In a nutshell: two girls, a life or death struggle in a vivid other-world | Aula was born in Athenas, City of the Nine Pillars; she’s never met Joomia, who was born in Metis, City of the Nine Trees. Yet they have something special in common: they are the Chosen Ones, destined on their 18th birthdays to enter the realm of Ariadnis. They think it is their role to compete, little do they know that their challenge, as the last Chosen Ones, is to work together to save their cities and their whole world. Impressive and thought-provoking this is a skilfully constructed fantasy adventure with strong, distinct central characters and an ending that will have readers desperate for the next episode. ~ Andrea Reece
Back then I thought that if it weren't for that cliff, our cities would be one and there would be no need for all this fierceness toward each other. But then I learned about pride and tradition and prophecy, and those things are harder than rock. Joomia and Aula are Chosen. They will never be normal. They can never be free. On the last island on Erthe, Chosen Ones are destined to enter Ariadnis on the day they turn eighteen. There, they must undertake a mysterious and deadly challenge. For Joomia and Aula, this means competing against each other, to end the war that has seethed between their cities for nine generations. As the day draws nearer, all thoughts are on the trial ahead. There's no space for friendship. No time for love. However much the girls might crave them. But how you prepare for a task you know nothing certain about? Nothing, except that you must win, at whatever cost, or lose everything.
Josh Martin writes and draws his way through life and is currently residing in London. He has aspired to novel writing since he was a tadpole and has since graduated from Exeter University before completing Bath Spa's Writing For Young People MA last year. His particular interest in heroines, fantasy, environment, gender studies and wisdom led him to write Ariadnis, his first book.
