Early Reviewers

Call her Earth, or call her Gaia, years from now, our planet is almost uninhabitable as a result of worldwide environmental chaos and war.

In the middle of the ocean, two small, conjoined islands still thrive and serve as home to a unique population of survivors, the Wiconi. These peaceful, agrarian-based islanders have genetically evolved affinities that allow them to influence earth, water, air, and fire, talents they use to protect and aid the Earth Mother. They are her Guardians.

When three Terran ships from the dying, outer “civilized” world land on the Wiconi islands, cultures collide. The newcomers, with their advanced technologies and cultural arrogance, subjugate the peaceful islanders and build industries that quickly threaten the natural balance and sustainability of the islands. The Wiconi call the Terrans “Gila,” after the venomous Gila monster, and begin resisting their destructive practices. In response, the Terrans put a bounty on the Wiconi people and hunt them like animals.

Calix lost his parents, his memory, and the ability to speak all on the same day. Bounty hunters. An elderly Terran widow takes him in and hides his Wiconi roots from the Terran authorities.

She helps him learn about his Wiconi heritage and his Earth affinity. He also learns that each of the elemental affinities has its own catalyst flower that must be ingested for energy to flow: the windflower for Air, water lilies for Water, red roses for Fire, and the common dandelion for Earth.

Calix trains with other Wiconi youths, including Brooke, his best friend, to become full-fledged Guardians—and to wage war on behalf of Gaia.