The Tears of Elios:

Gregor Meritis has made the discovery of a lifetime—the last surviving member of a mythical race. And by not killing her on sight, he risks his own life by violating the kingdom’s strict laws. But that was just the beginning.Ranealya has spent a lifetime on the fringes of society, a member of a cursed race that has been hunted to near extinction. As much as Gregor’s probing questions vex her, she owes him her life, and she is honor-bound to repay her debt. When both of them are drawn into the quest to recover the legendary Tears of Elios, they discover a magic more powerful than either of them could imagine. But once Gregor unlocks their secrets, will he be able to use their power for good? Or will he let them fall into the hands of a tyrant who’s out to destroy all non-humans, including the shape-shifter who’s captured his heart?This extended edition contains a bonus epilogue. "I was blown away by the creative world Crista has compiled in her novels. It takes some new ideas about magic and mixes in old folklore and other more traditional ideas... it's definitely one that the young adult crowd would also be able to dive into." --Katie at I Smell Sheep "The first thing that came to mind upon finishing this book is 'Holy Crap! Is that it?!' I did not want this book to end." --Jess at Starcrossed Reviews