Redbird

Jordy Nichols is eleven-almost-twelve. He's also an orphan, having no other family than his Uncle Carver. The pair have hazy, almost nonexistent memories of their past -- in fact, the only thing they know is that Uncle Carver adopted him as a baby, and the uncle simply cannot remember life without the boy. Jordy, whose birthday is on Christmas Day, receives incredible and over-the-top gifts every year from an unidentified benefactor -- and the boy and his uncle try in vain to research the source. This year, however, something changes. Jordy receives two plane tickets to Prague, a hotel room key, and a note that simply says ""Merry Christmas and Happiest of Birthdays, Jordy. This year differs greatly. We look forward to seeing you. With our whole hearts." Guided by a mysterious and almost-mythical Crimson Partridge, Jordy and Uncle Carver begin an adventure that leads them to a mysterious realm known only as "Olde World" and come face to face with amazing (and often frightening) legends as they journey toward their goal of discovering the truth behind Carver's past -- and Jordy's heritage