The Finisher

The Finisher introduces Vega Jane, a tenacious young heroine in the isolated village of Wormwood, where leaving is forbidden and secrets abound. When a friend disappears into the perilous Quag, a dark forest teeming with monstrous creatures, Vega embarks on a dangerous quest to uncover the truth. She must decode hidden clues and confront powerful figures within her own community who are willing to kill to protect their lies. This thrilling fantasy adventure explores themes of bravery, justice, and the courage to question authority, making it an immersive read for middle-grade readers.

Why would Quentin Herms flee into the Quag? There was nothing in the Quag except certain death. Vega Jane has never left the village of Wormwood. But this isn’t unusual — nobody has ever left the village of Wormwood. At least not until Quentin Herms vanishes into the unknown. Vega knows Quentin didn’t just leave — he was chased. And he’s left behind a very dangerous trail of clues that only she can decode. The Quag is a dark forest filled with terrifying beasts and bloodthirsty Outliers. But just as deadly are the threats that exist within the walls of Wormwood. It is a place built on lies, where influential people are willing to kill to keep their secrets. Vega is determined to uncover the truth — but the closer she gets, the more she risks her life. With THE FINISHER, master storyteller David Baldacci conjures a thrilling, imaginative world where things are as wrong as wrong can be — and introduces us to an unforgettable heroine who must think fast, look close, and defy all odds in her fight to do what’s right.