Escape the Mask — David Ward

GRASSLAND UNDER ATTACK

CORIKO has never known a world outside of Grassland -- his dark cell in the heart of the mountain, the dangerous cages below them, and the beach where he is forced to gather baskets of shards every day. He does what he's told and tries not to anger the Spears, the cruel masked jailers. If he keeps quiet and obeys orders, then he can spend time with his cell-mate and best friend, Pippa, who is the only family he can remember.

But without warning, Coriko's orderly life as a slave begins to change. A pair of siblings who speak Coriko and Pippa's language arrive at the mountain, slowly enlarging their small family. Soon after, violent events shake up the sheltered world of Grassland, and Coriko must find the strength to grasp his freedom and the compassion to do what's right.

Full of heart-stopping action, Escape the Mask introduces Coriko, Pippa, and their friends -- and begins the journey of the Grassland Trilogy.