About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is transitioning from straightforward adventures to more complex, atmospheric mysteries that challenge their intellect and wit. It is a perfect choice for the pre-teen who loves the idea of secret worlds hidden in plain sight and enjoys a narrative that balances high-stakes peril with a healthy dose of dry, clever humor. The story follows best friends Brian and Gregory as they are thrust into a real-life version of an ancient board game while visiting a mysterious estate in Vermont. As they navigate forests filled with strange creatures and solve intricate riddles, they must grapple with the weight of their own choices and the true meaning of loyalty. While the atmosphere can be eerie and the villains quite sinister, the core of the book is a celebration of intellectual curiosity and the bravery found in friendship. It is an ideal bridge for readers who have outgrown simple magic but are not quite ready for the darker grit of older young adult fiction.
