In 'The Unwilling', Kelly Braffet weaves a gripping tale of family secrets and dark choices that entwine the lives of its characters in an inescapable web. The story follows a young woman whose life is upended when her estranged brother returns, bringing with him a haunting past that threatens to unravel everything she thought she knew. As tensions rise, the characters confront their own demons and the weight of their decisions, leading to a shocking climax. Braffet's masterful prose invites readers to explore themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the lengths one will go for those they love. Prepare for an emotional journey that will leave you questioning what you would do in their shoes.
By Kelly Braffet
Published: 2020
"We cannot escape our past, but we can choose how we confront it."
"Fantasy at its most sublime."--Erin Morgenstern, NYT bestselling author of The Night Circus A penetrating tale of magic, faith and pride... The Unwilling is the story of Judah, a foundling born with a special gift and raised inside Highfall castle along with Gavin, the son and heir to Lord Elban's vast empire. Judah and Gavin share an unnatural bond that is both the key to her survival...and possibly her undoing. As Gavin is groomed for his future role, Judah comes to realize that she has no real position within the kingdom, in fact, no hope at all of ever traveling beyond its castle walls. Elban--a lord as mighty as he is cruel--has his own plans for her, for all of them. She is a mere pawn to him, and he will stop at nothing to get what he wants. But outside the walls, in the starving, desperate city, a magus, a healer with his own secret power unlike anything Highfall has seen in years, is newly arrived from the provinces. He, too, has plans for the empire, and at the heart of those plans lies Judah... The girl who started life with no name and no history will soon uncover more to her story than she ever imagined. An epic tale of greed and ambition, cruelty and love, this deeply immersive novel is about bowing to traditions and burning them down.
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“We cannot escape our past, but we can choose how we confront it.”
The Unwilling
By Kelly Braffet
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Kelly Braffet is an acclaimed American author known for her compelling narratives and richly drawn characters. Her notable works include 'The Unchangeable Spots of Leopards,' 'Save Yourself,' and 'This Is Not the Story You Think It Is.' Braffet's writing is characterized by its emotional depth, dark humor, and intricate exploration of relationships, often delving into the complexities of human nature. She holds an MFA from the University of Arizona and has been recognized for her contributions to contemporary literature.
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