In this eerie follow-up to Almond's SKELLIG we meet another group of characters struggling to make sense of some dark realities in their lives. Their complex journeys toward understanding are riddled with mystery, history, death, and magic.

Thirteen-year-old Kit Watson and his parents have just moved to the English mining town of Stoneygate, where they will comfort and care for Kit's recently widowed grandfather, a former miner who has lived in Stoneygate all his life. As the new kid at school, Kit seems to be a fresh target for the rough-looking John Askew. Askew quickly befriends Kit and invites him to join in an unusual after-school activity: a game called ""Death"" that a group of kids play in the abandoned mines. Players spin a knife to determine who will remain in the mine alone and ""die."" Some of the gang only pretend to sense things during the game. But when Kit takes his turn underground, he truly sees the ghosts of long-dead young miners. The experience inspires a series of mysterious, vivid dreams at night. Stranger, still, Kit's visions prove to be a bond not only with his now-ailing grandfather, but with Askew and other old mining families of Stoneygate.

Throughout his adventures, Kit confides in and finds support from his neighbor and friend Allie Keenan. Together, they discover more about John Askew's troubled life. And Kit comes to understand how his connection to the mining spirits has helped him secure his place in the world above-ground.

This novel may be a little more challenging than most, but you'll be well-rewarded by Almond's rich storytelling.

--- Reviewed by Shannon Maughan

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