The Unexpected — Steve Elliott

Despite having misgivings about his ability to control his surroundings, David is gradually reconciling himself to the idea of having a surrogate family. Simone and Vance are settling into his life with disturbing ease, and David is beginning to look upon the two street orphans with a fatherly affection, especially with regard to the tiny and vulnerable Simone. But then something drastic happens. The magic book goes missing in mysterious circumstances, and a major manhunt is initiated in order to track it down before the new owner creates an atmosphere of chaos in the city. However, when the brazen thief is finally discovered, his motive for the theft comes as a major surprise to everyone. A further development occurs when David and his companions decide to team up with the robber in order to help in his quest. In doing so, they end up on an amazing world filled with wonders, along with a plethora of deadly creatures. Also, they find an extraordinary message, engraved on a cave wall, put there by a seemingly impossible author. Vance tentatively suggests an improbable solution to this message dilemma, but his solution is almost beyond belief. However, regardless of all the problems, their quest eventually reaches a very unusual but satisfactory conclusion, although the thief manages to add one more unexpected twist before it ends.