Four Queens. A divided nation. A ruthless pickpocket. A noble messenger. And the murders that unite them. Seventeen-year-old Keralie Corrington is one of Quadara's most skilled thieves, but when she steals an unexpectedly valuable package from a messenger she is soon entangled in a conspiracy that leads to all four of Quadara's queens being murdered.
With no other choices and on the run from her former employer, Keralie teams up with Varin Bollt, the Eonist messenger she stole from, and together they race to discover who has killed the queens. But when dark secrets threaten their reluctant partnership and put everything at stake, Keralie and Varin must use all their daring to stay alive and untangle the mysteries behind the nation's four dead queens.
An enthralling fast-paced murder mystery where competing agendas collide with deadly consequences, Four Dead Queens heralds the arrival of an exciting new YA talent.
Quadara is ruled by four queens - each one in charge of her section of the nation - and together, they rule peacefully.
Keralie is seventeen-years-old, and the best thief in the land. But when Keralie steals something very valuable, a murderous plot is set in motion. And with the murder plot resulting in four dead queens, Keralie is thrown into the middle of a dark and dangerous mystery. Can she uncover the secrets to the plot, and stay one step ahead, in time to save herself?
This debut novel from Australian author Astrid Scholte is a sure fire winner. Fast-paced, and filled with murder, mysteries and twists that you will not see coming, this will have readers enthralled.
Throw in a little romance, and a family conflict for good measure, and you won’t be able to put this one down.
A perfect fantasy novel that will be best loved by girls in Year 8 and up.
Reviewed by Michelle