Product Description In the distant land of deserts and islands, the servants of the god rule the land, his wishes conveyed through the Oracle and interpreted by the High Priestess. Mirany is the new Bearer, afraid of her perilous duties for the god in the rituals of the Oracle, and fearful of her secret questioning ... Does the god truly exist? The priestess is corrupt and in secret partnership with the General, ruler, since the God-on-Earth, the Archon, has no real power - chosen as a child, his face always masked, never seen by outsiders. Should any national tragedy occur, he is also the sacrifice. When the old Archon dies, his spirit migrates into a child, and there are several candidates for succession. But Mirany begins to experience the real visions of the god, discovers which child is the rightful heir, and that the General and High Priestess intend to choose another child and seize power. With only a tomb-robbing scribe and a mad musician for allies, Mirany begins her quest - knowing that, if she is betrayed, her fate will be to be walled up alive in the Archon s tomb ... Review 'suspense is constantly built ... rattles along at a dizzying pace ... next volume please. (School Librarian 20010209) 'an intoxicating world reminiscent of the Arabian Nights. Highly recommended' (The Bookseller 20010209) Vivid and convincing ... a very satisfying read for young people who want some depth to their fiction, and the depiction of an unusual and interesting world. (Vector 20050201) The tension endures until the last page ... we want the sequel, soon! (BfK ) 'will linger long in readers' memories' (Kirkus Reviews ) A crisp, quick-moving narrative ... will keep readers hooked. (Publisher's Weekly ) A powerful and very exciting adventure story (School Library Journal ) DARKWATER HALL: 'a seriously good author ... makes for some nail-biting reading.' (The Independent ) '... a thrilling, chilling world of magic and menace' (The Mail on Sunday ) 'A gripping story that'll keep you guessing!' (SHOUT ) 'an extraordinary imagination, always coming up with some new twist that is both weird yet utterly convincing.' (Nicholas Tucker, Rough Guide to Children's Books ) - Brand New and Sealed !!