Author, Lyndall Clipstone, has a knack for writing about monsters and magic, and the ordinary human. They say this is a perfect fit for those readers who are fans of Naomi Novik and Brigid Kemmerer. I don't know this authors but there definitely is a desire for this genre. This story is also pro-active by making the good and powerful characters female. Leta must save Rowan and herself. There's a character who is accused of drowning his family in the lake, yet still remains in power and collects the tithe. although this seems weird, it is bang-on what is going on in Eastern Europe these days. As war rages in real time, this fantasy book spins a relatable story and deal with time-old conflicts and conspiracy theories. Why are there so many fantasy stories for young adults? Is it that they do not feel they can change anything other than in a fictional setting?