First published 2024
Queen Charis Willowthorn has lost everything. Rakuuna invaders control her kingdom of Calera while she flees across the open sea. Her allies refuse to help. Her enemies hunt her relentlessly. Only one path remains: she must work with Tal Penbyrn, the boy who betrayed her trust and her heart. Tal sits trapped in a Rakuuna castle, drowning in guilt over his past betrayal of Charis. He knows he can shift the war in her favor, but first he must earn back her trust. Meanwhile, the Rakuuna have found their own ally, someone who tracks Charis's every step and wants her dead. Enemies close in from all sides. Every friendship becomes suspect. Charis must become more ruthless and cunning than those who hunt her. She fights not just to reclaim her throne, but to secure any future at all. The question remains whether she can trust Tal again, or if opening her heart will destroy everything she's sacrificing to save.
Genres: romance, adventure, fantasy, action
Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family, second-chance
Setting: Calera, Rakuuna
400 pages · ebook · Balzer & Bray/Harperteen