The Caribbean-colonized planet of Toussaint is the setting for this exciting new science fiction novel by the author of the award-winning Brown Girl in the Ring. After her father commits a deadly crime, Tan-Tan must flee to a savage world which forces her to reach into the heart of myth to become the Robber Queen. nA [d]eeply satisfying [The New York Times Book Review] story of a father who has committed an unbelievable crime and a daughter who must then fight to save her own life. nCaribbean patois adorns this novel with graceful rhythms...Beneath it lie complex, clearly evoked characters, haunting descriptions of exotic planets, and a stirring story...[This book] ought to elevate Hopkinson to star status. --Seattle Times n nIts Carnival time and the Caribbean-colonized planet of Toussaint is celebrating with music, dance, and pageantry. Masked Midnight Robbers waylay revelers with brandished weapons and spellbinding words. To young Tan-Tan, the Robber Queen is simply a favorite costume to wear at the festival--until her power-corrupted father commits an unforgiveable crime. n nSuddenly, both father and daughter are thrust into the brutal world of New Half-Way Tree. Here monstrous creatures from folklore are real, and the humans are violent outcasts in the wilds. Tan-Tan must reach into the heart of myth and become the Robber Queen herself. For only the Robber Queens legendary powers can save her life . . . and set her free.n