The Cradle of Ice

The motley crew that gathered together in The Starless Crown travels to opposite ends of a far-future, post-apocalyptic Earth in their pursuit of long-buried ancient machines that will prevent the coming crash of Moonfall by kicking off a smaller disaster in its place. Nyx and her pirate crew travel to the frozen wastes on the dark side of the world to learn that the empty lands are populated with humans and other creatures who have preserved ancient talents that may save their quest—or doom it. Meanwhile, the exiled prince and his scientific companions pursue hidden knowledge in the dark heart of one empire while another sends armies after both parties in pursuit of a revenge that will only bring destruction. Readers will want to continue their journey with Nyx and her companions, but as the middle story in a huge epic that blends the science fiction of a tidally locked planet with elements of fantasy and magic, this is a long walk through very dark places that will not be resolved until a later book in the series.