In the young adult novel Secret Circles, F. Paul Wilson continues the story of the young Jack as he lays the groundwork for the Repairman that he will become. In the first of this trilogy –– Secret Histories –– Wilson explored Jack’s teenage friendship with Weezy and Eddie Connell and how they become acquainted with Ernst Drexler, “actuator” for the Ancient Septimus Fraternal Order. Knowing this background illuminated the events that occurred in Ground Zero, when we saw these people converging again as adults. (The last book in this young adult trilogy, Secret Vengeance, is currently scheduled for publication by Gauntlet Press in December, 2010.)

Perhaps the events of Secret Circles will likewise inform what transpires in the next Repairman Jack book, Fatal Error (publication set for June/July, 2010). Regardless, before it is finished, this tale for younger readers will grab them by the throats, shake them without mercy, then leave them limp and trembling by the time the story is told.

The target audience will love it…

In Secret Circles, Jack, his female friend Weezy, and her brother Eddie venture once more into the Pine Barrens, an almost mystical realm where all manner of odd events can –– and do –– occur. Weezy is obsessed with the mysterious black pyramid that was stolen from her at the end of Secret Histories. Her relentless focus on retrieving what she discovered –– and thereby proving that she is not crazy –– drives one of the major plot lines in Secret Circles. She is convinced that Drexler has hidden her trophy in the seemingly impregnable realm of the Lodge that he guards so closely. As Weezy’s best friend, Jack is –– despite his better judgment –– drawn into this dangerous quest.

Circles, of course, seamlessly connect some things while simultaneously separating others. This dual theme of ruthless separation and unavoidable association runs throughout Secret Circles. Before Jack and Weezy are finished, they will become immersed in a chain of events that drags them in directions they would prefer not to go. But despite the perils they face from the sheltered secrets of the Barrens and of Drexler’s Lodge, the worst secrets are those that are hidden in plain sight.