Description: After the downfall of the monarchy, the former princess Soraya must work with her former enemies and confront her own prejudices to rebuild a city plagued by civil unrest.
Brief description:
Kathy MacMillan has been a librarian, American Sign Language interpreter, children's performer, teacher, storyteller, and writer. Her previous work includes educator- and parent-resource books about promoting literacy through signing with all children. Sword and Verse and its sequel, Dagger and Coin, were inspired by her research into ancient libraries and her interest in exploring the power of language. Kathy lives near Baltimore, Maryland. To learn more about Kathy, visit www.kathymacmillan.com.
Review Quotes:
Praise for Dagger and Coin: - ALA Booklist
"Soraya's compelling narration [is] as thrilling as the betrayals, murders, and desperate gambits propelling the plot. A fine balance of political intrigue, relationship drama, and thoughtful characterization." - Kirkus Reviews
"MacMillan has created a complex, nuanced world. Strong female characters taking the lead in a fast-paced plot will appeal to fans of fantasy, mythology, and work by Kristin Cashore." - School Library Journal
Praise for Sword and Verse: - Binnie Kirshenbaum
"I was completely enthralled by the fascinating and unique world. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough." - Franny Billingsley, award-winning author of Chime
"A tense, romantic fantasy epic about prejudice, political struggle, and the power of words, Sword and Verse kept me guessing at every turn. Kathy MacMillan is a writer to watch." - R.J. Anderson, Andre Norton Award-nominated author of ULTRAVIOLET R.J. Anderson, Andre Norton Award-nominated author of Ultraviolet
"Fans of Megan Whalen Turner will enjoy MacMillan's debut." - Publishers Weekly
"A thoughtful debut fantasy." - Kirkus Reviews
"MacMillan has created a believable world, complete with its own mythology. For voracious and dedicated fantasy readers." - School Library Journal
A coming-of-age novel about teens striving to learn who to trust, how to forgive, and how to move beyond their own personal needs. - Booklist Online
"MacMillan's love of learning, knowledge, and literacy shapes both plot and character development, while raising ethical questions with no easy answers. Beneath what appears to be a romantic fantasy, discerning readers will find complex, broader issues among the predictable comforts of the genre." - ALA Booklist
"This is a highly satisfying novel with an exciting conclusion. Filled with romance, political intrigue, and rebellion, this page-turner will be in high demand by fantasy lovers." - Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)
"Rich in politics, intrigue, and betrayal, Dagger and Coin is a complex feminist fantasy featuring a tough and prickly ex-princess that I couldn't help but adore." - Heidi Heilig, author of The Girl From Everywhere