A bloodthirsty forest and a forbidden romance set the mood for this fantasy novel. Life on the island of Endla has been the same for generations. Those who have magic stay behind to protect the bloodthirsty Wandering Forests, and they are protected in return from the outsiders who dare cross the poisonous lake that surrounds it. But those who don't show any magical skills are sent away, never to return, as is the case with Leelo's beloved but magicless younger brother, Tate, who is set to be exiled soon. As a Watcher, Leelo is one of the islanders whose singing holds deadly power, and in a desperate attempt to help Tate stay, she performs an illicit sacrifice, shedding her own blood and releasing a song. Sadly, this ritual doesn't save her brother, but an outsider hears her mournful, enthralling music. Jaren doesn't believe in magic, but a twist of fate leaves him wounded and trapped on the island, at the mercy of a beautiful islander--Leelo. As they grow closer, the two teens face impossible odds. This skillful blend of romance, mystery, and fantasy focuses on how Leelo's love for her family and, eventually, Jaren leads her to question the very fabric of her reality and unveil the dark, bloody secrets behind the island and its twisted society. Leelo and Jaren share a narrative that keeps readers trying to guess its secrets up to the satisfying ending. All characters are cued White. Whimsical, romantic, and satisfying. (map) (Fantasy. 13-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

The island of Endla is a place of magic, settled generations ago by people fleeing persecution for their siren-like singing, home to the last surviving Wandering Forest. The Endlans and the forest provide for and protect each other, with further defense provided by the surrounding poisonous lake and the Watchers who patrol the shores for outsiders. Leelo has just begun her Watcher training, but she'd rather spend time with her little brother, who will be exiled soon for lacking magic--a tradition Leelo finds unbearably harsh. Leelo's loyalties are further tested when she rescues an outsider, Jaren, instead of letting the poisonous lake do its job. Jaren always thought his village's frightening superstitions about Endla were ridiculous, until he ended up trapped there, with dangerous magic all around. Leelo promises to help Jaren safely home, but her search of the island's forbidden areas brings to light its buried secrets. This darkly magical tale, mixing forbidden romance, family drama, and a suspenseful mystery, is a strong standalone fantasy.