The Spirit Queen

by Arnée Flores

Overview

The hope spread by the Firebird Song was supposed to change everything. Although nature has returned to balance, the Kingdom of Lyrica suffered for too long, and remains afraid. Worse yet, Princess Calliope has begun to hear sounds—horrible shrieks and cries from across the sea that keep her awake at night—and she seems to be the only one hearing them. How can she lead her kingdom if everyone is so afraid?

When Calliope's friend Ilsbeth is kidnapped, Calliope and the Bargeboy, Prewitt, embark on a secret quest to save her—but before she can rescue her friend, Calliope must find the confidence to act like the Queen she knows she is destined to be.

This imaginative, heart-warming tale brings truths of our own world to the surface, and shows readers that out of sorrow emerges joy, out of fear arises courage.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781547605156
Publisher:	Bloomsbury USA
Publication date:	10/18/2022
Pages:	304
Sales rank:	1,108,627
Product dimensions:	5.85(w) x 8.60(h) x 1.20(d)
Age Range:	8 - 11 Years

About the Author

Arnée Flores is the author of The Firebird Song and is a Vietnamese American transracial adoptee. She has been a classical pianist, a Montessori preschool teacher, a waitress, and a student. She currently lives in Seattle with her family.
www.arneeflores.com
@arneedflores (Instagram)

Editorial Reviews

Finding strength from our stories and trauma—rather than silencing them—lies at the center of this journey. And although magic is important, readers learn that humans make their own magic through hard work, determination, and resilience. A heartfelt adventure.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Inviting young readers to journey into their own 'Age of Hope,' The Firebird Song shows how forgiveness and friendship offer light in even the darkest of times. A timely and beautiful tale.” —Christiane M. Andrews, author of Spindlefish and Stars on THE FIREBIRD SONG

“A rich and empowering story of young heroes brave enough to choose hope over fear, challenge the despair of others and change their world.” —Deva Fagan, author of Nightingale and The Mirrorwood on THE FIREBIRD SONG

“The Firebird Song is for anyone with a love of adventure, a heart full of hope, and the belief that one person can make a difference. Powerful, fast-paced, and unforgettable.” —Gillian McDunn, author of Caterpillar Summer and Honestly Elliott on THE FIREBIRD SONG

“A fast-paced, heart-squeezing adventure, perfect for fans of intricate fantasy worlds and memorable characters.” —Booklist, starred review, on THE FIREBIRD SONG

“Finding hope, true friendship, and bravery lies at the hearts of their journeys. . . . A fantastical adventure full of hope.” —Kirkus Reviews, on THE FIREBIRD SONG

From the Publisher

2022-08-17
Princess Calliope must discover her magical ability in order to keep her kingdom safe.

After calling back the Firebird and defeating the Spectress in The Firebird Song (2021), 12-year-old Calliope, the Lost Princess of Lyrica, is back in the Royal City. The time has come for her to assume the throne, but Calliope isn’t sure she’s ready to be the queen. The people are still fearful, and her responsibility is to keep them safe, but she has no idea how. The Bookkeeper recalls learning that the queen can use Spirit magic by listening to the Firebird Song. After many failed attempts, Calliope finally hears something, but it isn’t the Song: It’s screams and cries for help from afar. On top of that, someone called the Silver Shag is trying to overthrow Calliope and take the throne for an Ancient Spirit. When the Silver Shag kidnaps Ilsbeth, former leader of the Glade Girls, Calliope and Royal Bargeboy Prewitt embark on a journey to save their friend and the kingdom. This fast-paced sequel focuses on the characters’ internal struggles with duty, grief, fear, and loneliness. Calliope pushes away the past, forcing herself to be hopeful and, in the process, hindering her growth. Finding strength from our stories and trauma—rather than silencing them—lies at the center of this journey. And although magic is important, readers learn that humans make their own magic through hard work, determination, and resilience.

A heartfelt adventure. (Fantasy. 8-12)

Kirkus Reviews