<p>Set in a not-too-distant future where dragon wars have reshaped society, the battle between the dragon resistance and government forces escalates in Joshua McCune's thrilling and heart-pounding sequel to<em>Talker 25</em>, which <em>The Horn Book</em> praised as &quot;absolutely gripping and absolutely horrifying.&quot;</p><p>Finally free after spending three months locked in a secret government facility, where she was forced to torture and assassinate dragons for the popular television series<em>Kissing Dragons</em>, all Melissa Callahan wants is a quiet recovery. Hiding in an Alaskan cave with fellow escapee Allie (known as Talker 21), Melissa does her best to stay out of the dragon politics. However, when a group of rebels called the Diocletians discovers their hideout and captures Allie, Melissa realizes she must finally choose who she's fighting for—the humans or the dragons. Joshua McCune once again keeps readers on the edge of their seats in this gritty and masterful reimagining of popular dragon fantasy set in a militant future, reminiscent of Paolo Bacigalupi's <em>Ship Breaker</em> and Ann Aguirre's<em>Outpost</em></p>