It's been six months since Kate, Michael and Emma confronted the Dire Magnus, but the trail to their long-lost family remains cold. Then Michael and Emma find the man who was the last person to see them. He knows about a secret map of a distant, mysterious land - maybe this is the clue that will lead them to their parents...

Meanwhile, Kate's connection to the Book of Time grows ever stronger, and when a dangerous trick traps her in the past, she must find new friends to help her return home.

Once more the children must embark on a daring and perilous quest to find the second Book of Beginning and harness its power. But will it be enough to save them all?

John Stephens received his MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Virginia in 1998. He then moved to Los Angeles, where he has worked as a writer-producer onGilmore GirlsandThe O.C.He was most recently executive producer on Seasons 2 and 3 ofGossip Girland has also directed episodes ofThe O.C.andGossip Girl.John Stephens is taking leave from his television career to pursue his passion for writing for children.The Fire Chronicleis his second novel.

The second thrilling book in the most exciting children's fantasy series since Harry Potter.