When fifteen-year-old Thaddeus Cane moves to the town of Superstition, he quickly realizes the place lives up to its name when he meets and falls in love with Teofil, the garden gnome next door. But Teofil isn’t the only magical being in Superstition, and Thaddeus will encounter witches, wizards, and even dragons as he embarks on a dangerous journey—and the adventure of a lifetime. Along the way, he’ll uncover family secrets and learn that there’s much more to him than he ever imagined.
Publisher’s Description:
Following the conclusion of his greatest adventure, Thaddeus Cane’s life is changing once again. He is finally reunited with his mother—and dealing with her dangerous new powers—and about to start the year at yet another new school. While he contends with making new friends and facing the school bully, Thaddeus’s boyfriend, garden gnome Teofil, spends his time locked in Leopold’s study, reading through the late wizard’s journals for any clues that might lead them to Lucian—Thaddeus’s murderous uncle—or finally give the Rhododendron family some answers about the fate of Teofil’s brother.
As his troubles at home and school mount, Thaddeus’s mood grows dark and he retreats from all those who have supported him in the past. Just when he thinks things can’t get any worse, the Bearagon returns to threaten not only Thaddeus and those he loves, but his new school acquaintances as well. This confrontation brings to light the last secrets from Thaddeus’s past, more than one shocking revelation—and more than one enemy.
Genre: Fantasy
Representation:
Gender:
Cis girls: Astrid Rhododendron (Garden gnome)
Cis boys: Thaddeus Cane, Teofil Rhododendron (species: Garden Gnome)
Sexuality:
Gay: Thaddeus Cane, Teofil Rhododendron
Heterosexual: Astrid Rhododendron (Garden gnome), Dulindir (elf)
Romantic Orientation:
Homoromantic: Thaddeus Cane, Teofil Rhododendron
Race/Ethnicity:
White: Thaddeus Cane
Location: Unspecified mountainous region of the US
Trigger Warnings: Teen angst and anger
Ownvoices: gay author writing gay characters
Ending: Happily Ever After