The Dragon's Tooth (Ashtown Burials, #1)

Cyrus and Antigone Smith live a mundane life at a roadside motel until a mysterious guest arrives and dies, their home is destroyed, and their brother Daniel disappears. They are inducted into the Order of the Ashtown Burials, a secret society of explorers who guard ancient relics and 'trans-mortals' (unkillable criminals). The siblings must undergo rigorous training and solve a centuries-old mystery to find their brother and stop an ancient evil. SENSITIVE TOPICS: The book deals with the death of a parent (backstory) and the disappearance of a sibling. The approach is direct and gritty but grounded in a moral framework. While the author is known for a Christian worldview, the story itself is secular in its mythology, focusing on legendary history rather than religious dogma. EMOTIONAL ARC: The story begins with a sense of loss and displacement, building into an intense, high-stakes adventure. It moves from confusion and fear toward a hard-won sense of belonging and agency. IDEAL READER: A 12-year-old who loves mythology and 'training school' tropes but wants something more sophisticated and grounded than typical middle-grade fantasy. It suits a child who values sibling bonds and feels a heavy sense of responsibility. PARENT TRIGGER: The sudden, violent destruction of the children's home and the kidnapping of their older brother may be intense for sensitive readers. PARENT PREP: Parents should be aware of the 'trans-mortals,' which can be creepy. Reading the first few chapters together can help set the tone for the mystery. AGE EXPERIENCE: Younger readers (10) will focus on the cool gadgets and the adventure of the secret society. Older readers (13-14) will better appreciate the historical allusions and the weight of the siblings' personal sacrifices. DIFFERENTIATOR: Wilson blends contemporary grit with high-fantasy mythology in a way that feels uniquely 'lived-in' and tactile, avoiding the polished sheen of many modern fantasies.