Orson Scott Card

The Lost Gate Orson Scott Card

Danny North knew from early childhood that his family was different -- and that he was different from them. While his cousins were learning how to create the things that commoners called fairies, ghosts, golems, trolls, werewolves, and other such miracles that were the heritage of the North family, Danny worried that he would never show a talent. He grew up in an old house filled with dozens of cousins, aunts, and uncles, all ruled by his father. Their home, isolated in the mountains of western Virginia,holds many secrets, and many rules. There is a secret library with only a few dozen books, and Danny and his cousins are expected to become fluent in their strange language. While Danny's cousins are always free to create magic, they must never do it where outsiders might see. Unfortunately, secrets are kept from Danny as well. And that will lead to disaster.