Serafina and the Twisted Staff by Robert Beatty

Description

Bibliographic Details

• Author: Robert Beatty
• Title: Serafina and the Twisted Staff (Serafina Series)
• Publisher: ‎ Disney Hyperion; First Edition (July 12, 2016)
• Language: ‎ English
• Format: Hardcover w/Deckle Edge – 376 pages‏
• ISBN-10: ‎ 1484775031
• ISBN-13: ‎ 978-1484775035
• Reading age: ‎ 8 to 12 years
• Grade level: ‎ Grades 3 to 7
• Item Weight: ‎ 1.30 pounds
• Dimensions: ‎ 6.0 x 1.3 x 8.53 inches
• Book Condition: New / Like New – Excellent
• Dust Jacket Condition: Excellent
• Edition: First Edition

Synopsis:

This is the story of a brave and unusual girl who lives secretly in the basement of the grand Biltmore Estate amidst the splendor of the Gilded Age and the rugged beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Serafina and her friend Braeden Vanderbilt must work together to solve a dark and dangerous mystery. This page-turning thriller from Disney-Hyperion is a #1 New York Times Bestseller and has appeared on the bestsellers list for more than 60 weeks.

It also won the prestigious 2016 Pat Conroy Southern Book Prize for "representing the best in Southern literature." A blend of history, mystery, and magic, this new series has become a favorite for kids, teachers, parents, and readers of all ages (8+). 

Serafina's defeat of the Man in the Black Cloak has brought her out of the shadows and into the daylight realm of her home, Biltmore Estate. Every night she visits her mother in the forest, eager to learn the ways of the catamount. But Serafina finds herself caught between her two worlds: she's too wild for Biltmore's beautifully dressed ladies and formal customs, and too human to fully join her kin.

Late one night, Serafina encounters a strange and terrifying figure in the forest, and is attacked by the vicious wolfhounds that seem to be under his control. Even worse, she's convinced that the stranger was not alone, that he has sent his accomplice into Biltmore in disguise.

Someone is wreaking havoc at the estate. A mysterious series of attacks test Serafina's role as Biltmore's protector, culminating in a tragedy that tears Serafina's best friend and only ally, Braeden Vanderbilt, from her side. Heartbroken, she flees.

Deep in the forest, Serafina comes face-to-face with the evil infecting Biltmore—and discovers its reach is far greater than she'd ever imagined. All the humans and creatures of the Blue Ridge Mountains are in terrible danger. For Serafina to defeat this new evil before it engulfs her beloved home, she must search deep inside herself and embrace the destiny that has always awaited her.

About the Author:

Robert Beatty is the author of the #1 New York Times best selling Serafina series published by Disney-Hyperion, a spooky mystery-thriller about a brave and unusual girl who lives secretly in the basement of the grand Biltmore Estate.

Mr. Beatty is also the author of the #1 New York Times best selling Willa series. Set in 1900 in the Great Smoky Mountains, it's the dark, mesmerizing story of an orphaned girl–gentle of heart, but brimming with the ancient forest powers of her people–who must struggle to survive in a changing world. Filled with history, mystery, and magic, Kirkus Reviews describes WILLA OF THE WOOD as “A moving, atmospheric journey of hope.” The sequel, WILLA OF DARK HOLLOW, followed in 2022 to much acclaim.

Robert Beatty lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville, North Carolina with his wife and three daughters, who help create and refine his stories. He loves to explore Biltmore Estate and the darkened forest trails where his novels take place. He writes full-time now, but in his past lives, Robert was one of the early pioneers of cloud computing, the founder/CEO of Plex Systems, the co-founder of Beatty Robotics, and the chairman/CTO of Narrative Magazine. In 2007, he was named an Entrepreneur of the Year. When asked about the inspiration for his books, Robert said, "Serafina's journey grew out of my desire to write a story about an unusual and heroic young girl for my three daughters."

In early 2023, Mr. Beatty announced the eagerly awaited graphic novel version of SERAFINA AND THE BLACK CLOAK (April 4, 2023 release date) and he is currently working on his seventh novel with Disney-Hyperion.