Band of Shadows

Band of Shadows is a fantasy fiction novel that will appeal to both young adults and adults. It is the first in a planned trilogy. Readers who will enjoy the book include but are not limited to young adults, adults age 18-35, women, and the readers of many series such as: Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, Throne of Glass, Divergent, Twilight, Game of Thrones, etc... Friendship and morality play a major thematic role in the book. Scarlet has to work on growing her confidence and inner strength, but she also has to learn to trust and rely on her friends. She has never known her family and has spent most of her childhood bouncing from foster home to foster home, so trust is a nearly foreign concept to her. Since Scarlet is uprooted from her normal life and thrust into the mystical world of Avalon, her coming of age story is quite tumultuous, both her strength and her morality will be tested time and time again. Luckily she has her friends, Stiles, Lena, and Ryker, who are a lovable mix of intelligent, loyal, and witty (often quite sarcastic) to show her the ropes. There is also an underlying theme of turning your weaknesses into your strengths. When the book begins, Scarlet is in therapy for depression and anxiety, and she views the symptoms as a weakness. But in truth, the symptoms reveal her powerful abilities, and are actually her greatest strength. The message serves to not only turn weakness into strength, but also to de-stigmatize mental illness. The novel is a work of fantasy fiction that includes fantastical powers and abilities, mystical lands, plants with hidden powers, and a battle for what is right. The book also includes an illustrated map of isle of Avalon, as well as two gorgeous interior illustrations.