Books published by publisher Olexi

After years of searching for someone brave enough, Tupper Meadowsweet finds her at Pennyflax & Quince. Tupper Meadowsweet is a young man by Flox reckoning, but he no longer fits in with his own people. Wild hair, stealthy grace, and foreign fashions make it obvious that he’s lived with Pred since boyhood. In his own quiet way, he’s been on the lookout for someone willing to follow him onto the legendary Moonlit Mountain. The last place he expected to find her was in his own hometown. Meanwhile, Master Freydolf faces the challenge of shaping his masterpiece while the Statuary’s close-knit community deals with new additions, cross-cultural courting traditions, magical meddling, mixed ancestry, and kidnapping. Excerpt: Aurelius’s eyebrows slowly arched. In a last ditch effort, he pressed into the girl’s personal space and grumpily said, “Boo.” Freydolf knew from experience that this tactic usually sent women and children screaming, but the lass folded her arms over her chest and eyed Aurelius skeptically. The sculptor begged, “Stop trying to frighten the child!” “Does she look frightened?” With a put-out expression, Aurelius demanded, “What’s wrong with her?” “Perhaps you’re losing your touch?” “Impossible. You may be considered a lesser evil, but I still possess the necessary charisma to send these simple folk skittering!” “That’s hardly something to be proud of,” Freydolf muttered, giving the young lady an apologetic nod.

Statues on the legendary Moonlit Mountain have a life of their own. Of all the world’s treasures, none are more valuable than stone from the Twelve. Children on all four continents are tested for affinity, for the mountains hold magic. But in the foothills of the Gray Mountain, no one remembers stone lore. The majestic Statuary is forgotten, as are the wonders that fill its galleries. Only rumors remain, and those are used to frighten children. For it’s said that a monster lives in the heights. Freydolf serves as the Gray Mountain’s Keeper. Exiled. Feared. Unwelcome. But necessity drives him into a Flox village to hire a boy to fetch water and tend fires. Tupper Meadowsweet isn’t the cleverest child, but he’s brave enough to follow his new master up top. In the Statuary, Tupper finds hints of faraway lands, diverse races, long histories, unique customs, and danger. Excerpt: (from Meadowsweet, Chapter One) “Hello, lambkin.” Fascinated by the boy’s unwavering gaze, Freydolf asked, “Aren’t you afraid of me?” “I am.” The big Pred blinked in surprise and asked, “Then why are you still here?” “Mother said to stay. And to look you in the eye.” Freydolf’s bemusement grew. “So you’re here because she told you to come, not because you want to work for me?” It took a while for the child to untangle the sentence, but once he did, he nodded. Lowering himself further, the sculptor sat on the ground. “You have nothing to fear from me, lambkin.” “That’s not what people say,” he replied bluntly, still not breaking eye contact. Freydolf had to smother a smile. “Aye, people do say otherwise.”

After years of searching for someone brave enough, Tupper Meadowsweet finds her at Pennyflax & Quince. Tupper Meadowsweet is now a young man by Flox reckoning, but he no longer fits in with his own people. Wild hair, stealthy grace, and foreign fashions make it obvious that he’s lived with Pred since boyhood. In his own quiet way, he’s been on the lookout for someone willing to follow him onto the legendary Moonlit Mountain. The last place he expected to find her was in his own hometown. Meanwhile, Master Freydolf faces the challenge of finally shaping his masterpiece, while the Statuary’s close-knit community deals with new additions, cross-cultural courting traditions, magical meddling, mixed ancestry, and kidnapping.

Every spring, Aurelius Harrow returns to the Statuary with tales from his travels. This year, he brings back more than rumors. Brutal, ruthless, ambitious—the Pred live up to their reputation as wolves of the world. When Old Master Platt named one of them as his successor, disgruntled potentials walked away from the Gray Mountain. And in the months and years to follow, journeymen and stone merchants alike give Morven a wide berth. Master Freydolf’s isolation might have been complete if it weren’t for Aurelius Harrow. For two years, Tupper Meadowsweet has kept his promise to be brave and do his best. But during the spring when he turns thirteen, Aurelius returns to the Statuary with something other than blocks of magical stone and gossipy tidbits. Master Freydolf must rely on Tupper more than ever as they spend a season dealing with runaways, star-crossed lovers, skittish villagers, and rumors of a thirteenth magical mountain. But the greatest mystery of all may be Tupper himself, for the boy’s affinity for stone defies explanation. Excerpt: (from Harrow, Chapter 3) Not long after Aurelius carelessly heaped their dishes in the sink for Tupper to wash, a rattle came from the direction of the courtyard. The merchant darted to the big double doors with impressive speed and was outside before Freydolf had closed his sketchbook. Moments later, he reappeared, hands clasped over his heart. “I hope you know that lad is a treasure beyond price!” With a slow blink, Frey answered, “Aye.” Hurrying over to grasp the other Pred by the shoulders, Aurelius exclaimed, “He is the uppermost of all underlings, a luminary among lackeys!” With a small shake to emphasize each accolade, he continued, “A superlative servant! A magnificent minion! A paragon among peons!” Chuckling over the man’s raptures, Freydolf asked, “What? Did he bring you a keg of spiced ale from Master Platt’s private cellars?” Momentarily distracted, Aurelius whispered, “Are there any left? That would be a find!” With a small tap, Tupper peeped around the edge of the door. “Are you helping, Aurelius? We’re ready.” “Aye!” the Pred sang out. “I am, and gladly!”

Every spring, Aurelius Harrow returns to the Statuary with tales from his travels. This year, he brings back more than rumors. Tupper Meadowsweet has kept his promise to be brave and do his best. But during the spring when he turns thirteen, Aurelius complicates life in the Statuary. Master Freydolf must rely on his young servant more than ever as they spend a season dealing with runaways, star-crossed lovers, skittish villagers, and rumors of a thirteenth magical mountain. Master-marked statues have a mind of their own, and Morven is looking to her future. Brothers are needed for back-up. Sisters have their say. And in their midst is a quiet little mystery—Tupper himself—for the lad’s affinity for stone defies explanation.

A magical master sculptor banished from his homeland hires the only Flox boy with the nubs to take his hand.In places where the Twelve Mountains are honored for their magic, children are tested for affinity. But the villages in Morven’s foothills no longer remember stone lore. The Flox have forgotten the Statuary and the wonders that fill its winding galleries. All that remains are stories to frighten children and gossip about a monster living in the heights.Necessity drives Freydolf to hire a Flox servant. Tupper Meadowsweet isn’t the cleverest child, but he’s brave enough to follow his Pred master onto Morven, where he finds hints of faraway lands, diverse races, unique customs, long histories ... and danger.