Amazon Top Hat Books Category:  Historical Fiction Publisher: Top Hat Books ISBN-10:  1780998724 Type: Fiction Pages: 300 Copyright: April 26 2013 ISBN-13: 9781780998725 A mysterious pendant. A sinister suitor. And an epic chase to the Edge of the Map...  1706.  The rival Dutch and English East India Companies sail the world's oceans, bringing back exotic treasures and tales of fantastical lands.  In coastal Hollyport, Margaret faces a terrible choice: to abandon herself to a marriage that could erase her very soul, or to risk all aboard a ship bound for dangerous waters.  With her betrothed husband, the sinister Mr Van Guelder in pusuit, Margaret embarks on a journey like no other: where pirates, flying islands and secret empires await; along with unexpected friendship from troubled young nobleman Taro, whose estate holds surprises and sorrows of its own.  But Van Guelder is never far behind, nor is the power of the mysterious lodestone round his neck, and Margaret will have to learn the true nature of suffering before she can ever be free. Excerpt Until the day Mr. Van Guelder came, I had never once done anything adventurous or defiant. The nearest I came was telling a French lace merchant that his cargo would be delayed because of storms. This was only what Father had told me to say, but since I was keen to show off my French at the time, I might have got a bit carried away in the translation. The Frenchman said a very rude word (which unfortunately I also understood) and refused to use Father’s ships ever again. After that all the French went home anyway, since their famous Sun King had decided to make another war on England, and Father set me to learning Dutch instead.

Juliet Marillier, Author of Sevenwaters, The Bridei Chronicles, Wildwood Dancing, Shadowfell
A well-crafted and imaginative debut novel, with strong world building and an engaging story.

Leigh Dragoon, Editor: Byzarium
A wonderfully engaging mix of fairy tale, travelogue, and high seas adventure.

Val Williamson PhD, Historical Novel Society
A handsome stranger asks for her hand in marriage, is he merchant or demon lover? Margaret Rosewood’s fear seems inexplicable to her father and sisters. Is Holman Van Guelder not handsome, rich and cultured? He is all those things, but he has tampered with eighteenth century science and become a shape-shifting fiend who threatens to annihilate his bride’s very identity. Sixteen-year-old Margaret Rosewood seeks increasingly daring solutions that take her across the globe, whether into gut-wrenching terror or tranquil oriental paradise. Pirates, shipwreck, unexpected alliances and supernatural intervention bring Margaret to safety eventually, and unite her with her true love. I found this novel intriguing from the start, identifying with the heroine to such an extent that I was quickly in terror of Van Guelder! The sacrifice she must make to escape from him, the loss of her hands, seems a price too high to pay yet it becomes the means by which Margaret discovers new friends and also her own strengths and talents. The silver hands take on a higher significance, symbolizing friendship, love, and above all hope. Elizabeth Hopkinson’s meticulously researched historical detail and vivid characterisation immerse the reader in this compelling fantastical adventure. Historically well realised detail of the life, risks and rewards of life aboard East India Companies’ ships in their heyday let the story ring with authenticity. The character and colour of her engaging evocation of a pre-modern, secret feudal Japan are captivating. A unique, enjoyable historical novel.