{"product_id":"the-castle-behind-thorns-isbn-9780062008190","title":"The Castle Behind Thorns","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis magical adventure set in an enchanted castle surrounded by thorns tells a tale of the power of memory and story, forgiveness and strength, and the true gifts of craft and imagination. By the acclaimed author of \u003cem\u003eThe Princess Curse\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eHandbook for Dragon Slayers\u003c\/em\u003e, this original fantasy is perfect for fans of Gail Carson Levine, Karen Cushman, and Shannon Hale.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhen blacksmith apprentice Sand wakes up in a ruined castle, he has no idea how he got there, but the thorny brambles that surround the walls prevent him from leaving. As he begins to fix up the castle in order to survive, everything he touches somehow works better than it should. Then, as he continues to explore, Sand discovers the castle’s secrets, including its long lost heir, Perrotte. Together they must fully repair the broken castle if they ever want to leave.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e | \u003cp\u003eStories don't know everything.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhen Sand wakes up alone in a long-abandoned castle, he has no idea how he got there. The stories all said the place was ruined by an earthquake, and Sand did not expect to find everything inside torn in half or smashed to bits. Nothing lives here and nothing grows, except the vicious, thorny bramble that holds Sand prisoner. Why wasn't this in the stories?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTo survive, Sand does what he knows best—he fires up the castle's forge to mend what he needs. But the things he fixes work somehow better than they ought to. Is there magic in the mending? Or have the saints who once guarded this place returned?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhen Sand finds the castle's lost heir, Perrotte, they begin to untwine the dark secrets that caused the destruction. Putting together the pieces—of stone and iron, and of a broken life—is harder than Sand ever imagined, but it's the only way to regain their freedom.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWith gorgeous language and breathtaking magic, Merrie Haskell's \u003cem\u003eThe Castle Behind Thorns\u003c\/em\u003e tells of the power of memory, story, forgiveness, and the true gifts of craft and imagination.\u003c\/p\u003e | \u003cp\u003eA subtle and engaging parable of healing, The Castle Behind Thorns offers its readers a window into the human metaphor which lies at the roots of fantasy and magic. - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eKenny Brechner, DDG Booksellers\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“Exploring a range of weighty subjects, from the horror of war to the difficulty of forgiveness, Haskell makes every subplot and character count, reinforcing the story’s elaborate metaphorical and thematic structure.” - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003ePublishers Weekly (starred review)\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“Haskell effortlessly weaves together internal and external forces, leading to a tense climax. Subtle parallels to ‘Sleeping Beauty’ are omnipresent, but Sand and Perrotte’s work of restoring the castle, avenging old wrongs, and forgiving once-bitter enemies takes its own, novel course.” - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Horn Book\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“The developing relationship between the two main characters is portrayed realistically; it’s often as prickly as the thorns that surround them. Fans of Gail Carson Levine’s and Shannon Hale’s fairy tale adaptations will enjoy the adventure and mystery here.” - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eSchool Library Journal (starred review)\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“Haskell’s first novel offers a well-paced fantasy with an involving first-person narrative.” - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eBooklist\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“[An] intriguing mix of fairy tale, Romanian folklore, and classic mythology…readers will likely be as anxious to return to the Underworld as Reveka.” - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eBulletin of the Center for Children’s Books\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“A warm and lovely story about friendship, magic, the long shadow of the past, and blacksmithing.” - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eRobin McKinley, Newbery Medalist author of THE HERO AND THE CROWN and THE BLUE SWORD\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSand and his passion will resonate with readers of all ages—I adored him just as much as my young patrons will. - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eAlly Watkins, Youth Services Librarian, Central Mississippi Regional Library System\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eI loved everything about this book! From the characters to the themes, it all worked together to form a really fun and interesting story. I think it would make an excellent book club book, it just lends itself to detailed discussion. - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eFaith Hochhalter, Children's Book Specialist, Changing Hands Bookstore\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis beautiful book is full of quietly determined people.  They are creative and skillful, and they are determined to make the best of things.  Building and mending relationships are at this book’s heart, despite the fact that it focuses on so few characters.  Sand and his passion will resonate with readers of all ages—I adored him just as much as my young patrons will. - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eAlly Watkins, Youth Services Librarian, Central Mississippi Regional Library System\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eI loved everything about this book! From the characters to the themes, it all worked together to form a really fun and interesting story. I think it would make an excellent book club book, it just lends itself to detailed discussion. I wish it was out already so I could talk to people about it! - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eFaith Hochhalter, Children’s Book Specialist, Changing Hands Bookstore\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eUtterly magical . . . a fairy tale about healing a broken castle, a broken soul, a broken country, and a broken heart. - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eCatherine Gilbert Murdock, acclaimed author of Dairy Queen and Princess Ben\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePraise for THE PRINCESS CURSE: “With a good sense of humor, an able and empowered protagonist, and a highly original take on this tale, Haskell’s story gives readers much to enjoy.” - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003ePublishers Weekly\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePraise for A HANDBOOK FOR DRAGON SLAYERS: “A haphazard, almost accidental progression of episodes builds smoothly to a lively and cohesive plot arc that will keep readers enthralled.” - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Horn Book\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePraise for The Princess Curse:  “Imaginative, intriguing and spirited…In this impressive debut, the author artfully weaves humor, suspense, magic and myth into an intricate plot.” - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePraise for Handbook for Dragon Slayers: “Haskell’s sophomore outing is another clever, witty and empowering tale, fluently melding historical fact and legendary material. Tilda is a splendid heroine: Wry, intelligent, sensitive and stronger than she thinks....A truly terrific read.” - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“The Princess Curse is a wonder of a book—myth and fairy tale, romance and high comedy. Reveka, the herbalist’s apprentice, takes us with her on a journey through our world and what lies beneath as she learns about life and death, love and loyalty, courage and despair. As I did, you will delight in this exciting and touchingly romantic story. I can’t wait to see what happens next to the fierce and strong Reveka. Read it.” - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eKaren Cushman, Newbery Medalist author of The Midwife’s Apprentice and Catherine Called Birdy\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Castle Behind Thorns is a graceful and enchanting fantasy that celebrates the healing magic of kindness, friendship, and love. I was utterly charmed. - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eRae Carson, author of the Girl of Fire and Thorns series\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HarperCollins","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44888658968805,"sku":"NP9780062008190","price":16.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1842\/7735\/files\/9780062008190.jpg?v=1730229560","url":"https:\/\/k12savings.com\/es\/products\/the-castle-behind-thorns-isbn-9780062008190","provider":"K12savings","version":"1.0","type":"link"}