cover image Twin Crowns

Twin Crowns

Catherine Doyle and Katherine Webber. HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray, $17.99 (480p) ISBN 978-0-06-311613-9

Doyle (The Storm Keeper trilogy) and Webber (The Revelry) spin a complex tale of royal intrigue, power grabs, and ancient magic in this riveting duology opener. Since her parents’ murders 18 years prior, Princess Rose Valheart of the island nation Eana has been cared for by domineering regent Willem Rathborne, who has taught her to hate the witches who used to rule preceding the monarchy. Unknown to Rose, her twin sister, Wren Greenrock, was rescued by witches on the night of their parents’ deaths and has been raised to restore the witches to power by impersonating Rose and eventually taking her place as queen. After Wren’s roguish best friend, East Asian–cued Shen Lo, kidnaps Rose and transports her to the witch’s settlement on the other side of the island’s desert, Wren assumes her role in the castle. As Rose uncovers her true heritage and innate healing magic, Wren stumbles upon a fiendish political scheme. The creators use the sisters’ alternating perspectives, memorable characters, and dynamic relationships to unspool a leisurely paced and lushly described adventure, which is steeped in absorbing magic and exhilarating romance. Rose and Wren cue as white. Ages 14–up. Agent: Peter Knapp, Park & Fine Literary and Media. (May)