“A fascinating fairytale of memory, the power of storytelling, and magic! Lisa Stringfellow has crafted a fantastic story of a young girl seeking to save her kingdom from the usurper that would destroy it. This coming-of-age story of self discovery is a gift to young readers, who will see themselves mirrored in a heroine worth rooting for!”
— P. Djèlí Clark, author of Abeni's Song
"Such a cool, different, princess-in-a-tower story; I loved the world Lisa built and the determined young heroine who has to save it." — Tui Sutherland, author of the New York Times bestselling Wings of Fire series
"Stringfellow (A Comb of Wishes)...communicates incisive ideas surrounding war and oppression via sparse prose, while Igbo mythology–fueled worldbuilding and Amara’s bond with her mother form an immovable fulcrum around which the story revolves." — Publishers Weekly
"It’s difficult to be different and even harder to be brave, but this book is easy to enjoy." — Kirkus Reviews
"The magical, spare narration adds a lyrical quality to each step along the way, ending with a satisfying conclusion of an authentically realized waif-to-queen transformation tale." — Booklist
"Face-paced and suspenseful...While the fantastical journey is at the heart of the story, the book also emphasizes the emotional and psychological growth of its resilient young protagonist, making it a layered and engaging tale." — Horn Book Magazine