<p><b>The story of a Queendom set in an alternate colonial India, blending Frances Hardinge with Kipling's <i>Kim</i>. A debut rich in fantasy, friendship and faith, and an original adventure that sparkles with storytelling magic.</b></p><p>Fierce orphan girl, Minou Moonshine, lives with her grandmother on a makeshift barge in the shadow of the General's palace. Under the tyrant's rule, life in Moonlally is hard: the monsoons have failed and worship of their goddess, the Dark Lady, is forbidden.</p><p>When Minou's beloved Dima is murdered, she joins the secretive Green Orchids, rebels plotting to overthrow the General.</p><p>Amid the lush jungles, mountain villages and treetop temples of Indica, Minou begins a winding journey with her two friends and a mechanical elephant, on the adventure of a lifetime.</p><p>Can Minou bring back the floods and the ancient power of the Dark Lady, as well as finding the Queen and her own place in the future of Moonlally?</p>
<p>A magical middle-grade debut adventure set in an alternate colonial India, about a fierce orphan girl on a quest to save a queen.</p>
<p>A debut launch. Beautifully written magical adventure for 9+ set in an alternate colonial India. Prizewinning potential.</p>
<p>A timely exploration of themes of oppression and resistance, freedom and power, queens and a queendom.</p>
<p>Cast of strong rebel girls and women, speaks to trend for empowering books for children.</p>
<p>Gita lives in London.</p>
<p>MARKET: Jasbinder Bilan; Kiran Millwood Hargrave.</p>