The Blue Umbrella - by Mike Mason (Paperback)

About the Book

An orphan faces an evil magician in this literary fantasy for readers of all ages that probes the depths of good and evil. When Zac Sparks's mother dies, he's sent to live in Five Corners with his cruel old Aunties. It isn't long before Zac knows something strange is going on. Five Corners is populated with interesting characters and the one bright spot is Sky Porter, a friendly soul who encourages Zac and shows him kindness. But Sky isn't what he seems either, and when Zac learns Sky's amazing secret, he sees that this wonderful man may have a very dark side as well. Zac knows many lives are at stake, including his own.

Book Synopsis

The life of ten-year-old Zac Sparks changes overnight when his mother is killed by lightning. He's sent to live in Five Corners with his Aunties, two cruel old hags who seem determined to make his life miserable. Before long Zac realizes something really strange is going on: Five Corners is populated with many interesting characters--a dwarf butler, a girl who doesn't speak, a blind balloon seller, and a mysterious singer he can hear but not see. Then there's the Aunties' father, Dada. Zac's first encounter with Dada is so terrifying he faints dead away. The one bright spot is Sky Porter, the proprietor of the general store across the street, a friendly soul who encourages Zac--when the Aunties aren't looking--and shows him a kindness that is lacking from his dismal life. But Sky isn't what he seems either, and when Zac learns Sky's secret, he realizes, to his dismay, that this wonderful man may have a very dark side after all.

When Zac discovers that the secret behind Dada and the strangeness of Five Corners, he knows many lives are at stake, including his own. With time running out, he must turn to the one person who might be able to help: Sky Porter. But can Zac trust him?

From the Back Cover

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About the Author

Mike Mason is the best-selling, award-winning author of The Mystery of Marriage, The Gospel According to Job, Practicing the Presence of People, and many others. He has an M.A. in English and has studied theology at Regent College. He lives in Langley, BC, Canada, with his wife, Karen.