Synopses & Reviews
Tanya is no ordinary girl. She can see fairies. But not the fairies we imagine. Evil fairies who cast spells on her, rousing her from her sleep and propelling her out of bed. At wit's end with her daughter's inexplicable behavior, Tanya's mother sends her away to live with her grandmother at Elvesden Manor, a secluded countryside mansion on the outskirts of a peculiar Essex town.
There is plenty to explore, as long as Tanya stays away from Hangman's Wood- a vast stretch of forest, full of catacombs and notorious for people losing their lives. Fifty years ago a girl vanished in the woods, a girl Tanya's grandmother will not speak of. As Tanya learns more about this girl, she finds herself dangerously close to vanishing into the fairy realm forever.
Debut author Michelle Harrison weaves an intricate mystery into a beautiful and haunting fantasy that captures a rich world of fairy lore where only the color red can offer protection.
Review
* "First-time novelist Harrison writes with great assuredness, creating a seductive setting and memorable, fully developed characters."--Publishers Weekly, starred review
Review
* "An intriguing, exciting blend of fantasy and mystery...This truly absorbing page-turner is fresh and clever, and readers will be on the edge of their seats wondering if and how Tanya will outwit her nemeses."--School Library Journal, starred review
Review
"Harrison is an excellent storyteller whose command of language wonderfully matches the scenarios and characters she creates...Fantasy readers who are looking for the next fat book that's both a quick and compelling read will love this one."--Booklist
Review
"Fantasy fans will find the dizzying array of otherworldly creatures, each kind equipped with its own social hierarchies and mores, quite intriguing...[has a] swift pace, compelling characters (both human and otherwise), and web of carefully developed and cleanly resolved plots."--BCCB
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
Synopsis
Nothing is as it seems in this middle grade fantasy where a Queen has disappeared, a King has lost his mind, and a tomboy princess runs amok. When political unrest threatens her way of life, Princess Charlie must find her mother and save her kingdom amid dangers, lies, and secrets.
Synopsis
Ever since the Queen mysteriously disappeared and the King went mad five years ago, Princess Charlie has lived a wild and mostly unsupervised life in the country of Qualeand#8212;until now. With the discovery of a letter in the Queen's handwriting,and#160;Charlie embarks on aand#160;questand#160;to find her mother andand#160;save the kingdom from a revolution. However, her journey pullsand#160;Charlie deeper into an entangling web of lies and secretsand#8212;as twisted as the dark castleand#8212;where nothing is as it seems.
About the Author
Michelle Harrison is a British author and illustrator who lives in Oxford, England, and works for a children's publisher. This is her first novel.