Peters Bookselling Services

"Booktrust is commited to bringing books and reading to as wide an audience as possible. With the establishment of the Booktrust Teenage Prize two years ago as the only prize in its sector, Booktrust seeks to encourage a higher level of teenage reading by raising the profile of the titles involved in the awards process."

Geraldine Brennan, (Books Editor for The Times Educational Supplement and Chair of the Judges) said of the winner:
"Century is a perfectly formed, highly visual and intriguing novel in the gothic tradition, with the timeless feel of Frankenstein or Dracula. It keeps the reader guessing as it moves through layers of time and rewards a careful reader with its many hints and clues, yet the language is accessible and the story draws the reader in.

"With major themes of grief, loss, the pointlessness of stopping time and the power struggle between parents and children, it sees its heroine, the older sister, triumph through courage and determination in the face of the terrifying unknown. The compelling mystery and the range of well drawn characters will appeal to both boys and girls. The judges believe that this excellent first novel deserves wide attention and we would all love to read more books by this author."