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The Monsters at the End of the World

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What to expect

Brought to you by Penguin.

An astonishing debut novel about friendship, trust and survival – with a monstrously big heart. Perfect for fans of Kiran Millwood Hargrave and SF Said.


Two hundred years ago, the Ruin poisoned the land and caused never-before-seen sea creatures to claim the ocean as their own. To the coastal villages that are all that is left of humanity, they are precisely what they have been named: monsters.

But when Sunny discovers one of those monsters trapped on the beach, she realises everything she thought she knew about them is wrong. Mo is an intelligent, gentle creature, far more in tune with nature than humans.

Mo is searching for his lost brother and Sunny is determined to help him. As the two forge an unlikely bond, the possibility of peace grows. But not all humans can be trusted, and not all monsters want to be friends. Can Sunny and Mo overcome their families' mutual suspicion and persuade the two sides to work together to save their dying world?

© Rebecca Orwin 2025 (P) Penguin Audio 2025

Critics Review

A richly drawn study of empathy, curiosity and kindness – I loved every minute of it.
Beth Lincoln, New York Times bestselling author of The Swifts
A spectacular debut, full of adventure and bravery. Sunny and Mo have stolen a piece of my heart.
Clare Harlow, author of Tidemagic: The Many Faces of Ista Flit
A heart-warming tale packed with mystery, magic and monsters. Tender and thought-provoking.
Abi Elphinstone, author of Sky Song and Saving Neverland
A superb new voice in children’s fiction, Orwin’s writing is beautifully balanced between clarity, heart-tugging emotion and grippingly tense action. Sunny is a memorable, loveable character, finding her way in an atmospheric post-apocalyptic world that might just be saved by her sensitivity and courage.
Liz Flanagan, author of Dragon Daughter

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