Emerald Atlas, The (Book 1 Of Books Of Beginning, The)

Description: The first thrilling book in the most exciting children's fantasy series since Harry Potter. They were taken from their beds one frozen night, when the world was covered in snow. The silhouette of a tall, thin man has haunted Kate ever since. Ten years on, Kate, Michael and Emma have grown up in a string of miserable orphanages, and all memories of their parents have faded to a blur. Arriving at Cambridge Falls, the children quickly realise there is something different about this place - and Kate feels sure she has seen the dark, crooked house before. As they explore, they discover an old, empty leather book. The moment they touch it, an ancient magical prophecy is set irrevocably in motion, and the children are thrown into a dangerous alternate reality of dark enchantments and terrifying monsters. Only they can prevent the terrible event that will ruin Cambridge Falls - and stop the world from falling into complete devastation.

Review: "Dark magic aplenty" -- Fiona Noble * The Bookseller * "A magical, roller-coaster of a read" -- Vanessa Lewis * The Bookseller * "Ambitious, entertaining, magical and whimsical, this marks a strong beginning to a new trilogy, invoking just a little Harry Potter and Series of Unfortunate Events along the way" * Realms of Fantasy magazine, USA * "It's bright and energetic and has some exciting set pieces" -- Patrick Ness * Guardian * "Stephens spins a tightly paced, engaging yarn" * The New York Times *

Author Biography: John Stephens received his MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Virginia in 1998. He then moved to Los Angeles, where he has worked as a writer-producer on Gilmore Girls and The O.C. John Stephens is taking leave from his television career to pursue his passion for writing for children. The Emerald Atlas is his first novel.