{"product_id":"the-beast-player-9781250307460","title":"The Beast Player","description":"\u003ch2\u003eThe Beast Player - Epic Fantasy Adventure\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eElin's family has an important responsibility: caring for the fearsome water serpents that form the core of their kingdom's army. So when some of the creatures mysteriously die, Elin's mother is sentenced to death as punishment. With her last breath, she manages to send her daughter to safety.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAlone and far from home, Elin soon discovers that she can communicate with both the terrifying water serpents and the majestic flying beasts that guard her queen. This skill gives her great power, but it also involves her in deadly plots that could cost her life. Can she save herself and prevent her beloved beasts from being used as tools of war? Or is there no escaping the terrible battles to come?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAward-Winning Author Nahoko Uehashi\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWritten by Nahoko Uehashi, one of Japan's most celebrated children's authors and winner of the prestigious 2014 Hans Christian Andersen Award. With a Ph.D. in cultural anthropology and expertise in indigenous Australian cultures, Uehashi brings authentic depth to her fantasy worldbuilding. Her acclaimed works include the multi-volume Moribito series, beloved by readers worldwide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePerfect for Young Fantasy Readers\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis hardcover edition is ideal for readers ages 9-12 who love stories featuring strong female protagonists, mythical creatures, and high-stakes adventure. The Beast Player combines elements of traditional Japanese storytelling with universal themes of responsibility, courage, and the bond between humans and animals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHardcover format for lasting durability\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePublished by Henry Holt \u0026amp; Company\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFeatures water serpents and flying beasts in richly imagined fantasy world\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStrong female protagonist navigating complex moral choices\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCultural anthropology influences create authentic fantasy setting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePart of Nahoko Uehashi's acclaimed body of work\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eNahoko Uehashi\u003c\/b\u003e is one of Japan's most popular children's writers. She has won numerous awards, including the 2014 Hans Christian Andersen Award. An associate professor at a Japanese university, she has a Ph.D. in cultural anthropology and studies indigenous peoples in Australia. Her books include the multivolume \u003ci\u003eMoribito\u003c\/i\u003e series. She lives near Tokyo, Japan.","brand":"Henry Holt \u0026 Company","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50680852119826,"sku":"9781250307460","price":14.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_ca6994c4-ffe7-403c-a284-86738d089fc0.jpg?v=1733944054","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/the-beast-player-9781250307460","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}