The Labyrinth of Souls - by Leslie Vedder

About the Book

Equipped with the unique ability to see Nightmare creatures in the forbidden Labyrinth, twelve-year-old Ix joins an elite magical group to protect her family and defend the kingdom from a terrible beast.

Book Synopsis

"Your next favorite book featuring a magical school is here. Get this one for young readers in your life who want their stories full of action, adventure, fantasy, and mystery." --Lora Senf, Bram Stoker Award-winning author of the Blight Harbor books

A darkly inventive fantasy for fans of Tim Burton about a girl who can see Nightmare creatures from the forbidden Labyrinth of Souls.

In the Kingdom of Spinar, there are seven rules for safeguarding your soul from the Sorrows and Nightmare creatures--most importantly: never, ever enter the Labyrinth of Souls.

Ix Tatterfall has always been an outcast with big secrets: She can cross into the Labyrinth, home to the powerful Sorrows, and she can see strange Nightmare beasts when no one else can. Some, like the shadowy Inklings or bothersome Stubbed Toads, are merely a nuisance. Many more--like the Jimber-Jawed Hounds--are dangerous. Even deadly.

But something is very wrong in the Labyrinth. A terrible new Nightmare--a raggedy scarecrow called Jack--has been ravaging the misty maze, gobbling up wraiths and lost souls and allowing Nightmares to seep into the Waking World.

On one forbidden trip, Ix comes face to face with Jack. Worse, she's apprehended by Candle Corps, an elite magical group that protects the kingdom against Nightmares. Instead of exile, Ix is allowed to enter the mysterious Candle Corps Academy. For the first time, she's surrounded by others who can see what she sees: Morrigan Bea, a hot-tempered girl who might be a monster; Ollie Pembrooke, a shy boy who loves books and Dreamchaser dogs; and Hanky the Inkling, Ix's faithful Nightmare companion.

But more and more Nightmares are bleeding into Spinar. Raggedy Jack is on the hunt for something--someone--from the Waking World.

Ix Tatterfall herself.

Review Quotes

"A fantasy full of intrigue, countless imaginative creatures, and instantly endearing characters." --Booklist

"The otherworldly shock and magic of the Labyrinth, filled with an amusing, horrifying, and memorable array of beasts...adds a distinct and fresh take on a supernatural world." --BCCB

"Full of adorable spooky creatures and more twists and turns than a hay maze, The Labyrinth of Souls is a heartwarming story about acceptance and finding your people. The perfect pairing to the fall season!" --Kalyn Josephson, New York Times bestselling author of the Ravenfall series

"Your next favorite book featuring a magical school is here. Get this one for young readers in your life who want their stories full of action, adventure, fantasy, and mystery." --Lora Senf, Bram Stoker Award-winning author of the Blight Harbor books

"An eerie, magical adventure, equal parts chilling and charming, that I already can't wait to revisit." --Rochelle Hassan, author of Nox Winters and the Midnight Wolf

About the Author

Leslie Vedder is the author of The Bone Spindle series, who loves girl heroes and adventurers. She grew up on fantasy books, anime, fanfiction, and the Lord of the Rings movies, and met her true love in high school choir. She graduated from San Francisco State University with a B.A. in creative writing, and currently lives in Colorado with her wife and two spoiled house cats.