Onyx and Ivory

Arnett (Polaris) offers a gripping story of two people’s search for courage and answers in a chaotic world. Kate Brighton was branded a traitor after her father tried to assassinate the king. Then the man she loved let her father be executed, and the kingdom increased persecution of “wilders,” those with magic tied to the four elements and spirit. Kate is one of those beings; she possesses the ability to influence the minds of animals. Adding further challenges, nightdrakes (flightless dragons) are attacking more frequently, and Kate’s first love, Prince Corwin, returns. Corwin wants her help to figure out why the drakes are attacking in broad daylight now, and he asks Kate to return with him to Norgard, her home, where she can find answers about her father. Kate hopes the journey will bring closure and peace, even as her rekindled friendship with Corwin stirs long-buried feelings and unrealistic dreams of the future, and the threat of invasion by a conquering nation looms. Arnett builds a rich world of magic and intrigue, enhanced by side characters of substance that create momentum for subsequent books. Ages 14–up. Agent: Suzie Townsend, New Leaf Literary & Media. [em](May) [/em]