Majestica

Majestica

Impossible Creatures meets Jurassic Park in this page-turning middle grade fantasy adventure set at a nature preserve for magical beasts, where two girls find themselves on a wilderness expedition gone disastrously wrong. Hattie Swift grew up at Majestica, a resort and nature preserve where visitors come face-to-face with unicorns, three-headed tigers, and even the park’s famous dragon, Agatha. But Hattie’s never gotten the chance to go on the hotel’s famous wilderness train excursion and see the animals up close, until now. The only catch: She has to chaperone Evelyn Ridgewell, the hotel owner’s haughty niece, who doesn’t want to be escorted by anyone, least of all a lowly maid-in-training like Hattie. Soon after they set out, things get complicated: Evelyn overhears some men on the train who aim to hunt the park’s creatures for sport, and Hattie stumbles into Jacob Threadborne, an apprentice magician sent by a foreign government on a top-secret investigation. Then the train breaks down in the most treacherous part of the jungle, and the magical fences keeping guests safe from the animals—including fearsome Agatha—stop working. Faced with poachers, man-eating trees, and a dragon on the loose, Hattie, Evelyn, and Jacob must stick together to figure out what’s gone wrong at Majestica . . . that is, if they want to make it out alive. Features a richly illustrated map of the expansive nature preserve, as well as a bestiary with all the magical—and dangerous—creatures at Majestica. Praise for Majestica : A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year A We Are Teachers Best Book of the Month for Kids, Teens, and Teachers * “Rich worldbuilding will draw readers into an immersive adventure . . . Tolcser combines themes of conservation and the repatriation of cultural artifacts with unexpected friendships to create a fast-paced fantasy. Caparo’s exquisite art adds to the magic . . . Charming characters abound in this tale that’s thoughtfully grounded in ethics." — Kirkus Reviews , starred review “A delightful tale full of magic, fantastical creatures and plants, and, of course, adventure . . . Perfect for fans of Katherine Rundell’s Impossible Creatures and Eric Kahn Gale’s The Zoo at the Edge of the World .” — School Library Journal “Riveting . . . The marvelous magical menagerie and Victorian details feel terrifically fresh. There is danger, daring, and mounting mystery aplenty, but quiet moments of introspection give the suspenseful story room to breathe . . . An epic adventure sure to enthrall and inspire.” — Booklist “A pulse-pounding adventure that examines themes of conservation, exploitation, and responsibility.” — Publishers Weekly “When I open a novel and find a map inside, I know I’m about to have fun. Majestica , a sort of middle grade Jurassic Park with magical creatures instead of dinosaurs, begins with this kind of map and makes good on its promise of excitement and adventure.” — Lit Hub “Reminded me of Jurassic Park , but with fantasy creatures . . . An unexpected magical adventure.” — Book Riot “An edge-of-your-seat fantastical tale filled with danger, secrets, and the most amazing creatures. Enjoy the ride . . . if you dare.” —Lisa McMann, New York Times bestselling author of The Unwanteds and The Forgotten Five series “Adventure, mystery, and friendships blossoming under pressure— Majestica has all of it. The pages feel as packed with life as the park itself.” —Cassie Beasley, New York Times bestselling author of Circus Mirandus “Readers [will] beg for a sequel . . . Excellent writing, excellent characters, excellent twist at the end.” — Chicago Book Review “Tolcser's distinctive and narrative driven storytelling style is ideal for young fantasy fans.” — Midwest Book Review Sarah Tolcser is the author of two fantasy novels for teens, Song of the Current and Whisper of the Tide . She lives and writes in a 100-year-old house in New Orleans, and enjoys video games, NBA basketball, and books about girls who blow stuff up. Visit her online at sarahtolcser.com and follow her on Twitter @SarahTolcser. Welcome to Majestica The dead dragon glared at Hattie from empty eye sockets. As she gripped her dust rag, the ladder wobbled alarmingly under her feet. She reached into the bony mouth, between a sea of teeth, and wiped the spiderwebs away. The skull hung over the lobby of the Hotel Majestica, following the guests with its eerie gaze. It was so large she could have climbed inside with room to spare. Hattie threw a hasty glance at its fangs. It’s been dead a hundred years. It can’t bite you. Still, she dusted a little faster than usual. Snatching her arm from the dragon’s mouth, she announced, “Done!” Mrs. Galliforma, the hotel’s head, squinted up at the skull. She was a stout woman with a brown complexion, and her hair was drawn into a no-nonsense bun. Hundreds of brass keys dangled from her waist. You always knew Mrs. G was on her way because of the ji