Ahoy there me mateys! I do not know where I first heard about this book. I do know that the cover caught me eye. I was even more intrigued when I learned that this series is young adult fantasy written by a Finnish author. I adore reading translated SFF works.

This ended up being lovely. Maresi is a novice at the Red Abbey and the story is told from her point of view. The island is off limits to men. The women have a female centric religious system which puts emphasis on education. The island seems almost idyllic but one day an older girl, Jai, arrives. Her arrival suggests trouble to come.

The story unfold slowly but is rich in detail and wonderful characters. I loved the feminist oasis in a harsh world of men. I loved Maresi’s intelligence, friendships, and love of reading and knowledge. I loved the world building. It is a little gem of a book. I know I don’t really get too much into plot. It is hard for me to describe. All I know is that I will read the next in the series. Arrrr!