The setting is just as engaging: the Biltmore drips with opulence and the surrounding forest with sufficient eeriness. 'Serafina narrates with an engaging voice that draws the reader into her world. Adults and children will eagerly follow Serafina from the basement into a world of self-discovery, justice, and new friendships.'- Kirkus The book leaves readers satisfied with the plot but hungry for more about its unusual heroine. Each new clue adds another brush stroke to this keenly perceptive portrait of a young girl searching for answers about herself and the world around her. 'Beatty spins an enchanting mystery through lonely Serafina's golden eyes. A finely detailed setting, strong characterization, rich foreshadowing, and haunting imagery, all work to build suspense throughout.'- SLC 'An entrancing historical, mystery thriller, Beatty tells the story through Serafina's searching and inner dialogue. A captivating, edge-of-your-seat, action-packed fantasy.'- Kirkus, starred reviewĪccoladesAmazon's Best Books of 2017, Ages 9-12Books-A-Million: The Best Kids Books of 2017, selection

Each character continues to surprise both one another and readers with their emotional complexity.

*'From the first gripping page, the book pulses with action and intrigue. Any young readers looking for a light supernatural thrill, as well as fans of the first two installments, will be hooked.'- Booklist 'There's a pervasive and chilling creepiness to this third novel. Beatty's poetic language and skilled use of dialect makes for an appealing children's historical fiction book.'- Deseret News 'Rich, gothic atmosphere.With masterful storytelling, the twists and turns will lead the reader through each strand of the author's articulately weaved web. This compelling continuation of the intriguing series revisits puzzling themes, multifaceted characters, and nonstop action, all set against the beautiful Biltmore locale in Asheville, NC.'- School Library Journal 'Along with empowering themes about friendship, choosing right over wrong, and perseverance, Beatty again crafts a dark fantasy with bone-chilling imagery, suspense, and unique supernatural elements.

Splintered heart