The Gaze of Gorgon... Book II,
From the Caz Klein Series
The
Gaze of Gorgon It is the last day of school before
the Christmas Holidays and Caz has incurred the wrath of the nasty
Deputy Principal, Miss Snodgrass, and been given detention. Caz
dared to argue with her about the relative merits of Harpies.
Miss Snodgrass briefly leaves the schoolroom where Caz is resentfully
copying out the labours of Hercules when Simon, who has been searching
for Caz, finds his friend.
Annoyed with Caz for being so stupid as to
get a detention on the last day, Simon argues with her and a fight
ensues. Miss Snodgrass arrives to break it up, but not before
Caz inadvertently activates her necklace and drags Simon with
her into fantastical world of Morphea.
Caz and Simon meet up with Rapture, the Harpie,
and find out that the dreaded Gorgon, Medusa, has been resurrected
by the three-faced evil Dryad, Hecate. Together they are on a
rampage, turning everything into stone. Simon has an encounter
with the Gorgon and is transformed into a statue. Against great
odds, Caz's mother, Cassandra, appears and tells her daughter
that she has thirty days in which to help Simon or he will remain
stone forever. As Cassandra tries to reveal what Caz must do,
she is consumed by a dark shadow - Hecate.
The shifting geography of Morphea makes the
quest for Simon's remedy incredibly difficult. As does Hecate's
relentless pursuit. Soon it becomes evident that Hecate is after
more than Caz or the necklace - Hecate has something far more
diabolical in mind.
But Caz cannot dwell on Hecate's plans -
her task is urgent. If she doesn't manage to brew the elixir and
give it to Simon within thirty days of the Gorgon looking at him
- he will remain a statue forever.
All the while, Cassandra is trapped
on her island prison and must merely observe as her daughter tries
to outwit Hecate. But Cassandra has other problems. If she doesn't
work out how to make Atlantis rise soon, not only will the magical
isle drown, Morphea itself will cease to exist.
So, for all of them, time is running
out...
An excerpt from THE GAZE OF GORGON:
"Gus found his eyes drawn
to the words that recreated that awful moment .
A chill wind blew over the
area, causing the grass to roll like a wave and the trees around me
to shiver. Her gown lifted and danced around her still frame. She
ignored it, intent on her task. Her voice continued. At first her
words were fierce and angry but then they became gentle and coaxing,
soft whispers on the icy breeze, tickling my senses. I found myself
lulled by her tone and seduced by her tender call. I was about to
step towards her, reveal my presence when, suddenly, the earth began
to bubble and churn. I froze. Slowly, something rose, compelled, through
the layers of soil. I watched in horror as the mound expanded and
then erupted as dirt fell away from a form that, bidden, emerged into
the black night.
Online Feature: Read
Caz's Diary! ...December 25th. Christmas. I thought
it was supposed to be a happy time. Dr Proteus came over and was saying
stupid things and pretending I'm not here. He’d only been in the door
a minute when he shoved this big needle in dad’s arm which made him
fall asleep for most of the day, not that I noticed any difference. I had
some cool presents from Santa... Click here to read more
of Caz's Diary!!
More From the Caz Klein Series
It's Time, Casandra Klein
It's Caz Klein's thirteenth birthday and, as usual, the family is gathered to watch her blow out the candles. Even her father, Gustave Klein, who is considered mad by the entire family, is present...
The Book of Night
Ten long months have passed since Caz last went to Morphea and much has happened. Her father, Gus, is mentally deteriorating. Trying to put aside her worries, Caz determines to celebrate Halloween with her friend Simon.
The Kurs of Atlantis
Caz and Simon embark on their final and most dangerous quest yet, sailing to the Borders of Imagination to try and find the lost city of Atlantis. As they prepare to leave, the Castle of Sangreal is attacked, throwing their plans into disarray.
