title: The Girl with the Scar
author: Stadler, William
description: In a kingdom beset by bloodthirsty soldiers, evil, and white and black magic, lives Genevieve Solace, a sheltered 15- year-old girl. All her life she's been perplexed by the circular scar at the nape of her neck, and plagued by inexplicable seizures so violent they leave her unconscious for days. Her family lives in terror, for the king's Raiders have been hunting her as long as she can remember. Her mother, brother and she find refuge for a time in a small village, but they will never be safe from the forces that shape the girl's life--and demand her sacrifice.   When the vicious Raiders discover her hiding place, Genevieve escapes into the chilling world of shape-shifters, witches, and a mysterious apparition that haunts the land, massacring dozens of men before they can draw their swords. Befriended by the few who dare to risk the king's wrath, she learns about magic and evil and faith and fear--while, with each harrowing escape from creature or man, she begins to discover who she is. But more important, she recognizes her destiny, just as she learns she can trust no one.   Does she have enough strength and faith to survive? Can she combat the forces arrayed against her and save the kingdom from destruction? She is full of doubt, right up until the final test....