The Door to the Lost

Book excerpt: From the New York Times bestselling author of The Mark of the Dragonfly comes a thrilling fantasy adventure about two magical friends living as refugees in a world that doesn't trust magic. Perfect for fans of Serafina and the Black Cloak and the School for Good and Evil series! There was no warning the day magic died in Talhaven. It happened with a giant explosion and the arrival of a skyship full of children, all with magic running through their veins and no memory of home. Rook and Drift are two of those children, and ever since that day, they've been on the run, magical refugees in a world that doesn't trust magic. Because magic doesn't die right away--it decays, twists, and poisons all that it touches. And now it's beginning to poison people. Try as they might, Rook and Drift can't remember anything about their lives before Talhaven. But it's beginning to look like they're the only ones who can save their adopted world . . . if that world doesn't destroy them first. Praise for The Door to the Lost "This fun, exciting story . . . and the many well-rendered, imaginative and heartfelt scenes along the way make this journey worthwhile." --The New York Times Book Review "Themes of refugees and found families are addressed in a way that retains fantasy flavor while realistically presenting the brutality of ignorance and beauty of humanity. Your new favorite fantasy." --Kirkus Reviews, Starred "Johnson's immersive world building is vivid . . . and the fast-paced action, compelling characters, and one cute magical fox will keep fantasy-loving kids hooked." --Booklist "With heartfelt explorations of the meanings of friendship and family. . . . Fans of portal fantasies, steampunk, and action-driven books will find this an entertaining read and will be left wanting more." --School Library Journal Praise for The Mark of the Dragonfly "This magnetic middle-grade debut . . . [is] a page-turner that defies easy categorization and ought to have broad appeal." --Publishers Weekly, Starred "Heart, brains, and courage find a home in a steampunk fantasy worthy of a nod from Baum." --Kirkus Reviews, Starred "A fantastic and original tale of adventure and magic. . . . Piper is a heroine to fall in love with: smart, brave, kind, and mechanically inclined to boot." --School Library Journal, Starred