National Network for Equitable Library Service

Commended for the 2008 Best Books for Kids and Teens The year is 2099. North America is in chaos, ruined by years of war, terrorism, and ecological destruction.

Short-listed for the 2006 Red Maple Award Tom Blake is a likeable but shy high school student, who fantasizes about adventure, romance, and discovering "portholes" to the past.

For centuries travelling gleeman have told tales of the lost Horn of Valere; the legendary Horn that will raise the dead heroes of the Ages.

The Stone of Tear, fortress of legend, has been taken and Callandor, The Sword that is not a sword, is held.