Robin Jarvis

Robin Jarvis, born in 1963, is a British author specializing in young adult and children's fiction, often exploring dark fantasy, suspense, and supernatural themes. His narratives frequently feature battles against malevolent forces, shape-shifting creatures, dystopian futures influenced by magical books, and ancient evils. He draws inspiration from locations like Whitby and London, where he has resided.

Jarvis's works for younger audiences often include anthropomorphic animals, particularly mice, as seen in his popular "Deptford Mice" series. His writing has been recognized for its originality and spooky, psychological supernatural horror fantasy with a modern sensibility, though he himself does not classify his work as horror. His books have been compared to Stephen King's but are aimed at a younger audience. Several of his works have been adapted for stage and screen.

Educated in graphic design, Jarvis previously worked in the television and advertising industries as a model-maker before dedicating himself to writing. He grew up in Warrington and currently lives in Greenwich, London.

Robin Jarvis's literary contributions delve into a rich tapestry of supernatural and esoteric themes, often set against atmospheric backdrops. His young adult novels frequently pit protagonists against monumental malevolence, drawing on elements such as ancient evils, forgotten races, and the lingering power of magical artifacts. The "Witching Legacy" series, for instance, revisits the coastal town of Whitby, exploring a supernatural vendetta and the resurgence of ancient forces connected to a magical object. Similarly, "The Whitby Witches" trilogy is set in the same locale, hinting at dark powers and forgotten lore. The "Hagwood Trilogy" introduces a diminutive race of shape-shifters, the Werglers, engaged in an epic struggle against powerful faerie magic, suggesting a deep engagement with folklore and mystical combat. His "Dancing Jax" series explores a dystopian future triggered by a hypnotic book, touching upon themes of world-switching, dark magic, and psychological conditioning, while the "Wyrd Museum" series incorporates elements like Norse Fates and crow-demons, blending history with the supernatural.

Jarvis's novels are often grounded in specific, evocative locations that contribute significantly to their atmospheric and mystical quality. The North Yorkshire coastal town of Whitby serves as a recurring and potent setting, notably for "The Whitby Witches" trilogy and "The Witching Legacy" series. Jarvis has expressed a deep connection to Whitby, describing it as a place that compels stories from him due to its rich history and diverse appeal. His earlier works, such as "The Deptford Mice" series and its related volumes, are strongly associated with London, particularly the areas of Deptford and Greenwich, where he lived. These settings provide a tangible anchor for his fantastical narratives, allowing readers to connect with the supernatural events unfolding in familiar yet transformed environments. The inspiration for the "Dancing Jax" trilogy reportedly came from a dream, highlighting the imaginative and sometimes subconscious origins of his intricate plots.

“Now the time is right to climb those 199 steps once more and discover what’s been happening. Gasp – very grave and Dark things…”

“The place won't leave me alone, it compels stories out of me. It's such a perfect blend of every location you could want, with a fabulously rich history that stretches back over a thousand years.”

“Something is brewing in the town of Whitby. To best friends Lil and Verne, it just seems like a particularly bad storm, but Cherry Cerise, the last of the Whitby witches, fears that ancient forces are at work, reviving the curse of a long lost magical artifact.”

“More than ever she needs the support of best friend Verne and the witch Cherry Cerise, but they are preoccupied by their attempts to uncover more secrets of the golden Nimius. When Lil finds an antique box of watercolour paints she welcomes the diversion, little realising that every time she uses it something nasty escapes. But it is while they are distracted an old enemy finds a path to their door . . .”

“In this third title, the sinister Mister Dark is more powerful than ever and has enslaved young Verne to his will. Can Lil save her best friend before their enemy unleashes his most audacious and insane plan yet? Even with the help of new, surprising allies - a witch, a mysterious man of many disguises and the secretive aufwaders beneath the cliff - all seems hopeless. Whitby has never been a more frightening and dangerous place to live, and the murdered dead refuse to rest in peace.”