A Girl Called Fearless

In a not-too-distant future where teen girls are oppressively protected for the survival of humanity, one plots her escape in this YA dystopian adventure.

An Indie Next Pick

“Gripping, memorable, and heartrending. An ordinary girl becomes extraordinary in her fight for freedom.” ―C.C. Hunter, New York Times–bestselling author of the Shadow Falls series

Avie Reveare has the normal life of a privileged teen growing up in L.A., at least as normal as any girl's life is these days. After a synthetic hormone in beef killed fifty million American women ten years ago, only young girls, old women, men, and boys are left to pick up the pieces. The death threat is past, but fathers still fear for their daughters' safety, and the Paternalist Movement, begun to “protect” young women, is taking over the choices they make.

Like all her friends, Avie still mourns the loss of her mother, but she's also dreaming about college and love and what she'll make of her life. When her dad “contracts” her to marry a rich, older man to raise money to save his struggling company, her life suddenly narrows to two choices: Be trapped in a marriage with a controlling politician, or run. Her lifelong friend, student revolutionary Yates, urges her to run to freedom across the border to Canada. As their friendship turns to passion, the decision to leave becomes harder and harder. Running away is incredibly dangerous, and it's possible Avie will never see Yates again. But staying could mean death.

From Catherine Linka comes this romantic, thought-provoking, and frighteningly real story, A Girl Called Fearless, about fighting for the most important things in life—freedom and love.

“Linka's world-building is detailed and thought-provoking, recalling aspects of Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale.” ―Horn Book Review

“Breathlessly written and terrifying in its implications, Linka's debut is not only a thriller but a warning.” ―Gennifer Albin, author of Crewel

“With a frightening reality, a forbidden romance, and a main character to root for, Fearless is a riveting read.” ―Megan Miranda, author of Fracture