An Unreliable Magic

It's been six months since the lost city of Avalon was thawed and retaken. And Alex is doing his best to be a good leader, even though he's not entirely sure what he's doing. He needs all the help he can get, which is why his best friend, Tala, is by his side. Unfortunately, when the Nameless Sword in the stone appears suddenly in the castle courtyard, it brings a new set of problems. Avalon custom dictates that anyone is free to try to pull it out, attracting people from all walks of life and leaving the kingdom vulnerable to attack. Attempts to infiltrate Avalon begin in the form of mysterious portals that start appearing without warning bringing nightwalkers, ice maidens, and even a surly dragon. When the Snow Queen comes out of the woodwork with an unlikely ally and attempts to open a portal to the legendary Buyan, a long-lost country whose life-giving waters could make her even more powerful, Alex, Tala, and their friends will have to work together to stop her, even after their biggest betrayal leaves them broken. "Glorious."— "Combining legends, myths, fairy tales, and classic children's literature from Oz to Neverland, Chupeco ( ) creates an enchanting story that is both a feast for the senses and a unique spin on the hero's journey…A nail-biting quest that introduces a gripping new series."—STARRED review, "…A truly original novel. A deftly executed melding of folklore and reality grounded in contemporary issues."—STARRED review,