ages 8-15 Katie is a regular 11-year-old girl with the typical problems of a fifth grader: a bully named Maryann McAllister who won't leave her alone, a little sister Emma who can drive her crazy, and parents who just don't seem to understand her. That is, until an incredible secret changes her life forever. The discovery of an ancient key hidden in the old dusty attic of Katie's house provides the promise of mystery and excitement she craves. When her dad dismisses it as worthless, she resolves to uncover the truth - even if no one knows. Late one night as her sister sleeps soundly, Katie...

There are things that exist only to torment and cause harm, things that are not of this physical realm. These beings reside only in a spiritual realm. This realm isn't apparent to us but surrounds us and affects us every second of our own existences. Such things seem to have had a particular interest in me throughout my life, for reasons unknown to me. They have been ever present, a constant dark cloud, a weight on my shoulders that makes life seem unbearable and living impossible.