Curio

Grey Haward has always detested the Chemists, the magicians-come-scientists who rule her small, closed-off western town. She has tried to stay unnoticed---or as unnoticed as a tall, strong girl can in a town of diminutive, underdeveloped citizens. Then her best friend, Whit, is caught by the Chemists' enforcers and suddenly risk taking is the only choice she has.After retreating to her grandfather's shop, Grey finds herself cornered. And when she accidentally touches the old curio cabinet in the back of the store, she is whisked to a hidden world where porcelain and clockwork people are real. . . and where Grey may be able to find a key that could save Whit's life and end the Chemists' dark rule forever. Recommended for ages 15 years and older.