Splinter & Ash

Splinter & Ash #1

by Marieke Nijkamp

“A winning addition to boundary-defying heroines like Alanna of Trebond and Sir Callie.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“An exciting, twisty story packed with everything you want from a fantasy adventure.” —Anne Ursu, author of Not Quite a Ghost

In New York Times bestselling author Marieke Nijkamp's immersive middle grade fantasy, two young misfits embark on a dangerous quest to save their kingdom—and each other. For fans of B. B. Alston’s Amari and the Night Brothers, Soman Chainani’s School for Good and Evil, and Tamora Pierce’s Tortall books.

On the eve of her twelfth birthday, all Princess Adelisa — Ash to her friends—wants to do is run away. The palace doesn’t feel like home. Her mother is holding the war-torn kingdom together by a thread. Her brother bullies her. And the masked ball to celebrate her birthday turns into a nightmare when the nobles openly mock her.

Then Ash meets Splinter. Fierce, brave, and adventurous, Splinter dreams of becoming a knight like her older brother, though only noble sons get to be squires. Until now.

There’s never been a princess’s squire before, but Ash decides it’s the perfect solution. Together, they can face the bullies, snobs, gossips, and disapproving families.

But as their friendship grows, Splinter and Ash discover a deadly conspiracy of nobles planning to overthrow the queen. When Ash is kidnapped, Splinter must navigate long-held secrets and dangerous plots. Ash needs to be a princess who saves herself. And they both have to find a way back to each other to save the kingdom, together.

The first in a trilogy, bestselling author Marieke Nijkamp’s Splinter & Ash evokes the classic adventure and atmosphere of fantasies by Lloyd Alexander and Tamora Pierce and the fresh, inclusive lens of writers such as Rick Riordan, Angie Thomas, and Soman Chainani. It invites everyone—no matter who they are or what they look like—to fight for what they believe in.

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Queer, LGBT, Fiction, Disability, Adventure

Audible Audio

First published September 10, 2024

About the author

Marieke Nijkamp a storyteller, dreamer, globe-trotter, geek.

***

Please note I don't respond to friend requests or messages on GR, but you're always welcome to tweet or email me. :)

Reviews

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished this and loved it so much that I sent Marieke's editor this blurb:

"A thrilling fantasy adventure full of exciting swordplay, dangerous spycraft, cleverness, and courage, with characters I loved. I'm hoping for many more stories in this world!"

And since I have more space in a GR review than a blurb, I'm going to expand: oh, wow, did I love both protagonists!

There's clever and kind Princess Ash, who has to face both danger from her mother's political enemies and cruelty from bigoted members of the court as she returns to it for the first time with a visible disability as well as chronic pain...and bravely sets out to be a spy anyway. Then there's nonbinary Splinter, whose lifelong dream of being made a squire (on the way to becoming a knight) is finally made true by Ash - but who faces discrimination and bullying in the training program as the first-ever non-boy squire.

Both protagonists are incredibly brave and endearing, both of their parallel adventures and challenges are thrilling, and I adored the true friendship that forms between them as they stand against the world. This book is going to feel so empowering to so many MG readers!

I don't know whether there will be any more books in this series, but I really hope so! I'd love to read about whatever Splinter & Ash get up to next.

[Anniek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Veel dank aan Van Goor voor het recensie-exemplaar!

English below

Dit is het perfecte boek om een liefde voor fantasy aan te wakkeren. De sfeer van het boek en de wereld doen me denken aan zoveel van mijn favorieten, maar dan op een veel toegankelijkere manier gepresenteerd. Het verhaal heeft een snel tempo, maar voelt nergens gehaast. Ik vond vooral de vriendschap tussen Splinter en Ash heel mooi om te lezen, en de manier waarop ze elkaar vinden als mensen die afwijken van de andere mensen die ze kennen - Splinter als non-binair persoon die ridder wil worden, en Ash met haar beperking. Dit was een heerlijk boek om in één ruk uit te lezen.

This is the perfect book to invoke a love for fantasy. The atmosphere and world reminded me of so many of my favourites, but presented in a much more accessible way. The story is fast-paced, but it never feels rushed. I especially loved the friendship between Splinter and Ash, and the way they find each other as people who differ from the other people they know - Splinter as a non-binary person who wants to become a knight, and Ash being disabled. This was the perfect book to read in one sitting.

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 4 out of 5]

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

At the age of twelve, Princess Adelisa is finally returning to the royal city of Kestrel's Haven to take her place in the palace after spending her childhood living with an aunt. She walks with a cane, having been in the carriage accident that took her father's life years ago. Her mother, Queen Avelina, has been dealing with difficult political situations, since the Ferisian Empire is making incursions into Calinor. Her brother, Lucen, the heir to the throne, holds unexplained grudges against her and is not happy that she is back. Ash, as she prefers to be called, has her doubts about being able to survive life at court, since she thinks it is silly. When she steps away from a celebration in her honor because people are being mean to her, she meets Splinter, who claims to be a young squire. When it turns out that Splinter is the orphaned, youngest daughter of the DuLac family whose uncle thinks a convent would be a preferable place for his young ward instead of being a knight, Ash suggests that Splinter become her squire. There is no rule against this, and soon Splinter is outfitted and training with the other squires. Some of the staff support both Ash and Splinter, like Master Elnor, the tutor, and Lord Brenet, the master of the squires, but Lucen has had a previous run in with Splinter, and is quite mean. Ash has to deal with people making offhanded, cruel comments about her disability, but soon has a bigger purpose. Queen Avelina suspects that the Maronnes family is traitorous, since letters between them and Ferisian citizens have been intercepted. Since they have two young daughters, Ash is tasked with befriending them and looking for incriminating information. Eager to help, Ash agrees, but finds the task more difficult when she genuinely likes both Hazel, who is ten, and Melisande (Mist) who is her age. The three have much in common and enjoy many of the same things. Splinter is not welcome to socialize with the three, but is allowed to be taught sword tricks by one of the Maronnes staff, Fenna. When the girls are researching Midwinter Mystery Plays in the father's library, Mist talks about wanting to "spy", but Ash actually steals a letter from the father's desk that is written in Ferisian. Meanwhile, Splinter has a difficult time with the other squires, and when they are on a cleaning detail, is abused and shoved in the mud. Lucen even intercepts a message from Ash and rips it up before Splinter can see it. Soon after, it is discovered that Ash has been kidnapped, and Splinter is blamed for not being with her charge. Splinter decides to run off to find Ash, and is surprised to team up with Lucen, who is also running away with the same purpose. Their common ground in becoming squires is to keep people safe. Unable to locate Ash, the two head to the Maronnes and accuses Hazel and Mist of collusion with the Ferisians, only to find out that the father is working with other scholars to try to bring an end to the war. Meanwhile, Ash has been kidnapped by people who share a surprising connection with her, and want to keep her away from the palace. Splinter wants to contact her brother, Anders, who has been off fighting for some time, but when the two finally connect, Anders seems to be a traitor working with the Larks, an organization that opposes the queen. Ash manages to escape her captors and run into one of her mother's lords... who turns out not to be who she thought he was. Will Splinter, Lucen, and Ash be able to get back to the palace and let the queen know what is going on? There is definitely room for a sequel to discuss the progression of the hostilities between Ferisia and Calinor.
Strengths: An author's note at the front references De Brief Voor de Koning (1962) by Tonke Dragt, a classic Dutch book, as well as one of my all time favorite medieval fantasy series, Pierce's Tortall books, as the inspiration for this tale. The parallels are clear, since Alanna escaped being sent to a convent and disguised herself as a boy to train to be a knight, but Nijkamp puts a modern spin on this with Splinter's nonbinary identification. Calinor has a well developed back story, Ash's family history is complicated, and her new friendship with Splinter is heart warming. It's always good to see characters who fall outside the mainstream band together and be successful in their endeavors. Having Lucen understand both Splinter and his sister better was better than having him remain a villain. I especially liked Hazel and Mist, and would love to see them appear in future volumes.
Weaknesses: When Splinter and Ash leave the palace to find Ash, they don't take their horses. I'm willing to buy that there are a lot of coincindences that bring various people into contact with each other, but I would have thought squires who had horses would have taken them instead of walking, which would take much too long. Personally, I always struggle with the politics of fantasy wars, but those who enjoyed Nielsen's The False Prince, Lairamore's Ivy Ever After, Haskells' Handbook for Dragon Slayers, Liddell's The Cadet of Tildor, and Flanagan's The Ranger's Apprentice books. (I love these because of the adventures in the woods and the coffee over the campfires, and tend to skip over a lot of the politics.)
What I really think: I really enjoyed this one, but still have very few readers who ask for medieval fantasy adventures. This is an excellent update to purchase for collections where Pierces' Alanna: the First Adventure or Wrede's Dealing with Dragons are in constant circulation. I have some extra money due to a very generous donation, so will be able to buy this for the readers I have who can't get enough of books like Burgis' The Dragon with the Chocolate Heart, Lloyd's The Book of Three, Ursu's The Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy, Durst's Journey Across the Hidden Islands, or Hale's The Princess Academy, or George's The Rose Legacy..

To be clear, I enjoyed this book and would love to hand it to students, but there are far more fantasy books being published than I have readers who ask for them. It is one of the better, new, medieval fantasies I've seen recently.

[Leni · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent book for its intended audience. Also goes to show that some concepts (like being non-binary or disabled) really aren't that hard to incorporate in a story and/or explain.

[Laura (crofteereader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This felt like a modern version of Tamora Pierce’s Protector of the Small series - with queer and disability rep! In that sense, Splinter’s story isn’t particularly new or interesting to me personally (I’ve read the Tortall books over and over, after all) but Ash is something else. I liked seeing her navigate the cruelties of court while trying to maintain her ideals - and also make friends and make the kingdom a better place. This truly is a book for the 2020s when you get to the conflict and the Larks, and I think that’s super important for young people to be reading

[Manoek (manoeksbooknook) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had SO much fun with this!! This reminded me a lot of fantasy books I read growing up (like De Brief voor de Koning by Tonke Dragt) a lovely middlegrade story full of adventure. I especially adored the friendship between Ash and Splinter. And I loved seeing the disability and non binary representation

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid 3.5. Not as good as Tamora Pierce, but to be fair not many are. Good adventure book about friendship, fighting for what you want and who you are, and saving the kingdom as a bonus

[Abby G · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone with hypermobility, who is still getting used to wearing finger splints and walking with a cane (and the looks I get for both), I cannot stress how monumental it was to read Splinter and Ash. To see a character with my disability who was neither barred from the story, nor singled out for the sake of representation. Ash just is disabled. It was wonderful to come home, after a long day of explaining, “this cane is for me, I’m not playing with it” and “yes, I do wear a lot of rings”, and escape into the life of someone who knows why I need those things, because she needs them too.

Outside of being one of two series that I’ve read featuring protagonists with cane (shout out Six of Crows!), this book was just altogether wonderful. The plot was engaging, the characters were interesting, and the setting was magical. If I had to name one nitpick, it’s that the world-building was a little simplified, I would have loved to see more of Ash and Splinter’s universe, instead of it just being exposed to me. Take this with a grain of salt however, as I am the adult fiction reader who picked up a book that said “grades 3-7” on the back. Something something dead pigeon.

Altogether, this includes a wide variety of characters that are not often seen in the genre, while still managing to be pleasant and entertaining. Readers young and old (at least as far as I can vouch) will find something worthwhile.

[Ozod · Rating 5 out of 5]

good

[Jay Wagemans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Een onwijs leuke, hartverwarmende en avontuurlijke feelgood over intrige, vriendschap, moedig zijn en jezelf accepteren. De disability rep is supergaaf en geeft een interessante kijk in het leven van iemand die chronische klachten heeft en braces draagt. De queer representatie is ook tof, al heb ik zelf gemengde gevoelens bij Splinter als non-binair persoon.

Het is mooi dat Splinters deadname helemaal niet wordt gebruikt in dit boek, maar waarom blijven mensen die weten dat Splinter non-binair is dan toch vriendin en zusje gebruiken? Dat Splinter geen genderneutrale voornaamwoorden heeft, kan ik begrijpen, omdat iedereens voorkeur en reis anders is. Maar hoe moeilijk is het om vriend te gebruiken en te zeggen dat iemand je broer is in plaats van dat je iemands zusje bent? Daarnaast geeft de auteur wel een mooie en rake beschrijving van hoe het is om misgendered te worden: alsof een grote hand je ingewanden samenknijpt.

Dit boek raad ik zeker aan voor jong en oud, en ik ben ontzettend benieuwd wat de auteur nog meer met deze serie gaat doen. Voor fans van De brief voor de Koning, Deltora, Koning van Katoren, de Arwyn-trilogie en De Grijze Jager.

[Ana Cortes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Splinter & Ash is a charming medieval fantasy story about two misfits working together to save Calinor from ruthless nobles who want to return the realm to its former glory. A time when the wealthiest nobles had power and money and the poor and unique suffer. Great universal themes about tolerance, friendship, and bravery. Perfect book for queer and disabled readers. Princess Ash and Squire Splinter will steal your hearts.

[Corine Lagerweij · Rating 5 out of 5]

geweldig leuk boek, lekker spannend en ook een beetje tegendraads. love it

[seasalted.citrus (Topaz, Oliver) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointed by this, tbh. Parts of it were cute—the disabled and queer rep was fantastic(NONBINARY REP THAT DOESN’T USE THEY/THEM PRONOUNS?? WORD??), Splinter’s perseverance in her POV as well as her overall fiery attitude made her a highlight of the first half, and the friendship between the titular characters was endearing. I think in hindsight their development was a little rushed, but I still liked them nonetheless.

The plot was standard to a painful degree, though. I think for kids new to the fantasy genre they’ll get a lot out of the action, the characters with endless ambition, and the sprinkling of kingdom politics, but for me (as both someone well-acquainted with fantasy for younger demographics, and an older reader) the plot twists were predictable and the lack of immersion in the world left me feeling bored. I’ll admit there was one plot twist I technically didn’t predict, but that’s because I couldn’t tell if it was a plot hole or not.

And, of course, there are some other grudges I have that younger readers either won’t catch on to, or won’t care about as much(I grew up with the “Rescue Princesses” series, and those princesses made some pretty terrible decisions that partially annoyed me and sent my dad fuming, okay): Ash’s kidnappers were a little terrible at their job and that was obviously the reason why she could have more than one escape attempt; Lucen’s turnaround was quick, and frustrating for an arc that started out with some surprisingly realistic examples on how bullying can be overlooked especially because of favoritism; and Ash’s “I can protect myself :)” message being hammered in for a couple of moments annoyed me because she still obviously needed some help..?

I did like a few other things, though: Firstly, Splinter and Lucen’s initial reluctance to work with each other. Their banter was fun, and I liked that Splinter used several opportunities to call him out. But the main reason why the pacing of Lucen’s turnaround annoys me so badly is that a lot of his issues with Splinter very clearly stemmed from sexism, and the story didn’t think about even exploring how the toxic masculinity cultivated with both monarchy and squire/knight roles cultivated that?? (Because it can also be tied to the reason he revealed for being so closed-off to Ash!) Secondly, I liked Ash’s internal conflict around befriending—and subsequently betraying—Mist and Hazel. (Although the wording for her guilt and anxiety was simplistic.) I don’t know how to feel about the overall message of it though, because as important as it is for kids to recognize when they did wrong and ruined a friendship, Ash was forced by her circumstances, and also clearly valued Mist and Hazel as friends, she just wasn’t in a space she could say she did.

I think I’ll be dropping the series, but it’s pretty cool that characters like Splinter and Ash can exist.

[Jenna (Falling Letters) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review originally published 19 April 2025 at Falling Letters.

Splinter & Ash is one of those adequate three star reads. Nothing spectacular, nothing egrevious. It’s a solid medieval fantasy. I would flag this one as a good fantasy for younger readers, or those new to the genre.

Of all the Cybils 2024 speculative fiction finalists, Splinter & Ash felt the most character-focused with a lot of introspection. The story’s light on plot and worldbuilding. I would have liked a bit more intrigue and action to spice up the plain and simple plot. There’s a lot going on behind the scenes. It would have been exciting to involve the titular protagonists in that a bit more. But overall, the story’s strength lies in the characterization of the protagonists.

Overall, I enjoyed the fresh spin on the medieval-inspired castle-centric fantasy that Splinter and Ash offer. Both their perspectives breath some new life into this genre. The story’s strength is their grappling with finding their place in a prejudiced society. However, the story as a whole is neither exciting nor compelling enough for me to strongly recommend it.

I found it a little odd that this is in some ways a queer normative world (there are throwaway lines referencing someone’s two mothers and Splinter’s brother has a boyfriend), yet the world has strict binary gender role expectations. But it’s beyond me to unpack that in this wee review, lol.

“This is how legends begin” – emphasis on ‘begin’! These legends are off to a slow start, even though a paraphrase of the plot may sound exciting. Hopefully this is a case of book one establishing charcter, and book two strengthening plot and world.

💭 The Bottom Line: Likely to be enjoyed by fans of the genre, Splinter & Ash is one to pick up for its unique POVs rather than medieval fantasy adventure.

[Jen Rothmeyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Splinter & Ash is an uncommonly heartwarming middle-grade book featuring an agender child and a child with a disability. Both of these topics are mentioned in the story, but the focus is on the children themselves and what they are capable of doing. Other individuals in the book also have passing reference to their status as members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community or as having some form of disability. In all cases, this is treated appropriately.

The story itself is heartachingly familiar as an echo of one of my favorite books as a child, Tamora Pierce's The Song of the Lionness. While not an exact parallel, I had already drawn my own conclusion about its gentle familiarity and influence on the novel before I read the author's acknowledgements honoring the Tortall Universe. Pierce's books were a strong lodestone for me as a female-presenting child striving to be seen as more in the 80s. I predict this compassionate and uplifting story to be the same for the 2020s with updates for agender children and those with disabilities.

We are capable. We are able. We can be who we are.

This would be an excellent read-aloud for the classroom as it lends itself well to some in depth discussion questions about morality and social emotional development.

The story itself is compelling and interesting with a kingdom-wide conspiracy, kidnapping, possible hidden secrets, and adventure. The characters are as rounded as one gets in middle grade with some (somewhat stereotypical) character development over the course of the novel.

Great job, Marieke Nijkamp. Oh, and your cover is fantastic.

[Julia Pika · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF'ed at 100 pages. It's definitely inspired by Tamora Pierce's books but I don't think it has the heart behind them.

The writing is very simplified and the setting even more so. It's a shame because I really like Splinter but I found it very slow yet fast-paced. By that I mean things were fast-forwarded to the determent of character development and things slowed to a crawl randomly.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heb ik al eens eerder een boek van Marieke Nijkamp gelezen? Ik weet het niet meer zeker... Maar dit was zeker het eerste kinderboek van haar hand dat ik heb opgepakt.

Het is niet slecht. Erg complex of verrassend is het niet, in grote lijnen dan toch. Het is zo'n typisch modern ridderverhaal, over mensen die schildknaap en/of ridder willen worden maar tegen een glazen plafond stuiten, en over mensen die als prins(es) niet serieus genomen worden. In dit verhaal zijn beide elementen aanwezig. Origineel is het niet, maar dat moet ook niet met dit soort boeken. Soms is eenvoud ook wel zo handig, en de boodschap komt er ook duidelijk door naar voren. Ze wordt gelukkig ook niet door je strot geramd, want daar ben ik ook geen fan van, maar de auteur weet duidelijk hoe ze die twee uitersten in balans moet houden.

De vertaling is van Barbara Lampe & Martine Both. De eerste ken ik, de tweede niet. Ze was goed. Ik heb twee keer gezien dat er een komma ontbrak en één keer een letter in de naam van een personage, en dat is uiteindelijk iets redactioneels. Ergens stond er 'Ga!' waar ik eerder iets als 'Ga dan!' of 'Vooruit!' zou verwachten, maar op taalkundig vlak was dat het enige dat me opviel. Het is tamelijk eenvoudig taalgebruik, denk ik, dus erg uitdagend zal het ook niet geweest zijn. En dat zorgt dus ook voor een goede vertaling waar al bij al niks mis mee is, alles loopt vlotjes.

Lucen - laat ik eens niet met een hoofdpersonage beginnen - haalde me het bloed onder de nagels vandaan en het duurde een hele tijd voor ik hem begon te appreciëren (net zoals Splinter). Ik vond zijn verandering van karakter op een gegeven moment wel erg bruusk, erg realistisch leek het niet, maar ja, er gebeurt ook iets schokkends voor hem, dus ik laat het maar varen. Ook al omdat hij daarna wél een goed karakter krijgt. Eerst is hij echt niet te genieten.
Splinter en Ash allebei wel, dat zijn twee personages die je meteen in je hart sluit. Ze complementeren elkaar heel goed en ze sterk op zichzelf ook, op alle vlakken. Als zij minder goed gevormd waren geweest, had ik dit verhaal heel wat minder interessant gevonden, geloof ik.
De andere personages doen er minder toe, maar ik was ook fan van Hazel en Mist. Hopelijk krijgen die ook nog een rol in de rest van de reeks en zijn ze niet meteen afgeschreven. (En, eh, als ze een rol krijgen mag ik hopen dat het een goeie is!) De leermeester die instaat voor de zaken van de schildknapen - ik ben z'n naam vergeten - was ook leuk. Maar de meeste tweederangspersonages leer je eigenlijk niet goed genoeg kennen.

Merewen was ook tof en zorgt nog wel voor een lichte verrassing, al is ze nu ook weer niet zo groot. Maar het zorgt in elk geval voor wat diepgang in het verhaal en geeft alles een wat persoonlijker sausje. De Leeuweriken op zich blijven tot nu toe wat te vaag, en dat Splinter en Ash de belangrijkste bandiet van Boek 1 zonder al te veel moeite kunnen verslaan, daar fronste ik wel wat bij. Dat ging wel heel gemakkelijk. Ik snap dat je 't niet al te gemakkelijk kunt maken, maar dan nog, hij krijgt zo niet heel veel geloofwaardigheid. Benieuwd of dat in het vervolg zal beteren.

7/10

[Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Splinter and Ash is the first book in a series by the same name by Marieke Nijkamp and their middle-grade debut. As the synopsis states ‘ is an immersive medieval fantasy starring queer and disabled young heroes’ which immediately appealed to me as representation is so important throughout genres and age ranges of books and I loved it.

I immediately loved Ash who just wants to be seen as a Princess, and a capable person who can lead and support her mother, the Queen in whatever tasks she may need to do but is instead seen as a person with a disability. The focus isn’t on what she can do but rather what she cannot in the eyes of those who don’t even take the time to get to know her and I know many can relate to being seen solely for a cane or other disability aid. Marieke Nijkamp has written her in such a relatable manner and shows her strengths and capabilities alongside her disability are simply facts - and for once, they’re the main character in an MG book and not a forgettable attempt to create equality in a novel.

The world-building is good, drawing the reader into a world where they’re enemies are hiding in plain sight, and you will come across knights in training with squires at their side to aid in whatever is needed. My only issue with it was that it seemed a little simplified even for the age of the reader and I would have welcomed a little more immersive descriptions to ensure you’re fully lost to the story. With trouble lingering and the threat of losing her throne? Ash’s mother, the Queen, is overwhelmed and you can feel the tension throughout the book as we follow Splinter and Ash as they both find their place in a world that scoffs at their very existence and desire to be more than is deemed appropriate for them.

This was a lovely read and a wonderful introduction to the series. I am looking forward to seeing what adventures await the ever-determined and faithful Splinter as she continues on her way as a Squire alongside Princess Ash. Who, I hope helps someone who may use a cane or wear braces to help them gain strength be truly seen.

The representation was spot on, and shows how easy it is to write a character who has disabilities or is queer in any manner because it’s a part of them in the same manner someone can have blue eyes. Thank you to Marieke Nijkamp for that.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 and a half stars for me, actually. I enjoyed this solid fantasy which is distinguished by strong characterizations. But there were things that frustrated me as an adult reader that I think would also have frustrated me as a child.
1. The first thing I noticed was some awkwardness in the translation. You don't arrive to a place, you arrive in or at it. And why use "arrive" in this context, anyway? (When Ash arrived to the dining room--why not 'entered" if you want a somewhat vague verb--there are many others you could choose!)
2. I was really, really sad for a minor character, and frustrated by the lack of closure for her story. This, perhaps, is as much a strength of the book as a weakness.
3. Along the same lines, the story made clear that being a princess is a sort of prison, requiring you to use and betray people who might otherwise be your friends. This was a strength. I would have hated it when I was eleven, but it was well-used in the novel.
4. When Splinter and Ash meet, and Splinter's mask is pushed off, Ash immediately recognizes her as a girl. How and why? Is it her long hair? But men and boys in the book also have long hair. Some young kids look quite androgynous. So this didn't make sense to me.
5. And later, Ash proclaims to Splinter (to Splinter's relief), "You're not a girl." How, again, does she know this, and what does it mean? Why does Splinter, who uses feminine pronouns throughout, object so passionately to being a girl? I understand her wanting to be seen simply as herself, but it seems she IS female, and doesn't mind that. Maybe I'm being dense here?
6. Finally, I wanted to know exactly what syndrome/condition Ash has that handicaps her. An endnote would have been nice.

It's the first in a series, and I realize some of my questions may be answered later on. I do recommend it for most collections; young fans of Tamora Pierce should love it.

[Sarah A · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great middle-grade fantasy adventure to shelf right next to Tamora Pierce! Well written, wonderful relatable characters, great descriptions - I felt the mud splashing!!
Ash is the princess who has lived away from her family for most of her life but has now returned to the capital. Greeted by her loving mother with open arms, Ash thinks things might be ok, even if her older brother seems to hate her presence and resent her return. She doesn’t easily fit into life at court but tries to find her way and support her family.
Then she meets Splinter.
Splinter looks up to big brother Anders with adoration and is desperate to be a squire although the world sees Splinter as just a “girl”.
Splinter rejoices in the meeting with Ash and accepts the offer to be the Princess’s squire with great joy. Splinter doesn’t mind the mud or the endless sword exercises - much - and is trying not to hear the taunts and bullying from the other squires, led on by Ash’s brother.
But when danger truly threatens the kingdom, it will be up to Ash and Splinter to work together to show the true meaning of loyalty, honor, and friendship.

I didn’t realize until the end blurb that I’d already read the short story the author first wrote about these characters - no wonder they seemed to immediately be old friends.

Cannot wait to see what adventures Ash and Splinter get up to next!

[Jamie Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Princess Adelisa, Ash, returns to Calinor's capitol, Kestral's Haven, after 6 years away at school. Now, at 12, she returns to listen to hateful remarks of her being unfit because she is disabled - her joints like to dislocate so she uses braces to stabilize them and walks with a cane. Her kindness and intelligence, earns her an unwelcome squire, Splinter, a nonbinary who goes by she when all squires are meant to be male. It doesn't help that Prince Lucen, Ash's brother, is hateful to them both and bullies Splinter with the other squires to get her thrown out of training with her dreams of becming a knight shattered. Then, Ash gets kidnapped by enemy forces that Calinor is at war with, and Splinter will do whatever it takes to save her princess, like any knight should do. All the characters stand on their own and they learn and grow into themselves as the intrigue, danger, and adventure unfolds in the quest to save Ash. The worldbuilding is a little light, but with this being a series opener, there is room for the Calinor kingdom and the Fresian Empire to unfold. A wonderful medieval era read with many twists and turns that will leave readers eager for the next book.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this middle grade fantasy, and I can't wait to keep reading more in the series! 8-12 year-old me would've devoured this many times, and I can just imagine the pages falling out from the number of re-reads. Adult me thought one of the character's redemption arcs was a little fast, but this would not have bothered me as a kid.

The novel rotates between two characters. Ash is a disabled princess, returning home from her education at her aunt's estate to help her kingdom, who is at war with a nearby empire. Her presence caused some nobles to question her mother's rule.

Splinter dreams of becoming a night like her brother, but her borderline abusive uncle is not a fan of that idea. He feels like everyone should follow traditional paths. Splinter also feels like neither a boy nor a girl (though she does use she/her pronouns). After a party where Splinter protects Princess Ash, Ash decides to sponsor her as a squire. This sends the squires and nights into an uproar, for a girl has never become a knight.

This needs way more readers! Definitely one of my favorite middle grade reads of the year!

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author acknowledged the debt she had to Alanna and Tortall by Tamora Pierce. But this book was not, I don’t think, on the same level as the Tortall books. Of course, I’ll have to reread them to be sure. In this book, the princess, Ash, is finally coming home after being raised elsewhere. Many people, including apparently her own brother, are not happy about this. Ash has joint problems resulting from a terrible accident that happened when she was a baby and in which her father, the Prince Consort died. Or is that what happened? Many are dubious. There are several untied subplots that will help guide future stories in this series. Ash meets a possible friend nicknamed Splinter. Splinter is bi which is certainly nothing Pierce could have included when her series came out! Unfortunately that will get this series banned in many places even though nothing at all sexual happens in this juvenile story. Splinter wants to be a squire then a knight someday. Will she make it through training when all the other squires tease and bully her? I’m definitely reading the next book in this series. I’m not completely sure what I think of this title, so I’m erring on being generous.

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adventure abounds in this promising start to a new middle grade fantasy series. Splinter is desperate to serve her kingdom as a knight like her much-admired older brother, unfortunately girls are not welcome to serve in that capacity. Ash is a princess, though her brittle bones make her less than fit in the eyes of some members of the court and her intellect is underestimated. When a chance encounter brings the two together they find just the friendship they need. Spying, kidnapping, sword-fighting, war with a neighboring kingdom, a plot against the royal family—the story is full of action, but also full of heart. Loyalty, friendship, and compassion are rewarded in this first installment. Splinter does not want to be a boy, exactly, but doesn't entirely identify as a girl. Ash is one of several characters with disabilities. The ending satisfies and, delightfully, leaves the door open for further adventures. Hand to fantasy fans, especially readers who appreciated The Ranger's Apprentice series.

Highly recommended for readers in grades 4-7.

[SOYAMRG · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adventure abounds in this promising start to a new middle grade fantasy series.

Splinter is desperate to serve her kingdom as a knight like her much-admired older brother, unfortunately girls are not welcome to serve in that capacity. Ash is a princess, though her brittle bones make her less than fit in the eyes of some members of the court and her intellect is underestimated. When a chance encounter brings the two together they find just the friendship they need. Spying, kidnapping, sword-fighting, war with a neighboring kingdom, a plot against the royal family—the story is full of action, but also full of heart.

Loyalty, friendship, and compassion are rewarded in this first installment. Splinter does not want to be a boy, exactly, but doesn't entirely identify as a girl. Ash is one of several characters with disabilities. The ending satisfies and, delightfully, leaves the door open for further adventures. Hand to fantasy fans, especially readers who appreciated The Ranger's Apprentice series.

Highly recommended for readers in grades 4-7.

K.M.
School Librarian

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Splinter & Ash is a heartwarming story about friendship and overcoming personal obstacles. After spending several years growing up in the peaceful countryside, Princess Adelisa (Ash) returns to palace life. As a disabled princess with a cane, her return is not welcomed and she is met with mockery and disdain. On a chance encounter she meets Splinter, who doesn’t identify as the girl she was born, but wants more than anything to be a squire. They decide to team up, but face even more discrimination and bullying. They don’t let that stop them however from uncovering secrets and conspiracies to save their kingdom. I'm curious how Splinter's pronouns will change in sequels. Splinter's pronouns throughout the book are She/Hers, as she is figuring out her identity. I wonder if the author will change the pronouns to They/Them/Theirs as Splinter figures out their identity. I really enjoyed this medieval fantasy. It was packed with action and adventure. The message was empowering and the friendships endearing.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ash is the princess who has been raised by a family member far from home but has now been brought back to the castle. She uses a cane because of injuries suffered when she was in an accident when she was young and because of issues with her joints. No one seems to like her much. At a fete one evening, she is out in the gardens, to escape unwelcome attention. She meets Splinter, a squire. Ash quickly realizes there is more to meet the eye here and takes Splinter on as her own Squire, in an unprecedented move. Splinter & Ash realize that there is a conspiracy in the kingdom to overthrow Ash's mom, the queen. It is up to them to do something about it!
This book totally reminded me of Tamora Pierce and Mercedes Lackey. Then I read the author's note and saw that Nijkamp was very influenced by Pierce when she was young. Loved the world-building and the non-binary rep (Splinter). Fantasy novel with a strong female character who is also differently abled is also a plus.

[The Page Ladies Book Club · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a heartwarming and adventurous middle-grade fantasy about friendship, identity, and standing up for yourself. The story follows Ash, a disabled princess returning to a kingdom that barely accepts her, and Splinter, a bold squire who doesn’t fit into traditional gender roles. When a plot against the crown threatens everything, the two team up for a brave rescue that tests their strength and loyalty.
Ash's journey toward self-acceptance and Splinter's challenge to societal norms offer readers relatable and inspiring narratives. While the world-building is modest, the character development and pacing keep the story engaging. This book is full of heart and hope, with strong messages about being true to who you are and as the first in a trilogy, Splinter & Ash lays a great start to a new series of epic tales, bravery, friendship and courageous characters who break the mold. Thank you StoryGram Kids and Marieke Nijkamp for sharing this book with me!

[Rowie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Splinter & Ash starts as a charming book with meaningful main characters. The respresentation is not a plot device, but a genuine element about these characters. Marieke Nijkamp is really good at a set-up and creating a compelling setting. I really do hope this inspires children as much as De Brief van de Koning inspires them.

It did feel like a few chapters were missing. Characters are being introduced and after meeting two times they've apparently become close friends. And another character changes his mind, which is put into dialogue but it feels a little sudden and would've been more powerful to show instead of tell. Everyone gets caught up in twists and turns, but as a reader it feels too soon to fully be present for the wild ride ahead. Marieke Nijkamp books sometimes have an element of becoming seperated from friends, while it is more fun to read about them together.

[Erin S · Rating 4 out of 5]

MG Fantasy adventure (medieval-style setting heavy on the adventure with light fantasy elements) ft. a princess who uses a cane and leg braces (Ash) and deals with chronic pain and a scrappy enby who wants to be a knight (Splinter). It's a fun book that doesn't hit either of its "issues" as hard or dark as it could (both characters face some discrimination, not, say, abuse). Could be a good read for a slightly younger or more sensitive reader who isn't quite ready for how dark Sir Callie gets; the vibes here are much more Alanna: The First Adventure. At this point in the series, there is no romance and no clear foreshadowing of any romance. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for these besties.