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A Tale of Two CastlesGail Carson Levine

Children's fiction

A Tale of Two Castles

by Gail Carson Levine

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.

Paired for this story

Bush Tea with Honey + Orange-Kissed Brown Ale

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At a glance

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Spice0 of 5
Suspense1 of 5
Creepy0 of 5
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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

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How to mix it

  1. 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.
  2. Garnish: Citrus peel, herb, or fruit from the recipe, if applicable.
  3. Glassware: Mug.
21+

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

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Alcohol-shopping links are not shown on children's or young-adult book pages.

How to mix it

  1. Pour the beer into a pint glass and express the orange peel over the surface; add the peel if desired.
  2. Garnish: Orange peel.
  3. Glassware: Pint glass.

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