Crown of Thunder

In the sequel to the acclaimed Beasts Made of Night, Taj has escaped Kos, but Queen Karima will go to any means necessary—including using the most deadly magic—to track him down.

“[A] rich stew of street smarts, myth, and almost nonstop action.”—Booklist

“Strong themes, including guilt, refugees, and the search for a home, make this series stand out.”—School Library Journal

Taj is headed west, but the consequences of leaving Kos behind confront him at every turn. Plagued by guilt, Taj watches innocent civilians flee to refugee camps as Queen Karima’s dark magic destroys their city.

On the journey from their homeland, Taj and Aliya encounter a vicious new kind of sinbeast. They barely escape with their lives and realize just how powerful the queen is. The two make it to the village of Arzu’s ancestors, home to the tastahlik—sin-eaters with Taj’s same ability to both battle and call forth sins. As Taj comes to terms with his new magic, he discovers there are two very different groups of tastahlik—one using their powers for good, the other for more selfish ends.

Aliya immerses herself in her work to uncover the secret to Karima’s magic, but her health begins to mysteriously deteriorate. Soon she uncovers her true destiny—a future she’s not sure she wants.

Taj struggles with his own fate. He is torn between which kind of tastahlik he truly is. As Taj tries to find his place in his new home, the westerners begin to question his identity. Karima is on his heels, sending dark warnings to the little village where he’s hiding. Taj will have to go back and face her before she sends her mostly deadly weapon—Taj’s former best friend, Bo.