by Alex Aster
First published 2026
Isla Crown stands in Grim's castle on Nightshade, her world shattered by battle and brutal revelations. Her heart splits between two versions of herself. The past Isla loved the ruler of Nightshade but now considers those feelings treason. The present Isla has witnessed the destruction her powers can unleash and will sacrifice anything to protect Lightlark and its king. She desperately seeks to understand the oracle's final prophecy before her fate becomes sealed. A storm approaches, bringing with it an ancient evil that surpasses any threat the realms have known. The boundaries between ally and enemy blur as two kingdoms teeter on the brink of war. Time runs short for Isla to decode her destiny. Her fractured heart holds the key to salvation or annihilation. She must choose between saving the world and destroying it completely.
Genres: fantasy, young-adult, young-adult-fantasy, fantasy-romance
Vibes: atmospheric, emotional, suspenseful
Tropes: chosen-one, enemies-to-lovers
Setting: Nightshade, Lightlark
400 pages · Hardcover · Harry N. Abrams
Content warnings: violence