ROSIE FROST & THE FALCON QUEEN

A 13-year-old is sent to a school with ties to the Tudors on a mysterious English island populated by endangered species in this U.S. debut by former Spice Girl Halliwell-Horner.

Rosie Frost’s world is upended when her mum dies, leaving her an orphan. Per her mother’s last wishes, the pale, ginger-haired girl is whisked away to Bloodstone Island, a “conservation hotspot” and the site of Heverbridge, a school founded by Queen Elizabeth I, which now has an ethnically diverse population of pupils and teachers. New scholarship student Rosie immediately seems to get on the bad side of the deputy head, Mr. Hemlock. She soon comes to believe he has plans that will harm the island’s flora and fauna. Hoping to make her voice heard and discover more about who she is, Rosie enters the Falcon Queen Games, a competition aligned with the school’s values of courage, power, and freedom. She faces danger and bullying, but along the way she makes friends and allies who help her. This contemporary, girl-power story has light paranormal and fantastical elements and is fueled by a captivating mystery and adventure. The good-versus-evil narrative is clear cut and straightforward. Many of the character types and plot elements present here are popular staples of the genre, adding to the lively story’s wide appeal. It also features quick pacing, fun and engaging worldbuilding, and a lead character who is easy to root for.

Exuberant, action-packed, and warmhearted.