The Castle Behind Thorns

This 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 The Princess Curse and Handbook for Dragon Slayers, this original fantasy is perfect for fans of Gail Carson Levine, Karen Cushman, and Shannon Hale.

When 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.

Stories don't know everything.

hen 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, but that doesn't explain why everything inside is torn in half or smashed to bits. Nothing lives here and nothing grows, except the vicious, thorny bramble that holds Sand prisoner.

When Sand finds the castle's lost heir, Perrotte, they begin putting together the pieces—of stone and iron, of wood and cloth, and of a broken life. But the things Sand fixes work somehow better than they ought to. Is there magic in the mending?

With gorgeous language and breathtaking enchantment, Merrie Haskell's The Castle Behind Thorns tells of the power of memory, story, forgiveness, and the true gifts of craft and imagination.

A 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. - Kenny Brechner, DDG Booksellers

“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.” - Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“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.” - The Horn Book

“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.” - School Library Journal (starred review)

“Haskell’s first novel offers a well-paced fantasy with an involving first-person narrative.” - Booklist

“[An] intriguing mix of fairy tale, Romanian folklore, and classic mythology…readers will likely be as anxious to return to the Underworld as Reveka.” - Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“A warm and lovely story about friendship, magic, the long shadow of the past, and blacksmithing.” - Robin McKinley, Newbery Medalist author of THE HERO AND THE CROWN and THE BLUE SWORD

Sand and his passion will resonate with readers of all ages—I adored him just as much as my young patrons will. - Ally Watkins, Youth Services Librarian, Central Mississippi Regional Library System

I 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. - Faith Hochhalter, Children's Book Specialist, Changing Hands Bookstore

This 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. - Ally Watkins, Youth Services Librarian, Central Mississippi Regional Library System

I 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! - Faith Hochhalter, Children’s Book Specialist, Changing Hands Bookstore

Utterly magical . . . a fairy tale about healing a broken castle, a broken soul, a broken country, and a broken heart. - Catherine Gilbert Murdock, acclaimed author of Dairy Queen and Princess Ben

Praise 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.” - Publishers Weekly

Praise 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.” - The Horn Book

Praise 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.” - Kirkus Reviews

Praise 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.” - Kirkus Reviews

“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.” - Karen Cushman, Newbery Medalist author of The Midwife’s Apprentice and Catherine Called Birdy

The Castle Behind Thorns is a graceful and enchanting fantasy that celebrates the healing magic of kindness, friendship, and love. I was utterly charmed. - Rae Carson, author of the Girl of Fire and Thorns series