A debut fantasy novel set against the historic backdrop of York has earned both critical acclaim and a major reader-voted accolade.
Featherfall, written by York author Jerry Ibbotson, was named joint winner of the York St John University Big Summer Read 2026, following a record-breaking public vote.
The novel shares the title with Hex House by fellow graduate Amy Jane Stewart, with the two books securing more than 80 per cent of the overall vote between them.
For Mr Ibbotson, the recognition marks another milestone in what has been a long journey to publication.
Set in the suburbs and shadowy corners of York, Featherfall tells the story of an angel living a human life, pursued by a host of supernatural figures — including a former boss, a 2,000-year-old monster hunter, and a sharply dressed demon. As these forces close in, the fate of humanity hangs in the balance.
The novel has already drawn praise from internationally renowned comic and graphic novel writer Garth Ennis, whose work includes The Boys and Preacher.
After reading an early draft, he described Featherfall as “a highly impressive debut”, adding: “As soon as I began Jerry Ibbotson’s Featherfall, I knew I’d be with it all the way.”
Mr Ibbotson, who has lived in York for more than three decades and holds a Master’s degree in creative writing from York St John University, said receiving such feedback was a standout moment.
“I was lucky enough to meet Garth a couple of months ago and asked if he’d read Featherfall,” he said. “To receive praise from someone with his credentials is incredible.”
York itself plays a central role in the novel, far beyond a simple setting. From its winding snickleways to the looming presence of the Minster, the city is woven into the fabric of the story.
“Featherfall has York in its blood,” Mr Ibbotson said.
“Much of the story takes place on the city streets and the Minster itself takes centre stage on occasion. I’ve tried to reflect the city as it really is while telling a story that is pure fantasy.”
The book unfolds in the run-up to Midsummer, with its climax taking place in the Minster’s shadow on the shortest night of the year. Drawing heavily on British folklore, it imagines ancient, malevolent forces lingering just out of sight.
“There’s a magic about York that really lends itself to my kind of storytelling,” he said.
“There’s so much history piled up in one place that it weaves a spell over you. Walking around some of the narrow city streets, you start to imagine all sorts of things taking place down dark alleys and snickleways.”
It has been 14 years since Mr Ibbotson first drafted the novel — a timespan that makes its publication and recent success all the more significant.
“It’s great to have got to this point and see it released into the world,” he said.
The Big Summer Read, coordinated by the university’s English Literature team, is designed to encourage reading for pleasure across the campus and wider community.
This year marks the first time two books have shared the top spot, with organisers highlighting the strong connection both authors have to the university’s MA Creative Writing programme.
Read more
North East hospital radio volunteer wins global prize for debut novel
County Durham author's debut crime thriller climbs into top of global charts
North East author wins national comedy writing award for self-published novel
Dr Adam James Smith, course lead for English Literature, said the initiative continues to spark conversations and bring readers together.
“This time we’re reading two novels for the first time, and both have been written by York St John graduates,” he said. “It’s a special opportunity to celebrate the creativity within our community.”
While Hex House offers readers a dark contemporary fairytale set in Scotland, Featherfall brings fantasy much closer to home, rooting its story firmly in one of the North’s most recognisable cities.
Featherfall is available now in bookshops, online, and in ebook and audiobook formats.
Share