When a fatal attack strikes at Elend’s post guarding the Realm of Life, he abandons those he loves. In denial and desperate, he clings to the first path to vengeance he's offered, one that will take him far from home. 

That path twists when he discovers the villains he hated were victims instead. True threats looming to destroy his people and the world’s peace emerge. Now Elend must fight to save the very one he sought to kill - and those like her before more of his people are slaughtered. 

Can he face himself and find the courage he needs to succeed where once he failed?