Grave Flowers

Gr 9 Up–Tudor history meets The Cruel Prince in this Boleyn-Hamlet inspired dark fantasy. The kingdom of Radix is crumbling; it is full of carnivorous, magical grave flowers and ambition but none of the resources a country needs for real power and influence. Princess Madalina has spent her life avoiding her cruel father’s court in favor of tending the bloodthirsty grave flowers, but when her twin Inessa is headed for an arranged marriage to a neighboring prince, Madalina becomes the heir. Then a ghostly apparition reveals Inessa’s murder and her true task—to marry and murder the prince of Acus and seize power there. Madalina must take her place in the betrothal as well as complete her sister’s mission. The writing is at turns stiff and anachronistic (the author’s note says deliberately), but the characters are dynamic and sharp, as is their dialogue. The historical inspiration is well researched, creating a unique and compelling fantasy world that supplements and disguises the plot’s twists and turns. The chemistry between Madalina and Prince Aeric builds slowly and believably as they navigate political machinations and family ambitions, while Madalina’s mission to poison Aeric on their wedding night hangs over their every interaction. Interposed through the story are journal entries and excerpts from botany books on grave flowers that add depth to the world’s bloody history and botanical magic. The twin princesses are coded biracial.