Cast in Blood — Michelle Sagara

DO NOT MEDDLE IN THE AFFAIRS OF BARRANI

Kaylin has been warned to steer clear of the lords of the Barrani High Court. She'd be more than happy to oblige, but it's a bit difficult considering she lives with ten of them, all sent to the green to gain power or die. With Kaylin's help, they finally escaped their imprisonment. But their attempts at freedom had devastating consequences -- and a price that has yet to be paid.

The first warning sign is the Consort's invitation to visit the High Halls -- a Barrani invitation, which means an immediate visit.

The second sign is less subtle: Kaylin finds Nightshade's unresponsive body. He hovers on the edge of death, beyond saving through Kaylin's healing power. No one can explain his state, nor why she's powerless to save him. And if she and her Barrani friends can't figure out a way to bring him back, he'll be lost forever.

Yet even as Kaylin struggles to keep Nightshade from death, there is deeper magic at play, a growing threat with the potential to affect the entire Barrani race. Factions are shifting, new lines are being drawn -- and Nightshade's near assassination is only the beginning. Can Kaylin uncover the nebulous forces that threaten the balance of Barrani -- and their entire world -- before it's too late?