This book is not for the faint at heart. Venice is sinking and scientists have been called to find a solution. Luckily for Teodora (or Teo as everyone calls her) her adoptive parents are scientists and she finally gets to visit Venice after much begging. The first thing that happens to her when she arrives, is she gets conked on the head by a book in a bookstore. Not just any book, but "The Keys to the Secret City." From that moment on, Venice becomes a whirlwind of prophecy, magical books, sinister plots, ghosts and mermaids; yes, mermaids. Teo, along with her newfound companion, Renzo, must figure out what is really causing Venice to sink and what their part is to stop it. Who is the Undrowned child? Who is the studious son? Find out who they are and you're part way to solving the ancient prophecy. "When Rats flee town on frightened paws When the books close under Lions claws Come-to-life are Black Death ancient spores Our old Foe's once more abroad."