Amos Daragon

Gr 4—7—Amos Daragon is a peasant boy living a life of servitude with his mother and father under the watchful eye of Lord Edonf. One day, he wanders off to catch crabs for his family's meal and meets a dying mermaid who entrusts him to help restore the balance between good and evil. Using his knowledge and wit, he outsmarts rulers and monsters across the land to help protect the inhabitants, who are gripped with fear of the terrifying and havoc-wreaking gorgons, a clan of Medusa-like beings. Amos discovers that a dangerous magician named Karmakas is controlling the gorgons and other creatures of darkness, all of whom he sends to kill off humankind. In order to stop them, Amos needs to find and intercept Karmakas. He is determined to help the inhabitants of a torn world, and they give him the honor of mask wearer, humans who are chosen for "their spiritual and intellectual qualities." Armed with the mask, he wields his powers to defeat the sorcerer, but Karmakas's mentor, Seth the Snake God, continues his plan to rid the world of good and allow for evil to take hold. He is aided in his quest by Beorf, one of the few remaining humanimals. Amos's journey of self-discovery and his quick thinking are sure to keep readers turning the pages to discover the truth behind the never-ending chaos.—Kathryn Kennedy, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA