{Review by STELLA} First in the 'Red Abbey Chronicles' by Maria Turtschaninoff, is Maresi. Named after the narrator, this is an excellent novel for teens, especially if you like Margaret Atwood, Angela Carter or Ursula Le Guin. This is a captivating new series where feminism, mythology and magic meet. Maresi, to avoid poverty and certain starvation, is sent to the Abbey from her mountain home, knowing she is unlikely to ever see her family again. The Abbey is on an island where only women live and no men may enter. Fortified by both walls and magic, the Abbey was founded by a The First Women; it is productive, respected and feared. Life is ordered yet idyllic, with a code of conduct and study based on the mythology of the three goddesses, the Maiden, the Mother and the Crone. Maresi, now thirteen, has lived here for four years, savouring the order, the affection of the women, the companionship of the other novices and. most enchantingly, the wonderful library, when Jai arrives. Jai, inward and fearful, clings to Maresi, becoming her constant companion. Yet Jai brings danger. For Jai comes from a wealthy and powerful family in a society where women have little say in their lives and there is a strict code of conduct that must be adhered to. Jai is smuggled out of her home by her mother fearing that life won’t be safe for her daughter. But even the Abbey’s walls can not stop Jai’s vengeful father. When the men come, Maresi will witness chaos and carnage, but also the strength of the Sisters and a power and knowledge within herself that will harness all her best qualities: bravery, intelligence and compassion, as well as a darkness that will give her strength. The second book in the series, Naondel has just arrived and will be on my reading pile.