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Kings of This World

By Elizabeth Knox
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Brief Description
Vex is used to people being afraid of her special power, the ability to persuade others to do what she wants. But when she arrives at a new school, Tiebold Academy, it is packed with people who have the same special power as her, and who... Read More
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When Vex and her friends are kidnapped and held to ransom it sets off a terrifying chain of twists and turns as they struggle to survive and try to find a way to escape.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Vex is used to people being afraid of her special power, the ability to persuade others to do what she wants.

But when she arrives at a new school, Tiebold Academy, it is packed with people who have the same special power as her, and who might even like her.

There is her roommate Ronnie, a coolheaded high achiever, and Ronnie's friend Taye, who is recovering from a brain injury. There is witty, lordly Hannu, whose father happens to be a billionaire. And then there's Ari: troubled, blessed, honourable, terrifying Ari.

Vex is enchanted by her new friends when, five weeks into term one, they are kidnapped.

They find themselves chained in the basement of an abandoned factory, trying to figure out how to escape, all the while tormented by questions like: Why were they taken? Why do the kidnappers seem to hate Vex, and at the same time want to recruit her?

Can Vex and her friends save themselves? And if they do, will they ever feel safe again? What kind of reckoning will they face afterwards? And will Vex again feel responsible for all the bad things that happened?

Kings of This World by Elizabeth Knox delves into these gripping questions as Vex navigates a world filled with peril and potential alliances.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781991142283

Publisher: Allen & Unwin Aotearoa New Zealand

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 09 September 2025

Country: New Zealand

Imprint: A&U Children's NZ

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Width: 153.0mm

Height: 234.0mm

Weight: 418g

Pages: 336

Collections

2026 Auckland Writers Festival Best Sellers at Book Hero Children's Books Children's Fiction Children’s, Teenage and Educational Elizabeth Knox Fantasy gifts Festival Kids & Young Readers Festival New Zealand Writers Gift Finder Gifts for 13 to 15 year olds Gifts for 16 to 17 year olds Gifts under $100 Gifts under $30 Gifts under $50 In Stock Books In stock Children's Books In Stock Kid's Books New Zealand and Australia Published New Zealand Children's Books New Zealand Published NZ Booklovers Awards 2026 Young Adult Young Adult Mystery & Thriller

About the Author

Elizabeth Knox is one of New Zealand's leading writers. She is the author of fourteen novels, most recently Kings of this World, three autobiographical novellas and a collection of personal essays. Her best-known books are The Vintner's Luck; young adult novels Dreamhunter, Dreamquake, Mortal Fire and The Absolute Book. She is the recipient of many awards and fellowships.

Elizabeth was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in 2020. She lives in Wellington.

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