Home / Library / Romance / The Willow Tree

The Willow Tree

by Komal Akhtar

Cover of The Willow Tree

About this book

The story begins with a severe drought that changes the town of Naghaar. Poor families struggle after the town’s first baby boom, and in order to cope, families begin to trade their children in exchange for money. This innocent interaction turns corrupt and over the next few years, laws are created around this tradition. Decided by the council, which consists of 18 powerful men, they dictate that girls are allowed to be sold on the condition that they are healthy and must be married off by sixteen. Girls who are physically impaired, infertile or disobedient are sent to the Pariah zone, a stretch of land separated from Naghaar by a wired fence. These women are branded as Pariahs and are subjected to ill treatment. Over the years, Naghaaris and Pariahs begin killing one another as animosity grows.

Fifteen-year-old Talia has grown up dreading the day of the seeking ceremony—the day she will be auctioned off to the highest male bidder. Talia’s thinking is nonconventional, but she has been trained to remain silent. A chance encounter with Kalei changes everything. Having never had male interaction, she finds herself falling for him and they begin to develop a connection.

Kalei, the grandson of the man who designed the caste system, is next in line to become a part of the council. He must take the pledge to join the council but deep down he hates the system. He and Talia must find a way to escape this brutal town all whilst protecting their loved ones and protecting their love.

Free to read in exchange for an honest review, any rating, no strings.

GetBookReviews is a free community where readers discover indie books. This book has no free copy available right now; its author may open a new round later. Meanwhile, you can pick another free book. Sign up free or browse the full library or more Romance books.