Description:
The second book in New York Times bestselling author Marieke Nijkamp's immersive medieval fantasy trilogy! A shadowy conspiracy threatens the city, and two determined misfits must uncover the secret plot--and reveal their own secrets--in order to save everyone. For fans of B. B. Alston, Soman Chainani, and Tamora Pierce.
It's only been a few months since Princess Adelisa, who goes by Ash, returned to the city of Kestrel's Haven after her abduction by the treasonous group of nobles called the Larks. Ash's best friend, Splinter, is slowly advancing in her squire training and feeling more protective of Ash than ever.
But Splinter and Ash's work is not nearly done. Anyone could be a Lark, and it seems that everyone is hiding a secret. When the queen's spies learn that the Larks plan to disrupt the city's Harvest Festival, Splinter and Ash are determined to do their part to stop it. They'll face traitors, assassins, and a ticking clock to prevent everything from going up in flames.
Brief description: Marieke Nijkamp (she/they) is the author of the Splinter & Ash trilogy; Ink Girls, a middle grade graphic novel illustrated by Sylvia Bi, and its companion Clock Hands; and several books for young adults, which include #1 New York Times bestsellers, a critically acclaimed anthology, graphic novels, and comics. She studied philosophy and medieval history, and when she isn't writing, she loves to garden, roll dice, and daydream. Marieke Nijkamp lives and writes in Small Town, the Netherlands.
Review Quotes:
"In this second series entry, tweens fight to protect their realm and their queen from a serious threat. . . . Themes of identity, responsibility, loyalty, and privilege thread this thoughtful, character-driven fantasy." - Kirkus Reviews
"The various strands weave effortlessly into a surprisingly simple and seamless whole, showing Nijkamp's skill in creating a character-driven adventure in the lineage of Tamora Pierce's Tortall series, in which readers of many diverse identities can find themselves represented." - Horn Book