The Princess in the Opal Mask
Lundquist’s debut YA novel combines elements of Cinderella with The Man in the Iron Mask to create a page-turner about twin princesses separated at birth. Told in alternating chapters by Wilhamina, the masked princess of Galandria, and Elara, a clever, resourceful foster child working as a servant, we follow their parallel stories as they intersect when Elara’s true identity as Wilha’s twin is revealed. Wilha has been promised to the prince of neighboring Kyrenica, a border country with whom Galandria maintains an uneasy peace. But political maneuvers set up Elara to pose as her sister on the journey to Kyrenica, while Wilha discovers that life as a commoner, although challenging, has many advantages. Meanwhile, Elara finds the power available to her as a ruler heady, and she steps forward as a thoughtful and decisive leader, unlike her twin, who has lived a life cowed by fear. With its swift pace, charismatic heroines, and all kinds of intrigue, Lundquist sets up a compelling and detailed history for her kingdoms, with legends of strong women rulers. Fantasy readers will eagerly await the promised second title. Grades 8-12. --Debbie Carton