Desolation Born

by Aaliyah Semone

Kaya has spent her entire life struggling to meet the expectations that come with being daughter of the Chief, not to mention the uncharacteristic blue of her eyes and the strange sensations she gets whenever she's near the great river that separates her tribe from their enemy. When the enemy tribe's threats force them across the river, Kaya is thrown into a war that could wipe out her entire tribe. Determined to protect her people and save her closest friend, Kaya must survive in enemy territory, in an unfamiliar landscape, where every human and creature could be deadly. All the while, her own self-doubt continues to eat away at her spirit, and the great river continues to call to her, as if waiting to take her soul. The events that unfold could change Kaya forever, but with the death of her old self is born a power she never knew she possessed.

351 pages, Paperback

Published November 18, 2022

Reviews

[Morgan Lockwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an adventure, which is my favorite story design to read. A little younger than I read nowadays, but an endearing and heartwrenching story of a young girl grappling with womanhood while surrounded by men, her grief, and struggling to have hope—while otherworldly forces are at play.

[Sophie Koonce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Give Us More!!!

A true page turner. I haven’t dived this far into a read since I read Crescent City at the start of the year. A debut novel that I hope grows into a series so I can see what happens next for Kaya and her tribe

[Eri Rosewood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great plot, great characters, also a peacock mention? 5 stars for that alone. But in all seriousness, I throughly enjoyed this novel and I’m excited to see what adventures are in store for Kaya next!