Canyon of Crystal

Canyon of Crystal is the second book in Kiersten Michele and A.J. Cerna's YA epic fantasy series The Mage War Chronicles, continuing directly from City of Mages. Having escaped the Haven, Alara and a small band of fugitives flee through hostile territory, hunted by councilguards, as the rebellion they helped ignite pushes Sombria toward open civil war between those with magic and those without.

Told across multiple points of view, the book follows Alara weighing whether to fight the allies she once trusted, and Quenti, who takes up arms against the Council despite aligning herself with people she used to despise. The story introduces Mena and Beno, mind-walking twins, as the group's circle widens even as the losses of the rebellion weigh on them.

Readers and reviewers have compared the series to Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Lunar Chronicles, and Shadow and Bone for its elemental magic system, diverse cast, and political stakes.