The Inquisitor’s Tale by Adam Gidwitz

This is something really special and unexpected. Approximately the story of three child saints…but with zero religious overtones. And perhaps they aren’t saints at all? Also dragons, mad monks, and a final chase scene that is closer to a Michael Mann movie than a kid’s book. Gidwitz is an excellent writer and a joy to read out loud.

When I see this in a bookstore, I always face it out on the shelf.