Penny Thomas, publisher at children’s and YA publisher Firefly Press, has acquired UK and Commonwealth rights in The Cyber Ciphers of Eartha Quicksmith by Loris Owen from Anne Clark of Anne Clark Literary Agency.

Best friends Kip, Albert, Leela, and Timmi uncover a new series of ingeniously hidden riddles from Renaissance luminary Eartha Quicksmith, propelling them on a perilous quest to find the missing eyepiece of the Futurescope. Aided by big-hearted android Incognita, they set sail in Eartha’s extraordinary vessel, The Salamander, and journey through an ocean of transparent metal beneath the Earth’s crust. Captured by the tyrannical Nexus organisation, they must use all their skills to escape the ice floes of the North, with the help of mysterious new allies. As the Grittleshank Cooperative’s smoulderstone mine threatens global catastrophe, Kip faces an impossible choice: stop them or save his captive mother.

With more adventure, more inventions, and a large helping of sideways thinking, this is an action-packed close to the trilogy, following The Ten Riddles of Eartha Quicksmith and The Myriad Mysteries of Eartha Quicksmith.

“Sideways thinking is very close to my heart, as something my dad taught me.” said Owen. “I’m thrilled that this third story in the Quicksmiths series will be told, and hope that its riddles, twists, lifelore and indestructible friendships give readers the elements they need to change their world.”

Thomas said, “Loris’ incredible powers of invention are second to none! She champions science, invention, friendship and teamwork in this remarkable trilogy which makes for a fascinating, fun and exhilarating read!’

The novel is slated for publication in spring 2025.

‘A mind-blowing, puzzle-packed, epic adventure!’

Kieran Larwood

‘Incredibly inventive … Do not miss it!’

Dan Walker

‘Inventive first fantasy novel,’

The Observer Best Children’s Books of the Month