The Holy Stone — Jason W. Chan

Max has never felt like he belonged at school or in his family. But one day, he is whisked away to a supernatural world where he discovers the very features that make him unique help him survive and even to claim his birthright as the Emperor of Occultoria, the government of the Supernatural World.

With his wits, some magical abilities and some friends to assist him, Max must reunite all the rebellious parts of the strife-ridden Occultorian Empire to restore the balance of and keep the peace between the Natural and Supernatural Worlds.

Book 8 revolves around the discovery and control of the Holy Stone, a scared relic that grants a single wish to the bearer, but is also rumoured to be cursed.

The Grand Duke of Pyria, an independent realm not part of the Occultorian Empire, wants it in order to become Emperor himself. The Bishop of Magicka wants it to enrich himself. Duchess Elizabeth of Magicka wants it to make the Emperor fall in love with her daughter, so that Princess Sanchia would once again become the future Empress of Occultoria. And the Emperor wants it in order to reunite the whole Empire.

But in order to acquire it, Max is faced with a difficult dilemma: he must sacrifice a small number of innocent people for the greater good.

Is Emperor Max going to take the easy way out and make such a sacrifice? Or is there another way?

An inspirational story of growing up, belonging and believing in yourself, the Kid Emperor of Occultoria is a children's coming-of-age series that combines elements of mystery, adventure, fantasy, thrillers, romance, magic, enchantment and the supernatural.

Short novel length: 15,000 words