Doll Bones meets Skandar and the Unicorn Thief in this spooky, illustrated middle grade novel about a boy who doesn’t believe in magic discovering a supernatural world full of danger.

It began with a crack in the wall.

Eleven-year-old Benjamiah Creek believes in science, logic, and the power of reason. He definitely does

not believe in magic. But when he receives a mysterious doll in the mail—a doll that can transform into a bird—he is led into an impossible (and most definitely magical) realm: Wreathenwold.

Wreathenwold is dangerous and holds many secrets within its labyrinthine walls—magi prowl, Hanged Men stalk, and at the center of its shifting streets lurks the Minotaur, a beastly creature and object of terror. In no time at all, Benjamiah is swept into a perilous adventure with the fierce and brilliant Elizabella, a girl determined to solve the disappearance of her missing brother, who may be caught up in a decades-old conspiracy that could doom them all.

Will Benjamiah ever find his way home? Or will he be lost forever in the labyrinth?

Published
May 28, 2024
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The Whisperwicks

The series

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In a world where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur, The Whisperwicks series by Jordan Lees transports readers into a mysterious labyrinth of magic, secrets, and discovery. At its heart, the series revolves around the journey of young Benjamiah Creek, an eleven-year-old boy whose logical mind is upended when he receives an enigmatic doll that transforms into a bird. This unusual event spirals him into a realm of whispers, wonders, and untold dangers, guided by a spirited ally, Elizabella.

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As Benjamiah dives deeper into the intricate layers of Wreathenwold, he discovers a city where the air hums with forgotten spells, and each hidden corner holds a new, potentially dangerous secret. The plot threads a complex web of themes—friendship, courage, and the clash between skepticism and belief—making it more than just an adventure. It’s a journey of personal growth, as Benjamiah and his companions face both outward and inward trials.

Jordan Lees crafts a world that is as rich in atmosphere as it is in narrative complexity. The fantastical elements of the story are seamlessly interwoven with a sense of realism, creating a setting where magic feels grounded in the everyday. Each character, from the witty and resourceful Elizabella to the captivating city itself, is full of life and intricately developed, bringing The Whisperwicks to life in ways that will captivate readers of all ages.

Echoing the timeless allure of authors like Neil Gaiman and Philip Pullman, The Whisperwicks offers a fresh perspective on the fantasy genre. Lees’ ability to balance mystery, humor, and emotion in his storytelling makes this series stand out as both an enchanting escape and a reflection on the mysteries of belief, the unknown, and the bonds that tie us together. Whether you’re young or simply young at heart, this series invites you into a world where the fantastical is just a whisper away.

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