Beyond Seven Forests by Amanda McCrina, 192 pages. Carolrhoda 2026. $19
Language: PG (6 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG (accusations of sex); Violence PG (war violence mentioned)
BUYING ADVISORY: HS – OPTIONAL
APPEALS TO: SOME
18yo Renata Zamoyska, a Polish countess, has been hauled before a military tribunal, accused of treason and impropriety. Through flashbacks, Renata slowly reveals the events leading to her arrest – her humane treatment of two Russian soldiers who showed up on the threshold of her ruined mansion on the heels of a snowstorm.
Unfortunately McCrina’s writing didn’t draw me into the story – I felt isolated from the action. While that might be the tone the author was going for, I fear few of the target audience will persevere.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
