Here is a fairy tale set in an imaginary location and time period that creatively (and loosely) references known countries and areas, medieval and modern customs, weaponry, technology and some vocabulary, and that spans the development of feminism through the eyes of its eighteen-year-old heroine, Selah.
Selah is the daughter of the Seneschal of Potomac (and, by rights, the Seneschal-Elect). She is adored by her father but disliked by her scheming stepmother, who will soon deliver a baby. Selah is shy, preferring her own company as she indulges her favorite activities (reading, wandering the fields exploring the flora and fauna, and imagining her future life with her long-time friend Peter). On the evening of her birthday celebration, however, when her father–as is the custom–extends a marriage proposal on her behalf to a preselected suitor, Selah is shocked and confused when Peter–whom she has always dreamed of marrying–refuses. Almost immediately thereafter her stepmother informs her that that very evening she is to board a ship and begin a journey to foreign lands to visit prospective husbands, a journey that will take months and that will separate her from her ailing father. She is instructed not to return without a husband in tow because the future of Potomac and the safety of her family depends on her actions. As she travels to different countries and falls in love with a couple of candidates, Selah gradually finds her voice and takes control of her destiny as much as she can. Betrayals, rivalries, strategic alliances, romance and heartbreak fill the pages of her story, which is generally unbelievable but hey, that’s what fairy tales are all about. YA readers who like fantasy and romance will think it great.
There is no objectionable content. The story is not complete at the end of the book, so readers will have to wait for the sequel.
Categories: Books We Recommend, Books with No Objectionable Content, Death and Grieving, Diversity, Fantasy, Grief, Mysteries, Parent Conflict, Peer Relationships
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