12-year-old twins Matt and Emily Calder are Animare: they can bring art to life and enter paintings at will. They must do everything in their power to prevent a breach in Hollow Earth: a supernatural place that holds all the demons, devils and creatures ever imagined. The Hollow Earth Society are getting closer to finding the key that will release the beasts: an ancient bone quill whose powers can be only be used by a powerful Animare. The quill has been lost for centuries, but important clues to its whereabouts lie somewhere on the island of Era Mina - as does the entrance to Hollow Earth itself.

Matt and Em must find the quill and protect it through their drawings, through certain famous paintings and, ultimately, deep into the mists of time itself. But their lives in the relative safety of Auchinmurn Abbey are thrown into confusion with the arrival of a newcomer who threatens to ruin everything they have worked for. All too soon, Matt makes a fateful decision which forces him to make a terrible choice - save his family, or save the world?

A magical children's fantasy * Daily Mail *
Not just a riveting read, the book also boasts paintings by famous artists represented in UK galleries and well researched historical details to bring the Middle Ages to life * Woman's Way *
Offers mystery and excitement in spadefuls... a cracking story * Lancashire Evening Post *
Fast paced - exciting - full of twists and turns - excellent characterisation - compelling storyline - what more can you ask? * Parents in Touch *
A fast paced adventure that's a definite increase to the pace and excitement of Hollow Earth... Likeable characters that are so realistic they could jump out of the pages * The Bookbag *

John Barrowman was born in Glasgow and moved to the U.S. with his family when he was eight. He is well known for his roles on stage and television. His sister Carole is a Professor of English and Director of Creative Studies in Writing in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has regular US newspaper columns and has written two hugely successful books about her brother John's life.