Ever since the Queen mysteriously disappeared and the King went mad five years ago, eleven-year-old Princess Charlie has lived a wild and mostly unsupervised life in the country of Quale—until now. With the discovery of an unfinished letter in the Queen’s handwriting, Charlie embarks on a quest to find her mother and save the kingdom from a revolution. With Tobias, the gardener’s boy, by her side, every step closer to the Queen pulls Charlie deeper into an entangling web of lies and secrets—as twisted as the dark castle—where nothing is as it seems.
Review
"Renner's plot is both complex and compelling."--Booklist "Smart writing that combines mystery, historical fantasy and a touch of steampunk...Readers will also delight in Charlie's transformation from hotheaded victim to shrewd leader--and friend."--Kirkus
"Charlie's transformation from scullery to rightful heir is an adventure not to be missed. Well written, well plotted, well done."--School Library Journal, starred review
"The shadowy passageways of a castle in ruin and an urban populace steeped in poverty and rebellion make for an ideal backdrop to the plot's many twists and turns."--Bulletin
About the Author
Ellen Renner was born in the United States, in the Ozarks Mountains in Missouri, and she now lives in a very old house in England with her husband, son, and cats. Visit her online at www.ellenrenner.com.
Description:
Ever since the Queen mysteriously disappeared and the King went mad five years ago,
eleven-year-old Princess Charlie has lived a wild and mostly unsupervised life in the
country of Quale—until now. With the discovery of an unfinished letter in the Queen’s
handwriting, Charlie embarks on a quest to find her mother and save the kingdom
from a revolution. With Tobias, the gardener’s boy, by her side, every step closer to the
Queen pulls Charlie deeper into an entangling web of lies and secrets—as twisted as
the dark castle—where nothing is as it seems.
Review
"Renner's plot is both complex and compelling."--Booklist "Smart writing that combines mystery, historical fantasy and a touch of steampunk...Readers will also delight in Charlie's transformation from hotheaded victim to shrewd leader--and friend."--Kirkus
"Charlie's transformation from scullery to rightful heir is an adventure not to be missed. Well written, well plotted, well done."--School Library Journal, starred review
"The shadowy passageways of a castle in ruin and an urban populace steeped in poverty and rebellion make for an ideal backdrop to the plot's many twists and turns."--Bulletin
About the Author
Ellen Renner was born in the United States, in the Ozarks Mountains in Missouri, and she now lives in a very old house in England with her husband, son, and cats. Visit her online at www.ellenrenner.com.