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		Book Review - The Bonemender Reprinted from June 2006 Issue -by MARSHA BATES Written by Holly Bennett, Copyright 2005, Orca Book Publisher, Custer, WA,203 pages. Gabrielle is unique among her royal family. She has healing gifts and willingly shares her talents with young and old, rich or poor. When two strangers arrive at the gate of castle DesChênes, one seriously injured by a wild boar, Gabrielle doesn’t think twice about helping them. The strangers are elves, far from their homeland in the foothills and they bring news of a pending invasion from the Gref Orisé tribes north of the Krylian Mountains. Long ago the Gref Orisé tried to overthrow the kingdoms of Gamier, La Maronne, and Verdeau, where Gabrielle’s father rules, only to be repelled by their united might. The elvish have moved their families into the deep forests in hidden settlements and rarely contact humans. Féolan and Danaïs are scouts for the Stonewater Elves and have risked much to warn the humans of the coming danger. Gabrielle uses her talent to heal Danaïs, and in the meantime she and Féolan become close friends. Her father, King Jerome, allows the elves to speak to the united council, but not everyone is convinced the Gref Orisé pose a threat. Jerome is willing to commit troops to defend the north boundaries while Féolan tries to determine which route the invaders will take over the mountain passes. As her country prepares for war, Gabrielle realizes her own skills will be needed on the battlefield. Against her father’s protests, she organizes the bonemenders who will work with the wounded. She follows the troops as they ride north. Her heart is torn between the family she leaves behind, her growing affection for Féolan and the safety of her father and brother Tristan, who command the troops. Holly Bennett’s gentle characters belie the underlying horrors of war, greed and conquest. Torn between two destinies, Gabrielle is drawn to a man she can never have, and a family secret that may sever her from the only life she has known. Only fate will tell if the skill of a gentle bonemender can save a kingdom from defeat. This title is recommended for readers in grades 7 through 12. Reviewed by Marsha Bates, employee of the Kennewick Branch of the Mid-Columbia Library System.