Delphine and the Silver Needle is an enchanting story full of adventure, mystery, and imagination that will draw young readers in from the very beginning. This may be her first novel but I am certain Alyssa Moon will become a household name. With her intricate and enchanting storytelling, Delphine’s world jumps right off the page as readers join her on a truly epic journey to discover the truth of who she is and what that means for herself, her needle, and the fate of the her world.
“When Delphine, a young orphaned dressmaker mouse living in the walls of Cinderella’s château, stumbles upon an enormous secret, it upends everything she thought she knew: The magical tailor mice of legend really existed. Racing to stay ahead of King Midnight, the fearsome leader of the rats who is bent on harnessing age-old magic, Delphine embarks on an epic quest to uncover the truth about the past. Joined by Alexander, the most pompous noblemouse in the royal court, she travels a perilous route, encountering strange enemies and unlikely allies along the way. Can Delphine uncover the truth and save the kingdom? Or will the evil King Midnight succeed in harnessing the power of the tailor mice? This action-packed novel is sure to be a hit with readers who like magic, adventure, and very tiny heroes with very big hearts.”
Delphine travels the kingdom following clues to unravel the mystery, tracing the steps of the last known needle owner all while evading capture from the evil rats under orders from King Midnight to steal Delphine’s silver needle at all costs. Along the way Delphine is joined by some delightful characters, including the pompous but chivalrous noblemouse, Alexander. Delphine is wary of the mouse who has clearly never ventured far beyond the castle walls, but he is loyal to his mission: Keep Delphine safe on her journey to uncover the truth. They might clash (often!) but they form an unlikely bond throughout the book that teaches young readers the value of friendship, building trust, and the all important adage- never judge a book by its cover. Readers will never be lost on Delphine’s journey as the hardcover book features a beautiful map of the kingdom to help readers keep track of Delphine’s location. Moon also keeps the pace of the story moving as each new location reveals a piece of the puzzle, but also brights to light new questions that deepen the mystery.
Alongside Delphine, we also meet Elodie and Rein, two characters from the past that will connect to her story, but how? That mystery alone will have readers turning the pages as fast as they can! Moon also effortlessly weaves in updates with the formidable King Midnight who is desperate to get his paws on her magical needle. Through it all, Delphine discovers that magic is real and she is capable of wielding it, and she must work tirelessly to learn to control it.
Moon also sneaks in a few perfect references to Cinderella’s own story and some well known characters even make a quick appearance, adding to the magic. Moon’s truly created a world within a world with this story. To know Delphine is to know Cinderella’s world that much more. Dive deep into the world of Cinderella’s bravest mouse, search for clues alongside Delphine, and soak up the magic of this enchanting tale. Just the first of three books, Delphine and the Silver Needle is certain to be series readers won’t want to put down. The pacing of book one leaves much to be discovered in the coming books and sets up book two beautifully.
Delphine and the Silver Needle is available in stores and online now! Plus, don’t forget to check out our interview with Alyssa Moon where we discuss the creation of Delphine’s story and what’s to come in her journey.
