About this item
"Rich and timely." - Aprilynne Pike, #1 New York Times bestselling author "Incredibly immersive." - Kirkus Reviews "A gripping tale of trust." - BOOKLIST To escape execution for a crime she didnt commit, sixteen-year-old Sev is forced to run away from the only home shes ever known in this "richly imagined" (BCCB, starred review) post-apocalyptic debut novel from Caitlin Sangster.Sev is branded with the mark of a criminal - a star burned into her hand. Thats the penalty for being the daughter of the woman who betrayed their entire nation. Now her mothers body is displayed above Traitors Arch, kept in a paralyzed half sleep by the same plague that destroyed the rest of the world. And as further punishment, Sev is forced to do hard labor to prove that shes more valuable alive than dead. When the government blames Sev for a horrific bombing, she must escape the city or face the chopping block. Unimaginable dangers lurk outside the city walls, and Sevs only hope of survival lies with the most unlikely person - Howl, the chairmans son. Though he promises to lead her to safety, Howl has secrets, and Sev cant help but wonder if he knows more about her past - and her mothers crimes - than he lets on. But in a hostile world, trust is a luxury. Even when Sevs life and the lives of everyone she loves may hang in the balance.
About the Author
Caitlin Sangster is the author of the Last Star Burning trilogy, She Who Rides the Storm duology, and A Baker's Guide to Robber Pie. She grew up in the backwoods of Northern California, has lived in China, Taiwan, Utah, Montana, and, most recently, in the Chicago area. She can often be found dragging her poor husband and four children onto hikes that feature far too many bears.
