Shattered Veil

Banghart (By Blood) offers a fast-paced, action-packed SF adventure, first in the Diatous Wars series, in which a young woman sacrifices her identity to fight for her homeland and the man she loves. When 18-year-old Aris Haan's boyfriend, Calix, is "Selected" to serve in the military of Atalanta, she's left behind, since long-held tradition forbids women to fight. However, because of Aris's ace piloting skills, she's chosen to enter a secret program to become part of an elite search-and-rescue unit, technologically disguised as a male named Aristos. As the ongoing war against the dominion of Safara continues, Aris undergoes a trial by fire that threatens to change her beyond recognition. What starts as a tale of star-crossed romance quickly evolves into a gripping page-turner, with gender roles and identity explored and questioned at every turn. Aris overcomes societal disapproval and her own physical weakness to meet every challenge head-on, never faltering in the face of pain and danger. While there's room for Banghart to further develop the futuristic setting, this is a very strong starting point. Ages 12%E2%80%93up.