THE SECRET DOORS OF CANNONDALE

A lonely girl finds friends—and a noble purpose—visiting a magical realm in Brick’s middle-grade fantasy novel.

Adeline Perle, the 12-year-old daughter of a Navy officer, is distinguished by striking heterochromia and a wildly creative mind. Struggling to find friendship in the course of her family’s frequent moves, Adeline hopes their relocation to Connecticut will finally offer the stability of home. But behind the stately façade of her uncle’s Victorian house, supernatural secrets lie in wait.  Happening upon a passageway to an odd octagonal room, Adeline is immersed in a collection of mysterious objects; hidden among them is an otherworldly crystal. She soon discovers that this glowing object, called the Zelmir, has been hidden for a reason: Coveted by dangerous forces that will kill to possess its power, the crystal pulls Adeline into a realm called Nouvaal, where “The Righteous Heli’aa” rules with a vindictive heart. Adeline finds herself at the center of a deadly conflict over power and magic, a civil war in which innocent people vanish. With the guidance of newfound friends, including an attractive boy named Gabriel (“Everyone at school thinks he’s this big heartthrob now, but really he just grew by a foot and started actually doing something to his hair over the summer”), Adeline finds the courage to face down evil forces in the hope of solving the mystery of the vanishing citizens. Fantasy fans of all ages will delight in this highly imaginative work, which steeps readers in rich beauty and supernatural elements. Nouvaal’s residents—a diverse society of humanlike Paeth, playful Niigh, and frightening beasts—are enigmatic and fun. Interweaving themes of duality and hidden identities, the narrative compellingly depicts Adeline’s struggle against self-doubt amidst an ever-shifting landscape. Blending coming-of-age themes with supernatural surprises, this novel will keep readers hooked to the final page.

A magical tale of timeless friendship and selfless courage.