The second installment in the Thornforged Chronicles, Scars of the Unbound by Miranda Howman, takes place in a world where alchemy is the dominant form of magic. Access to alchemical components is tightly controlled and ruthlessly exploited by the region’s dominant power, The Gilded Empire.

At the center of the story is Elora, a young woman who has recently escaped a life of captivity, experimentation, and abuse as a ward of The Institute, an Imperial training facility for alchemists and enchanters. Navigating a dangerous and unfamiliar world, Elora attempts to make her way to the distant city of Kilfaire. There she hopes to rendezvous with her mentor and secure safe passage out of Imperial territory.