L. Stoddard Hancock Books

Xander had known it was only a matter of time before his lies caught up to him. While awaiting his execution, ordered by President Saevus - the tyrant he once served - Xander finds solace in knowing Deryn has finally escaped Utopia.But Deryn won’t give up on Xander quite so easily. After manipulating her own brother into helping her, she and her new comrades devise a plan to free Xander. The plan is set in motion the morning of his execution, but when everything begins to unravel Deryn is left to wonder, is she strong enough to save the man she loves? In this exciting conclusion to the Cruel and Beautiful World trilogy, the war between Utopia and the Outsiders finally comes to a head. Bonds are broken, loyalties are tested, loved ones are torn apart and no one is safe. A new world is on the horizon and Deryn and Xander must risk everything they hold dear, destroying the cruel and beautiful world they live in once and for all.

As an escaped slave, Deryn Leon has relied heavily on the Guardian Xander Ruby since the day he took her in. But she is stronger now, and as her feelings for Xander deepen she realizes it's time for her to join the fight and protect him for once. Especially from the cruel President Saevus, whose trust in Xander has reached a dangerous point of no return.Meanwhile, the Resistance has found their way into Utopia with one goal in mind, to abduct Xander and find out what he really knows about Deryn's whereabouts.Caught up in this complicated web of deceit, Xander's secrets begin to unravel. It is only a matter of time before his true loyalty is revealed, and when it is the only person who will be able to save him from this cruel and beautiful world is the woman he is desperately trying to set free.Just two blackbirds flying home together.