Empress of the World

Empress of the World by Sara Ryan
Teen Zone Fiction Ryan

Nicola Lancaster attends a summer camp for the talented and gifted. She hopes to discover whether she can make her dream of becoming an archeologist a reality. She uncovers more than artifacts, though, when she meets Battle Davies. Battle has the grace of a dancer, the reserve of a preacher’s daughter, and the defensiveness of someone shielding an emotional wound. Battle’s older brother, Nick, ran away from home and has not been heard from since. Battle keeps the pain she feels over Nick’s absence a secret. Among their friends at camp, only Nicola knows about Nick. She wants to do something for Battle—make a sweeping gesture that will set her world right again. She also wants to sort out her own feelings regarding Battle. She’s been attracted to boys before, but now finds herself fancying another girl. Ryan expertly captures how tricky it is to negotiate a new relationship—especially when you are unsure of your own identity.