Read by Nicola Barber, Tam Mutu

Happily ever after is a lie. Once upon a time there was a kingdom, and a forest that liked to eat men, and a girl who would change everything, but not alone ... Except -- There's no such thing as once upon a time. In a faraway land, populated by were beasts and surrounded by a powerful forest, lies a kingdom about to be sent into chaos. On his deathbed, King Tyran divides his land, leaving half to each of his two children -- so they'll rule together. However, his son, Albrecht, is not satisfied with half a kingdom. And even though his sister, Ursula, is the first born, he decides that, as a girl and were bear, she is unfit to rule. So he invades her land, slaughtering her people and most of the were beasts, and claims it for himself. As King Albrecht builds his iron rule and an army to defend his reign, Ursula is gathering the survivors and making plans to seize back the kingdom. Not just her half -- the whole thing. Because Albrecht should have never been allowed to sit on the throne, and Ursula is going to take his crown. And if he's not careful, he might not get to keep his head either. Martha Brockenbrough is the acclaimed author of two books for adults and 10 books for young readers, including Unpresidented; The Game of Love and Death; Love, Santa; The Dinosaur Tooth Fairy; Devine Intervention; and Cheerful Chick. Martha teaches in the master's program at Vermont College of Fine Arts. She lives in Seattle, Washington, with her husband, their two daughters, and their wonderful old dog. Visit her online at marthabrockenbrough.com

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