The Crystal Halo

If you're the Chosen One, who chose you? In the occupied continent of Fathom, hope has been carefully engineered. River is a bullied orphan cowherd-no noble blood, no hidden gift, no destiny of his own making. But when whispers of prophecy ripple through his village, a secretive guild of ageless Weavers begins grooming him to believe he is the long-awaited Chosen One, destined to overthrow a vulturous empire and restore balance to the land. What River doesn't know is that the prophecy is counterfeit. Desperate and weakened by a mysterious blight dulling their once-divine craft, the Weavers have scattered false scriptures across Fathom in a dangerous game of faith, rebellion, and control. When River is forced from his home and thrust into a wider world of migrant labor camps, ruined cities, and whispered resistance, the lies sustaining his identity begin to unravel. Then he meets Ember-fierce, proud, and hiding a destiny of her own. As love and rebellion collide beneath the shadow of an ancient crystal halo said to anoint the true savior of Fathom, River must confront an unbearable question: if salvation is built on manipulation, is it still worth pursuing? And if belief can shape history, who bears responsibility for its consequences? Set in a lush, non-European fantasy world inspired by Central American landscapes and history, The Crystal Halo is a sweeping, intimate epic that subverts the "Chosen One" myth, exploring power, exploitation, love, and the perilous seduction of destiny itself. Perfect for readers of N. K. Jemisin, Patrick Rothfuss, Kristin Cashore, Rae Carson, Ursula K. Le Guin, Robin McKinley, and Anne McCaffrey. Praise for Austin Aslan's acclaimed Penguin Random House debut, THE ISLANDS AT THE END OF THE WORLD, a Kirkus Reviews "Best science-fiction read of 2014" "Very much enjoyed it. ... The tension in the book was also particularly good. Kept pulling me back in..." - Patrick Rothfuss, Goodreads review. "Debut author Aslan shows off his promise as a writer...an exceptional adventure and survival story intimately tied to setting." - Publishers Weekly (Starred) "A suspenseful and engaging series opener made all the more distinctive through its careful realization of setting." - Kirkus Reviews (Starred) "Aslan's debut is a riveting tale of belonging, family, overcoming perceived limitations, and finding a home." - School Library Journal (Starred)