This new twist on an old classic celebrates sorrow and hope, honoring the spirit of the original while creating a new and inviting world.
Lorehaven review, 2025

Illuminary

Prince Xander never planned to become king. But when his father dies suddenly, he is thrust into the middle of coronation preparations—and assassination attempts.
April 2025 · Share a reply or review

Glimpse the past, illuminate the future.

Yosarai Patican dreams of becoming an illuminator in a country that values art above all else. A lofty goal that finally seems within reach when she earns a position at the prestigious Academy of the Seven Arts. Although Yosarai loathes to leave behind her quiet country life, she travels to the capital, determined to live up to her mother’s fame as one of Indel’s greatest artists.

Prince Xander never planned to become king. Indeed, he never wanted to become king. But when his father dies suddenly, he is thrust into the middle of coronation preparations—and assassination attempts. With everyone around him in increasing danger, Xander decides to hide in neighboring Indel until the time for him to be crowned king arrives.

Posing as an inventor struggling with aesthetics, Xander enlists Yosarai’s aid as part of his cover, but soon he suspects she knows more than she should. But when danger threatens and secrets are exposed, entering a competition reputed as cutthroat may be the only way for them to protect everything they hold dear.

Book 1 of The Sceptre and the Stylus series.

Review of Illuminary

· August 2025

Yosarai Patican, daughter of a wealthy judge, has everything a girl could want. Her future looks bright as she travels to the Indelhi capital in hopes of attending the Academy of the Seven Arts. Little does she know that when she encounters a crown prince pursued by assassins, her life will forever be changed. Compelled to enter a competition rife with fake accidents and deathly sabotage. Yosarai and her fellow questers must win this contest to secure their futures and prevent all-out war. Intrigue and secrets abound in Chawna Schroeder’s richly painted retelling of A Little Princess. This new twist on an old classic celebrates sorrow and hope, honoring the spirit of the original while creating a new and inviting world.

Best for: Teens or young adult fans of classical retellings and/or fantasy tales with steampunk twists.

Discern: Light fantasy violence, acts of life-threatening sabotage that include allergic reactions and food poisoning, assassination attempts, reference to an off-page murder, mentions of a caste-like class system.

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