{"product_id":"the-bright-the-pale-isbn-9780062871534","title":"The Bright \u0026 the Pale","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDebut author Jessica Rubinkowski delivers the thrilling first book in an epic Russian folklore–inspired fantasy duology filled with page-turning romance, tragedy, magic, and monsters. Perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo and Sara Raasch!\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSeventeen-year-old Valeria is one of the only survivors of the freeze, a dark magical hold Knnot Mountain unleashed on her village. Everyone, including her family, is trapped in an unbreakable sheet of ice. Ever since, she’s been on the run from the czar, who has set out to imprison anyone who managed to escape. Valeria finds refuge with the Thieves Guild, doing odd jobs with her best friend, Alik, the only piece of home she has left. That is, until he is brutally murdered.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA year later, she discovers Alik is alive and being held captive. To buy his freedom, she must lead a group of cutthroats and thieves on a perilous expedition to the very mountain that claimed her family. Only something sinister slumbers in the heart of Knnot. And it has waited years for release.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eRussian Folklore Fantasy:\u003c\/b\u003e Inspired by dark Russian fairy tales, this duology weaves a story of vengeful gods, unforgiving magic, and a monster-haunted mountain that holds an ancient secret.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eFriends to Lovers Romance:\u003c\/b\u003e Valeria thought her best friend Alik was dead. Now, to save the only piece of home she has left, she'll have to risk everything on a dangerous mission that will test their bond and ignite a spark of romance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eA Perilous Quest:\u003c\/b\u003e Lead a crew of thieves and cutthroats on an expedition into the heart of Knnot Mountain, the very place that stole Valeria's family and unleashed an unbreakable curse of ice.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eFound Family:\u003c\/b\u003e After losing her family to the freeze, Valeria finds a new home in a gritty Thieves Guild. But when betrayal strikes, she'll discover that loyalty is a blade that cuts both ways.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e | \u003cp\u003e\"Sparkling and sumptuous, Rubinkowski’s adventurous debut crackles with tension and yearning. I was so transported into Strana’s icy world, I saw my breath in the air as the pages flew by.\" - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eErin A. Craig, New York Times bestselling author of House of Salt and Sorrows\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"Rubinkowski’s Russian-inspired fantasy offers a fast, page-turning pace while offering a little bit of everything, expertly balancing elements of thriller, action, and romance. Readers will have a hard time putting this down.\" - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eBulletin of the Center for Children’s Books\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“\u003cem\u003eThe Bright \u0026amp; the Pale\u003c\/em\u003e is an action-packed adventure set in a richly detailed world where you never know who to trust and the twists keep coming! I was riveted right up until the final startling page.” - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eAmy Ewing, New York Times bestselling author of The Jewel\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"Drawing inspiration from Russian folklore, Rubinkowski offers an atmospheric fantasy debut populated by engaging characters and fueled by a strong premise, with a cliffhanger setting up events for the sequel.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003ePublishers Weekly\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"The icy atmosphere of this Russian-inflected debut novel is vividly rendered, and the briskly paced plot moves the story along through multiple twists, turns, and betrayals. An atmospheric series opener well suited for a cold winter’s night.\" - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"Debut author Rubinkowski paints a vivid picture of this mythological, Russia-esque land where fairy tales come to life and adventure rolls over every page. A riveting fantasy tale. Hand this to readers who enjoy Leigh Bardugo and are looking for a similar fantasy world to dive into.\" - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eSchool Library Journal\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Quill Tree Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44889628311781,"sku":"NP9780062871534","price":10.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1842\/7735\/files\/9780062871534.jpg?v=1730231631","url":"https:\/\/k12savings.com\/products\/the-bright-the-pale-isbn-9780062871534","provider":"K12savings","version":"1.0","type":"link"}