The Kingdom of Almonds - (The Mirror Realm Cycle) by Ariel Kaplan (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

In the enchanting conclusion to the Mirror Realm Cycle, the fate of all three realms hangs in the balance as Toba, Naftaly, and their companions must settle the question of Luz once and for all. . .

Toba and Naftaly have stepped through the Gate of Luz into the mythic world of Aravoth, home to the Ziz, the bird of legend capable of raising the sea. Aravoth--the fabled third realm--is more dizzying and terrifying than Toba or Naftaly could have imagined. Nor had they expected to find someone already there, waiting for them.

After barely escaping the burning city of Zayit, Elena and the old woman have a new problem: Barsilay, heir of Luz, is being held for an exorbitant ransom by the paranoid Queen of P'ri Hadar. As Barsilay sits in his dark, demon-inhabited prison cell, he begins to realize the queen is guarding an ancient secret that might be the key to his release.

And the tyrant Tarses continues to close in on P'ri Hadar, wielding an army that spans the Mazik and mortal worlds and newly-powerful visions that reveal his most longed-for future--visions that he and Naftaly seem to share.

In this triumphant finale, the mirror realms must find their balance, or risk being lost altogether.

Review Quotes

Praise for The Mirror Realm Cycle:

"The plotting of this Jewish-inflected trilogy's middle volume is complex and almost defies summary. . . . the chase is thrilling, the worldbuilding is unique, and characters are an intriguingly gray-shaded bunch who must constantly weigh principle against expedience. The midpoint of a journey worth pursuing to the end." --Kirkus Reviews on The Republic of Salt

"Written with an eye for the mythic, a set of characters who have the virtues of their flaws, and a deft hand with a turn of phrase, The Republic of Salt is a worthy successor to The Pomegranate Gate." --Reactor Magazine on The Republic of Salt

"YA author Kaplan draws readers into a bewitching folkloric world in her enthralling adult debut . . . The worldbuilding is lush and exciting, and the dynamics between the leads charm. . . . This spells good things for the series to come." --Publishers Weekly on The Pomegranate Gate

"[A] strong novel with brilliant, lyrical writing, appealing to readers across the fantasy genre. And personally, I need the follow-up desperately." --Grimdark Magazine on The Pomegranate Gate

"Refreshing . . . A unique take on Jewish history and legend." --Kirkus Reviews on The Pomegranate Gate

"Fans of Naomi Novik will love this novel rich in history and magic." --BookBub on The Pomegranate Gate

"Wow, I loved it. It's mythic and human, breathtaking and special. I want to read everything Ariel Kaplan does. You'll break the rules and eat the fruit just so you can stay in this magical world for a little while longer." --C.L. Polk, Nebula Award-winning author of Even Though I Knew the End on The Pomegranate Gate

"The Pomegranate Gate is a spellbinding work of storytelling, teeming with rich mythology and intricate mirror worlds, court politics and adventure, warmth and wit and darkness and profoundly real characters who will stay with you long after you turn the last page. I loved everything about this book." --H.G. Parry, author of The Magician's Daughter

"An amazing, exciting book, full of Jewish lore, history, and enchantment!" --Veronica Schanoes, author of Burning Girls and Other Stories on The Pomegranate Gate

"The Pomegranate Gate is an unforgettable journey to a world lush with magic and imagination. Every page is unearthly and delightful in equal measure--I couldn't put it down." --Natasha Siegel, author of Solomon's Crown

"The sweeping Jewish epic fantasy I've been waiting for all my life." --Rebecca Fraimow, author of The Iron Children on The Pomegranate Gate

About the Author

Ariel Kaplan is the acclaimed author of books for teens and adults, including the Mirror Realm Cycle, Grendel's Guide to Love and War and We Regret to Inform You. She grew up outside Washington D.C. and has a B.A. in History and Religious Studies from the College of William and Mary. Visit her online at aekaplan.com.