Buy used:
$19.99
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime
FREE delivery Tuesday, May 21 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35. Order within 18 hrs 56 mins
Used: Acceptable | Details
Sold by -OnTimeBooks-
Fulfilled by Amazon
Condition: Used: Acceptable
Comment: Shipped fast and reliably through the Amazon Prime program! Book may contain some writing, highlighting, and or cover damage.

Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) is a service we offer sellers that lets them store their products in Amazon's fulfillment centers, and we directly pack, ship, and provide customer service for these products. Something we hope you'll especially enjoy: FBA items qualify for FREE Shipping and Amazon Prime.

If you're a seller, Fulfillment by Amazon can help you grow your business. Learn more about the program.

Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Anne Nesbet
+ Follow
More books from this author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

The Wrinkled Crown Hardcover – November 10, 2015

by Anne Nesbet (Author)
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 12 ratings
See all formats and editions

Fans of Anne Ursu will love Anne Nesbet's tale of music and friendship, set against an age-old war between magic and science.

In the enchanted village of Lourka, almost-twelve-year-old Linny breaks an ancient law. Girls are forbidden to so much as touch the town's namesake musical instrument before their twelfth birthday or risk being spirited away. But Linny can't resist the call to play a lourka, so she builds one herself.

When the punishment strikes her best friend instead, Linny must leave home to try to set things right. With her father's young apprentice, Elias, along for the journey, Linny travels from the magical wrinkled country to the scientific land of the Plain, where she finds herself at the center of a battle between the logical and the magical.

Read more Read less
Previous page
  1. Reading age
    8 - 12 years
  2. Print length
    400 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    3 - 7
  5. Lexile measure
    910L
  6. Dimensions
    5.5 x 1.25 x 8.25 inches
  7. Publisher
    HarperCollins
  8. Publication date
    November 10, 2015
  9. ISBN-10
    0062104292
  10. ISBN-13
    978-0062104298
  11. See all details
Next page
Teachers' picks | Explore children's books by grade

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 3–7—Linny is approaching her coming-of-age "twelve ceremony," when she will at last be able to touch a lourka—the almost magical, exquisitely toned, stringed instrument, named for Linny's village in the wrinkled hills. The instrument has been forbidden to her until now. The trouble is, Linny has already broken this strict rule and made her own lourka, which she plays in secret, and only her best friend Sayra knows. This transgression sets in motion a chain of events that leaves Linny no choice but to journey to Bend, the Broken City of the plains, to find a remedy for the curse she has inadvertently caused to threaten Sayra's life. Fortunately for Linny, her good friend Elias will not let her go alone. Facing a host of Orwellian gray-suited map-making enemies and with the assistance of a Half-Cat and a magician, Linny discovers that her journey has already been foretold, right down to the very dress she wears, given to her by her mother for her birthday. War is imminent in the Broken City as magic clashes with math and science, and when Elias and Linny are separated, Elias is recruited as a terrorist. Linny must use all her intelligence and intuition to save them both. Nesbet has a sure touch in bringing this breathless tale to tween readers. Her characters are realistic and likable. Nesbet's writing is deft and unpredictable, with adventure following adventure, keeping readers hooked to the end, and with hints of a sequel to come. Linny's strength lies in her willingness to embrace scientific knowledge and marry it to the magic of intuition. The Broken City can be a metaphor for many current destabilized regions, but it's a place where a young girl can save the world if she uses her intelligence—and learns to read a map. VERDICT This well-developed fantasy/adventure is a first purchase for middle grade collections.—Jane Barrer, United Nations International School, New York City

Review

“Nesbet has a sure touch in bringing this breathless tale to tween readers. Her characters are realistic and likable, and kids will care about them. Nesbet’s writing is deft and unpredictable, with adventure following adventure, keeping readers hooked to the end.” — School Library Journal (starred review)

“With hints of a sequel to come, this agreeable adventure introduces an appealing, spunky heroine and sets the stage for more conflict and compromise to come.” — Kirkus Reviews

“A good choice for fans... of Cornelia Funke or Erin Hunter.” — Booklist

Nesbet’s fable explores the relationship of science, logic, and imagination, forging ahead with eventfulness and visual richness. A cozy, personable narrative voice punctuates the drama with light humor.” — Horn Book Magazine

PRAISE FOR THE CABINET OF EARTHS: “In her debut novel, Nesbet has crafted a carefully imagined, magical world-one that is shrouded in mystery and keeps the reader engaged and guessing. With imaginative alchemy, compelling action, and sensitive characterizations, this novel will undoubtedly win over fantasy fans.” — Booklist

PRAISE FOR THE CABINET OF EARTHS: “Nesbet’s first novel is an impressive achievement, its substance and style gracefully blended. Above all, Maya is a fully rounded, complex character, someone whose qualities and struggles are admirably and appealingly central to the fantasy.” — The Horn Book

PRAISE FOR THE CABINET OF EARTHS: “Blending elements of magic, science, and even horror with evocative prose and a confident narrative voice, Nesbet immerses readers in her contemporary Parisian setting.” — Publishers Weekly

PRAISE FOR THE CABINET OF EARTHS: “Nesbet has written a unique, interesting fantasy with just enough suspense to keep readers turning the pages long into the night. Fantasy readers of all ages, especially middle school students, will enjoy this story.” — Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)

PRAISE FOR THE CABINET OF EARTHS: “This debut novel of intrigue, family betrayal and an unsolved case of missing children will grip readers from first page to last. Readers will be swept along by the novel’s swift pace and enjoy the mystery’s unraveling with Maya and Valko as their companions.” — Shelf Awareness

PRAISE FOR A BOX OF GARGOYLES: “A flavorful mille-feuille with equally tasty layers of dark magic, light comedy and salty determination.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

PRAISE FOR A BOX OF GARGOYLES: “Nesbet’s style is both animated and animating...all elements of her story fairly quiver with life.” — The Horn Book

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ HarperCollins (November 10, 2015)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 400 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0062104292
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0062104298
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 8 - 12 years
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 910L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 3 - 7
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 15.5 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 1.25 x 8.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 12 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Anne Nesbet

Anne Nesbet

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Anne Nesbet writes books for kids and watches a lot of silent films. She lives near San Francisco with her husband, several daughters, and one irrepressible dog.

THE CABINET OF EARTHS (HarperCollins 2012) is her first novel; it tells the story of twelve-year-old Maya Davidson's tangle with some very old magic in Paris. Houses with bronze salamanders for door handles, statues that look too much like Maya’s own worried face, a man wearing sunglasses to hide his radiant purple eyes–nothing is what it seems. To keep her family safe, Maya must make new friends (a cousin who is so unremarkable, she's actually hard to see; a Bulgarian boy named Valko who has practice not-fitting-in all over the world) and take on the magical underworld of Paris.

More adventures of Maya and Valko appear in A BOX OF GARGOYLES, which came out in 2013.

You can visit her online at www.annenesbet.com.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
12 global ratings
So good!
5 Stars
So good!
This completed the prompt for travel/adventure for MG March. This was AMAZING! This is the 2nd book I’ve read by Anne Nesbet now, & I can tell she’s going to be a favorite author. This was such a creative story, & w/so many underlying lessons & messages that I love. The word “wrinkled” basically means magic is this book. So Linny lives in the Wrinkled hills. No matter how musical a girl is there, they’re not to touch a lourka until they turn 12-or they will be taken to the Away. She didn’t listen-but when the curse meant for her strikes her best friend she knows she must leave home to find a way to makes things right. W/her fathers apprentice Elias, they travel down into the Plain-where science may have found a cure for magic. They are soon caught up in an old battle b/n the wrinkled places & the Plain. She finds out strange things she never knew, & strange things start happening. She also comes upon a 1/2 Cat lol & he’s awesome & follows her everywhere. Linny & her lourka are sort of part wrinkled & part Plain. The best of both working together, & she doesn’t understand why both people can come together, do the same, & be happy. Huge significance there. You don’t have to be one or the other..Linny likes wrinkled things, & then she likes science things like the maps they have. There are many parts that make up all of us, & when we bring all of that together w/each other, it can only make us stronger together. Linny was amazing! I loved her loyalty, determination, & strength. The whole backstory of her, her mom, Lourka(the town AND the instrument), & the wrinkled places & the Plain were all so fascinating. I loved this world so much. So unique. A fast paced read, w/something constantly grabbing your attention-flows beautifully. Elias..that lummox..he’s hilarious, & I loved him. My heart belongs to the 1/2 Cat though. Also, 2 parts of each brought together into 1 amazing cat. Highly recommend. Full of adventure, suspense, & a lot of heart. STUNNING cover by Jen Bricking too.💜
Hide
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

Belle’s Middle Grade
5.0 out of 5 stars So good!
Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2021
This completed the prompt for travel/adventure for MG March. This was AMAZING! This is the 2nd book I’ve read by Anne Nesbet now, & I can tell she’s going to be a favorite author. This was such a creative story, & w/so many underlying lessons & messages that I love. The word “wrinkled” basically means magic is this book. So Linny lives in the Wrinkled hills. No matter how musical a girl is there, they’re not to touch a lourka until they turn 12-or they will be taken to the Away. She didn’t listen-but when the curse meant for her strikes her best friend she knows she must leave home to find a way to makes things right. W/her fathers apprentice Elias, they travel down into the Plain-where science may have found a cure for magic. They are soon caught up in an old battle b/n the wrinkled places & the Plain. She finds out strange things she never knew, & strange things start happening. She also comes upon a 1/2 Cat lol & he’s awesome & follows her everywhere. Linny & her lourka are sort of part wrinkled & part Plain. The best of both working together, & she doesn’t understand why both people can come together, do the same, & be happy. Huge significance there. You don’t have to be one or the other..Linny likes wrinkled things, & then she likes science things like the maps they have. There are many parts that make up all of us, & when we bring all of that together w/each other, it can only make us stronger together. Linny was amazing! I loved her loyalty, determination, & strength. The whole backstory of her, her mom, Lourka(the town AND the instrument), & the wrinkled places & the Plain were all so fascinating. I loved this world so much. So unique. A fast paced read, w/something constantly grabbing your attention-flows beautifully. Elias..that lummox..he’s hilarious, & I loved him. My heart belongs to the 1/2 Cat though. Also, 2 parts of each brought together into 1 amazing cat. Highly recommend. Full of adventure, suspense, & a lot of heart. STUNNING cover by Jen Bricking too.💜
Customer image
Belle’s Middle Grade
5.0 out of 5 stars So good!
Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2021
This completed the prompt for travel/adventure for MG March. This was AMAZING! This is the 2nd book I’ve read by Anne Nesbet now, & I can tell she’s going to be a favorite author. This was such a creative story, & w/so many underlying lessons & messages that I love. The word “wrinkled” basically means magic is this book. So Linny lives in the Wrinkled hills. No matter how musical a girl is there, they’re not to touch a lourka until they turn 12-or they will be taken to the Away. She didn’t listen-but when the curse meant for her strikes her best friend she knows she must leave home to find a way to makes things right. W/her fathers apprentice Elias, they travel down into the Plain-where science may have found a cure for magic. They are soon caught up in an old battle b/n the wrinkled places & the Plain. She finds out strange things she never knew, & strange things start happening. She also comes upon a 1/2 Cat lol & he’s awesome & follows her everywhere. Linny & her lourka are sort of part wrinkled & part Plain. The best of both working together, & she doesn’t understand why both people can come together, do the same, & be happy. Huge significance there. You don’t have to be one or the other..Linny likes wrinkled things, & then she likes science things like the maps they have. There are many parts that make up all of us, & when we bring all of that together w/each other, it can only make us stronger together. Linny was amazing! I loved her loyalty, determination, & strength. The whole backstory of her, her mom, Lourka(the town AND the instrument), & the wrinkled places & the Plain were all so fascinating. I loved this world so much. So unique. A fast paced read, w/something constantly grabbing your attention-flows beautifully. Elias..that lummox..he’s hilarious, & I loved him. My heart belongs to the 1/2 Cat though. Also, 2 parts of each brought together into 1 amazing cat. Highly recommend. Full of adventure, suspense, & a lot of heart. STUNNING cover by Jen Bricking too.💜
Images in this review
Customer image
Customer image
Helpful
 Report
Beth C.
4.0 out of 5 stars A definite must-read for fantasy lovers
Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2015
Cross-posted on Tween Book Blog

Why I picked it up: I'm always on the hunt for a good middle-grade fantasy (among other things).

Why I finished it: The dichotomy between science and magic is a unique aspect of fantasy, exploring the line between what is and what could be. Nesbet's world is one in which the more a story is told, the more truth it begins to hold, and the more likely it is to become fact. It is a world the deeply believes in the notion of fate and happenstance, no matter if one is from the more magical parts of the realm or the more technological. Linny may be considered an adult at twelve, but to many of the other characters she encounters, she is still seen as a child. However, over the course of the book, she proves to her town, those in the Plain (the non-magic portion of the world), and even her companion Elias that she is much wiser than her twelve years. She struggles with her desire to do what she wants, and to balance this with her desire to do the right thing. So when she becomes caught in the middle of a conflict between the Wrinkled and the Plain and it is revealed that perhaps she is the one to marry the two worlds, Linny begins to realize that there is much more to the balance of the world that she initially thought. A strong heroine, a delightfully and imaginatively crafted world, and a thrilling plot make this book a definite must-read for fantasy lovers of all ages.
6 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Jennifer Reese
5.0 out of 5 stars Magical marvel of a story
Reviewed in the United States on February 7, 2016
I read the whole thing in two great gulps, last night and this morning, and I cried when I finished. This is a magical marvel of a story, unique and transporting, the kind of book that might easily become a child's favorite and follow them through their whole lives, like A Wrinkle In Time or The Phantom Tollbooth. The world in these pages is mysterious and mesmerizing. I kept trying to puzzle it out, trying to survey it and map it like the logical person of the Plains that I am. But by the end, I didn't want the world to make sense in that way; I wanted it to stay wrinkled and confusing and complex in ways I couldn't explain. The shape of the novel mirrors and reflects the story it tells, which is in itself a kind of magic. This book is, in my opinion, quite brilliant.
4 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Erin
5.0 out of 5 stars A fun, imaginative read!
Reviewed in the United States on December 4, 2016
A flowing story about the power of stories, friendship, love, gifts. Would recommend as a fun read aloud to elementary aged children or older.
Helpful
 Report
Lacee
4.0 out of 5 stars Nesbet's beautiful writing and lyrical look on life paints a dreamy ...
Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2016
It was a very enjoyable read! Nesbet's beautiful writing and lyrical look on life paints a dreamy picture. Also I loved the main character's traits of being really focused and creative.
Helpful
 Report

Top reviews from other countries

carol gross
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in Canada on February 4, 2016
Verified Purchase
Students in my library love this book.
Report