Four Dead Queens

In this fast-paced debut by Australian author Scholte, a thief and a messenger engage in a race against time to unravel a conspiracy aimed at murdering the four queens who rule their nation, Quadara. Seventeen-year-old Keralie is a master “dipper,” able to effortlessly steal just about anything, but her latest assignment takes a deadly turn when she’s left in possession of evidence linked to the gruesome assassinations of the queens. Now on the run from her employer, her only ally is Varin, her former target. When the two attempt to take their information to the palace, they discover that events are even more complicated than they originally believed, and the assassin may be closer than they realized. While dodging murder and manipulation at every turn, the law-breaking Keralie and the scrupulously honest Varin find an unexpected emotional connection. Despite science fiction trappings—advanced technology such as genetic engineering and chips that record memories—this novel feels just like an epic fantasy. Scholte has created an intrigue-heavy adventure in a world filled with characters whom readers will want to revisit. Ages 12–up. [em]Agent: Hillary Jacobson, ICM. (Feb.) [/em]