Lifeblood/Blood Life

There are two sides to every story. The title of the book is either Lifeblood or Blood Life, depending on where you start.
Joshua and Marai join together to search for Marai's mother, who has been taken by a tribe of bloodthirsty warriors, bent upon bringing about the end of the world. Joshua loses his connective abilities, and the two of them struggle to understand what is real in a world split into mortal and spiritual planes. Their path leads them to a hopeless confrontation with true believers, granted spiritual powers through physical sacrifice.
Hugh Winters works for the President as Chief Judge. When the planet loses power, Hugh is sent out to investigate the cause, and perhaps confront otherworldly visitors. Hugh has the ability to take a life in exchange for an unjustly-taken life, and he enlists the help of two strange companions with criminal pasts to aid in his quest. Navigating worldwide destruction, he makes his way down to the last seen whereabouts of the visitors, only to confront forces he could never imagine.
Which story will you start with? The choice is yours.