The traditional Emperor's Journey is meant to be uneventful. But as the princesses Seika and Ji-Lin--twin sisters--travel to pay respects to their kingdom's dragon guardian, unexpected monsters appear and tremors shake the earth. The Hidden Islands face unprecedented threats, and the old rituals are failing. With only their strength, ingenuity, and flying lion to rely on, can the sisters find a new way to keep their people safe?
Sarah Beth Durst is the author of the New York Times bestseller The Spellshop, as well as over twenty-five fantasy books for adults, teens, and kids, including the Queens of Renthia series, Drink Slay Love, and Spark. She has won an American Library Association Alex Award and a Mythopoeic Fantasy Award and has been a finalist for the Andre Norton Nebula Award three times. She lives in Stony Brook, New York, with her husband, her children, and her ill-mannered cat.
"The writing is accessible, and even reluctant readers will find the characters relatable and the tale engrossing." --SLJ "The solidarity the sisters find in each other and the consistent way they choose to put the other before themselves is a refreshing feature of the story. Fans of fantasy adventures starring stalwart teams of loyal siblings will appreciate this, too."--Booklist "An enjoyable coming-of-age fantasy-adventure that also showcases the deep bond between sisters."--Kirkus Praise for Sarah Beth Durst's The Girl Who Could Not Dream "A fun, fast read with broad appeal."--School Library Journal, Starred Review "Funny, warm, and highly imaginative."--Kirkus, Starred Review "A perfect combination of adventure, humor, and pure imagination, seasoned with a dash of creepiness!"--Jessica Day George, New York Times bestselling author of the Tuesdays at the Castle series "Funny, scary, and endlessly inventive."--Bruce Coville, author of Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher --