First published 2012
In the kingdom of Carthya, a nobleman devises a deadly competition, pitting four orphans against each other to determine who will impersonate the king's long-missing son. The winner will live in luxury, but the stakes are life or death. As the brutal trials unfold, the orphans must navigate shifting alliances, uncover dangerous secrets, and ultimately decide whether to play by the rules or risk everything. At the heart of this high-stakes game lies a young hero who must choose between self-preservation and the greater good.
Genres: fiction, adventure, fantasy, young-adult
Vibes: fast-paced, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: chosen-one, enemies-to-lovers
Setting: Carthya
368 pages · Paperback · Scholastic UK