In the aftermath of the first book, Parrish has become a warlord caught in the power struggle that is what survival has become. Which means that she's dealing with all sorts of responsibilities she doesn't need while trying to repay a blood debt to the Cabal, who even scare her. Their Karadji, the ones with spirit power, have been kidnapped and Parrish must rescue them. In return they will offer her the only chance she has against the parasite inside.

Parrish is a bundle of contradictions and somewhat of an enigma even to herself. She's as lethal as the knife plunging into your heart but finds herself picking up and helping animals and outcasts wherever she goes. The story follows her quest at a constant breakneck pace that never gives you a chance to catch your breath, which makes the effect of all the violence and evil around even more overwhelming - like you're drowningswimming in it along with Parrish. The writing contributes to that too, full of sharp action and exclamation points.

I'm not sure I can say I entirely liked this book, based on personal taste. It's just too unrelentingly dark and violent for me. But I cared what happened and can certainly recommend it if your own taste runs more to fast paced, action filled dives into the heart of darkness of an all too believable post-apocalyptic future.