The Starkin Crown Series by Kate Forsyth

The young Count of Estelliana lies sleeping, as still and cold as if he was dead. His mysterious slumber has subjected the people of his land to the harsh rule of Lord Zavion, the cold and ruthless Regent. But when Durrik, the son of the town's bell-crier, involuntarily prophesies the count's death before the entire starkin court, he catapults himself and his best friend Pedrin into the adventure of their lives... moreThe young Count of Estelliana lies sleeping, as still and cold as if he was dead. His mysterious slumber has subjected the people of his land to the harsh rule of Lord Zavion, the cold and ruthless Regent. But when Durrik, the son of the town's bell-crier, involuntarily prophesies the count's death before the entire starkin court, he catapults himself and his best friend Pedrin into the adventure of their lives. Pursued by soldiers, they must seek refuge in the Perilous Forest, home to the dangerous and unpredictable wildkin. It is only when they are forced into the company of the spoilt starkin princess Lisandre and her servant-girl Briony that they begin to realise the meaning of Durrik's riddle. But if they are to waken the count and save their people, they must first survive the hazards of the forest where the sinister Erlune of Evenlinn awaits them... less

Three times a babe shall be born,between star-crowned and iron-bound.First, the sower of seeds, the soothsayer,though lame, he must travel far.Next shall be the king-breaker, the king-maker,Though broken himself he shall be.Last, the smallest and the greatest – in him, the blood of wise and wild,farseeing ones and starseeing ones.Though he must be lost before he can find,Though, before he sees, he must be blind,If he can find and if he can see,The true king of all he shall be... moreThree times a babe shall be born,between star-crowned and iron-bound.First, the sower of seeds, the soothsayer,though lame, he must travel far.Next shall be the king-breaker, the king-maker,Though broken himself he shall be.Last, the smallest and the greatest – in him, the blood of wise and wild,farseeing ones and starseeing ones.Though he must be lost before he can find,Though, before he sees, he must be blind,If he can find and if he can see,The true king of all he shall be.Merry, Zed and Liliana – three children born between those of hearthkin blood and starkin blood – are on a perilous quest to the Palace of Zarissa. Amid the splendour and treachery of court, they watch and wait: planning the rescue of Princess Rosalina, held captive in the dazzling Tower of Stars.And as their pasts and presents unfold, their destinies become clear.The engrossing companion to The Starthorn Tree by one of Australia's best fantasy storytellers, Kate Forsyth.Click here to see video clips of Kate discussing her writing for the Centre for Learning Innovation less

Last, the smallest and the greatest...Though he must be lost before he can find,Though, before he sees, he must be blind,If he can find and if he can see,The true king of all he shall be.Prince Peregrine, rightful heir to the starkin and wildkin crowns, longs for adventure. But Vernisha the Vile, who seized the starkin throne, seeks to destroy Peregrine, his family, and all the wildkin of Ziva... moreLast, the smallest and the greatest...Though he must be lost before he can find,Though, before he sees, he must be blind,If he can find and if he can see,The true king of all he shall be.Prince Peregrine, rightful heir to the starkin and wildkin crowns, longs for adventure. But Vernisha the Vile, who seized the starkin throne, seeks to destroy Peregrine, his family, and all the wildkin of Ziva.With Stormlinn Castle under attack, Peregrine flees with his best friend, Jack, and Lady Grizelda – a starkin girl. Together they seek the Spear of the Storm King – the long-lost weapon which, it is prophesied, will destroy the starkin throne.But a hunter is on their tail and someone close doesn't want them to succeed... less