I’ve waxed poetic about Marcus Sedgwick many times before. He scared the crap out of me with White Crow, made me think in She is Not Invisible, and moved me impossibly with the dark, moody, brilliant Midwinterblood.
I therefore didn’t even ask what the story was about when Macmillan asked if The Midnight Garden would host the U.S. cover reveal for Marcus’ new book, The Ghosts of Heaven. Seriously, his name is on the cover and that’s all I needed to know–I only just read the synopsis as I was formatting this post! I also flew to answer Ksenia‘s email right away, the whole deal was done in 10 minutes flat. Such is my love for him and his stories. He writes such intelligent, beautiful books that I’m excited every time a new one is announced, because I know each Marcus Sedgwick book holds the promise of a transformative reading experience.
I’m so pleased that we’re able to help unveil his new book to North American audiences today. Are you ready to see this? Ta-da!

What do you think of this cover? I’m so intrigued by the staircase. In the sea. Leading up to the sky. With the space-y graphics. Is he going to heaven? Are there really ghosts? WHAT IS GOING ON HERE.
*pants* *controls self*
I’m really, really excited for this book. It sounds a bit like Midwinterblood with its interlocking stories and melding of genres–while The Ghosts of Heaven blurb doesn’t tell us too much, the connecting the narratives in Midwinterblood were so well done that I’m sure the new one will be just as sublimely thought-provoking. Plus insane asylum! Witches! Mad poets! It all sounds spectacular.
I love the unusual colors in this palette as well. Since this touches on some scifi, I think the graphic designer did a wonderful job of hinting at possible puzzles and mystery, along with a masculine presence in the book. The sea and the clouds and golden light also give you a bit of beauty, which is so perfect for Marcus’ gorgeous writing. All in all, a really terrific cover, and one I can’t wait to see on my shelf!
Feel free to grab and share the cover image if you like.
The Ghosts of Heaven by Marcus Sedgwick
On Sale January 6, 2015
Published by Roaring Brook Press, an imprint of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group
From 2014 Printz award-winning author Marcus Sedgwick comes a bold, genre-bending epic that chronicles madness, obsession, and creation, from the Paleolithic era through the Witch Hunts and into the space-bound future.
Four linked stories boldly chronicle madness, obsession, and creation through the ages. Beginning with the cave-drawings of a young girl on the brink of creating the earliest form of writing, Sedgwick traverses history, plunging into the seventeenth century witch hunts and a 1920s insane asylum where a mad poet’s obsession with spirals seems to be about to unhinge the world of the doctor trying to save him. Sedgwick moves beyond the boundaries of historical fiction and into the future in the book’s final section, set upon a spaceship voyaging to settle another world for the first time. Merging Sedgwick’s gift for suspense with science- and historical-fiction, The Ghosts of Heaven is a tale is worthy of intense obsession.
Marcus Sedgwick was born and raised in Kent in the southeast of England. He now divides his time between a small village near Cambridge, England, and a mountain house in the French Alps. His books have won and been shortlisted for many awards; most notably, Midwinterblood was awarded the 2014 Michael L. Printz Award. You can find him on his website or Twitter to keep up with all his latest news.

Enter to win an early copy of The Ghosts of Heaven!
Thanks to our friends at Macmillan, we have 2 ARCs to offer to one of our readers! The book won’t be out until January 15, but you’ll have the opportunity to win one of the earliest copies right here.
All you need to do is fill out the Rafflecopter form and leave a thoughtful comment below telling us why you’re specifically excited about reading this book.
Open to US and Canadian residents aged 18 and older, or 13 and older with parental permission. Good luck!
Giveaway copies were provided by the publisher.
So what do you think of this cover? Any guesses as to what’s going on?
I would ask if you were as excited about this book as I am, but I know that is impossible, so I won’t even bother.

beverley schneider
I would love to read your book—great cover by the way
Aimee C
Witches and in the 1920’s??? You got me hooked right there! Would love to read this!
Toks W
Sounds like an interesting take on more literary historical fiction and there’s nothing I love more than genre bending
Toks W recently posted…Book Review: This Strange Way of Dying by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Lisa @ Bookshelf Fantasies
I loved Midwinterblood, and really want to read more by this author. Thanks!
Lisa @ Bookshelf Fantasies recently posted…Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Books on My TBR List for Fall 2014
Lauren at Bookmark Lit
This book sounds so intriguing! The description leaves a lot to the imagination and I HAVE to know what happens in this.
Lauren at Bookmark Lit recently posted…Musing Mondays #8
Shannon @ It Starts At Midnight
Oh. My. Goodness! This cover! I have been so interested in this book, long before it had said cover, but now I need to have it! I love that the blurb gives away so little, it makes me even more interested in reading it!
Shannon @ It Starts At Midnight recently posted…Review: Falling Into Place by Amy Zhang
Sashana
Which of Marcus Sedgwick’s books would you refer first to someone who has never read his works before? I would love to read one of his books but I don’t know where to start.
Annie
Even if the premise didn’t look utterly fantastic, I’d probably read it based on that gorgeous cover alone.
Lori
I really love historical fiction! I am really intrigued by this storyline. It sounds a little spooky!
Hayden Marie
I’m excited to read the GHOSTS OF HEAVEN because historical fiction with asylums? YES PLEASE. The cover is also fantastic, and I’ve heard wonderful things about the author. Looks great! Thanks for hosting this giveaway and this article! Lots of fun.
Elisquared
I’m really intrigued by the structure of the book. I think it’s going to be interesting the themes he brings through the stories to tie it together or if they will all be super distinct from each other stories. Love that he’s exploring such deep subjects in a new way. Super excited! I love when authors play with form; it makes the story that much better!
Thanks for the giveaway!!
Elisquared recently posted…Cover Reveal – Kissing Frogs by Alisha Sevicny
Effie M.
I was flailing about all excited-like the moment I saw he had a new book coming out. Without knowing a darned thing about it! But … JANUARY!!! *flails more*
AH!
Please don’t make me wait that long.
Lily
I’m currently kind of obsessed with prehistoric anything (and dismayed at the lack of fiction on the subject), so I can’t wait to see how the “cave-drawings of a young girl on the brink of creating the earliest form of writing” part of the book turns out. The way it’s worded makes me think it’d be actual drawings, but then there’d have to be an illustrator listed, right?
Denisa
The cover is absolutely beautiful, it’s really intriguing!
Tiffany
All I can say is he is AMAZING!! I love this cover I drew me to the book before I even knew what it was about. Can;t wait to see this book in my collection.
Tiffany
This looks amazing can’t wait to read it:)
Guadalupe Beas
I really want to read this book because of the reviews
fishgirl182 @ nite lite
I really like the color palette on this as well. It’s different but still really pleasing to the eye. And what is up with the staircase? Would I follow a staircase that led up into the sky? Probably not as I am pretty chicken. :)
fishgirl182 @ nite lite recently posted…Manicure Monday (76): Mortal Danger
Teresa Salvatore
I love a book that pushes the genre boundaries! This book sounds fab-u-lous and I can’t wait to get my *polite grabby hands* on a copy! The cover is one that would definitely have me picking it up off the shelf! Quick! Batman! To the TBR list!
Lory @ Emerald City Book Review
Very perceptive analysis of the cover. I like how it promises something a bit different. The title reminds me of Ursula K. LeGuin’s The Lathe of Heaven…a good association to make!
Lory @ Emerald City Book Review recently posted…Witch Week 2014: A Week of Magical Reading
Lyn Kaye
Wendy, I have to agree with you – I see his name on a book, and it is SOLD. Midwinterblood is my favorite book, ever, and White Crow was so damn good.
I can’t wait for this book. I didn’t even read the synopsis. Just like other “auto-buy authors”, his books get added to the list, period.
That cover is simply amazing. I do love it!
Lyn Kaye recently posted…Stacking the Shelves #99
Summer
Between the spiral staircase and the colors, I’m kind of in love with the cover, though honestly, it could have been the ugliest cover in the history of the world and I’d still be eager to get my hands on it. Between Laureth’s relationship with her little brother and how the author handled her blindness, She Is Not Invisible was just one of the loveliest books I’ve read all year, so I’m excited to try more from Marcus Sedgewick.
Hillary R
I am so excited for this book! I love Sedgewick anyway, but this one almost sounds like Cloud Atlas, only with quark trails on the cover. Can’t wait to read it and recommend it to my teen patrons.
Adelynne
I read She is Not Invisible awhile ago and I really liked it. Also, the summary looks amazing- “madness, obsession, and creation” is totally my style! :D Thanks for the giveaway!
Liv_The Absent Historian
This is definitely a beautiful cover, and I love how the stairs rise up and spiral in the middle. I will be keeping my eyes peeled for this one.
Liv_The Absent Historian recently posted…Flashback Friday #1
Layla
I haven’t read anything by Sedgewick. I will take care of this *after* my writing deadline. This looks wonderful. How cool that TMG got to do the cover reveal!
Also also, weirdly enough, I saw a double helix when I looked at the cover – I had to check again to see a staircase.
Layla recently posted…A Q&A with Sarah J. Maas, Tiffany Schmidt, Susan Dennard, and Liz Norris: Event Recap
Danielle Binks
Sssshhhhhhh – you had me at Marcus Sedgwick.
Danielle Binks recently posted…How to buy books for young adults
Nikki Wang
I haven’t read any of his books but I most definitely need to now! This one sounds AMAZINGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG and the fact that it starts at the earliest stage of human development is INTRIGUING. And the colors of that cover! GORGEOUS
Nikki Wang recently posted…Feral by Holly Schindler
Nikki
The cover alone sold me. I wouldn’t even need this to be a good book at this point, I just want to have that gorgeous cover staring at me all the time!
Savannah
Nice cover. It captures me. Thanks for the giveaway.
Savannah recently posted…Review: Between Spark and The Burn
Alex
I love the author and I am really excited for this book! Midwinterblood had me on the edge of my proverbial seat.
Ariana
Mad poets? I’m so in. This book sounds like a weirdly wild, fantastical ride.
Ariana recently posted…‘Big Brother’ season 16, episode 31 airs tonight: Week 10 Power of Veto
Shaya
Midwinterblood is my favorite book, my greatest love (don’t tell my boyfriend). It looks like The Ghosts of Heaven might create a very similar experience for me and I couldn’t possibly be more excited for something.
Shaya recently posted…The Ghosts of Heaven
Bonnie @ For the Love of Words
I’m not sure I’ve heard a single disappointing thing about any Sedgwick book. I really need to jump on this bandwagon and read something of his… SOON. As far as The Ghost of Heaven that is one of the most impressive covers I’ve seen this year. I adore it!
Bonnie @ For the Love of Words recently posted…Waiting on Wednesday – Fiercombe Manor by Kate Riordan
Lisa is Busy Nerding
Honestly, that cover drew me in. But I’m afeared that’s not thoughtful enough of a reason to read it and qualify as a thoughtful post! ;)
Can I just say I haven’t read any of his books and I’m a huge fail but am trying to remedy that? HELP ME.
Lisa is Busy Nerding recently posted…Top Ten Book Peeps at My Lunch Table
Jackie Lea Sommers
That cover! My GOSH, that COVER!!
I just finished Midwinterblood, which was so clever, and I’m excited to read more from Mr. Sedgwick!
Jackie Lea Sommers recently posted…Back to School: Book Characters at My Lunch Table
Angelique
That cover is beautiful! Books with beautiful covers can go either way but the title and cover has got me wanting to read it.
Cait @ Notebook Sisters
Oh wow oh wow! It looks amazing! I only just read She Is Not Invisible and it was so good I’m absolutely reading more of his books! I really like the colours of this cover and just the fact that it has ghosts in the title. Hehe. Ghosts can be awesome. *dashes to Goodreads to add it*
Cait @ Notebook Sisters recently posted…24 Things You Should Know About Our Outback Trip
Nikki
I’ve only read one of his books thus far, that being Midwinterblood, and enjoyed it. I find all of his summaries to be rather intriguing and so I will certainly be reading this and others.
Faye D'Social Potato (@kawaiileena)
For some reason, I liked all of Sedgewick’s covers. It has that surreal dreamy-ish tint to it that I really, really appreciate. They’re always easy to the eyes. With that said, I am very excited to read this book! I’ve read most of his and I haven’t been disappointed so far. I wish I could participate in the giveaway! :( Good luck to all participating!
Faye D’Social Potato (@kawaiileena) recently posted…ARC Review: Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas – “A Bit of Rants, a Bit of Fangirling~”
Rachel
That really is a stairway to heaven! Reminds me of the Led Zeppelin song, lol! I do like this cover because it screams mystery to me. Thanks for sharing, Wendy! :)
Rachel recently posted…Review: Shatter by Erin McCarthy
Darith L.
This book sounds really interesting! It seems like it will be a four-part novel? I’m intrigued by how the author will pull this off. And that cover is marvelous!
Mirely @ Rumor Has It
This is an absolutely beautiful and intriguing cover. I’m interested in reading it because I’ll be new to the author but mostly because your enthusiasm has won me over. Now I can’t help but to read it!
Mirely @ Rumor Has It recently posted…HAPPY RELEASE DAY!!! OPPOSITION by Jennifer L. Armentrout Excerpt and Giveaway!!!
melanie doyle
Im so excited about this book and for the two lucky readers who will win the advanced copies. The cover art is evocative, mysterious, and dreamlike, perfect for such a beautiful title. Cant wait to read it! Thanks for the opportunity, Wendy!
Amber J.
The cover reminds me of the Taken series by Erin Bowman with respect to color scheme, which is a good thing. And I’m loving the Stairway to Heaven (hee-hee) on the front.
The blurb gives me a Cloud Atlas sort of feeling (which I didn’t see or read), so I’m excited about reading this type of story in The Ghosts of Heaven.
Alise
Seriously gorgeous cover, I agree with what you said about the color, and I love how it changes seamlessly. So pretty. I haven’t read a book by Sedgwick yet but your excitement is contagious! :) I’ll have to read something by him soon.
Alise recently posted…What You Like v.s. What Others Prefer
Sandy
I have never read one of Marcus’ book but this book has me so intrigued. I will definitely be reading it.
Mary @ BookSwarm
LOVE the color palate and I want to know how the twisty ladder plays into the story… Well, the cover did it’s job. I’m intrigued.
Mary @ BookSwarm recently posted…Top Off Tuesday: The Arrow by Monica McCarty
Sarah J.
The cover looks amazing! I’ve always been a fan of minimalist covers rather than scenery or complicated designs, but the background on this one is gorgeous. I can’t wait to see what it means.
I’m very excited for this book! Insanity/madness/mental illnesses have always been a (rather morbid) fascination of mine. I’ve always loved history, too, so I’m predicting that I’ll love this book. Looking forward to the space-travel section, as well! :) You can never go wrong with outer space.
Leandra Wallace
Love the cover! I’ve always been a fan of spiral staircases. We had one in a bank I worked at one time, going down to the vault. It was so tight that if you weren’t careful, you’d scrape the back of your legs on the sand-paper stuff they had on the steps for traction. And definitely interested in the space voyage to settle another world aspect of this novel!
Leandra Wallace recently posted…YA Pics & Mugs & Books
Holly U
Oh my GOD. THAT COVER IS GORGEOUS! *grabby hands* I haven’t read any of his novels, but I don’t even care. I WANT THIS!
Holly U recently posted…Cover Reveal: The Moment of Letting Go by J.A. Redmerski
Alena Saukova
Wow, this cover immediately caught my eye! Excited to read this book :)
Lili
Wow, the cover is AMAZING, and it makes the book more intriguing. Can’t wait!!!! AAAAAHG!
Lili
I’m so excited!! Can’t wait for its release, AAAAAAAHHG!
Alice
Marcus Sedgewick’s books have been on my TBR for a long time, especially since I tend to like dark, thought-provoking stories. This newest book sounds ambitious and intriguing. I kind of love that there’s so much genre-hopping and am curious to see how it all comes together. Also love the cover. I agree about the unusual color palette; it’s pretty but also eye-catching!
Thanks for hosting this giveaway!
Alice recently posted…What’s Up Wednesday (44)
Jenny
I haven’t read anything by Marcus Sedgewick but the cover and the synops is just too compelling. I think I’ll have to pick up some of his other works the next I’m at the bookstore. I can do with more books!
Brie
Marcus Sedgwick is always an interesting read.
Alyssa @ Swept Away By Books
I absolutely adore genre bending books and Segwick’s books are some of my absolute favourites! That cover is stunning too. I love the changing colours and the font so so much. And nothing beats a spiral staircase!
Thank you so much for the chance to win :)
Alyssa @ Swept Away By Books recently posted…2014 Debut Authors Bash: An Interview with Mary Crockett, Author of DREAM BOY!
Kayla Beck
If this book is half as good as the cover, it will be a real treat. I’m almost glad that more book covers aren’t as good as this, or else I would be a beggar after buying them all. Hell, I could happily frame the art alone and have it on the wall in my “nerd” bedroom.
Kayla Beck recently posted…Blog Tour (Review): The Agincourt Bride by Joanna Hickson
Karen
That cover is GORGEOUS and everything a cover should be. It’s unique, grabs your attention and makes you curious about the story. Well done.
Karen recently posted…Tune in Tuesday: Royal Blood
Vivien
Well the cover is brilliant!!! And if it is anything like Midwinterblood I am going to love it. If not, then I don’t care and will read anything by this author. That is how much I have enjoyed his work in the past. I do seriously need to get my hands on White Crow. I haven’t checked that one out yet. So behind! Now I have a book I can thoroughly look forward to. I do so love that feeling :D
Amy
The cover is gorgeous! The synopsis sounds interesting so I’m really looking forward to reading this now. Thanks for the giveaway!
Alexa S.
WOW! This cover is absolutely fantastic AND it makes me want to read The Ghosts of Heaven, stat. But seriously, I think Marcus Sedgwick has a unique writing style and perspective and would love to read another one of his novels!
Alexa S. recently posted…The Hybrid Chronicles Read-a-Thon
Wendy Darling
His writing is so utterly gorgeous and different from any other author I’ve ever read–I’m so happy to hear you’re a fan as well, Alexa! And yes, I love that he offers a different perspective, both in terms of his nationality/gender/experiences/personality, but also in terms of his books. All three of the books I’ve read have been very different, and that’s uncommon, especially for YA.
Alycia
I read my first Sedgwick in the month of August (Revolver) and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was wonderfully written and quite intense! Looking forward to trying another…. I hope to win! :)
Wendy Darling
I have heard such wonderful things about REVOLVER! I have to read that one soon. I came into the Sedgwick fanbase quite late as well, but I’ve loved every book that I’ve read, and “intense” describes WHITE CROW and MIDWINTERBLOOD as well. It’s going to be such a treat for both of us to work through the rest of his catalog. :)
Alycia
I’m even more excited to try more titles of his….intense books are my fav! :)
Lindsey Breuer
Wow, that is certainly a striking cover. Can’t wait to finally read She is Not Invisible, and then to add this title to my list.
Wendy Darling
SHE IS NOT INVISIBLE is very good–it taught me a few things I hadn’t considered in regards to someone who’s blind, and I enjoyed the story. It’s a much gentler book than his others that I’ve read, but I like that he tries out different genres and is constantly challenging himself–and us!
Tammy
This is totally a case of cover-love. I want to see what’s written on the pages just because of beautiful outside.
Wendy Darling
All three of the books I’ve read by this author have bee so great that I’ve no doubt that the contents will match that beautiful cover, Tammy. I’m glad he got an eye-catching one for this latest book, because he certainly deserves to be read.
kindlemom1
Ooo I LOVE it! So much to look at.
kindlemom1 recently posted…Review: Get Even by Gretchen McNeil
Wendy Darling
I LOVE IT, TOO. And the story will be even more complex.
Pili
I’ve had Midwinterblood in the TBR wish list forever and now reading that you loved it, I guess I must move it up soon!
The cover and the title in themselves are extremely intriguing! I love the graphics at the top of the cover as well as the colours chosen! Adding this one to the TBR wish list too!
Thanks for sharing, Wendy!
Pili recently posted…Tell Me Tuesdays #10!!
Wendy Darling
I never know how people will react to MIDWINTERBLOOD–it’s so different from other YA books, almost more like literary adult fiction. I love it, though, and I hope you’ll find the story and characters as gorgeous as I did.
This one looks/sounds so good, too! I can’t wait to find out what’s behind all the pieces on the artwork.
Brenda
Wonderful cover. Interesting choice of colors and I like the way the spiraling staircase links to the mad poet’s obsession, as well as the sci-fi pieces that represent the spaceship voyage.
Wendy Darling
The colors are somehow both somber and light–this’ll really stand out on a bookshelf, I think. I like your interpretation of the staircase linking to the mad poet as well! Such an interesting mix of ideas. I’d normally be wary of so many different components, but his other book MIDWINTERBLOOD was a crazy blending of genres and time periods as well, and it worked beautifully.
Kristen@My Friends Are Fiction
I’ve only read one of his book so far but was so impressed with his story-telling and writing. I can’t wait to read this one. The cover and title are amazing. thank you so much for sharing and the chance to win a copy :-)
Kristen@My Friends Are Fiction recently posted…My September TBR Pile
Wendy Darling
Which book did you read, Kristen? I’ve only read 3 so far myself (although I have 3 others I’ve purchased, which I’m saving for a rainy day), and they’ve all been so different!
I love this cover, too. Glad you entered the giveaway!
Kristen@My Friends Are Fiction
I read She Is Not Invisible which was done beautifully. I had been slightly intimidated about his writing prior to reading it because of the awards and hype but I adored his style. Which did you read?
Kristen@My Friends Are Fiction recently posted…My September TBR Pile
Carina Olsen
Oh! I love this cover. <3 It looks gooorgeous. And oh, I really, really want this book. <3 Have only read one book by this author so far, but I did really enjoy She Is Not Invisible :) So I cannot wait to read this book too. <3 Thank you for sharing Wendy :)
Wendy Darling
His other books are very, very different from SHE IS NOT INVISIBLE, hah. But I love that he’s constantly switching things up–his writing is beautiful, and his stories are so original. I hope we both love this one, Carina!
Tracey
The cover is wonderful! I love the orange and purple tones and the long spiraling staircase. I’ve had my eye on Midwinter Blood for a while now. The Ghosts of Heaven sounds just as good.
Wendy Darling
Yesss, where is that guy going? I MUST KNOW.
Do give MIDWINTERBLOOD a try sometime, too! It’s strange and beautiful, and a book that really stays with you.
Yuko
This cover is really beautiful! I’ve a question: this U.S. edition is different from the UK? Is it “translated” or “adapted”?
Yuko recently posted…#11BoutOfBooksReadAThon: Info e obiettivi!
Wendy Darling
Hi Yuko! He’s a UK author, so it’s not a translation. I can’t vouch for this for certain, but think the majority of the text would be the same, except for possibly swapping Americanized spelling or a word here and there. I do believe the UK version is out before ours, so you can always order it from The Book Depository if you want 100% original Sedgwick.
The Avid Reader
Ohhhh, this one sounds fantastic! I haven’t read anything by this author yet, might need to change that!
The Avid Reader recently posted…Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Book Characters that would be Sitting at My Lunch Table
Wendy Darling
Oh no, not “might” need to change that, you just NEED to change that. ;) I think his books are love it or hate it type deals–they are often bizarre and other-worldly, but that’s what I love about him. Unlike anything else out there, I hope you do give his books a try sometime.
Sandy S.
What an amazing cover! I love the transition of color from the water to the sky. The steepness of the twisting stairs with book’s font is perfect. Thanks for the giveaway.
Wendy Darling
Yes! The gradiations in color are my favorite part. I’m so curious as to how all these images play into the story–it’ll be fun to find out!