Book excerpt: This stunning start to a fantasy series combines elements of dystopia, gothic literature, and poetry. When Monoria's institutionalized for burning her house down--with her family in it--she hopes this means that the voice in her mind isn't real. But a scientist informs her that she's infected with a parasite, an abomination originating from the mystic world. As part of the Secularists, an organization intent on eradicating anything mystical, the scientist promises to kill the parasite. Monoria allows him to run tests, but as his methods turn questionable, she realizes that he might not have her best interests at heart nor be telling her the whole truth. The parasite is dangerous, but it also might be her only ally. It warns her than the Secularists will do anything to achieve their goal, even harming anyone who gets in their way. As the scientist nears a cure, she must decide who to trust--the scientist determined to destroy mysticism or the parasite that threatens to consume her soul.