The Riverfall Chronicles Series by Jacquelyn Hagen

TRUST NO ONE.It's the first and greatest rule Inkwell Featherfield ever learned. It's also the only way he knows how to survive—besides picking pockets, dodging the law, and using every ounce of his plucky charm. But none of this will be enough to save him now.If only he'd never snooped around a dead man's house. If only he'd never found that pocket watch full of strange magic... moreTRUST NO ONE.It's the first and greatest rule Inkwell Featherfield ever learned. It's also the only way he knows how to survive—besides picking pockets, dodging the law, and using every ounce of his plucky charm. But none of this will be enough to save him now.If only he'd never snooped around a dead man's house. If only he'd never found that pocket watch full of strange magic. If only he'd known the old man had snuffed it at the hands of the ghostly Spektors, or that such dark spirits even existed, because now they're after him.When Ink is approached by an enigmatic group offering to keep him safe, he accepts—only to discover his rescuers are a band of infamous fugitives. Who knew they had a flair for winemaking? Or a penchant for sing-a-longs?Thrust into a world of arcane horrors, powerful politicians, and dangers on every side, the boy has no choice but to finally break his rule and decide who to trust. But with all the secrets, magic, and mystery thickening around him—and the stakes so much higher than he ever imagined—it might just be downright impossible. less

DON’T LOOK. DON’T ASK. DON’T GET INVOLVED. This was once Inkwell Featherfield’s way of life. It was simple. Straightforward. Easy to remember. Too bad he botched it so spectacularly. And now, despite his best efforts to escape his troubles, things are even worse. The Wickwire Watch is showing him visions—though not about the missing parents he seeks. The powerful Lady Seherene is now an ally but demands a steep price for it. The Colonists have welcomed him into their family . . moreDON’T LOOK. DON’T ASK. DON’T GET INVOLVED. This was once Inkwell Featherfield’s way of life. It was simple. Straightforward. Easy to remember. Too bad he botched it so spectacularly. And now, despite his best efforts to escape his troubles, things are even worse. The Wickwire Watch is showing him visions—though not about the missing parents he seeks. The powerful Lady Seherene is now an ally but demands a steep price for it. The Colonists have welcomed him into their family . . . which might be nice if they weren’t hunted fugitives in constant mortal danger.Worse still, his grandfather is back from the dead and demanding that Ink help put a stop to Caradoc, the Keyholder attempting to gain control of the ghostly Spektors. Allegedly. Trouble is, he’s also the one person able to keep Ink safe from them. If only the man wasn’t so secretive. It would make life so much easier.Above all else, Inkwell and the Colonists are in desperate need of answers. The pursuit will lead them through grand halls and trap-riddled trenches to a secret ceremony and a private city high in the frozen mountains. Ink’s eyes are opened to things more beautiful and terrible than he ever could have dreamed. It’s enough to wish he’d kept them shut. less

THE FIRESTORM IS COMING. A Colonist is dead. Another has been captured. The rest find themselves scattered across Eriaris, each in a different dangerous situation, and with no memory of how they got there. Survival is the first concern. Home is a close second.The journey won’t be easy. Some must contend with slavers and bandits, others with bounty hunters and vengeful Entrians. A few are even put before the Elders of the High Council... moreTHE FIRESTORM IS COMING. A Colonist is dead. Another has been captured. The rest find themselves scattered across Eriaris, each in a different dangerous situation, and with no memory of how they got there. Survival is the first concern. Home is a close second.The journey won’t be easy. Some must contend with slavers and bandits, others with bounty hunters and vengeful Entrians. A few are even put before the Elders of the High Council. To make matters worse, one of the harshest winters in history has begun, slowing travel and hindering the rescue efforts of those still on Riverfall.All is not lost, however. Though the Colonists will need every ounce of courage and strength to endure their trials, there is unexpected help along the way, and moments of hope and joy even in the darkest hours. Most surprising is the wealth of secrets they discover, powerful enough to end their nine-year exile and deal a serious blow to their worst foes.But they must act quickly. The noose is tightening, the fuses are lit, the knives have been sharpened. With enemies closing in on all sides, the peril has never been greater. And no one is prepared for how it will end. less