Susan L Markloff
The attack on the First Human-Born was not an isolated event.
Six other teens faced harrowing attempts on their lives.
These are their stories.
This book is a collection of six novellas that are parallel side stories to The Rise of the Raidin. They take place at the same time as the events of Rise, and are origin stories to the characters readers meet in The Ties That Bind. It's strongly suggested that you read Rise and Ties before reading these novellas.
meet the cast
The Left Hand, Cregorous' most trusted general. He acts as the antagonist for Skylar's story.
The Seventh Human-Born, wields green energy.
The only Scout of the Zaheri, assigned to protect Eshe.
The leader of the team overseeing the protection and training of Lexa.
The fair-faced general, he acts as the primary antagonist for Lexa's story.
The armored general, he acts as the antagonist for Takeo's story.
The main antagonist of the series, he's seen sporadically across each novella.
The spunky Skycaptain that's part of the team protecting Sophia.
The grovix on the Gamma Team, protecting (and oftentimes playing) with Takeo.
The grumpy sniper on the team overseeing Lexa's protection.
The only Agerian capable of making masks, assigned to Eshe's protection.
A burly defender that wields a battle axe, assigned to protect Skylar.
The Fourth Human-Born, wields violet energy.
The clumsy axe wielder of Lexa's team.
The water Elemental and Alpha of Agerius alongside Blaze. He's part of the team overseeing Alaster's training & protection.
The grumpy sniper of the team overseeing Alaster's protection.
A quiet and knowledgeable historian of Tilion's history; helps to protect Skylar.
The jealous general, he acts as the primary antagonist in Sophia's story.
A young defender, he oversees the protection of Alaster.
The Right Hand, the most avid of Cregorous' followers. He's the primary antagonist of Alaster's story.
about the individual novellas
Join Skylar Mitchell, the second-eldest son of the Duke of Derbeyshire, as he navigates both an abusive family dynamic and stay alive against a sadistic and cruel enemy bent on killing him. Ultimately, Skylar is forced to choose to stand or crumble.
Follow Takeo Yoshi, an orphan growing up among protectors from another world. He has trained to be a great warrior, but a fateful day brings a deadly enemy who threatens to take away everything Takeo holds dear, forcing him to confront his own fury.
Get to know Eshe Balewa, a teen growing up in rural Africa. She is well loved in her tribe, if not considered a bit odd, until a disastrous day unfolds, threatening her life, her tribe, and everything the peaceful corner of Africa has known.
Follow Lexa Ackart, an Australian teen living a life of luxury and ease. She’s overconfident in her abilities, most notably her ability to teleport, until she faces a dastardly enemy that she can’t seem to easily evade. Will her arrogance bring calamity, or will she step into her role?
Spend time with Sophia Gonzalez, a shy, intelligent young Argentine girl who is forced to accept harsh truths and ultimately, be embraced by those who truly love and care for her. Will her lack of confidence result in a terrible fate, or will she gain boldness through her trial?
Get to know Alaster O'Brien and his family as they live on a research station in Antarctica. Still reeling from the loss of his brother, he's faced with a deadly foe hellbent on ending his life. Will Alaster's lack of preparation and training be his undoing?