by Ava Reid
First published 2026
Lady Agnes has not spoken for seven years, but silence serves her purpose. Her noble house fell when conquerors destroyed the island's necromantic lords and burned their libraries of death magic. Now only Agnes and her beautiful cousin Marozia remain of the House of Teeth. Agnes carries secret orders: recover the forbidden knowledge, restore her family's honor, and arrange Marozia's marriage to Prince Liuprand, the conqueror's golden heir. The betrothal will grant access to the prince's castle library where the stolen secrets lie hidden. Agnes plans methodically for revenge, but Liuprand himself disrupts everything. The prince awakens feelings she cannot control or silence. Her mission demands cold calculation, yet her heart pulls toward the very man she should destroy. Agnes faces an impossible choice between the vengeance her family demands and the love that could shatter what remains of the kingdom.
Genres: romance, historical-fiction, fantasy, dark-fantasy
Vibes: atmospheric, emotional, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, impossible-choice
Setting: House of Teeth, Prince's Castle
Period: Conquerors' Reign
560 pages · Hardcover · Del Rey
Content warnings: violence