Blood Red Road by Moira Young 459 pages

Young's first novel is epic in scope. Saba's twin brother, Lugh is kidnapped and her father murdered by four mysterious cloaked horsemen. Their life far from civilization and other people had been rather barren. Lugh had cross words with their father and had threatened to leave the homestead just before the sandstorm bringing the strangers had arrived. Saba is left with the responsibility of a younger sister. She plans to leave her with a friend of here dead mother and ride off to rescue her brother. Emmi leaves that safe haven to follow Saba. They are captured and Saba is forced to fight for her life in a Coliseum like competition. Saba is a good fighter and quick thinker and devises a plan to escape with her life. She makes friends with the other fighters. She also finds herself attracted to the charming Jack and saves his life not once but twice. Fighting, romance and humor will keep readers entranced.