by Paula Quinn
First published 2021
Commander Caleb Desai leads the Warriors in drought-stricken Predaria. He seeks three things: to restore God and rain to his barren homeland, and to punish the usurper king who destroyed his country. When the new king slips away, Caleb seizes the man's daughter instead. Princess Willomenia Odarre must now cross the deadly Plains of Predaria with her captor. She knows nothing of Catchers, fires, or the scorching sun that rules this wasteland. Caleb sees her as pampered and foolish. Willow views him as a savage. The journey strips away their assumptions. When Caleb trades all her belongings for water to help his village, Willow glimpses his true nature. He serves Yahweh, trades with skill, and dreams of healing the poisoned earth. As Willow learns to survive in this dying world, she discovers her own hidden strength. But Caleb harbors secrets about his identity, and the princess will face the full horror of what her father has done to his people.
Genres: romance, historical-fiction, adventure, fantasy
Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, fish-out-of-water
Setting: Predaria, Plains of Predaria
Period: Drought
356 pages · Paperback · Independently published