Cover

A MESSAGE FROM CHICKEN HOUSE

It can’t really be the final book, can it? Throughout this incredible series, I’ve been banjaxed by laughter, pummelled into tears, and worried by everything that could – and does – go hilariously wrong for mortal boy Elliot and his divine friends. But this fun epic of a boy and his Gods is also a story of family and love and right and wrong and death and life and justice and fairness and – oh, well it’s about everything. And I love it! This is the best book yet (although I say that every time) and now I’m going back to book one to start all over again. You should too (only after reading this one, obviously).

And guess what? Maz Evans is now writing something new . . . CAN’T WAIT!!!!

BARRY CUNNINGHAM

Publisher

Chicken House

PS There’s a really useful WHAT’S WHAT here!

Title Page

For my Zach

Who is just like Elliot. A true and brilliant hero.

Your story will always be the greatest one I have created. I love watching you write it.

It’s real love. Use the flush.

Also by Maz Evans

Who Let the Gods Out?

Simply the Quest

Beyond the Odyssey

Daily Argus

Daily Argus

(Limited Edition)

The great Daily Argus has taken a new role

(And so this is scribbled on unquilted loo roll)

We’ve gone underground in more senses than one

We’re stuck down in Tartarus, which isn’t much fun

But we are devoted to bringing you news

(And thus there’s no bog roll in both the gents’ loos)

The Daemon of Death is preparing for war

With all Elementals to settle his score

The young mortal child will give him the stones

The price? His mother the Afterlife owns

There’s still one more gem that the boy must acquire

The Fire Stone, forged from a gleaming sapphire

If the boy can withstand a trial by flame

His late mother’s soul is the prize he will claim

The Daemon has sworn that this time he won’t trick ’im

But the kid could end up like a barbecued chicken

If he lives, for the mortals it ain’t such good news

(A bit like for us if we need number twos)

It comes down to this – and it brings us no joy:

The fate of the world rests on one mortal boy

1. Hell or High Water

1. Hell or High Water

‘You have got to be kidding me.’

Elliot Hooper let out a deep sigh. Another way to die horribly. It must be Friday.

‘Nope,’ grinned Hypnos, Daemon of Sleep. ‘Welcome to the River Phlegethon! All you have to do is dive in and grab the Fire Stone! Simples! But caution: this water is h-h-hot!’