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  • Woven in Moonlight by Isabel Ibañez
  • Natalie Berglind

Ibañez, Isabel Woven in Moonlight. Page Street, 2020 [384p] Trade ed. ISBN 978-1-62414-801-9 $17.99 E-book ed. ISBN 978-1-62414-802-6 $9.99 Reviewed from galleys R Gr. 7-10

In this fantasy novel inspired by the Bolivian revolution, Ximena poses as the Condesa—the leader of her people, the Illustrians—as a protective measure for the real Condesa, the softer and friendlier Catalina. The Illustrians have been exiled from their home in La Ciudad, where the Llacsans who revolted against them years ago now reside. When the King of the Llacsans holds a beloved Illustrian general hostage in exchange for the Condesa's hand in marriage, Ximena plans to use the opportunity to assassinate him—but he's full of tricks and lies, and she has to resort to the same in his cutthroat court. Meanwhile, a masked vigilante referred to as "El Lobo" hinders the King with crowd-swooning antics, and Princesa Tamaya, the King's sister and a much more suitable ruler, is slated to be executed as a sacrifice during Carnaval. Instead of retaining her stance against the Llacsans in enemy territory, Ximena grows to understand their position—and to realize her family's been on the wrong side of history, kicking natives out of their land and then resenting them when they take it back. The masked vigilante is a thrilling touch with an adventurous, rebellious vibe, and Ximena is insightful about guessing at his real identity. This novel brings much to the table, from mouth-watering depictions of food to juicy politics to an intricate magic system involving weaving moonlight into tapestries, but where it really shines is in its insistence that people should question their inherent beliefs. A glossary with name meanings and food descriptions is included. [End Page 171]

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