Anna Kendall's writing delves into the complexities of navigating new beginnings and the search for belonging. Her prose is characterized by a keen emotional intelligence, tenderly exploring the internal landscapes of her characters as they grapple with identity. Kendall captures the poignant moments of transition, the echoes of past experiences against the backdrop of future aspirations. She writes with a profound empathy that draws readers into the hearts of her stories, making their journeys feel deeply personal and resonant.
Roger has faced down queens, barbarians, dangerous ghostly dogs and even armies. There is only one challenge left: to stand against the mysterious Soulviners and their dangerous plans to dominate the Land of the Dead. But with his friends held captive, only the legendary bright and terrible sword can save them now.
Whether it's a curse or a blessing the fact remains: whenever Roger is in enough pain he can cross over to the Land of the Dead and speak to the people there. It's an unexpected gift - and one that, throughout Roger's life, has been taken advantage of; by his violent uncle, by the mysterious, malign Soulviners performing their dark magic on Soulvine Moor, and even by a Queen, fighting for her queendom with every possible weapon she can find. But not anymore. The dangerous life of Queen's Fool is behind him, young Princess Stephanie sits on the throne, and Roger is living a life of his choosing. He, Maggie and Jee have a small, out of the way, increasingly prosperous inn, supported by their hard work. It's a simple, industrious life . . . and it's about to be destroyed. The war is not over. The savage invaders are back. And they're looking for the boy who killed their leader. They're looking for Roger.
Roger Kilbourne has the ability to cross over into the land of the dead and speak with its residents. Roger is soon using his gift as a way to get the life of his dreams--even it means bringing the dead back to the land of the living. HC: Viking Children's Books