'A refreshing new voice in YA, Stephen Daly daringly mixes northern Irish history, a tender coming out story, and dark magic to produce something big-hearted, clear-eyed and deeply touching. You’ll fall in love with The Last Death Poet.' Patrick Ness
The Last Death Poet
Stephen DalyA propulsive and gripping LGBTQ+ coming-of-age novel set in Belfast with a paranormal twist, perfect for fans of Aiden Thomas and Caroline O’Donoghue
‘Heartfelt, tender and quietly beautiful.’ Simon James Green
‘A completely original, fiercely witty and genuinely chilling debut.’ Piers Torday
‘Propulsive and addictive.’ Margaret McDonald
‘I know about the visions. I have your camera. Call me. Please.’
When Michael is uprooted to Belfast, he isn’t just hoping for a fresh start. He’s determined to discover the truth about his dad’s mysterious absence. But from the moment he arrives, he’s plagued with visions of the city’s troubled past.
Michael begins settling into his new life and even meets a boy who helps erase the painful memories of his ex. But as the visions grow stronger and more intense, the only person he can really confide in is his new friend Meg.
As Meg delves into the supernatural source of the visions, Michael begins to question whether events of the past are linked to his dad’s disappearance.
Can he use his powers to find his dad before he’s gone forever?
‘Big-hearted, clear-eyed and deeply touching. You’ll fall in love with The Last Death Poet.’ Patrick Ness
Reviews
'The Last Death Poet is a soaring, searing exploration of sexuality, identity and destiny, mirrored in a Belfast caught between past, present and future. Daly has written a story that will resonate with any young person whose sense of self has been subsumed by who and what they’re supposed to be. Combining myth, magic and modernity, The Last Death Poet marks the launch of a sparkling and necessary new voice in queer fantasy writing.' Melinda Salisbury, author of Her Dark Wings
'a deft and propulsive exploration of identity, myth and legacy.' Deirdre Sullivan, author of Wise Creatures
'The Last Death Poet executes the paranormal in my favourite way. With a voice so easy to connect with that the characters felt like old friends. Funny, original, page-turning, and utterly, beautifully, Belfast.' Jenny Ireland, author of The First Move
‘a very special story about what on earth we do with our particular tangle of history in Northern Ireland.’ Shirley-Anne McMillan
'Daly shines the otherworldly light of fantasy and mythology onto thorny questions of truth, memory and the legacy of the Troubles. The result is beautiful, unique and utterly unforgettable.' Máire Zepf
'A welcome new voice bringing diversity to YA writing from the north of Ireland. The Last Death Poet blends Irish myth, paranormal and contemporary Belfast. And crows. Lots of crows.' Sue Divin, author of Guard Your Heart and Truth Be Told
'This book is the perfect blend of teen drama, great ensemble cast, and supernatural imagery, along with a fascinating dive into Northern Irish history.' Nathanael Lessore
'Electric, strange in all the best ways, and full of heart - The Last Death Poet captures the ache of growing up and the ghosts that never quite leave us. Stephen Daly’s voice is fierce, poetic, and utterly original. I fell into this book and didn’t want to leave it.' Josh Silver
'Heartfelt, tender and quietly beautiful, this story haunts you in the best possible way, reminding us how the past is inexorably linked to our present and the importance of keeping those stories alive. A stunning debut which I very much loved.' Simon James Green, author of Boy Like Me
'A poignant exploration of identity and history, cleverly wrapped in mystery with dark mythological nods. I enjoyed it immensely!' Ashley Thorpe
'A completely original, fiercely witty and genuinely chilling debut - a major new storytelling voice has arrived.' Piers Torday
