Description

Nineteen-year-old Prince Torsten has always been treated differently from his warrior brothers. Instead of learning sword fighting and military strategy, he has been trained to paint, write beautifully, sing and behave like a refined court companion. He finally discovers why when a yellow bird arrives at the castle: once every generation, his kingdom must surrender a royal child to the mysterious people of the Northern Wood.

Expecting death, Torsten allows himself to be bound and taken away by an enormous silent knight. Beyond the enchanted forest, however, the frightening warrior removes her armour and reveals herself as Fayette—an elven princess and librarian whose magical disguise allowed her to travel safely.

While Torsten unknowingly avoids one attack after another, he and Fayette argue, flirt and misunderstand each other’s intentions. When the house’s true purpose is exposed, Torsten refuses to enter another enchanted home. He instead proposes that they sign the agreement immediately, share the safe half of the damaged house and repair it together.

Playful, strange and knowingly absurd, The House With Two Halves mixes arranged-marriage romance with magical danger, reversed gender roles and humorous interludes narrated through enchanted tools, murderous household objects and an unusually curious goat.