Max McDaniels lives a quiet life in the suburbs of Chicago until the day he stumbles upon a mysterious Celtic tapestry depicting the mythic Cattle Raid of Cooley. Now, many strange people are interested in Max and his tapestry. His discovery will lead him to Rowan Academy, a secret school where great things await: new friends, fantastic creatures, rigorous training, and his very own observatory within a mansion by the sea. But dark things are waiting, too. When Max learns that priceless artworks and gifted children are disappearing from around the globe, he finds himself in the crossfire of an ancient struggle between good and evil. To survive, he'll have to rely on a shadowy network of agents and mystics, the genius of his roommate, and the frightening power awakening within him. In his debut novel, author-illustrator Henry H. Neff weaves together fantasy, science fiction, mythology, and folklore. The result is a spellbinding tale with an unforgettable cast of characters and an unmatched sense of wonder and suspense. "Overall, this is a solid and worthwhile beginning to a new fantasy series...Neff's tale certainly has potential and should help ease the suffering once Harry Potter withdrawal sets in." - School Library Journal "The Tapestry series offers...unique characters and an interesting twist on the American boarding school experience... Max's intelligence and goodhearted nature give the story a solid emotional core even as the surprising twists and turns keep the pages turning. Neff's first novel is sure to draw many new fans eager to see what happens next." - Voice of Youth Advocates "This novel's sprawling, quirky boarding school has obvious parallels to Hogwarts, but Neff's storytelling boasts charms of its own, and U.S. readers may appreciate that this magical adventure, the first installment of the planned Tapestry series, takes place here rather than abroad." - Booklist "Neff's language is often evocative, incorporating Irish myths like the legend of Cuchulain." - Kirkus Reviews Originally from the Chicago area, author-illustrator Henry H. Neff has written seven of acclaimed fantasy novels for young readers and adults. Today, he lives in New Jersey with his wife, children, and a pair of rescue pups. Learn more at henryhneff.com