Small Fry Pick of the Week: Gabriel Finley & the Raven's Riddle

Gabriel Finley & the Raven's Riddle by George Hagen

Ages 9-12

A tangle of ingenious riddles, a malevolent necklace called a torc, flocks of menacing birds, and a stubborn writing desk that refuses to reveal its contents: these are just some of the obstacles that stand between Gabriel and his father, Adam Finley, who has vanished from their Brooklyn brownstone without a trace.

When Gabriel rescues an orphaned baby raven named Paladin, he discovers a valuable family secret that may lead him to his father: Finleys can bond with ravens in extraordinary ways--sharing thoughts, speaking to one another, even merging into one being and taking to the air.  Along with Paladin and three valiant friends, Gabriel sets off to bring his father home.

They will soon discover that Adam is being held captive by the evil demon Corax--half man, half raven, and Adam's very own disgraced brother--miles underground in a foreboding netherworld of birds called Aviopolis.  Along with his army of ghoulish minions, the Valravens, Corax is plotting to take over the land above, and now only Gabriel stands in the way.

As Gabriel and his friends travel from the heights of New York City to the depths of Avipolis on their quest--and ultimately confront Corax--readers will be held rapt.

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