Forest Born
Mythopoeic Fantasy Award nominee for Children's Literature 2010 (The Books of Bayern series).
Rin is sure that something is wrong with her... something really bad. Something that is keeping her from feeling at home in the Forest homestead where she’s lived all her life. Something that is keeping her from trusting herself with anyone at all. When her brother Razo returns from the city for a visit, she accompanies him to the palace, hoping that she can find peace away from home. But war has come to Bayern again, and Rin is compelled to join the queen and her closest allies — magical girls Rin thinks of as the Fire Sisters — as they venture into the Forest toward Kel, the land where someone seems to want them all dead. Many beloved Bayern characters reappear in this story, but it is Rin’s own journey of discovering how to balance the good and the bad in herself that drives this compelling adventure.
Once again, Newbery Honor-winning author Shannon Hale brings readers to a world where great friendships, unexpected plot twists, and a little dose of magic make for incredible storytelling.
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Shannon Hale
Shannon Hale is a writer whose words transport readers to vivid, enchanting worlds where adventure and heart are woven together in every page. Best known for her Princess Academy series and The Goose Girl—both of which have captured the imaginations of readers young and old—Shannon crafts stories that feel timeless, with a focus on strong heroines, intricate relationships, and the subtle magic of human experience.
Born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, Shannon's love for storytelling began early. She always knew she wanted to be a writer, drawing inspiration from her love of fairy tales, fantasy, and the idea of characters finding their courage in unexpected places. Whether it's through princesses who must fight their own battles or ordinary girls who discover their extraordinary destinies, Shannon's books are filled with strong-willed characters and rich worlds that resonate with readers, especially young women, seeking their own strength and voice.
The Books of Bayern
The Books of Bayern consists of four books. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.

