The League and the Lantern is the first book in a new adventure series for middle-school readers. It all starts when a dangerous organization invades Jake Herndon’s seventh-grade sleepover. He escapes along with two new classmates, Lucy and TJ, only to face a 48-hour fight for survival on the streets of Chicago. The kids unravel a mystery dating back to the Civil War, and an incredible secret about Jake’s family. Along the way they learn unexpected lessons about courage, family and friendship.

After a back-to-school night that became a frenzied fight for survival, seventh grade has finally settled down for Jake, Lucy, and TJ. Of course, there are still your basic Level Three humiliations: awkward hygiene challenges, toxic nicknames, and science fair debacles. But at least nobody is running for their life. That all changes when dangerous intruders descend on the historic Chicago hotel Jake calls home. After a daring escape, Jake, Lucy, and TJ find themselves fugitives on the run, chasing a series of cryptic messages that lead to a mysterious plot to steal Civil War codes codes that somehow still matter today. Along the way they survive a shocking betrayal and unearth more stunning family secrets. In this sequel to the critically acclaimed The League and the Lantern, Brian Wells has once again crafted a fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping thriller, skillfully blending action, humor, and historical trivia.