Beschrijving
Ash--or Princess Adelisa--is the youngest child of the queen, recently returned to the city of Kestrel's Haven after spending six years on the other side of the country. Ash was hoping for a joyous reunion, but the reality is far from it. Her mother is holding the kingdom together by a thread; her brother has only taunts and jibes for her; and court is full of nobles who openly mock and dismiss Ash, who uses a cane and needs braces to strengthen her joints.
Splinter is the youngest child of one of Haven's most prominent families. She's fierce, determined, and adventurous, and she has her sights set on becoming a knight just like her older brother. Even if everyone says she can't because she's not a boy. So what? She's not a girl, either.
A chance encounter throws Ash and Splinter into each other's orbits and changes the course of the kingdom's history. The princess and her new squire will face bullies, snobs, gossips, and their own disapproving families. But when they uncover a shadowy group of nobles plotting to overthrow the queen, they will show everyone how legends are born. Together.
The first in a trilogy, bestselling author Marieke Nijkamp's medieval fantasy is an action-packed love letter to nonbinary, queer, and disabled kids. Splinter & Ash evokes the classic adventure and atmosphere of fantasies by Lloyd Alexander and Tamora Pierce and the fresh, inclusive lens of writers such as Rick Riordan, Angie Thomas, and Soman Chainani. It invites everyone--no matter who they are or what they look like--to fight for what they believe in.
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Splinter and Ash is the first book in a series by the same name by Marieke Nijkamp and their middle-grade debut. As the synopsis states ‘ is an immersive medieval fantasy starring queer and disabled young heroes’ which immediately appealed to me as representation is so important throughout genres and age ranges of books and I loved it.I immediately loved Ash who just wants to be seen as a Princess, and a capable person who can lead and support her mother, the Queen in whatever tasks she may need to do but is instead seen as a person with a disability. The focus isn’t on what she can do but rather what she cannot in the eyes of those who don’t even take the time to get to know her and I know many can relate to being seen solely for a cane or other disability aid. Marieke Nijkamp has written her in such a relatable manner and shows her strengths and capabilities alongside her disability are simply facts - and for once, they’re the main character in an MG book and not a forgettable attempt to create equality in a novel. The world-building is good, drawing the reader into a world where they’re enemies are hiding in plain sight, and you will come across knights in training with squires at their side to aid in whatever is needed. My only issue with it was that it seemed a little simplified even for the age of the reader and I would have welcomed a little more immersive descriptions to ensure you’re fully lost to the story. With trouble lingering and the threat of losing her throne? Ash’s mother, the Queen, is overwhelmed and you can feel the tension throughout the book as we follow Splinter and Ash as they both find their place in a world that scoffs at their very existence and desire to be more than is deemed appropriate for them.This was a lovely read and a wonderful introduction to the series. I am looking forward to seeing what adventures await the ever-determined and faithful Splinter as she continues on her way as a Squire alongside Princess Ash. Who, I hope helps someone who may use a cane or wear braces to help them gain strength be truly seen.The representation was spot on, and shows how easy it is to write a character who has disabilities or is queer in any manner because it’s a part of them in the same manner someone can have blue eyes. Thank you to Marieke Nijkamp for that.