The Spellkey

Two young outcast begin to fall in love as they race to destroy a powerful tool on a dangerous journey through the Thirteen Kingdoms.

After a young rebellious girl, Caitlin, is accused of witchcraft she is exiled to the Abbey of the Ninthstile. Ordered to escort her is a disappointing ward of the Abbot of Thirdmoon See, The Badger.

As the pair of misfits travel through the Thirteen Kingdoms, they notice a mysterious man with red hair is following them. Through Caitlin’s visions, which often haunt her, she is able to see that the man trailing them defeats them at every turn, sparking a sense of fear and urgency.

Discovering that the mystery man is after a powerful tool known as the Spellkey and realizing that destroying the tool could end the cruel rulers of the Pentacle, Caitlin and the Badger set off on a dangerous journey as they begin to fall in love.

Ann Downer grew up in Manila and Bangkok in the late 1960's and read many mysteries...until she discovered the rich and wonderful world of fantasy.

Returning to her native Virginia, she began to spend afternoons at the local library reading all the fantasy she could get her hands on. Soon she was inspired to begin a fantasy novel of her own, and so began her career as a fantasy author. She has written The Spellkey, The Glass Salamander, and The Books of the Keepers.

Ms. Downer combines her writing with a full-time career as a science editor at a university press. She lives with her husband, their son, and a large marmalade cat in Somerville, Massachusetts.