by Lindsey Willingham (Author)
"Desperate people often do barbaric things."
In a world divided since a long passed war, a towering willowbane tree sits, its petrified husk a reminder of the lies of the gods.
On the other side of the world, Ellya wakes in a dungeon with no memory of who she is. One thought dominates her mind-more pressing than remembering her own name. Escape. After a successful breakout, she meets an enigmatic man named Locane who helps her recall small bits of herself, including her deep magic.
Secluding themselves together, Locane tells Ellya about hidden gems containing the power of the gods, thought to only be myth. But Ellya's powerful vision of an emerald in a cave makes her believe the legends may be true and she has a part to play in finding them, sowing seeds of doubt over Locane's intentions.
After the reasons behind her lost memories are revealed, Ellya finds herself in a glittering desert city where she goes on a journey through self exploration, her personal relationships, trauma healing, and learning about her role in the quest to find the gems of the gods.