The Broken Lands

The "thrilling, gothic, gorgeous" prequel to The Boneshaker, set in 19th-century New York City (Adam Gidwitz, New York Times-bestselling author).

A crossroads can be a place of great power. So begins this deliciously spine-tingling novel set in the colorful world of 1877 Coney Island. Few crossroads compare to the one being formed by the Brooklyn Bridge and the East River, and as the bridge's construction progresses, forces of unimaginable evil seek to bend that power to their advantage. Only two orphans with unusual skills stand in their way. Can the teenagers Sam, a card sharp, and Jin, a fireworks expert, stop them before it's too late? Here is a richly textured, slow-burning thriller about friendship, courage, and the age-old fight between good and evil.

"A glimpse into a past that feels frighteningly real, The Broken Lands explodes off the page with unforgettable moments of skin-crawling terror and heart-stopping bravery. It thrilled me, enchanted me, terrified me, and by the end, made me fall in love."—Robin Wasserman, author of Girls on Fire
"The Broken Lands weaves hobo and drifter legends, post-Civil War Americana, and Coney Island's tawdry history into a desperately romantic, can't-put-it-down scary tale of young love and ancient magic. A superb second novel, rich, complex, and beautifully written."—Chris Moriarty, author of The Inquisitor's Apprentice series

"A true delight to fans of history, fantasy, and the triumph of good."—Bulletin (starred review)

"This seamless blend of fantasy and historical fiction is ripe with rich, gritty detail . . . Readers will be captivated."—Kirkus Reviews