Midnight Treasure
Piers Torday
Quercus

Tibor, a werewolf and Roza, a vampir who was transformed into an Alsatian, are best friends and have been since they were put in an orphanage from where Baron Ambrus adopted them. (The Baron intends that Roza should keep an eye on Tibor and guide him.)
Living in the Baron’s luxurious House of Gold, Tibor is eager to find out who his real parents were and where he was from. In the hope of discovering a clue he attempts to break into the safe when the Baron’s out hunting. While so doing they hear a sound and thinking their guardian is returning, run outside so they won’t be caught. They then discover the rider is a woman and they hear these words, ‘There’s a little spell I need to prepare before we arrive.’

Worried that the stranger could be conspiring against the Baron, they hurry back to warn him only to learn that he was expecting the woman. He later introduces her as Professor Kira Halim, a celebrated scientist; moreover she appears to know all about Tibor. The Professor asks Tibor if he knows of the Dark Lantern Society. She goes on to present him with a gift on the society’s behalf – it’s a small carving of a knight and the Professor is able to make it spin in the air. The Professor then explains that she’s a member of the Society and they are searching for a lost artefact. She informs Tibor that he possesses an exceptional gift that will help them retrieve the Midnight Treasure but only on Spectre Night. The Baron explains that if not found the Treasure will disappear for a whole year. As more is disclosed, Tibor becomes increasingly concerned about what is being asked of him.

Overcoming his initial reluctance, Timor agrees to help and a few days later, accompanied by the Professor and Roza, he sets forth. What a perilous quest it turns out to be. It’s difficult for Tibor to know who can be trusted as he and Rosa encounter bears with which they battle, vampirs and more as the clock keeps ticking. However this proves to be an amazing adventure that will change his life and Roza’s forever.

An absolutely fantastic, superbly structured read with awesome world-building and characters. I can hardly wait for the second Midnight Treasure book.