Crewel

August 27, 2012
Sixteen-year-old Adelice Lewis can â¨manipulate realityâweaving it like threads in a tapestryâa remarkable gift that only Spinsters possess. When Adelice's ability is discovered by the all-powerful Guild, she is torn from her family and thrust into a pampered but tightly controlled new life. Adelice and her fellow entry-level Spinsters learn how to keep the land of Arras running smoothly by regulating things like weather and births and also by "ripping" threads: instantly removing those who might pose a threat. As Adelice learns more about the questionable intentions of the Guild's leaders, she relies on two attractive, attentive guards to help decide both her fate and that of her world. Captivating and intense, Albin's intricate debut has the right balance of mystery, romance, and drama to keep readers' attention; Adelice's media- and appearance-focused society is reminiscent of the Capital in The Hunger Games, though this story's violence is more cerebral and remote. The reality-weaving can get murky, but it's easily forgiven as the plot races along to an unexpected conclusion, setting up the next book in this planned series. Ages 12âup. Agent: Mollie Glick, Foundry Literary + Media.