Books like 'Water'
Readers who enjoyed Water by Robin McKinley & Peter Dickinson also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
historical fantasy romance high fantasy action / adventure supernatural myths mermaids magic fairy-tale
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The Winter of the Witch by Katherine Arden
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 50 ratingsFollowing their adventures in The Bear and the Nightingale and The Girl in the Tower, Vasya and Morozko return in this stunning conclusion to the bestselling Winternight Trilogy, battling enemies mortal and magical to save both Russias, the seen and the unseen. Now Moscow has been struck by disaster. Its people are searching for answers—and for someone to blame...Categorized as:
fairy-tale female-mc historical-fiction magic magical-realism myths paranormal action-adventure -
![Son of the Shadows by Juliet Marillier]()
Son of the Shadows by Juliet Marillier
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 40 ratingsAfter years of comparative peace, darkness has fallen upon Ulster. Trouble is brewing and even those in the heart of the forest are not safe. Niamh, elder daughter of Sorcha, is required to make a strategic marriage, while her sister Liadan, who has the gift of Sight and her mother’s talent for healing, finds herself drawn into the shadowy world of the Painted Man and his warrior band...Categorized as:
fairy-tale female-mc historical-fiction magic myths paranormal action-adventure alpha-mc -
![Trickster's Queen by Tamora Pierce]()
Trickster's Queen by Tamora Pierce
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 54 ratingsAly’s adventure continues…. No longer a slave, Alanna’s daughter is now spying as part of an underground rebellion against the colonial rulers of the Copper Isles. The people in the rebellion believe that a prophecy in which a new queen will rise up to take the throne is about to be realized...Categorized as:
children female-mc historical-fiction magic myths paranormal action-adventure alpha-mc -
![Den of Wolves by Juliet Marillier]()
Den of Wolves by Juliet Marillier
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsThe “powerful and emotionally-charged” fantasy series from the author of the Sevenwaters novels continues, as Blackthorn and Grim face haunting secrets and old adversaries... Feather bright and feather fine, None shall harm this child of mine... Healer Blackthorn knows all too well the rules of her bond to the fey: seek no vengeance, help any who ask, do only good...Categorized as:
fairy-tale female-mc historical-fiction magic myths paranormal action-adventure audiobook -
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![Trickster's Choice by Tamora Pierce]()
Trickster's Choice by Tamora Pierce
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 54 ratingsAlianne is the teenage daughter of the famed Alanna, the first lady knight in Tortall. Young Aly follows in the quieter footsteps of her father, however, delighting in the art of spying...Categorized as:
children female-mc historical-fiction magic myths paranormal action-adventure alpha-mc -
![Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim]()
Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 46 ratingsA princess in exile, the boy she left at the altar, six enchanted cranes, and a dragon from the deepest sea.Shiori, the only princess of Kiata, has a secret. Forbidden magic runs through her veins. Normally she conceals it well, but on the morning of her betrothal ceremony, Shiori loses control...Categorized as:
dragons fairy-tale historical-fiction magic myths paranormal action-adventure arranged-marriage -
![Mastiff by Tamora Pierce]()
Mastiff by Tamora Pierce
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 40 ratingsThe Hunt is on!Three years have passed since Beka Cooper almost died in the sewers of Port Caynn, and she is now a respected member of the Provost's Guard. But her life takes an unexpected turn when her fiancé is killed on a slave raid. Beka is faced with a mixture of emotions as, unbeknownst to many, she was about to call the engagement off...Categorized as:
animals children female-mc historical-fiction magic paranormal action-adventure audiobook -
![Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik]()
Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 74 ratingsMiryem is the daughter and granddaughter of moneylenders, but her father's inability to collect his debts has left his family on the edge of poverty--until Miryem takes matters into her own hands. Hardening her heart, the young woman sets out to claim what is owed and soon gains a reputation for being able to turn silver into gold...Categorized as:
fairy-tale female-mc historical-fiction magic magical-realism myths paranormal action-adventure -
![Night of the Dragon by Julie Kagawa]()
Night of the Dragon by Julie Kagawa
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsMaster storyteller Julie Kagawa concludes the enthralling journey into the heart of the fantastical Empire of Iwagoto in the third book of the Shadow of the Fox trilogy. As darkness rises and chaos reigns, a fierce kitsune and her shadowy protector will face down the greatest evil of all. A captivating fantasy for fans of Sabaa Tahir, Sarah J. Maas and Marie Lu...Categorized as:
dragons female-mc historical-fiction magic myths paranormal action-adventure alpha-mc -
![The Raven and the Reindeer by T. Kingfisher]()
The Raven and the Reindeer by T. Kingfisher
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsWhen Gerta’s friend Kay is stolen away by the mysterious Snow Queen, it’s up to Gerta to find him. Her journey will take her through a dangerous land of snow and witchcraft, accompanied only by a bandit and a talking raven. Can she win her friend’s release, or will following her heart take her to unexpected places? A strange, sly retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s "Snow Queen," by T...Categorized as:
animals fairy-tale female-mc historical-fiction magic magical-realism myths paranormal -
![The Well of Shades by Juliet Marillier]()
The Well of Shades by Juliet Marillier
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsJuliet Marillier continues the epic fantasy begun with" The Dark Mirror, " which" Interzone" called: "A fascinating evocation of life in Pictish England and an emotional roller coaster of a story." King Bridei is a man with a mission. His wish to unite his kingdom seems almost within his grasp but there are forces working to undo his dream... -
![When the Tiger Came Down the Mountain by Nghi Vo]()
When the Tiger Came Down the Mountain by Nghi Vo
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 33 ratingsThe cleric Chih finds themself and their companions at the mercy of a band of fierce tigers who ache with hunger. To stay alive until the mammoths can save them, Chih must unwind the intricate, layered story of the tiger and her scholar lover—a woman of courage, intelligence, and beauty—and discover how truth can survive becoming history...Categorized as:
animals historical-fiction magic magical-realism myths paranormal action-adventure asian-mc -
![Heir to Sevenwaters by Juliet Marillier]()
Heir to Sevenwaters by Juliet Marillier
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 35 ratingsA brand new novel in the beloved world of Sevenwaters, a fantasy series that should appeal to "Lord of the Rings" fans (VOYA). The chieftains of Sevenwaters have long been custodians of a vast and mysterious forest. Human and Otherworld dwellers have existed there side by side, sharing a wary trust...Categorized as:
children fairy-tale female-mc historical-fiction magic myths paranormal action-adventure -
![Dragon Flight by Jessica Day George]()
Dragon Flight by Jessica Day George
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 35 ratingsWith the Dragon Wars over, Creel finds herself bored with life as a seamstress. Then word comes that a bordering country has been breeding dragons in preparation for an invasion... -
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![The Wide-Awake Princess by E.D. Baker]()
The Wide-Awake Princess by E.D. Baker
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsIn this new stand-alone fairy tale, Princess Annie is the younger sister to Gwen, the princess destined to be Sleeping Beauty. When Gwennie pricks her finger and the whole castle falls asleep, only Annie is awake, and only Annie-blessed (or cursed?) with being impervious to magic-can venture out beyond the rose-covered hedge for help. She must find Gwen's true love to kiss her awake... -
![Daughter of the Siren Queen by Tricia Levenseller]()
Daughter of the Siren Queen by Tricia Levenseller
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 53 ratingsAlosa's mission is finally complete. Not only has she recovered all three pieces of the map to a legendary hidden treasure, but the pirates who originally took her captive are now prisoners on her ship. Still unfairly attractive and unexpectedly loyal, first mate Riden is a constant distraction, but now he's under her orders...Categorized as:
female-mc historical-fiction magic mermaids myths nautical paranormal action-adventure -
![Legendary by Stephanie Garber]()
Legendary by Stephanie Garber
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 76 ratingsA heart to protect. A debt to repay. A game to win.After being swept up in the magical world of Caraval, Donatella Dragna has finally escaped her father and saved her sister, Scarlett, from a disastrous arranged marriage. The girls should be celebrating, but Tella isn’t yet free...Categorized as:
female-mc historical-fiction magic magical-realism myths paranormal action-adventure audiobook -
![East by Edith Pattou]()
East by Edith Pattou
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 45 ratingsRose has always been different. Since the day she was born, it was clear she had a special fate. Her superstitious mother keeps the unusual circumstances of Rose's birth a secret, hoping to prevent her adventurous daughter from leaving home... but she can't suppress Rose's true nature forever... -
![Naamah's Curse by Jacqueline Carey]()
Naamah's Curse by Jacqueline Carey
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 37 ratingsJacqueline Carey, New York Times bestselling author of the Kushiel's Legacy series, delivers book two in her new lushly imagined trilogy featuring daughter of Alba, Moirin.Far from the land of her birth, Moirin sets out across Tatar territory to find Bao, the proud and virile Ch'in fighter who holds the missing half of her diadh-anam, the divine soul-spark of her mother's people... -
![Dragonflight by Anne McCaffrey]()
Dragonflight by Anne McCaffrey
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 67 ratingsHOW CAN ONE GIRL SAVE AN ENTIRE WORLD?To the nobles who live in Benden Weyr, Lessa is nothing but a ragged kitchen girl. For most of her life she has survived by serving those who betrayed her father and took over his lands. Now the time has come for Lessa to shed her disguise—and take back her stolen birthright. But everything changes when she meets a queen dragon... -
![The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh]()
The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 57 ratingsDeadly storms have ravaged Mina’s homeland for generations. Floods sweep away entire villages, while bloody wars are waged over the few remaining resources. Her people believe the Sea God, once their protector, now curses them with death and despair...Categorized as:
dragons fairy-tale historical-fiction magic magical-realism myths paranormal action-adventure -
![Naamah's Kiss by Jacqueline Carey]()
Naamah's Kiss by Jacqueline Carey
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 37 ratingsOnce there were great magicians born to the Maghuin Dhonn, the folk of the Brown Bear, the oldest tribe in Alba. But generations ago, the greatest of them all broke a sacred oath sworn in the name of all his people. Now only small gifts remain to them. Through her lineage, Moirin possesses such gifts—the ability to summon the twilight and conceal herself, and the skill to coax plants to grow...Categorized as:
dragons female-mc historical-fiction magic myths paranormal action-adventure alternate-history -
![The Perilous Gard by Elizabeth Marie Pope]()
The Perilous Gard by Elizabeth Marie Pope
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsIn 1558, while exiled by Queen Mary Tudor to a remote castle known as Perilous Gard, young Kate Sutton becomes involved in a series of mysterious events that lead her to an underground world peopled by Fairy Folk—whose customs are even older than the Druids’ and include human sacrifice...Categorized as:
children fairy-tale female-mc historical-fiction magic magical-realism myths paranormal -
![Ashling by Isobelle Carmody]()
Ashling by Isobelle Carmody
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsThe powerful farseeker Elspeth Gordie is sent to Sutrium, seat of the totalitarian council that rules the Land, to seal an alliance between the secret Misfit community at Obernewtyn and rebel forces... -
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![The Cry of the Icemark by Stuart Hill]()
The Cry of the Icemark by Stuart Hill
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsThe Icemark is a kingdom in grave danger. Its king has been killed in battle, its enemy lies in wait, and its fate rests on the shoulders of one girl. Thirrin Freer Strong-in-the-Arm Lindenshield, a beautiful princess and an intrepid warrior, must find a way to protect her land from a terrible invasion...Categorized as:
animals children female-mc historical-fiction magic myths paranormal action-adventure -
![Princess of the Silver Woods by Jessica Day George]()
Princess of the Silver Woods by Jessica Day George
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsWhen Petunia, the youngest of King Gregor's twelve dancing daughters, is invited to visit an elderly friend in the neighboring country of Westfalin, she welcomes the change of scenery. But in order to reach Westfalin, Petunia must pass through a forest where strange two-legged wolves are rumored to exist...Categorized as:
children fairy-tale female-mc historical-fiction magic myths paranormal action-adventure -
![Tower of Thorns by Juliet Marillier]()
Tower of Thorns by Juliet Marillier
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsAward-winning author Juliet Marillier’s “lavishly detailed”* Blackthorn & Grim series continues as a mysterious creature holds an enchanted and imperiled ancient Ireland in thrall. Disillusioned healer Blackthorn and her companion, Grim, have settled in Dalriada to wait out the seven years of Blackthorn’s bond to her fey mentor, hoping to avoid any dire challenges...Categorized as:
fairy-tale historical-fiction magic magical-realism myths paranormal action-adventure audiobook -
![Child of the Prophecy by Juliet Marillier]()
Child of the Prophecy by Juliet Marillier
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 39 ratingsChild of the Prophecy is the thrilling conclusion to Juliet Marillier's award-winning Sevenwaters Trilogy.Magic is fading... and the ways of Man are driving the Old Ones to the West, beyond the ken of humankind. The ancient groves are being destroyed, and if nothing is done, Ireland will lose its essential mystic core...Categorized as:
fairy-tale female-mc historical-fiction magic magical-realism myths paranormal action-adventure -
![Flame of Sevenwaters by Juliet Marillier]()
Flame of Sevenwaters by Juliet Marillier
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsMaeve, daughter of Lord Sean of Sevenwaters, was badly burned as a child and carries the legacy of that fire in her crippled hands. After ten years she’s returning home, a courageous, forthright woman. But while her body’s scars have healed, her spirit remains fragile, fearing the shadows of her past. Sevenwaters is in turmoil...Categorized as:
animals fairy-tale female-mc historical-fiction magic magical-realism myths paranormal -
![Destiny: Child of the Sky by Elizabeth Haydon]()
Destiny: Child of the Sky by Elizabeth Haydon
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 35 ratingsA FELLOWSHIP OF THREETo stand against the F'dor-- an ancient, vile being intent on destroying the world-- a fellowship has been forged: Rhapsody, a Singer of great talent and beauty; Achmed, an assassin with unearthly talents; and Grunthor, a giant of jolly disposition and lethal skill with weapons... -
![Eona: The Last Dragoneye by Alison Goodman]()
Eona: The Last Dragoneye by Alison Goodman
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 41 ratingsEon has been revealed as Eona, the first female Dragoneye in hundreds of years. Along with fellow rebels Ryko and Lady Dela, she is on the run from High Lord Sethon's army...Categorized as:
dragons female-mc historical-fiction magic myths paranormal action-adventure alpha-mc -
![Crown of Feathers by Nicki Pau Preto]()
Crown of Feathers by Nicki Pau Preto
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsI had a sister, once… In a world ruled by fierce warrior queens, a grand empire was built upon the backs of Phoenix Riders—legendary heroes who soared through the sky on wings of fire—until a war between two sisters ripped it all apart. I promised her the throne would not come between us. Sixteen years later, Veronyka is a war orphan who dreams of becoming a Phoenix Rider from the stories of old... -
![Wildwood Dancing by Juliet Marillier]()
Wildwood Dancing by Juliet Marillier
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 39 ratingsHigh in the Transylvanian woods, at the castle Piscul Draculi, live five daughters and their doting father. It's an idyllic life for Jena, the second eldest, who spends her time exploring the mysterious forest with her constant companion, a most unusual frog. But best by far is the castle's hidden portal, known only to the sisters...Categorized as:
fairy-tale female-mc historical-fiction magic myths paranormal action-adventure audiobook -
![A Crown of Wishes by Roshani Chokshi]()
A Crown of Wishes by Roshani Chokshi
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsAn ancient mystery. An unlikely union. For one young princess in a state of peril, a dangerous wish could be the only answer…She is the princess of Bharata—captured by her kingdom’s enemies, a prisoner of war. Now that she faces a future of exile and scorn, Gauri has nothing left to lose...Categorized as:
fairy-tale female-mc historical-fiction magic myths paranormal action-adventure alpha-mc -
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![Foxmask by Juliet Marillier]()
Foxmask by Juliet Marillier
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsThe Norseman Eyvind, a fierce and loyal Wolfskin, came to a new land on top of the world to find his destiny. With his priestess bride Nessa he saved the land and weathered the treachery that was caused by Eyvind's blood-sworn friend Somerled...Categorized as:
historical-fiction magic magical-realism myths paranormal action-adventure audiobook book -
![A Prince Among Frogs by E.D. Baker]()
A Prince Among Frogs by E.D. Baker
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsPrincess Millie and her fiancé, Audun, are busy preparing for their wedding when trouble starts brewing in Greater Greensward. Millie's baby brother, Felix, has been kidnapped and is trapped in a swamp full of other frogs... -
![The Valley of the Wolves by Laura Gallego García]()
The Valley of the Wolves by Laura Gallego García
Rated: 4.04 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsDana attends a school of magic with only one other student. She has a great love only she can see. And only she can unravel these mysteries and become mistress of the Valley of the Wolves.Ever since Dana was a little girl, Kai has been her best friend and constant companion--even though she's the only one who can see him... -
![Starless by Jacqueline Carey]()
Starless by Jacqueline Carey
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsJacqueline Carey is back with an amazing adventure not seen since her New York Times bestselling Kushiel’s Legacy series. Lush and sensual, Starless introduces us to an epic world where exiled gods live among us, and a hero whose journey will resonate long after the last page is turned... -
![Mortal Heart by Robin LaFevers]()
Mortal Heart by Robin LaFevers
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 39 ratingsAnnith has watched her gifted sisters at the convent come and go, carrying out their dark dealings in the name of St. Mortain, patiently awaiting her own turn to serve Death. But her worst fears are realized when she discovers she is being groomed by the abbess as a Seeress, to be forever sequestered in the rock and stone womb of the convent...Categorized as:
female-mc historical-fiction magic magical-realism myths paranormal action-adventure alpha-mc -
![The Dragon Princess by E.D. Baker]()
The Dragon Princess by E.D. Baker
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsWith E. D. Baker's trademark humor, wacky animal and human characters, and almost all-new cast, this is the story of Emma's daughter, Millie, who is trying to survive being a magical princess who happens to keep turning into a dragon... -
![Stepsister by Jennifer Donnelly]()
Stepsister by Jennifer Donnelly
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 40 ratingsIsabelle should be blissfully happy – she’s about to win the handsome prince. Except Isabelle isn’t the beautiful girl who lost the glass slipper and captured the prince’s heart. She’s the ugly stepsister who’s cut off her toes to fit into Cinderella’s shoe ... which is now filling with blood.When the prince discovers Isabelle’s deception, she is turned away in shame...Categorized as:
fairy-tale female-mc historical-fiction magic magical-realism myths paranormal action-adventure -
![The Immortal Heights by Sherry Thomas]()
The Immortal Heights by Sherry Thomas
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsIn a pursuit that has spanned continents, Iolanthe, Titus, and their friends have always managed to remain one step ahead of the forces of Atlantis. But now the Bane, the monstrous tyrant who bestrides the entire mage world, has issued his ultimatum: Titus must hand over Iolanthe, or watch as his entire realm is destroyed in a deadly rampage...Categorized as:
dragons female-mc historical-fiction magic paranormal action-adventure alpha-mc audiobook -
![Dragon Kiss by E.D. Baker]()
Dragon Kiss by E.D. Baker
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsAudun is a teenage ice dragon in love...with a human princess. Can he become human and win Millie's heart? Audun is on a quest to find Princess Millie, and to become human in order to win her heart. But The Dragon King has set out a number of tasks Audun must perform before he is permitted to even try to woo Millie...and each one is filled with E. D... -
![By Darkness Hid by Jill Williamson]()
By Darkness Hid by Jill Williamson
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsGiven the chance to train as a squire, kitchen servant Achan Cham hopes to pull himself out of his pitiful life and become a Kingsguard Knight. When Achan's owner learns of his training, he forces Achan to spar with the Crown Prince--more of a death sentence than an honor. Meanwhile, strange voices in Achan's head cause him to fear he's going mad...Categorized as:
children historical-fiction magic paranormal action-adventure book christian coming-of-age -
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![The Hollow Kingdom by Clare B. Dunkle]()
The Hollow Kingdom by Clare B. Dunkle
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 35 ratingsIn nineteenth-century England, a powerful sorcerer and King of the Goblins chooses Kate, the elder of two orphan girls recently arrived at their ancestral home, Hallow Hill, to become his bride and queen.. -
![The Rose & the Dagger by Renée Ahdieh]()
The Rose & the Dagger by Renée Ahdieh
Rated: 4.03 of 5 stars · 71 ratingsThe darker the sky, the brighter the stars.In a land on the brink of war, Shahrzad is forced from the arms of her beloved husband, the Caliph of Khorasan. She once thought Khalid a monster—a merciless killer of wives, responsible for immeasurable heartache and pain—but as she unraveled his secrets, she found instead an extraordinary man and a love she could not deny...Categorized as:
fairy-tale female-mc historical-fiction magic myths paranormal action-adventure alpha-mc -
![Once Upon a Curse by E.D. Baker]()
Once Upon a Curse by E.D. Baker
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsMany years ago a slighted fairy placed a curse on a beautiful young princess--a curse that caused her and all her female descendants to turn into mean, ugly witches if they ever touched a flower after turning sixteen. Now, Princess Emma, who is about to turn sixteen herself, is determined to break the spell once and for all... -
![The Two Princesses of Bamarre by Gail Carson Levine]()
The Two Princesses of Bamarre by Gail Carson Levine
Rated: 4.04 of 5 stars · 57 ratingsTwelve-year-old Addie admires her older sister Meryl, who aspires to rid the kingdom of Bamarre of gryphons, specters, and ogres. Addie, on the other hand, is fearful even of spiders and depends on Meryl for courage and protection...Categorized as:
children dragons fairy-tale female-mc historical-fiction magic paranormal action-adventure -
![Igniting Darkness by Robin LaFevers]()
Igniting Darkness by Robin LaFevers
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsFrom New York Times best-selling author Robin LaFevers comes the follow up to “sharp and breathless” (Kirkus Reviews) historical fantasy Courting Darkness. Set in the world of the beloved His Fair Assassin series, this is perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo and Game of Thrones...Categorized as:
female-mc historical-fiction magic magical-realism myths paranormal action-adventure alpha-mc -
![Princess of Glass by Jessica Day George]()
Princess of Glass by Jessica Day George
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 40 ratingsHoping to escape the troubles in her kingdom, Princess Poppy reluctantly agrees to take part in a royal exchange program, whereby young princes and princesses travel to each other's countries in the name of better political alliances--and potential marriages...
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