by Ayana Gray
First published 2024
Koffi has broken free from Fedu, the death god who held her captive, but her escape marks only the beginning of greater danger. Fedu wants to harness her abilities to destroy the mortal realm, and he will strike during the approaching Bonding, a rare celestial occurrence that happens once in a lifetime. Koffi must gather powerful allies before this cosmic event arrives, or face annihilation. Meanwhile, Ekon has built a new existence beyond the city of Lkossa, leaving his warrior days behind. Yet his former life continues to cast long shadows over his present. He joins the desperate mission to escort Koffi to the Kusonga Plains before the Bonding occurs. Their journey takes them across dangerous territory where they encounter both familiar threats and unknown creatures. They seek aid from the ancient deities of Eshōza, but time runs short. As the celestial deadline approaches, both Koffi and Ekon confront not only external monsters but the weight of their shared history and uncertain future.
Genres: adventure, fantasy, action, fantasy-romance
Vibes: dark, emotional, fast-paced, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family, shared-history
Setting: Eshōza, Kusonga Plains, Lkossa
Period: Bonding
442 pages · Hardcover · Nancy Paulsen Books