**"Verdigris Pawn"** by Alysa Wishingrad is a novel that transports readers to a richly imagined world filled with intrigue, adventure, and heart. The story follows Beau, a young boy who discovers he is the heir to a crumbling kingdom, and his journey to reclaim his birthright and restore justice.

Wishingrad's writing creates vivid scenes and memorable characters. The plot weaves together themes of bravery, friendship, and the quest for truth. I couldn't put it down.

The Verdigris Pawn follows Beau's heir to the Land. His father has always told him the hair should be strong, Beau isn’t what people think the heir needs to be. So, Beau has locked away. Then Beau meets a girl who shows him the secrets his father has kept from him. Teaming up to save the Land.
Beau, Cressida, and Nate travel into and through the Land. This book has a timeless feel to it. It has an airy, magical feel that pulled me in. The characters were very fun and easy to root for. I want nothing but the best for Beau, Cressi, and Nate! Not only are there strong characters but the world is flushed out, with a well-balanced magic system.
There is such a great magical world mashed up with a mystery. There are great themes of power, politics, friendship, and justice. All are handy greatly. Can we talk about this cover? It fits this story so well. The chest piece, the classic feel, just love it!
The writing is a joy to read. The world-building paints a strong world. The puzzles, and the strategy game, all are so fun to read. The author, Alysa Wishingrad, balances the plot out so well. Nothing feels rushed or over the top. I can’t wait to read more by her.
If you're looking for charming characters, and magical mysteries, that are a page-turn; then give this a read.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me a free advanced copy of this book to read and review.

Loved this book. Can't wait to read more by the author. Fast paced and interesting. Will add to my classroom library.

This was a solid 3* read for me. I found the plot slow at times, as it felt like it didn't really know where it was going. Some good characters brought the rating up though!

This is an excellent addition to our library! The fantastic cover art, the cool premise - a great middle grades book for interested readers.

This review is based on the finished published book.

An interesting fantasy (maybe more magical realism?) with a historical fiction feel. The 3 main characters were fairly well fleshed out. I think at some point my attention wandered or I missed something because I was a little confused by everyone talking about Beau's ace, and his mother's ace. It was obviously a reference to the game Fist (an in-universe creation) and it seemed important but I wasn't sure when it became important. At some point I may try to listen to the audio . I don't think I'll purchase this for my library because these types of stories just don't seem to go over with my students, but for your readers looking for magical realism in an interesting setting, this could be spot on.

I enjoyed this book, and as a lover of all things fantasy, I think this is a good book for young readers that are beginning to test the waters of the genre. It may be a little overwhelming as a first fantasy to read, but it is still a good introduction into the genre for juvenile readers. The characters were well written and so was the world around them.

I was a huge fantasy reader as a child, especially a fan of Diana Wynne Jones. THE VERDIGRIS PAWN by Alysa Wishingrad brought me right back to that immersive reading experience. This middle grade fantasy has a timeless feel in terms of the elegant writing, strong characterization, and deep world-building. Combine that with the more contemporary issues, such as Himself, the despotic ruler, and Beau, the heir trying to make his own future, and the fierce girl main character, Cressi--and you get a new fantasy classic! I loved this book and highly recommend to readers looking for the next great fantasy, or timely political allegory.

What a great book! Loved this. Loved the whole concept of this story, it was so intriguing! The heir to the Land should be strong. Fierce. Ruthless. At least, that’s what Beau’s father has been telling him his whole life, since Beau is the exact opposite of what the heir should be. With little control over his future, Beau is kept locked away, just another pawn in his father’s quest for ultimate power. That is, until Beau meets a girl who shows him the secrets his father has kept hidden. For the first time, Beau begins to question everything he’s ever been told & sets off in search of a rebel who might hold the key to setting things right. Teaming up with a fiery runaway boy, their mission quickly turns into something far greater as sinister forces long lurking in the shadows prepare to make their final move—no matter what the cost. But it just might be Beau who wields the power he seeks . . . if he can go from pawn to player before the Land tears itself apart.

Amazing world, characters, plot, writing, atmosphere. And full of danger, suspense, adventure, friendship, justice, magic, & hope.

Thanks to #NetGalley, Alysa Wishingrad, and the publisher for the copy of this book!

This was a fun and adventurous story!

Beau is the supposed heir to the Land but he does not feel that way. His father keeps him locked away until he is needed. Beau then meets a girl and learns of secrets that is father has been keeping from him.

Highly recommended to young readers who love a good adventure!

This was SUCH a great fantasy book. The two characters at such opposites and at such odds. I loved how the author put everything together. It made for an incredible read.

The Verdigris Pawn by Alysa Wishingrad, 2021

Recommended for grades 6-8; Fantasy, adventure

Brief Review:

Thirteen-year-old Beau may be “the Heir” in the Manor, but he feels like a prisoner. After meeting a servant named Cressi and finding out just how bad conditions are for the common people, Beau becomes determined to bring justice to the Land. He joins forces with Cressi’s friend Nate and the two run away to find a man named Doone who they believe can help. Meanwhile, Cressi has been taken into custody because she’s a charmer, but she manages to persuade the corrupt chamberlain to let her join the search for the runaway heir. The rest of the book alternates between their perspectives as they go on adventures that lead them to some of the same places and people. The gradual revelation of the Land’s recent history adds an element of mystery, and the frequent allusions to the fictional game of Fist, which has obvious parallels to the actual political situation, gives intellectual depth. Despite a relatively uninteresting start and somewhat shallow characterization, this story ends up being an immersive and exciting fantasy adventure that feels like an instant classic. Recommended for avid fantasy readers on the upper end of the “middle grade” age range or the lower end of the “YA” age range. For reluctant readers or anyone who isn’t particularly fond of fantasy, this book will likely be a little overwhelming.

Long Review:

Beau feels like a prisoner. He may be the Heir, but his tyrannical father, who goes by “Himself”, keeps Beau alone in his chambers most of the time with nothing to do but study The Histories. He keeps himself entertained by playing the board game Fist. Since the game is based on the concept of overthrowing a ruler, it’s illegal, but Beau has a set that belonged to his long-dead mother, and he has been taught the rules by the stablemaster Fledge. On the day this book begins, Beau finds out from his father that his tutor has just died of a mysterious fever that has been infecting the guards. Himself’s chamberlain Barger evidently notices Beau’s Fist pieces and takes one, the verdigris pawn, on his way out. Although Beau is supposed to be confined to his chamber, he sneaks to the stable to warn Fledge. They could both be in serious trouble now that Barger knows someone has taught Beau how to play Fist.

While visiting the stable, Beau meets Cressi, a nursemaid’s assistant. Beau has never had a chance to interact with young people who work at the Manor, so he initially pretends to be the cordwainer’s apprentice. He’s so ignorant of the situation outside his own chamber that Cressi quickly sees through Beau’s charade. From her, he learns about Mastery House, where children go if their parents can’t pay their tax levy. There, they train for work in the Manor or elsewhere in the Land. Cressi has just recently been placed in her position, and her best friend Nate has just managed to escape from Mastery House.

When Barger catches Beau and Cressi together, he immediately recognizes Cressi as a charmer, despite the fact that The Histories claim there are no more charmers. But Barger and Himself suspect that the fever that has infected so many guards is the work of a charmer. Barger now suspects Cressi specifically, so he takes her into custody. He plans to use Cressi’s power to increase his own power within the Manor, first by charming Beau into submission.

Despite the brevity of their encounter, Cressi and Beau are each determined to help the other. The rest of the book alternates between their perspectives as they go on adventures that lead them to some of the same places and people. Beau meets up with Nate and, with Beau claiming again to be the cordwainer’s apprentice, they escape from the Manor and set off in search of a man named Doone who they believe can somehow help them bring justice and freedom to the Land. Cressi persuades Barger to let her join the search for the runaway heir, but along the way, she is learning how to use her newly discovered charmer powers.

The first couple chapters of the book are a little uninteresting and confusing because the worldbuilding is a little too gradual and the characterization relies a little too heavily on common tropes. Beau’s dissatisfaction with his lot in life is reminiscent of the many stories loosely based on Mark Twain’s The Prince and the Pauper, and Cressi and Nate each come across as one-dimensional characters. Cressi is fiercely independent just like every middle grade fantasy heroine, and Nate is a hothead whose main trait is an intense hatred of the heir who (he thinks) he’s never met. And the reader has to suspend disbelief a little to accept why Beau has such an abrupt change of heart and is now so devoted to the cause of helping the people under his father’s rule.

But once the story advances past that point, the characters’ respective journeys are interesting to read and the story feels like a classic-in-the-making. I’ve seen several online reviews that use adjectives like “timeless” and “immersive”, which I think is a fair assessment. The gradual revelation of the Land’s recent history adds an element of mystery, and the frequent allusions to the fictional game of Fist, which has obvious parallels to the actual political situation, gives intellectual depth.

Recommended for avid fantasy readers on the upper end of the “middle grade” age range or the lower end of the “YA” age range. For reluctant readers or anyone who isn’t particularly fond of fantasy, this book will likely be a little overwhelming.

Delightful middle grade fantasy.

Half of me loves that this story wasn't dragged out into a too-long multi-book series, but the other half wants MORE of this world and these characters. The end felt a little too rushed and tidy, but whatever. This book was extremely enjoyable, and that cover is beyond gorgeous. Kids are going to love this!

Young Beau is the heir to his kingdom, and he is miserable. He lives in constant fear of his father and those who control him. His mother was executed for being a charmer, a person with magical abilities, and all other charmers are executed to make sure no one has enough power to rise against the manor and the rulers of the land. But Beau meets a young charmer named Cressi who shows Beau the oppressive lives of those living in his land, oppressions that are carried out in Beau's name. Can he stop the horrors his people are being forced to live through, and can he stand up to his father for the sake of his people?

This book had some big themes in it, such as class, social justice, and economic equality, and was remarkably well told. It's a great introduction to the fantasy world of books for children who want to explore this genre but are a little too young for the content of adult fantasy novels. A genuinely enjoyable books

This book doesn't work too hard to explain itself. The innerworkings of the world have to be gathered from details. They are never stated straight out. All of the information is present but having to puzzle through it may be too much of a challenge for some readers. The bones of the plot - a privileged child becoming aware of the system's cruelty, an unlikely team going up against an oppressive system - are fairly standard. I like that there is no perfect solution. They find that some rebels are as bad as the system they are trying to overthrow, that some people with power are too self serving. The multiple perspectives are well handled though the pacing is a bit slow.

Thank you to Harper Collins and NetGalley for sharing an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I was IMMEDIATELY drawn into this world-which can guarantee it is a great fantasy. I loved the intrigue, the politics, the unknown on who to trust...it was all so good. I highly recommend this adventure to all who love found families, Middle Ages, and healing magic.

My Thoughts

I would like to thank Books Forward PR and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Now I have nothing to blame but myself for putting this gem off! I could have finished this on one sitting if only adulting did not get in my way.

The Verdigris Pawn by Alysa Wishingrad is definitely on the top list of my favorite MG books this year. The story has this timeless atmosphere feeling, lush world-building and magic, engaging fast-paced plot, and very adorable characters and infuriating antagonist.

The story followed Beau, the heir to the throne, who was kept in luxury and unaware of the cruelty happening in his father's reign. When he met Cressi, his journey of facing the truth began as he also learned his own self and capabilities, new friends and allies. Plotwise, it was well-paced. Themes such as inequality, rebellion, and power were woven intricately to the plot in a way young people could easily grasp these concepts. It emphasized how important it was to use your power for good. I also liked how the game of chess was fused with the story itself.

The writing style was beautiful yet very easy to follow. The world building was very rich and detailed. It was in a medieval setting with magical elements. It was a world where there was a great gap between the rich and the poor, and the author did a great job creating it.

The characters were very endearing. It was not hard at all to love these characters. Beau was an heir to the throne, he was sheltered from what was really happening in the kingdom and he was living in fear of his father. I enjoyed reading his character growth. From being a naïve one, he changed into someone who was determined to make a change and do his best to do the right thing for the people. Nate, although when he was very loyal to a fault, was good-hearted and also wanted what he thought best for the kingdom. Lastly, Cressi was smart, level-headed, and resourceful. Each had unique personalities, and young readers could easily relate to them.

Overall, both young people and those who are young at hear will definitely enjoy this novel. I really loved it and even when it is written as standalone, it has a huge potential to be such a promising series. I highly recommend this!

4.5/5 stars!

This book was amazing. It felt like an instant middle-grade fantasy classic. I loved everything from the characters to the world building. If there ever was a book that exemplified "Show don't tell" this is it.

This book definitely reads like a movie that you can picture scene by scene. It draws you in immediately at the beginning and each chapter reveals more and more.
If you enjoy fantasy novels about friendship, loyalty, finding yourself and fighting for what you believe in, then you’ll enjoy this book!