Claire Mabey
The sequel to The Raven’s Eye Runaways is out on April 8 2026.
“Three children and a raven are running away. Again.”
When Getwin, Lea and Buckle – with the help of Sharp the raven – unearth the trickster Book of Blacke, they embark on a quest to undo the controls on their world, seeking justice for the Scribes who are forced to work and for those who have never been allowed to read or write.
The city of Wyle comes alive with danger and intrigue as our heroes contend with the secrets of the Scholars Library, a magical boat, curious creatures, a secret reading and writing society, sleeping trees and the twists and turns of the ancient city.
Can the friends stay safe? Will they be able to free the Scribes? Will Getwin's family ever be reunited?
The Raven’s Eye Rebellion
The Raven’s Eye Runaways
WINNER of Best First Book Award at the New Zealand Book Awards for Children & Young Aduls 2025.
Getwin is a bookbinder with raven for a pet, troubled eyesight and a restless disposition. Lea is a runaway Scribe with remarkable but dangerous gift. Buckle is a sturdy, kind friend with a tragic history. When Getwin’s mum goes missing, and Buckle discover Lea asleep in the Yew tree, the three children embark on a perilous adventure and find themselves up against the rulers who restrict the gifts of writing and reading to an elite few.
Who and what will they meet along their way? And what is the terrible truth behind everything they think they know about their world?
‘"Claire Mabey writes like a dream. This book has the exhilaration and boundlessness of an instant classic." ANNA SMAILL
As delicate as it is potent, The Raven's Eye Runaways is a hot, pungent pot of tea. With every gulp, you'll be transported to a heady, haunting world where words are a currency reserved for the few, and paid with the price of spilled blood. A feverish love letter to the written word, I dare you to read it--you will be bewitched!’ GRACI KIM
‘Claire Mabey's storytelling is reminiscent of Margaret Mahy and Frances Hardinge. Her world is imagined with gusto and bravura and realised with feeling and poetic intelligence.’ ELIZABETH KNOX
‘The Raven’s Eye Runaways is the very best kind of children’s fantasy – written with curiosity, intelligence and just the right amount of danger. Claire Mabey is a huge new talent.’ RACHAEL KING
‘‘Raven's Eye Runaways is a spellbinding debut that will enchant readers of all ages. Her characters feel as authentic and lived in as sturdy walking boots, and the relationships between them wisely observed. She has a magpie's eye for detail, and emotional nuance, rendered in spare, jewel like prose. A beautiful, warm and assured debut about the magic of friendship, and the power of a good book. Perfect for fans of Kate DiCamillo and Anna James.’ HERA LINDSAY BIRD
About Claire
Kia ora! I live near the sea in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington, in Aotearoa New Zealand with my son and my partner.
I love books … a lot. I’m a writer, reader, founder of literary organisation Verb Wellington and am the current books editor for The Spinoff.
The Raven’s Eye Runaways is my first novel and I’m merrily working on the sequel. I love talking about books so feel free to email me, or follow me on Instagram, or Substack (where I write about books and white rabbits).
