The True Queen

Novel by 
Zen Cho
Publisher: Pan MacMillan
Binding: Paperback
Published: March 2019
Cover: Kate Forrester

A young woman with no memories of her past finds herself embroiled in dangerous politics in England and the land of the fae.

Fairyland’s future lies in doubt . . .

The enchanted island of Janda Baik, in the Malay Archipelago, has long been home to witches. And Muna and her sister Sakti wake on its shores under a curse, which has quite stolen away their memories. Their only hope of salvation lies in distant Britain, where the Sorceress Royal runs a controversial academy for female magicians. But the pair travel via the formidable Fairy Queen’s realm, where Sakti simply disappears.

To save her sister, Muna must learn to navigate Regency London’s high society and trick the English into believing she’s a magical prodigy. But when the Sorceress Royal’s friends become accidentally embroiled in a plot – involving the Fairy Queen’s contentious succession – Muna is drawn right in. She must also find Sakti, break their curse and somehow stay out of trouble. But if fairyland’s true queen does finally return, trouble may find her first . . .

Other editions

Praise for The True Queen

A sheer delight from beginning to end. Cho perfectly conjures the opulence, absurdity and conflict of the period.”–Samantha Shannon, author of The Bone Season

A delightful follow-up to Sorcerer to the Crown! Cho applies her characteristic wit and charm to a tale of cursed sisters – a story I found as enchanting as her Faerie Court.”–S.A. Chakraborty, author of City of Brass

Cho continues to confront class and gender roles in an alternate Regency England while showcasing entertaining prose and characters. A delightful historical-fantasy novel that will capture readers in its layered story line.”—Booklist

A joyous mash-up of Jane Austen and high fantasy.”—M.R. Carey, author of Someone Like Me

Complex and rich – the sort of book that if it was a Masterchef dish, all the judges would be asking for more.”– Genevieve Cogman, author of The Mortal Word

Just finished this beauty – intricate, inventive and joyful.” –Vic James, author of The Gilded Cage

Totally immersive, an utterly enjoyable experience. Here East, West and the Realm of Fairy meet: three vivid and vastly different societies steeped in the paradox of belonging and alienation. A story full of humour, heartbreak, and hope — Cho captivates once more.” –Karen Lord, author of The Galaxy Game

Reading the clever deployment of weaponized manners never gets old; in Cho’s charming prose, The True Queen weaves a very pleasant spell indeed.”–NPR

Where to buy