This HaBO is from Christine, who wants to find this book based on sample she read:
I downloaded a sample of this book within the last few years and I lost track of it… but I’m still thinking about it!
The story is set in a pre-industrial world, but I’m not sure if it was Western European-ish or from parts further east. I don’t know if there are fantasy/paranormal elements. There’s an arranged marriage, I’m pretty sure.
I think one of the main characters is starting out on a journey on horseback to go to his (?) spouse-to-be’s country. The other main character (female character?) is leading some kind of charge to attack the traveling party, for reasons. (I assume she’s against the arranged marriage/alliance.) When the sample ended, her group was about to race down a steep slope to overwhelm the caravan making its way along a mountain trail…
I might have lots of the details wrong, but I remember the charging-down-a-mountainside thing vividly. I’d love to find out what happens next!
I’m invested in this one!
I think it’s maybe Meljean Brook, a Heart of Blood and Ashes.
@Tartan runner I found A Heart of Blood and Ashes by Milla Vane—is that the one you’re thinking about? It doesn’t seem right… But thank you!
Parts of it sound like Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine, but I doubt it’s that.
@Kara It’s not Ella Enchanted, but thanks for commenting!