by Sabaa Tahir
First published 2017
Laia lives in the Scholar ghetto when Empire soldiers arrest her brother for treason. To rescue him, she agrees to spy at Blackcliff Military Academy, where future commanders train under brutal conditions. There she encounters Elias, a reluctant soldier who dreams of deserting despite his exceptional skills. As Laia gathers intelligence while working as a slave, Elias faces the Trials that will determine the next Emperor. Both risk everything they hold dear. The Commandant who runs Blackcliff shows no mercy to those who fail her expectations. Laia must choose between her brother's life and her own survival. Elias must decide whether duty or conscience will guide his actions. Their paths cross in ways that could destroy them both or offer the only hope either has for freedom.
Genres: romance, military-fiction, adventure, fantasy, action, young-adult
Vibes: dark, emotional, fast-paced, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family, reluctant-hero
Setting: Blackcliff Military Academy, Scholar Ghetto
Period: Empire
350 pages · Penguin Random House Grupo Editorial
Content warnings: abuse, violence