York: The Map of Stars - by Laura Ruby

About the Book

It was only a few days ago that Tess Biedermann, Theo Biedermann, and Jaime Cruz, along with a mysterious figure from the past, managed to survive an assault on the location of the latest clue in the Morningstarr cipher -- and, in the process, made a shocking discovery about their own connection to this one-hundred-sixty-year-old enigma. Now the friends are divided. Tess and Theo have no idea what the photo they found in Greenwood Cemetery means, but Jaime is convinced that they do, and that they've been keeping their own secrets from him. As the city continues to break around them, suddenly solving the greatest mystery of the modern world seems less important than saving their own friendship. The stakes of completing the cipher, however, have never been higher. Darnell Slant, real estate developer and owner of all the Morningstarr buildings, knows that they hold one last secret: a power that even the Morningstarrs themselves never revealed. The world has rested on a precarious balance of power for generations; now Slant and his shadowy business partners aim to unbalance it. It's up to Tess, Theo, and Jaime to uncover the Morningstarrs' final mystery in a desperate attempt to set things right. The world -- theirs, and possibly others -- depends on it.

Book Synopsis

The thrilling conclusion to
two-time National Book Award finalist Laura Ruby's epic adventure through the
streets of an alternate New York City.

It was only a few days ago that Tess Biedermann, Theo
Biedermann, and Jaime Cruz, along with a mysterious figure from the past,
managed to survive an assault on the location of the latest clue in the
Morningstarr cipher--and, in the process, made a shocking discovery about their
own connection to this one-hundred-sixty-year-old enigma.

Now the friends are divided. Tess and Theo have no idea what
the photo they found in Greenwood Cemetery means, but Jaime is convinced that
they do, and that they've been keeping their own secrets from him. As the city
continues to break around them, suddenly solving the greatest mystery of the
modern world seems less important than saving their own friendship.

The stakes of completing the cipher, however, have never
been higher. Darnell Slant, real estate developer and owner of all the Morningstarr
buildings, knows that they hold one last secret: a power that even the
Morningstarrs themselves never revealed. The world has rested on a precarious
balance of power for generations; now Slant and his shadowy business partners
aim to unbalance it.

It's up to Tess, Theo, and Jaime to uncover the
Morningstarrs' final mystery in a desperate attempt to set things right. The
world--theirs, and possibly others--depends on it.

Review Quotes

Praise for YORK: THE SHADOW CIPHER: "In this smart, immersive series starter, Ruby expertly juggles stunning plot choreography, realistic stakes in a captivating fantasy setting, well-wrought characters, and flashes of sharp cultural commentary." - ALA Booklist (starred review)
Praise for YORK: THE SHADOW CIPHER: "The pleasures of this novel go far beyond the crackling, breathless plot and the satisfaction of watching the puzzle fall into place. The book is shot through with humor, both laugh-out-loud and subtle." - New York Times Book Review
Praise for YORK: THE SHADOW CIPHER: "This first volume opens up an ever expanding sense of magic, culminating in a bittersweet ending that promises bigger things to come. The past informs the present as the review informs readers: don't let this one go." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)