In the tradition of Edward Eager and E.L. Konigsburg, a novel about
the excitement--and the dangers--of wishing.
Tess and her brother, Max, are sent for the summer to their aunt's
sleepy village in the English countryside, where excitement is as rare
as a good wifi signal. So when Tess stumbles upon an old brass key that
unlocks an ornately carved gate, attached to a strangely invisible wall,
she jumps at the chance for adventure. And the world beyond the gate
doesn't disappoint. She finds rose gardens, a maze made of hedges, and a
boy named William who is just as lonely as she is.
But at William's castle, strange things begin to happen. Carnival games
are paid for in wishes, dreams seem to come alive, and then there's
William's eerie warning: Beware of the hawthorn trees. A warning that
chills Tess to the bone.
In a magical, fantasy world that blurs the line between reality and
imagination, readers are left to wonder exactly what they'd wish for if
wishes could come true. Perfect for fans of Half Magic and *The Secret
Garden--*and for anyone who's ever wondered if magic is real.
For the further adventures of Tess and Max, be sure to check out Amy
Ephron's Carnival Magic!
Praise for The Castle in the Mist
"Bursting with imagination and warmth, Amy Ephron's first novel for
young people is a magical book in all ways."--Holly Goldberg Sloan, New
York Times bestselling author of *Counting by 7s
*
This beautiful story's quiet, peaceful tone nicely evokes both the
serenity of country life and the haunting magic of the castle, and the
emotional heft of Tess and Max's separation from their parents, as well
as their strong bond, keeps the tale firmly grounded in reality. Perfect
for middle-graders who love classic fantasy.--Booklist
Rich description of the castle along with an elaborate map at the book's
beginning and an illustration at the end enhance the fantasy world....A
sequel is suggested; beguiled readers will hope it happens.--Kirkus
Reviews
There are scenes...that are transcendent in their beautiful, ethereal
descriptions [in this] uplifting novel about family and
connection.--BCCB
*
*A slightly darker, updated take on magical realism classics such as
Edward Eager's Half Magic and E. Nesbit's The Enchanted
Castle.--School Library Journal
A near-perfect 9....This book defies gravity because it's hard to put
down!--Time for Kids, kid reporter
Ephron renders this magical world with such assertive beauty that
readers of all ages, who are fortunate enough to believe in the power of
magic, will enjoy immersing themselves in the roller-coaster fun of
these stories, and come to trust, even if for a short time, that in this
'alternate universe' it is possible for us to come together and 'touch
the sky.'--Jewish Journal
