Three teens fight the system in this high-stakes high fantasy YA, the first in an epic trilogy inspired by Indian philosophy that's perfect for fans of An Ember in the Ashes and The Inheritance Cycle!

Aina’s world is governed by Toranic Law—a force that segregates people into upper and lower realms based on the weight of their souls. It’s said that if the sinful lower-borns commit themselves to kindness and charity, their souls will lighten and allow them into the peaceful upper realms.

But Aina, one of the few lower-borns to ever ascend, just wants to go back home.

Aina hates the pomp of the upper realms, and she’s desperate to reunite with her mother, hoping she’s survived the beasts and wars of the lower realms alone. After trying, and failing, to weigh down her soul with petty crimes, Aina joins a rebel group bringing aid to the unfortunare—those ignored by the authorities and condemned, from birth, to a life of suffering under the Toranic system. Alongside Aina are two other new recruits: Meizan, a rough fighter hoping to save his clan, and Aranel, a spoiled noble sent by the powers that be as a spy.

Before long, the rebels find themselves in the middle of a brewing war: On one side, a violent king is bent on destroying Toranic Law; on the other, the authorities of the upper realms will do anything to stay on top. Now the young rebels must face both sides head-on if they want to stop a conflict that could break not only Toranic Law—but the universe itself.