Darkest Abandon

The Network #11

by Katie Cross

Never underestimate the power of a thwarted witch.

Bianca Monroe should be celebrating—she’s just handfasted the love of her life, Merrick. But fate has other plans.

A summons from High Priestess Alina pulls Bianca to the Southern Network, where magicless witches are vanishing without a trace. To accept Alina’s plea for help means defying the Central Network Council. To refuse could cost innocent lives.

When Council Member Georgette escalates her attacks against the Sisterhood, Bianca has had enough. Stripping away the Council’s influence, she leads the Sisterhood into rebellion, setting them on a dangerous path that may cost them everything.

Meanwhile, her pursuit of the missing witches takes her to the Western Network, uncovering magic more ancient—and more perilous—than she ever imagined.

But Bianca is no stranger to loss. And this time, the battle is more personal than ever.

DARKEST ABANDON is the eleventh book in the thrilling YA fantasy collection The Network Series.

Genres: Fantasy

412 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 4, 2025

About the author

My world revolves around my husband (who is a major hottie), my precious kids, my Vizsla’s who act like children, and the mountains.

I wear hiking boots instead of heels when I need to feel powerful, and on a bad day, I love a weightlifting workout. Actually, I love it on a good day.

I don’t eat bread because my thyroid doesn’t like it, although there are days I miss it. Especially ciabatta. Sweet potatoes are kind of my thing. Cookies too.

I write because I never stopped.

Author of The Network Series, The Dragonmaster Trilogy, and The Coffee Shop Series.

Email me at kcrosswriting@gmail.com

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

So glad when I finished this book to find there are more coming. Bianca has a council member, Georgette, who is telling lies and fighting her at every turn. B is lucky to have 3 men in her life to keep her calm and give her strength. It is good to see her friends and how they have grown, her interaction with Scarlett and Alina. B is lucky to have Leda and the ability to talk thru teir minds. There is one serious problem that she handles but at what price? That is the ending of the book that makes you want the next one immediately—oh well—I will have to gnash my teeth in anticipation.

[G.S. Jennsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bianca Goes Rogue

Bianca has spent the last two books fighting for legitimacy for the Sisterhood, even as she was stymied at every turn by politics and power plays.

It’s a wonder she lasted at playing that game as long as she did (credit to Leda), but enough is enough. Now she’s doing what Bianca does best: going rogue. And it is awesome.

This book also has more swoon-worthy romantic moments than any other book in the series, and I was 100% here for them all.

[Joan Kani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. I won't spoil anything but I expect there will be another book after this. You cant leave us hanging.

[Dana Harding · Rating 5 out of 5]

awesome book. when the climax hits, it's hard to put down. The author has an extremely creative mind.