Illuminary
(The Sceptre & the Stylus Trilogy #1)
A Little Princess inspired fantasy with a Victorian vibe
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Glimpse the past, illuminate the future.
Yosarai Patican dreams of becoming an illuminator in a country that values art above all else. A lofty goal that finally seems within reach when she earns a position at the prestigious Academy of the Seven Arts. Although Yosarai loathes to leave behind her quiet country life, she travels to the capital, determined to live up to her mother’s fame as one of Indel’s greatest artists. Prince Xander never planned to become king. Indeed, he never wanted to become king. But when his father dies suddenly, he is thrust into the middle of coronation preparations—and assassination attempts. With everyone around him in increasing danger, Xander decides to hide in neighboring Indel until the time for him to be crowned king arrives. Posing as an inventor struggling with aesthetics, Xander enlists Yosarai’s aid as part of his cover, but soon he suspects she knows more than she should. But when danger threatens and secrets are exposed, entering a competition reputed as cutthroat may be the only way for them to protect everything they hold dear. |
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Praise for Illuminary:
“A competition becomes much more than a game when this charmingly mismatched team sets out on a deadly serious competitive quest. Here’s an intriguing story, built on nuggets of spiritual wisdom, as it launches a new trilogy.” —Kathy Tyers, award-winning and best-selling author of two Star Wars© novels and the Firebird series “A fantastical tale of love, loyalty, and trust, Illuminary was a book I couldn’t put down. I became attached to these characters so much that I rooted for them, wept with them, shared in their ultimate joy of victory and crushing blow of defeat. If you’re looking to be swept away into a storyworld you won’t want to leave, this is the book for you. Truly Chawna Schroeder at her finest.”
—Michelle Griep, Christy Award–winning author |
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Opening Excerpt from Illuminary:
Birthfest doldrums were a real affliction.
Many laughed them off as a literary device, dreamt up by keshel awful novelists to create easy suspense. Others attributed them to the overwrought drama of the fainting female seeking to draw more attention to herself. The reality was much simpler. Sometimes celebratory occasions carried so much weight that they burdened a person’s spirit with the musts and oughts of the day, and especially with the expectations of how one should feel, wringing out all joy.
I rested my hand atop a ribboned box, light spilling across my dressing table from the nearby window. But its warmth did nothing to disperse my emotional cloudiness. Yes, birthfest doldrums were real, for what other explanation could there be for the drizzle of melancholy dampening my spirits on a day that sparkled with sunshine?
My maid turned from fluffing the pillows, my earlier attempt to make my own bed having failed to meet Rivka’s precise standards. Her usual maroon pavadai sattai had been replaced by a multicolored one, and the cascading colors of the cap sleeved blouse and cone skirt stood out in festive contrast to the buttercream sheets. “Is something wrong, Sibah Yosarai?”
“Just feeling dreary today, Rivka. That’s all.”
“On your birthfest—and your twentieth one at that? Whatever for?”
Whatever, indeed? I had all I could ask for and more, as my bedchamber attested. The circular room was adorned with every luxury wealth could afford without turning the place gaudy, from gauzy curtains embroidered with real gold thread and seed pearls to the whimsical flower garden painted upon the plaster walls by my mother before my birth. And if I discovered anything more I could desire, I needed only to ask, for lack and need were words with which I had no personal acquaintance. A strangely depressing thought, that.
“Ah, I know what you’re missing.” Rivka returned to pillow f luffing, her eyes crinkling at the corners, accentuating her impish looks.
She was baiting me. I knew that. I bit anyway. “Pray, do tell, what grand light has vanished from the heavens of my life to cast a shadow across my birthfest?”
“Hasib Bane could not come today.”
I snorted, completely unladylike, but such an outlandish suggestion could warrant no other response. “Yes, that peacock’s absence shall be mourned with all the grief of a lost wart.”
Birthfest doldrums were a real affliction.
Many laughed them off as a literary device, dreamt up by keshel awful novelists to create easy suspense. Others attributed them to the overwrought drama of the fainting female seeking to draw more attention to herself. The reality was much simpler. Sometimes celebratory occasions carried so much weight that they burdened a person’s spirit with the musts and oughts of the day, and especially with the expectations of how one should feel, wringing out all joy.
I rested my hand atop a ribboned box, light spilling across my dressing table from the nearby window. But its warmth did nothing to disperse my emotional cloudiness. Yes, birthfest doldrums were real, for what other explanation could there be for the drizzle of melancholy dampening my spirits on a day that sparkled with sunshine?
My maid turned from fluffing the pillows, my earlier attempt to make my own bed having failed to meet Rivka’s precise standards. Her usual maroon pavadai sattai had been replaced by a multicolored one, and the cascading colors of the cap sleeved blouse and cone skirt stood out in festive contrast to the buttercream sheets. “Is something wrong, Sibah Yosarai?”
“Just feeling dreary today, Rivka. That’s all.”
“On your birthfest—and your twentieth one at that? Whatever for?”
Whatever, indeed? I had all I could ask for and more, as my bedchamber attested. The circular room was adorned with every luxury wealth could afford without turning the place gaudy, from gauzy curtains embroidered with real gold thread and seed pearls to the whimsical flower garden painted upon the plaster walls by my mother before my birth. And if I discovered anything more I could desire, I needed only to ask, for lack and need were words with which I had no personal acquaintance. A strangely depressing thought, that.
“Ah, I know what you’re missing.” Rivka returned to pillow f luffing, her eyes crinkling at the corners, accentuating her impish looks.
She was baiting me. I knew that. I bit anyway. “Pray, do tell, what grand light has vanished from the heavens of my life to cast a shadow across my birthfest?”
“Hasib Bane could not come today.”
I snorted, completely unladylike, but such an outlandish suggestion could warrant no other response. “Yes, that peacock’s absence shall be mourned with all the grief of a lost wart.”
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Additional Praise for Illuminary
“In Illuminary, a group of intriguing characters must compete in a prestigious quest where they are not only up against mind-bending puzzles and cryptic challenges, but also the weight of societal scorn. Each riddle they solve—every obstacle they overcome—raises the stakes. Armed with intelligence, determination, and strength forged through adversity, Schroeder’s characters are more than just competitors— they are symbols of hope. With every page turn, the suspense mounts, immersing readers in a race against time that demands intelligence, bravery, and faith. Illuminary is a delightful surprise that will stay with you long after the final page—simply a must-read.”
—Jill Williamson, Christy Award–winning author of By Darkness Hid
“An endearing cast of characters. A harrowing quest. And an enchanting story world that illuminates the imagination with wonder. Chawna Schroeder’s latest innovative book will leave readers begging for more!”
—Angela Bell, author of A Lady’s Guide to Marvels and Misadventures
“Enchanting characters, dangerous stakes, and an imaginative story world all create a dynamic tale. A series of puzzle-solving scenarios made me feel like I was in a delicious escape room with dear friends. It was a joy finding answers—both practical and philosophical—as I journeyed with the characters.”
—Sharon Hinck, Christy and Carol award–winning author
“Filled with rich world-building and powerful prose, Chawna Schroeder’s Illuminary is just the beginning of what is certain to be a trilogy that captivates the hearts and minds of readers. The intricately woven threads of found family and fierce faith work together to create a stunning tapestry of a tale. The nods to a timeless children›s classic are delightful, but make no mistake, this story is completely and uniquely its own.”
—Sara Ella, award-winning author of The Curious Realities, Coral, and the Unblemished trilogy
“Peppered with wisdom and wit, Chawna Schroeder’s Illuminary is a gorgeously imagined fantasy transformation of A Little Princess which hits all the right notes of the beloved classic. With compelling characters, deep themes on every page, and stunning world-building throughout, Illuminary is a book you do not want to miss!”
—J. J. Fischer, award-winning author of The Nightingale Trilogy
“In Illuminary, a group of intriguing characters must compete in a prestigious quest where they are not only up against mind-bending puzzles and cryptic challenges, but also the weight of societal scorn. Each riddle they solve—every obstacle they overcome—raises the stakes. Armed with intelligence, determination, and strength forged through adversity, Schroeder’s characters are more than just competitors— they are symbols of hope. With every page turn, the suspense mounts, immersing readers in a race against time that demands intelligence, bravery, and faith. Illuminary is a delightful surprise that will stay with you long after the final page—simply a must-read.”
—Jill Williamson, Christy Award–winning author of By Darkness Hid
“An endearing cast of characters. A harrowing quest. And an enchanting story world that illuminates the imagination with wonder. Chawna Schroeder’s latest innovative book will leave readers begging for more!”
—Angela Bell, author of A Lady’s Guide to Marvels and Misadventures
“Enchanting characters, dangerous stakes, and an imaginative story world all create a dynamic tale. A series of puzzle-solving scenarios made me feel like I was in a delicious escape room with dear friends. It was a joy finding answers—both practical and philosophical—as I journeyed with the characters.”
—Sharon Hinck, Christy and Carol award–winning author
“Filled with rich world-building and powerful prose, Chawna Schroeder’s Illuminary is just the beginning of what is certain to be a trilogy that captivates the hearts and minds of readers. The intricately woven threads of found family and fierce faith work together to create a stunning tapestry of a tale. The nods to a timeless children›s classic are delightful, but make no mistake, this story is completely and uniquely its own.”
—Sara Ella, award-winning author of The Curious Realities, Coral, and the Unblemished trilogy
“Peppered with wisdom and wit, Chawna Schroeder’s Illuminary is a gorgeously imagined fantasy transformation of A Little Princess which hits all the right notes of the beloved classic. With compelling characters, deep themes on every page, and stunning world-building throughout, Illuminary is a book you do not want to miss!”
—J. J. Fischer, award-winning author of The Nightingale Trilogy