As a birthday treat, Thomas and his friends travel to the sky-world of the Ariels—an enchanting land that floats in the clouds, rich in breathtaking beauty and powerful magic. But hidden dangers loom: throughout the land are rumors of the wild and terrifying Flying Huntsman—a fierce storm-giant from the beginning of time who hunts the sky regions astride his brutish horse with a pack of dogs. When Thomas is suddenly snatched from his friends, his visit turns into one of danger and confusion. Is the Flying Huntsman behind his disappearance, or is there another enemy on the loose?
Born in Indonesia of French parents, Sophie Masson was sent to live with her paternal grandmother in Toulouse, France, when she was just a baby and lived there till she was nearly five, when her parents came back from Indonesia and took her to Australia. All the rest of her childhood, the family stayed in Australia, with frequent trips back to France, and this dual heritage underpins a good deal of Sophie's work.
Sophie's first book appeared in 1990 and since then she has published more than fifty novels, mainly for children and young adults, but with several for children as well. her books have been published in Australia, the USA, UK, France, Germany, Italy, and many other countries. She has also had many short stories and articles published in newspapers, magazines, and online journals. She is a regular contributor to the writing blog Writer Unboxed(www.writerunboxed.com)
Sophie Masson lives in the high, cool New England tableland area of Northern New South Wales, Australia, with her husband. She has three grown-up children. She holds a BA and M.Litt in French and English literature, and is on the committee of the Australian Society of Authors.
Sophie's website is at www.sophiemasson.org
