Laurel was a shy homeschooled girl left as a babe in a basket at her parents’ door, and adopted when no parents could be found. When her folks moved to Crescent City, she found herself in a public high school feeling like a freak.

She found a friend in David who brought her into his group and had begun to settle in when she developed a growing bump between her shoulder blades. Afraid, she confided only in David. The two searched for an answer. But the truth was far beyond their concepts. A trip to the woods of her old home introduced her to a new world, her heritage, and a battle to save the woods and its gate to Avalon.

This is an exceptional debut Young Adult novel. No stereotypical characters here; the cast is fully realized as is the unusual world view that emerges. The search for identity is so beautifully drawn that even your aging reviewer became involved with the protagonist and the story. I am looking forward to reading more from this talented author who has definitely raised the bar on young adult to Narnia levels. Even if you are on Medicare, you will want this in your library. ~ Pam Allan