The children are three-dimensional characters whose personalities, imperfections, and insecurities add realistic depth to the story. This first book in a new series explores the bonds of family, the magical world, and time travel, while introducing a prophecy, numerous fantastical creatures, and setting up an inevitable showdown between good and evil. Stanislaus Pym, who has a mysterious connection to their past and parents. To escape the Countess, save the people of Cambridge Falls, and get back to their own time, the children embark on a journey to find the Atlas again, aided by warrior Gabriel, dwarf Robbie McLaur, and the wizard Dr. But the Countess, an evil witch, with help from her deathless warriors, the Screechers, will stop at nothing to obtain the Books. The Atlas “holds the secrets of time and space,” and it chooses Kate to be the receiver of its power before it disappears once the children reach the past. Thus begins their adventure with the Atlas, one of the three Books of Beginning-powerful books of magic whose secrets brought the universe to life. Now they’re sent to live in the unusual town of Cambridge Falls, the only children in a run-down institution, where they discover an emerald book that will transport them back fifteen years in time. Ten years after being left at an orphanage, siblings Kate, Michael, and Emma still believe their parents will come back for them some day. Echoes of other popular fantasy series, from “Harry Potter” to the “Narnia” books, are easily found, but debut author Stephens has created a new and appealing read that will leave readers looking forward to the next volumes in this projected trilogy.- Beth L. The siblings have a realistic and appealing relationship, including rivalry and bickering that hides their underlying deep loyalty to one another. Unfolding magic and secrets deepen the story and build excitement as it reaches its complex and time-bending climax. Pym, as well as an evil witch who is also seeking the Atlas.

As they try to find the book in the past, they meet brash and humorous dwarves, a powerful warrior, and a younger Dr. The action escalates as the girls try to rescue Michael, who is stranded in the past, and develops after the children learn the history of the Atlas and its connection to their lives. When they explore the home, they discover a magical door that reveals a hidden study, where they find a magic book that allows them to travel through time. Stanislaus Pym and find that they are the only children in his remote mansion.

Kate tries to care for her brother and sister as she promised her mother, but this gets harder when they are sent to a new orphanage directed by Dr. Kate, 14, 12-year-old Michael, and 11-year-old Emma have lived in 12 different orphanages during the decade since their parents’ mysterious disappearance.

The emerald atlas book series