The S.Q.U.A.D. — Melissa de la Cruz

Death Valley, California is not as bleak as it sounds. Although the town is situated in the middle of the desert, it is a lively place, with a community theater, a robust amateur softball league, and a tight-knight group of residents. But it is an unusual place one where strange things go bump in the night, and strange creatures with yellow eyes and sharp teeth are seen running across the stark landscape.

Because Death Valley is one of the eight places in the world that contains a portal to the Other World. Some call it the Underworld; other call it the Afterlife, Limbo, Tartarus (Norse), Kalichi (Indian), or Mictlan (Aztec).

Portals to the Other must always be defended by members of the S.Q.U.A.D. supernaturally qualified underage disciples-a group comprised of four young teens who represent equal forces of Light and Darkness.

Dark and Light must remain in balance, or the else the portal opens, allowing dark creatures from the Other World to enter. So when these monsters begin to appear in Death Valley, the members of S.Q.U.A.D. must bring their unique backgrounds together in order to save the world.