Waking Fire (Waking Fire)

"Propulsive and full of heart." —Sara Holland, New York Times bestselling author of Everless and Havenfall

This incendiary YA fantasy debut follows a girl who will stop at nothing to save her village after it’s discovered by a dangerous warlord and his army of undead monsters.
 
Naira Khoum has only known life in Lagusa, a quiet village at the desert’s end. But to the rest of the world, Lagusa is a myth, its location shrouded in secrecy. While war rages to the north led by power-hungry Sothpike and his army of undead monsters called Dambi, Naira’s people live in peace.
 
Until the impossible happens—Lagusa is attacked by a Mistress sent to do Sothpike’s bidding with a hoard of Dambi under her control. The Mistress is looking for something, and she’s willing to let her Dambi destroy Lagusa to get it.
 
Desperate to protect her home, Naira convinces her twin brother Nez and handsome refugee Kal to join the newly formed resistance with her. Together, they’ll have to figure out what the Mistress wants—before there’s nothing left of Lagusa to save.

Reviews

"Waking Fire is propulsive and full of heart. I'm hooked and can't wait to see where Naira, Kal, and Nez go next!" —Sara Holland, New York Times bestselling author of Everless and Havenfall

"A searing-hot fantasy debut, full of wit, sacrifice, and the bonds that make us family. Naira is the hero I wish I'd had growing up. Jean Louise understands that the best fantasy is horror and doesn't shy away from the darkness. Her writing is a fire that scorches everything in its path." —Jaida Jones and Dani Bennett, co-authors of Master of One

"A vibrant fantasy debut that delivers fast-paced adventure and unexpected surprises." —Kirkus Reviews