A Tale of Plagues and Perfumes

Gr 5 Up–Outcast and orphaned at the age of 12, Nia is a Sinsory living in the city of Yerat, where there is little water and it’s everyone for themselves. Sinsories have supernatural senses, such as the ability to smell so well they can detect every note that makes up a scent. Despite being outcasts in society, Nia’s gifts make it necessary for her to join other Sinsories at the Cloister, a community where they work together to find a curefume for plagues. Working at the Cloister means Nia must separate from her best friend, Fox, and her beloved aunt in hopes of helping to find a cure for Baalberith, the newest deadly plague threatening to kill everyone in Yerat and the surrounding area. While at the Cloister, Nia meets Lowe and Lime, two trusted friends with whom she works to combat the evil that lurks in both Yerat and the Cloister itself. High tension, high stakes, and obstacles at every turn make this novel unputdownable. Fantasy and science fiction blend nicely for a nail-biting experience. Nia is a compelling protagonist, and readers will eagerly follow as she uncovers deadly secrets and navigates her powers. Nia is described as having tan skin and dark hair, while most other characters read as white or as fantasy creatures.