This beautiful cover lured me into reading this sample and I'm so glad I did! I was pulled in by two details from the start: the ghosts, beasts that were once people now used for warmongering, and the fact that our main character was injured as a child and cannot speak. I look forward to seeing how Talin interacts with others in this world, if anyone other than Strikers can understand sign language or if it is a hindrance on her future journeys. I’m curious if this is a trauma that Talon will overcome in the book (as hinted in ch1) or a permanent disability. I like that her silence is a strength as a Striker. After only a few pages I loved Talin’s relationship with Corian, her Shield (Striker partner), and was saddened by the outcome of their battle. Instead of the story becoming bleak, I was delighted by flashbacks of Corian and the introduction of more friendships with some light humor. I can’t wait to find out what the prisoner’s story is and what’s next for Talin!