Snared: Escape to the Above

Gr 4–6—Wily Snare has lived in Carrion Tomb as Trapsmith for as long as he can remember. He has never been outside to the above, believing the sun would burn his skin and melt him to nothing. He spends his days cleaning and fixing the traps and preventing treasure-seekers and burglemeisters from reaching the treasure until the day a motley group of plunderers manage to sneak past his clever designs. They reach the treasure and take Wily with them to the above and into the world. This group of treasure seekers is comprised of Pryvyd, a knight whose arm, Righteous, has a mind of its own; Odette, an acrobatic and acerbic elf; and Moshul, a moss golem. They need the help of Wily and his hobgoblet "sister," Roveeka, to plunder various treasures and escape the land of the Infernal King who traps his people in enormous prisonauts. Along the way, Wily learns about family, friendship, and where he belongs. Epstein has created a world that is funny, compassionate, and entertaining. The story line can be formulaic, but this will not hinder the experience for the intended audience. Readers will be immersed into this dark yet humorous world filled with unique characters.