Out on 15 September 2026
Anger is Only a Shadow
Age 16 +
Paperback
Pre-order now
15 September 2026
Imprint: Hot Key Books
Synopsis
How am I spun from such good people?
When did I unravel?
The stunning new novel from the Carnegie Medal winning, Waterstones Book Prize shortlisted author of THE POET X, full of poetry, heart and humour
Seventeen-year-old Lil is anything but small. She's rebellious, she's loyal; she's figuring out what kind of good person she wants to be, or if she wants to be a good person at all. But more than anything? Lil wants to be free.
Because Lil is on probation, and she's trying really hard to be New Lil - follow the rules, keep her head down, take a breath and smile till her court hearing in three weeks' time. But Old Lil keeps rearing her head - the one that wants to go, run, find a way to open the pot lid to let the angry steam out.
And when Aldwin's silences turn to something more alarming - to talk of nightmares, of hearing voices - Lil knows that she is the only one who can help him. But he's hundreds of miles away and a stark truth is staring Lil directly in the face: how can she get to him without putting her future freedom on the line?
Does doing the right thing mean losing everything?
When did I unravel?
The stunning new novel from the Carnegie Medal winning, Waterstones Book Prize shortlisted author of THE POET X, full of poetry, heart and humour
Seventeen-year-old Lil is anything but small. She's rebellious, she's loyal; she's figuring out what kind of good person she wants to be, or if she wants to be a good person at all. But more than anything? Lil wants to be free.
Because Lil is on probation, and she's trying really hard to be New Lil - follow the rules, keep her head down, take a breath and smile till her court hearing in three weeks' time. But Old Lil keeps rearing her head - the one that wants to go, run, find a way to open the pot lid to let the angry steam out.
And when Aldwin's silences turn to something more alarming - to talk of nightmares, of hearing voices - Lil knows that she is the only one who can help him. But he's hundreds of miles away and a stark truth is staring Lil directly in the face: how can she get to him without putting her future freedom on the line?
Does doing the right thing mean losing everything?
Details
15 September 2026
336 pages
9781471409448
Imprint: Hot Key Books
Reviews
“Memorable for its treatment of grief, depiction of family ties, and
lyrical strength,”The Booklist, The Booklist
“Eloquent, moving and suspenseful”The Sunday Times, Book of the Week, The Sunday Times, Book of the Week
“An impressive and moving read”The Irish Times, The Irish Times
“Transporting and powerful.”Guardian, Guardian


















