“Part fantasy, part battle royale, this gripping novel builds on the well-loved trope of mutant outcasts with unexplained powers but adds a worthy gladiatorial spin.” (Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books) “Blair provides plenty of action, twists, and duplicity as the story unfolds, incorporating a complicated romance and even discussion of religion along the way.” (ALA Booklist)

“This story of magic, hope, death, friendship, and family.offer a taste of the mystical, a great voice and dialogue, and well-written questions that address teen angst.” (School Library Journal) ★“Interweaving excellent worldbuilding with the uncertainties of discipline, friendship, and taking ownership of one’s decisions, Blair’s debut will entrance and delight in equal measure.” (Publishers Weekly (starred review)) ★“An extraordinary debut packed with richly drawn characters in a sure-to-entertain storyline.” (Kirkus Reviews (starred review)) She lives outside of Los Angeles with her family. She’s been a social media coordinator for several films at 20th Century Fox, an intern at her city’s Parks and Recreation Department, a gymnastics coach, and, most recently, a writing professor at Azusa Pacific University. She graduated with her MFA in 2015 and is finishing her MA in literature.

Katharyn Blair is a novelist and screenwriter.

The beckoning shadow