Description
Luna Nera
Book Summary
In 17th-century Italy, 16-year-old Ade must flee with her younger brother after being accused of witchcraft. She finds refuge in the Lost Cities, a group of free women who practice science and art in secret, persecuted by society. However, the Benandanti, witch hunters allied with the Church, stalk them. In this context of danger and persecution, Ade finds herself caught between the fight for her freedom and her growing attraction to Pietro, the son of the leader of her pursuers. A story of forbidden love and survival in a dark age.
What is it about?
The novel is set in the 17th century in the Roman countryside, where women who challenge social norms are accused of witchcraft. The protagonist, Ade, escapes being burned at the stake and takes refuge in the Lost Cities, a female community that cultivates forbidden knowledge. There, as she tries to protect her brother and adapt to her new life, she discovers that the Benandanti, a group of men led by Pietro's father, are determined to exterminate them. The conflict intensifies when the love between Ade and Pietro defies family loyalties and the beliefs of their time, putting their convictions and their desire for freedom to the test.
Main Themes
- Persecution and witch hunts in 17th-century Italy.
- Female empowerment and resistance against patriarchal and religious oppression.
- Forbidden love between clashing worlds.
- The struggle between scientific knowledge and superstition.
- Family loyalty versus personal freedom.
Who is it recommended for?
This book is aimed at young adult and adult readers who enjoy historical fantasy with a strong romantic component. It is ideal for those looking for forbidden love plots in contexts of persecution and mystery, as well as for those interested in stories of witchcraft from a perspective of femininity and resistance. It is also suitable for fans of romantic fantasy sagas with a historical setting.
What this book offers
- An immersion into a fascinating and dark historical period, combined with elements of magical realism.
- An intense love story that unfolds amidst a social and religious conflict.
- A strong and determined protagonist who fights for her freedom and that of her loved ones.
- A suspenseful and action-packed plot that maintains tension regarding the fate of the protagonists.
- A reflection on the price of freedom and the power of female solidarity.
Technical Specifications
- Author: TRIANA, TIZIANA
- Publisher: EDICIONES VERSATIL, S.L.
- Language: Spanish
- Subject: FANTASY, FANTASY AND MAGICAL REALISM (CHILDREN'S/YA), ROMANTIC FANTASY (YA), ROMANTIC AND INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIP STORIES
- Collection: JUVENIL
- Binding: Paperback
- Publication date: November 2020
- Number of pages: 580
- Weight: 1083 g
Editorial Review
Luna Nera offers a solid proposal within young adult romantic fantasy, standing out for its detailed historical setting and its focus on the persecution of women as witches. The plot successfully combines the suspense of escape and the hunt with the development of a forbidden romance. It is a recommended read for those looking for a story with pace, relatable characters, and a conflict that transcends the purely romantic to delve into themes of justice and freedom.