First published 2014
Conor, Abeke, Meilin, and Rollan once fought together as a team. Now betrayal has torn them apart. Each young hero bonds with a spirit animal, and together they have collected magical talismans against impossible odds. Their next target lies in the most dangerous territory yet. Cabaro the Great Lion rules an oasis kingdom deep in the desert. The golden talisman he guards has never been claimed by humans. His animal subjects protect him fiercely. The journey across the wasteland seems hopeless. Meanwhile, a ruthless enemy tracks the heroes at every turn. The world itself begins to crumble around them. The four friends must overcome their broken trust and reunite. Their spirit animals have already endured great hardship in this quest. The greatest challenges still await them in Cabaro's realm.
Genres: fiction, adventure, fantasy, young-adult
Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: Oasis Kingdom, Desert
192 pages · Hardcover · Scholastic Inc.