Cryptal's Champion: Epic contemporary fantasy thriller

As helicopters scour the cliffs to cower people at the behest of the charismatic, unhinged Ülrügh, Cryptals stir to answer a new, terrible Song. Ellen, weakened by illness and driven by duty, must navigate Guild betrayals, marauding devouts, and the moral cost of power. She will bargain and bribe, steal and plead — and she will learn how fragile the ties between Skyseekers, Crystalmakers and Cryptals truly are.

The island’s future hinges on a single question: can a leader forged by compromise hold a people whose survival depends on the very beings they once hunted? Only by following Ellen into tunnels, courts, and the quiet of the caves will this answer be found.

***** "Fast-paced and immediate ... chock full of action and intrigue" (Book Excellence)

***** "Verbeek returns with this poignant and engrossing second installment in the Songs of Si'Empra series as her adolescent protagonist fights for her people while struggling with inner demons" (OnlineBookClub)