Benjamiah returns to a much-changed Wreathenwold in this spooky, illustrated second book in the #1 New York Times bestselling middle grade trilogy perfect for fans of Phillip Pullman, Neil Gaiman, and Skandar and the Unicorn Thief.

In the months since Benjamiah returned from his adventure in Wreathenwold, he has been dying to return to those labyrinthine streets. Desperate to find anything that will bring him to the impossible magic, the Minotaur, and most of all, his best—and only—friend Elizabella, he looks through his mother’s things and finds a strange witchstone mask that leads him back. The only problem? Once the mask is on, it won’t come off.

But Wreathenwold is not how Benjamiah left it. Nor are Elizabella and her father where he left them. Worse still, children have been disappearing, and no one knows where they are or who has been taking them. Benjamiah has to find Elizabella and, with the help of two new companions, undertake a series of magical trials to remove his mask and save the missing children of Wreathenwold before Midsommer ends and they are all lost forever.

Published
June 3, 2025
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The Whisperwicks

The series

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In a world where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur, The Whisperwicks series by Jordan Lees transports readers into a mysterious labyrinth of magic, secrets, and discovery. At its heart, the series revolves around the journey of young Benjamiah Creek, an eleven-year-old boy whose logical mind is upended when he receives an enigmatic doll that transforms into a bird. This unusual event spirals him into a realm of whispers, wonders, and untold dangers, guided by a spirited ally, Elizabella.

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As Benjamiah dives deeper into the intricate layers of Wreathenwold, he discovers a city where the air hums with forgotten spells, and each hidden corner holds a new, potentially dangerous secret. The plot threads a complex web of themes—friendship, courage, and the clash between skepticism and belief—making it more than just an adventure. It’s a journey of personal growth, as Benjamiah and his companions face both outward and inward trials.

Jordan Lees crafts a world that is as rich in atmosphere as it is in narrative complexity. The fantastical elements of the story are seamlessly interwoven with a sense of realism, creating a setting where magic feels grounded in the everyday. Each character, from the witty and resourceful Elizabella to the captivating city itself, is full of life and intricately developed, bringing The Whisperwicks to life in ways that will captivate readers of all ages.

Echoing the timeless allure of authors like Neil Gaiman and Philip Pullman, The Whisperwicks offers a fresh perspective on the fantasy genre. Lees’ ability to balance mystery, humor, and emotion in his storytelling makes this series stand out as both an enchanting escape and a reflection on the mysteries of belief, the unknown, and the bonds that tie us together. Whether you’re young or simply young at heart, this series invites you into a world where the fantastical is just a whisper away.

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