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.
Read an excerpt.
View the book trailer.
For ages 10-110.
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What others are saying:
“What happens when an international best-selling crime novelist tries his hand at a youth fantasy? Well, in this case, success. Baldacci, best known for writing thrillers, also has a talent for creating magical worlds…he offers readers a smart, tough heroine worth rooting for.”
– Booklist, starred review
“A wildly fanciful and darkly intriguing tale of a girl forced to fight for her life as she investigates the secrets of her tiny community. …Consistently using smarts, cunning, and improvisation, Vega proves herself a strong, admirable heroine….”
– Publishers Weekly
“Baldacci’s world-building is vivid and exciting, drawing the reader effortlessly into the story. The characters are carefully and richly drawn, with a very sympathetic and appealing female protagonist in Vega Jane. Teen readers who cannot get enough of dystopias will embrace this one enthusiastically and eagerly await the sequel.”
– VOYA
“This story is one that will have you on the edge of your seat.”
– SF Revu
“Forget Katniss Everdeen, Vega Jane has stolen my heart. I’ve read several novels in the last few years with female protagonists and none of them are as amazing as Vega…Her adventures must be continued. To not do so would be a crime. This is the female protagonist I want my daughters to read and emulate.”
– SciFi Pulse
“The Finisher is reminiscent of The Giver with a dash of Pleasantville thrown in. There is also plenty of action, a gargantuan mystery, and enough monsters to fill a Cherry Hill, NJ event. My advice? Stick with the first one or two chapters and you will be rewarded.”
– Geeks of Doom
“Baldacci’s mastery of emotional tension and full-throttle action is on fine display. The quirky, lovable cast of characters will endear ‘The Finisher’ to readers of all ages.”
– Richmond Times-Dispatch
“This vividly described tale takes readers to an original fantasy world full of strange creatures, intriguing relationships, and long-lost secrets. Baldacci knows how to deliver thrills.”
– Brandon Mull, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Fablehaven series
“The Finisher is an enchanting romp through a fantastical world worthy of Rowling or Brooks. Baldacci proves that his pen can engage youth as well as adults.”
– Richard Paul Evans, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Michael Vey series
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David’s “Fast 5” on THE FINISHER
David’s “Fact 5” on advice for aspiring writers
David’s “Fast 5” on his writing space
David’s “Fast 5” things you might not know about him
David’s “Fast 5” on his writing process