Secret treasures and otherworldly dangers await a band of adventurers in the second book of this fantasy series set within the Arcane Ascension universe.

After the Tortoise Spire climb claims three members of Team Guiding Star Legacy, surviving combat experts Nieve and Hane--teammates by chance if not by choice--cope with their losses by joining another delving group to ascend Tiger Spire. Allied with bickering siblings Rose and Mason, an Architect and a Transmuter, and the Biomancer Lief, they're led by Odette, an Analyst, who has meticulously studied the spire's scenarios to locate the mythical Vault of Shadows and claim its priceless treasures.

Their quest takes them aboard a train transporting rare cargo, but their mission is vague. Odette believes they're either supposed to protect the cargo or capture someone. As the team splits into factions to solve the mystery, they encounter the notorious thief known as the Magpie. Sa'rhi Nereux is a Controller, commanding powerful minions to help them steal a creature capable of granting life or death with a single bite.

Even if the adventurers are victorious, greater threats await them within the spire if they're to unearth the Vault of Shadows. Nieve, still grieving her lost companions, wants to befriend her new team to face these threats together. But Hane prefers distance, even from Nieve, leaving her to bond instead with a being of unimaginable power . . .

Praise for Crystal Awakening

"Nicol's fantasy novel offers a promising start to a new spinoff series, set in former role-playing game designer Rowe's popular Arcane Ascension world. . . . Surprising elements and shocking twists [lead] to a harrowing final life-and-death battle and [set] up an intriguing premise for a continuing series. . . . Fans of anime, RPGs, and the authors' previous work will be eager to follow Guiding Star Legacy's further adventures." --Kirkus Reviews