Author(s): Diana Wynne Jones

Science fiction & fantasy - children

Can the Wizard Derk and his family of human and griffin children save the world from the depradations of the evil Mr Chesney?

Querida, High Chancellor of the wizards' university, has received more than a million letters, from wizards, farmers, soldiers, elves, dragons and kings, all begging her to put a stop to Mr Chesney's Pilgrim Parties, groups of tourists from the next door world who descend once a year. The tourists' expectations - all the trappings of a fantasy land: Dark Lord, Evil Enchantress, Winged Minions, Wizard Guides, and all - are devastating the world and the inhabitants have had enough.

But Mr Chesney's orders are backed up by a very powerful demon, and Qerida can't say no. In desperation, she takes a thief, a priest and a wizard to consult the Oracles. The first person you see must be this year's Dark Lord, they are told. And the second must be Wizard Guide to the last tour. And unfortunately for the Wizard Derk and his son Blade, that's them.