by Thom Jones
First published 2011
Derek begins his morning reading prophecies by candlelight after visiting the ancient Gula Badu in the Library's underground depths. He and his twin sister Deanna then embark on their third quest in Elestra, leaving Magia behind for the first time. Their drectaw ride carries them to the scorching Desert Realm, where the dark wizard Eldrack unleashes tentacled sand beasts and massive knifebirds against them. Their companion Zorell joins the journey despite Tobungus' objections, and his dancing becomes a crucial weapon against the sand creatures. Local guide Dahlia feeds them sweet lizard tails and reveals prophecies hidden in tapestries. Inside a solitary pyramid in a secret desert, a mysterious statue offers them a solution. To escape Eldrack and return their moonstone to the arch, the twins must navigate the Great Snort Pit in a boat bearing ominously large bite marks. As they collect more moonstones, Derek and Deanna grow stronger yet more bewildered by Elestra's mysteries. They discover connections between magic and music, and placing their first three moonstones unlocks a magical instrument that plays the opening notes of a song meant to summon the Lost Army of Light for the approaching Magical Tournament.
Genres: fiction, adventure, fantasy, magic
Vibes: atmospheric, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: chosen-one, found-family, quest
Setting: Desert Realm, Elestra, Great Snort Pit, Gula Badu, Library, Magia, Pyramid
Period: Ancient, Magical Tournament
152 pages · Paperback · Peekaboo Pepper Books