The Caged Queen - (Iskari) by Kristen Ciccarelli (Hardcover)

About the Book

Lavish, romantic, and dotted with magic, the second book in Ciccarelli's lush Iskari series presents a new story set in the world of her acclaimed, bestselling debut, "The Last Namsara."

Book Synopsis

From Kristen Ciccarelli, New York Times bestselling author of the Crimson Moth duology (The Heartless Hunter and Rebel Witch), comes this lavish and romantic companion story set in the world of The Last Namsara. Perfect for fans of Kristin Cashore and Renee Ahdieh.

Once there were two sisters born with a bond so strong that it forged them together forever. Roa and Essie called it the hum. It was a magic they cherished--until the day a terrible accident took Essie's life and trapped her soul in this world.

Dax--the heir to Firgaard's throne--was responsible for the accident. Roa swore to hate him forever. But eight years later he returned, begging for her help. He was determined to dethrone his cruel father, under whose oppressive reign Roa's people had suffered.

Roa made him a deal: She'd give him the army he needed if he made her queen. Only as queen could she save her people from Firgaard's rule.

Then a chance arises to right every wrong--an opportunity for Roa to rid herself of this enemy king and rescue her beloved sister. During the Relinquishing, when the spirits of the dead are said to return, Roa discovers she can reclaim her sister for good.

All she has to do is kill the king.

From the Back Cover

Once there were two sisters born with a bond so strong that when they were angry, mirrors shattered, and when they were happy, flowers bloomed. Roa and Essie called this magic the hum, and it forged them together--until a terrible accident took Essie's life and trapped her decaying soul in this world.

Dax--the heir to Firgaard's throne--was responsible for the accident. Roa swore to hate him forever. But eight years later he came begging for her help, determined to dethrone his father, under whose oppressive reign Roa's people suffered. Roa made Dax a deal: She'd give him the army he needed if he made her queen. Because only as queen could she save her people from Firgaard's rule. Together, they won the war. But now Dax is proving to be an untrustworthy king, and Roa is struggling to stay ahead in Firgaard's treacherous political class.

When an opportunity arises to vanquish this enemy king and rescue her beloved sister, Roa must seize it. During the Reliquishing, when the spirits of the dead are said to return, she will have one chance to reclaim her sister for good.

All she has to do is kill the king.

Review Quotes

"This engaging tale of love and adventure... is a fantasy reminiscent of Emma Orczy's The Scarlet Pimpernel." -- Booklist

PRAISE FOR THE LAST NAMSARA: "Ciccarelli layers multiple story threads... seamlessly weaving them back as the plot moves along. The third-person narration allows full immersion in the world... The larger political implications of war, rebellion, and the years of rebuilding that must follow are all thoughtfully examined." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (starred review)

"This coming-of-age narrative shows the struggles of learning to trust one's own mind and heart. Fantasy YA readers will love this story of a girl and her dragons. They will be dying to know what happens on their next adventure." -- School Library Journal