First published 2020
Malik arrives at the Solstasia festival in Ziran with his sisters, seeking refuge from war and a fresh start in the desert city. A vengeful spirit shatters his hopes by kidnapping his younger sister Nadia as payment for entry. The spirit offers a terrible bargain: kill Crown Princess Karina and win Nadia's freedom. Meanwhile, Karina faces her own crisis. Assassins murdered her mother the Sultana, leaving the court on the brink of rebellion. Consumed by grief, Karina plots to resurrect her mother using forbidden magic that requires a king's living heart. She announces a competition during Solstasia, promising her hand in marriage to the winner. Malik infiltrates the contest, bringing him face to face with his target. As the two circle each other, attraction blooms between them even as they prepare for murder. Ancient forces awaken around them, threatening to consume everything they hold dear.
Genres: romance, adventure, fantasy, young-adult
Vibes: atmospheric, emotional, suspenseful
Tropes: chosen-one, enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: Ziran, Solstasia
Period: Ancient
466 pages · Hardcover · Balzer + Bray
Content warnings: death, violence