• Age: 12 to 18
• Grade: 8 to 12
• Reading age: 12 to 18

Gabrielle is a bonemender of extraordinary talent.

Between her work as a healer and her duties as one of the royal family of Verdeau, her life is busy, comfortable and predictable—until the day a stranger arrives at her gate, desperately seeking help for his injured friend. To Gabrielle's wonder, they are Elves, a people not seen in Verdeau in many years. And they bring news of a coming invasion that threatens the freedom of the entire Krylian basin, human and Elvish alike. As Verdeau arms for war, Gabrielle must mobilize the bonemenders and prepare herself for the nightmarish work of battlefield healing. But what awaits her on that bloody field is worse than anything she has imagined. And what is she to do with the love in her heart?

The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.

Holly Bennett is the author of multiple young adult novels, all published by Orca Books. Her writing draws from fantasy and mythology but is always grounded in the characters and relationships in the stories. Holly worked for many years as an editor with Today's Parent magazine and is now the editor of Education Canada, as well as a freelance writer and editor. Born in Montreal, Holly now lives in Peterborough, Ontario, with her family. When she tears herself away from the computer, she enjoys singing in choirs, yoga, being in nature, musical get-togethers with friends and family, hanging out with her three grown sons, and of course reading. For more information, visit www.hollybennett.ca.

Holly Bennett's profile page

• Nominated, Forest of Reading White Pine Award
• Commended, Texas Library Association (TLA) TAYSHAS List
• Commended, Resource Links, The Year's Best Books
• Commended, New York Public Library (NYPL) - Books for the Teen Age
• Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens, starred selection

"A truly beautiful story that will stay in your mind well after the last page has been read."

Canadian Children's Book News

"This first novel by Holly Bennett is well-written and fast-paced. It will appeal to teenaged readers who are looking for a good story in the fantasy genre."

Resource Links

"A captivating fantasy tale that delivers warm, believable characters who continue to develop throughout the book...Readers will no doubt anxiously await the sequel...Highly Recommended."

CM Magazine

"This is one compelling book...Parent and kid will both be talking about The Bonemender, for sure."

CD Syndicated

"Bennett has created a new world with people (and elves) who have problems, flaws, and heart. Gabrielle is a wonderfully strong young woman who defies convention as she is not content to simply be a royal princess. Bennett is definitely a fantasy writer to watch."

School Library Journal

"Bennett crafts a well-written and engaging first novel with multidimensional characters, sure to be enjoyed by fantasy lovers."

VOYA

"Many twists and surprises to keep readers turning the pages and awaiting the sequel."

KLIATT

"Totally engaging, and peopled with interesting and engaging characters, The Bonemender is a strongly told, highly readable, and very enjoyable fantasy."

Deakin Newsletter

The Bonemender

In this fantasy, Gabrielle is a healer with unusual abilities. She is also a princess, daughter of the king of Verdeau. When a wounded Elven scout is brought to the palace, Gabrielle’s talents are required. The scouts warn of an invasion coming over the mountains and Gabrielle helps to muster and organize the country’s healers, known as bonemenders. Unfortunately, she also falls in love with one of the Elves. The difference in their life spans seems to make this romance impossible, but Gabrielle is in for several surprises as she follows her father into battle and eventually finds herself in an Elven village. Readers will look forward to the soon-to-be-published sequel.