58 pages • 1-hour read
Mary E. PearsonA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
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Meet the key characters, with insights into their roles, motivations, and relationships—spoiler-free.
Kazi is a 17-year-old former street thief who works as an ambassador and royal guard for the Queen of Venda. She relies on her physical agility and sharp instincts to survive in hostile environments. Carrying deep trauma from her mother's kidnapping, she approaches new social dynamics with caution and protective hostility. She is fiercely dedicated to her husband and her small circle of friends.
Husband of Jase Ballenger
Best Friend of Wren
Best Friend of Synové
Prisoner of King Montegue of Eislandia
Visited by Death
Subordinate to Queen Lia
Jase is the 19-year-old Patrei, or leader, of the large Ballenger clan. He carries the heavy burden of guiding his family through a transition of power while attempting to distance them from their violent historical reputation. Following a devastating ambush, he must rely on his survival skills and the kindness of strangers to recover.
Wife of Kazi
Enemy of King Montegue of Eislandia
Older Brother of Lydia Ballenger
Older Brother of Nash Ballenger
Brother of Gunner Ballenger
Son of Varilyn Ballenger
Cousin of Paxton
Patient of Caemus
King Montegue is the 23-year-old ruler of Eislandia who orchestrates a military occupation of the trading hub Hell's Mouth. He initially projects the image of a bumbling monarch to lull his enemies into a false sense of security. He demands Kazi's public cooperation to legitimize his violent takeover.
Captor of Kazi
Enemy of Jase Ballenger
Commander of Banques
Captor of Lydia Ballenger
Captor of Nash Ballenger
Employer of Phineas
Banques serves as King Montegue's primary military general and enforcer. He utilizes brute force and intimidation to maintain control over the occupied town of Hell's Mouth. He shows no hesitation in employing harsh tactics against his enemies.
Paxton is Jase's cousin and a member of the faction that formerly controlled the Ballenger clan. He operates within Hell's Mouth alongside the occupying forces, presenting a complicated front regarding his true allegiances. He uses his position to maintain access to the town's valuable arena.
Wren is a Rahtan guard serving the Queen of Venda and a fiercely loyal companion to Kazi. She travels the dangerous roads to locate her missing friend, demonstrating an unyielding dedication to their chosen family.
Synové is a fellow Rahtan guard who relies on her precognitive dreams to track danger. She provides essential emotional and tactical support while searching for Kazi, serving as an optimistic anchor for her companions.
Death manifests as a shadowy, physical specter visible only to Kazi. He appears during moments of extreme physical duress or trauma, maintaining a silent vigil over her survival.
Silent Watcher of Kazi
Lydia is Jase's seven-year-old sister. She is confined within Montegue's stronghold, separated from the rest of her family to ensure the clan's cooperation.
Younger Sister of Jase Ballenger
Sister of Nash Ballenger
Hostage of King Montegue of Eislandia
Sister-in-Law of Kazi
Nash is Jase's six-year-old brother. He struggles to understand the political machinations surrounding him but harbors a clear, intense dislike for the soldiers holding him hostage.
Younger Brother of Jase Ballenger
Brother of Lydia Ballenger
Hostage of King Montegue of Eislandia
Brother-in-Law of Kazi
Gunner is one of Jase's older brothers. He assumes heavy responsibilities for the family's survival in Jase's absence. The intense pressure of protecting the clan makes him highly suspicious of anyone outside his immediate bloodline.
Varilyn is the matriarch of the Ballenger family. She focuses on maintaining order and morale among the surviving clan members forced to hide within their ancestral mountain fortress.
Zane is a mercenary and Previzi driver working under King Montegue's command. He is responsible for kidnapping Kazi's mother over a decade ago, making his sudden reappearance a source of immense trauma and danger.
Past Abuser of Kazi
Employee of King Montegue of Eislandia
Caemus is the pragmatic leader of a small Vendan settlement. Though he actively dislikes the Ballenger family's historical practices, his basic decency compels him to provide sanctuary to a wounded man.
Rescuer of Jase Ballenger
Leader of Kerry of Fogswallow
Phineas is a scholar who theorized the existence of "stardust," a powerful element capable of unnatural enhancements. His written formulas are highly coveted by the occupying forces.
Employee of King Montegue of Eislandia
Oleez serves as the primary nanny and caretaker for the youngest Ballenger children. She operates under the constant threat of Montegue's soldiers while attempting to shield her young wards from harm.
Nanny to Lydia Ballenger
Nanny to Nash Ballenger
Acquaintance of Kazi
Kerry is a young boy living in the Vendan settlement. He assists Caemus in nursing the injured Jase, showing an eagerness to help despite the risks.
Subordinate to Caemus
Caretaker of Jase Ballenger
The Queen of Venda serves as the reigning monarch and primary authority over the Rahtan guards. She represents Kazi's salvation from the streets and demands absolute loyalty regarding political missions.
Commander of Kazi
Commander of Wren
Commander of Synové
Mason is one of Jase's brothers. He assists in defending the clan's mountain vault and follows Gunner's lead in maintaining strict security against potential threats.
Priya is one of Jase's sisters. She actively patrols the territory surrounding the Ballenger vault, displaying intense hostility toward anyone who might bring danger to the clan.