The Wizard's War

Getting lost in a good book has never been this dangerous!
Cleo and Evan have a secret. A collection of books so dangerous they are locked up tight. A friend has vanished inside the pages of one of them. It's up to them to find the key that will set her free.A MAGICAL KINGDOM AT WAR!The quest is clear. To save the kingdom, Cleo and Evan must battle clever elves, horrible trolls, and the mighty Golden Dragon. Magic will help them win the war--and find the right key. But it will take more than swords and spells to survive this epic fantasy! Praise for Key Hunters:"Luper's delectable humor is appropriate for the intended age group, and the plot will keep readers' attention to the end...[t]his is a satisfying read for beginning independent readers." --School Library Journal Eric Luper has written books for kids of all ages, including the YA novel Seth Baumgartner's Love Manifesto. He loves excitement and is always looking for his next adventure. Eric has fibbed his way into a tour of the ultra-secret PEZ headquarters, rebuilt a castle in France, explored the tunnels under Paris and Istanbul, escaped hungry crocodiles in Costa Rica, and rafted down the Colorado River. He lives with his family in Albany, New York. "The king would like you to make peace with the wood elves. Vixa will be your guide." "What's the trouble with the wood elves?" Evan asked. "They have waged war against us." Vixa placed her hand on her sword. "The elves feel we have taken their land. They attack our traders as punishment." "Well, did you?" Evan asked. "Did we what?" Tannis said. "Did you take their land?" "We cut down a few trees," Tannis said. "The wood elves think all forests belong to them. And their allies, the dwarves, try to claim our underground mines as their own. That's why we've had to bring in the trolls to oversee their work. The Kingdom of Bissel needs resources to prosper. We cannot be distracted by jealous creatures." "I'm more confused than ever," Cleo whispered. Evan hushed her. "This war needs to end," Vixa said, "especially with rumor of the Golden Dragon awakening." "The Golden Dragon?" Evan asked. "Have you never heard of the Golden Dragon?" Vixa looked shocked. "She's the most fearsome beast the land has ever seen. Larger than a mountain. Fiery breath that can melt solid stone." "Standing together, there is a chance we may defeat the dragon," Tannis said. "If we remain divided, we are all doomed." "Doomed is bad," Cleo said. "We must travel across the plains, through a mountain pass, and into the dark forest," Vixa said. Cleo brightened. "That seems okay." "The journey will be filled with foul beasts," Tannis added. "Ew," Evan said. "This should be a simple matter for a clever rogue and a powerful wizard," Vixa said. The glowing gem on her headband dimmed for a moment and she blinked her eyes. Tannis waved his hand and the gem glowed brightly again. "You must meet with the queen of the wood elves," Tannis said. "Offer her peace if she will join us. It is the only way we'll defeat the Golden Dragon and save both our kingdoms." The king moaned and Tannis murmured in his ear. "Now, go," Tannis said. "There's no time to lose." Praise for Key Hunters:"Luper's delectable humor is appropriate for the intended age group, and the plot will keep readers' attention to the end...[t]his is a satisfying read for beginning independent readers." --School Library Journal