The world of Mara is dying, the sun scorches, and the water stopped flowing abundantly down the river long ago. Everything around her is scarcity and agony. If she does nothing soon, she and her family will slowly perish. There is only one place to turn to, one that remains green while everywhere else is dust and dryness: the Oak Forest. Of course, that won’t be easy. Legend says no one has ever survived an encounter with the dryad, the forest’s protector. Despite the adverse signs and the hostility of the place, Mara ventures into it willing to risk her life to get the food she and her people so desperately need. Her bravery and stubborn will catch the dryad’s attention, even though she despises humans. Mara will discover that beyond survival, her courage opens the door to a much greater reward than she could have ever dreamed of.
Nía, the first novelette by Patricia Reimóndez Prieto, is the story of a humble peasant woman who wants to give her family a future. The protagonist is not a chosen one with shining armor and special gifts. She belongs to those who have nothing, to the seemingly insignificant. The author is convinced that the struggle for survival is the most epic of quests. In a dehumanized world marked by war, brotherhood, solidarity, and respect for nature may be the answers.
