Countryside · Book One
Site artwork. Published editions feature cover art by Mark Korsak.
★★★★☆ · 4.3 Amazon · Kirkus · Publishers Weekly
“You have a power within you, one that is within everyone… It’s the same power that fills that building, that keeps that tree alive… and the same power that has attracted your attention… I know it’s all a bit strange to you, but I assure you it is quite real…”
Eleven-year-old Luke Rayburn has never seen a skyline without skyscrapers or fallen asleep to anything but the sound of traffic. When his father leaves for a year of military service, Luke and the rest of his family move into their grandparents’ home in the remote town of Countryside — a place like no other.
Reachable only by a mysterious traveling tunnel and horse-drawn carriage, centaurs roam the landscape and shadowy wraiths slip among the trees. There, Luke is drawn into a centuries-old quest for an almost-forgotten book whose secrets will determine the fate of the world. He will have to reach deep to discover the power within him as he battles the forces of darkness and an alliance of sinister men who seek to destroy any who get in their way.
“Solid introduction to a potentially vast magical world.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Cope imbues the novel’s familiar elements with atmosphere and charm, making for an engaging read.” — Publishers Weekly
“A mix between The Chronicles of Narnia and LOTR.” — early reader praise collected on the Amazon edition
“A truly American Harry Potter.” — Amber Forbes
Ages 8–12 (and family read-alouds). First released 2013; Tiner Publishers print editions 2014. Kindle ISBN-13 978-0996050005. Hardcover ISBN 978-0996050012. Cover art on published editions by Mark Korsak. Edited by Teresa Kennedy.
