Synopses & Reviews
When Roland's teacher gives him an unusual assignment instead of punishment for shoplifting, he thinks he is home free. All he has to do is find out what he can about a classmate, Jess Ferret, and report back to his teacher. But there is something less than straightforward about this request, especially because the more Roland learns about Jess, the more confused he becomes. Her house is sinisterly tidy, her parents are never home, mysterious books line the bookshelves, and, most intriguing of all, Jess is apparently a student of alchemy.
Why is Roland's teacher so interested in Jess? Why has a shady magician from Roland's past suddenly come back into his life? What exactly are the voices in Roland's head cautioning him against? And what is the reason for Jess Ferret's knowledge about alchemy? In searching for answers Roland finds himself trapped in a mysterious web of magic, power, and greed. This is the story of a terrifying war of magic versus willpower, told only as award-winning author Margaret Mahy can.
Synopsis
There is something mysterious about Jess Ferret, and her classmate Roland is determined to get to the bottom of it. He finds that her house is too tidy, her parents are never home, strange books line the bookshelves, and most intriguing of all, Jess is studying alchemy. In questioning Jess, Roland is left with more questions than answers, but when a sinister magician from Roland's past gets involved in the mystery, he realizes he is trapped in a dangerous web of magic, power, and greed. In a thrilling, suspenseful climax, all of the puzzle pieces fit together for Roland and it becomes a war of magic versus will.
Told only as Margaret Mahy can, this riveting novel will sweep its readers into another place and keep them on the edge of their seats.