New York Times bestselling author Marieke Nijkamp's middle grade prose debut is an immersive medieval fantasy starring queer and disabled young heroes. For two young misfits, a dangerous quest to save their kingdom will also mean saving each other. For fans of B. B. Alston's Amari and the Night Brothers, Soman Chainani's School for Good and Evil, and Tamora Pierce's Tortall books. Ash—or Princess Adelisa—is the youngest child of the queen, recently returned to the city of Kestrel's Haven after spending six years on the other side of the country. Ash was hoping for a joyous reunion, but the reality is far from it. Her mother is holding the kingdom together by a thread; her brother has only taunts and jibes for her; and court is full of nobles who openly mock and dismiss Ash, who uses a cane and needs braces to strengthen her joints. Splinter is the youngest child of one of Haven's most prominent families. She's fierce, determined, and adventurous, and she has her sights set on becoming a knight just like her older brother. Even if everyone says she can't because she's not a boy. So what? She's not a girl, either. A chance encounter throws Ash and Splinter into each other's orbits and changes the course of the kingdom's history. The princess and her new squire will face bullies, snobs, gossips, and their own disapproving families. But when they uncover a shadowy group of nobles plotting to overthrow the queen, they will show everyone how legends are born. Together. The first in a trilogy, bestselling author Marieke Nijkamp's medieval fantasy is an action-packed love letter to nonbinary, queer, and disabled kids. Splinter & Ash evokes the classic adventure and atmosphere of fantasies by Lloyd Alexander and Tamora Pierce and the fresh, inclusive lens of writers such as Rick Riordan, Angie Thomas, and Soman Chainani. It invites everyone—no matter who they are or what they look like—to fight for what they believe in.

The third and final book in New York Times bestselling author Marieke Nijkamp's immersive middle grade fantasy series! Through all the secrets and subterfuge, Splinter and Ash have always fought for what is right. But is it enough to save their kingdom—and each other—once and for all? For fans of B. B. Alston, Soman Chainani, and Tamora Pierce. Devastating news has reached the Sir Anders and Crown Prince Lucen, who were on a secret mission to infiltrate the traitorous Larks, are missing. Lucen is presumed dead, and Anders is rumored to have been working with the enemy Ferisian empire. Tensions are high, and the war between Calinor and the empire is escalating. Which is just what the Larks need to seize control of Calinor’s throne. But Splinter and Ash know there must be more to the story. Intent as always to unveil the truth and champion justice, they set off on a dangerous quest. To find their brothers, defeat the Larks, and bring peace to their kingdom, Splinter and Ash will need bravery, integrity, and all the help they can get. The final book in the trilogy is the masterful and gripping conclusion to the story of two unforgettable misfits who empower all young readers to see themselves as heroes. Evergreen themes of loyalty, courage, and friendship shine in all three Splinter & Ash books. Bestselling author Marieke Nijkamp’sepic finale to the trilogy invites readers to fight for what they think is right, no matter who or what might stand in their way.