Industry Reviews
Summer 16 Kids Indie Next List Pick Farrey weaves a captivating and suspenseful tale of the power of female friendship and the pain of growing up. His masterful crafting of Jeniah's character pierces the pampered-princess stereotype, gifting readers with an intricate portrayal of a frightened yet tenacious dark-skinned girl for whom impending responsibility for an entire kingdom hardly feels like a fairy tale. Heart-rending and genuine, this magical coming-of-age story is not to be missed. "Kirkus Reviews, " starred review A thoughtful, atmospheric fairy tale that tackles the subtleties of ethics and emotions. "School Library Journal, "starred review This book is wise and wonderful. William Alexander, National Book Award-winning author of "Goblin Secrets" Part fairy tale, part seemingly utopian society with a dark underbelly, this is a gripping, compelling story that will leave readers mulling over the ethical questions raised. "Booklist " Mesmerizing . . . This is an adventure story, yes, but it is something more it is a story of the transformational power of curiosity, tenacity, and courage. Kelly Barnhill, author of "The Witch s Boy" The carse is a dark, foreboding place within a creepily blissful land. Like Aon and Jeniah, I felt myself drawn there . . . A compelling examination of what it means to be sad while finding unexpected happiness. Sarah Prineas, author of the "Magic Thief" series Delightful . . . Beyond the detailed worldbuilding and multilayered characterization, what I love about this book is the underlying theme of sacrifice. The protagonist is faced with a heavy burden and a seemingly impossible choice how she finds the courage to make the right decision is something that will stay with readers. This reminded me quite a bit of classic works by Ursula K. Le Guin and Madeleine L Engle. Kiera Parrott, Reviews Director, "Library Journal" Farrey blends subtle references to racial and sexual diversity with inventive fairy tale worldbuilding and enticing clues to the carse s mystery. The labyrinth of characters and dilemmas expands as the novel progresses, culminating in a rewarding ending that highlights the importance of embracing emotions, curiosity, and measured choices." "Publishers Weekly"" Summer 16 Kids Indie Next List Pick Farrey weaves a captivating and suspenseful tale of the power of female friendship and the pain of growing up. His masterful crafting of Jeniah's character pierces the pampered-princess stereotype, gifting readers with an intricate portrayal of a frightened yet tenacious dark-skinned girl for whom impending responsibility for an entire kingdom hardly feels like a fairy tale. Heart-rending and genuine, this magical coming-of-age story is not to be missed. Kirkus Reviews, starred review A thoughtful, atmospheric fairy tale that tackles the subtleties of ethics and emotions. School Library Journal, starred review This book is wise and wonderful. William Alexander, National Book Award-winning author of Goblin Secrets Part fairy tale, part seemingly utopian society with a dark underbelly, this is a gripping, compelling story that will leave readers mulling over the ethical questions raised. Booklist Mesmerizing . . . This is an adventure story, yes, but it is something more it is a story of the transformational power of curiosity, tenacity, and courage. Kelly Barnhill, author of The Witch s Boy The carse is a dark, foreboding place within a creepily blissful land. Like Aon and Jeniah, I felt myself drawn there . . . A compelling examination of what it means to be sad while finding unexpected happiness. Sarah Prineas, author of the Magic Thief series Delightful . . . Beyond the detailed worldbuilding and multilayered characterization, what I love about this book is the underlying theme of sacrifice. The protagonist is faced with a heavy burden and a seemingly impossible choice how she finds the courage to make the right decision is something that will stay with readers. This reminded me quite a bit of classic works by Ursula K. Le Guin and Madeleine L Engle. Kiera Parrott, Reviews Director, Library Journal Farrey blends subtle references to racial and sexual diversity with inventive fairy tale worldbuilding and enticing clues to the carse s mystery. The labyrinth of characters and dilemmas expands as the novel progresses, culminating in a rewarding ending that highlights the importance of embracing emotions, curiosity, and measured choices." Publishers Weekly"
