A contemporary woman named Marissa, bordering on middle age, is bored and tired of her uninspired life. She looks forward to the Renaissance Faire every year, but this year something is different. This year, when Marissa steps through the gates into the fantasy world of knights and damsels, jesters and wizards, this year the atmosphere is electric. Conspiratorial winks and head nods, including her as if she were a starring character in this wonderful charade, flit all around her as she strolls along the concourse. Before she can truly comprehend what is happening, Marissa is swept up into a magical world of true Renaissance wizardry.

Unbeknownst to her, Marissa is the heir to the crown of Avonridge, a medieval kingdom that requires her presence. In the days that follow, she is trained in the art of sword-play by a very mysterious knight who hides his face with a black, leather mask. When she leaves the familiarity of the Renaissance Faire grounds, she travels through field and forest to the castle of Avonridge to claim her throne. This journey, however, is not a stroll through the Faire concourse. This journey is fraught with traps, magic and wizards. And this journey is only the first step in claiming the throne of Avonridge.

M.B. Nasdeo lives with her husband, Kevin, their two dogs, Jacques and Peanut, and a backyard full of chickens. She’s lived in New Jersey her entire life, working full-time, raising two sons, and loving five step-kids along the way.