Son of Truth by Morgan Busse

Book 2 of Follower of the Word

Summary:

Arise now, guardian...

The war in the north is over, but the war for all the Lands has just begun. As the Shadonae solidify their hold on the city of Thyra, Rowen Mar, the last Eldaran and savior of the White City, awakens to find herself hunted by those she has saved.

Meanwhile, the assassin Caleb Tala finds himself in the presence of the Word. The time of reckoning has come, and he must pay the price for all the lives he has taken. But in his moment of judgment, Caleb is given a second chance to change his life.

These two hold the power to save the Lands from the Shadonae. One must escape slavery, and one must choose to forsake everything before the world is consumed in darkness.

Opening Lines:

Caleb Tala stood naked in the dark, his hands covered in blood. Orbs of soft light bobbed in the tall, bare trees, leaving pools of light on the ground. A small stream wove its way through the dark forest, rushing over black rocks. The air felt warm and humid. 

He looked around, his muscles tense. This dark place reminded him of his nightmares. He looked behind him, expecting to see bodies standing in the shadows between the trees.