[7] The Ickabog was released as a published book, e-book and audiobook on 10 November 2020,[8] and is no longer available for free reading online.
This creature is said to inhabit the treacherous marshes of the North and is believed to prey on unsuspecting sheep and people who venture into its territory.
The Ickabog's legend is used to scare children into obedience and explain the disappearance of those who dare to explore the marshes.
[3] Cornucopia is a land divided into two regions, with the South being a prosperous area that boasts several cities specializing in different types of food.
Each city has its unique cuisine, and the people of Cornucopia take great pride in their culinary creations.
The people who live there are often forgotten by the rulers of the kingdom, and they struggle to survive in a harsh and unforgiving environment.
Fred, despite feeling embarrassed and guilty, declines to visit her family, leading them to become disillusioned with him, especially Dora's daughter, Daisy.
An accident in the marshes results in Beamish getting fatally shot by Flapoon, one of Fred's corrupt advisors.
Seeking to take control of the kingdom and become richer, Spittleworth, Flapoon's ally, pretends that Beamish was killed by the Ickabog.
A heavy tax is imposed to pay for an "Ickabog Defense Brigade", causing widespread poverty, which Fred is oblivious to.
The two are captured by Basher John, Ma Grunter's henchman, and taken to the orphanage, where Bert reunites with Daisy and meets Martha.
Basher John is alerted to the march and rides to warn Spittleworth, who refuses to believe him and has him arrested.
Nobles: The Beamishes: The Dovetails: Side Characters: Audible released audiobook versions of The Ickabog in English, Italian, German, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, Bulgarian, Dutch, Simplified Chinese and Russian in November 2020.
[9][10] Jake Kerridge, for The Daily Telegraph, gave the book 3 out of 5 stars, saying "a fun but lightweight fairy tale that lacks Harry Potter's magic".
[13] According to Nielsen BookScan, The Ickabog had sold 90,023 copies as of April 2021 in the United Kingdom, though the numbers did not include lockdown sales.