Into the Beyond...

"There is another world, but it is in this one." ~ William Butler Yeats
Tom is an orphan and somewhat of a devious student at the Lost Preparatory Academy for Boys. Unfortunately, he is also quite well known to the strict headmaster, Mortimer Lost. Headmaster Lost runs a tight ship, using the school bells to signify the day's long drudgery. There are only three rules at the academy; no fighting or rough play of any kind, no climbing buildings or trees, and lastly, no leaving the dormitory after lights out. So, when Tom finds himself at an untimely hour scaling the bell tower, it seems like a perfectly natural mischievous act. After all, he had been climbing up there quite a bit lately- searching for something that he can't seem to find. He slips into the belfry and continues on his quest to silence the dinging bells. A whirlwind of bats take flight just as two large, hooded men emerge from the shadows and attack. Tom has no time to think. He jumps into the rafters, fleeing from what he knows is certain danger. As the two men gain measure, Tom is sure that it's going to be lights out for him. Just in the nick of time, help comes in the form of a pirate, who tells him a tale about a magical map that leads into the Beyond. Hidden there is a sword that has the power to destroy the five kingdoms. Tom is the legend to the map by birth right, and only he can point them in the right direction. Once transported, Tom discovers that he is one of the mapmaker's sons, and that the fate of the world lies within his hands. Will Tom be able to find the sword? Will the world survive the cruel grip of Keegan? Could the prophecy about the Hero Twins be true? What lies in the Beyond? You will be on the edge of your seat with this swashbuckling story!

I have to say, I loved this book! The Mapmaker's Sons by V.L. Burgess is as exciting as a fun adventure should be. The writing is excellent and the pacing is perfect. This story would definitely be great for boys, as there is a lot of action and adventure. I can relate to Tom and particularly enjoyed the back story about his childhood. I would recommend this book for ages 10 and up. For all of you thrill seekers out there- this book is for you!

This book will hit the shelves October of 2012! You can preview it here - Be sure to check it out!

Happy reading! ~ F


FEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED