The Natural Order Series by R.J. Vickers

There is an alternate cover edition for this ISBN here.Tristan Fairholm is one of 15 juvenile delinquents selected to learn magic…for a purpose that is kept secret from them. When they at last learn that the magic they have harvested causes death and ruin in a bid to keep the world from collapse, they must make a choice: do they fight it? Or do they use it?

Just before Tristan returns for his second year at the Lair, he wakes to the smell of smoke. His house is on fire, and he suspects Darla Merridy is involved. His professors think otherwise. Accused once again of arson, Tristan is certain someone is targeting their school. For some reason, groups of mountaineers have suddenly begun leading tours through their valley—in the dead of winter. And Zeke’s home mysteriously disappeared in a mudslide over the summer. But no one listens to him... moreJust before Tristan returns for his second year at the Lair, he wakes to the smell of smoke. His house is on fire, and he suspects Darla Merridy is involved. His professors think otherwise. Accused once again of arson, Tristan is certain someone is targeting their school. For some reason, groups of mountaineers have suddenly begun leading tours through their valley—in the dead of winter. And Zeke’s home mysteriously disappeared in a mudslide over the summer. But no one listens to him. Meanwhile, classes have begun, and this time Tristan and Amber are learning to use the Map Room themselves. Amidst a flurry of arguments and anger, the students are forced to reconcile themselves with the school’s dark purpose. Yet something is lurking in the forest nearby, and it won’t stay hidden forever. As the future heads of the school, Tristan and Amber have to make a choice. Should they leave the school vulnerable? Or should they take control of the Map Room and cause a bit of havoc of their own? less

The end is near... After narrowly escaping Ilana's dangerous school, Tristan is reunited with his friends once again. But though Ilana is gone, the deadly enchantment she left behind is powerful enough to bring the world to ruin. Time is running short as Tristan and his friends fight to contain the destructive magic. And this time, there's nowhere to hide.