The cover of the book is stunning and eye-catching and drew me into wanting to read the book. From the outset of the novel, the author has a suspenseful and descriptive skill at developing the characters of the novel, along with the setting, a world where there are evil “Ghosts” that are only able to be killed by one means with the skill of the Strikers. The training of Talin, the protagonist and her “Shield” defender will hopefully keep them safe in their endeavors, but that is part of the intrigue of the developing story. As the story unfolds in the opening pages, the reader is left wanting to read more and more to find out answers to what is happening in the last remaining bastion of the civilization of Mara. Great looking book!