This series is unique in the way it sketches broad dangers-vast population and the end of humankind and both real and mythical animals (who are real here)-in a tranquil style of prose that's unlikely to frighten readers but is helpful for seeing environmental analogies. This installment is the most action-packed of the series, and Connie's fans will be on the edge of their seats from page one. 'synopsis' may belong to another edition of this title. She knew where he wanted her to go: he wanted her to meet him at the mark he had made deep in her mind, the breach in the wall between her and his dark presence. He said the same thing each time, repeating the message again and again so that she could hear its echo during the daylight hours as well as in the stillness of the night. The voice had crept into her dreams again: the voice of Kullervo, the shape-shifter, her enemy-and her companion creature. She threw them off and sat up to gulp some water from the glass on her bedside table, her handshaking slightly. When she woke, she found the bedclothes twisted around her. Connie surfaced from sleep, struggling like a swimmer caught in weeds, thrashing to reach air.

Connie must stop him, but how? There are no simple answers in the exciting conclusion to this award-winning eco-fantasy series by a Nestlé Prize-winning author. But the shape-shifter Kullervo wants to use her power to wipe out humanity. She’s the most important member of the secret society sworn to protect the bonds between humans and creatures. Connie Lionheart is the only Universal Companion, able to communicate with all of the mythical creatures hidden in our world.

The Chimera's Curse by Julia Golding