Journeys: The Archers of Saint Sebastian

Set in the 14th century in the northern European principality of Ardennes, this novel centers on archery as both the nation's defense and primary obsession. Twelve young Journeyman archers compete over two years in public competitions for six guild memberships and one position as the prince's new Guardsman. Fifteen-year-old Marieke is obsessed with the Archers' Guild of St. Sebastian, but faces an obstacle: girls are not permitted to become elite archers. After a mule kick leaves her face badly scarred and unsuitable for marriage, circumstances force her to flee her old life. She discovers that a mysterious accident ended her father's time as a Journey, and she infiltrates the guild in disguise as a boy to uncover the truth and prevent a murderous plot. When Journeyman Tristan takes her on as his squire, Marieke commits to helping him win the competitions while keeping her identity secret. She must maintain her deception while living in close quarters with the guild's archers and managing her feelings for Tristan. The novel is set in a richly imagined world inspired by late medieval and early Renaissance Belgium, particularly the city of Bruges. It combines themes of unrequited love, friendship, coming of age, romance, and adventure within the male-only archers' guild.