Elin's family has an important responsibility: caring for the fearsome water serpents that form the core of their kingdom's army. So when some of the creatures mysteriously die, Elin's mother is sentenced to death as punishment. With her last breath, she manages to send her daughter to safety.
Alone and far from home, Elin soon discovers that she can communicate with both the terrifying water serpents and the majestic flying beasts that guard her queen. This skill gives her great power, but it also involves her in deadly plots that could cost her life. Can she save herself and prevent her beloved beasts from being used as tools of war? Or is there no escaping the terrible battles to come?
Michael L. Printz Award - Honor, Kirkus Reviews Best Books of the Year, Mildred L. Batchelder Honor Book
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THE BEEKEEPER
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WASHED ASHORE
A huge saloh tree stood on the lakeshore, its blossom-laden branches stretching over the water. The soft white petals shimmered like cotton down in the morning light...
Praise for The Beast Player
A Batchelder Award Honor Book
A Printz Award Honor Book
An ALSC Notable
"Uehashi’s vivid storytelling, beautiful prose, and shifting perspectives that cover a broad scope of events will have readers relishing every detail of her lush world building." —The Bulletin, starred review, on The Beast Player
"The beauty and power of the natural world is at the core of this intriguing fantasy, whose abrupt ending guarantees a sequel." —Kirkus Reviews on The Beast Player
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