Tamaika Erskona works with her sisters in the Quentaris library. Although most people only see her as an ordinary employee, Tamaika has a secret. She has written an adventure novel, under a pseudonym, that has been accepted for publication. On the day of its release she is surprised to discover that the Chief Constable, Cador, has already bought a copy.

One day, while working in the cellar (again!) she discovers an ancient book full of adventure and derring-do. Engrossed in reading the book she doesn't realise that night has fallen and she has been locked in the library but as she continues she is overwhelmed by magical energy and is transformed into Mithla, Princess of Shadows.

At the same time there is a new threat to Quentaris. Someone, or something, is turning the townspeople to stone. Cador is at his wits end trying to discover the truth behind the attacks but discovers an unexpected ally in the mysterious Mithla.

Will Cador and Tamaika/Mithla discover who is responsible for the attacks before everyone in Quentaris becomes a victim?

Princess of Shadows is another of the Quentaris novels and is written by one of the creators of the world – Paul Collins. As with all the books in this series you no sooner start to read than you are completely hooked. I find it extremely difficult to put a Quentaris novel down once I have started to read. In fact, with the latest selection I read four of them in as any days.

I love the fact that characters you have me in earlier books appear in later stories. It allows you to keep in touch with their lives and gives the stories a familiarity that makes them so enchanting. I have read this series from the very first book and I look forward, with excitement, to the arrival of the latest stories.

Tamaika Erskona is rather reminiscent of a Cinderella-type character as she lives in the shadow of her sisters who do everything they can to ensure that she gets the least desirable jobs to do and that their lives are made as easy as possible.

I have read other stories where the main character is taken over my a mythical/dead being and usually the recipient/victim embraces the opportunity and immediately knows how to use it for good. When Tamaika becomes Mithla however, it is far from easy and the power of the Princess of Shadows threatens to take total control of her body.

I have read a number of books by Paul Collins and I find him to be one of the best modern writers of fantasy that I have read. I look forward to his next novel - Quentaris or otherwise.

Synopsis
When a dreadful curse descends on Quentaris Tamaika uncovers an ancient book that bestows magical powers on the finder. She transforms into the mythical Princess of Shadows, but is she strong enough to control such power? And will Tamaika be able to lift the curse that turns citizens into stone?