Books in the Spotlight

The Starthorn Tree by Kate Forsyth
Under winter's cold shroud, the son of light lies

Though the summer sun burns high in the skies.
With the last petal of the starthorn tree
His wandering spirit shall at last slip free ...
Nothing can save him from this bitter curse,
But the turning of time itself inverse.

The young Count of Estelliana lies sleeping, as still and cold as if he was dead. His mysterious slumber has subjected the people of his land to the harsh rule of Lord Zavion, the cold and ruthless Regent. But when Durrik, the son of the town's bell-crier, involuntarily prophesizes the count's death before the entire starkin court, he catapults himself and his best friend Pedrin into the adventure of their lives.

Pursued by starkin soldiers, they must seek refuge in the Perilous Forest, home to the dangerous and unpredictable wildkin. It is only when they are forced into the company of the spoilt starkin princess Lisandre and her servant-girl Briony that they begin to realise the meaning of Durrik's riddle. But if Pedrin and Durrik are to waken the count and save their people, they must first survive the hazards of the forest where the sinister Erlrune of Evenlinn awaits them ...

The Wildkin's Curse (Sequel to The Starthorn Tree)

The Wildkin's Curse is a tale of true love and high adventure, set in a world of magic and monsters, valiant heroes and wicked villains. It tells the story of two boys and a girl who undertake the impossible task of rescuing a wildkin princess imprisoned in a crystal tower.

Princess Rozalina has the power to enchant with words. She can conjure up a plague of rats, wish the dead out of their graves, and change people's hearts and minds with her stories. As much a curse as a gift, her magic will be used for evil by the ruling starkin if she is not set free and taught to use her powers wisely.

A fantasy novel for readers aged 12+, The Wildkin's Curse tells of the power of stories to change the world. It is the second book in the Chronicles of Estelliana, which began with The Starthorn Tree.

The Wildkin's Curse was released on the first May.

You can read more about Kate Forsyth and her books over at her website.