Sapphire by Sage T. Greene

As an Etheri, Mari lacks physical strength and mana control. She feels destined to play the supporting role for her partner Rhu (a natural talent and future Lord of Newhaven) and her cousin Junie (the confident and beautiful one). But when Mari learns that Junie is a member of the Blaze—a mysterious criminal organization—she isn’t sure what to think. Mari starts learning about the Blaze and finds herself embroiled in their misadventures. By the time Junie’s identity is leaked to the Etheri villages and the Blaze comes under attack, Mari is no longer convinced that she can pick a side, but failing to do so begins to endanger not just herself, but the people she loves. Mari must choose where her loyalties lie: with her village, with her friends, or with herself. From author Sage T. Greene, ETHERI is an earnest, often-humorous quest for self-determination. Fans of reluctant protagonists and character-driven narratives will enjoy this series.

New Adult • Fantasy • Literary Fiction

Content Warning: In a brief scene, a main character is subjected to an interrogation which includes violence. Those wishing to avoid imagery of restraint and mistreatment may skip pages 90-91 (print versions). In a brief scene, a secondary character has engaged in self-harm. The scene is not overly graphic, but those wishing to avoid reading this may skip page 255 (print versions).