Ani Mells is a citizen of Keldan, well sort of. She is one of the river people, who townsfolk often call “grubs”. The river people have been living freely semi-nomadic lives in the forests for over three centuries. They tend to call townsfolk “pinchworms”, and both groups have generations of mistrust and prejudice. Ani often spends her time hunting, fishing, gathering herbs, or helping others as any good river folk would. Except, she can’t seem to stay out of trouble, especially when accompanied by her best friend Weevil. But there are rumors and more than rumors that an ancient illness has returned to Keldan. There is no cure. People are getting sick and dying, and to help slow the spread, the governor graciously sets up a quarantine hospice on an island to allow the infected the chance to live out the rest of their days in peace. Things get worse when Ani hears something while eavesdropping on the governor’s wardens that puts her in danger, especially when those wardens arrest her to be tested for the scourge, and she tests positive. Now Ani is not only in a fight for her life as the scourge’s symptoms take hold, but she is fighting for the truth and for her people. An enjoyable and fast paced read with a great protagonist. – LeRoy
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