The tantalizing prequel to Avi's bestselling MIDNIGHT MAGIC is now in paperback!A plot to overthrow King Claudio is brewing in the Kingdom of Pergamontio.Scholarly Mangus the magician-along with his street--smart and faithful new servant boy, Fabrizio--have been marked as easy scapegoats for the traitor lurking within the king's court. Together, these two unlikely partners must gather clues to solve the mystery and prove their innocence before the stroke of midnight...or face death!Intricate plotting, surprise twists, and lively prose make for another suspenseful page-turner that stands alone or sets the stage for MIDNIGHT MAGIC!