After her harrowing journey west to California, Lee Westfall has finally found a new home-one rich in gold, thanks to her magical power, a power that seems to be changing every day. But this home is rich in other ways, too: with friends who are searching for a place to be themselves, just as she is, and with love. Jefferson-her longtime best friend-hasnt stopped trying to win her heart. And Lee is more and more tempted to say yes. But her uncle Hiram...

"After unearthing a conspiracy at court, Red Sparkle Stone, the foundling orphan Empress Elisa has taken under her wing, dares to become a recruit for the Royal Guard-something no woman has done before"--

"Hero. Foreigner. Queen. Elisa, at the age of seventeen, is all three. And all three draw enemies. Faced with assassins, court politics, and the threat of civil war, Elisa despairs of being the ruler her people need. Her only hope is the Godstone. She must master its power once and for all. She finds clues hidden in a long forgotten--and forbidden--scripture. Accompanied by a one-eyed warrior, an enemy defector, and the man she is falling in love...

Leah Westfall has traveled thousands of miles, from Georgia to the gold fields of California. It has been a journey of ever-present danger, hidden magic, harsh realities, loss, life, determination, and love. Yet through it all, Lee has found people to trust, true friends and fellow misfits who have been by her side no matter what. In the rich land of California, Lee is poised to have everything she ever dreamed of - a place to belong, a place to call...

When a mission for Lady Proxima goes horrible wrong, Han and Qi'ra team with a Rodian scrumrat named Tsulo to escape Lady Proxima's wrath as well as the dangerous Empire.