire.' iBooklist i(starred review)