I never did leap the coals of the Beltane fire and complete my journey to womanhood. Dawn found me standing on the strand beside my mother. We watched as my father, waist-deep in the ocean, raged and wept and thrashed his sword wildly against the tireless waves. It was a sight to make the sternest heart break and the pain and pity of it a thing I still cannot bear to recall. Luaine is daughter to the greatest of Irish warriors, the legendary Cuchulainn. Although known throughout Ireland as the most fearsome of killers, to Luaine he is a loving playful father who amuses her with his exciting tales and marvelous feats. When the unthinkable happens-Cuchulainn returns from war injured nearly to the death-it is the first intimation of the hero's downfall, and Luaine's first painful step toward an adult life unlike anything she has imagined. As she faces loss, betrayal, suffering and fear, Luaine must find a strength that comes neither from the sword nor from her proud parentage, but from her own courageous spirit. Holly Bennett is the author of The Bonemender, The Bonemender's Oath,and the forthcoming The Gray Veil, all published by Orca. In her real life she works as editor-in-chief of Today's Parent Special Editions. Born in Montreal, Quebec, she lives in Peterborough, Ontario, with a houseful of musicians (three sons and husband John) and a nice quiet dog.

Gr 7-10
Luaine is the daughter of the renowned warrior Cuchulainn, and honor and war have always been a part of her life. She interacts with kings, queens, and great druids thanks to her father's stature, and receives a thorough education. As a young girl she must flee her home with her mother while her father goes off to fight Queen Maeve's vast army. She loses her parents before she's fully become a woman and is married off to old King Conchobor. It's a loveless marriage, and she is forced into hiding after a spurned poet curses her. Like the Irish myths on which the story is loosely based, Bennett's tale is full of adventure and tragedy, but her heroine's indomitable spirit keeps her going. This is an interesting read, although the many Gaelic names and some awkward phrasing would probably put off reluctant readers. However, those who take the time to travel along with Luaine will find it richly rewarding. The author provides a list of pronunciations for the Gaelic names and a note on how her novel differs from the legends that inspired it.

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