Cruel and Beautiful World Series by L. Stoddard Hancock

After an ancient war that left the outside air toxic, the shielded city of Utopia is the only safe place left in the world. Or so its citizens are taught to believe. Many dismiss the lies fed to them by a familial line of crooked presidents and choose to live outside the city's walls. But when a new president takes control, he wages a war on these Outsiders, and their leader's daughter Deryn Leon is caught in the crossfire. Five years later Deryn is a slave... moreAfter an ancient war that left the outside air toxic, the shielded city of Utopia is the only safe place left in the world. Or so its citizens are taught to believe. Many dismiss the lies fed to them by a familial line of crooked presidents and choose to live outside the city's walls. But when a new president takes control, he wages a war on these Outsiders, and their leader's daughter Deryn Leon is caught in the crossfire. Five years later Deryn is a slave. Beaten and starved, she has little will to go on. But when a chance encounter leaves her with a means for escape, the forgotten fire inside of her ignites once more and she takes the opportunity with one swipe of a knife to her owner's throat. But escaping Utopia isn't easy. While hiding in plain site, Deryn is discovered by Xander Ruby, the Utopian Guardian inadvertently responsible for her capture in the first place. Xander, who is guilt-stricken by everything he has done as a Guardian, wants nothing more than to get Deryn home. He takes her in and they soon form a powerful bond that will not be broken, even when the reality of this cruel and beautiful world threatens to tear them apart. less

As an escaped slave, Deryn Leon has relied heavily on the Guardian Xander Ruby since the day he took her in. But she is stronger now, and as her feelings for Xander deepen she realizes it's time for her to join the fight and protect him for once. Especially from the cruel President Saevus, whose trust in Xander has reached a dangerous point of no return... moreAs an escaped slave, Deryn Leon has relied heavily on the Guardian Xander Ruby since the day he took her in. But she is stronger now, and as her feelings for Xander deepen she realizes it's time for her to join the fight and protect him for once. Especially from the cruel President Saevus, whose trust in Xander has reached a dangerous point of no return. Meanwhile, the Resistance has found their way into Utopia with one goal in mind, to abduct Xander and find out what he really knows about Deryn's whereabouts. Caught up in this complicated web of deceit, Xander's secrets begin to unravel. It is only a matter of time before his true loyalty is revealed, and when it is the only person who will be able to save him from this cruel and beautiful world is the woman he is desperately trying to set free. Just two blackbirds flying home together. less