Four Dead Queens

Iris
Queen of Archia
 
Rule one: To protect the fertile lands of Archia, the queen must uphold the society s humble but hardworking way of life.
 
Iris shifted uncomfortably on her throne, rearranging her stiff skirts. The midday sun streamed down from the domed ceiling, hitting the elevated golden dial beneath it. The nation of Quadara was engraved upon the face, with thick ridges representing the walls that divided the land. An amber globe sat in the center of the dial and fractured the sunlight into rays, highlighting hundreds of cursive words etched into the throne room s marble walls. The words reminded each queen, and those who visited court, of the approved transactions between quadrants and the strict rules the queens must abide by. Queenly Law.
 
The four thrones, and their respective queens, sat in a circle around the dial. While the quadrants remained divided, the queens ruled from the same court.
 
Together, yet apart.

Each looked out upon her section of the circular room, a painted crest to signify where her quadrant began.
 
Iris s next appointment stepped from around the partition that separated court visitors from the queens. She glanced at one of her sister queens, Marguerite, sitting beside her. Marguerite raised an eyebrow in amusement as the man bowed, his nose grazing the polished marble at his feet. He stood upon the Archian crest: a rural island bordered by branches, leaves and flowers with a stag atop a mountain, depicted in bold golden swirls.
 
Now thirty years old, Iris had not seen her homeland of Archia for twelve years. But for as long as she lived, she would never forget the crisp air, the lush forests and rolling hills.
 
When the man straightened, he still wouldn t meet her eyes. A shame, for she had lovely eyes.
 
My queen, the man s voice trembled.
 
Good. Iris cultivated fear. A time-consuming but worthwhile pursuit.
 
She knew Archia

Astrid Scholte

Praise for Four Dead Queens:
An Indie Bestseller
An Amazon Best Book March 2019
A Blue Spruce Book Award Nominee 2020
A Texas Tayshas Reading List Pick 2020

A good, devious mix of some of the best fantasy and murder mystery that YA has had to offer recently. Entertainment Weekly

Astrid Scholte's propulsive debut YA novel checks all the boxes for an addictive read. Refinery29

Four Dead Queens is a darkly delicious tale that keeps you in constant suspense. A thrilling, genre-blending book perfect for fans of both fantasy and murder mysteries. I just might be the fifth dead queen because this story with its labyrinthine twists and turns slayed me in every possible way. Kerri Maniscalco, #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Stalking Jack the Ripper series

"[An] exciting fantasy debut . . . stunning." Paste

A cinematic thrill ride brimming with murder, mayhem, and twists that will shock you, Four Dead Queens is sure to be your next obsession. Absolutely riveting. Sarah Glenn Marsh, author of the Reign of the Fallen series

Astrid Scholte breaks into the fantasy genre with a triumphant, exciting debut that will keep readers guessing all the way to final chapter. Four Dead Queens is not to be missed! Beth Revis, New York Times bestselling author of Give the Dark My Love

Scholte's stand-alone debut marks her as an author to watch. Kirkus Reviews

Scholte has created an intrigue-heavy adventure in a world filled with characters whom readers will want to revisit. Publishers Weekly

Debut author Scholte manipulates multiple points of view and flashbacks to create an action-packed romance. Booklist
 
The story takes unexpected turns, has complicated characters who develop over time, and ends unpredictably . A recommended addition to young