Cirrus@Austlit

'A secret brotherhood of treasure hunters. An invading army coming ever closer. Five young apprentices. The race is on.

'Life as a thief is cold, miserable and hungry. Caspan leaps at the opportunity to compete to join the Brotherhood of Thieves – a secret order sanctioned by the king. What the Brotherhood seeks are the lost magical weapons of an ancient race that will help them defeat the Roon, the invading army who creep ever closer.

'Defeat seems inevitable. Unless Caspan and his fellow recruits – Roland, Lachlan, Sara and Kilt – can set aside their differences and use their new skills to help turn the tide. With swords strapped to their belts, riding magical beasts called Wardens that come only to their call, they leave the sanctuary of their training ground for their first mission. Will it be their last?' (Publisher's blurb)

'Passing two fiendishly difficult tests is just the beginning . . .

'All Caspan, Roland, Sara, Lachlan and Kilt need to do to become treasure hunters is undertake two final trials riddled with deadly traps and impossible puzzles.

'It's vital that they pass, because the Brotherhood needs them for an urgent mission – one that could save their kingdom. The five friends must ride their Wardens to the north, into the highlands. They must locate the powerful ancient weapon hidden there. And they must bring it back to the King.

'But the burial mound they seek is far from abandoned. It's inside a giant camp crowded with enemy warriors. How can they ever succeed?' (Publication summary)

'Can one boy's actions change the course of a war? Andalon is at war, and Caspan and his friends find themselves in the thick of the battle to save their land from the invading Roon. As they fly into the skies above the enemy's warships - Caspan on his drake, Roland on his manticore and Sara on her pegasus - they have no idea whether they will survive this mission alive. A chance encounter with a fleeing soldier could change everything, provided Caspan acts fast. Could Caspan's new friend help to bring peace to Andalon? All will be revealed in the final battle.' (Publication summary)