In this haunting debut, a cult on an isolated island reveals a chilling society built on ancestor worship, controlled breeding, and strict rationing of knowledge. Years ago, ten men and their families colonized the island just before the country was reduced to wasteland. Only the Wanderers, the chosen male descendants, can venture into the wastelands to scavenge. The men’s daughters undergo a ritualistic transformation into wives-in-training during their Summer of Fruition, where they face the harsh realities of their roles. As they bear children and eventually take their final draught when deemed no longer useful, the younger children experience a brief period of wild freedom, fighting for survival while the adults are occupied indoors. Amidst this turmoil, young Caitlin Jacob witnesses a horrifying truth that contradicts the island's laws. Seventeen-year-old Janey Solomon, a reluctant participant in her impending womanhood, becomes determined to uncover the island's mysteries and lead the girls in an uprising that could change everything. This dark and energetic tale captivates readers, establishing Melamed as a powerful new voice in fiction.
