A “deeply 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.

“Caribbean 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

It's 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.

Suddenly, 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 Queen's legendary powers can save her life... and set her free.