The Naming, by Alison Croggon

Very much a tolkien-esque piece of literature, The Naming is a splendid and capturing read. Maerad is a lowly slave at Gilman's Cot, but a mysterious stranger offers her a chance at a better life.

"High fantasy of high caliber."
- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"An epic fantasy in the Tolkien tradition....I couldn't put it down!"
- Tamora Pierce