A New York Times bestseller!
A boy who accidentally bonds with a magical Beast must set off on an
adventure in the mysterious Woods in this "wholesome, delightful"
(Kirkus Reviews, starred review), and cheeky middle grade fantasy
debut--perfect for fans of Nevermoor and How to Train Your Dragon.
The last thing Barclay Thorne ever wanted was an adventure.
Thankfully, as an apprentice to the town's mushroom farmer, Barclay need
only work hard and follow the rules to one day become the head mushroom
farmer himself. No danger required. But then Barclay accidentally breaks
his town's most sacred rule: never ever EVER stray into the Woods, for
within the Woods lurk vicious magical Beasts.
To Barclay's horror, he faces a fate far worse than being eaten: he
unwittingly bonds with a Beast and is run out of town by an angry mob.
Determined to break this bond and return home, Barclay journeys to find
the mysterious town of Lore Keepers, people who have also bonded with
Beasts and share their powers.
But after making new friends, entering a dangerous apprenticeship exam,
and even facing the legendary Beast of the Woods, Barclay must make a
difficult choice: return to the home and rules he's always known, or
embrace the adventure awaiting him.
This paperback edition includes a brand new, highly-illustrated map of
the Woods.