"The Princess and Curdie" by George MacDonald is a children's fantasy novel published in 1883. In this sequel to "The Princess and the Goblin," young miner Curdie receives magical powers and a monstrous companion from Princess Irene's mysterious grandmother. He must journey to the royal palace to save the poisoned king from corrupt ministers plotting to seize the kingdom. With danger lurking in every corner and few allies to trust, Curdie races against time to protect both the king and Princess Irene from a deadly conspiracy.