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The ancient land of Éirinn is mired in war. Ciara, princess of Mide, has never known a time when Éirinn’s kingdoms were not battling for power, or Northmen were not plundering their shores.

The people of Mide have always been safe because of Ciara’s unearthly ability to control her enemies’ minds and actions. But lately a mysterious crow has been appearing to Ciara, whispering warnings of an even darker threat. Although her clansmen dismiss her visions as pagan nonsense, Ciara fears this coming evil will destroy not just Éirinn but the entire world.

Then the crow leads Ciara to Leif, a young Northman leader. Leif should be Ciara’s enemy, but when Ciara discovers that he, too, shares her prophetic visions, she knows he’s something more. Leif is mounting an impressive army, and with Ciara’s strength in battle, the two might have a chance to save their world.

With evil rising around them, they’ll do what it takes to defend the land they love...even if it means making the greatest sacrifice of all.

Praise for the Book

"Beyond a Darkened Shore is thrilling and romantic. This is a must-read for lovers of fantasy, mythology, and folklore." - Kody Keplinger, New York Times bestselling author of The DUFF and Run

“With undead armies, flesh-eating spirit horses, and a powerful heroine, fantasy, romance, and historical-fiction readers will have a great time.” - Booklist

“While Morrigan and Odin are terrifying, raven-haired Ciara is the star. Beautiful, strong, and independent, she is the perfect warrior princess. Epic historical fantasy filled with deadly creatures, simmering romance, and nonstop action.” - Kirkus Reviews

Review:

Jessica Leake did it again! Through the White Wood is absolutely amazing. This woman knows how to write. If you have not picked up her books, you totally should. She brings such a rich tale to her readers. I just can't get enough.

"I hadn't set out to be a monster, but what happened when someone was pushed too far? What happened when the dark swirls of regret were accompanied by a sense that maybe what I'd done wasn't so terrible? What happened if I liked it?"

Katya is an outcast in her village. She was raised by surrogate grandparents. Katya has had to deal with mistreatment her entire life because Katya has a power. Those who have power are frowned upon in her village. Katya can summon ice. She doesn't always have complete control of her powers because sometimes the ice comes when she wants it and some times she doesn't want it to come. 

After a tragedy in her village, Katya is taken captive and becomes a prisoner. The people that have imprisoned her are taking her away to Prince Vladimir's kingdom. The prince is looking for more people with abilities to join his army. In reality that ins't the case. Prince Vladimir actually wants to kill them and drink their blood and eat their hearts to gain their abilities himself. As Katya journeys with the people that have taken her, she starts to develop friendships with them. Soon Katya and Saha must fight to survive. Katya learns what her power really means.

I really enjoyed these characters. I loved how Katya grew as a character. She went from someone that was afraid of her power to a warrior women that embraced it. One of  my favorite things to have in a story is a character that grows and becomes a better character. Leake definitely did that with Katya. I wasn't sure that I would love Through the White Wood as much as Beyond a Darkened Shore but I was wrong, I think I loved it even more. 

Leake's writing is so amazing. I actually love her writing so much that I am going to check out her adult books just because I can't get enough. Through the White Wood is such a fantastic story. The plot pulls you in. You want to root for the main character the entire time. There is a dash of romance that is just enough. Who doesn't love a name like Katya? It is definitely a warrior name. I am really looking forward to Leak's next novel. 


About the Author:

Jessica Leake is the author of Beyond a Darkened Shore as well as the adult novels Arcana and The Order of the Eternal Sun. She lives in South Carolina with her husband, four young children, lots of chickens, and two dogs who keep everyone in line. Visit her at www.jessicaleake.com.