A stunningly imagined world, page-turning thrills, and a pair of unlikely heroes on an epic quest make this unique and immersive dark fantasy--from acclaimed author A. J. Steiger--perfect for fans of Holly Black and Kelly Barnhill.
Simon Frost lives in a curious place, where magic is used by the very best Animists to do wondrous things--like call upon imps, wraiths, and all manner of monsters to right wrongs, deliver justice, and accomplish feats no human could achieve.
Simon Frost is not one of those Animists, though he's been trying to become one for years.
When a plea arrives from a distant hamlet, preyed upon by an abominable monster, Simon sees the opportunity to finally prove his worth.
But upon arriving in the tiny village, Simon finds not just a monster but a key to his past--and a pathway into an unbelievable future.
In this thrilling fantasy for readers ages 8-12, a boy who believes he's a failure must face a monster, only to discover a truth more terrifying than any myth.
- Unlikely Heroes: A fourteen-year-old Animist who doubts his own power, and a mysterious monster who is actually a girl with a forgotten past.
- A World of Magic: Discover the city of Eidendel, where Animists summon imps, wraiths, and other Eldritch creatures to do their bidding.
- A Mysterious Quest: When a desperate plea for help arrives from the remote village of Splithead Creek, Simon sets out to prove his worth, only to find a conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of power.
- Lovecraftian Fantasy: Perfect for young readers who love cosmic horror themes, this story is filled with forbidden knowledge, Elder Gods, and the dark spaces between worlds.
About the Author :
A . J . Steiger has lived her entire life in the Chicagoland area. Cathedral of Bones is her first book for middle grade readers, and she is also the author of the young adult book When My Heart Joins the Thousand.
Review :
Praise for When My Heart Joins the Thousand: "A gorgeous love story of depth and raw emotion that beautifully dismantles the ugly perceptions of autism."
- Kirkus Reviews (starred review)"[Alvie's] meltdowns and behavioral quirks add dimension to what is a fully realized portrayal of a person living with Asperger's... This is a love story that could also appeal to adult readers. Their love is hard-fought and deservedly earned." - School Library Journal (starred review)
"At last! A.J. Steiger's When My Heart Joins the Thousand offers a love story between two atypical characters with breathtaking honesty about all the messy aspects of real love--sex, compatibility, trust, and most of all, honesty." - Cammie McGovern, author of Say What You Will
"Beautifully imagined and vividly described...a prevailing tone of earnestness and hope balances the decay and dread to create an ideal first experience of a horror standby." - Publishers Weekly
"Although there is some delicious gore and thrilling discovery, Simon's family is the heart of the novel... Dark fantasy and even some horror buffs will appreciate the scares." - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"Strong worldbuilding is matched with breathtaking adventure, a touch of romance, and compelling characters... Thought-provoking and entertaining in equal measure, here's hoping this isn't the last we see of Simon and Alice." - School Library Journal (starred review)
