The Queen's Secret (Rose Legacy Series #2)

by Jessica Day George

Overview

Bestselling author Jessica Day George continues her heartfelt fantasy series about a girl who can communicate with horses and a kingdom on the brink of collapse.

Anthea knows the truth about horses. They're not carriers of deadly disease like everyone in their kingdom thinks; they're majestic creatures who share their thoughts and feelings with her through The Way. Anthea has convinced the king of this, but at a cost—he demands that horses and riders with The Way do his bidding.

But when a deadly plague breaks out, the people believe that horses are the cause. As more fall ill, it's up to Anthea and her friends to transport medicine, all while keeping out of reach from Anthea's wicked mother. And when Anthea discovers a secret that could change the kingdom forever, she must risk everything to reveal the truth before it's too late.

Continuing the sweeping storytelling of The Rose Legacy, bestselling author Jessica Day George delights readers—especially horse lovers—once again.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781547600892
Publisher:	Bloomsbury USA
Publication date:	05/14/2019
Series:	Rose Legacy Series , #2
Pages:	256
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.30(h) x 1.10(d)
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

About the Author

JESSICA DAY GEORGE is the New York Times bestselling author of the Tuesdays at the Castle series, the Twelve Dancing Princesses series, and the Dragon Slippers trilogy. Originally from Idaho, she studied at Brigham Young University and worked as a librarian and bookseller before turning to writing full-time. She now lives in Salt Lake City, Utah, with her husband and their three young children.

www.jessicadaygeorge.com

@jessdaygeorge

Editorial Reviews

George charges right into the story, and the pacing doesn't let up for one instant . . . Fans of war stories, or anyone who wishes they can talk to animals, will want to get their hands on this.” —Booklist

“A fresh, original story that will warm hearts and entertain readers of all ages.” —Jennifer A. Nielsen, New York Times bestselling author of The Ascendance Trilogy on THE ROSE LEGACY

“Set in a fascinating and fantastic new world, The Rose Legacy will make you long for a horse of your own!” —Sarah Beth Durst, award-winning author of THE GIRL WHO COULD NOT DREAM on THE ROSE LEGACY

“Will delight readers who love a classic-feeling fantasy, as well as those who absolutely love horses . . . This thought-provoking fantasy with relatable characters is clever and heartfelt.” —Booklist on THE ROSE LEGACY

“This tale will speak to readers who feel like an outsider, as well as those who adore animals . . . Readers who love Shannon Hale's fiction, Kristin Bailey's middle grade stories, and Megan Shepherd's The Secret Horses of Briar Hill will be captivated by this luminous start to a new series.” —School Library Journal on THE ROSE LEGACY

“Original and taut . . . A rich story with plenty of surprising plot twists and a strong undercurrent of female empowerment.” —Kirkus Reviews on THE ROSE LEGACY

“Lovely and engaging, this fantasy series continues to have wide appeal.” —Booklist on THURSDAYS WITH THE CROWN

“Fans of the series will eagerly devour this latest installment.” —SLJ on THURSDAYS WITH THE CROWN

“A sweet, funny, sincere story in which siblings work together.” —Kirkus Reviews on WEDNESDAYS IN THE TOWER

“Castle Glower is the true star of this charming story of court intrigue and magic. A satisfying mix of Hogwarts and Howl's Moving Castle.” —School Library Journal on TUESDAYS AT THE CASTLE

“This enjoyable romp turns mischief into political action and a stone palace into a cunning character. . . . These kids are clever, as is George's adventure. May pique castle envy.” —Kirkus Reviews on TUESDAYS AT THE CASTLE

From the Publisher

2019-02-06

The second book in the Rose Legacy series presents new challenges for human Anthea and stallion Florian (and readers too).

Anthea, her uncle Andrew, cousin Jilly, and others at Last Farm are now—along with their horses (with whom they communicate telepathically)—working for the Crown of Coronam as messengers. It's part of a campaign by Queen Josephine to get the rest of the kingdom (king included) past the idea, rooted in legend, that horses brought a terrible plague to Coronam ages ago and so are to be feared and exterminated. Suffering terribly from middle-book syndrome, this story throws out bits of plot, eschewing character development, congruity, and even, at times, plausibility. The one comprehensible thread is that there's a contagious disease spreading around the countryside, and people are beginning to blame the horses again. An all-woman team of scientists arrives at Last Farm to work on finding a cure. (Despite this gesture, gender stereotypes persist: Jilly is tediously interested in form-fitted clothes, and Anthea sees tears as a weakness.) There are twinges of war rumors with a not-nice country called Kronenhofer, some unsubtle nudges regarding Anthea's traitor of a mother, and a plodding subplot about how Anthea's friend Finn is the rightful king. Settings are numerous and interchangeable (as are most of the characters), and the saccharine "Beloved"-bestrewn telepathic addresses between Anthea and Florian have definitely reached the eye-roll stage.

A tedious, confusing setup for Book 3. Disappointing. (Fantasy. 10-14)

Kirkus Reviews