THE WHISPERER

Two 13-year-old strangers living in the land of Drestonia find themselves communicating through their minds as their perilous lives become surprisingly intertwined.

A laborer in Master Tyren’s Marvels of Nature Traveling Show, Griffin can hear people’s thoughts. Discovering Griffin’s talent, greedy Tyren forces him to perform a mind-reading act. When Tyren also exploits an orphan girl named Tess and her magical creatures, Griffin convinces Tess to escape with him. Meanwhile, Lute, Drestonia’s crown prince, finds his sheltered life shattered when his ruthless uncle, Janko, deposes the king and attempts to kill Lute. As Griffin flees Tyren and his paid Stalkers and Lute evades Janko and his mercenaries, Griffin hears Lute’s cry for help in his mind, and soon they are connecting. Inexplicably drawn together, they realize each faces grave danger and discover how connected they truly are. The rapid-fire plot alternates between Griffin and Lute as their lives become increasingly linked, the danger surrounding them mounts, and the mystery unfolds. Cunning villains and diverse helpers, including a clever girl, a loyal guardian, a wily dwarf, a feisty lady pirate and a brave centaur, add dimension to this adventure.

A gripping, first-rate tale of a prince and a pauper.