Bowditch used the sundial on himself and Radar. In Lilimar, there is a magical sundial that can reverse the aging process. Empis is home to the city of Lilimar, which was once beautiful but fell under the control of an evil being named Flight Killer, who in turn is controlled by a creature named Gogmagog. This well is a portal to another reality called Empis, a strange and wonderful world where two moons rise in the sky. He leaves behind a taped message for Charlie, explaining that his shed contains “the well of the worlds,” (185). Shortly after being released from the hospital, Mr. Bowditch asks Charlie to open a safe in his bedroom, revealing a massive stash of gold pellets. He forms a close bond with Radar, who is growing frail and ill in her old age. While his neighbor recovers, Charlie tends to Radar and the house at 1 Sycamore Street, occasionally noticing odd noises coming from a gardening shed in the yard. Bowditch reveals himself to be a strange and cagey person whose odd anecdotes remind Charlie of old fairy tales. Bowditch grows to trust Charlie, putting him in charge of his old house and dog. Bowditch and befriends his elderly German shepherd, Radar. Bowditch lying injured on his front porch. One day when he is 17, Charlie finds his neighbor Mr. Charlie is overjoyed and vows to fulfill his end of the bargain. Shortly afterward, his father begins attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and recovers from his addiction. One night, a desperate Charlie prays for a miracle, promising to do something good in return. Charlie’s father has an alcohol addiction, and Charlie must take care of him for several years despite being a child. In the small town of Sentry’s Rest, Charlie Reade lives alone with his father after his mother’s death in a tragic accident.

He warns readers that the tale will be hard to believe. Speaking from the future, protagonist Charlie Reade narrates a story from 2013, the year he turned 17.

This guide refers to the 2022 Scribner hardcover version of the novel.

Night soldiers books in order