It's Time, Cassandra Klein
It's Caz Klein's thirteenth birthday and, as usual, the family is gathered to watch her blow out the candles. Her twin Aunts, Magda and Marta, her Oma, Aunt Katarina, Uncle William and her best friend from next door, Simon Gaterelli are all there to celebrate. Even her father, Gustave Klein, who is considered mad by the entire family, is present, under the ever-watchful eye of his psychiatrist, the sinister Dr Proteus. Only Caz's mother is absent. Caz has never met her mother - she disappeared the day she was born and has never been seen or spoken of since - she is a forbidden topic in the Klein household. All Caz knows is that she bears her mother's name: Cassandra. The candles are extinguished and mayhem ensues - until Gustave appears in the doorway with a gift for Caz - a gift that he says is from her mother.

Caz opens the present and inside is the ugliest necklace she has ever seen. There is also a beautifully crafted note that simply says - It's Time, Cassandra Klein. In disgust, Caz rejects her mother's gift but she finally succumbs and tries on the unusual piece of jewellery. When she does, it opens the portal to another world…

The book follows Caz's adventures in this other world - the land of Morphea, a place where the myths and legends of our world are a lived and continuous reality. Caz meets a Harpie, a Pegasus, the Graces and is injured by the evil witch Hecate and kidnapped by the Ferryman, Charon who has terrible plans for her. The Harpie, Rapture and the Graces must save Caz.

In the meantime, Dr Proteus reveals his true colours and his sinister plot to steal the necklace and lock Gus Klein away in a mental institution forever. Not only does Caz have to be rescued but she has to find a way to return home and save her father. But Caz is in her mother's world now and her mother is so close, and Caz's longing to find her so very strong . . . time is running out for Caz - what will she decide?