Description
The female heirs of two opposing families must duel to rule the land for the next generation in this stunning fantasy adventure debut!
Merriment Feast's life is one constant party, complete with dazzling gowns and delicious pastries. Well, except for her aunt's physically grueling training. Merri believes it's her responsibility to protect her family's traditions and the power they've held for generations.
Rue Famine knows that only Feasts benefit from Feast rule. As the heir of House Famine, she spends her days studying potion-making in an enormous, dusty library and learning how to use her magic to help others.
Custom dictates that the heirs of Feast and Famine must duel on their thirteenth birthday. Only one family can rule the land of Fauret, and Merri and Rue have been raised as rivals.
But as the contest draws near and dangers escalate, their true enemy may be a shared one...
Review
This is a terrific bridging novel for readers of fantasy as they progress from primary level novels to the more detailed books for older teens.
The families Feast and Famine have ruled the land of Fauret for centuries, but Feast has had control for the last three generations. The rule is decided when the family’s children go to battle on their thirteenth birthday. This day is looming large for Merri Feast and Rue Famine. Each have been taught how to win by their family - Merri through spells and Rue through potions.
When the Feast’s are in power life is one giant party, but when the Famine’s are in power they are more subdued and care for all the citizens. Living in their protected worlds, can they possibly see the effect this is having on their people?
It is time for change, but this can only occur if they join together with Bun, Merri’s twin. Can they become an amazing threesome who can overcome the powerful demons that really control their world?
A good overcoming evil fantasy that has an easy-to-understand plot and characters that are clearly defined make this an ideal novel for lower secondary students. The content certainly also makes it accessible to upper primary readers. It contains themes of magic and demons, overcoming evil and strong female characters joining together to make a better world.
