In the magical world of Lyra, a mysterious instrument gives a minstrel undreamed-of powerWhen Emereck and Flindaran leave a caravan in search of adventure, it isn't long before they stumble upon great danger. Emereck, a trained minstrel, and Flindaran, a nobleman masquerading as a tramp, have found a long-abandoned castle, and in it, one of Lyra's most sought-after treasures: the Harp of Imach Thyssel. Emereck recognizes the perfect white bow from legend: It is said to possess the power of life and death over all mankind. Now, to keep it from falling into the wrong hands, he'll have to learn to harness its strength to create and destroy, with the fate of the kingdom hanging in the balance."No doubt the charm, humor, and intelligence of Wrede's writing will continue to enthrall." -Publishers Weekly "High-style fantasy and adventure." -The New York Times "Wrede's characters are understated but complex . . . and the world-building is generously spiced with political and magical mysteries, perils, and conflicts." -The Horn BookFor over twenty years, Patricia C. Wrede (b. 1953) has expanded the boundaries of young-adult fantasy writing. Her first novel, Shadow Magic (1982), introduced Lyra, a magical world in which she set four more novels. Her other series include the Enchanted Forest Chronicles; the Cecelia and Kate novels, co-written with Caroline Stevermer; the Mairelon books, which take place in Regency England; and the Old-West Frontier Magic series. Wrede lives and works in Minnesota.