Romance and adventure combine in a breathtaking reworking of a classic fairy tale. Darkness has fallen across a kingdom far, far away. The queen is dead - killed in the forest by a terrifying beast - and her daughter, Alexandra, suspects that the new woman in her father's life is more than she seems. Exiled and betrayed, Alexandra must face magic, murder and the loss of all she holds dear in a desperate struggle against evil. This is a reissue of an enchanting adventure, with a bewitchingly brave, clever heroine, making for strong girl appeal; and global sales of over 20,000 copies of first edition. It is supported by a major marketing and press campaign, including author events and dedicated online activity. It is inspired by the classic Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale ''The Wild Swans''. It was longlisted for the Branford Boase Award and chosen as a USBBY Outstanding International Book.