In her harsh northern homeland, survival depends on unity, and any child deemed “broken” is cast into the pit beneath the ice. When Yaz’s brother is judged unfit and discarded, she leaps after him, discovering an underground realm of outcasts, ancient machinery, and a sinister cult that harvests the powers of the abandoned. As Yaz navigates this subterranean world of star priests and forgotten technology, she uncovers truths about her own latent abilities—and a looming threat that could doom her people above.
Lawrence’s signature blend of stark brutality and poetic introspection shines here, with themes of belonging, sacrifice, and the resilience of the human spirit. The icy setting is both vivid and suffocating, while Yaz’s journey—from outcast to reluctant leader—echoes with emotional depth.
