Avielle of Rhia

Avielle of Rhia
By Dia Calhoun
Marshall Cavendish, 2006. 397 pgs. Young Adult

With her silver skin and silver hair, fifteen-year-old Princess Avielle closely resembles her great-great grandmother who practiced evil magic. Everyone in Rhia expects Avielle to turn evil, too. Shunned by those around her, she feels unloved and unable to love others. In addition, Rhia is on the verge of war with Dredonia, where the evil Brethren of the Black Cloaks have placed impossible demands upon Rhia. After a devestating attack by the Brethren, Avielle goes into hiding among the common people and soon learns she has a magical gift for weaving. But Avielle is unsure if this gift will help free her people, or if it will unlock the evil that possessed her great-great grandmother.

This was an okay fantasy: it tells an interesting story but it did drag a bit while several supporting characters were built up. I think if you are a fan of young adult fantasy (similar to Shannon Hale's books), you will find something to enjoy in this book.

BHG