At a glance
Children's fiction
A Tale of Two Castles
Book 1 of the A Tale of Two Castles series
328 pages · First published 2011
Elodie travels to the town of Two Castles hoping to become a mansioner, or actor, but instead becomes apprentice to Meenore, a brilliant dragon detective. Her first major assignment involves spying on Count Jonty Um, a kindly ogre who may be in danger despite the town’s prejudice against him. Elodie must use observation, acting, and logic to determine who is plotting what before a public celebration becomes disastrous. Gail Carson Levine combines fairy-tale creatures with a detective story in a witty middle-grade fantasy about prejudice, evidence, and a heroine learning to think before accepting the obvious story.
Bush Tea with Honey + Orange-Kissed Brown Ale
Choose your bookseller
Find the Book
Print retailers offer a search when an exact edition is unavailable. Kindle links open a specific edition. Audiobook links may open an edition or a search.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Book Bartender earns from qualifying purchases. Bookshop.org links also earn us a commission on qualifying purchases. Your price is not affected. Read the full affiliate disclosure.
No surprises at chapter twelve
Content notes
Violence, weapons, and peril
Alcohol-Free Pour
Bush Tea with Honey
A fragrant cup of tea suits sweeping adventure and high stakes.
What you'll need
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.How to mix it
- Steep the tea and any herbs or whole spices in hot water according to the tea type, then strain. Stir in sweetener and juices. Serve hot.
- Garnish: Citrus peel, herb, or fruit from the recipe, if applicable.
- Glassware: Mug.
We earn a commission from qualifying purchases through these Amazon links, at no extra cost to you.
Mug ↗Cocktail Pour · 21+
Orange-Kissed Brown Ale
For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.
A mellow, malty pour suits sweeping adventure and high stakes.
What you'll need
- 12 oz English brown ale
- 1 wide strip orange peel ↗
Alcohol-shopping links are not shown on children's or young-adult book pages.
How to mix it
- Pour the beer into a pint glass and express the orange peel over the surface; add the peel if desired.
- Garnish: Orange peel.
- Glassware: Pint glass.
We earn a commission from qualifying purchases through these Amazon links, at no extra cost to you.
Pint glass ↗Set up the bar cart
Shop the Barware
Find the glasses and tools for your next pour.