DOES THE USER SHAPE THE POWER, OR DOES THE POWER SHAPE THE USER?
Life is difficult for the Ly Kai refugees who were abandoned by Araxis’ betrayal. Starvation and death constantly loom in the tower refuge of Kryie Karth. For Kaphri, the lone surviving child, it’s even worse as she confronts the other survivors’ hatred and resentment every day.
But Ly Kai tradition reigns above everything. Two days before Kaphri’s eighteenth birthday, when she is designated to take over leadership, their current leader inexplicably dies and suspicious eyes turn to her. Accusations fly and secrets erupt in long pent-up fury and fear as Kaphri discovers that everything she knows about her Birthstar is a lie.
Terrified that she is destined for evil, she disavows her star power and flees out into an alien world with her tiny dragon companion, Gemma.
When three Geffitzi warriors capture her, they believe they have the key to repairing the damage her evil uncle, Araxis, did to their world. Kaphri doesn’t dare tell them she may be exactly the opposite—the means for him to restore his power and renew his reign of terror.
Escaping Araxis and his Balandran forces has trapped Kaphri and the Geffitzi warriors in the South. For the warriors, the return to empty holds and caers while their people battle for survival in the North is a bitter triumph. Their only option is to help Kaphri confront the force that is ruthlessly driving her deeper into their lost lands in the hope that she, in turn, can take down the barrier that divides their world.
But powerful forces are moving against them. The ancient Wyxa, who dwell in the vast swamp known as the Palenquemas, have long memories. To them, Araxis is a minor threat compared to what has begun to stir in the darkness at the edge of their world. The swamp dwellers are willing to sacrifice the Geffitzi warriors, Kaphri, and Gemma to maintain the current state of the world.
While the warriors fight for a place in the upcoming battle to reclaim their homelands, Kaphri struggles to understand and accept how much her own presence on this world threatens the survival of the things she has come to love.
She may not be the savior the Geffitzi need.
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Frax warned Kaphri about the Eldren—how the ancient races did not think the same as the Kep’s Second Children. Now their troop walks a razor’s edge as Frax tries to fend off the Grimmenwood’s desire for their blood and Kaphri struggles to master her starpower under Seuliac’s supervision. The Grimmen has stolen Tobin, Gemma remains locked away in the Guardian Crystal, Uri is frustrated with Frax’s decisions, and Velacy burns with ambition at Seuliac’s control of Kaphri.
As Araxis and his Balandran forces loom closer, manipulation by ancient powers has created a misunderstanding of intent and the heart between Kaphri and Frax, and even the Grimmen has no control over some of the creatures that dwell in its realm.
Frax has always claimed that the depth of manipulation around Kaphri and the warriors is immense. Now those invisible forces are rising in their aggression.
As Araxis and his Balandran horde close in, the Grimmenwood ruthlessly persists in its demand that Kaphri leave this world, even if it means the Geffitzi people will never return to their land in the south.
But neither the Eldren nor Kep’s Second Children are prepared for the true threat that is waiting for Kaphri at the gate between their worlds.
The Rogues Gallery:
Frax Kitahn, second son of Caer Cadarn, Commander of the Edge, he is tasked with investigating rumors of the re-emergence of an ancient enemy. A respected leader, he is practical, bold, and aggressive.
This enemy intrigues him. He knows firsthand that Kaphri’s people can destroy worlds. And yet this frightened girl would rather die than defend herself. He pushes ruthlessly to unravel her secrets.
And then there is her damned dragon companion…
Uri Caspani, cousin and lifelong friend of Frax Kitahn. Soft-spoken and thoughtful, he aspired to become a historian until fate thrust him into a more active role as the future heir to Windmer Hold.
It falls to him to ease the hostility Kaphri’s capture fires in his two cousins. Sometimes, calm talk and explanations bring about better results than threats and glares.
He knows the history of the tiny dragons and he fears their encounter is not a coincidence…
Tobin Kitah, third son of Caer Cadarn. Volatile, quick-tempered, and outspoken, he is a young, arrogant, adept hunter with a broad reputation for his skill in working with animals, especially horses.
He was ready to kill Kaphri on sight, and he questions why she is still alive.
For him, ancient tales are just tales.
Velacy Aedec, Third in descent for the Lordship of Caer Rhynog. Also arrogant, volatile, and outspoken, he competes with Tobin at every opportunity. Caer Rhynog and Caer Cadarn are sworn enemies from ancient times, and collaboration is a bitter betrayal in his view.
If this girl is so dangerous, she should be persuaded to ally with Caer Rhynog.
Seuliac Aedec, Warlord of Caer Rhynog. Commander of its ground forces, he speaks little and observes everything. Ruthless and refined, his loyalty lies solely with Caer Rhynog, to the elimination of anything else.
Knowledge is invaluable, and sometimes forming an alliance with your enemy is the only way to protect your people. Besides, when something amazing is within your grasp, you do not limit your possibilites or walk away.
Kaphri, First Daughter of the House of Dolphere, sole child survivor, and refugee from the invading world of the Ly Kai, she fears that she is destined for evil and has vowed never to use her starpower again.
When the Geffitzi warriors capture her, they demand she repair the damage her people did to their world. She doesn’t dare tell them that she may be the means for that evil force to resurrect itself and resume its destruction.
Gemma, Kaphri’s companion and confidant. She answers the girl’s questions, but she does not offer advice or suggestions.
Frax and Uri fear the tiny serpent’s presence signifies a rising danger.
Taking the Stars... 