The High Priestess (Paperback or Softback)

When Lauren, a priestess of the Sky Gods in the human land of Fenery, is suddenly summoned before the High Priest, she is expecting to be chastised, or worse. Instead, she learns her studies in ancient texts on the "elementals" wasn't wasted. Not only do the elementals-elves and sprites-really exist, they're at war with the colony of New Fenery. With neither side gaining ground, the colony's expansion has been halted. The colony, desperate to break out of the stalemate, hopes Lauren's knowledge of elementals can give them a much-needed advantage.

Thus, Lauren finds herself shipped off to New Fenery in the company of Daudra, the strangest page Lauren has ever met. She is skilled in fighting, flirtatious among men and women, and eager to drink and gamble, but also displays knowledge and expertise beyond her station. Added to the mystery of her page is the unknown voice that begins speaking directly into Lauren's mind: We can help you.

Unsure if she can trust this strange voice and what to make of her page, in unfamiliar surroundings, and uncertain if her knowledge will allow her to foster peace or only lead to more bloodshed, Lauren begins her adventure. Little does she know it will bring her into contact with figures thought lost-some allies, some enemies. Conflict may be inevitable, but resolution can be found in more ways than battle.

The High Priestess is the enthralling conclusion to the Willow's Wake trilogy, providing the coda to a war spanning across three novels and filled with rousing adventure, fascinating characters, and themes of unification and diversity.

Don Bourque lives in Maple Hills, New Brunswick. His writing career sprouted forth from the humble beginnings of winning a Grade 9 essay contest and a Grade 12 teacher who told him to never stop writing. Now, he is the author of multiple works, including a chapter in In Harm's Way, Serving the Greater Good: Perspectives on Operational Duty (2006) and the Willow's Wake trilogy: Willow: Awakened, Ascended, Avenged (2021), The Grand Chieftain (2023), and now The High Priestess.

Don has also worked in public education, in the private mental health sector, and spent thirty-seven years in the Army Reserve with an operational tour in Afghanistan. These experiences, plus his studies in sociology, anthropology, and psychology, inform his writing. Outside of writing, Don was a drummer in a pipe and drum band and is a member of numerous veteran and community associations, including the Army Cadet League of Canada and the Royal Canadian Legion. He enjoys spending time with friends and family, having two stepdaughters and several grandchildren.