THE RIDDLE

Wishing Shelf Book Awards finalist badge in gold with laurel design.
3D rendering of book "The Pandora's Box" by L.S. Franco, showing front and spine view, with a fantasy-themed cover featuring dark and mystical imagery.

"This jam-packed, ... cross-genre tale proves consistently entertaining!"Kirkus Reviews
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Liam Hale gets a posthumous gift from his late mother, Bree, on his 14th birthday. It’s a holographic message that turns Liam’s life upside down: According to a projection of Bree, Liam is a demigod (as Bree had been), will attend a magic school, and will take over his mom’s role as keeper of the Seven Wonders (Earth and six other dimensions). He will have to be “initiated” before claiming the keeper’s throne within 90 days, or the resultant fight for the position will trigger an intergalactic war (“It’s too much power”). As if that weren’t enough pressure, Liam must also complete Bree’s mission of finding “the Pandora’s Box,” an artifact that will restore the balance between good and (currently rising) evil. Luckily, he’s got help: His allies include his best friend Ada, mage student Benji, and perpetually bickering witch-twins Zac and Zoe.

With mythological creatures, a magic school, and dimension-hopping adventures, Liam and his friends must uncover the secrets of The Pandora’s Box before darkness takes over.

💥 A high-stakes, action-packed fantasy with unforgettable, highly-detailed scenes!
🔥 Perfect for fans of a fast-paced adventure with complex world-building.
🌀 A masterfully crafted cast where every character takes their turn, shaping the story from multiple perspectives—this isn’t a passive read, it’s an experience for those who appreciate depth, complexity, and storytelling at its finest.
⚡ "A smashing final-act turn makes checking out the sequels a virtual necessity." – Kirkus Reviews

The Pandora’s Box

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Editorial Reviews:

"Beautifully written with vivid descriptions that fully immerse readers in its universe.” - Reader’s Favorite

"Franco does deliver vivid and memorable set pieces." – Kirkus Reviews

"The cast shines." – Kirkus Reviews

"[A] smashing final-act turn makes checking them out a virtual necessity." – Kirkus Reviews

Comprehensive backstories and intricately described personalities make for a diverse cast of well-developed characters." – US Review of Books

"A new and exciting Greek mythology novel for young adults. I recommend [it]." – Reedsy Discovery

"A must read." – Reedsy Discovery