THE GIRL WHO KEPT THE CASTLE

In this duology opener, 12-year-old Faye Gardner works behind the scenes to preserve the magical castle Celurdur until a new Wizard of the West can be appointed.

The current Wizard West died in his bed, and his ghost is so cross about it that he curses Faye, partially turning her into a cat. To salvage his reputation following such a mundane demise—and safeguard the Balance of the kingdom of Solum—Wizard West holds a tournament to determine his successor, while keeping his death a secret. Ever since the Shadow Queen wrought destruction centuries ago, girls haven’t been allowed to become apprentices to Solum’s four wizards (North, South, East, and West). But Faye and other servants have secretly been performing small, forbidden acts of magic, covering narcissistic Wizard West’s duties for him. Faye loves Celurdur, so when the tournament endangers the only home she’s ever known, she must use her wits to keep it safe—more malignant forces may be at work than the rude contestants and selfish wizards. Descriptions of magic, sometimes deliciously food related, imbue the story with life, evincing Faye’s enchantment with her own world as she utilizes her knowledge of Celurdur to naturally assume a position of leadership. The book replicates the whimsy and subtle feminism of Hayao Miyazaki’s work (a tribute that’s given a nod through the eastern estate, which is named Ghibli). Major characters are coded white.

Bursting with empathy and magical delights.