Season of Sacrifice - Softcover

Mindy L. Klasky learned to read when her parents shoved a book in her hands and told her that she could travel anywhere in the world through stories. She never forgot that advice.

Klasky’s travels took her through multiple careers. After graduating from Princeton University, Klasky considered becoming a professional stage manager or a rabbi. Ultimately, though, she settled on being a lawyer, working as a litigator at a large Washington firm. When she realized that lawyering kept her from writing (and dating and sleeping and otherwise living a normal life), Klasky became a librarian, managing large law firm libraries. She now writes full time. For years, Klasky’s dating life was a travel extravaganza as well. She balanced twenty-eight first dates in one year, selecting eligible gentlemen from sources as varied as Washingtonian Magazine ads, Single Volunteers of D.C., and supposedly certain recommendations from best friends. Ultimately, she swore off the dating scene entirely. After two years of carefully enforced datelessness, she made one last foray onto Match.com, where she met her husband—on her first match. Klasky’s travels have taken her through various literary genres. In addition to her Red Dress Ink books, Klasky has written numerous short stories and six fantasy novels, including the award-winning, bestselling The Glasswrights' Apprentice. In her spare time, Klasky quilts, cooks, and tries to tame the endless to-be-read shelf in her home library. Her husband and cats do their best to fill the leftover minutes.

Woodsinger is the title bestowed on those chosen by the Great Tree to sing to it the events of the day among the people of Headland of Slaughter for safekeeping. The Tree, guardian of the people and keeper of their history and wisdom, guides and protects them with its understanding of the past and the magic of the earth. Being the Woodsinger is a great responsibility, and though chosen, Alana often feels unprepared and unworthy. When tragedy strikes the village, and two children are stolen during a seasonal celebration, she is called upon to grow in her knowledge of the Tree faster than she feels she is ready to. But only her willingness to delve deeply in the Tree's magic--indeed, to risk losing herself in the Tree completely to gain its secrets--can save the lost children and the small company of villagers sent to rescue them. A fine story of magic and adventure, this is a wonderful coming-of-age tale, too, as Alana grows into womanhood and magehood. Paula Luedtke
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