Best Selling Books by Melissa de la Cruz

Dear Peaches, America is PERFECT! I love it here. I wish you could come visit -- we could go shopping on Market Street and you could meet all my new friends. . . . Okay, so Vicenza isn''t being totally honest with Peaches, her best friend back in Manila. But what fun is it being the new girl at snooty Grosvernor High? Or rooting through the Salvation Army for unholey cashmere sweaters? Or having culture-shocked, embarrassingly clueless parents? Maybe being Claude Caligari''s ignored geometry partner is sort of fun, but Vicenza would rather be his girlfriend . . . or at least his date to the annual fancy-schmancy Soirée d''Hiver. But Vicenza won''t be friendless, fashionless, or "fresh off the boat" for long -- it''s only a matter of time before she sees what''s right before her eyes and her luck begins to change.

Star-crossed lovers, meddling immortals, feigned identities, battles of wits, and dire warnings: these are the stuff of fairy tale, myth, and folklore that have drawn us in for centuries. Fifteen bestselling and acclaimed authors reimagine the folklore and mythology of East and South Asia in short stories that are by turns enchanting, heartbreaking, romantic, and passionate. Compiled by We Need Diverse Books’s Ellen Oh and Elsie Chapman, the authors included in this exquisite collection are: Renée Ahdieh, Sona Charaipotra, Preeti Chhibber, Roshani Chokshi, Aliette de Bodard, Melissa de la Cruz, Julie Kagawa, Rahul Kanakia, Lori M. Lee, E. C. Myers, Cindy Pon, Aisha Saeed, Shveta Thakrar, and Alyssa Wong. A mountain loses her heart. Two sisters transform into birds to escape captivity. A young man learns the true meaning of sacrifice. A young woman takes up her mother’s mantle and leads the dead to their final resting place. From fantasy to science fiction to contemporary, from romance to tales of revenge, these stories will beguile readers from start to finish. For fans of Neil Gaiman’s Unnatural Creatures and Ameriie’s New York Times–bestselling Because You Love to Hate Me.

Schuyler Van Alen wants an explanation for the mysterious deaths of young vampires. With her best friend, Oliver, Schuyler travels to Italy in the hope of finding the one man who can help—her grandfather. Meanwhile, back in New York, preparations are feverishly underway for the Four Hundred Ball, an exclusive gala hosted by the city''s wealthy, powerful, and unhuman—a true Blue Blood affair. But it''s at the after-party, a masquerade ball thrown by the cunning Mimi Force, that the real danger lurks. Hidden behind the masks is a revelation that will forever change the course of a young vampire''s destiny.

Return to the land of Never After, where real life and fairy tales collide, in The Missing Sword, the fourth book of bestselling author Melissa de la Cruz''s hit fantasy series. To save her mother from Olga''s evil clutches, Filomena must travel to the legendary land of Camelot to find the legendary sword Excalibur. But Camelot is not all that it seems. Fil and the crew quickly realize that another fairy tale has taken hold in the land of Arthurian Legend . . . the Wizard of Oz! With the help (and hindrance) of the Wicked Witches of East and West, the League of Seven follow the yellow brick road to retrieve the sword and complete their most important quest yet. In a land where nothing is truly as it seems, will Fil and the League of the Seven survive the witch''s tests? Or will Olga''s perilous plans rip Fil''s mother away from her forever?

Part two of the hot new four-part eBook companion to Melissa de la Cruz''''''''s Blue Bloods series! Bliss Llewellyn is back from her friend Jack and Schuyler''''''''s bonding ceremony. And she bares the scars of her own personal sacrifice, in which she broke the curse that her father, Lucifer, laid upon her. As an atonement for the sins she made on his behalf, she must seek out the hellhounds and bring them to the Silver Bloods. But she is no longer a vampire, which means she is vulnerable. And the Hounds of Hell know it.

A silly, laugh-out-loud read-aloud picture book debut from #1 New York Times bestselling author Melissa de la Cruz! Once upon a time, in the middle of a group of seven thousand happy islands named after King Philip of Spain, there lived a lady named Dona Esmeralda. She had a big bouffant hairdo and was much smaller than you. And she was always hungry... And so begins the wickedly hilarious tale of one very old, but very stylish little lady who loves to eat, but can only find the ooey, gooey, mushy, smelly leftovers of naughty children to nosh on. But what happens when Dona Esmeralda finds out about all the tasty treats that children do eat? Hold on to your hairdos as Esmeralda eats everything in sight in a cumulative read-aloud inspired by stories from author Melissa de la Cruz''s childhood in the Philippines!

Are the Ashleys finished forever, or can their enemy-turned-ally find a way to save them? Find out in the fourth and final book in The Ashley Project series from bestselling author Melissa de la Cruz. Lauren Page thought her plan was pretty simple: Get a fabulous makeover, become one of the Ashleys, and once she was securely in their good graces, completely destroy them from the inside. There’s only one little problem: Now that Lauren is seventh-grade royalty she isn’t so sure she wants to follow through—especially because Sadie, her former best friend and current best frenemy, has a new scheme to bring down the Ashleys. So Lauren comes up with a different plan: save the Ashleys. But with Ashley Spencer dating a penniless boy, Lili shunning makeup and fashion, and A.A. questioning everyone’s loyalty, can it be done? Or will the Ashleys actually go down for good?

Lauren Page is well on her way to becoming an Ashley in the second book in The Ashley Project series from "New York Times"-bestselling author de la Cruz. Originally published as "Jealous?, " this edition features a new cover.

From the bestselling author of the Blue Bloods and The Descendants series comes a fun primer on the witches of East End! The first in the Beauchamp Series, the book features a brand-new cast of characters, a fascinating and fresh world to discover, and a few surprise appearances from some of the Blue Blood fan favorites. It''s a page-turning, heart-stopping, magical summer read, fraught with love affairs, witchcraft, and an unforgettable battle between good and evil. But before you read the book, meet the Witches! In this primer, you''ll meet the three Beauchamp women -- Joanna, Ingrid, and Freya -- learn a little bit about their special powers, and even get some tips so you can cast a few spells of your own.

The vampire queen must break her curse in this YA romantasy inspired by Filipino folklore, a sequel to The Encanto’s Daughter by #1 New York Times bestselling author Melissa de la Cruz! A curse has befallen Biringan. Stalking the night sky and sinking sharp teeth in its prey, a vampire-like creature—a manananggal—is terrorizing the kingdom. Now MJ Robertson-Rodriguez must fulfill her duties as the newly crowned queen and restore peace. Except . . . when MJ wakes up in tattered clothes stained with blood, she quickly realizes the monster lives within her. To prevent more destruction, MJ flees to Mount Makiling with select members of her court, all while keeping her curse secret. By her side is Lucas, the talented knight who broke her heart by giving his own to another. And there’s Prince Qian, the devilishly handsome monster hunter from the Jade Empire who''s visiting on a diplomatic mission. In the mountains, MJ is charmed by Qian''s valiant spirit. Could he be the one to finally mend her broken heart, which still beats for Lucas? But as the manananggal fills MJ with bloodthirst, she must set love aside and break the curse before it consumes her forever. When a neighboring kingdom threatens to wage war on Biringan, can the young queen regain control of herself before she loses control of the crown?

Real life and fairy tales collide in Never After: The Stolen Slippers, book two of the funny and thrilling middle grade saga perfect for fans of The Land of Stories series from the #1 New York Times bestselling creator of the Descendants, Melissa de la Cruz. Tossed back into the not-so-familiar fairy-tale world of Never After, Filomena Jefferson-Cho and her friends set off on another adventure . . . this time in search of Cinderella’s glass slipper. Or rather, glass slippers. It turns out the classic story of Cinderella is full of lies—starting with how Cinderella herself is far from the innocent heroine everyone thinks she is. She is manipulative and cunning—willing to do anything to be the princess of Eastphalia. The real heroines of her story are her “wicked” stepsisters, Hortense and Beatrice, who aren’t actually wicked at all! With the help of the dashing Jack Stalker, adorable Alastair, and glamorous Gretel, Filomena must track down the slippers, which may be the key to a certain mysterious prophecy . . . And when Filomena and Beatrice get tossed into the Beast’s dungeon, all hope seems to be lost. Will the conniving Cinderella shatter everyone’s hopes for a true un-twisted ending? Or will Filomena and her friends secure the happily ever after Cinderella’s stepsisters deserve?

Can''t wait to sink your fangs into Melissa de la Cruz''s highly anticipated conclusion to the Blue Bloods series, The Gates of Paradise? Prepare for sheer bliss and refresh your memory with these exciting chapter samples from the Blue Bloods saga--selected just for you by Melissa de la Cruz herself. Plus, a deep, dark secret is revealed: the first chapter of Melissa de la Cruz''s exhilarating new eBook, Wolf Pact!

A New York Times Bestseller1777. Albany, New York. With sounds of the Revolution in the distance, a grand ball gets underway at the home of one of the country''s founding families. Their daughter Eliza, who''d rather be aiding the colonists than dressing for a ball, can barely contain her excitement at the arrival of Alexander Hamilton, a mysterious, rakish young colonel. Though Alex has arrived as the bearer of bad news for the Schuylers, he can''t believe his luck to be in such esteemed company. And when Alex and Eliza meet that fateful night, so begins an epic love story that would forever change the course of American history.

In an alternative past where the Franco-British Empire controls the world''s only source of magic, Princess Marie-Victoria, heir to the throne, and Aelwyn Myrddyn, a bastard mage, rekindle their childhood friendship as they plot to save Marie from a loveless, political marriage.

Now in paperback! In this collection, eighteen masters of horror present eighteen terrifying stories guaranteed to keep you up at night. Meet the girl who takes a midnight swim... and emerges to find she''s a little different than before. Learn about the family gift that''s passed down toeach generation, growing stronger...and deadlier. Visit the dorm room that--literally--has a mind of its own.So lock the door. Turn on the lights. Don''t answer the phone. Open the book...if you dare...

Lauren Page''s plan was simple: get a fabulous makeover, secure herself a place in the Ashleys and then bring them down from the inside. The only problem is that now she''s actually made it into the inner circle she''s having some serious second thoughts… But things are about to be taken out of Lauren''s hands. Sadie, Lauren''s former best friend, has started a rival group and plans to destroy the Ashleys herself. Can Lauren stop Sadie or is theAshelys reign finally over?

The Thirteenth Fairy is the first title in Never After, an exciting contemporary fantasy adventure series for readers of 9 to 11 by Melissa de la Cruz, the bestselling author of Disney''s Descendants series. Perfect for fans of Disney''s Twisted Tales. Nothing exciting ever happens in Filomena Jefferson-Cho''s small town. Until the day Jack Stalker, one of the heroes from her all-time favourite books, the Never After series, turns up. She must be dreaming! But Jack insists that he''s real, the stories are real, and she must come with him at once. Filomena is thrust into a world of fairies, sorcerers, dragons and slayers, where an evil queen is determined to wipe out the fairy tribes. To save the kingdom, Filomena and her new friends must find the truth behind the tale of the Thirteenth Fairy before it''s too late.

*The second book in the series that inspired the major Netflix TV drama Witches of East End* ''Smart, stylish and just a bit wicked'' Deborah Harkness, bestselling author of A Discovery of Witches Everything ought to be perfect in the magical Long Island town of North Hampton now that Freya Beauchamp''s twin brother, Freddie, is back. But their mother, Joanna, has always favoured son Freddie, and his assertion-that Freya''s fiancé Killian Gardiner (Baldur) was the one who set up his downfall-threatens to fracture the delicate family dynamics as the Beauchamps are forced to take sides against each other. Freddie spends his days either on the couch sleeping, or sleeping around. When their father Norman helps him find a job on a fishing vessel, Freddie''s uncontrollable magic causes mayhem aboard the ship and lands him in even more hot water. Level-headed sister Ingrid attempts to maintain the peace between the warring twins, but she has problems of her own: her human boyfriend, detective Matt Noble, becomes entangled in a complicated investigation, and when the magical creatures at the heart of it come to Ingrid for help, she has to choose between helping her kind and staying loyal to her love. Freya and Killian plan their wedding only to discover an ancient rivalry that could keep them apart for ever. Things come to a head when the culprit behind Freddie''s imprisonment is finally revealed, but it may be too late to staunch the poison that''s been released in the family and the town.

Eliza, Jacqui, and Mara are just beginning their new careers, but find themselves all together in the Hamptons once again since Eliza''s new stepmother needs a nanny.

Perfect for fans of Let It Snow, this irresistible collection of wintry love stories is guaranteed to bring on the warm fuzzies. What''s better than one deliciously cozy, swoon-worthy holiday story?Four of them, from some of today''s bestselling authors.From KASIE WEST, a snowy road trip takes an unexpected detour when secrets and crushes are revealed.From AIMEE FRIEDMAN, a Hanukkah miracle may just happen when a Jewish girl working as a department store elf finds love.From MELISSA DE LA CRUZ, Christmas Eve gets a plot twist when a high school couple exchange surprising presents.From NIC STONE, a scavenger hunt amid the holiday crowds at an airport turns totally romantic.So grab a mug of hot cocoa, snuggle up, and get ready to fall in love...

Newly wealthy Lauren Page decides to infiltrate and destroy the Ashleys, the group of girls who rule the seventh grade of their fancy Pacific Heights preparatory school, in revenge for their former treatment of her.

A surprising and romantic YA retelling-mashup of A Little Princess and The Secret Garden by bestselling authors Margaret Stohl and Melissa de la Cruz. Best friends Mary Lennox, Sara Crewe, and Cedric Erroll are best friends. And thank goodness, since their boarding school is basically insufferable. When one of the friends suffers a personal tragedy, a plan—and a secret—change everything for the trio . . . for good. Filled with charm and romance, and inspired by some of classic literature''s most beloved characters, The Secret Princess is the perfect blend of A Little Princess and The Secret Garden—and the perfect companion to Jo & Laurie.

A fashionista is a girl who always looks current and cutting edge, even when her clothes are vintage 1975. A fashionista can tell her Pucci from her Gucci and her Blahniks from her Choos, but she’s as comfortable in Kmart as she is in Chanel. She wears what she likes and always looks fantastic. She’s a clothing chameleon: a sharp tweed suit and ladylike driving gloves one moment, a punk rock T-shirt and studded belt the next. She’s a gypsy, a princess, and a diva. She’s fashion-forward, shopping-addicted, and full of fun. And you can be her, no matter your size, style, or budget. Authors Melissa de la Cruz and Karen Robinovitz are fashionistas who share a love for impractical shoes, small dogs that fit in designer handbags, and wearing white after Labor Day. They eat, sleep, and breathe fashion. And they’ll teach you how to • Make a whole new wardrobe out of the awful duds that lurk in the back of your closet • Use the words “postmodern” and “ironic” to fake your way through pseudo-intellectual cocktail conversation (really–it’s easy, and so postmodern and ironic!) • Score big with chic and cheap finds at thrift stores, consignment shops, and discount designer outlets • Live like a socialite on a shoestring budget In two weeks or less, you’ll be living the lush life, from the brim of your Eugenia Kim fedora to the tip of your pointy Christian Louboutin pumps!

“As fearless as a futuristic Game of Thrones.”— MARGARET STOHL, New York Times bestselling co-author of the Beautiful Creatures trilogy From Melissa de la Cruz and Michael Johnston, the New York Times bestselling authors of the Blue Bloods and Witches of East End series. Welcome to New Vegas, a city once covered in bling, now blanketed in ice. Like much of the destroyed planet, the place knows only one temperature—freezing. But some things never change. The diamond in the ice desert is still a 24-hour hedonistic playground and nothing keeps the crowds away from the casino floors, never mind the rumors about sinister sorcery in its shadows. At the heart of this city is Natasha Kestal, a young blackjack dealer looking for a way out. Like many, she''s heard of a mythical land simply called “the Blue.” They say it’s a paradise, where the sun still shines and the waters are turquoise. More importantly, it’s a place where Nat won’t be persecuted, even if her darkest secret comes to light. But passage to the Blue is treacherous, if not impossible, and her only shot is to bet on a ragtag crew of mercenaries led by a cocky runner named Ryan Wesson there. Danger and deceit await on every corner, even as Nat and Wes find themselves inexorably drawn to each other. But can true love survive the lies? Fiery hearts collide in this fantastic tale of the evil men do and the awesome power within us all. This is a remarkable first book in a spellbinding new series about the dawn of a new kind of magic.

Pay to get in, Pray to get out. Johnny Silver is the world''s soon-to-be biggest rock star, but on the eve of his debut concert in Los Angeles, he mysteriously disappears, causing global pandemonium. His friend Taj tries to discover the truth about his disappearance, which leads her to TAP.com and its shadowy founder, Sutton Werner, who throws the wildest parties in Bel-Air. TAP started out innocently enough, as a website that dishes the dirt on the kids of Sunset Boulevard and beyond. But it has become something more. Membership is a privilege with responsibilities and consequences. At Sutton''s parties, anything goes, especially in the legendary backroom rituals nicknamed The Angels Practice. Rumors abound of a special drink handed out at the parties that tap into otherworldly sensations. One night Taj meets Nick, a Westside preppie who doesn''t buy into the TAP mayhem, especially since his kid sister never came home from attending one of its blow-out bashes. Slowly the two of them are drawn to TAP and to each other. But Taj just might know more than she''s letting on.... Are you ready for the darker side of Tinsel-town''s brightest lights?

Join everyone''s favorite Wildcats from the Disney+ smash hit original series High school Musical: The Musical: The Series in this novel by New York Times bestselling author Melissa de la Cruz. On the heels of their wildly successful run of High School Musical, the gang learns of a can''t-miss opportunity—a High School Musical convention in the next state. There''s something for everyone: panels about mounting your next hit show, cafeteria-tray-dance workshops, Wildcat cosplay, and even a special appearance from the pooch who played Sharpay''s dog (well, one of her puppies, that is). Ready to hit the road, the crew immediately begins making plans. Nini can''t wait to use the weekend to show how much she cares for Ricky (especially since they just got back together). Kourtney debates signing up for a singing workshop (especially if she''s maybe, just maybe, considering auditioning for the next show), and Gina and Ashlyn decide it''ll be the perfect trial run for living together (especially because Gina has never actually had a friendship last this long). Carlos can''t wait to help Miss Jenn prep for the spring musical, even if Seb has to stay behind to help with the family farm. But car breakdowns, late starts, and a lost E.J. throw a wrench in their plans. Will the East Highers get the weekend getaway of their dreams? Or will the bumps on the road get the better of them?

This new series from #1 New York Times best-selling author Melissa de la Cruz is The Mysterious Benedict Society for reluctant readers, chockful of humor, adventure and mischief, and set at an exclusive, secluded, high-tech institute everyone wants to get into.A handful of sixth-graders have been chosen to attend an exclusive weekend at the Octagon Valley Institute, the mysterious, high-tech lab of the uber famous multimillionaire, genius, recluse Onassander Octagon. What will they do there? No one is telling. Which just makes everyone want to get in.Edwin Edgefield has high hopes for the weekend—hopes he’ll meet other kids like him—kids who will accept him even though he’s got a photographic memory, genius level math skills and some very specific personality quirks. But when he meets the other kids, he starts to wonder if they’re all in the right place. There’s amateur rapper Kimmy, who’s obsessed with TikTok, violin-player Julie, who has zero social skills, and surfer dude Dilip, who’s well, a surfer dude. And then, strange things start to happen. Things that involve an escape room challenge, a zero-gravity chamber, a river full of piranhas and . . . some ninjas? Turns out the Octagon Valley is all about using teamwork to make the dream work, and these normally isolated kids might not all survive. But those who do will be treated to the greatest prize—and the biggest surprise—of their lives—a chance to be truly EXTRAordinary.

In this first volume in the series, "eight singular middle schoolers from across America find belonging in a series of escape room-type challenges. Each sixth grader assumes that winning a coveted spot to spend three days at the Octagon Valley Institute led by Willy Wonka-esque Onasander Octagon--an ethnically ambiguous multiracial tech genius--means winning a ''golden ticket to the rest of your life.'' However, they soon realize that instead of an academic conference, they will each have to utilize their particular skills to find eight puzzle pieces in a high-stakes scavenger hunt"--Kirkus Reviews, July 1, 2023.

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Alex and Eliza and The Witches of East End comes a reimagining of Gotham for a new generation of readers. Before they became Batman, Catwoman, and The Joker, Bruce, Selina, and Jack were high schoolers who would do whatever it took-even destroy the ones they love-to satisfy their own motives. After being kicked out of his boarding school, 17-year-old Bruce Wayne returns to Gotham City to find that nothing is as he left it. What once was his family home is now an empty husk, lonely but haunted by the memory of his parents'' murder. Selina Kyle, once the innocent girl next door, now rules over Gotham High School with a dangerous flair, aided by the class clown, Jack Napier. When a kidnapping rattles the school, Bruce seeks answers as the dark and troubled knight-but is he actually the pawn? Nothing is ever as it seems, especially at Gotham High, where the parties and romances are of the highest stakes...and where everyone is a suspect. With enchanting art by Thomas Pitilli, this new graphic novel is just as intoxicating as it is chilling, in which dearest friends turn into greatest enemies-all within the hallways of Gotham High!From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Alex and Eliza and The Witches of East End comes a reimagining of Gotham for a new generation of readers. Before they became Batman, Catwoman, and The Joker, Bruce, Selina, and Jack were high schoolers who would do whatever it took-even destroy the ones they love-to satisfy their own motives. After being kicked out of his boarding school, 17-year-old Bruce Wayne returns to Gotham City to find that nothing is as he left it. What once was his family home is now an empty husk, lonely but haunted by the memory of his parents'' murder. Selina Kyle, once the innocent girl next door, now rules over Gotham High School with a dangerous flair, aided by the class clown, Jack Napier. When a kidnapping rattles the school, Bruce seeks answers as the dark and troubled knight-but is he actually the pawn? Nothing is ever as it seems, especially at Gotham High, where the parties and romances are of the highest stakes...and where everyone is a suspect. With enchanting art by Thomas Pitilli, this new graphic novel is just as intoxicating as it is chilling, in which dearest friends turn into greatest enemies-all within the hallways of Gotham High!

Mal, Evie, Jay and Carlos may have once been the baddest of the bad, but their wicked ways are (mostly) behind themand now graduation is almost here! But Auradon''s biggest threat is still at large... trapped on the other side of the barrier, Uma is more desperate than ever to get her long-awaited revenge against Mal. Mal and Uma have a score to settle, and they''ll come face to face in an explosive underwater battle that could determine the fates of Auradon and the Isle of the Lost once and for all.

Por fin llega a nuestro país el último best seller mundial de temática vampírica. Melissa de la Cruz introduce con éxito una nueva concepción del mito, alejada de la visión tradicional del vampiro como demonio que se oculta en las sombras para reconvertir

La sorcière Freya Beauchamp est coincée en 1692, à Salem qui plus est, à trois cents ans de sa mère Joanna et de sa soeur Ingrid. Si on la surprend en train de pratiquer la magie, elle sera forcée de revivre les célèbres procès des sorcières et, cette fois, même son immortalité ne pourra pas la sauver. Pendant ce temps, la North Hampton moderne est confrontée à d’autres problèmes. Joanna et Norm s’unissent pour sauver leur fille et consultent l’Oracle en quête d’une solution peut-être désespérée. Freddie, qui goûte aux joies du mariage pour le meilleur et pour le pire, se lance avec ses alliés pixies à la recherche d’un totem disparu censé les aider à ouvrir un passage dans le temps afin de ramener Freya au XXIe siècle. Quant à Ingrid, elle renoue avec un amour de jeunesse et se met à douter de sa relation avec l’inspecteur Matt Noble... Entre présent et passé, la famille Beauchamp parviendra-t-elle à se réunir et, enfin, à trouver la paix ? « Pleines d’esprit et d’élégance, et un tout petit peu méchantes, les sorcières de Melissa de la Cruz parviennent à être à la fois totalement modernes et délicieusement mythiques. » Deborah Harkness « Du suspense, du mystère et beaucoup de passion. » MTV.com « Un page-turner magique et romantique. » Washington Post

In their third adventure, Filomena and company set off to Snow Country, rescue Lord Sharif of Nottingham, reverse a spell that turned Prince Charming into a Frog, and form the League of the Seven-fearless warriors devoted to fighting the orges at any cost.

Twenty years ago, all the evil villains were banished from the kingdom of Auradon and made to live in virtual imprisonment on the Isle of the Lost. The island is surrounded by a magical force field that keeps the villains and their descendants safely locked up and away from the mainland. Life on the island is dark and dreary. It is a dirty, decrepit place that''s been left to rot and forgotten by the world. But hidden in the mysterious Forbidden Fortress is a dragon''s eye: the key to true darkness and the villains'' only hope of escape. Only the cleverest, evilest, nastiest little villain can find it ... who will it be? Maleficent, Mistress of the Dark: As the self-proclaimed ruler of the isle, Maleficent has no tolerance for anything less than pure evil. She has little time for her subjects, who have still not mastered life without magic. Her only concern is getting off the Isle of the Lost. Mal: At sixteen, Maleficent''s daughter is the most talented student at Dragon Hall, best known for her evil schemes. And when she hears about the dragon''s eye, Mal thinks this could be her chance to prove herself as the cruelest of them all. Evie: Having been castle-schooled for years, Evil Queen''s daughter, Evie, doesn''t know the ins and outs of Dragon Hall. But she''s a quick study, especially after she falls for one too many of Mal''s little tricks. Jay: As the son of Jafar, Jay is a boy of many talents: stealing and lying to name a few. Jay and Mal have been frenemies forever and he''s not about to miss out on the hunt for the dragon''s eye. Carlos: Cruella de Vil''s son may not be bravest, but he''s certainly clever. Carlos''s inventions may be the missing piece in locating the dragon''s eye and ending the banishment for good. Mal soon learns from her mother that the dragon''s eye is cursed and whoever retrieves it will be knocked into a deep sleep for a thousand years. But Mal has a plan to capture it. She''ll just need a little help from her "friends." In their quest for the dragon''s eye, these kids begin to realize that just because you come from an evil family tree, being good ain''t so bad.

Rise of the Isle of the Lost is a follow-up to best-selling novels, ''The Isle of the Lost'' and ''Return to the Isle of the Lost'' written by Melissa De La Cruz. Mal, Evie, Carlos, and Jay face their biggest challenge yet as a rotten villain from their past, Uma, daughter of Ursula, returns. They''ll have to do everything in their power - good and evil - to keep Auradon safe.

For Red, growing up in Wonderland has been no piece of cake (literally--dessert is outlawed). Her mom, the Queen of Hearts, rules the kingdom with an iron scepter, while Red longs for a life of her own. She''s heard rumors about an island that once housed all the villains of folklore. A place with no rules? It sounds perfect.