Description
Forced into marriage for her valley's survival, Rehya must decide: submit or rebel against a ruthless system? A brilliant, fierce and compelling YA fantasy perfect for fans of The Prison Healer and Children of Blood and Bone, from the acclaimed, award-winning author of Living on Hope Street.
OUR RESISTANCE IS POWER
Ma's tears wet my neck as I backed into our hut. I slumped into Pa's chair. His smell curled around me. I breathed him in as my tears fell and anger bubbled under my skin. I was to be a Blood Moon Bride.
Rehya is a hunter with uncanny magical abilities - and magic has long been outlawed in Mennama Valley.
Every winter, on the night of the Blood Moon, young women enter forced marriages for the valley's advancement and prosperity. But this year Governor Kyra has decreed that girls of just fifteen must become Blood Moon Brides, making Rehya eligible.
When her Pa dies, Rehya's plans of escape evaporate and she is paraded in front of suitors on Show Day. And when she is chosen to be a bride, she lashes out.
As punishment, she is sent to the Nest. There Rehya must decide: should she submit to the life of a Blood Moon Bride, or rebel - and risk everything to fight for justice?
A powerful and fierce YA fantasy novel by the award-winning author of Living on Hope Street.
Review
Renowned teenage hunter Rehya is too young to be made a bride at the annual Blood Moon Bride ceremony - or she was until Governor Kyra reduced the eligible age to just 15. The village girls are forced into marriage to the highest bidder at this annual ceremony, and this provides the governor with both riches, and more children that he will use to strengthen his hold on the valley.
Twenty-eight years ago, the Governor took control and killed anyone who was thought to harbour magic, but he didn’t get everyone. Some disappeared into the dark woods but others, like Reyha, remain undetected. Indeed, the Governor’s own daughter, who he uses to try to redeem those who venture off the right path, holds strong magic herself...
But it takes the courageous Reyha to show his daughter the truth of her father’s evil. But are they powerful enough to stop this tyrant in a valley full of people who believe his lies?
This is a terrific fantasy novel with strong female characters who are prepared to forsake everything for the hope of peace and happiness. With themes of treachery, forced marriage, family ties and magical ability, it will best suit readers in the middle secondary years.
