How do you save someone lost in time?

At the stroke of midnight on winter solstice, Libby disappears - vanishing from the face of the Earth. Only her older sister, Kit, and a mysterious boy named Story remember that she ever existed.

To find Libby and bring her safely home, the pair must embark on a perilous journey into the distant past, across a land steeped in ancient folklore. Together, Kit and Story will face dangers beyond their wildest imagination as they race to uncover the secret of the Twelve before Time itself runs out...

The Twelve was the 2024 winner of the Nero Prize for Children's Fiction, winner of the 2025 Tir Na N-Og award in the English-language category, and was a Financial Times and Guardian Book of the Year.

PRAISE FOR THE TWELVE:

'Reminiscent of Alan Garner' Financial Times, Best Book of 2024

'Haunting and resonant, with echoes of Susan Cooper and Alan Garner' Guardian, Best YA Books of 2024

'A beguiling tale of ancient magic, good and evil, deeply rooted in the Welsh landscape' Observer

"The ancient past is rendered vividly in this book that is ideal for tweens and teens who love beachcombing for fossils" - Times Children’s Book of the Week

"An absolutely mesmerising, unputdownable text is enhanced by the beautiful atmospheric illustrations by Tom de Freston. The whole book oozes quality from the moment you pick it up" - Books For Keeps

"Channelling the dark menace of classic British fantasy writers such as Susan Cooper and Alan Garner, this is a beguiling tale of ancient magic, good and evil, deeply rooted in the Welsh landscape" - Observer

"The Twelve is an extraordinary teen novel filled with beautiful writing, incredible relationships, old world mysticism, timeslips and the storytelling of a master. Brought to life by Tom de Freston's atmospheric artwork, this is an autumnal must-read. Hyder's sense of place and ability to play on the mind is unmatched, and I will forever be haunted by this gorgeous book!" - Mr B's Emporium

"Prepare to be spellbound by this brilliant story of loss, resilience, and the enduring quest for truth in a universe where anything is possible. This is one of the best books showing ways to enlighten the plight of nature and friendship that will shape many readers to come." - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books