在經歷了一個邪惡力量的悲劇事件後，Alexa和她的朋友Yipes被困在一個陌生的地方叫五石柱（The Five Stone Pillars）。每根岩石柱都有著自己的秘密...... 以及它的挑戰。Alexa必須不惜一切代價打敗它。
第五冊 《墜入雲霧》 “Into the Mist – The Prequel” 內容簡介
在沒有高牆之前，Thomas Warvold和他的兄弟Roland自由的旅行在愛麗昂之地（The Land of Elyon）上。接著他們發新了新的魔法、新的挑戰及新的魔怪，將改變愛麗昂之地（The Land of Elyon）的命運。
點評鑑賞
A good book is like a free vacation, a form of escape - The Dark Hills Divide fits that description.
Beth H. Hudson, Reference Librarian
中文翻譯：
一本好書，就像一次放飛的度假，一次逃離。《黑暗山丘》適合這樣的描述。
貝絲·哈德森 圖書館參考館員
An engaging story for readers of all ages.
Jackie George, Middle School Librarian
中文翻譯：
一個為全年齡段打造的引人入勝的故事。
傑基·喬治 中學圖書管理員
My daughter and I loved Alexa and the twists and turns in the tale of The Dark Hills Divide.
Michael Wenberg, Author of Elizabeth's Song, Beyond Words Publishing
中文翻譯：
我的女兒和我喜愛《黑暗山丘》中一波三折的故事。
米迦勒·溫伯格 《伊莉莎白之歌》作者，超越文字出版
From Booklist
Gr. 4-6. In the first book of the Land of Elyon trilogy, which was originally self-published in 2003 and became a sensation in the Pacific Northwest, 12-year-old Alexa Daley makes the annual trip with her father, the mayor of Lathbury, to Bridewell. She has always longed to see outside the wall surrounding the town, which had been built years earlier to keep out an unnamed evil. Indeed, Alexa does unravel mysteries outside the wall, which include a destructive threat to her world, as she discovers the magical power that is part of her destiny. Readers will easily identify with intrepid Alex, who tells her own story, and her tale is simple and exciting enough to appeal to both the usual fantasy crowd and children who may not otherwise be genre readers.
Told from the perspective of its smart, brave, and adventurous heroine, The Dark Hills Divide invites readers on a spectacular and mysterious quest that will appeal to boys, girls, and fans of both fiction and fantasy. Patrick Carman is a natural storyteller, and his delightful debut is full of mysterious plots, hidden passageways, and all manner of dastardly, hilarious, and noble characters. Perfect for fans of J.K. Rowling, Philip Pullman, and Cornelia Funke, The Dark Hills Divide is so compulsively readable that kids (and their parents) will be clamoring for the second book in the proposed trilogy, Beyond the Valley of Thorns, due in 2005.
It's hard to find good fantasy books after you have read J.K. Rowling's HARRY POTTER series, but I will admit, THE LAND OF ELYON BOOK 1: THE DARK HILLS DIVIDE, is a wonderful addition to the fantasy genre. Patrick Carman has created an intriguing, yet fun new story that will have the reader on the edge of his/her seat from the first page to the last. His wonderful imagination brings the story, scenarios, and characters to life, and truly makes the reader feel as if he/she is right there alongside Alexa as she sets out on her journey. Overall, this is a wonderful new book that will be eaten up by fantasy lovers of all ages.
Erika Sorocco Book Review Columnist for The Community Bugle Newspaper
