The Rock of Ivanore

Gr 5–7—This is a story that has it all: magic, heroism, love, friendship, betrayal, dragons, and evil lurking at every turn. Fourteen-year-old Marcus and the other boys of Quendel who are coming of age are about to embark on the annual quest, that marks their passage to adulthood and determines their place in society. This year, the boys are charged by Zyll, the village's wizened wizard, to return with the Rock of Ivanore. They are not told what it is or where it can be found, but their future success rests upon finding it. If they fail they will be relegated to the lowest stations of their society. And so begins an exciting, intriguing adventure as the teens journey in search of the Rock. Throughout their quest, they are tested by natural and supernatural events, and Marcus comes to understand the power he possesses. He also learns of his heritage and the family he never knew. From the very first page, readers are drawn in to Marcus's world and invested in his need to succeed. Reyes deftly develops her plot and characters and firmly holds readers' attention throughout this exciting and surprising tale.—Mary Beth Rassulo, Ridgefield Library, CT