'It doesn't matter what I say, because rather than taking any praise to heart, I know she'll only be listening to my speech for grammatical errors.' 'I've been asked to say a few words about Mrs. Special attention and compliments from her colleagues always made her uncomfortable, and tonight it was just getting started. She smiled and waved at the guests, but secretly she wished she had never agreed to the gathering. Peters, who was seated at the front of the room beside Dr. Her name was followed by a warm round of applause. As you know, we're here to celebrate one of the finest educators Willow Crest Unified School District has ever had the privilege of employing, Mrs. 'May I have your attention please?' he said into a microphone. The newly appointed district superintendent tapped his champagne glass with a spoon and the hall became quiet. However, as the guest of honor looked around at all the long faces, the occasion seemed more like a funeral than a celebration. The retirement party was one of the classiest gatherings any of them had ever been to.

Teachers, counselors, janitors, lunch ladies, and former students showed up in droves to say good-bye and wish the principal well. Each place setting had golden plates and more silverware than the guests knew what to do with. The tables were dressed with lacy tablecloths, floral centerpieces, and battery-operated candles. The community banquet hall was decorated so elegantly, there wasn't a trace of Senior Bingo from the night before. Willow Crest Unified School District spared no expense celebrating the retirement of a beloved principal. Meanwhile, an even more dangerous plan is brewing–one that could change the fates of both the fairy-tale world and the Otherworld forever.Ĭonner’s tales come alive in the thrilling fifth adventure in the #1 New York Times bestselling Land of Stories series.

With his sinister plan finally in motion, he is eager to destroy the families and take his place as emperor.Īlex and Conner know they are no match against the Masked Man’s legion of villains, but they realize that they may be in possession of the greatest weapon of all: their own imaginations! So begins the twins’ journey into Conner’s very own stories to gather an army of pirates, cyborgs, superheroes, and mummies as they band together for the ultimate fight against the Masked Man. The Masked Man has captured all the royal families from the Land of Stories with the help of his army of literature’s greatest villains, including the Wicked Witch of the West, the Queen of Hearts, and Captain Hook. The fifth book in Chris Colfer’s #1 New York Times bestselling series The Land of Stories!

An Author's Odyssey by Chris Colfer