The Hidden Archipelago

There exists a hidden cluster of islands, the Archipelago, where all the creatures of myth—griffins, unicorns, dragons, and more—still live, protected from the outside world by powerful magic called the glimourie. This place is unknown to most humans, its existence shielded by enchantments and secrecy. The Archipelago is a riot of life and wonder, but something is wrong: magical creatures are dying, the soil is turning grey, and the glimourie is fading. The fate of this last magical place hangs in the balance, setting the stage for a story of courage, loss, and the fight to save what is most precious.

The Boy Who Waited

Christopher Forrester, a boy from London, has always attracted animals—cats, dogs, birds, even swans. This strange affinity, a source of joy and pain, sets him apart from others, especially his grieving, anxious father. Sent to stay with his estranged grandfather, Frank Aureate, in the Scottish Highlands, Christopher senses that his connection to animals is a promise of something greater. He is restless, yearning for a world beyond the ordinary, unaware that his destiny is tied to the magical Archipelago and the ancient role of guardianship that runs in his family's blood.

The Flying Girl

Mal Arvorian, a fierce and awkward girl in the Archipelago, can fly with the help of a magical coat. Raised by her strict Great-Aunt Leonor, Mal is drawn to the wilds, befriending magical creatures and exploring forbidden places. Her life is one of secret joys and small rebellions, but everything changes when a murderer arrives, seeking her for reasons she cannot fathom. Mal's flight is no longer just for freedom—it becomes a desperate escape, and her unique gifts mark her as both a target and a hope for her world.

The Murderer Arrives

The murderer, a cold and forgettable man, is sent to kill Mal. He is a professional, blending into the background, but his mission is extraordinary: to find the flying girl. As Mal returns from the forest, the murderer attacks, wounding Leonor and forcing Mal to flee. The casapasaran, a magical compass, warns her just in time. In a frantic escape, Mal leaps into a dangerous river, leaving her home, her great-aunt, and her old life behind. The murderer's words haunt her: the dying of magic is connected to her, and a greater darkness is rising.

The Forbidden Hilltop

At his grandfather's house, Christopher is forbidden to climb the hill behind the house. The land feels alive, charged with a wild energy. Unable to resist, he climbs to the top, where a stampede of impossible creatures—unicorns, ratatoskas, and a griffin—erupts from the hidden world. In the chaos, Christopher rescues a drowning griffin chick from a secret lake. This act of courage draws him into the ancient secret his grandfather has kept: the waybetween, a portal to the Archipelago, and the role of guardian that Christopher is destined to inherit.

The Dying of Magic

Both Mal and Christopher witness the signs of the Archipelago's decline. Magical creatures are dying mysteriously, the soil is turning grey, and the once-abundant glimourie is fading. The disappearance of griffins, the death of unicorn foals, and the unease among the islands' inhabitants point to a catastrophe. The world's last magical place is under threat, and the cause is unknown. The children's journeys—Mal's flight from the murderer and Christopher's discovery of the griffin—are drawn together by the urgency to save the Archipelago from extinction.

The Stampede and the Griffin

Christopher's rescue of the griffin, Gelifen, is a turning point. The magical creatures' stampede through the forbidden hilltop signals a breach between worlds. Christopher's grandfather reveals the truth: their family are guardians of the waybetween, the passage to the Archipelago. The griffin's arrival is a sign that the barrier is weakening. Meanwhile, Mal, pursued and alone, is driven by the need to protect Gelifen, the last of his kind. Their paths converge at the lochan, where a deadly kludde attacks, and the two children meet for the first time, united by danger and purpose.

The Guardian's Secret

Frank Aureate explains the history of the Archipelago, the glimourie, and the guardians' duty to protect the waybetween. Christopher learns that his affinity for animals is a sign of his inheritance. The magical creatures' plight is linked to the fading glimourie, and the griffin's survival is crucial. The children realize that the waybetween has opened at the wrong time, a sign of deep imbalance. The fate of both worlds now rests on their shoulders, and they must act before all magic is lost.

The Attack and Escape

The murderer's pursuit forces Mal and Christopher to work together. They narrowly escape his attack, using courage, quick thinking, and the help of magical creatures. Their flight takes them over walls, through rivers, and into the heart of the Archipelago. Along the way, they encounter unicorns, who offer them protection and a miraculous ride. The children's bond deepens as they face mortal danger, and their journey becomes a quest—not just for survival, but to uncover the truth behind the dying magic and the murderer's mission.

The Meeting at the Lochan

The children are rescued by Fidens Nighthand, a Berserker and smuggler, and his crew. Onboard the Neverfear, they meet Ratwin the ratatoska and Irian Guinne, a scholar of the sea. The group becomes a found family, united by the quest to save the Archipelago. They learn of the Senate, the ruling body of the islands, and decide to seek its help. The journey is perilous, filled with magical wonders and deadly threats, but the children's friendship and the loyalty of their companions give them hope.

The Journey Begins

The group travels through the Archipelago, encountering phoenixes, al-mirajes, and the flying Senate. They witness the beauty and diversity of the magical world, but also its fragility. The Senate, mired in bureaucracy, refuses to act quickly, and the children are forced to take matters into their own hands. They seek the wisdom of the sphinxes, ancient scholars who guard the mountains. Along the way, they face dragons, krakens, and the loss of friends. The journey tests their courage, resourcefulness, and the strength of their bonds.

The Senate of the Sky

The Senate, a flying building carried by longmas, is the center of law and knowledge in the Archipelago. Mal and Christopher, barred from entry as children, sneak in to hear Irian's testimony about the dying sea. The Senate's refusal to act in time forces the children to seek other solutions. Nighthand's dramatic intervention allows them to escape, and they regroup in a tavern, where they learn of the Immortal—the eternal soul who alone can save the glimourie. The quest shifts: they must find the Immortal, lost for a hundred years.

The Sphinxes' Riddles

The group climbs the sphinxes' mountain, facing riddles that test their minds and hearts. The sphinxes reveal the history of the Archipelago's protection: the Immortal, the Glimourie Tree, and the maze built by Leonardo da Vinci. The last Immortal, Marik, renounced his gift, taking a potion to forget his identity. Since then, the Archipelago has been vulnerable, and the glimourie is being consumed by a dark force in the maze. The only hope is to find the new Immortal and restore their memory, so they can enter the maze and save the world.

The Immortal's Secret

Clues and prophecies point to Mal as the lost Immortal. Her name, Malum—Latin for apple—links her to the first tree. The casapasaran, the fortune teller, and the nereids all confirm her destiny. Mal resists, terrified of the burden of eternal memory and responsibility. The group seeks the centaur Petroc, the only one who can make the potion to restore the Immortal's memory. Betrayals and dangers multiply, but Mal's courage grows as she faces the truth of who she is and what she must do.

The Loss of Gelifen

In a devastating attack, Gelifen, the last griffin, is mortally wounded. Mal and Christopher bury him with love and ceremony, their grief deepening their resolve. The loss crystallizes Mal's decision: she will take the potion, remember all her past lives, and face the darkness in the maze. The friends, battered but unbroken, set out to gather the final ingredients, braving dragons, manticores, and the treacherous Island of Murderers. The journey becomes a crucible, forging their determination to save the Archipelago at any cost.

The Choice and the Potion

With the help of the dryads, Mal drinks the potion and endures a night of visions, reliving the joys and horrors of countless lives. She awakens changed—ancient and wise, yet still herself. The knowledge of the maze's path is now hers, but her body is weakened. Christopher, steadfast and loving, carries her, vowing to face the maze together. Their friendship, tested by loss and fear, becomes the heart of their quest. The final journey to the maze begins, with the fate of all magic hanging in the balance.

The Maze and the Monster

Mal and Christopher enter the maze beneath the Somnulum, guided by memory and courage. They face deadly traps, a chasm, and the grey mist of despair. Christopher, separated from Mal, confronts the monster at the maze's heart: Francesco Sforza, a man fused with the Glimourie Tree, who has been consuming its magic for a century. Sforza's philosophy of power and fear is a mirror of the world's worst impulses. In a desperate battle, Mal arrives, and together they use the glamry blade to sever Sforza from the tree, ending his reign of terror.

The Flight and Farewell

With Sforza defeated, the glimourie returns to the world, and the Archipelago is saved. But the cost is great: Mal, the Immortal, must sacrifice herself, flying into the Somnulum with the last of her strength, carrying the darkness away. Christopher, heartbroken but proud, returns home with the help of dragons and sphinxes, forever changed by love and loss. The creatures of the Archipelago honor Mal with a funeral march, and the world is reborn. Somewhere, a new baby is born—the Immortal's soul beginning again, carrying the memory of all that was lost and saved.

Characters

Christopher Forrester

Christopher is a sensitive, animal-loving boy from London, marked by loss and longing. His affinity for animals is both a gift and a burden, setting him apart from his anxious father and connecting him to the magical world. Christopher's journey is one of self-discovery and courage: from a boy who waits for something more, to a guardian who risks everything for his friends and the Archipelago. His loyalty, empathy, and willingness to face fear make him the emotional heart of the story. Through grief, danger, and love, Christopher learns that true heroism is found in care, sacrifice, and the refusal to give up hope.

Mal Arvorian (Malum)

Mal is fierce, awkward, and wild—a girl who can fly, but is grounded by loneliness and loss. Raised by her strict great-aunt, she finds freedom in the sky and solace among magical creatures. Mal's journey is one of transformation: from a rebellious child to the Immortal, burdened with the memories and responsibilities of countless lives. Her resistance to destiny is deeply human, rooted in fear of pain and the weight of eternity. Yet, through love, loss, and friendship, Mal chooses to embrace her role, sacrificing herself to save the world she loves. Her arc is a testament to the power of choice, courage, and the enduring spark of hope.

Gelifen

Gelifen is the last of the griffins, a creature of joy, warmth, and fierce loyalty. His bond with Mal is deep and transformative, offering her comfort and purpose. Gelifen's presence is a reminder of what is at stake—the beauty and wonder of the magical world. His death is a devastating loss, but it galvanizes Mal and Christopher to action. Gelifen embodies the themes of extinction, grief, and the necessity of fighting for what we love. His memory becomes a guiding force, inspiring the final, desperate quest to save the glimourie.

Fidens Nighthand

Nighthand is a giant of a man, fearless and gruff, with a hidden tenderness. As a Berserker, he is sworn to protect the Immortal, but his own wounds and regrets make him a complex figure. Nighthand's loyalty to Mal and Christopher is unwavering, and his courage in battle is matched by his vulnerability in love. His relationship with Irian reveals a softer side, and his willingness to sacrifice himself for the children cements his role as a true guardian. Nighthand's journey is one of redemption, learning that strength is found not just in fearlessness, but in love and care.

Irian Guinne

Irian is a marine biologist from the Archipelago, driven by curiosity and a fierce sense of justice. Her calm intelligence and deep empathy make her an anchor for the group. Irian's part-neried heritage gives her a unique perspective, bridging worlds and understanding the interconnectedness of all life. Her relationship with Nighthand is understated but profound, and her guidance is crucial in navigating the islands' dangers. Irian represents the power of knowledge, the importance of listening, and the quiet heroism of those who work behind the scenes.

Ratwin

Ratwin is a green-furred, horned squirrel with a sharp tongue and a sharper mind. As the ship's navigator, she knows every route and secret of the Archipelago. Ratwin's mischief and wit provide levity, but her loyalty and bravery are unquestionable. She is a survivor, resourceful and cunning, and her actions often save the group from disaster. Ratwin embodies the spirit of the Archipelago: wild, unpredictable, and full of surprises.

Frank Aureate

Frank is Christopher's estranged grandfather, a former guardian of the waybetween. His gruff exterior hides a deep love for his family and the magical world. Frank's knowledge and wisdom guide Christopher's journey, and his own regrets and losses mirror those of the younger generation. He represents the weight of legacy, the pain of secrets, and the hope that comes from passing on responsibility to those who are ready to bear it.

The Murderer (Adam Kavil)

The murderer is a professional killer, sent to find and destroy Mal. His forgettable appearance masks a ruthless determination and a willingness to serve greater evil for personal gain. Kavil's actions drive much of the plot's danger, and his philosophy of siding with power over hope is a dark mirror to the children's courage. His ultimate failure and death underscore the story's message: that fear and violence cannot triumph over love and sacrifice.

Anja Trevasse

Anja is a wealthy, influential woman in the City of Scholars, owner of ships and secrets. Her motivations are complex—self-interest, guilt, and a desire to protect her legacy. Anja's betrayal and later assistance reflect the ambiguities of adult power and the dangers of prioritizing reputation over truth. Her actions have far-reaching consequences, both harmful and redemptive, and she serves as a cautionary figure about the costs of compromise.

Francesco Sforza

Sforza is the human antagonist, a descendant of the maze's architect who has fused himself with the Glimourie Tree, consuming its magic to gain absolute power. His philosophy is one of control, fear, and the rejection of vulnerability. Sforza's actions threaten the existence of all magic, and his confrontation with Christopher and Mal is the story's climax. He represents the dangers of unchecked ambition, the seduction of power, and the necessity of resistance.

Plot Devices

Dual Protagonists and Parallel Journeys

The narrative alternates between Christopher and Mal, each with their own arc, challenges, and growth. Their parallel journeys—one from the ordinary world, one from the magical—converge as they join forces. This structure allows for rich contrasts and deepens the emotional stakes, as each character brings unique strengths and vulnerabilities to the quest.

Magical Bestiary and World-Building

The Archipelago's menagerie of impossible creatures is more than backdrop; each species embodies themes of extinction, wonder, and the interconnectedness of life. The bestiary entries, woven throughout the story, provide lore, foreshadowing, and emotional resonance. The creatures' fates mirror the world's, making the fight to save magic personal and urgent.

The Fading Glimourie

The glimourie, the source of all magic, is both a literal and symbolic force. Its fading represents environmental destruction, loss of wonder, and the consequences of neglect. The quest to restore the glimourie is a fight for survival, meaning, and hope. Its presence in the soil, air, and water ties every plot thread together.

The Maze and the Immortal

The maze beneath the Somnulum is the story's central mystery and final test. Only the Immortal, with the memories of all past lives, can navigate it. The potion of remembrance is both a gift and a curse, forcing Mal to confront the full weight of history. The maze's traps and the monster at its heart externalize the internal battles of fear, despair, and the temptation of power.

Riddles, Prophecies, and Foreshadowing

The sphinxes' riddles, the fortune teller's warnings, and the casapasaran's guidance all serve as plot devices that test the characters' intellect, courage, and readiness. These elements foreshadow key revelations and force the protagonists to grow, adapt, and make hard choices.

Found Family and Friendship

The relationships among the children and their companions are the emotional core of the story. Friendship, loyalty, and chosen family provide strength in the face of loss and danger. The bonds formed on the journey are what enable the characters to face the impossible and to choose hope over despair.

Sacrifice and Rebirth

The story's climax hinges on sacrifice—Mal's flight into the Somnulum, Gelifen's death, and the willingness to let go of the past. These losses are not the end, but the seed of renewal. The cycle of the Immortal's rebirth, the return of magic, and the promise of new adventures underscore the story's faith in resilience and the enduring power of love.

Analysis

Impossible Creatures is a dazzling, emotionally rich fantasy that explores the fragility of wonder and the necessity of fighting for what we love. Katherine Rundell weaves a narrative that is both epic and intimate, using the magical Archipelago as a metaphor for the world's endangered beauty and the threats posed by fear, greed, and apathy. The dual protagonists, Christopher and Mal, embody the journey from innocence to responsibility, showing that heroism is found not in perfection, but in the willingness to care, to grieve, and to act. The story's structure—alternating perspectives, layered world-building, and mythic plot devices—invites readers to see themselves in the struggle to protect what is precious. The loss of Gelifen, the burden of memory, and the final sacrifice are handled with rare emotional honesty, refusing easy answers but insisting on the possibility of renewal. In a time of environmental crisis and cultural cynicism, Impossible Creatures offers a lesson: that the world's chaos is great, but its miracles are greater, and that the fight for magic—literal or metaphorical—is always worth it.

Last updated: October 2, 2025