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Max and the Sanctum of Magic
A secret world of real magic. A boy who never meant to find it. A cat who might just be the most magical of them all.
Max has always loved magic tricks, but they were just that—tricks. Until the Christmas holidays, when a christmas gift pulls him into a hidden community of real magicians living quietly among us. From the Barbican’s secret dolphins to a dragon sleeping beneath a Welsh forest, Max discovers that London—and the world—is far stranger than he ever imagined.
But mastering real magic isn’t easy. Wands must be earned through dangerous trials. Skills like Knowing, Movement, and Diminishing behave unpredictably. Dark magicians are hunting for power, and an ancient society—the Sons of James—has its eye on Max. With help from a new friend discovering her own magic, and Tiger, a mysteriously gifted cat, Max must learn fast if he wants to survive the quest for the legendary Moon Wand.
Readers will Thrilling wand trials filled with danger, puzzles, and mysteryTiger the cat—equal parts chaos, charm, and magical instinctModern London settings hiding secret magical doors, portals, and historiesClever magical systems based on seven real disciplinesFast-paced action blended with humour, heart, and friendshipA twisty plot with clues readers can solve alongside MaxPerfect for fans of adventure, humour, and modern magic set in the real world.
Ideal for ages 9–12.
Max has always loved magic tricks, but they were just that—tricks. Until the Christmas holidays, when a christmas gift pulls him into a hidden community of real magicians living quietly among us. From the Barbican’s secret dolphins to a dragon sleeping beneath a Welsh forest, Max discovers that London—and the world—is far stranger than he ever imagined.
But mastering real magic isn’t easy. Wands must be earned through dangerous trials. Skills like Knowing, Movement, and Diminishing behave unpredictably. Dark magicians are hunting for power, and an ancient society—the Sons of James—has its eye on Max. With help from a new friend discovering her own magic, and Tiger, a mysteriously gifted cat, Max must learn fast if he wants to survive the quest for the legendary Moon Wand.
Readers will Thrilling wand trials filled with danger, puzzles, and mysteryTiger the cat—equal parts chaos, charm, and magical instinctModern London settings hiding secret magical doors, portals, and historiesClever magical systems based on seven real disciplinesFast-paced action blended with humour, heart, and friendshipA twisty plot with clues readers can solve alongside MaxPerfect for fans of adventure, humour, and modern magic set in the real world.
Ideal for ages 9–12.
272 pages, Hardcover
Published November 24, 2025
2 people want to read
About the author
Mark K. Gladstone
2 books1 followerMark writes stories about hidden magic in everyday places.
He grew up loving puzzles, secret passages, and the feeling that something extraordinary might be waiting just out of sight.
He now lives in North London with his partner Lynette and their two Ragdoll cats, Luna and Loki—who have yet to master real magic but are extremely persuasive at dinnertime.
When he’s not writing, Mark explores historic streets, experiments with magic tricks, and takes far too many photos of his cats.
He grew up loving puzzles, secret passages, and the feeling that something extraordinary might be waiting just out of sight.
He now lives in North London with his partner Lynette and their two Ragdoll cats, Luna and Loki—who have yet to master real magic but are extremely persuasive at dinnertime.
When he’s not writing, Mark explores historic streets, experiments with magic tricks, and takes far too many photos of his cats.
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