Ahoy there me mateys!  This is the start to a new series and I think it is lovely even if it has dark themes.  The world building is wonderful.  Abeni is a fantastic main character.  She loses her family when her village is destroyed and all the people kidnapped.  Abeni is determined to find them.  The interesting part for me is that there is no simple magical fix even if magic is real.  Abeni is continually learning and growing and works hard.  She has to rely on the help of her friends.  She finds new family while never forgetting about her old one.  She has prejudices about others that she has to overcome.  She has to learn that adults don't always have the answers.  Abeni is certainly someone to root for.  I also loved Asha and the other secondary characters.  I think this is a great book for younger readers and older ones alike.  Highly recommended and look forward to reading more of Abeni's journey.  Arrr!

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for me honest review.