The Serpents of Arakesh — V.M. Jones

Adam Equinox was abandoned on the doorstep of Highgate Orphanage 12 years ago. He has no idea who - or where - his parents are; no friends; nothing he's good at; and nowhere he really belongs. One day, reeling from yet another visit to the principal's office, he notices Cameron Haig's unusual bookmark. It's the entry form for the Quest Golden Opportunity Competition, a competition Adam - along with 40,000 other kids - would love to win. Adam doesn't seem to stand a chance. until Cameron gives him his ticket. Unbelievably, Adam is chosen as one of the finalists. But it's only when he and his four companions begin the gaming workshop that Quentin Quested reveals why they are really there - and launches them on a real- life quest into the parallel world of Karazan, where the Serpents of Arakesh stand guard over the most precious prize of all. Ages 10+