Avielle of Rhia
Praise from Booklist Magazine
"Evocative scenes of Avielle's weaving symbolize her inner journey, and readers will empathize with the girl as she struggles to accept her Dredonian heritage, her magic, and her duty, while weathering prejudice and her own unconscious hatred. . .
"The pattern Calhoun weaves is rich and complex."
About Avielle of Rhia
With her silver skin and silver hair, fifteen-year-old Princess Avielle of Rhia resembles her Dredonian great-great grandmother who practiced evil magic. Everyone in Rhia expects Aveille to turn evil, too. Shunned by everyone, she feels unloved and unable to love others. Also, she fears that Rhia will go to war with Dredonia. The enemy kingdom suffers under the rule of evil wizard-priests: the Brethren of the Black Cloaks. They have made impossible demands on Rhia, and the king and queen have refused to acquiesce.
One terrible night, the Brethren attack, killing the royal family and hundreds of others. Only Avielle escapes. She must keep her identity secret, however, since the Brethren want to kill her. While hiding among the common people, she learns that she has a magical gift for weaving. But will this gift, rooted in her Dredonian blood, lead Avielle to the same evil that possessed her great-great grandmother? Or will it help her free her people from further attacks?
Avielle embarks on a dangerous journey, risking everything as she descends into the midnight of her soul and discovers her destiny,