Book excerpt: Enjoy Mountain and Ash, book two in Ena of Ilbrea, a new epic fantasy series by Young Adult author Megan O'Russell. The Guilds are not her only enemy. Ena has pledged herself to the Black Bloods’ cause, spending months saving children from the grips of the Sorcerers Guild. But freedom demands a steeper price. Following her heart has led Ena through danger and to a sanctuary she never dreamt existed. Surrounded by magic, a future free of blood and pain seem within her grasp. But hope and love have never been a part of her story. As danger haunts her home, a powerful force demands her aid in murder. Refusing will endanger everyone she cares for―taking an innocent life is more than her soul can bear. When death comes for Ena, will she lose her heart or her life? *** Ena of Ilbrea is a YA epic fantasy complete with a swoon-worthy paranormal romance. The four-book (and a novella) series follows Ena Ryeland―a powerful young woman made an orphan by the all-powerful, oppressive Guilds―as she transitions from illegal healer to deadly assassin. This series features sibling rivalry, lgbtq+ characters, sorcery, elemental magic, class differences, and soul-rending love. *** Mountain and Ash is perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo, Sarah J. Maas, Jennifer L. Armentrout, Elise Kova, Kay L Moody, Sarah M. Cradit, W. J. May, Laini Taylor, Sara C. Roethle, Bridget E. Baker, and Jennifer Anne Davis.