Evocative of Alice in Wonderland, this novel from New York Times bestselling author Lauren Oliver is a bewitching story about the reaches of loyalty and the enduring power of hope. Perfect for fans of the author’s other middle grade novels: Liesl & Po and the Curiosity House series. Looking across the breakfast table one morning, twelve-year-old Liza feels dread wash over her. Although her younger brother, Patrick, appears the same, Liza knows that he is actually quite different. She is certain that the spindlers―evil, spiderlike beings―came during the night and stole his soul. And Liza is also certain that she is the only one who can rescue him. Armed with little more than her wits and a huge talking rat for a guide, Liza descends into the dark and ominous underground to save Patrick's soul. Her quest is far from easy: she must brave tree-snakes, the Court of Stones, and shape-shifting scawgs before facing her greatest challenge in the spindlers' lair, where more than just Patrick's soul is at stake. A Fierce Sibling Bond: When twelve-year-old Liza realizes a stranger has replaced her brother, she vows to travel into a terrifying underworld to bring the real Patrick home. - Portal Fantasy Adventure: Liza’s only way to the spindlers’ lair is through a crawl space in her basement that leads to the dark, magical, and dangerous world of Below. - Monsters and Mythical Creatures: Guided by a huge, makeup-wearing talking rat, Liza must face tree-snakes, shape-shifting scawgs, and other strange beings on her journey. - A Brave Girl Hero: Armed with only her wits, Liza must prove her courage in a world of riddles, traps, and monsters to save the person she loves most. Praise for Liesl & Po: “A wonderfully imaginative, startlingly moving and at times wickedly funny fantasy. In her first work for middle-grade readers, the versatile Oliver (Before I Fall, 2010, and Delirium, 2011) deftly creates two worlds that run parallel, ‘like two mirrors sitting face-to-face.’ With nods to Dahl, Dickens, the Grimms and even Burnett, the author has made something truly original. Acedera’s frequent black-and-white illustrations are a perfect complement. An irresistible read: This book sings.” - Kirkus Reviews (starred review) Praise for Liesl & Po: “Classic fairy tale elements weave throughout this spirited, old-fashioned adventure. Invigorating and hopeful, this novel testifies to the power of friendship and generosity to conquer greed and depression.” - Publishers Weekly (starred review) Praise for Liesl & Po: “With her third book, Lauren Oliver (Before I Fall; Delirium) creates another highly original world, this one for middle-grade readers. Oliver introduces orphans Liesl and Will, a touch of magic, some delectable coincidences, and friendship that stretches from the Living Side to the Other Side.” - Shelf Awareness Praise for Liesl & Po: “For me, this book was like a ride in a sleeping car on a fabulous train, one with deep, plush upholstery, shining brass window latches, and secret compartments, one where the bed slides out soundlessly and the sheets are not too new but not too old, and where small amazing cakes arrive regularly on lacquered trays while the night rushes by outside, the moon always visible.” - Rebecca Stead, Newbery Medal-winning author of When You Reach Me Praise for Liesl & Po: “Liesl & Po by Lauren Oliver brings much-needed magic to an increasingly neglected age group. It’s books like this, with its classic quest plot, intertwined with lyrical metaphysics, that can set a child up for life.” - The Sunday Telegraph Praise for Before I Fall: “Oliver’s debut novel is raw, emotional, and, at times, beautiful....readers will love Samantha best as she hurtles toward an end as brave as it is heartbreaking.” - Publishers Weekly (starred review) “Lauren Oliver will again sweep up younger readers with her dark and illuminating tale...The novel pulses with great adventure and plenty of heart.” - Shelf Awareness (starred review) “This imaginative fantasy emphasizes individual initiative and the power of hope and friendship. Although the creatures are Oliver’s own creations, such beings as the winged, dream-bearing nocturni and the shape-shifting, cannibalistic scawgs have the feel of true folklore. With strong, self-reliant female characters and well-defined action, this is a strong addition to fantasy collections.” - School Library Journal (starred review) “This imaginative fantasy emphasizes individual initiative and the power of hope and friendship. With strong, self-reliant female characters and well-defined action, this is a strong addition to fantasy collections.” - School Library Journal (starred review) “Oliver’s magical, mesmerizing quest affirms the saving power of story, friendship, and love.” - Publishers Weekly (starred review) Praise for Before I Fall: “Samantha’s attempts to save her life and right the wrongs she has caused are precisely what will draw readers into this complex story and