The jundom of Mamlakah is on the brink of economic collapse. Poverty is rampant and a slavery-based economy threatens the jundom’s peace and its peoples’ freedom. Only the twenty-one noble Jun families are safe.When Teya’s six-year-old brother, Perrin, is captured to be sold as a slave, Teya is determined to free him. To do so she must become what she hates most—a xintou-telepath—and co-operate with those she swore never to trust—a noble family. Working with Dallan Johnston, she must learn to harness her unique psychic gifts and help prevent slavery from gaining a foothold in Mamlakah. Only then will her brother be safe. But Dallan and the jun families are just out to use Teya for their own ends. And secrets from Teya’s past threaten to destroy Mamalakah’s future.Can she and Dallan overcome their mutual mistrust and work together? If they fail, Perrin, Teya, and the entire jundom will be enslaved; the future of Mamlakah forged into darkness and pain."The Kalima Chronicles will delight lovers of epic fantasy." - Juliet Marillier, author of the Blackthorn and Grim Series.“A fantastic prequel to IRON and the Kalima Chronicles Trilogy. Great worldbuilding. Loved this story. A must for sci-fantasy readers.” – Patrick Ruthvoss