Princess and Curdie

The sequel to The Princess and the Goblin from the Victorian-era Scottish author who influenced C. S. Lewis, J. R. R. Tolkien, and Madeleine L’Engle.
 
A year or two after the adventures of The Princess and the Goblin, a group of corrupt ministers are plotting to poison the king, Princess Irene’s father. Curdie, a mineworker and loyal friend, joins forces with Princess Irene to stop them. “Along the way the ugliest and most fearful of monster-companions help him, and the final great battle where they stand alone is decisive. A great adventure and, like its predecessor, with hidden levels of meaning. Makes Hairy [sic] Potter look feeble” (AllReaders.com).
 
“The Princess and the Goblin and The Princess and Curdie are two of the most unusual and haunting fairy tales ever written.” —The Guardian