An engrossing fantasy, a high-seas adventure, an alternate history epic—this is the richly imagined and gorgeously realized second book in acclaimed author Barry Wolverton’s Chronicles of the Black Tulip, perfect for fans of The Glass Sentence and the Books of Beginning series.
A magical white jade stone and a map inscribed in bone that may be the key to an even greater mystery—this is the treasure Bren and Mouse have found buried on the Vanishing Island.
Mouse is determined to follow the map to a place called the Dragon’s Gate, convinced it will explain who she really is and the powers she possesses. Bren has had enough adventure for one lifetime and would like nothing more than to return to his father in Map. But nothing goes according to plan when the survivors of the Albatross are rescued by Lady Jean Barrett, a charismatic archaeologist with a sense of destiny.
Barrett is on a quest for the Eight Immortals, ancient artifacts she believes are buried in the tomb of China’s first emperor—the location of which has been hidden for nearly two thousand years. The only way for Bren, Mouse, and Barrett to all get what they want is to work together on a dangerous journey into the heart of China, a kingdom long closed to outsiders, where the greatest secrets about Mouse and Bren are waiting to be unveiled.
“In his signature style, Wolverton cleverly overlays intricate plotting with ancient Chinese legends and history (including the Dragon Boat Festival and the Terracotta Warriors) and creates a thrilling, fast-paced story that flies by. Fans will wait with bated breath for the third book in the trilogy.” — Kirkus
“More mystical artifacts, wild things, and mysteries more puzzling than ever. This second installment picks up right where The Vanishing Island left off, and fills in enough blanks to remind readers of Bren’s last perilous adventure. Pick this up to keep readers on the hook for the upcoming third book.”– Booklist
My debut novel, NEVERSINK, was named the Children’s Book of Choice by Literacy Mid-South for their Read Across America program in 2014. The first book in THE VANISHING ISLAND trilogy is available now.
PLEASE WELCOME BARRY TO BOOKHOUNDS YA
1. What is on your nightstand?
A reading lamp and a bunch of books! Currently: Ready Player One; Another Brooklyn (a Christmas gift from my publisher); and The Savage Detectives.
2. What author would you totally fan?
Ursula Le Guin
3. What makes you cringe?
People without “inside” voices.
4. Do you obsessively plot out each point or just go with the flow?
Somewhere in between. I sketch a broad outline but then sort of improvise.
5. Is there a word you love to use?
Does “The End” count as one word?
Now for the cute part:
Charlie
Gracie
Jetta
– 7 Winner’s will Receive a Copy of The Dragon’s Gate (The Chronicles of the Black Tulip #2) by Barry Wolverton
