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Readers who enjoy fantasy with a hint of romance will enjoy this unusual first novel. Daughter of Exile is a fun read with an interesting and unusual heroine, Lady Angarred Hashan.

Angarred, a fiery red-head, is a lady of the realm, but she has grown up far from court. Her father was banished from court by the King many years ago. Her mother died around the same time, leaving Angarred to the care of her bitter, power-obsessed father.

One fateful day, Lord Hashan is killed while hunting with hangers-on, leaving Angarred with a decrepit, poor inheritance. Angarred travels to Pergodi, the capital of the realm, to seek out the King to gain vengeance for her father.

All is not well in Pergodi. Angarred fights an uphill battle to gain access to the King and to unravel the mystery of her father's death. Court intrigue is alien to Angarred and she finds few friends to help her.

All this takes a backseat when Angarred learns of the stone -- the King's magician wants it along with other kingdoms and races want it for the power it can wield. The stone has many secrets that Angarred and her magician friend, Mathewar must unravel.

Daughter of Exile slowly evolves as the story progresses. Angarred is a feisty, young woman who faces many adversaries. She is an interesting character -- not your normal heroine in a fantasy. There is nothing 'soft' about Angarred. Mathewar is another interesting puzzle to unravel. He is a sattery addict and therefore, not your typical leading man/love interest. Angarred and Mathewar are somehow fated to find the stone and bring peace to the realm.

Alisa discovered science fiction at the tender age of eight. She devoured The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis and never looked back. She lives in Chicago with her husband, cat, and 5000 books. For more information please visit her website at alisaandmike.com.