The only way for Khya to get her brother back alive is to kill Varan―the immortal ruler who can’t be killed. But not even Varan knew what he was doing when he perverted magic and humanity to become immortal. Khya’s leading her group of friends and rebels into the mountains that hold Varan’s secrets, but if risking all their lives is going to be worth it, she has to give up everything else―breaking the spell that holds her brother captive and jeopardizing her deepening relationship with Tessen, the boy who has been by turns her rival and refuge since her brother disappeared. Immortality itself might be her only answer, but if that’s where Khya has to go, she can’t ask Tessen or her friends to follow. The Ryogan Chronicles are best enjoyed in order. Reading Order: Book #1 Island of Exiles Book #2 Sea of Strangers Book #3 War of Storms "This rare gem of a book has a lot to offer readers, including magic, action, and intrigue on the edge of a knife." ― Kirkus Reviews, starred review of Island of Exiles "Harrowing and heartfelt…Crackles with harsh magic and gripping suspense." ― A.R. Kahler, author of The Immortal Circus series, on Island of Exiles After a lifelong obsession with books, Erica Cameron spent her college years getting credit for reading and learning how to make stories of her own. Erica graduated with a double major in psychology and creative writing from Florida State University. She’s worked as a dance instructor, research assistant, pointe shoe fitter, pizza delivery girl, editorial assistant at a yachting magazine, bookseller, and English literature teacher at a residential rehabilitation center for teens. Now, she’s the author of several series for young adults including The Ryogan Chronicles, the Assassins duology, and the upcoming Pax Novis trilogy. Additionally, Erica works for Barnes & Noble and is an advocate for asexuality and emotional abuse awareness. She currently lives in South Florida. You can learn more about Erica and her books by visiting ByEricaCameron.com. Sea of Strangers The Ryogan Chronicles By Erica Cameron, Kate Brauning Entangled Publishing, LLC Copyright © 2017 Erica Cameron All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-1-63375-828-5 CHAPTER 1 The ship rocks violently, wind and rain lashing the deck. Tessen and I grab the rope stretched along the center of the deck to keep from sliding to the edge and over. Straight into the dark, angry ocean. Lightning streaks across the sky, making the three red sails glow as if on fire. For an instant, the world is thrown into stark relief. The wave cresting several feet above the ship. The Ryogan crew fighting through wind and rain to keep us upright. The purple-black storm clouds obscuring almost the entire sky. Almost. It's been impossibly long since this storm started chasing us. Maybe five days and nights of the twelve or so since we fled Shiara; it's hard to tell without being able to see the sky. Our first sign of hope is what Tessen spotted through the small window of our room on the lower deck. It could save us, get us out of the gale winds and the drenching rain, but only if we can find Osshi or the ship's commander before the storm cracks the vessel in half and drowns us all. Tessen and I haul ourselves along the deck, scanning for Osshi and Taikan-yi Kazu. The rain is too thick. Without the flash of lightning, I can barely see the rope in my hands. Hopefully, Tessen's vision isn't as hobbled by the storm as mine. Someone is shouting; the words are lost in the wind, drowned in the crash of a wave slamming into the ship and washing over the deck. A hand grabs my elbow. The unexpected touch sends an unpleasant shock up my arm. I don't dare shake it off, not without risking my balance. "Get below, Khya!" Osshi's small eyes are wide, but his square jaw is set and determined. "You can do nothing here. Go!" "Look! There!" With the hand not gripping the rope, I point to the horizon, to the thin strip of bright blue. It's almost invisible at this distance. His gaze follows my finger, squinting into the driving rain. "Thank the Kaisubeh." He sags with relief, but the drop of his shoulders only lasts a heartbeat. We've still got to make it there. He pushes me toward the lower deck. "Go! I'll tell Kazu if he doesn't already know." There's little chance he knows. Taikan-yi Kazu, the commanding officer, is probably too busy steering the ship through the massive waves and making sure the storm doesn't overturn us. I'll be shocked if any of the crew have noticed the tiny strip of sky yet. Tessen only did because he's a basaku, and his senses are far stronger and more discerning than anyone else's. Tessen tugs on my wrist, pulling me toward the safety of the lower deck. And he's right; there's nothing else we can do here. I follow him, holding the rope tight. The rough fibers scratch my palms. I grip harder. That abrasion means I'm attached to the deck. Not even my magic will save me if I fall into the ocean. I can't swim. T