The Magnificent 12
The Call
By Michael Grant
(Katherine Tegen Books, Hardcover, 9780061833663, 256pp.)
Publication Date: September 2010
Other Editions of This Title: Google eBook, Paperback, Hardcover, Paperback
Categories: Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic, Action & Adventure - General
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Twelve-year-old Mack MacAvoy suffers from a serious case of mediumness. Medium looks. Medium grades. Medium parents who barely notice him. With a list of phobias that could make anyone crazy, Mack never would have guessed that he is destined for a more-than-medium life.
And then, one day, something incredibly strange happens to Mack. A three-thousand-year-old man named Grimluk appears in the boys’ bathroom to deliver some startling news: Mack is one of the Magnificent Twelve, called the Magnifica in ancient times, whatever that means. An evil force is on its way, and it’s up to Mack to track down eleven other twelve-year-olds in order to stop it. He must travel across the world to battle the wicked Pale Queen’s dangerous daughter, Ereskigal—also known as Risky. But Risky sounds a little scary, and Mack doesn’t want to be a hero. Will he answer the call?
A laugh-out-loud story filled with excitement and magic, The Magnificent Twelve: The Call is the first book in bestselling author Michael Grant’s hilarious new fantasy adventure series.
Michael Grant has spent much of his life on the move. Raised in a military family, he attended ten schools in five states, as well as three schools in France. Even as an adult he kept moving, and in fact he became a writer in part because it was one of the few jobs that wouldn’t tie him down. His fondest dream is to spend a year circumnavigating the globe and visiting every continent. Yes, even Antarctica. Michael is the author of the bestselling Gone series. He lives in California with his wife, Katherine Applegate, and their two children.
“A laugh-out-loud story full of adventure and magic great for grades 4-7.”
-Morning Call, Allentown, PA
“A lighter-than-usual fantasy action-adventure that is sure to win many fans and fly off the shelves.”
-Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“The story’s abundant action and humor…should win over readers.”
-Publishers Weekly
“Grant’s brand of action and humor should satisfy both those readers who get down with fantasy and those who prefer to send it up.”
-Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“A terrific start, with an elaborate website festooned with games and contests to ease the wait for sequels.”
-Booklist (starred review)
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