On Fortune's Wheel (1990) by Cynthia Voigt is the second novel in her Kingdom series, which is set in the medieval period. It’s the story of Birle, a headstrong young girl who is the daughter of an innkeeper. To escape her life at the inn, Birle has promised to marry a huntsman named Muir. Though her parents believe Birle is making a poor choice, she takes longer to realize it.
Birle’s adventure begins when she hears a noise outside and rushes out to stop a thief. This thief is actually a young Lord named Orien, who is escaping from his family. Orien and Birle are swept off together to a new land, and they are captured, separated, and enslaved. Birle is sold to a philosopher; she does the housework and helps the philosopher with his book on herbs and medicines. Meanwhile, Orien’s owners are not as kind. Birle tries to plan their escape home.
The story takes place a generation after Voigt’s Jackaroo, a book I read years ago. I did not realize that Voigt had written other novels set in “the Kingdom.” In all, these books include: 1) Jackaroo, 2) On Fortune's Wheel, 3) The Wings of a Falcon, and 4) Elske.
The Kingdom series was since re-published with new titles: Jackaroo was re-published as The Tale of Gwyn, On Fortune's Wheel was re-published The Tale of Birle, The Wings of a Falcon was re-published as The Tale of Oriel, and Elske was re-published as The Tale of Elske.
On Fortune’s Wheel is a quick read and a good young adult story. Birle grows up through her adventures into a strong, steady, and decisive woman.
Purchase and read books in the Kingdom series by Cynthia Voigt:
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