Defiant

By: Karina Sumner-Smith

Narrated by: Jeena Yi

Once, Xhea's wants were simple: enough to eat, safety in the underground, and the hit of bright payment to transform her gray-cast world into color. But in the aftermath of her rescue of the Radiant ghost Shai, she realizes the life she had known is gone forever. In the two months since her fall from the City, Xhea has hidden in skyscraper Edren, sheltered and attempting to heal. But soon even she must face the troubling truth that she might never walk again. Shai, ever faithful, has stayed by her side - but the ghost's very presence has sent untold fortunes into Edren's coffers and dangerously unbalanced the Lower City's political balance.

War is brewing. Beyond Edren's walls, the other skyscrapers have heard tell of the Radiant ghost and the power she holds; rumors, too, speak of the girl who sees ghosts who might be the key to controlling that power. Soon, assassins stalk the skyscrapers' darkened corridors while armies gather in the streets. But Shai's magic is not the only prize - nor the only power that could change everything. At last, Xhea begins to learn of her strange dark magic, and why even whispers of its presence are enough to make the Lower City elite tremble in fear. Together, Xhea and Shai may have the power to stop a war - or become a weapon great enough to bring the City to its knees. That is, if the magic doesn't destroy them first.

©2015 Karina Sumner-Smith (P)2015 Audible, Inc.

Excellent story for YA fantasy

Book 1 tells a great story, ends on a clutching scene, then book 2 picks up with even more character depth. The action scenes tend to be far apart but when it builds to great suspence the imagination of the author rockets you sky high with fast paced scenes and amazing depth to the story overall. Loved both books and I hope the 3rd one doesnt take too long to come out.