MMGM -- IMPYRIUM by Henry Neff

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

Release Date -- October 4, 2016

Blurb:

In the first book of Henry H. Neff’s new high-stakes middle grade fantasy series, two unlikely allies confront a conspiracy that will shake the world of Impyrium to its core.
For over three thousand years, the Faeregine dynasty has ruled Impyrium. But the family’s magic has been fading, and with it their power over the empire. Whether it’s treachery from a rival house, the demon Lirlanders, or rebel forces, many believe the Faeregines are ripe to fall.

Hazel, the youngest member of the royal family, is happy to leave ruling to her sisters so that she can study her magic. But the empress has other plans for her granddaughter, dark and dangerous plans to exploit Hazel’s talents and rekindle the Faeregine mystique. Hob, a commoner from the remote provinces, has been sent to the city to serve the Faeregines—and to spy on them.

One wants to protect the dynasty. The other wants to destroy it. But when Hazel and Hob form an improbable friendship, their bond may save the realm as they know it…or end it for good.

Henry Neff is one of my favorite MG authors. I have read and re-read his TAPESTRY SERIES, and it never gets old. IMPYRIUM is set in the same world, but many, many years later. At first, it was a little unsettling to revisit the world of Max and David and Mina without them there, but I quickly became engrossed with the newness of it all and with the utterly likeable new cast of characters. I LOVED IT! Now begins the long wait for the next book. While this works perfectly as a stand-alone novel, I would highly recommend beginning with THE HOUND OF ROWAN and completing the Tapestry Series first. It will add a whole new level of enjoyment and appreciation for Impyrium.

 Shannon Whitney Messenger decided it was time to give middle grade stories the attention they deserve, and "Marvelous Middle Grade Mondays" was born. For a full selection of MMGM posts, visit her website HERE.