A magnificent tale of adventure, emotion and a girl who defies an empire set in the backdrop of sublime landscape! 'A dazzling, confident debut about power and personal discovery' THE TIMES 'A wonderful, swashbuckling read and an exceptional debut.' BOOKS FOR KEEPS When her father dies nobly in battle, fourteen-year-old Thirrin becomes Queen of the Icemark, a tiny kingdom forever caught between dangerous neighbours. Thirrin must raise an army to protect her people from seemingly invincible Imperial invaders. Her search for allies takes her beyond her northern borders, to former enemies in The-Land-of-the-Ghosts and onwards to the frozen Hub-of-the-World. But can she save her kingdom in time? A new stunning cover look for the previous winner of the Waterstones Children's Book Prize. A gloriously dramatic and heartfelt story about a remarkable girl who defies an empire. Combines breathtaking description, steely-edged action and warm characterisation.