Finally! The interview, we have all been waiting for, enjoy! ;)

INTERVIEWER: At last year's Bologna Book Fair, everyone was buzzing about THE مرکت, ایمرلڈ ATLAS. Now it is licensed in over 35 countries, with مزید on the horizon. As a debut novelist, what has this experience been like for you?

JOHN STEPHENS: Totally bananas. Though honestly, the nice thing about the book selling in so many territories before it's published is that now expectations are so high that there is no way I can meet them. I'm bound to disappoint. It's very freeing knowing that.

Okay, but really honestly— where I've felt...

The مرکت, ایمرلڈ Atlas
By John Stephens
P R O L O G U E


The girl was shaken awake. Her mother was leaning over her.
“Kate”—her voice was low and urgent—“listen very closely. I need آپ to do something for me. I need آپ to keep your brother and sister safe. Do آپ understand? I need آپ to keep Michael and Emma safe.”
“What . . .”
“There isn’t time to explain. Promise me you’ll look after them.”
“But—”
“Oh, Kate, please! Just promise me!“
“I . . . I promise.”
It was Christmas Eve. Snow had been falling all day. As the oldest, Kate had been allowed to stay up later than...