Synopsis

In all of Nazor, no one has more spirit than Kashka, the mischievous, exasperating, but highly entertaining court acrobat and musician. It is no wonder that the princess Ekama is drawn to him and his lively cousin Piff. Kashka has great sympathy for Princess Ekama. Having experienced the great cruelty of her evil guardian, Lady Ysene, he is thankful that the lady left the shy, frightened princess in Nazor court. Fir the first time in her life, princess Ekama can know happiness. But a dark shadow falls across this friendship. As kashka and Piff come to know the Princess, frightening facts emerge. Lady Ysene is a sorceress who holds Ekama in her thrall with a strange, sinister power. Her avarice knows no bounds, and her eye is on Nazor. Unwittingly, Kashka discovers the details of Lady Ysene's vile scheme, a plan so improbably no one else will believe it. Kashka's knowledge becomes an awesome responsibility—he alone must save Nazor.

 

Kashka was published in 1987 by Henry Holt and Company. The Jacket was illustrated by Anne Beauchemin.

 

Kashka is the prequel to Taash and the Jesters and takes place about 9 years before. I suggest that the reader first read Taash and the Jesters, as it was written first.

 

Kashka is similarly light hearted and exciting. It covers several years and deals with the very real and very evil Ysene, who can be frightening, but the book is still good for young children.