The Verdigris Pawn by Alysa Wishingrad | Book Review

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Two boys, one the heir to the Manor and one aspiring for freedom;
One girl with a magical gift;
They must try to change the terrible things that happened in the land.

Beau, the heir to the manor that ruled the land, has always tried to be everything his father wants him to be but always wound up as a disappointment to his father. One day, Beau meets a girl named Cressi, who changes his life forever. Cressi shows Beau Mastery House, a cruel home for children to learn a trade, which is one of the many representations of Beau’s father’s many mistakes in his reign. Things go downhill when Beau, Cressi, and Barger (Beau’s father’s chamberlain) discover that Cressi is a charmer gifted with extraordinary magical powers. So, Beau is forced to escape from the Manor and makes friends with a friend of Cressi’s, Nate, to find Doone, who could be their ace to save Cressi and the land.

As soon as I began reading this book, I was hooked. I love that it’s like a historical fantasy with an intriguing chess-like game! This book takes place in a medieval world with a pinch of magic: A revolution being plotted, a deadly fever, betrayals, etc.
There’s a game in this story that’s like chess called Fist, whose rules are tricky to follow. You have to be able to think multiple moves ahead.
Cressi is a charmer gifted with extraordinary magical powers. Cressi’s healing powers and affinity with plants are incredible.
The story was well done, and I had read Between Monsters and Marvels by this author, so I have to say, I prefer this one to the other book.

Beau is an intelligent and crafty character. He’s also wanted to stay true to himself and his friends. Beau’s father wasn’t nice. Cressi is a kind girl, and she and Beau were my favorites. Barger was a very sly character. Nate was very impulsive.

The message of this book shows us the importance of teamwork, loyalty, friendship, and doing what is right.

Give this book to anyone who loves a magical tale with a bright quest for justice.

My rating