Palace of stone - Shannon Hale

This long-awaited follow-up to Newbery Honor winner Princess Academy hit the New York Times bestseller list in the first week of US publication. A rich and compelling fantasy about one girl's journey to discover where her home and heart truly belong in a divided world is reminiscent of the best writing by authors like Eva Ibbotson and Cornelia Funke.With a chance to study at the university and live at the Queen's Castle, Miri leaves village life and is thrust into the bustling chaos of the city. Her best friend, Britta, has been chosen by the Prince of Asland to be his bride, and the royal wedding is fast approaching. But helping Britta prepare for her future is not an easy task. When Miri discovers a secret plot against the royal court - which is motivated by good - she feels torn. Will she choose loyalty to the princess, or reform for the people? As Miri struggles to resolve this dilemma in her own mind, her heart is suffering: an old love comforts her; a new crush consumes her; she yearns for her homeland. Can Miri find her way in this new place, or will she be considered a traitor? The fate of the kingdom is at stake.