Book excerpt: Ruthlessness comes with a price. The Scorpion Raiders are a ruthless clan, traveling through the jungle and raiding villages and caravans. As the only child of their leader, Claire has lived a safe, comfortable life tucked away from their violence. Her one desire is to join her father, but he refuses to allow it. Her safe life has one major perk—her best friend, Gavin. But just when their friendship builds into something deeper, Claire finally gets the chance she's been waiting for—a chance to join the Scorpion Raiders and win her father's affection. Will she choose love with Gavin, or will she choose the quality her father treasures above all others—ruthlessness? This is a standalone story in the Luminous Lands series, and it features characters from the novel The Scorpion's Lullaby. additional keywords: high fantasy, jungle, scorpions, dragons, thieves, weapons, French, goddess, warriors, strong girl protagonist