A treasure hunt for millions of dollars' worth of rings made from precious gems is at the heart of a new book available just in time for holiday gifting. While the story is a fantasy, the jewelry and the chance to win them are real.

Described as a classically told story about dark and good fairies, an evil villain, spells, eclipses and a secret language, the book, "Secrets of the Alchemist Dar" (Treasure Trove, $39.99 hardback, $21.99 paperback), is written and published by Michael Stadther and is the illustrated sequel to the best-selling fantasy adventure "A Treasure's Trove."

The new book appeals to boys and girls-and adults-with its generous servings of action, suspense, romance and fairies. It also contains Stadther's signature character-the half-dog, half-moth "doths."

The real mystery of "Secrets of the Alchemist Dar" begins with clues concealed in the pages of the book-the world's largest public treasure hunt in history. Armchair adventurers will discover the treasure-hunting experience of a lifetime, and families will enjoy hours of reading together.

During the hunt launched by the author's previous book, "A Treasure's Trove," readers across the United States became obsessed with solving the book's puzzles. Some even began to refer to themselves as "trovers."

In some cases, families spread out across the nation while others, spanning several generations, worked together to try to solve the clues to the real treasure.

Working with celebrity jeweler Aaron Basha, the author has assembled an exclusive, custom-designed collection of 100 jeweled fairy rings valued together at more than $2 million-including one ring worth $1 million that contains an extremely rare and valuable red diamond.

According to Stadther, the clues concealed in the book's pages will give anyone, anywhere in the world who can read English, a chance to solve the clues and obtain one of the real Aaron Basha-designed rings. Anyone can look for clues in the book, solve the clues and, if he or she meets the requirements in the Official Rules printed in the book, be awarded a ring. And since the hunt will go on until all 100 rings are found, "Secrets of the Alchemist Dar" makes a great gift anytime.