"Very strange things are afoot at Fablehaven. Someone or something has released a plague that transforms beings of light into creatures of darkness. Seth discovers the problem early, but as the infectious disease spreads, it becomes clear that the preserve cannot hold out for long. In dire need of help, the Sorensons question where to turn. The Sphinx has always given sound advice -- but is he a traitor? Inside the Quiet Box, Vanessa might have information...

The Southern Kingdom is in the grip of Emperor Seven and his war on both magic, books, and learning; even worse, a malignant darkness is rising and threatening everybody, including Brystal Evergreen, who has gathered allies among the fairies and other magical creatures to confront the threat, but she is also aware that the days of her life are slipping away, and if she does not find the Book of Sorcery in a few weeks she will die.

"Conner learns that the only place to fight the Masked Man's literary army is inside his own short stories. When the twins and their friends enter worlds crafted from Conner's imagination, the race begins to put an end to the Masked Man's reign of terror."