Splinter & Ash

English Publisher: Greenwillow	Dutch Publisher: Van Goor Translator: Barbara Lampe & Martine Both	Audio – HarperAudio

In this thrilling trilogy opener, Nijkamp (Ink Girls) assuredly introduces an intersectionally diverse cast of complex and fiercely resourceful characters who must navigate threats both physical and social. With Ash’s kindness and intelligence, and Splinter’s indomitable knightly spirit, the two make an ideal partnership and a winning addition to boundary-defying heroines like Alanna of Trebond and Sir Callie.
— Publishers Weekly, starred review

The characters all have depth and flaws and believably grow into stronger versions of their true selves who value their own self-worth. (…) A thoughtful fantasy exploring loyalty, self-worth, and the ethics of war beyond the battlefield.
— Kirkus

[A] ­character-driven fantasy series opener with tons of adventure.
— SLJ

Nijkamp brings timely gender and disability themes to the fore of an Alanna-type adventure: Splinter’s continued use of she/her pronouns, despite affirmations that she’s not a girl or a boy, should prompt some nuanced discussion of gender and pronoun use. Ash, meanwhile, is far from a helpless victim, making the most of the (albeit painful) affordances of her hypermobility condition, stabilization aids, and cane to play an active role in her own life. Readers will welcome this new take on the popular knight-in-training plot with its reflection on ableist and gender-bound tropes and thoughtful development of characters both central and minor.
— Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

A necessary purchase for the representation alone, and a worthwhile adventure grounded in a beautifully affirming friendship seals the deal.
— Booklist

The action takes many breathtaking turns, from Ash’s attempts to escape from her captors to Splinter and Lucen facing peril while working out their fraught relationship, culminating in a gratifying reveal at the climax. Greater geopolitical forces swirling around the characters raise the stakes, and the close relationship between Ash and Splinter, Lucen’s efforts to remake himself into a person worthy of knighthood, and Splinter’s determination to never be anyone but herself make this intentional homage to Tamora Pierce’s Tortall series fully worthy of readers’ admiration and delight.
— The Horn Book

[SPLINTER & ASH] looks thoughtfully at what really makes a family, what it means to be strong and loyal, and how people can change and grow. And the conspiracy that the queen fears stems from nobles who want to go back to the “good old days” of “tradition and power over progress and equality.” (…) While the above themes add substance and depth to the tale, though, they don’t take away from the crafty intrigue, sword swinging, and daring escapes that simply make it a great adventure story, too.
— Bay Windows

Not only did this book give us a great story about characters we’re rooting for, it also set up situations for the rest of the trilogy with the kingdom possibly in the balance.
— Sonderbooks, starred review

Epic fantasy for all, this is a beautifully diverse adventure story for all kids, with heroes they can identify and fall in love with.
— Barnes & Noble, a bookseller favorite

Marieke Nijkamp’s Splinter & Ash is an action-packed adventure about bravery, friendship, and the universal quest for acceptance, sure to stir young readers’ hearts. Celebrating the power of queer and disabled heroes, this novel shines as an example of inclusive middle-grade. The start of a bold new fantasy trilogy, Splinter & Ash introduces us to a world where every child, irrespective of who they are, can wield the sword of a hero and stand tall in the face of adversity. Nijkamp invites all to discover their inner strength and the boundless potential to forge their own legends.
— Soman Chainani, author of The School for Good and Evil

Splinter & Ash is an inviting fairytale with my favorite sort of characters, the kind who rise up in the face of challenges, and who follow their hearts no matter where they lead. Settle into your comfiest chair; you won’t want to leave.
— Stacey Lee, New York Times–bestselling author of Reese’s Book Club pick The Downstairs Girl

An exciting, twisty story packed with everything you want from a fantasy adventure: hidden tunnels, long-buried secrets, dastardly plots, and, best of all, irresistible protagonists who uncover it all. I loved watching Splinter and Ash, two ostensible misfits, claim their space in a world that doesn’t know what to do with them. A wonderful read, full of depth and heart.
— Anne Ursu, author of Not Quite a Ghost

Visit Nijkamp’s enchanting city of Kestrel’s Haven, and be transported! Intrigue, danger, and pernicious plots abound in the kingdom of Calinor. But it’s the brave, fierce, and deeply kind Splinter and Ash, unlikely squire and unconquerable princess, whose friendship defies labels and whose adventures make Splinter & Ash an essential middle grade fantasy, where all readers will find heroes to love and to cheer!
— Alex London, author of Battle Dragons and The Princess Protection Program

An inspiring, fast-paced adventure with an abundance of heart. Readers will fall in love with Splinter and Ash and wish they could be best friends with them—and hope for more of their stories in the future.
— Shannon Messenger, New York Times–bestselling author of the Keeper of the Lost Cities series

Every kid deserves to see themselves as princesses or knights or whatever role they wish to play, and Nijkamp carves out the space for them to do so. Thoughtful, inclusive, and an outright joy, Splinter & Ash shines; a new classic that belongs on the shelves of every fantasy reader.
— Nicole Melleby, author of Hurricane Season and co-editor of This Is Our Rainbow

Nijkamp weaves dual narratives that deftly explore the intersections of identity, disability, and allyship in Splinter & Ash, a remarkable fantasy that is sure to become an instant classic. I wish I could live in a world where characters like Splinter, Ash, and Lucen exist, where internal biases about gender and disability are challenged and people learn to empathize with others and celebrate differences. Splinter & Ash is a rare gem: a shining example of a fantasy novel that will engage readers of any age.
— A. J. Sass, award winning author of Ellen Outside the Lines and Ana on the Edge

Splinter & Ash is a heartfelt and gorgeously woven story that expertly blends inclusivity with a fantastical world readers will want to return to again and again. Splinter and Ash are characters to laugh with, bond with, and demand justice for. Nijkamp has written a stupendous adventure sure to become a firm favorite with readers.
— L. D. Lapinski, bestselling author of Jamie and the Strangeworlds Travel Agency series

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!
— Stephanie Burgis, author of The Raven Heir and The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart

This book has major Tamora Pierce vibes, with two new heroes to cheer for: disabled princess Ash and scrappy nonbinary squire Splinter! Together, they show fierce loyalty, both to each other and to the kingdom, which they need to save. Along the way, they’ll change minds and show everyone what they’re capable of.
— sweet pea, King’s Books (staff pick)

☙

☙ SPLINTER & ASH is a 2024 Cybils Awards finalist.

☙ SPLINTER & ASH is a 2024 Literati Best Of The Year pick.

☙ SPLINTER & ASH is a 2024 Chicago Review of Books’ notable debut pick.

— Bullying (including implied and overt ableism and transphobia)
— Mentions of war and violence