Author(s): Alexandra Adornetto

9-12 Years Middle Readers

The Shadow Thief has departed, but a new horror lurks inside the Big Tent of Drabville's newest attraction... Their shadows safely restored to them, Drabville's citizens prepare to enjoy their freedom, and Milli and Ernest are convinced they have seen the last of their power-hungry nemesis, Lord Aldor the Illustrious. But have they? Things change with the unexpected arrival of Federico Lampo and his travelling circus. Lured by the bright lights and the Big Tent, the children of Drabville are transported to the grim world of the Conjurors' Realm, and thrown into a gladiatorial school where they must endure gruelling routines and inedible meals. Worse, it seems that Lord Aldor has returned, and assisted by Ringmaster Lampo and the vicious Contessa Bombasta is plotting to conquer the fairy province of Mirth... With new-found allies, the children embark on a quest to warn the Queen of Mirth. On the way they encounter serious obstacles, not least of which include the Grin Bandits and their tooth-extracting apparatus and a life-size game of monopoly where bankruptcy means extinction. As the day of battle draws near, Milli and Ernest learn of the dire consequences which will follow in the event of Lord Aldor's victory. Should they fail, theirs won't be the only lives at stake...Ages: 10+