The Finisher (Vega Jane Series #1)

by David Baldacci

Overview

The #1 New York Times bestselling fantasy novel for all ages by master storyteller David Baldacci — now in paperback!

SHE WILL NOT BREAKVega Jane was always told no one could leave the town of Wormwood. She was told there was nothing outside but a forest filled with danger and death. And she always believed it - until the night she saw Quentin Herms run away.Vega knows Quentin didn't just leave - he was chased. And he left behind a trail of clues that point to a dark conspiracy at the heart of Wormwood. To follow the clues will attract the attention of influential people willing to kill to keep their secrets. If Vega wants to stay safe, she just needs to keep her head down and her mouth shut. There's only one problem - Vega Jane never walks away from a fight.Master storyteller David Baldacci introduces an unforgettable heroine who must think fast, hit hard, and defy all odds to uncover the truth.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780545652261
Publisher:	Scholastic, Inc.
Publication date:	03/03/2015
Series:	Vega Jane Series , #1
Pages:	512
Sales rank:	59,397
Product dimensions:	5.25(w) x 8.00(h) x 1.50(d)
Age Range:	10 - 14 Years

About the Author

David Baldacci is a global #1 bestselling author. His books are published in over 45 languages and in more than 80 countries; over 110 million copies are in print. His works have been adapted for both feature film and television. He is also the cofounder, along with his wife, of the Wish You Well Foundation, which supports literacy efforts across America. David and his family live in Virginia.

Hometown:

Northern Virginia

Date of Birth:

August 5, 1960

Place of Birth:

Richmond, VIrginia

Education:

B.A. in Political Science, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1982; J.D., University of Virginia, 1986

Website:

http://www.david-baldacci.com/

Editorial Reviews

"This vividly described tale takes readers to an original fantasy world full of strange creatures, intriguing relationships, and long-lost secrets. Baldacci knows how to deliver thrills." — Brandon Mull, #1 NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author of the Fablehaven series"THE FINISHER is an enchanting romp through a fantastical world worthy of Rowling or Brooks. Baldacci proves that his pen can engage youth as well as adults." - Richard Paul Evans, #1 NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author of the Michael Vey series"Vega Jane has stolen my heart. I've read several novels in the last few years with female protagonists and none of them are as amazing as Vega. . . . . Her adventures must be continued. To not do so would be a crime. This is the female protagonist I want my daughters to read and emulate." - SciFi Pulse"What happens when an international best-selling crime novelist tries his hand at a youth fantasy? Well, in this case, success." — BOOKLIST, starred review"Best known for his adult crime novels, Baldacci makes a detour into middle-grade with this wildly fanciful and darkly intriguing tale of a girl forced to fight for her life as she investigates the secrets of her tiny community." — PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

From the Publisher

01/20/2014
Best known for his adult crime novels, Baldacci makes a detour into middle-grade with this wildly fanciful and darkly intriguing tale of a girl forced to fight for her life as she investigates the secrets of her tiny community. Fourteen-year-old Vega Jane works as a “Finisher,” creating goods she’ll never be able to afford and leading a hardscrabble life with her little brother. Like all other “Wugmorts,” they have never left the town of Wormwood, trapped there by the deadly Quag surrounding it. When Vega discovers a map leading through the Quag, she suspects there’s more to Wormwood than believed. Consistently using smarts, cunning, and improvisation, Vega proves herself a strong, admirable heroine as she’s thrown through time, uncovers lies and mysteries, and takes possession of magical artifacts. Her narration blends Wugmort slang with oddly formal speech and thought patterns, helping shape an enigmatic setting filled with unfamiliar terms, bizarre creatures, and memorable characters, as Baldacci pulls in elements of fantasy, science fiction, and myth. A cliffhanger ending leaves many explanations for future installments. Ages 10–14. Agent: Aaron Priest, Aaron M. Priest Literary Agency. (Mar.)

Publishers Weekly

In Baldacci's first fantasy audiobook, Vega Jane, a “Wug” from Wormwood, has sick parents and a younger brother to look out for. Narrator Nicola Barber’s posh accent and sibilant voice make her an unusual choice for a scrappy, rough-around-the-edges heroine. When one of her only friends disappears, Vega learns her home is full of secrets, and this knowledge places her in great danger. Barber performs Vega using a childlike, wistful voice, although the character is written as a teenager who is literally fighting for her life. However, when narrating action scenes or performing male characters, Barber’s voice delivers forceful power. Some of these choices can be distracting to listeners, but fantasy fans, and Baldacci’s avid readers, will persevere. G.D. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine

APRIL 2014 - AudioFile