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Staff Pick
Behind every great hero is an Aristene. Mythical female warriors who are sent by the Goddess, to guide their heroes to victory and Glory. They are the Heromakers. Reed's trials will resonate the most with the "horse-girls," the ones that want to be immortal, that want their horses to live with them forever, and go into great battles together. This was such a fun, unputdownable fantasy read that will leave you longing for the next installment. Recommended By Mecca A., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
#1 New York Times bestselling author Kendare Blake is back with an epic duology starter that follows a young woman training to join a fabled order as she attempts to lead a hero to his critical first victory. A must-read for fans of Alexandra Bracken and Victoria Aveyard.
Aristene are an order of mythical female warriors. Though heroes might be immortalized in legends, it's the Aristene who guide their paths to victory. They are the Heromakers.
Raised by the order after being orphaned, Reed grew up surrounded by her future sisters-in-arms and the incredible stories of their quests. She's been counting the days until her initiation, and now one final test stands in her way: shepherding her first hero to glory on the battlefield. Succeed, and her place in the order is secured. Fail, and she'll be cast out of the only home she's ever known.
But Reed didn't count on Hestion, her assigned hero, being both infuriating and intriguing. When their strategic alliance turns into something more, it forces Reed to question the cost of becoming an Aristene. As battle looms and fate hangs in the balance, Reed must make an impossible choice: her hero or her order.
Review
"[A] thrilling fantasy duology opener." Publishers Weekly
Review
"Immersive from the very first moment — I would follow Kendare Blake into any world she creates." Amie Kaufman, New York Times bestselling author of The Isles of the Gods
Review
"Cements Kendare Blake as one of the best fantasy authors writing today." Erin A. Craig, New York Times bestselling author of House of Salt and Sorrows
About the Author
Kendare Blake is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Three Dark Crowns series. She holds an MA in creative writing from Middlesex University in northern London. She is also the author of Anna Dressed in Blood, a Cybils Awards finalist; Girl of Nightmares; Antigoddess; Mortal Gods; and Ungodly. Her books have been translated into over twenty languages, have been featured on multiple best-of-year lists, and have received many regional and librarian awards. Kendare lives and writes in Gig Harbor, Washington. Visit her online at www.kendareblake.com.