Woven in Moonlight

Ximena, an Illustrian, weaves magical tapestries with moonlight. She has lived most of her life as the Condesa’s double in order to protect the Illustrian throne from the Llacsans, who are always on the verge of waging war. In an effort to maintain peace, Ximena, as the Condesa’s decoy, reluctantly accepts a marriage offer from the cruel Llacsan king. After arriving at his palace, she becomes the flash point between fiery, conflicting political factions. Debut author Ibañez creates a complex story, pairing an intriguing, subtle layer of magic with the deftly handled political intricacies. Ximena’s development as a strong, justice-oriented young woman is compelling, especially as she shifts from being Condesa’s decoy to becoming a leader with revolutionary ideas. Packed with action, this engrossing novel encircles its protagonist with an array of secondary characters, each with the potential to be both friend and foe, creating tension, momentum, and a dash of potential romance. Readers will root for Ximena as she comes into her own in every aspect of her life. Ages 14–up. [em](Jul.) [/em]