The Skeleton Flute

(Paperback, Reprint)

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Description

The legend of the Pied Piper meets Sal and Gabi Break the Universe with a touch of Coraline in this fascinating (Publishers Weekly) middle grade adventure about a boy whose wish goes horribly wrong and his fight to reunite with his real family.

Sam Windsors parents and younger siblings, Grayson and Addie, are his whole world, so when his parents announce theyre separating, Sam is devastated. Hed do anything to make his parents change their minds and keep the family together. When a stranger offers a flute made of bone that supposedly grants the players wish, Sam doesnt really believe it will work but figures he has nothing to lose.

Surprisingly, the wish on the skeleton flute comes true. The next day, his parents are happily in love, with no plans for his dad to leave. But theres a major problem: his parents relationship isnt the only thing in his life that has changed, and some of the changes are definitely for the worse.

Caught in a world full of unintended consequences and familiar strangers, Sam has limited options for returning to his old lifeworries, challenges, and all. Can he track down the mysterious man who gave him the flute and undo his wish

Reviews

"Initially, Allen captures the heartbreak of parents separating at an age when children have neither the verbal nor emotional vocabulary to communicate how deeply they are affected. . . . For readers who enjoy descriptive fantasy with a touch of horror." -- School Library Journal * 7/1/24 *
"The story offers emotional honesty while keeping the suspense believable. The cast of supporting characters is authentic with depth and purpose and the action is well-paced. Author Damara Allen has re-imagined a Pied Piperlike historical fantasy that examines the historical ties that bind people to their actions and consequences, coming to a believable and satisfying conclusion. A story that's a cut above, The Skeleton Flute will find many fans." -- Booklist * 8/1/2024 *
"Debut author Allen presents a mlange of alternate universe tropes to deliver a fascinating page-turner populated by empathetic characters. Approachable dialogue and fast-paced fun ground conversations surrounding morality, revenge, and forgiveness." -- Publishers Weekly * 7/22/2024 *

Author Bio

Damara Allen was born and raised in Syracuse, New York. She loves everything spooky and creepy. When shes not writing, shes spending time with her husband and daughter.