The Thrashers by Julie Soto

“Welcome to the Thrashers, the elite friend group at New Helvetia High.

They’re everything everyone wants to be.

Jodi Dillon was never meant to be one of them. Julian, Lucy, Paige, and the infamous Zack Thrasher are rich, sophisticated, and love attention. Jodi feels out of place, but Zack’s her childhood best friend, so she’s in.

Then Emily Mills, who desperately wanted to be a Thrasher, dies—and the whispers about the Thrashers begin. As Emily’s journal surfaces, detectives close in, and Jodi faces an impossible choice: betray her friends or protect herself.

But as eerie messages and strange occurrences escalate, it becomes clear—Emily isn’t done with them yet.” - taken from Goodreads.

This was a book that kept you on the seat of your pants until the very end trying to uncover what really happened. Emily MIlls dies by suicide on prom night. She desperately wanted to fit in with a group of popular students known as the Thrashers. Soon, fingers start pointing at Jodi and her friends when Emily’s journal portrays a climate of bullying with Zach Thrasher being the leader. Jodi, not rich like her friends, soon discovers that she is the key to figuring out what really happened. As secrets begin to unfold, Jodi soon realizes that maybe she does not know who her so-called friends really are.

Visit Julie Soto’s website.

Foxglove by Adalyn Grace (Belladonna book 2)

 

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first book in the series, Belladonna, Stop! I don’t want to ruin the story for you.

Please visit the Recaptains blog if you need a refresher of the first book.

“A duke has been murdered. The lord of Thorn Grove has been framed. And Fate, the elusive brother of Death, has taken up residence in a sumptuous estate nearby. He's hellbent on revenge after Death took the life of the woman he loved many years ago...and now he's determined to have Signa for himself, no matter the cost.

Signa and her cousin Blythe are certain that Fate can save Elijah Hawthorne from prison if they will entertain his presence. But the more time the girls spend with Fate, the more frightening their reality becomes as Signa exhibits dramatic new powers that link her to Fate's past. With mysteries and danger around every corner, the cousins must decide if they can trust one another as they navigate their futures in high society, unravel the murders that haunt their family, and play Fate's unexpected games—all with their destinies hanging in the balance.

Dangerous, suspenseful, and seductive, this sequel to Signa and Death's story is as utterly romantic as it is perfectly deadly.” - taken from Goodreads.

This second book in the series starts off with a death and the mystery of who really did it. Unfortunately, the storyline was slow to build for me in the beginning. Once Blythe discovers some of Signa’s secrets, the action really picks up when Signa goes home to Foxglove. With Fate adamant that Signa belongs with him and she is determined to save what’s left of her family, the ending sets up the final installment of the series with Wisteria.

The trilogy concludes with Wisteria, due out on August 20, 2024.

Visit Adalyn Grace’s website.

Belladonna by Adalyn Grace (Belladonna book 1)

“Orphaned as a baby, nineteen-year-old Signa has been raised by a string of guardians, each more interested in her wealth than her well-being—and each has met an untimely end. Her remaining relatives are the elusive Hawthornes, an eccentric family living at Thorn Grove, an estate both glittering and gloomy. Its patriarch mourns his late wife through wild parties, while his son grapples for control of the family’s waning reputation, and his daughter suffers from a mysterious illness. But when their mother’s restless spirit appears claiming she was poisoned, Signa realizes that the family she depends on could be in grave danger and enlists the help of a surly stable boy to hunt down the killer.

 

However, Signa’s best chance of uncovering the murderer is an alliance with Death himself, a fascinating, dangerous shadow who has never been far from her side. Though he’s made her life a living hell, Death shows Signa that their growing connection may be more powerful—and more irresistible—than she ever dared imagine.” - taken from Goodreads.

Signa has been repeatedly passed over by Death since she was an infant. Shuffled between numerous guardians who were only interested in her wealth, her latest placement heads her to the Hawthorns and Thorn Grove. Haunted by restless spirits, including the recently departed family matriarch, Signa is left to pull what remains of the family back together. Siding with Death himself, Signa is in a race against time to uncover the deadly secrets before time runs out.

With a fantastic ending, readers will be clamoring for book two, Foxglove is out August 29, 2023.

Visit Adalyn Grace’s website.

Gleanings: Stories from the Arc of the Scythe (Arc of the Scythe book 3.5)

 

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first three books in the series, Stop! This collection of short stories may not make sense.

“There are still countless tales of the Scythedom to tell. Centuries passed between the Thunderhead cradling humanity and Scythe Goddard trying to turn it upside down. For years humans lived in a world without hunger, disease, or death with Scythes as the living instruments of population control.

Neal Shusterman—along with collaborators David Yoon, Jarrod Shusterman, Sofía Lapuente, Michael H. Payne, Michelle Knowlden, and Joelle Shusterman—returns to the world throughout the timeline of the Arc of a Scythe series. Discover secrets and histories of characters you’ve followed for three volumes and meet new heroes, new foes, and some figures in between.” - taken from Goodreads.

First swing / Joelle Shusterman -- Formidable -- Never work with animals / co-authored with Michael H. Payne -- Death of many colors -- Unsavory row -- Martian minute -- The Mortal canvas / co-authored with David Yoon -- Cirri -- Anastasia's shadow -- Persistence of memory / co-authored with Jarrod Shusterman and Sofía Lapuente -- Meet Cute and Die -- Perchance to Glean / co-authored with Michelle Knowlden -- A Dark Curtain Rises.

Martian Minute was by far my favorite story of this collection. Underscythe Xenocrates made a spectacular appearance. The ending was a true bomb drop and spectacular in its delivery. Anastasia’s shadow takes place between the second and third books and deals with Citra’s brother Ben. Meet Cute and Die was hilarious and an enjoyable read.                                     

A great return to the Scythe world for fans of the series. 

Visit Neal Shusterman’s website.

Skin to the Sea by Natasha Bowen (Skin to the Sea book 1)

 

“A way to survive.

A way to serve.

A way to save.

Simi prayed to the gods, once. Now she serves them as Mami Wata--a mermaid--collecting the souls of those who die at sea and blessing their journeys back home.

But when a living boy is thrown overboard, Simi does the unthinkable--she saves his life, going against an ancient decree. And punishment awaits those who dare to defy it.

To protect the other Mami Wata, Simi must journey to the Supreme Creator to make amends. But all is not as it seems. There's the boy she rescued, who knows more than he should. And something is shadowing Simi, something that would rather see her fail. . . .

Danger lurks at every turn, and as Simi draws closer, she must brave vengeful gods, treacherous lands, and legendary creatures. Because if she doesn't, then she risks not only the fate of all Mami Wata, but also the world as she knows it.” - taken from Goodreads.com

This is a unique but dark twist on The Little Mermaid fairy tale that takes place in West Africa in the mid-1400s. During this time, the Portuguese began buying and abducting people to be sold into slavery. Simi is a Mami Wata and when she rescues Kola instead of passing on his soul when he is thrown overboard from a slave ship, our story begins. Having defied the gods, Simi must attempt to right her wrongs while trying not to doom herself by falling in love. 

Simi’s story will conclude in a second book that has not yet been announced.

Visit Natasha Bowen’s website.

Our Violent Ends by Chloe Gong (These Violent Delights book 2)

 

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first book in the series, These Violent Delights, Stop! I don’t want to ruin the story for you.

Check out Riveted if you need a recap of the first book. 

“The year is 1927, and Shanghai teeters on the edge of revolution.

After sacrificing her relationship with Roma to protect him from the blood feud, Juliette has been a girl on the warpath. One wrong move, and her cousin will step in to usurp her place as the Scarlet Gang’s heir. The only way to save the boy she loves from the wrath of the Scarlets is to have him want her dead for murdering his best friend in cold blood. If Juliette were actually guilty of the crime Roma believes she committed, his rejection might sting less.

Roma is still reeling from Marshall’s death, and his cousin Benedikt will barely speak to him. Roma knows it’s his fault for letting the ruthless Juliette back into his life, and he’s determined to set things right—even if that means killing the girl he hates and loves with equal measure.

Then a new monstrous danger emerges in the city, and though secrets keep them apart, Juliette must secure Roma’s cooperation if they are to end this threat once and for all. Shanghai is already at a boiling point: The Nationalists are marching in, whispers of civil war brew louder every day, and gangster rule faces complete annihilation. Roma and Juliette must put aside their differences to combat monsters and politics, but they aren’t prepared for the biggest threat of all: protecting their hearts from each other.” - taken from Goodreads.com

Juliette and Roma ended things badly between the two of them at the end of the first book. Juliette bears a heavy secret and the monster of Shanghai has returned to wreak havoc. The two are thrown together by feuding fathers to work together to uncover this new threat. Soon, the two grow closer as they try to save their city from the coming war.

This book focuses more on the historical aspect of the time period with tensions bubbling over between the Nationalists and the Communists. Even though I still hold out hope for a different ending, I am excited to see what this author writes next.

Visit Chloe Gong’s website.

These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong (These Violent Delights book 1)

“The year is 1926, and Shanghai hums to the tune of debauchery.

A blood feud between two gangs runs the streets red, leaving the city helpless in the grip of chaos. At the heart of it all is eighteen-year-old Juliette Cai, a former flapper who has returned to assume her role as the proud heir of the Scarlet Gang—a network of criminals far above the law. Their only rivals in power are the White Flowers, who have fought the Scarlets for generations. And behind every move is their heir, Roma Montagov, Juliette’s first love…and first betrayal.

But when gangsters on both sides show signs of instability culminating in clawing their own throats out, the people start to whisper. Of a contagion, a madness. Of a monster in the shadows. As the deaths stack up, Juliette and Roma must set their guns—and grudges—aside and work together, for if they can’t stop this mayhem, then there will be no city left for either to rule.” - taken from Goodreads.com

“These violent delights have violent ends

And in their triumph die, like fire and powder,

Which, as they kiss, consume.

• Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet

What if Romeo and Juliet didn't die at the end? Instead, they were separated for four years while their rival gang families ramped up their blood feud on the streets of Shanghai. It's 1926 and a monster carrying a deadly disease lurks in a city where the ruling gangs are struggling to keep control over increasing western influences. Juliette Cai and Roma Montagov must put the past behind them in order to save their city. Will these star-crosses lovers be able to put aside old grudges and work together to stop the increasing pandemonium? Both old and new betrayals will be revealed.

To be continued with Our Violent Ends on November 16, 2021.

Visit Chloe Gong’s website.

 

Stay Sweet by Siobhan Vivian

 

“Summer in Sand Lake isn’t complete without a trip to Meade Creamery—the local ice cream stand founded in 1944 by Molly Meade who started making ice cream to cheer up her lovesick girlfriends while all the boys were away at war. Since then, the stand has been owned and managed exclusively by local girls, who inevitably become the best of friends. Seventeen-year-old Amelia and her best friend Cate have worked at the stand every summer for the past three years, and Amelia is “Head Girl” at the stand this summer. When Molly passes away before Amelia even has her first day in charge, Amelia isn’t sure that the stand can go on. That is, until Molly’s grandnephew Grady arrives and asks Amelia to stay on to help continue the business…but Grady’s got some changes in mind… “ - taken from Goodreads.com

This book was slow to start off with and I found Amelia to be a bit wishy-washy. I loved the diary entries from Molly Meade that were interspersed throughout the story about her life during the last year of World War II and the start of what would be her business venture. I almost gave up on this book but once Grady Meade enters the story and takes over the ice cream stand, the story really picks up as Amelia comes into her own. Not without problems and confrontations, Amelia’s and Grady’s summer is a sweet story about standing up for what you believe in.

Visit Siobhan Vivian’s website.

Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo

“Camino Rios lives for the summers when her father visits her in the Dominican Republic. But this time, on the day when his plane is supposed to land, Camino arrives at the airport to see crowds of crying people…

In New York City, Yahaira Rios is called to the principal’s office, where her mother is waiting to tell her that her father, her hero, has died in a plane crash.

Separated by distance—and Papi’s secrets—the two girls are forced to face a new reality in which their father is dead and their lives are forever altered.

And then, when it seems like they’ve lost everything of their father, they learn of each other.” - taken from Goodreads.com

Another phenomenal book by Elizabeth Acevedo. Two girls who have never met are brought together by the tragic death of their father. Told in alternating points of view between Camino and Yahaira, this story about what happened when their father’s secret life comes to light. Full of grief, loss, and betrayal but yet acceptance for the difficult situation they are left in. Well worth the read!.

Visit Elizabeth Acevedo’s website.

The Toll by Neal Shusterman (Arc of a Scythe book 3)

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first two books in the series, Scythe and Thunderhead, Stop! I don’t want to ruin the story for you.

Check out Book Series Recaps for a refresher of the first two books.

Please visit the Recaptains blog if you need a refresher of the first book.

“It’s been three years since Rowan and Citra disappeared; since Scythe Goddard came into power; since the Thunderhead closed itself off to everyone but Grayson Tolliver.

In this pulse-pounding conclusion to New York Times bestselling author Neal Shusterman’s Arc of a Scythe trilogy, constitutions are tested and old friends are brought back from the dead.” - taken from Goodreads.com

WOW! That is all I can say without giving any of the wonderful details and conclusion of this story away. I hate to leave the world of the Scythedom behind but was satisfied with the ending of the story.

Visit Neal Shusterman’s website.

House of Salt & Sorrows by Erin A. Craig

“In a manor by the sea, twelve sisters are cursed.

Annaleigh lives a sheltered life at Highmoor, a manor by the sea, with her sisters, their father, and stepmother. Once they were twelve, but loneliness fills the grand halls now that four of the girls' lives have been cut short. Each death was more tragic than the last—the plague, a plummeting fall, a drowning, a slippery plunge—and there are whispers throughout the surrounding villages that the family is cursed by the gods.

Disturbed by a series of ghostly visions, Annaleigh becomes increasingly suspicious that the deaths were no accidents. Her sisters have been sneaking out every night to attend glittering balls, dancing until dawn in silk gowns and shimmering slippers, and Annaleigh isn't sure whether to try to stop them or to join their forbidden trysts. Because who—or what—are they really dancing with?

When Annaleigh's involvement with a mysterious stranger who has secrets of his own intensifies, it's a race to unravel the darkness that has fallen over her family—before it claims her next.” - taken from Goodreads.com

I had heard lots of good things about this book so I decided to give it a try. I adored this book so much that I had a hard time putting it down and even peeked at the ending to see what would happen. Thank goodness I didn't spoil too much of an unexpected and haunting ending. Based on the Grimm Brothers’ fairy tale, The Twelve Dancing Princesses, our story opens up with our main character Annaleigh, the sixth born sister attending one of her older sister's funeral. Four older sisters and their mother have all passed on and the town folks believe that the Thaumas sisters are cursed. When a mysterious young man enters her life, Annaleigh is determined to prove that there is no curse and that someone is seeking vengeance on the Thaumas family. Chilling, haunting, and mysterious read with a romantic interest thrown in, readers will devour this book.

Visit Erin A. Craig’s website.

Thunderhead by Neal Shusterman (Arc of the Scythe book 2)

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first book in the series, Scythe, Stop! I don’t want to ruin one of my favorite stories for you.

“Rowan and Citra take opposite stances on the morality of the Scythedom, putting them at odds, in the second novel of the chilling New York Times bestselling series from Neal Shusterman, author of the Unwind dystology.

Rowan has gone rogue, and has taken it upon himself to put the Scythedom through a trial by fire. Literally. In the year since Winter Conclave, he has gone off-grid, and has been striking out against corrupt scythes—not only in MidMerica, but across the entire continent. He is a dark folk hero now—“Scythe Lucifer”—a vigilante taking down corrupt scythes in flames.

Citra, now a junior scythe under Scythe Curie, sees the corruption and wants to help change it from the inside out, but is thwarted at every turn, and threatened by the “new order” scythes. Realizing she cannot do this alone—or even with the help of Scythe Curie and Faraday, she does the unthinkable, and risks being “deadish” so she can communicate with the Thunderhead—the only being on earth wise enough to solve the dire problems of a perfect world. But will it help solve those problems, or simply watch as perfection goes into decline?” - taken from Goodreads.com

I held off reading/listening to Scythe for several months after it came out, but I was glad that I did. The wait for Thunderhead was only a couple of months off and the title of this book really foreshadowed the storyline. What wicked plot twists did the story man, aka Neal Schusterman himself weave. With the introduction of Grayson Tolliver, the reader is able to experience more aspects of society under the Thunderhead.

Citra is now Junior Scythe Anastasia under Scythe Marie Curie while Rowan is on the run as Scythe Lucifer. With enemies both known and a mystery, neither is safe from death. I will say no more so as not to spoil all the greatness that Thunderhead is. There were several  jaw dropping moments in the final chapters of the book. Our story ends in a definite cliffhanger.

Rowan and Citra’s story will conclude with book three, The Toll (more ominous foreshadowing) is expected in 2019.

Visit Neal Shusterman’s website.

Scythe by Neal Shusterman (Arc of a Scythe book 1)

“Thou shalt kill.

A world with no hunger, no disease, no war, no misery. Humanity has conquered all those things, and has even conquered death. Now scythes are the only ones who can end life—and they are commanded to do so, in order to keep the size of the population under control.

Citra and Rowan are chosen to apprentice to a scythe—a role that neither wants. These teens must master the “art” of taking life, knowing that the consequence of failure could mean losing their own.” - taken from Goodreads.com

I have known about this book since November 2014 and was excited to read it since I had just finished the Unwind quartet. Unfortunately, it wasn’t out yet and I don’t know why I have waited so long. The only good thing about this is that the second book is due out in a month and I cannot wait. I LOVED Rowan and Citra’s story and the world building where everyone is immortal until a Scythe decides that it is your time to be gleaned. I was sucked into this story and couldn’t put it down. I wasn’t expecting the ending and my imagination is limitless as to where this story will go.

The story continues with Thunderhead on January 9, 2018.

Visit Neal Shuterman’s website.

Amy & Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson

“Amy Curry is not looking forward to her summer. Her mother decided to move across the country and now it's Amy's responsibility to get their car from California to Connecticut. The only problem is, since her father died in a car accident, she isn't ready to get behind the wheel. Enter Roger. An old family friend, he also has to make the cross-country trip - and has plenty of baggage of his own. The road home may be unfamiliar - especially with their friendship venturing into uncharted territory - but together, Amy and Roger will figure out how to map their way.” - taken from Goodreads.com

I don’t know why it has taken me so long to read/listen to a Morgan Matson book. I had heard great things about Amy & Roger's Epic Detour but they didn’t do the book justice. Amy Currie is still reeling from her father’s death a few short months earlier. Her twin brother Charlie is in North Carolina at a drug rehab and her mother has taken a job in Connecticut. Amy was left behind in California to finish out her school year. With money tight, her mother decides that a family friend’s son can drive their car and Amy across the country. Amy is not too thrilled with the prospect of four days with a total stranger but she has no choice. When Roger Sullivan comes to her house to start their trip, it isn’t too long before the two decide to deviate from Mrs. Currie’s plans and head off on their own.

As they travel across the country, Amy and Roger begin to fight and heal from their own inner demons. An epic road trip ensues as readers discover what exactly happened when Amy’s father died.

Visit Morgan Matson’s website.

Denton Little's Still Not Dead by Lance Rubin (Denton Little book 2)

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first book in the series, Denton Little’s Deathdate, Stop! I don’t want to ruin the story for you.

“Now he needs a life …”

“You only live once—unless you’re Denton Little!

The good news: Denton Little has lived through his deathdate. Yay! The bad news: He’s being chased by the DIA (Death Investigation Agency), he can never see his family again, and he may now die any time. Huh. Cheating death isn’t quite as awesome as Denton would have thought…

Denton Little’s Deathdate, showed readers just how funny and poignant imminent death could be. Now in this sequel, he takes on the big questions about life. How do we cope, knowing we could die at any time? Would you save someone from dying even if they were a horrible person? Is it wrong to kiss the girl your best friend is crushing on if she’s really into you instead? What if she’s wearing bacon lip gloss?” taken from Goodreads.com

This is the long awaited conclusion to Denton Little’s story and the wait was well worth it. Humorous, snarky and serious at times, Denton begins to unravel the mysteries and reasons behind his survival. I listened to the audio versions of this title and once again, the author does a fabulous job of bring Denton’s story to life. This book is a definite recommend!

Visit Lance Rubin’s website.

This Is Our Story by Ashley Elston

“No one knows what happened that morning at River Point. Five boys went hunting. Four came back. The boys won’t say who fired the shot that killed their friend; the evidence shows it could have been any one of them.

Kate Marino’s senior year internship at the District Attorney’s Office isn’t exactly glamorous—more like an excuse to leave school early that looks good on college applications. Then the DA hands her boss, Mr. Stone, the biggest case her small town of Belle Terre has ever seen. The River Point Boys are all anyone can talk about. Despite their damning toxicology reports the morning of the accident, the DA wants the boys’ case swept under the rug. He owes his political office to their powerful families.

Kate won’t let that happen. Digging up secrets without revealing her own is a dangerous line to walk; Kate has her own reasons for seeking justice for Grant. As she and Stone investigate—the ageing prosecutor relying on Kate to see and hear what he cannot—she realizes that nothing about the case—or the boys—is what it seems. Grant wasn’t who she thought he was, and neither is Stone’s prime suspect. As Kate gets dangerously close to the truth, it becomes clear that the early morning accident might not have been an accident at all—and if Kate doesn’t uncover the true killer, more than one life could be on the line…including her own.” - taken from Goodreads.com

After you get over the fact that a high school senior had as much responsibility at the District Attorney's office as Kate, I loved the mystery. Wasn't expecting that big plot twist or who the killer was. Definitely glad I picked this one up.

Visit Ashley Elston’s website.

Denton Little's Deathdate by Lance Rubin

“Imminent death has never been so funny….”

“Tomorrow is the day I’m going to die.

I don’t mean to get all dramatic about it. I’ve known that tomorrow is the day I will die since I was born. Just like almost everyone else in the world knows the date when they will die, thanks to the group of doctors, scientists, statisticians, and astrologers who pioneered the field of AstroThanatoGenetics (ATO).

Is it still weird and anxiety-provoking that my death is tomorrow? Hell to the yes. But do I need to get movie-preview-voice-over-guy intense about it? Probably not.

Well, um...

If Denton Little knew what was in store on his last day --hangovers, love triangles, jealous exes, shotgun standoffs, and mysterious rashes -- he probably wouldn’t be so calm.

And did I mention that Denton’s death date is the same day as senior prom?

Oh yeah. Good times…” - front flap

“Denton Little's Deathdate takes place in a world exactly like our own except that everyone knows the day they will die. For 17-year-old Denton Little, that's tomorrow, the day of his senior prom.

Despite his early deathdate, Denton has always wanted to live a normal life, but his final days are filled with dramatic firsts. First hangover. First sex. First love triangle (as the first sex seems to have happened not with his adoring girlfriend, but with his best friend's hostile sister. Though he's not totally sure. See: first hangover.) His anxiety builds when he discovers a strange purple rash making its way up his body. Is this what will kill him? And then a strange man shows up at his funeral, claiming to have known Denton's long-deceased mother, and warning him to beware of suspicious government characters…. Suddenly Denton's life is filled with mysterious questions and precious little time to find the answers.” - taken from Goodreads.com

Denton’s story will continue with Denton Little’s Birthdate out on April 12, 2016.

Visit Lance Rubin’s website.

Mortal Heart by Robin LaFevers (His Fair Assassin book 3)

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first two books in the trilogy, Grave Mercy and Dark Triumph, Stop! I don’t want to ruin one of my favorite series for you.

Please visit the Recaptains blog if you need a refresher on the first two books in the series.

“Because love is stronger than death.”

Brittany, December 1488

Annith is annoyed that she is still at St. Mortain's convent, waiting for her turn to serve Death. She has watched both Ismae and Sybella come, train and leave as novitiates to serve Mortain. Ismae is currently at court and while Sybella is on her fourth assignment. No one has heard from either in over six months. When a new girl, Melusine, arrives at the convent, Annith escorts her to the infirmary. Leaving her with Sister Serafina, Annith goes to alert the abbess of Melusine's arrival. As she nears, Annith hears the voices of the abbess and Sister Eonette. Annith listens in. Sister Vereda is ill and this leaves the convent Sightless. With Duchess Anne's rule over Brittany shaky, her unexpected illness could not come at a worse time. When Sister Eonette is dismissed, Annith scampers down the hall so as not to get caught. She informs the abbess of the girl's arrival whom was expected. After a brief discussion about the girl, the abbess says that maybe Annith could serve as novice mistress until she is called by Mortain. The abbess laughs at the look of disgust on her face. Annith explains that she doesn't want her other skills to weaken so that she wouldn't be ready for Mortain's call. The abbess sends her on her way.

Having lived in the convent since a newborn, Annith learned that collecting secrets and keeping them to herself helped her survive the former abbess, a tyrant called the Dragonette. She rushes unseen into the private chapel off the abbess's office to eavesdrop on the conversation with Sister Thomine. Annith can scarcely believe it when the abbess declares her plans to make Annith the new Seerees. She is so distraught that she barely hears Sister Thomine's dismissal. Annith pulls herself together and tries to think of a plan to change the abbess' mind. She runs into a clutch of older girls and they ask her if she knows why the abbess has meetings going on. Annith says she doesn't and one girl, Sarra, cannot believe that Saint Annith isn't in the know. Unable to keep her anger under wraps, Annith snaps at her and earns her admiration. Since no one knows, Annith promises to find out in the next day or two.

Not wanting to be stuck at the convent, Annith begins her plan to ensure that the abbess doesn't make her the next Seerees. She shows all of the Sisters that she is the superior novitiate and the only choice for Mortain's next call. Annith only realizes after the fact that by helping Sister Serafina nurse Sister Vereda back to health that she has shown the abbess how truly dedicated she is. When she is called into the abbess’ office one day, Annith is completely unprepared for the conversation. The abbess proudly informs her that she is to start training immediately with Sister Vereda to become the next Seerees. The abbess is disappointed that Annith is devastated over being chosen for what she sees as a great honor. Annith silently wonders if the Dragonette spilled her darkest secret when she promised not to. The abbess tells Annith that this is Mortain’s will and she has two choices; accept or be cast out. The abbess reassures her that there will be a widowed father looking for a new wife to care for his children. Annith does ask for time to pray and reflect before making her decision. The abbess reluctantly agrees to three days.

Annith must formulate her escape plan quickly. She agrees to train with Sister Vereda because the abbess is getting ready to go on a trip. It will be the perfect time to snoop for answers. She hopes to find out more about her birth mother and the circumstances that led to her being dropped off at the convent as a newborn. With all of the training the Dragonette gave her, she cannot believe that Mortain’s purpose for her is to stay at the convent. She knows that she will not survive being locked away for the rest of her life, never leaving the island. After the abbess departs, Annith searches her office and only finds a diary of sorts that the Dragonette kept that details some of the horrific events of her upbringing. Deciding that she won’t find anymore information, Annith makes her escape plan. Forging a message from the abbess requesting her to join her on the mainland, she packs her bag. She decides to make one last stop before leaving, Sister Vereda’s room for the Tears of Mortain. Unable to place a drop in her eye without waking Vereda, Annith decides to take the entire bottle in the hopes that no additional novitiates will be sent on missions without the gift of Tears. She is determined to find the abbess and ask why her to be the next Seeress.

What is Annith’s secret that the Dragonette kept for her from the others? Why does the abbess want Annith to become the next Seeress? Who is the first to discover Annith’s defection? Where does Annith flee to? Can she find Ismae and Sybella? Is Mortain’s will for Annith to be a Seeress or is it something else? What will Annith find outside of the convent walls?

Fans of the series will be delighted to see how the stories of Annith, Ismae and Sybella  wrapped up.

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