The Key of Skeleton Peak: Legends of the Lost Causes

(Hardback)

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Description

Keech Blackwood and his fellow Lost Causes have won their share of battles, but the war against the ruthless sorcerer Reverend Rose still rages on. This time, the Lost Causes face their most perilous trial yet: stopping Rose and his henchmen from retrieving an ancient, powerful artifact that would help return him to his full, frightening strength. As the vigilante orphans race to the dangerous depths of Skeleton Peak, the site of the artifact, they'll have to outmaneuver Rose's most faithful-and menacing-ally: an inhuman creature spawned by darkness and shadow. But ever in pursuit of justice and vengeance for their fallen families, the Lost Causes won't give up without a fight.

Reviews

Praise for the Legends of the Lost Causes series:

This is a fun and exciting story, written with the utmost respect for the Osage culture. --Wah-Zha-Zhi Cultural Center

The Old West lingo-laden dialogue is pitch-perfect--not to mention contagious. It's rare to see a Western in middle grade fiction--especially one that, like this one, eliminates some of the genre's more harmful stereotypes of Native populations . . . [this] will surely gain more than a few young fans. --School Library Journal

Vividly drawn characters, evocative writing, thrilling suspense. --The Buffalo News

An adventure with a Louis L'Amour-esque flair refreshed for today's readers by the thoughtful incorporation of American frontier history and Osage culture. --The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Incorporates aspects of Osage culture and legend into this action-packed series starter. Part western, part zombie flick, this pits scrappy, resourceful kids against some menacing villains--always a recipe for success. --Booklist

Author Bio

Brad McLelland was born and raised in Arkansas and spent several years working as a crime journalist. A part-time drummer and singer, Brad obtained his MFA in creative writing from Oklahoma State University. He lives in Oklahoma. Louis Sylvester is a professor at Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston, Idaho. He and his wife spend their free time playing tabletop games from his collection of over 1,000 card and board games.