Implosion — Rachel Aukes

Desperate times call for desperate schemes.

The gold-skinned Sephians have reached a precarious peace with humans in their efforts to drive the winged Draeken from Earth. As human-Sephian forces peck at the Draeken defenses, we soon learn that things are never as simple as right and wrong, good versus evil.

Draeken Commander Roden Zyll has spilled plenty of blood in his time, and he cares little for humans. But when he learns of his leader's plan that could lead to his people's extinction, he plans a coup. But he has to work with the Sephians to succeed.

Sephian warrior Nalea exists only to kill Draeken, and she's good at her job. But when she's captured by Roden Zyll, a high-ranking Draeken commander, she discovers a chance at ending a decades-long war. But she has to work with her most hated enemy.

As two lifelong enemies plan a coup, they must play both sides, guiding each of their people deeper into the bloody feud. If the coup is successful, peace is possible. If they fail, every Earth nation will be yanked into a war that no one has a chance of winning.