Tainted Realm, book 1: Vengeance
Ian Irvine2010

Twelve years ago, two children witnessed a murder that still haunts them as adults.

Tali watched as they killed her mother and now, she has sworn revenge. Even though she is a slave. Even though she is powerless. Even though she is nothing in the eyes of those who live above ground, she will find her mother's killers and bring them to justice.

Rix watched as his parents murdered a woman for reasons he still doesn't understand. Haunted by this scene, wracked by guilt, he must find a way to live with his family's dark secret.

When a chance meeting brings the two together, everything starts to come undone. The secrets of an entire kingdom are uncovered and a villain out of legend returns to throw the realm into chaos. Tali and Rix must learn to trust each other and find a way to save the realm-- and themselves.