Leaping Beauty
In a kingdom that has lost its way, at a time when there are few bright things left to stop the carriage for, a young woman jumps out of a window and blazes an unexpected trail.
Breaking out of the palace she’s been shackled to by a dark curse, the last remaining heir to the throne, Red Felian, has days to remove a voodoo anklet that has begun to leech away her life. Determined not to die before tasting mead, seeing more of the land she is due to inherit, and discovering what happened to her missing parents, this princess isn’t about to let anything get in her way – not even an army of guards, a sadistic son of a lawyer, a floating wood of amorous tree toads or her growing curiosity for Robbie, a knavish Man of the Road.
But at death’s door, there’s only so much a girl can do alone…
Missing Midnight
Red Felian is finally, and literally, footloose – if only she could be fancy-free. The whole of Landfelian lies before her – a place of tree bandits, merfolk and rogue witches (some evil, others biding their time).
But there’s only one thing on Red’s dance card: to find her father, the missing king – for the people of the abandoned kingdom are losing hope, and an insidious force is on the rise and closing in on the only remaining heir.
It’s going to take a whole caboodle of cliff dives, fortune-telling, daredevil disguise, pirate kings and painful truths for Red and her band of faithful rebels to face the secrets in their pasts and fight for Landfelian’s future.
And maybe also true love.
I discovered Leaping Beauty in a hotel library whilst on holiday a few weeks ago. I’d read all the books I’d brought along and it was a signed copy that had been left ‘in the wild’ to be found (a printing error copy?). I’m an avid reader, huge fantasy fan (have a complete Terry Pratchett library) and loved your book. I’m very much looking forward to the publication of Missing Midnight and wondered how soon it may be available? Thanks Mandy
Really pleased that I met you at the foreword festival. I finished reading your book a few days ago and totally loved it!! I do not usually read during term time, usually reading loads during the school holidays, but I had to keep finding time to be able to read as I loved it so much! I loved the princess character, Red and how brave and feisty she is! I loved the travel element and the different areas. What an amazing imagination you have to write such a brilliant book! Loved the toads in the forest. It is so refreshing to read a story about a strong female princess, rather than one who is all pretty in pink and entitled. thank you again, Emma
I finished reading your book a few days ago and totally loved it!! I do not usually read during term time, usually reading loads during the school holidays, but I had to keep finding time to be able to read as I loved it so much! I loved the princess character, Red and how brave and feisty she is! I loved the travel element and the different areas. What an amazing imagination you have to write such a brilliant book! Loved the toads in the forest. It is so refreshing to read a story about a strong female princess, rather that one who is all pretty in pink and entitled. Emma
Leaping Beauty is a must-read for fans of epic quests, magical realism, and character-driven stories. It invites readers into a world where bravery is defined not just by vanquishing monsters but by holding onto hope even when the path forward is uncertain. The journey itself, and the bonds formed along the way, make this story both thought-provoking and deeply resonant. Rating: 5 Stars
Literary Titan
The first in a fantastic new series of fantasy books following the feisty (and slightly stubborn) Princess Red as she seeks to find her father. All the characters aren’t what they seem and I can’t wait to see what happens next! Excellent, so well written as it made me laugh out loud and kept me on the edge of my seat. Also made me quite hungry too. Suitable for YA and Adults alike! Go read it and support a great new writer to fantasy fiction! Richard – Royal Literary Fund
The writing style is so easy to follow. I liked getting to know Red; she’s cool, but had little knowledge of the world. It’s a coming-of-age story with a little humour in it too. I would read another book by this author. Girl, aged 15
This is a good book for younger teenagers, say 13 – 15. I think they’ll enjoy rooting for Red. Never a dull moment. Boy, aged 14
A well-written, fantasy adventure for YAs. Fun, unpredictable, with a strong – minded protagonist. Girl, aged 16
I loved the cover and the map’s cool too. Fun title, sort of a play on Sleeping Beauty. Fun book. Boy, aged 13