Publication Date: 5 August 2021

The Blurb

Cordelia and her triplets Rosalind and Giles have lived safely in the castle at the centre of the forest all their lives, protected by the spells their mother has woven. The only time Cordelia feels truly free is when she turns into a dragonfly or a blackbird and can fly beyond the great stone walls. But then one day the outside world comes to them. Two rival dukes and their soldiers have come for the triplets – because whoever is the eldest is the heir to the throne.

But their mother knows that since the Raven Crown was broken, no one has been able to rule the kingdom of Corvenne and live, and she will not give up any of her children to that death sentence. When she refuses to reveal which child is the eldest, she is taken prisoner, and Cordelia and her brother and sister find themselves on the run in a dangerous new world. And as they set out across Corvenne to rescue their mother, Cordelia begins to see that there is a deep magic at work, driving her towards a destiny that could tear her family apart, take away her freedom forever or, just maybe, heal a kingdom devastated by a war that has raged for generations

The Review

An epic tale of magic, myth and mysteries, where family counts for all and nothing in a world where power is sought above all else.

Stephanie has created a fantasy world to lose yourself in. From the enchanted forest we first land in, to the soaring mountains, we can see, hear and feel the landscape we travel through with the triplets every step of the way.

Cordelia, Rosalind and Giles all have unique characters and abilities that blend to build a stronger trio than their strengths and balance their weaknesses. Cordelia is headstrong and independent, Rosalind is forthright and protective, and Giles adds gentleness and wit. I loved seeing the sibling squabbles as they faced trials and tribulations along their journey.

What it means to be family underpins the whole story, along with Cordelia’s connection with the land she lives in and the magic it contains. While a secret threatens to unravel the triplet’s relationship, the issues this brings up are dealt with carefully and allow for discussion beyond the book to build empathy around different family types and relationships.

The first in the series, I can’t wait to see wait awaits them next…

Great for fans of:

• Prisoner Of Ice And Snow by Ruth Lauren
• A Pinch Of Magic by Michelle Harrison
• The Maker Of Monsters by Lorraine Gregory

Huge thanks to Bloomsbury Children’s Books and ReadingZone for sending me a finished copy for review. Do make sure you check out all of the amazing reviews on ReadingZone.