by June Hur
First published 2024
Seventeen-year-old Iseul's sheltered life shatters when King Yeonsan seizes her older sister Suyeon for his personal pleasure. The tyrant has terrorized Joseon for years, stealing land, burning books, and abusing women with absolute impunity. Iseul abandons her village's safety and travels through dangerous territory to reach the capital. She discovers the king's power runs deeper than she imagined. Any challenge to his rule means death. Prince Daehyun lives in terror of his half-brother the king. He watches Yeonsan execute innocents and prey on common people while feeling powerless to act. Daehyun burns to overthrow the tyrant but knows a failed coup means his life. He needs allies but cannot trust anyone in the palace. When Iseul and Daehyun meet, they despise each other almost as much as they hate the king. Yet Iseul's family connections and Daehyun's royal position create an opportunity. They form a reluctant partnership for the most dangerous gamble in the kingdom's history. Their mission has three goals: rescue Suyeon, liberate the people, and destroy the tyrant who has made their lives hell.
Genres: romance, historical-fiction, young-adult, political-thriller
Vibes: dark, emotional, fast-paced, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family, reluctant-allies
Setting: Joseon, Joseon Dynasty, Korea
Period: 17th century
359 pages · Hardcover · Feiwel & Friends
Content warnings: abuse, violence