The Afterward

I love this book so very much.'-Robin LaFevers, New York Times bestselling author of the His Fair Assassin trilogy Romantic high fantasy from the bestselling author of Star Wars: Ahsoka and Exit, Pursued by a Bear. It`s been a year since the mysterious godsgem cured Cadrium`s king and ushered in what promised to be a new golden age. The heroes who brought home the gem are renowned in story and song, but for two fellows on the quest, peace and prosperity don`t come easily. Apprentice Knight Kalanthe Ironheart wasn`t meant for heroism so early in life, and while she has no intention of giving up the notoriety she`s earned, reputation doesn`t pay her bills. Kalanthe may be forced to betray not her kingdom or her friends, but her own heart as she seeks a stable future for herself and those she loves. Olsa Rhetsdaughter was never meant for heroism at all. Beggar and thief, she lived hand to mouth on the streets until fortune--or fate--pulled her into Kalanthe`s orbit. And now she`s reluctant to leave it. Even more alarmingly, her fame has made her profession difficult, and a choice between poverty and the noose isn`t much of a choice at all. Both girls think their paths are laid out, but the godsgem isn`t quite done with them and that new golden age isn`t a sure thing yet. In a tale both sweepingly epic and intensely personal, Kalanthe and Olsa fight to maintain their newfound independence and to find their way back to each other.