Cormorant Run

Saintcrow (She-Wolf and Cub) dives into the psychologies of greed and survival in a flawed fantastical postapocalyptic adventure. For reasons still unknown, the Event took place, opening rifts filled with dangerous creatures and deadly phenomena. Governments quickly stepped in to explore, map, and exploit the rifts, despite understanding nothing about them. This gives rise to a small group of specialists called rifters who make their illegal livelihoods going where everyone else fears to tread. Eighty-six years after the Event, Svin is a rifter who was incarcerated with the worst of the worst in Guantánamo Bay. A corrupt government official offers her freedom in exchange for leading a select team of scientists and soldiers to the Cormorant, the holy grail of rifting. Guided by clues left by her now-deceased lover and mentor, Svin must keep these men safe, despite their conflicting loyalties. Saintcrow’s skill at intermingling moments of action, thoughtfulness, and outright horror ensures a thrilling lack of equilibrium. Unfortunately, the book is somewhat ponderous and occasionally dense, and multiple perspectives bring confusion rather than dimension. Agent: Miriam Kriss, Irene Goodman Literary. (June)