We are pleased to announce that ‘Skyfleet: March of the Mutabugs’, the latest middle-grade novel from award-winning author Victoria Williamson (with illustrations and cover design by James Brown) is set to be published on October 24th 2024.
‘Skyfleet’ is an epic, action-packed, sci-fi adventure inspired by the author’s love of 1980s cartoons and her passion for history. Readers will be introduced to twelve-year-old Amberley and her best friend Ric as they set out on a quest to aid the Skyfleet in their battle against the dreaded Mutabugs.
Aimed at readers from 9-12 years old, although certain to entertain older readers too, ‘Skyfleet: March of the Mutabugs’ promises to transport readers to a perilous New World where danger lurks around every corner, and two young heroes must rise to meet an extraordinary challenge.
A Journey to the New World
Set in a far-future colony ravaged by toxic radiation, ‘Skyfleet: March of the Mutabugs’ introduces readers to twelve-year-old Amberley Jain and her best friend Ric Lopez — children who are amongst the settlers of the New World. Transformed by a meteor crash, the New World is now home to mutated plants and wildlife. The greatest threat to the settlers, however, comes from the Mutabugs, deadly insects that emerge from the Cauldron – the heart of the disaster zone.
Amberley and Ric, despite their own struggles, are determined to help the Skyfleet pilots defend their colony. Amberley, still coping with the crash that claimed her parents and left her paralysed, and Ric, who relies on his Optikit to navigate his blindness, must find the strength to repair the Firehawk, a jet crucial to Skyfleet’s mission. Together, they face not only external dangers but also their own fears and doubts as they embark on a daring quest to save their world.
An Unforgettable Adventure
‘Skyfleet: March of the Mutabugs’ is a testament to Victoria Williamson’s storytelling prowess. Drawing inspiration from 1980s after-school cartoons like Thundercats and M.A.S.K., as well as sci-fi classics like Firefly, Williamson crafts a world that is both imaginative and immersive. “The main inspiration behind Skyfleet was my love of getting lost in a brand new world of my own creation,” says Victoria. “My favourite was Thundercats,” the author continues. “You’ll probably be able to tell from the story’s jungle setting and the Skyfleet having their own ‘lair’ as a base! I also loved the cartoons that were filled with different vehicles that had their own special features, like the cars that could turn into aeroplanes in M.A.S.K.”
‘Skyfleet: March of the Mutabugs’ combines thrilling action with deep emotional resonance, offering young readers a story that is as heartwarming as it is exciting.
The book’s release is highly anticipated, especially following the publication of Williamson’s last middle-grade novel ‘The Pawnshop of Stolen Dreams’ (Tiny Tree, 2023). Victoria’s ability to create rich, dynamic worlds has already earned her numerous accolades, including the Bolton Children’s Fiction Award, and twice being shortlisted for the Yoto Carnegie Medal.
A Collaboration of Talents
The world of ‘Skyfleet’ is brought to life not only by Williamson’s words but also by the stunning illustrations of James Brown.
His cover design and internal artwork perfectly capture the essence of the Firehawk and the other vehicles of the Skyfleet, adding a visual depth to this already vivid tale. James also collaborated with Victoria on ‘The Pawnshop of Stolen Dreams’, providing cover artwork and internal illustrations.
A Must-Read for Middle-Grade Fans
In a market filled to the brim with exciting middle-grade releases, ‘Skyfleet: March of the Mutabugs’ stands out as a must-read for fans of fantasy, sci-fi, and adventure. It’s a book that promises to inspire and entertain, with themes of resilience, teamwork, and overcoming adversity at its core.
The book is published on October 24th 2024. Get ready to join Amberley and Ric on an unforgettable journey through the skies of the New World. Whether you’re a young reader or simply young at heart, ‘Skyfleet: March of the Mutabugs’ is a book you won’t want to miss.