An eco tale involving the citadel and the forest beyond which is forbidden. Growing up all believe that the wonders of the forest cause ‘allergy’ forcing people to pass. But one girl (Mieletta) must show all that the forest is not as daunting as they think it is. Will she change peoples views or will she die trying?


This was an amazing story about a girl and her bees who try and change the views of men. Got a feminist feel and it kinda reminded me of our government today but done in such a cool fantastical eco way. Really thought the different take on powers were cool as well! Recommend this series highly and I can’t wait to see what’s in store!

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This very original book focuses on Mielitta, an eighteen year old girl long past the age of her maturity test, but never accepted and still considered a child. Her friends have all become adults in the ceremony and now ignore her. In a society based on conformity and perfection, she is considered a freak. "The Forest", which is anything outside the community's protective, sterile bubble, is considered evil and brings on allergy, killing many people. Mielitta overhears a password to the door that leads outside and discovers that the forest isn't evil and may actually be the savior of her people. With the power of her bee colony, she must convince the mages that outside isn't the enemy, their idea of perfection is.
This book was a little hard to get into, especially the bee politics when she becomes their queen for awhile, but overall I liked the story. The underlying story was a bit like the Handmaid's Tale with the overpowering of female mages, sexual harassment, and "forging" to the mindset of the community through brainwashing during the maturity ceremony. A very good lesson for young adults to be independent and unique and to think and make decisions for themselves.

I love Mielitta and who wouldn't, because the girl didn't fit in but when she encountered bees, she was home and from there her story unravels. The plot was pretty new to me and it took me a while to warm up to it, however the writing is very vivid and though bees freak me out, I could picture them coming to her aid and isn't that just powerful?
Thanks Netgalley for the eARC.

4 stars

This book left me warm and fuzzy. The writer transports us to this fantasy world that has to break from society to embrace her true self. I love her writing style!

Magic and strong female leads are a nice read for me. This fantasy novel has depth and good character development - parts remind me of katniss from hunger games and the strength you see in the lead character is astounding - beating all odds!

Well written and a lot of fun. Very entertaining and loved the unique perspective. Would read the author in the future.