Tamar Hela is an editor, writer, and teacher from California. From the age of ten, many of her teachers encouraged her to pursue a career in writing fiction. Having a knack for words and loving the art of storytelling, she loves creating new worlds for readers. When she’s not writing, drinking coffee, or traveling somewhere cool, she can be found curled up with a good book. Listen to her live interview on By the Fireplace.

Six teenagers from Northern California are assigned a group project for their sophomore English class. Little do they know, this project will literally take them on a journey out of this world. Cantelia appears much like Earth, until the teens realize magic is as plentiful as the danger surrounding them. A dark and evil ruler has placed a curse on the tribal people of Sikuku Island—the same island where the teens have been transported. Now, they must help the tribal people break the curse if they ever want to see their own planet again. Alex and her companions quickly learn that there is so much more beyond their comfortable lives in Pollock Pines and its legendary Spirit Lake.