Part novel. Part comic. Total thriller! Everyone knows the rumors - if you gather the right things and say the right words, you'll be taken to Malice, a world that exists within a terrifying comic book. Seth managed to escape from Malice, but it meant leaving his best friend, Kady, trapped there. And he's not sure whether he should try to take down the Malice comic from his own world or go back with an artifact he thinks can help from within. Meanwhile, Kady has her own battles to fight. She's trying to find Havoc, a rebel group of kids who want to fight Tall Jake, Malice's cruel overlord. But she can't help feeling that someone's watching her and that Tall Jake knows what her plans are before she puts them into action. Malice is spreading. Tall Jake is gaining influence on the world outside the comic. Seth and Kady think that if they gather the right objects and find the right people, they'll be able to defeat Tall Jake once and for all. The only question is . . . how?
Reviews
"An exciting read with danger to spare." - Booklist
"Like the opener, this features expertly meshed multiple plotlines, colorful supporting characters (notably a clockwork sabertooth and a Malice resident afflicted with "regenerative leprosy," meaning that he keeps losing body parts that then grow back), frequent eerie skitterings and sudden feelings of dread plus nonstop action that breaks, occasionally, from prose into graphic-novel-style panels festooned with noisy sound effects. A real crowd pleaser, with further episodes possible but not necessary." - Kirkus
"Reluctant readers will be drawn in by the simple writing style interspersed with pages of comic-book-style illustrations that propel the story forward. Characterization is a little thin, but that won't deter those who are hooked on the book's relentless action, mild horror, and inventive world-building. A satisfying conclusion to a compelling read." - SLJ
