Before the first war in a thousand years, Sylvia Thorne was just a normal sixteen-year-old girl, who happened to have one of the most dangerous jobs in the Four Cities. Delivering messages might not sound dangerous, but those who have traveled through the wilds between cities will tell you a different story—those who survive, that is. Sylvia is used to traveling the wilds for a living–and she will soon deliver the message that breaks the peace between the cities, but before that, she gets stuck in Lightcity, waiting for a package to deliver. Her wait for adventure isn’t long. A young girl named Maddy has run away into the wilds on a haphazard rescue mission—untrained in the ways of the wilds. Sylvia follows, hoping to bring her back in one piece. When Maddy brings them into one danger after another, desperate to find her missing parents, Sylvia must draw upon her training to protect the both of them. But a wolf pack lurking about is acting strangely, and something seems very wrong in the wilds of Arcera.

This is an ACE Edition with B00RH2XYDO The first war in a thousand years has only just begun... Sylvia Thorne is one of the few people brave enough to travel through the empty lands of what remains of once great civilizations. She is a Rider: delivering messages betwen the Four Cities and setting up trade are her business, one that thrives only because she knows how to defend herself in the empty spaces called the wilds. Everything changes when Sylvia returns home to Meadowcity, carrying a message from the Governor of Skycity. She quickly finds out that what she’s been carrying isn’t some trifling correspondence—but a declaration of war from Governor Sorin Greyling. And the message isn't their only cause for concern... Join Sylvia as she embarks on a journey that will decide the fate of Meadow City—and all of those who live in the Four Cities of Arcera. And relive the past to discover what drove Sorin down his path of destruction...

She'll do anything to save her home from the war.But will Seascape's test of worth demand far more than she's willing to give?Though Meadowcity is besieged by Skycity's army, Sylvia manages to escape to seek help, from the only people who can the long-hidden city of Seascape.Can she convince them to interfere with a war between the four cities they hid from for so long?When their leader challenges Sylvia to a set of ancient tests, Sylvia accepts without understanding the possibility that there might be more to the people of Seascape than she realizes. Much more.Will she be able to master their strange technology and win favor before the army destroys her home?And what will become of the other cities while Sylvia searches for help?

The first of the Four Cities to fall under Governor Greyling’s terrible rule, Riftcity is finally fighting back, thanks to the help of Ember, Flint, and a reluctant Ven. Still struggling with his feelings for what happened in Lightcity, Ven’s reluctance might prove to be well-founded after Greyling hears of the rebel activity in Riftcity. Back home in Meadowcity, Sylvia and the Defenders are preparing for battle, fearing it to come any day. Out training in the wilds one day, Sylvia is taken by the Scouts. Unwilling to risk another tragedy like Lightcity, Meadowcity is unable to help her. In Seascape, Atlan Blackwater is battling with the biggest decision of his life. When he finds out about Sylvia’s abduction, he seeks help from his friends in Seascape—but can they get to Sylvia in time? With her instincts and his knowledge, can Sylvia and Atlan discover what it takes to mend the rift between cities?