Siobhan Dowd gave us four extraordinary novels before she died in 2007.

This is her last story, a final gift to those who know and love her work, and a glittering invitation to those who have yet to discover it. Siobhan draws us irresistibly into Darra's tiny emerald island world, lashed by white-tipped waves, at the mercy of the dark god, Dond.

Only the truth and a mother's kiss can set them free. This is a tale to be treasured, a haunting tale of love and fate and truth.

Pam Smy's beautiful two-colour drawings announce her as a leading children's illustrator and the astonishing blend of words and pictures takes us all into that timeless world of story.

The Ransom of Dond comes to us like a gift from the past.