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By Alex Roces
Found as an infant by Lucila a witch with great healing powers, Maria is raised by the old woman 
who believed she was sent as a gift from the Divine mother. Maria a child of the forest and known to the people of barrio as The Moon Child was believed to have the power to heal and see things others could not. Yet because of her abilities the people of barrio feared her, calling her an evil witch that was not of their world. A wildcat. A flesh eater. Hated by those who did not
understand her unique gifts, Maria chooses to seclude herself from others and especially from love.
After rescuing Maria from an attack, Arturo Captain of barrio falls madly in love with the girl and is determined to win her heart. Despite her feelings toward the people of barrio, Maria finds herself falling for Artura as well, but suddenly a mysterious drifter named Juanito a Charmer of the Groves arrives mesmerizing Maria and the women of barrio.
When Juanito offers Maria everything including a beautiful world, she refuses and chooses to be with Arturo her one and only love. Driven by the need to make Maria his own, Juanito vows that Maria will one day be his and then his soul will be complete. With his flute in hand Juanito begins to play his love songs captivating the women of barrio, yet Maria is able to resist his charms causing even greater danger to the people of barrio.
When the people of barrio decide Jaunito must be stopped, it is Maria who must stop him or die trying in order to save the people of barrio and those she loves. Now only true love will test her courage until the very end.
While the novel does follow the lives of several characters, Fantasy Author Alex Roces still manages to focus on our Moon Child Maria as she learns to live, love and survive in a world who's cruelty can sometimes leave a lasting affect on those who are different. Beautifully written, Alex's knowledge of love and emotions captivates readers into a world like no other while showing us how deep love can truly go. It's worth the read and I can honestly say there are a few moments
you will want to have the tissues in reach.
-Shyan Marie © 2004 (shyanmarie@writersandreadersnetwork.com)
© 2004 Writers and Readers Network. All rights reserved.