Stain - by A G Howard (Paperback)

About the Book

Lyra--a princess incapable of speech or sound--is cast out of her kingdom of daylight by her wicked aunt. A witch saves her life, steals her memories, and raises her in an enchanted forest ... disguised as a boy known only as Stain. Meanwhile, in Lyra's rival kingdom, the prince of thorns and night is dying, and the only way for him to break his curse is to wed the princess of daylight--for she is his true equal. As Lyra rediscovers her identity, an impostor princess prepares to steal her betrothed prince and her crown. To win back her kingdom, save the prince, and make peace with the land of the night, Lyra must be loud enough to be heard without a voice, and strong enough to pass a series of tests--ultimately proving she's everything a traditional princess is not.

Book Synopsis

A princess must win back her kingdom, save a prince, and restore peace in this fantasy by the #1 New York Times-bestselling author of the Splintered series.

This lush gothic fantasy inspired by "The Princess and the Pea" features rival kingdoms, cursed royalty, enchanted forests, and a heroine who proves true strength requires neither a crown nor a voice.

After Lyra--a princess incapable of speech or sound--is cast out of her kingdom of daylight by her wicked aunt, a witch saves her life, steals her memories, and raises her in an enchanted forest . . . disguised as a boy known only as Stain. Meanwhile, in Lyra's rival kingdom, the prince of thorns and night is dying, and the only way for him to break his curse is to wed the princess of daylight--for she is his true equal.

As Lyra finds her way back to her identity, an imposter princess prepares to steal her betrothed prince and her crown. To win back her kingdom, save the prince, and make peace with the land of the night, Lyra must be loud enough to be heard without a voice, and strong enough to pass a series of tests--ultimately proving she's everything a traditional princess is not.

"A decadent fantasy anchored in childhood delights with vibrantly detailed writing and brilliantly theatrical subplots." --Kirkus Reviews

"An emotionally complex tale of fate, inner beauty, and found family that illustrates the strength of love born from friendship." --Publishers Weekly

Review Quotes

"A decadent fantasy anchored in childhood delights with vibrantly detailed writing and brilliantly theatrical subplots."-- "Kirkus Reviews"

"An emotionally complex tale of fate, inner beauty, and found family that illustrates the strength of love born from friendship."-- "Publishers Weekly"

"Howard's latest stand-alone fantasy is a sensuous reimagining set in a distinctly Gothic world; perfect for fans of the author and readers seeking darker retellings."-- "School Library Journal"

"The mash-up of fairy tale themes is sure to hook genre fans."-- "Booklist"

About the Author

A.G. Howard is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the acclaimed Splintered series, a darkly imaginative reimagining of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, as well as RoseBlood, inspired by The Phantom of the Opera, and Stain, her lush fantasy inspired by classic fairy tales. Known for blending gothic atmosphere, romance, and richly layered fantasy worlds, Howard has earned a devoted international readership among fans of fairy-tale retellings and dark fantasy. She lives in Amarillo, Texas, where she continues to create magical stories filled with unforgettable heroines, enchanted realms, and unexpected twists.