Ten Thousand Charms — Leander Watts

Roddy's dirt poor. He has no family to speak of and has been sold off like a slave to labor endlessly at making rope in cruel Mr. Queed's factory. Thea's father is of royal blood, though his tiny kingdom has been taken away from him. Exiled from their homeland, Thea and her sisters have come all the way from Germany to the frontier of America, where wild beasts still roam, and much stranger creatures too.

Enter Scalander, who commands the crows and evil spirits, and skulks in primeval forests. He sees Thea and plots to make her his bride. Roddy joins forces with the king and his daughters, fighting back to free themselves from Scalander's plans of blackmail and murder.

This dark and mystical third novel by Leander Watts continues the gothic tradition of Stonecutter and Wild Ride to Heaven. Like the ropes Roddy labors to make, this story is woven together from a number of twisted strands. Fear, loyalty, suspicion, and love all combine to make a fantastic and original tale.