The Ring of Five
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- $5.99
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- $5.99
Publisher Description
Here's the first book in a brilliant new trilogy by the author of The Navigator. The Ring of Five, set at a school for spies, is full of surprises as well as fascinating questions about loyalty, destiny, and what it means to be a spy. Danny Caulfield doesn't know how he ended up at a mysterious academy called Wilsons. A few of the students are pretty scary. Someone tries to murder him. Even the ravens that haunt the school seem to be against him. Yet he also finds friends: Les, an exceptional thief; Dixie, who has an unsettling talent; and Vandra, a physick with special powers. It turns out that Danny is destined for a terrifying mission. As he embarks on his training, he is shocked and secretly thrilled to discover that he seems to have all the natural gifts of the perfect spy—most importantly, the ability to betray. Eoin McNamee's background as an author of adult thrillers informs this exhilarating, atmospheric adventure.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
McNamee (the Navigator trilogy) leaves few clich s unturned in this solidly crafted if unoriginal launch to a new trilogy. Danny Caulfield is a lonely boy who was often teased in school for his unusual looks. When his parents send him to boarding school, he s surprised to end up at Wilsons, a magical spy academy preparing students for a war between dimensions. Even more surprising, his unusual features make him look like the evil Cherbs, which doesn t endear him to some of his classmates. Not surprising for readers, at least is that he seems destined for greatness, and that a mysterious person is attempting to kill him. Danny s few friends include talented thief Les, the ditzy and occasionally vanishing Dixie, and Vandra, a vampiric physick who heals using her teeth. The dozens of adults include the usual slate of experienced teachers as well as a police officer named McGuinness and Master Devoy, who has great plans for Danny. McNamee writes comfortable prose that will satisfy those looking for accessible fantasy. Ages 10 up.
