The Glorious Race of Magical Beasts — Alex Bell

'A daring adventure . . . will engage even the most reluctant readers.' Kirkus

'Absolutely spellbinding.' Books for Topics

'A feast for every imagination and an unputdownable adventure.' Armadillo Magazine

'Full of magic.' Erika, Aged 12, Books up North

'A glorious adventure!' Books for Keeps

'A must-read.' The Bookbag


An out of this world magical adventure with talking animals, risk-taking and friendship aplenty! A new standalone magical story from the best-selling author of the Explorers' Club series.

Twelve-year-old Eli is an apprentice librarian at the largest library in the world. But when his grandmother falls ill, he enters the Glorious Race of Magical Beasts to raise money for her treatment.

This annual race is always held in the most perilous places and is full of spiky dangers. Most participants seek out unicorns and dragons to help them on their conquest. But not Eli. He embarks on this journey with his trusted pet and friend, Humphrey, his moon tortoise. Moon tortoises aren't suited to racing and Eli is no natural adventurer. But he soon finds himself in an unlikely partnership with Raven, a rule-breaker and skilled archer, and her ice hare - one of the fastest animals in the world.

If the two children put aside their differences and work together, they might just reach the finish line!