MIDDLE SCHOOL - JR. HIGH SCHOOL ADVENTURE "A hero ventures forth from the world of common day into a region of supernatural wonder: fabulous forces are there encountered and a decisive victory is won: the hero comes back from this mysterious adventure with the power to bestow boons on his fellow man." Joseph Campbell on the "Hero's Journey." ABOUT THE STORY Falconer begins his heroic journey through the horrifying Inferno to save his family's falcons. This dangerous adventure brings him into contact with both gods and goddesses and evil creatures. He is challenged by some of the most vicious demons found in Mythology and Folklore from around the world. Some of these monsters are Apep, a giant water snake; Goblins, grotesque elfin creatures; Kitsune, the vicious half human/half fox; Harpies, half women/ half birds who love nothing more than to torment humans; Orc, the extremely cruel war-like creature; and the Aswang, the evil vampire-like devil. The journey challenges the boy beyond what he thought imaginable and demands his conjuring up all the courage, strength, wisdom, and cunning within his being. During this journey, Falconer learns what he must do to survive in the Inferno, while also discovering many things about himself. Even though the novelette is written for pre-teen readers, its story will captivate both younger and older people who love adventure and mysterious worlds. A glossary in the back identifies the characters from mythology and folklore as well as vocabulary which may be new to younger readers. Dare to journey into the forest to find your bliss