The Impostor Queen

Gr 9 Up—Ever since she was a young child, Elli has been groomed to be the next Valtia, or queen of the Kupari people. The Valtia uses powerful ice and fire magic to protect and help the Kupari prosper. When the reigning Valtia dies unexpectedly, Elli must take her place. Inexplicably, however, the Valtia's magic does not take to Elli. The Kupari Elders are unsympathetic, and Elli barely escapes with her life to the outlands beyond the kingdom. The outlands are full of banished criminals, but an outlander named Oskar saves Elli when she is gravely injured. Elli realizes that she may not be able to trust everyone around her. Although Elli doesn't have magic, she does have a different sort of power that puts her in terrible danger. In the opening chapters, readers are introduced to a fantastical new realm; they will be immersed immediately in the intricate, highly ritualistic society of the Kupari and must quickly learn some new vocabulary mostly by context. These first few chapters may be a touch overwhelming for novice fantasy readers. The story that emerges, however, is worth the effort. Readers will find conspiracy, magic, war, romance, prophecy, corruption, and the truth that there are multiple sides to every story. Stay tuned for a sequel.