Tumbas, The

Synopsis: Rett is selected to be the next tumba master, if she bonds with her herd and the tumbas accept her. The feral ancestors crash in through the dome, killing her teacher and her new hatchlings. Rett, the tumbas and their whole world teeter in peril.

Extract:

Rett knelt to the ground. Her lips brushed against blushing earth. The sun radiated up warmer than it fell from the heavens, the newly darkened earth reforming the frail rays into glory. She reveled in the tumbas’ sacred gift, inhaling the heat with care to avoid choking on redeemed dust. “Oh ever thanks, glorious tumbas.” She hoped they would accept her; that the long journey was not for naught.