Reviewed by Martha Artyomenko

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Book Description:

Swan Lake meets Robin Hood when the beautiful daughter of a wealthy merchant by day becomes the region’s most notorious poacher by night, and falls in love with the forester.

Jorgen is the forester for the wealthy margrave, and must find and capture the poacher who has been killing and stealing the margrave’s game. When he meets the lovely and refined Odette at the festival and shares a connection during a dance, he has no idea she is the one who has been poaching the margrave’s game.

Odette justifies her crime of poaching because she thinks the game is going to feed the poor, who are all but starving, both in the city and just outside its walls. But will the discovery of a local poaching ring reveal a terrible secret? Has the meat she thought she was providing for the poor actually been sold on the black market, profiting no one except the ring of black market sellers?

The one person Odette knows can help her could also find out her own secret and turn her over to the margrave, but she has no choice. Jorgen and Odette will band together to stop the dangerous poaching ring . . . and fall in love. But what will the margrave do when he discovers his forester is protecting a notorious poacher?

 

My Review:

My mini celebration of Christmas in May, came a little early to my mailbox this year. I found myself thrilled to read and review this newest work by Melanie Dickerson. Although this one is geared towards adults slightly more than her other books, it still has that clean, young adult feel to it. I am especially thrilled that it is her first book to be out on audio! I cannot wait to share it with my sons.

I loved the Robin Hood type theme without it really being Robin Hood. The direction this story takes is so fun. It is not a story with long descriptions of depth and poetry, but I felt the story teach me as I read. This young maiden has a desire to help the poor, while being  willing to risk anything and everything to do so. Her uncle has been the only family member left to care for her, and she is eternally grateful.

I enjoyed how the author wove the storyline of poor choices for the right reasons throughout. This will inspire a good discussion between mothers, daughters or even for book clubs after reading this work. Besides, the cover is absolutely gorgeous!

Once again, Melanie has succeeded in bringing us a story that feels classic with lessons to live by. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would highly recommend for both adults and young people.

This book was provided for review by the author and NetGalley for review. The opinions contained herein are my own.

You can still pre-order a copy of this book which is released on May 12th, 2015. The eBook is only $4.99 http://amzn.to/1zDkSC5

 

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  1. Nadine C. Keels

    I’ve only read one Dickerson novel so far, and it didn’t get me that excited, but I’ve heard too many good things about her not to try her again. I’m intrigued by the “poor choices for the right reasons” theme and may pick this one up. 🙂

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