Heartland

She came to protect a people, but she needs to preserve a world.

Kyndra has saved and damned the people of Mariar. Her star-born powers healed a land in turmoil but destroyed an ancient magic that once concealed them from invaders. Now, Kyndra must head into enemy territory to secure peace.

She finds the Sartyan Empire, unstable but as warlike as ever. It's plagued by dissident factions, yet its emperor still has the strength to crush her homeland. The Khronostians, assassins who dance through time, could help Kyndra, or they might be her undoing. And deep within the desert, Char Lesko struggles to control his own emerging powers. He's been raised by a mercenary whose secrets could change everything - including the future and the past.

But when Kyndra and Char meet, will their goals align? Kyndra must harness the full glory of the stars, and Char has to channel his rage, or two continents will be lost.

Heartland by Lucy Hounsom explores themes of power, destiny, and the impact of personal choices on a larger stage.