Evil's shadow is rising... A thousand years of waiting are about to end. Emperor Abaddon's generals believe they have finally discovered the way to resurrect him, using a woman who may be powerful enough in saca to bring life to him again and lead them to victory. But first they need to test Keely Staghorn to see if she can be the prophesied Matra. Keely's brothers are trying to rescue her from that fate. Gera and Dax rush to help her escape the generals' clutches before she is locked behind the gates of the Sacara Institute, but that nearly impossible task has suddenly become even more difficult. While Gera comes to grips with his new responsibilities as one of the legendary Draig D'Alikar, warriors chosen by the dragon bone weapons they wield, he must try to find a way to help his sister as war begins stirring around him. Dax's path is no easier. He has found Keely and helps her to escape, but demons of his own making are striving to destroy the siblings' hopes, and with them the world's last chance for peace. Black Shadow Rising is the second book in the A Tale of Bone and Steel series, an epic adventure filled with unforgettable characters, gritty action, and the future of the world hanging in the balance.