City of Secrets

Written by Victoria Ying

Book #1 in the City of Secrets series

A shy orphan guards a city's secret, pursued by rogues in a mysterious building.

3.8 Goodreads · 2,062 ratings

256 pages· 6,162 words· Est. 1 hour read-aloud· HL390L

$22.99Save 5%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Ever Barnes, a shy orphan, guards a secret in a puzzle-like building that powers his city. When Hannah, the owner's daughter, discovers him, their unlikely friendship sparks a thrilling chase. As rogues close in, Ever must protect the secret that could save or doom them all. Can they unravel the mystery before it's too late?

From the publisher

Can one boy keep a secret–and save a whole city? An action-packed read for middle-grade fantasy and graphic novel fans!

Ever Barnes is a shy orphan who lives in a puzzle-box building (think an architectural Transformer) that is also a multi level switchboard center, the communications hub of his city. He’s the last of a family that’s guarded a precious safe–contents unknown–for generations. All Ever knows is that what’s in that safe protects the city and that his father was killed because he wouldn’t give up the secret of the safe.

Ever is resigned to living on his own in the swtichboard building, where he knows every nook and cranny, and all the cranks and levers that operate the complicated complex. Some of the nicer young women who work there give him food on the sly. He’s got his job: stay out of sight and protect the safe hidden deep in the maze of the building. Ever is the only one who knows about it. Or is he?

Ever’s lonely existence is upended by when Hannah, the daughter of the building’s owner, shows up and spots the orphan in hiding. Hannah is determined to befriend Ever. His avoidance and her pursuit set off an unexpected series of events. Two things quickly become very clear: someone else knows Ever’s secret and wants in on it. And having a friend is a very good thing when a whole whole evil goon squad is after you!

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