The Katalonan Chronicles Series

Beliza never knew who her parents were, or what being cared for felt like. For twelve years, she endured neglect, hunger and hostility from her caretakers and the villagers. Threatened with exorcism, she leaves despite having nowhere to go and nothing to her name. At the edge of the woods, she encounters a mysterious woman they call the Chief Katalonan, who entices her to find answers to the mysterious experiences in her life. Together with eight other kids, Beliza finds herself in a Katalonan training camp to learn about the intertwined ethereal and corporeal worlds, Hiwagaan and Sansinukob. Here she finds that as a Katalonan, a conduit between the gods, elementals, and humans, she faces the daily choice of keeping the balance between the two worlds. And for someone who had nothing, she can now wield the power over light and dark. Beliza finds a father figure in her elemental guide, Tamauro, and learns how to battle dangerous, dark entities, as well as her own childhood traumas. Soon, she and her friends must face unknown adversaries sent by Sitan, the lord of darkness. Are they prepared for the cost this war will exact from them? A life and friendship.

Stunned by the death of their chief, Beliza and the remaining members of the Council must take care of their communities while hunting for the traitorous former council member, Tadjana. Treated as the interim leader, Beliza has to take on the responsibility despite her lack of experience. While her instincts are beset with premonitions of impending doom, Beliza is comforted by the presence of their powerful elemental guides. After a sudden attack wreaks havoc in their community and hobbles the elemental guides, the council's coalition is in danger of fracturing. Soon, Beliza and her friends face decisions they have no idea how to make, and evil entities they weren’t trained to fight against. A riveting fantasy adventure set in a world inspired by Filipino folklore and mythology, THE LAIR OF SHADOWS AND LIGHT is the second book in The Katalonan Chronicles series by Oz Mari G. and S.J. Powell.