Rayleigh Mann and the Quest of Misfits

by Ciannon Smart Narrated by Jake Fairbrother

Overview

Perfect for fans of Aru Shah and the End of Time and Amari and the Night Brothers, this sequel to Ciannon Smart's Rayleigh Mann in the Company of Monsters takes Rayleigh and his friends on a thrilling treasure hunt through Below-London to unravel a monstrous mystery.

On the previous All Hallows' Eve, Rayleigh was just a typical Londoner. Or he thought he was.

Now Rayleigh has embraced his monster heritage, passed all the tests to stay in Below-London with the rest of monster society, and even saved his father-the Bogey Mann-from the notorious Illustrious Society.

But his adventures are far from over.

Though Rayleigh is supposed to be staying far away from trouble, it's found him once again. As strange shadows begin to reach out to him for help and clues begin to fall into place, Rayleigh and his new friends are embroiled in a mysterious treasure hunt to prevent Below-London from falling into chaos-and not the good kind, this time.

Fans of The School for Good and Evil and Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky will thrill as they and Rayleigh return to Below-London-soaring across the city, exploring libraries that disregard the rules of space and time, and meeting new friends as they uncover a sinister plot and embark on another unforgettable adventure.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

"Plenty of danger and discovery await in this fantastical coming-of-age (or rather, becoming-a-monster) tale that will keep readers wondering, just like Rayleigh, who can be trusted... A page-turner that will draw fans into another exciting quest."  — Kirkus Reviews

"A dangerously good time, readers will unlock new fears and new fun with Rayleigh Mann!" — Kwame Mbalia, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky

“Readers, prepare to want to stay in the company of Rayleigh Mann forever. This enchanting world will grab hold and never let go. You’ll never think of monsters the same way again. Triumphant!”  — Dhonielle Clayton, New York Times bestselling author of The Marvellers 

“The diversity of monsters from various cultures present in the story is refreshing… Fantastic, frightful fun.” — Kirkus Reviews

Praise for Witches Steeped in Gold: "Aglow with detail, Witches Steeped in Gold is a thundering waterfall of magic, vengeance and intrigue. Smart spirits the reader straight to the heart of a vivid and perilous world, where power rests in the hands of women and fate turns on the bonds they break and forge." — Samantha Shannon, New York Times & Sunday Times bestselling author of THE BONE SEASON & THE PRIORY OF THE ORANGE TREE

“This delightfully delicious tale of witches and magical intrigue will have you reading late into the night.” — Rena Barron, author of Kingdom of Souls

“A bloody and deadly delight, Witches Steeped In Gold puts power into the hands of Black girls — the true, beating heart of magic!” — Dhonielle Clayton, New York Times bestselling author of The Belles series

“A richly realized tale.” — Kirkus Reviews

“In this action-packed fantasy adventure, Smart (Witches Steeped in Gold) combines organic-feeling descriptions of eerie London streets with Caribbean folklore to craft a world teeming with ghoulish scares and creepy creatures of the night.”
— Publishers Weekly

"Smart welcomes every kid who feels a touch monstrous to an underground world where monsters of all types live. What are you ghouls waiting for? Embrace the monster within." — Booklist

Kirkus Reviews

2025-03-22
The magical adventures of 12-year-old Black British boy Rayleigh Mann pick up immediately following the 2023 series opener.

Rayleigh is settling into the mystical realm of creatures that haunt the dreams of children. ’Tis the Christmas season in Above-London, and Yule in Below-London, where Rayleigh lives under the watchful eyes of his uncle Thelonious and father, Bogey, the Supreme Scarer. The two men agree that Rayleigh must remain safely at home in monster-proof Terror Tower until they’ve hunted down the impostor, or mysterious shape-shifter, that’s after him. Plenty of danger and discovery await in this fantastical coming-of-age (or rather, becoming-a-monster) tale that will keep readers wondering, just like Rayleigh, who can be trusted. Smart portrays Rayleigh’s adjustment to an underground London where nightmarish adventures lurk around every corner. His friends include furry, fox-faced Marley and invisible monsterling Mack; the three attend flying lessons together. The awkwardness of learning to fly and the growing pains that hint at what type of monster each will develop into are intriguing and will keep the pages turning. Readers will revel in the variety of familiar monsters (both friend and foe) and enjoy watching Rayleigh learn and grow as he’s being chased by the impostor’s minions and fights to save friends, family, and himself while using his special abilities.

A page-turner that will draw fans into another exciting quest.(Fantasy. 8-12)

Product Details

BN ID:	2940190913705
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	06/24/2025
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	8 - 11 Years

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