I started reading a new series by an Australian author, Alison Croggon, per recommendation of one of our local librarians (who has similar reading likes.) The first book in the series The Naming is wonderful. The imagination and time that the author spent creating the entire world of Edil-Amarandh is absolutely astounding. She has songs, fables, languages, maps, histories, and more. Beyond that her characters have depth that makes you want more.
Maerad, our heroine, is a 17 (or so) year old girl who has been raised in slavery. The conditions she is kept under in the village she lives in are horrific. One day, when milking the cows, she discovers a man hiding in the hay. Their meeting brings new changes to Maerad's world- a world of magic, excitement, finding the truth of her past, and discovering her hidden inner power.
I thoroughly enjoyed this first book and already have the second one on my nightstand!
