The kingdom of Tamerel has a longstanding tradition--the firstborn child of the reigning monarch inherits the role of king or queen. The second child is anointed the Royal Monster Hunter. That’s the way it is, and the way it’s always been. The fact that Rowan is only two minutes older than her twin brother Rhydd doesn’t change things, and she is being raised to serve as Queen when the time comes, while Rhydd trains to hunt monsters.

The problem is, Rowan has no interest in courtly life. She lives to train at swordplay and challenge herself against the physical demands of hunting. Rhydd, on the other hand, while smart, perceptive, and well-spoken, has no talent for hunting.

But hunt he must, for the kingdom of Tamerel is beset by many kinds of monsters, magical and otherwise, that threaten the country at every turn. Rhydd is determined to do his duty, but Rowan fears for his life every time he goes out on a training hunt. When he is required to join the hunting party that is pursuing the most dangerous monster the country has faced, Rowan is determined to disobey all the rules and go along, to protect her brother.

This rich fantasy is full of non-stop action, humor, danger, and intrigue---you won’t be able to put it down!  (New Hampshire Great Stone Face Award, 2021)