Ash Princess

March 5, 2018
Sixteen-year-old Princess Theodosia is a royal prisoner in the Kaiser’s court within the fantasy setting of Astrea—where some have the power of magical abilities channeled through coveted gems. The victim of intense physical and mental abuse (she witnessed her mother being murdered), she believes her people will come to save her. But after being forced to kill a man she believes to be her last hope, the so-called Ash Princess realizes she’ll have to save herself. In a story driven by the strength of its traumatized yet resourceful protagonist, Sebastian weaves together political intrigue, theological questions, and the genocide of an entire race. The princess agrees to stay in her gilded cage to act as a spy for the resistance; her dual purpose provides a window into the complexities of human interaction and emotion, familial tensions, and the false public face that is sometimes required in politics and at court. Theodosia navigates a web of lies and half-truths, culminating in a climactic ending ripe for a sequel. Ages 12–up. Agent: Laura Biagi, Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency.

Saskia Maarleveld narrates this epic fantasy of conquest and revenge with just the right sense of grandeur. Theodosia, princess of Astrea, has been a captive since the Kalovaxians overran her country and murdered her mother. Though she appears broken and submissive, Theo is on the lookout for an opportunity to strike back. Maarleveld does a masterful job with Theo, who is by turns clever, charming, paralyzed by fear, and full of rage. The interplay of these feelings is enhanced by a narration that turns on a dime as the story dictates. She also creates a whole range of consistent accents to represent the people of many kingdoms who inhabit this elaborately constructed world. N.M. � AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine