AustLit

'The story is set in a Queensland country town, and a nearby hidden valley where time has stood still and Australian megafauna roam. The story contains ghosts, time travel, magic, and many adventures with these ancient animals. There are dinosaurs; like the Muttaburrasauras, and the winged Pterosauradon that the children learn to ride. A deadly fire dragon adds further danger to the mix, along with a wicked ex-member of the magical group, The Guardians of Nida that cares for the valley. Grundymere wants to take control of the valley to exploit it for financial gain. He starts out trying to do so by peaceful means, but in the end will stop at nothing - even threatening the life anyone who stands in his way. The story explores the personal growth of the lead character, headstrong and confident, fourteen-year-old, Meg Sealy, as she learns of her destiny; to assume her late grandmother's role and become the next leader of The Guardians of Nida. Along with her friends, and cousin Jaiden, Meg is thrust into an unknown and dangerous world where she becomes prime target for Grundymere, and her life is threatened on many occasions. The story follows developing relationships between them, and other members of the Guardians, as they fight to save the animals and the valley.' (Publication summary)

'Fourteen-year-old Meg Sealy, her friend Amanda, and her older cousin Jaiden, stumbled upon a secret valley where time stands still. The three friends were thrust into a dangerous world of magic, time travel, and creatures they believed extinct. They learnt that it is their destiny to use their new magic skills to join the fight to save the valley from an evil breakaway order bent on exploitation, led by the evil Grundymere. Realising that Meg will be a strong leader, he is determined to stop her from following in her grandmother's footsteps and becoming the next Grand Leader of the order that protects the valley, The Guardians of Nida. Meg fought for her life many times. Some of the villains were discovered and locked away, but a traitor remains in the valley, and is plotting against Meg. Grundymere is also still at large and is determined to stop Meg. Follow their journey as Meg strives to control her escalating magic powers, and she and her friends fight to discover the identity of the traitor in the valley and save the animals from extinction. The elders of the Order gather around her to keep Meg from the clutches of Grundymere. But their efforts are in vain. Can Meg escape the clutches of the evil Grundymere - not once but twice? Only time will tell.' (Publication summary)