When the Sea is Rising Red by Cat Hellisen - OPTIONAL

Hellisen, Cat When the Sea is Rising Red, 296 p. Farrar, Strauss, Giroux, 2012.  $17.  Language: R (10 ‘f’, 40 other); Mature Content: PG-13 (implied and light description).  Felicita’s family has enjoyed a position of privilege, even among the society of a city which is dying.  As a girl, however, she is subject to the orders of her oldest male relative – in this case, her very much absent brother.  When her best friend Ilven throws herself off a cliff to escape an arranged marriage, things in the town literally turn for the worst, as an ancient evil comes to exact a price.  Felicita chooses to follow her friend’s example, faking her death and hiding among the poorest in the town.  Layers upon layers shift and twine as Felicita tries to figure out to save both herself and her town.  While this book was pretty good, it is also very dark.  I have a feeling there will be a sequel if it sells well enough.  HS – OPTIONAL.  Cindy, Library Teacher