Moon Chosen

In this sprawling epic fantasy, set in a postapocalyptic world where the destruction of civilization led to giant mutated insects and deadly fungal blights, several tribes compete for resources with little understanding of and empathy for their rivals. Mari, the product of a forbidden union between the Earth Walkers and the Companions, inherits the traits of both—the ability to heal through the power of the moon, and the potential to bond with a specially bred dog. Always on the outskirts of the Earth Walker tribe, Mari is reluctant to embrace her destined role as Moon Woman, or healer. When a Companion attack scatters Mari’s tribe, she has to accept unlikely allies from both sides of her heritage. Cast (the House of Night series) conjures up an intriguing world full of constant danger, but the rules are ill-defined: for instance, it’s never fully explained why Earth Walker women suffer from depression if not healed regularly, while the men devolve into savage rapists. An obligatory romantic subplot and cliffhanger ending may leave readers unfulfilled, despite engaging characters and a fast-paced narrative. Ages 12–up. Agent: Meredith Bernstein, Meredith Bernstein Literary. (Oct.)