A Prayer for Vengeance - by Leanne Schwartz (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

An orphan out to find the truth within a warped religion turns his poetry into prayer--a prayer that awakens a cursed girl hungry for revenge.

Centuries after a miracle vanquished Tresttato's monsters and turned the soldiers fighting them to stone, Milo lovingly tends to the statues of those who protected the city. Raised with devout templars and scholars, autistic temple ward Milo wants nothing more than to be accepted into their ranks. When his prayers admiring her heroic sacrifice accidentally free Gia from stone, she wakes with a fury to kill the man Milo owes his life to, Primo Sanct Ennio.

Gia claims that the immortal holy leader Milo lives to serve is the same man who betrayed her and transformed her into a statue--and what Milo always believed was a miracle was actually a curse that Gia will stop at nothing to break. Even if she has to kill his followers to do it. Even if she must kill the boy who woke her.

Review Quotes

"[Gives] readers emotional glimpses into inner conflicts over guilt and faith while shining a light on injustice and contemplating truth and the accuracy of historical narratives [...] Perfectly balanced action, reflection, and intrigue; sure to offer wide appeal."
--Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Through a dynamic blend of action and magic, Schwartz conjures an alluring adventure that interrogates belief, faith, and perception."
--Publishers Weekly

"With a unique Romanesque setting infused with myth and magic, this is a harrowing tale of two young people grappling with injustice. [...] Filled with action and intrigue, this debut is sure to satisfy readers who desire a new twist to YA fantasy."
--Booklist

"A refreshing fantasy debut about vicious girls and the boys who love them, A Prayer for Vengeance is as compelling and unapologetic as its characters. A vital addition to the genre."
--M. K. Lobb, author of Seven Faceless Saints

"As sweeping as a Roman epic, A Prayer for Vengeance combines high-stakes action with the intimacies of small moments."
--Lyndall Clipstone, author of the World at the Lake's Edge duology, and Unholy Terrors

"An exploration of both hope and revenge, Schwartz's debut creates a mosaic of enchanting prose with endearing characters you'll want to follow through blood and stone."
--Tara Sim, author of Scavenge the Stars

"A fierce, sun-soaked and inventive ode to sisterhood and second chances."
--Laura Weymouth, author of A Consuming Fire

"With intricate world-building, two main characters so fully-realized they feel like living, breathing people, and one of the best premises I've read in years, Schwartz's debut novel is absolutely compelling."
--Lillie Lainoff, author of One for All

"Revenge is certainly sweet, but Gia and Milo's journey to rewriting their history--and falling in love--is this debut novel's greatest delight."
--Amparo Ortiz, author of Last Sunrise in Eterna

"A beautiful and evocative story of sacrifice that will stick with you long after the final page. You'll fall in love with Milo's heart and Gia's vengeance--and even more so with the force they create together."
--Alexandra Overy, author of These Feathered Flames duology

About the Author

Leanne Schwartz has spent about half her life at either the library or the local theater, where she has played Lady Macbeth, Lady Capulet, Clytemnestra, and Hera-- perhaps one reason she writes such vengeful, murderous girls. When she's not teaching English and poetry, she can be found baking pizzelle, directing scenes for the student Shakespeare festival, and singing along to showtunes. She lives in California with her family. A Prayer for Vengeance is her debut novel.