The Spider Ring

A powerful ring. A dangerous web.
When Maria inherits a strange, spider-shaped ring from her grandmother, she doesn't realize she's also inheriting a strange power -- the power to control spiders and have them do whatever she wants. This is a pretty cool thing when it comes to fetching objects from another room . . . or if Maria wants to use the spiders to get back at some mean kids in her class. But the power comes with a price. Maria has attracted the attention of the Black Widow -- who is trying to collect all the spider magic for herself. The Black Widow is not going to let anything stand in her way -- especially not Maria.The story of the ring is being woven like a web -- and Maria is going to have to do everything she can to not get trapped within it. Praise for The Spider Ring:"A horror story for young readers that all but oozes spiders–a surefire template for success." -- Kirkus Reviews"The inventive concept and fluid descriptions in Harwell's first novel combine to create a suspenseful and sometimes unsettling glimpse into the intricate behaviors of spiders, with a dash of magic for good measure." -- Publishers Weekly"Readers looking for a carefully plotted, well-told introduction into the horror genre will find this exactly what they seek. Harwell's style is direct and frills-free . . .The comeuppance for the villain has a delightful ew factor." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books Andrew Harwell is a writer and editor living in Brooklyn, New York. After growing up in the woods, he isn't scared of real spiders, but spiders in stories -- from the giant ones in Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter to the Other Mother in CORALINE -- he finds absolutely terrifying. This is Andrew's first book for young readers. Visit him online at www.andrewharwell.com. Praise for The Spider Ring:"A horror story for young readers that all but oozes spiders–a surefire template for success." -- Kirkus Reviews"The inventive concept and fluid descriptions in Harwell's first novel combine to create a suspenseful and sometimes unsettling glimpse into the intricate behaviors of spiders, with a dash of magic for good measure." -- Publishers Weekly"Readers looking for a carefully plotted, well-told introduction into the horror genre will find this exactly what they seek. Harwell's style is direct and frills-free . . .The comeuppance for the villain has a delightful ew factor." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books