In the first installment of this epic adventure series, young Stanley Pargo realizes he’s forgotten more than just his home when he wakes up alone and lost at sea. His rations are dwindling, and with no memory to guide him, Stanley loses all hope of finding his family until he meets a talking crane who knows far more about Stanley’s peculiar past than he’s willing to reveal.
With the bird’s help, Stanley reaches land and takes shelter in a dark tower that stands as crooked as the man who built it. The man - a kind but blundering professor named Quibbie - befriends Stanley, but the boy soon suspects his new friend might also be keeping secrets of his own.
Attempting to unravel these mysteries, Stanley ventures into the treacherous forest behind Quibbie’s estate and discovers a terrible monster that's been hunting Stanley for reasons he must uncover if he hopes to piece together his broken past and find his missing home.
