First published 2018
Theodosia watches her mother die when enemy forces invade her kingdom. She is six years old. The Kaiser kills the Fire Queen and claims the throne. He keeps Theodosia alive as the Ash Princess, a captive in her own palace. For ten years she endures abuse from the Kaiser and his court. She buries her true self to survive. The Kaiser forces her people into slavery while he strips their land bare. One night he makes Theodosia do something that stains her hands with blood. She realizes survival is not enough anymore. She still has her mind, and she knows power can be won without battles. The Ash Princess decides her captivity will end. Her people have suffered long enough under the Kaiser's rule. She will reclaim what was stolen from her.
Genres: historical-fiction, adventure, fantasy, young-adult
Vibes: dark, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: chosen-one, enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: Kingdom, Palace
Period: 10 Years
448 pages · Hardcover · Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Content warnings: abuse, slavery, violence