An inspiring, brilliantly written and imaginative young adult fantasy novel, Laela and the Moonline by Lisa Perskie follows the story of a young, courageous heroine whose foretold destiny leads to the anticipated renewal of her people.

Unlike other girls her age, Laela has no desire to take up the roles that define a Treedle woman. Instead, she is driven by a strong sense of duty to protect her tribe. Laela’s adventurous spirit leads her onto a dangerous path. She leaves the safety of the treetops where her tribe resides and into the land of the Mergons, a ruthless tribe that was once united with the Treedles. Though she encounters danger at every turn, Laela stands up for her own people and defends them even in the face of death. She overcomes overwhelming physical and mental obstacles to restore justice and unity among the tribes.

The story’s breathtaking setting comes alive through its rich descriptions of the mystical Treedle territory which is marked by beautiful gardens with lush foliage and towering trees. Each Treedle clan has a unique, beautiful complexion and plays a special role in ensuring the tribe’s continuity. The story is enhanced by its fresh, dynamic characters who include Laela’s best friends, Phips and Oti. The friends come from different clans which allows Laela to expand her perspective of other people with different traditions and learn from them. The three friends share a wonderful bond that is skillfully developed from the start to the end. The story overflows with thrilling action scenes in which Laela’s resolve to be her authentic self, pursue her interests and embark on a life-changing journey is tested. It also contains a beautifully realized love story that is woven into the main storyline involving Laela’s destiny. The story threads important lessons for young adult readers that are especially applicable in today’s world about becoming bridges between different factions of society, remaining open-minded about other cultures and pursuing peace and resolution during conflict. Its themes about friendship, breaking barriers, finding one’s voice, and instituting change are also timely and relevant to the novel’s target audience.

A fabulous coming-of-age story with an authentic heroine, Laela and the Moonline by Lisa Perskie is an unforgettable tale with important themes and spectacular settings. A young adult fantasy novel with surprising depth; it has elements that parallel the real world. A compelling story with a film-worthy plot, it will fully immerse you in its creative fantasy world and hold you captive to the very last page. ( )