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Book Cover for: Wench, Maxine Kaplan

Wench

Maxine Kaplan

A funny, fiercely feminist YA epic fantasy--following the adventures of a tavern wench

Tanya has worked at her tavern since she was able to see over the bar. She broke up her first fight at 11. By the time she was a teenager she knew everything about the place, and she could run it with her eyes closed. She'd never let anyone--whether it be a drunkard or a captain of the queen's guard--take advantage of her. But when her guardian dies, she might lose it all: the bar, her home, her purpose in life. So she heads out on a quest to petition the queen to keep the tavern in her name--dodging unscrupulous guards, a band of thieves, and a powerful, enchanted feather that seems drawn to her. Fast-paced, magical, and unapologetically feminist, Wench is epic fantasy like you've never seen it before.

Book Details

  • Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
  • Publish Date: Jan 19th, 2021
  • Pages: 384
  • Language: English
  • Edition: undefined - undefined
  • Dimensions: 8.30in - 5.60in - 1.40in - 1.10lb
  • EAN: 9781419738517
  • Recommended age: 12-17
  • Categories: • Fantasy - Epic• Social Themes - Friendship

About the Author

Kaplan, Maxine: - Maxine Kaplan studied English and political science at Oberlin College and held a variety of positions in the publishing world before landing her current job as a private investigator and author. She lives and writes in Brooklyn, where she caters to the whims of her dim-witted but soulful cat.

Praise for this book

"A fierce, feminist romp through the adventures of a tavern wench. Like an old classic fairytale, with bands of thieves and magical feathers, but with more badass female characters."--Shea Ernshaw, NYT bestselling author of The Wicked Deep
"WENCH is a power fantasy for every girl yearning for a body-positive, snarky, wonderfully queer heroine. Kaplan's prose is warm and inviting, and her characters utterly endearing. A witty and charming romp!"--Ashley Poston, National Best-Selling author of Geekerella
"Smart, plucky, resourceful ... Tanya is exactly the kind of character I love to root for. Readers are sure to delight in the fresh, inventive magic of Wench. This story of lost family and found friends is a heartfelt exploration of what it means to come home."--Megan Bannen, author of The Bird & the Blade and Soulswift
"Charming, thrilling, and always surprising, Wench offers a wildly refreshing reimagining of the fantasy genre, one you won't be able to put down!"--Andrew Shvarts, author of the Royal Bastards series
"A spirited, fast-paced adventure that reminds readers not all tough heroines need be handy with a sword."--Ellen Goodlett, author of Rule and Rise
"Compelling... The powerfully depicted feminine characters are a joy to see develop, and the casual acceptance of same-sex relationships is portrayed exceptionally well."--School Library Journal
"A twisty, magical, romantic, and exhilarating adventure." --Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"The root concept of an adventuring barmaid in a feminist fantasy world will be enough to pull readers in, and Tanya's energy and determination will win them over along the way." --Booklist
"An empowering fantasy debut."--Publishers Weekly