Lori Lee

Hiding her true identity as a soulrender to avoid execution, Sirscha finds herself caught between a war brewing in the east and the Soulless, who are waiting in the west, which causes her to question who her enemies really are.

"Sirscha Ashwyn comes from nothing, but she's intent on becoming something. After years of training to become the queen's next royal spy, her plans are derailed when shamans attack and kill her best friend Saengo. And then Sirscha, somehow, restores Saengo to life. Unveiled as the first soulguide in living memory, Sirscha is summoned to the domain of the Spider King. For centuries, he has used his influence over the Dead Wood--an ancient forest possessed...

Kai, who has no memories from before she was found by Reev, whom she considers her brother, but who has the ability to slow time, and her friend Avan search for the missing Reev and become involved in a revolt against the ruler of Ninurta.

Sirscha has returned to Evewyn, only to discover that everyone believes she killed the queen and that she's the new king's Shadow. These rumors have made people fear her, but it's not the rumors that concern her—it's finding out what the Soulless is going to do next so she can finally destroy him. Everyone might believe she's a monster, but Sirscha knows who the real evil is, and she refuses to let him destroy their world. Full of the danger,...