"Slave Power", Raewyn Dawson
Mary Egan Publishing, release date July 10, 2017; RRP $25.
The first in a new series by local author Raewyn Dawson. With shades of The Hunger Games and Clan of the Cave Bear, Slave Power introduces a stunning new voice in publishing for Young Adults.
Will the Peace Way succeed?
East of the Black Sea, c.300 BC: Fifteen-year-old Melo is one of the most gifted Riders in the Wild Horse Tribe, destined to become a leader in her female warrior clan. Her old rival Mithrida, however, has cunning plans of her own. But when city slave traders cut a violent path through the Plains, all the Amazon Tribes are under threat.
Far, far away on the Holy Island, Sofia, a young priestess-in-training, wonders why these strangers have landed on their isolated shore. Can she find the answers from the Black Rock? When the worlds of traders, slaves and warriors collide, new alliances come from unexpected sources and new powers are harnessed. But is it enough for the Peace Way to succeed?
Available to purchase online from Scorpio Books: http://www.scorpiobooks.co.nz/CatalogueRetrieve.aspx?CatalogueID=77767&ProductID=9907281
RAEWYN DAWSON IS AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW / EXTRACTS ARE AVAILABLE ON REQUEST
Praise:
“‘Fast paced and elegantly written. A pleasure to read a young adult novel with strong female protagonists that can be safely put into the hands of younger teens. This debut novel breaks new ground exploring themes of cooperation and peaceful resolution of conflict.’”
“‘Slave Power is a novel that gripped from the opening page with its pacey plot and dynamic characters. While technically a novel for young adults, this book will be enjoyed by an older audience as well. I am so pleased this is the first in a planned series as I can’t wait to devour the next instalment!’”
Raewyn Dawson is a recognised poet, award-winning public speaker, previous Classical Studies teacher and pianist. Born in Wellington, she is one of seven children brought up in harsh conditions on a pig farm in Dunedin. She has lived and worked in the Pacific, and now lives in Christchurch with her husband.
Raewyn belongs to Toastmasters International in NZ, and has the Distinguished Toastmaster Award, as well as representing NZ in the semi-finals in San Diego. She was the founding Academic Principal of Victoria English College, and has taught in high schools in Christchurch and Auckland.
When teaching Classical Studies, Raewyn’s hero was Alexander the Great, hence this book series’ time scale.
‘I intend to keep writing this series because I believe young women of all ages need stories of hope and peace achieved through hardship and strong communities,’ says Raewyn.