About This Book
This sweeping young adult fantasy introduces readers to the kingdom of Velle, where a prophecy declares the queen's third daughter, Brianne, the new New Maiden, displacing eldest Princess Elodie. Desperate to protect her kingdom, Elodie seeks to incapacitate Brianne, but a mistaken potion from an apothecary named Sabine plunges Brianne into an unwakeable slumber. Elodie and Sabine must then embark on a quest to reverse the magic, all while a compelling slow-burn LGBTQ romance develops between them. The book explores complex themes of legacy, betrayal, sisterhood, and the politicization of emotion, making it suitable for mature middle schoolers and high schoolers (ages 12-18) who enjoy intricate world-building and character-driven fantasy.
A sweeping, "immersive and intense" (SLJ) fantasy about legacy, betrayal, sisterhood, and politicizing emotion in the quest for power--all while a slow-burn LGBTQ romance simmers. For centuries, the citizens of Velle have waited for their New Maiden to return. The prophecy states she will appear as the third daughter of a third daughter. When the fabled child is finally born to Velle's reigning queen all rejoice except for Elodie, the queen's eldest child, who has lost her claim to the crown. The only way for Elodie to protect Velle is to retake the throne. To do so, she must debilitate the Third Daughter--her youngest sister, Brianne. Desperate, Elodie purchases a sleeping potion from Sabine, who sells sadness. But the apothecary mistakenly sends the princess away with a vial of tears instead of a harmless sleeping brew. Sabine's sadness is dangerously powerful, and Brianne slips into a slumber from which she will not wake. With the fates of their families and country hanging in the balance, Sabine and Elodie hurry to revive the Third Daughter while a slow-burning attraction between the two girls erupts in full force. A must-read for fans of the BookTok sensations Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard, Dance of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson, and These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong.
Discussion Prompts
1
How does Elodie's initial motivation to protect Velle justify her actions against Brianne? Do you think her choices were understandable?
2
The book explores 'politicizing emotion.' What does this mean, and how do we see it play out in Velle?
3
Discuss the development of the relationship between Elodie and Sabine. What challenges do they face, and how do they overcome them?
4
What role does prophecy play in the lives of the characters in Velle? Do you think they are truly bound by it, or do they have free will?
5
How does the concept of 'sadness' as a powerful, tangible force impact the story and its characters?
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