The bestselling author of the Septimus Heap series, Angie Sage, delivers a gripping and darkly humorous tale of Maximillian Fly—a human with cockroach features—whose quiet life is upended when he aids two human children in their escape from an oppressive governing power.

Perfect for fans of Lemony Snicket and Adam Gidwitz.

Maximillian Fly wants no trouble. Yet because he stands at six feet two, with beautiful indigo wings, long antennae, and more arms than you or me, many are frightened of him.

He is a gentle creature who looks like a giant cockroach. This extraordinary human wants to prove his goodness, so he opens his door to two SilverSeed children in search of a place to hide.

Instantly, Maximillian’s quiet, solitary life changes. There are dangerous powers after them and they have eyes everywhere. But in this gray city of Hope trapped under the Orb, is escape even possible?

Maximillian Fly is a masterful story brimming with suspense, plot twists, and phenomenal world building. This compelling novel delves into family dynamics and themes of prejudice, making the case for tolerance, empathy, and understanding.

* Junior Library Guild Selection * Kids' Indie Next List * New York Public Library Best Books of 2019 Selection * 2020 LITA Excellence in Children’s and Young Adult Science Fiction Notable Book: The Eleanor Cameron Notable Middle Grade Books List *

In a city that fears what it doesn’t understand, one gentle creature will risk everything for two lost children.

An Unforgettable Hero: Meet Maximillian Fly—six-foot-two, with indigo wings, antennae, and a gentle heart hidden beneath a cockroach-like exterior.
Phenomenal World-Building: Explore the gloomy city of Hope, a community trapped beneath the oppressive Orb where spies from the Bartizan are everywhere.
Found Family Dynamics: A solitary creature with everything to lose opens his door to two fugitive children, forming an alliance that could change their world.
Darkly Humorous & Suspenseful: Perfect for fans of Lemony Snicket, this award-winning story is filled with gripping plot twists and makes a powerful case for empathy.