In 1347 England, fourteen-year-old Will is an orphan living in a monastery. While on an errand he finds an injured animal in the woods, only to discover the small, catlike creature isn’t an animal at all: it’s a hobgoblin. Will’s care for the hob—who takes on the name Brother Walter—not only inspires a wonderful friendship between them but also opens Will’s eyes to the magical world that coexists with the everyday one. Among the many secrets around him is one the monks themselves have been harboring: an angel is buried in a field nearby. When a leper and his pale, powerful companion turn up asking questions about the field, Will gets drawn deeper into a drama that involves warring factions of the fay. The ailing man has been cursed so that he can never die, and only the resurrection of the angel can end his painful life. Pat Walsh’s debut novel is a fresh, solid fantasy featuring an original plot and complex characters. While she leaves no loose ends in wrapping up this story, its conclusion hints at the promise of future outings for Will and others. (Ages 9–13)