The story of a queendom set in an alternate colonial India, blending Frances Hardinge with Kipling's Kim. A debut rich in fantasy, friendship and faith, and an original steampunk adventure that sparkles with storytelling magic.

'A land that loses its stories loses its way.'

The beautiful queendom of Moonlally has fallen under a tyrant's rule. Their queen is dead, worship of their goddess, the Dark Lady, is forbidden, and the precious black diamond that protects the city—a rare fragment of fallen star—has gone missing.

When fierce orphan girl Minou Moonshine's life is unexpectedly shattered, she joins the ragtag band of rebels, the Green Orchids, who are plotting to overthrow the General.

Armed with a secret and a map, Minou sets off with her friends and a mechanical elephant, through the lush jungles of Indica, in search of the Dark Lady, a diamond and her destiny.

'Masterful, a wonderfully original fantasy adventure that feels like a timeless classic. A brilliant new voice in the world of children's fiction.'—Anthony McGowan, winner of the 2020 CILIP Carnegie Medal for LARK

'Gita Ralleigh builds a vivid world bursting with jeopardy in this beautifully lyrical debut. So many unexpected twists to love, including the mechanicals. Minou is a great hero—kind-hearted, brave, and full of fire.'—Jasbinder Bilan, Costa prize-winning author of AASHA AND THE SPIRIT BIRD

'An awesome alt-India middle grade book, with adventure and emotional twists, tied together with friendships and the family we find, and an incredible heroine in Minou, who fights for freedom and Queendom!'—Roopa Farooki, author of A DOUBLE DETECTIVES MEDICAL MYSTERY: THE CURE FOR A CRIME

'A rich and thrilling adventure.'—Sophie Anderson, author of THE THIEF WHO SANG STORMS

'Magical, multi-sensory storytelling...that will enchant readers, rest in memories and spark imaginations.'—Sita Brahmachari, Yoto-Carnegie shortlisted author of WHEN SHADOWS FALL

'High adventure and a lavish, sensory world of mystery, magic and mechanical marvels. With an indomitable hero in Minou Moonshine, this is an inspiring, delightful read—young readers are in for a ripping ride.'—Finbar Hawkins, author of WITCH