The Poisoned King

By Katherine Rundell

Return to the magic of the Archipelago in the dazzling sequel to the runaway, #1 New York Times bestseller Impossible Creatures, hailed as "an instant classic" (Katherine Applegate, Newbery Medal Winner for The One and Only Ivan)

*This spectacular book features foil and embossing on the jacket, full-color designed endpapers, and brilliant stained edges*

Christopher Forrester woke to find a dragon chewing on his face--and his heart leapt for joy He'd been dreaming of going back to the Archipelago, the secret cluster of islands where all the creatures of myth still live, and here was his summons.

But there is a poison spreading in the Archipelago. Rooting it out will involve a daring rescue mission on the back of a sphinx, a stealthy entrance to a dragon's lair, and a death-defying plan to save a prisoner held in the heart of a castle. At the center of this storm is Anya: a small girl with a flock of birds at her side, a new-hatched chick in her pocket, and a ravenous hunger for justice.

Katherine Rundell's second thrilling installment in the Impossible Creatures series involves castles, dragons, and revenge--the things of which great stories are made. The splendors within are brought to life with fifty illustrations, including a map and a bestiary of magical creatures.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0593809904
• ISBN13: 9780593809907
• Release Date: September 2025
• Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.
• Age Range: 10 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 5 and higher