Author: A. A. Vora

In a world inspired by karma, three teens encounter magnificent beasts, unforgiving magic, and epic battles in this wholly original YA fantasy--now in paperback!

"Evocative of Sanderson, Pullman, and Fullmetal Alchemist, yet at the same time shockingly original." --Rosaria Munda, author of Fireborne

Aina's world is governed by Toranic Law, a force that segregates people into upper and lower realms. It's said that if the sinful lowers commit themselves to kindness and charity, their souls will lighten, allowing them into the peaceful upper realms.

But Aina, one of the few lowers to ever ascend, just wants to go back home.

Aina is desperate to reunite with her mother, hoping she's survived the beasts and wars of her homeland alone. After failing to weigh down her soul with petty crimes, Aina joins a rebel group defying the authorities and bringing aid to those condemned to a life of suffering in the lower realms. Alongside Aina are two new recruits: Meizan, a ruthless fighter trying to save his clan from extinction, and Aranel, a spoiled noble spying for the powers that be.

Before long, the rebels find themselves in the middle of a brewing war. On one side, a violent king of a lower realm is bent on destroying Toranic Law; on the other, the authorities of the upper realms will do anything to stay on top. Now the young rebels must face both sides head-on if they want to stop a conflict that could break not only Toranic Law--but the universe itself.

Publisher: Penguin Random House
Published: 08/19/2025
Pages: 448
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.05oz
ISBN: 9780593617588

About the Author
Ambika Vora-Nagino (writing as A. A. Vora) is an Indian Japanese author born in Mumbai and based in Tokyo. After receiving a bachelor's in economics from Princeton University and an MBA from the University of Cambridge, she worked in management consulting with a focus on digital transformation and healthcare. Outside work, she is a fervid Naruto fan who enjoys competitive Pok?mon battling with her husband, playing with her newborn, and going on runs with her spitz dog F?anor.