Four Queens. A divided nation. A ruthless pickpocket. A noble messenger. And the murders that unite them.
Seventeen-year-old Keralie Corrington is one of Quadara's most skilled thieves, but when she steals an unexpectedly valuable package from a messenger she is soon entangled in a conspiracy that leads to all four of Quadara's queens being murdered.
With no other choices and on the run from her former employer, Keralie teams up with Varin Bollt, the Eonist messenger she stole from, and together they race to discover who has killed the queens. But when dark secrets threaten their reluctant partnership and put everything at stake, Keralie and Varin must use all their daring to stay alive and untangle the mysteries behind the nation's four dead queens.
An enthralling fast-paced murder mystery where competing agendas collide with deadly consequences, Four Dead Queens heralds the arrival of an exciting new YA talent.
About the Author
Astrid Scholte has loved telling stories for as long as she can remember, writing her first 'novel' at age 5. Her desire to be surrounded by all things fantastical led her to pursue a career in the visual effects and animation industry. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Film, Media and Theatre and a Bachelor of Digital Media from the University of New South Wales and the College of Fine Arts in Sydney.
She has spent the last 10 years working in visual effects production as both an artist and an artist manager. Career highlights include working on James Cameron's Avatar, Steven Spielberg's The Adventures of Tintin and Happy Feet 2 by George Miller. She currently works as a product support manager in the entertainment industry and dedicates her spare time to reading and writing young adult fiction. She lives in Melbourne.
Industry Reviews
'Astrid Scholte breaks into the fantasy genre with a triumphant, exciting debut that will keep readers guessing all the way to final chapter. Four Dead Queens is not to be missed!' -Beth Revis, New York Times bestselling author of Give the Dark my Love
'A cinematic thrill ride brimming with murder, mayhem, and twists that will shock you, Four Dead Queens is sure to be your next obsession. Absolutely riveting.' - Sarah Glenn Marsh, author of the Reign of the Fallen series
'Four Dead Queens is a wild ride. It's fast paced, thrilling, mysterious fantasy - fantasy at it's best - with twists and turns you won't see coming and a rich and detailed world that hooks you from the first page.' - Kids' Books Review
'A good, devious mix of some of the best fantasy and murder mystery that YA has had to offer recently.' - Entertainment Weekly
'Scholte has created an intrigue-heavy adventure in a world filled with characters whom readers will want to revisit.' - Publishers Weekly
