Jacqueline West Ordine dei libri (cronologico)

Fiona Crane's family has just moved to Lost Lake, a tiny, unwelcoming town full of old houses, old forests, and old secrets. Fiona is miserable, and it's all because her older sister needed to be closer to her figure skating club. The only bright spot is Lost Lake's library, a rambling mansion that was once home to a wealth local family. That's where Fiona finds the book with the soft leather cover and the drawings of a forest with reaching hands and string eyes. The book about another pair of sisters who lived long ago, in a town eerily like Lost Lake. The book that doesn't exist- at least, not if you ask anyone about it. The book is leading Fiona toward something. Something that has been waiting to be found. Maybe it's been waiting for her. -- Provided by publisher

In a hidden society, wishes are not freely given but cunningly taken, leading to a dark exchange where dreams come at a cost. As the protagonist navigates this treacherous world, they must confront the implications of desire and the sacrifices made for fulfillment. The narrative explores themes of ambition, morality, and the true value of one's aspirations, weaving a tale that challenges the boundaries between hope and despair.

Overlooked in class, a hearing-impaired boy who collects lost or discarded trinkets discovers a dangerous underground world full of stolen wishes and the people who collect them.

Olive thought she'd uncovered all the house's secrets. She was wrong. It's Halloween night when strangers come to Linden Street...and something dear to Olive goes missing. To what lengths will she go to get it back? Can she trust the strangers? Will she turn to a new and dangerous magic within the paintings of Elsewhere? Or will she put her faith in her own worst enemies to save the people and home she loves? The stakes grow higher, the secrets more dangerous, and mystery and magic abound as Olive, the boys, and the cats uncover the true nature of the house on Linden Street.

At the heart of the story is eleven-year-old Olive, who discovers a grimoire belonging to the witches that constructed her home. As she experiments with its spells, her intention is to reveal the house's hidden magic and gain control over the enigmatic cats that inhabit it. However, she soon realizes that the grimoire harbors darker secrets than she anticipated, leading her on a journey filled with unexpected challenges and magical twists.

Targeted at fans of whimsical and adventurous tales, this first installment in the acclaimed Books of Elsewhere series introduces readers to a world filled with mystery and magic. With influences from popular authors like Pseudonymous Bosch and Neil Gaiman, the story promises a captivating blend of fantasy and intrigue, making it an exciting read for young audiences and those young at heart. The narrative invites exploration of enchanting realms and unforgettable characters.