The Winter Duke

Age range 14+

She survived the curse. Now she must survive the throne. 

All Ekata wants is to stay alive – and the chance to prove herself as a scholar. Once Ekata’s brother is finally named heir to the dukedom of Kylma Above, there will be nothing to keep her at home with her murderous family. 

Not her books or her experiments, not her family’s icy castle atop a frozen lake, not even the tantalisingly close Kylma Below, a mesmerising underwater kingdom that provides her family with magic. But just as escape is within reach, her parents and twelve siblings fall under a strange sleeping sickness, and no one can find a cure. 

In the space of a single night, Ekata inherits the title of duke, her brother’s captivating warrior bride, and ever-encroaching challengers from without – and within – her ministry. Nothing has prepared Ekata for diplomacy, for war, for love…or for a crown she has never wanted. If Kylma Above is to survive, Ekata must seize her family’s magic and power. And if Ekata is to survive, she must quickly decide how she will wield them both. 

‘The intrigue begins unfolding immediately and draws readers through to the last page….Fresh and filled with magic and personality. An enchanting queer fairy tale.’ – Kirkus Reviews

‘A feminist fantasy fraught with tension and political intrigue….Escalating stakes and an adrenaline-fueled pace keep the pages turning, while sharply drawn characters illustrate that there’s more than one way to lead.’ - Publishers Weekly 

‘The twist-filled mystery and compelling characters will keep readers guessing and the unexpected but satisfying conclusion will delight those who long for emotional realism within a fantastical story. Refreshing and unique story elements abound in this magic-filled political mystery’ – School Library Journal

‘Thrillingly atmospheric…Sympathetic characters, assured prose, and crystalline imagery make this icy dukedom memorable even after the last page has been turned.’ – BCCB

Author Biography

Claire Eliza Bartlett is a writer and tour guide living in Copenhagen. Her debut novel was described as “electrifying” by Publishers Weekly.