Kate, Michael, and Emma are the orphans that no one wants. Except they’re not really orphans – their parents had to leave them when they were children to protect them. Kate, Michael, and Emma don’t know that they are anything special. But they’re about to find out.
The last orphanage they end up at turns out to be a magical city, cut off from the rest of the world. When they find a strange book in the basement, they end up travelling back in time, discovering what is so eerily strange about this town, saving the day (after many near-misses), and finding the Emerald Atlas. I know, I know. It sounds like I just gave away the ending. But that isn’t anything you couldn’t have guessed before reading this book. Well, maybe the travelling back in time part. . .
That’s not to say that this book is predictable. There’s enough twists and turns to keep any reader surprised. John Stephens’ world is intricate, especially with the whole time-travelling thing. That will complicate any plot, and it does so delightfully in this book. Kate, Michael, and Emma just made my heart break – believing that they are unloved and unwanted, yet fiercely devoted to each other. This is a book about love and family, encased in an extremely enjoyable story. If you enjoy The Hobbit or the Chronicles of Narnia, this is a great addition to your bookshelf. And better yet – it’s only the first in a series. There’s more Kate, Michael, and Emma to come!
The last orphanage they end up at turns out to be a magical city, cut off from the rest of the world. When they find a strange book in the basement, they end up travelling back in time, discovering what is so eerily strange about this town, saving the day (after many near-misses), and finding the Emerald Atlas. I know, I know. It sounds like I just gave away the ending. But that isn’t anything you couldn’t have guessed before reading this book. Well, maybe the travelling back in time part. . .
That’s not to say that this book is predictable. There’s enough twists and turns to keep any reader surprised. John Stephens’ world is intricate, especially with the whole time-travelling thing. That will complicate any plot, and it does so delightfully in this book. Kate, Michael, and Emma just made my heart break – believing that they are unloved and unwanted, yet fiercely devoted to each other. This is a book about love and family, encased in an extremely enjoyable story. If you enjoy The Hobbit or the Chronicles of Narnia, this is a great addition to your bookshelf. And better yet – it’s only the first in a series. There’s more Kate, Michael, and Emma to come!
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