The Winter Duke

(Hardback)

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Description

Age range 14+

She survived the curse. Now she must survive the throne.

All Ekata wants is to stay alive and the chance to prove herself as a scholar. Once Ekata's brotheris finally named heir to the dukedom of Kylma Above, there will be nothing to keep her at home withher murderous family.

Not her books or her experiments, not her family's icy castle atop a frozen lake, not even thetantalisingly close Kylma Below, a mesmerising underwater kingdom that provides her family withmagic. But just as escape is within reach, her parents and twelve siblings fall under a strangesleeping sickness, and no one can find a cure.

In the space of a single night, Ekata inherits the title of duke, her brother's captivating warrior bride,and ever-encroaching challengers from without and within her ministry. Nothing has preparedEkata for diplomacy, for war, for love...or for a crown she has never wanted.If Kylma Above is to survive, Ekata must seize her family's magic and power. And if Ekata is tosurvive, she must quickly decide how she will wield them both.

'The intrigue begins unfolding immediately and draws readers through to the lastpage....Fresh and filled with magic and personality. An enchanting queer fairy tale.' Kirkus Reviews

'A feminist fantasy fraught with tension and political intrigue....Escalating stakes andan adrenaline-fueled pace keep the pages turning, while sharply drawncharacters illustrate that there's more than one way to lead.' Publishers Weekly

'The twist-filled mystery and compelling characters will keep readersguessing and the unexpected but satisfying conclusion will delight those who longfor emotional realism within a fantastical story. Refreshing and unique storyelements abound in this magic-filled political mystery' School Library Journal

'Thrillingly atmospheric...Sympathetic characters, assured prose, and crystallineimagery make this icy dukedom memorable even after the last page has been turned.' BCCB

Reviews

"A feminist fantasy fraught with tension and political intrigue" - Publishers Weekly

Author Bio

Claire Eliza Bartlett is a writer and tour guide living in Copenhagen. Her debut novel was described as "electrifying" by Publishers Weekly.