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

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 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

• Short-listed, Stellar Award nominee
• Commended, OLA Best Bets
• Commended, CCBC Best Books
• Commended, Resource Links "The Year's Best"
• Short-listed, White Pine nominee

"Told with insight compassion and skill...Bennett becomes, book by book, an ever more accomplished writer of fantasy."

Deakin Newsletter

"I was impressed by both the care with which Bennett pays tribute to the compelling mythology of Ireland and also by the zest of the writing...Readers of any age might find this story intriguing."

Resource Links

"Holly Bennett's best book yet...full of interesting, three-dimensional characters."

TeensReadToo.com

"This fantasy book has enough adventure to appeal to a wide variety of readers and thus is worthy of inclusion in school libraries."

Library Media Connection

"Well-told tale of romance, heartache, war and growing up from an author to watch...Rooted in ancient Irish stories... [it] maintains a wonderful, gentle sense of fantasy. Recommended."

CM Magazine

"Blends myth, history and adventure with intrigue, betrayal, despair and redemption. Luaine is a strong heroine that will appeal to readers of myth, Celtic and medieval lore."

Puget Sound Council for the Review of Children's Books