First published 2026
Claire survives by stealing in the kingdom of Florent, where monthly solar events called Ignitions transform ordinary people into dragon shifters. The curse took her father and destroyed her town. She tracks down Abel, a dragon slayer expelled from the prestigious Slayers Guild for forbidden research. Claire believes his unorthodox methods might reverse her transformation. She approaches him with lies, offering payment for his services. Abel needs money despite his distrust of criminals. He agrees to work with the charming thief. Their partnership sends them across Florent, where they uncover secrets that could bring them forgiveness and survival. The dangerous knowledge they discover threatens to destroy what matters most: the bond growing between them.
Genres: romance, adventure, fantasy, dark-fantasy, fantasy-romance
Vibes: dark, emotional, fast-paced, intimate, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, forced-proximity, found-family, slow-burn
Setting: Florent, Slayers Guild
416 pages · Hardcover · Knopf Books for Young Readers
Content warnings: death, violence