By the 21st century, bombs and a deadly virus have reduced the male to female ratio to 1:10. Now what was America is ruled by tribes of woman warriors. Dian guards over her village and its people. But when strangers arrive with a precious gift and a request for aid, she must embark on a journey that leads her far from safety. Leigh Richards is a pen name of best-selling author Laurie R. King. She fully brings her talent for vivid drama and suspense to Califia's Daughters.
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"While now sadly out of print (thank goodness for Powell's), Laurie R. King's foray into a post-apocalyptic world is fascinating and full of the rich writing and interesting tidbits that mark her better-known work. Well worth it for King fans, even those who don't normally wander into this genre - you'll find the characters to be classic King women."
— Jessica (4 out of 5 stars)
“An engaging adventure.”
— Booklist“Alyssa Bresnahan's presentation of Dian as a strong, self-reliant woman who has set out on a trip to discover the true story of a new group of settlers also reveals the character's sensitivity and vulnerability. Bresnahan uses pauses and timing to good advantage in drawing out the suspense and complexities of the plot. Dian's reactions and relationships with a broad cast of characters are vivid and clear.”
— AudioFile" I loved this book! The concept was facinating. End of civilization - planet's countries had finally blown each other up and the characters are the 2nd generation survivors. The gender roles are completely switched. "
— Kate, 2/5/2014" I could not put this book down. The story arc wasn't really what I expected, but was extremely satisfying. "
— Kelly, 2/1/2014" Laurie R. King writing science fiction as Leigh Richards. Really enjoyed this book! "
— Lauraileen, 1/30/2014" Extremely engaging and a very original take on a post-apocalyptic dystopian social structure. Oddly, it's easy to put down, but still a very good read. "
— Audrey, 1/28/2014" How many stars do you give a book when you love two-thirds of it and hate the other third? "
— CK529, 1/17/2014" I want to see more from these characters. "
— Julene, 1/12/2014" This was a pretty good book. I think it would make for an interesting movie! "
— Becky, 12/27/2013" One of the best Science Fiction I have read in years by Laurie R. King. "
— Readerwoman, 12/26/2013" I only read this because it is actually written by Laurie King and she gave me a copy when I worked at a bookstore. It was ok. She's a good writer, with great ideas, but I didn't like it as well as her other books. "
— Valerie, 12/15/2013" Liked the post-apocalyptic world and the stories of the main characters. However they are just afterthoughts in the rest of the book. "
— Ed, 12/11/2013" I couldn't get into it. "
— Samantha, 11/2/2013" Of all the things this book might have been to me, in the end it was a story about dogs. The relationship Dian and her dogs share created an axis around which the rest of this novel spun. Al dog lovers should give the book a go. "
— Jess, 8/14/2013" I really enjoyed this futuristic story about a time when men are too few in number to be allowed to do any heavy work--they are viewed as fragile and much more in need of protection by the stronger gender--women!!! "
— Janice, 5/7/2013" at times stark and scary, other times sweet and poignant. i enjoyed this book alot. "
— Lan, 8/28/2012" This book set in a remarkably different future (on Earth)tells the story of a new type of community and its challenges, including surrounding (not always compatible) communities. I loved this story and when I finished the book - I WANTED MORE! "
— WK, 3/21/2012" Best book I read in ages! My favourite all time book. Especially attractive as it deals with a world where men are scarce. If you like your main protagonists to be female and strong then you'll love this. It has the most loyal tear-inducing doggy characters too! "
— Amy, 12/24/2011" I thought this was a great fantasy book. The author also writes mysteries under the name Laurie R. King and they are good as well. She is a very talented writer. "
— April, 10/13/2011" I had a really good time reading this book for the most part. I was very disappointed by the ending. I don't feel that the author wrapped things up in a succesful manor. I felt like the ending was sort of empty especially since the book reads like a saga. Still worth the read. "
— Danyel, 7/21/2011" Of all the things this book might have been to me, in the end it was a story about dogs. The relationship Dian and her dogs share created an axis around which the rest of this novel spun. Al dog lovers should give the book a go. "
— Jess, 1/16/2011" I want to see more from these characters. "
— Julene, 10/30/2010" Written by one of my favorite authors, Laurie R. King, this post-apocaliptic tale is a good one that ends too quickly and with unresolved story lines. "
— Laura, 8/12/2010" I thought this was a great fantasy book. The author also writes mysteries under the name Laurie R. King and they are good as well. She is a very talented writer. <br/> "
— April, 3/12/2010" Laurie R. King writing science fiction as Leigh Richards. Really enjoyed this book! "
— Lauraileen, 2/22/2010" This was a pretty good book. I think it would make for an interesting movie! "
— Becky, 11/2/2009" I could not put this book down. The story arc wasn't really what I expected, but was extremely satisfying. "
— Sisimka, 5/29/2009" at times stark and scary, other times sweet and poignant. i enjoyed this book alot. "
— Lan, 1/27/2009" Superfun sci-fi from the author of 'Beekeepers Apprentice', writing under a pseudonym. "
— Rachael, 11/17/2008Alyssa Bresnahan is a dynamic dancer, actor, and audiobook narrator. She has narrated over two hundred audiobooks, has earned twenty Earphones Awards, and was named one of AudioFile magazine’s Golden Voices. In 2009 she was a finalist for the prestigious Audie Award for best fiction narration.