The Thirteen Hallows

Scott (The Alchemyst) and Freedman blend magic, folklore, mystery, and history in this zippy fantastical thriller. Sarah Miller is a discontented 22-year-old Londoner in a dead-end job who lives with and supports her widowed mother. When she comes to the aid of an elderly woman getting mugged, she becomes hopelessly entangled in a murderous conspiracy. A criminal mastermind known as the Dark Man is gathering together the 13 Hallows, sacred ancient objects of immense power, and ritualistically killing those who protect them. The woman Miller saved was one of the last Hallowed Keepers. Armed only with a broken sword, Miller must stay alive long enough to somehow stop the Dark Man from completing his apocalyptic plan. Relentless pacing and a richly detailed story line replete with historical references and bombshell revelations give this fantasy tremendous mainstream crossover potential. (Dec.)