Sunshield: A Novel (Outlaw Road, 1)

A lawless wilderness. A polished court. Individual fates, each on a quest to expose a system of corruption.The desolate canyons of Alcoro—and the people desperate enough to hide there—couldn’t be more different from the opulent glass palace and lush forests of Moquoia. But the harsh desert and gleaming court are linked through their past, present, and future: a history of abductions in the desert to power Moquoia’s quarries and factories, and a bleak, inhumane future built on the sweat and sacrifice of these bond laborers.But events unfolding in the present could change everything. In the desert, outlaw Lark—known to most as the Sunshield Bandit—has built a name for herself attacking slavers’ wagons and freeing the captives inside. But while she shakes the foundation of Moquoia’s stratified society, she also has to fight to protect her rescuees—and herself—from the unforgiving world around them.In the Moquoian court, young ambassador Veran hopes to finally make his mark by dismantling the unjust labor system, if he can navigate the strict hierarchy and inexplicable hostility of the prince. And caught in the middle of it all, Tamsin is trapped within four walls, the epicenter of a secret political coup to overthrow the Moquoian monarchy and perpetuate the age-old system of injustice.Separated by seas of trees and sand, the outlaw, the diplomat, and the prisoner are more connected than anyone realizes. Their personal fates might just tip the balance of power in the Eastern World—if that very power doesn’t destroy them first.

From School Library Journal

Gr 8 Up—Told in the alternating voices of Lark, Veran, and Tamsin, this book combines an era of stagecoaches and horseback riders with elements of ecology, court intrigue, and even two kidnappings. With a nod to the legend of Robin Hood, Lark is the Sunshield Bandit, who rides the barren Alcoro landscape, robbing slavers' wagons and trying to reunite bonded children with their families. Veran is the son of nobles from the Silverwood Mountains, a talented diplomat who nevertheless feels inadequate compared to his family, and hopes to make a name for himself conducting sensitive political negotiations in Moquoia. Tamsin, a truth teller, has spoken out against slavery, earning her the respect of Moquoia's new Prince Iano, but the ill will of others. When Tamsin disappears, the Sunshield Bandit is blamed. A map helps keep readers oriented as Lark rides the canyons, Veran investigates blackmail, and Tamsin scratches clues on the walls of her cell. Martin's use of invented language takes some concentration to comprehend, but the imagined Moquoian culture that highly values colors and the rainbow is just one of her creative touches. VERDICT Part futuristic Western, part mystery, part fantasy, this first in a duology has hooks for readers among several genres. Consider for larger collections.—Maggie Knapp, Trinity Valley School, Fort Worth, TX

Publishers Weekly (starred review) "Filled with unforgettable characters that you'll truly care about, SUNSHIELD is fantastic! Emily B. Martin expertly weaves together multiple narratives with precision, passion, and excellence to create a riveting tale that will stick with you long after you finish reading. I loved it!"

“Clever, thrilling, and full of heart, this is epic fantasy done right.”

Jeff Wheeler, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Harbinger, Kingfountain, and Muirwood series.

“An exciting take on the fantasy genre with its mix of Wild West and a tempered glass court. The three main characters seamlessly weave together a diverse tale of deceit, highway robbery, and political machinations. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.”

Luanne G. Smith, author of The Vine Witch

“SUNSHIELD is an adventure story with credible and heroic characters you want to cheer for. An excellent read.”

Elle Katharine White, author of Heartstone"SUNSHIELD expands Emily B. Martin's Woodwalker series into a novel filled with adventure, political coups, and more importantly, characters the reader will grow to love and cheer. Nuanced and gripping, the story bolts from the first page and doesn't let go. It's a first-rate fantasy and a sublime reflection of our modern world. Don't miss it!"

“SUNSHIELD by Emily B. Martin is a richly imagined, beautifully textured fantasy that will leave you clamoring for the sequel. I couldn't put it down!”

About the Author

Emily B. Martin is a park ranger during the summer and an author/illustrator the rest of the year.  An avid hiker and explorer, her experiences as a ranger help inform the characters and worlds of The Outlaw Road duology and the Creatures of Light trilogy. When not patrolling national parks such as Yellowstone and the Great Smoky Mountains, or the Boy Scouts’ Philmont Scout Ranch, she lives in South Carolina with her husband, Will, and two daughters, Lucy and Amelia.

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