First published 2026
Bryn Ruelle enters the Long Night as an untested Firstborn soldier. In her dystopian world, eldest children become warriors, second children become scholars, and third children vanish. Tonight she must claim her first life or face exile from everything she knows. Success means defending her nation's borders against magic users from neighboring lands. But as dawn approaches, Bryn uncovers a conspiracy targeting the Lastborn children. Her youngest sister may be in mortal danger. Bryn cannot tell if the threat is genuine or designed to sabotage her trial. Her investigation forces her to partner with an enemy born of traitors. Working alongside him awakens feelings she refuses to acknowledge. The partnership tests every loyalty she holds dear. Bryn must decide between protecting her country or saving her family. She must choose between her siblings and her own survival.
Genres: dystopia, romance, adventure, fantasy, action, young-adult
Vibes: dark, emotional, fast-paced, gritty, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: chosen-one, enemies-to-lovers, family-secrets, forbidden-romance, loyalty-conflict
Setting: The Long Night
464 pages · Hardcover · Stonefruit Studio
Content warnings: death, violence