
Part of Series
Two Women Elske—a girl with no future, until her grandmother's sacrifice saves her from certain death Beriel—an imperious princess, determined to claim the kingdom that is her birthright Fate brings them together, both exiles, one servant to the other. To Beriel, the mistress, Elske offers steadfast loyalty and courage—hard to come by in her dangerous quest to regain the throne she has been denied by treachery. To Elske, the handmaiden, Beriel's proud example provides a perhaps even more precious gift—the strength to find her true self.
Author

Cynthia Voigt is an American author of books for young adults dealing with various topics such as adventure, mystery, racism and child abuse. Awards: Angus and Sadie: the Sequoyah Book Award (given by readers in Oklahoma), 2008 The Katahdin Award, for lifetime achievement, 2003 The Anne V. Zarrow Award, for lifetime achievement, 2003 The Margaret Edwards Award, for a body of work, 1995 Jackaroo: Rattenfanger-Literatur Preis (ratcatcher prize, awarded by the town of Hamlin in Germany), 1990 Izzy, Willy-Nilly: the Young Reader Award (California), 1990 The Runner: Deutscher Jungenliteraturpreis (German young people's literature prize), 1988 Zilverengriffel (Silver Pen, a Dutch prize), 1988 Come a Stranger: the Judy Lopez Medal (given by readers in California), 1987 A Solitary Blue: a Newbery Honor Book, 1984 The Callender Papers: The Edgar (given by the Mystery Writers of America), 1984 Dicey's Song: the Newbery Medal, 1983

