by Renée Ahdieh
First published 2017
Mariko's future is set in stone—a political marriage to elevate her family's status. But on her way to the imperial city, she narrowly escapes a deadly ambush. Disguised as a peasant boy, Mariko infiltrates the Black Clan, the rebel group behind the attack. There, she meets their charismatic leader and his loyal second-in-command. As Mariko grows closer to the Black Clan, she uncovers a web of secrets, betrayal, and murder that will force her to question everything.
Genres: romance, historical-fiction, adventure, fantasy, action
Vibes: intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, found-family
Setting: Japan
448 pages · Paperback · Nancy Paulsen Books