In a world where women rule the unthinkable has happened - no more girls are being born. Of sons, there are plenty, but no daughters. The Five Queendoms have lived in peace for centuries but this seemingly natural catastrophe looks set to bring them to war. Women are the warriors, the mages, the scholars; this Drought of Girls could be the end of everything. At first it's not apparent - there just seem to be a high number of boys being born - but gradually the situation becomes obvious to all. The Five Queendoms must be cursed, but how, why, and by whom is a mystery.
If you've ever been put off fantasy novels because of the preponderance of male characters, then this is the book for you. This first book of a series based in a female-dominated society promises to have as much intrigue, magic, and evil manipulative characters as you could ever want, but without men. Obviously the men are there, in the background, doing the menial jobs, and fathering children, but whether as warriors, mages, or scholars, women are the ones in charge. It's a refreshing change, and, though occasionally it gives rise to unanswered questions about gendered roles, a great premise on which to build an alternative world.
It has everything I look for in a fantasy novel - great world building, a wide range of well fleshed out characters, a gripping plot and well-paced story telling. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series!
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