Nara and her twin sister, Osha, escaped the brutal clutches of the Wastelanders, survived the violence of the Cooler and fought themselves free against all odds. Searching for answers, they've arrived in a land that bears no resemblance to the cold, harsh world of the Citadel.

But there are power games at play here, too. In the Shadow City, rumours abound of a Pure healer with the ability to cure the Branded, a long-awaited prophecy that many would kill to see come true. As the Wrangler is drawn into the politics of his homeland, Nara grows stronger, but wielding her power requires an elusive level of self-control. And even at these far reaches of the reaches of the Continent, there's no escaping Isfalk's insidious influence.

Before long Nara will find herself fighting for her life, caught up in a web of lies that leaves her uncertain who she truly is and who she can trust. With the lives of so many at stake, this battle is too big to leave to fate. Dark forces are taking control, and the Branded must rise to survive.