The Golden Telescope

A murderous plot by a magical cabal. Three orphan siblings. One reluctant 12-year-old hero. Jack Mac Paidin doesn't know his parents were murdered, his grandmother is trapped in 1879, or that his aunts plan to rule the world. He only knows that life has been lonely since the accident that tore his family apart. Then everything changes. A glowing golden telescope awakens Jack's hidden powers and thrusts him into a dangerous new world—one where: He comes from a long line of sorcerers. His parents' deaths may not have been an accident. The Dark Cabal will stop at nothing to claim his magic. Worst of all, his missing brother Ethan might already be one of them. Whisked away to Dublin by a mysterious stranger with a traveling hat, Jack finds belonging for the first time. But to save his family—and the world—he must face time-bending dangers, terrifying foes, and the dark truth of his legacy. Packed with time travel, ancient secrets, and unforgettable magic, Jack Mac Paidin and the Golden Telescope is perfect for fans of Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, and Artemis Fowl. Magic, family, and courage collide in this thrilling middle-grade fantasy adventure. "You might as well know the truth of the matter…" Inez paused, and her eyes searched the walls of books as if drawing her words from them. "It was no accident that killed your son and his wife," she said, and a cold, calculated expression spread across her ashen face, blue-green veins now visible through the crepe-thin skin at her temples. "We arranged the whole thing!" A silence quieter than death filled the room. Even the fireplace seemed void of warmth as Inez's icy, aqua-blue eyes met those of her father. After years of trauma-related asthma attacks and life as a number-loving nerd, Jack finally feels like his life has meaning. Even though he is bewildered to discover that there is a world of magic he knows nothing about, Jack learns that he is special. He is the only person who can help find his Grandma Lydia trapped in the past and solve the mystery surrounding his parent's death. This first book in the series by author Tracy Partridge-Johnson portrays an unforgettable story full of relatable characters, wildly imaginative situations, and countless exciting details. It sets the stage for many incredible adventures to come.