The Nathan Chronicles: Book One: Children of the Mountain

The Nathan Chronicles is a tragic tale of the death of kings. Christopher, a modern day Hispanic boy, finds himself in a strange and dangerous world, a world of children fighting a terrifying enemy: the Melak. Christopher is befriended by the ruling prince, Mikhail, who makes him his captain. Mikhail is killed by his half-mad younger brother who is jealous of Christopher's closeness to the prince. As a result of the assassination Christopher is crowned king and marries Mikhail's sister, Mariam. In a costly batter the Melak are destroyed; but Christopher loses his cherished friends and begins a slow descent into madness.