Cardslinger

Euless Jones disappeared four years ago while hot on the trail of an ancient treasure. His 12-year-old son, Jason 'Shuffle' Jones, has always believed that his father is alive, but he doesn't have proof until a salesman rolls into town, flogging a card game called Mythic that is supposedly sweeping the West. Mythic is identical to a game invented by Euless--just for the two of them. And so, in search of his father, Shuffle embarks on a madcap journey through the Old West, during which he is both helped and hindered by a colorful cast of fictional and historical figures. Velasco's debut deftly blends intriguing characters and an intricate plot into a good old-fashioned western adventure. The story occasionally gets bogged down in detailed descriptions of actual Mythic gameplay, but the game also provides excellent introductions to mythical heroes and legends from a variety of cultures. The focus on a card game is also a wonderful reminder that intelligence is more important than mere physical brawn, even in the Wild West.--Booklist

Reader, I'm warning you now: this book is bursting at the seams with so much action-packed fun, you better saddle up, grab the reins, and hold on tight. A pair of savvy heroes, a whole heaping of unscrupulous villains, and a story chock-full of action, adventure, and lore make Cardslinger a must-read for anyone!--Brooks Benjamin, author of My Seventh-Grade Life in Tights

Rowdy, rollicking, and riveting, Cardslinger is a fresh and original hold-on-to-your-hat adventure!--Dan Gemeinhart, author of Scar Island and Some Kind of Courage

The world's great myths and legendary tales of the American West collide as Shuffle Jones embarks on an epic quest full of action and mystery. A big adventure with a big heart, Cardslinger is aces!--Michael Northrop, New York Times bestselling author of the TombQuest series