You say you want a revolution? Musician Ebriel Serique certainly does, for the tranquil life she once knew has been turned upside down. She has lived a protected life in Paris with her husband and daughter, until the day their yacht crosses an invisible line. With her husband and daughter murdered by terrorists, Ebriel vows to learn the truth of the matter and seek her revenge on those responsible.

But revenge is not an easy thing. Ebriel stumbles on her path, eventually into the hands of the revolutionary maquis, a group determined to shine the light of truth on the lying government. Amid the maquis, Ebriel finds a new home, and a new family lead by a mysterious man they call Papa. Ebriel shuns the music she once so dearly loved, for there is nothing left but her need for revenge.

The Maquisarde explores both sides of Ebriel's revenge. Ebriel thinks her revenge will be a simple one, but she is confronted with truths and questions she could not imagine along her journey. Can she kill, even if the one she targets is responsible for her loved one's deaths? It is no light matter, for Ebriel or author Marley. Marley allows Ebriel to explore that journey's complete scope; there are losses, but there are gains; there is shadow, but there is light.

I believe one of Marley's greatest strengths as a writer is that she allows her characters to grow. She allows them to fail and learn. None of her characters is a boulder that cannot be budged; everyone changes over the course of a Marley novel. What I like best about The Maquisarde is that it is a journey into and through grief. There is the promise of another side. What is there, we cannot always immediately say. It is enough for the side to exist. It is a joy to watch Ebriel Serique fight to get to that side.

See also our new interview with Louise!