Mitt has fled from the South, but finds that North Dalemark is just as full of spies and tyrants. And now he is trapped by an order to kill Noreth - a young girl who has proclaimed herself the heir to the crown of Dalemark.

If he doesn't murder her, he risks the lives of his friends.

Diana Wynne Jones is recognized as being one of the most outstanding writes of fantasy in recent times. "The Dalemark Quartet" books are for good readers who have enjoyed "The Christopher Chant" books by the same author.

The books contain the same ability to immerse the reader with real child characters having magical adventures in an imaginary world.

This genre of fantasy writing is currently very popular due to the success of the recent "Lord of the Rings" film.

Diana Wynne Jones has won the Guardian Award for fiction and has written over twenty novels in less than twenty years.