Rising (A State of the Union Novel #1) by Nelle Nikole

The Before doesn’t matter, only The After.

In a post-apocalyptic Earth ravaged by nuclear war, humanity struggles to survive amidst the aftermath of radiation that has altered their DNA. Amongst the survivors, elemental magic runs through their veins, while a select few have developed extraordinary powers.

Amaia is a fierce leader in The Compound, a powerful community in Monterey, California, that’s been fighting to defend its borders against a series of attacks from the undead. But when her partner is tragically killed in an explosion, Amaia is consumed by a burning desire for vengeance.

When a mysterious stranger appears at the gates of The Compound, the truth behind the undead attacks is revealed; Amaia, her most trusted friends, and the stranger must embark on a dangerous mission to another territory. Along the way, they must navigate treacherous obstacles and captivity, ultimately uncovering a sinister plot involving a common enemy and a shocking betrayal that will test everything they know about trust and loyalty.