Mara is one of the last countries in the world that has not been conquered by the Karensa Federation. As Karensa grows ever stronger, Mara is left relying on the Strikers, a group of elite warriors who would die to protect their country, as its last line of defense. Talin, a refugee who fled to Mara after Federation soldiers destroyed her home in the country of Basea, is one of these Strikers. One day, a mysterious prisoner is dragged back to Mara from the front lines, but no information can be extracted from him and an execution is planned. Talin, however, senses that this prisoner is no ordinary Federation soldier, and stops the execution. This prisoner may be Mara’s downfall — or the miracle that it needed.
I enjoyed this book very much! I loved the blend of sci-fi, fantasy, and post-apocalyptic fiction this book offered. The story was really engaging, and the pacing was executed perfectly — it was nearly impossible to put down. The characters were refreshingly flawed and human, but they were still extremely likeable, which made me all the more invested in their journeys. Overall, this was a great read, and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys dystopian fiction or sci-fi.