First published 2024
Lore stands at Prince Bastian's side as he claims the throne of Dellaire. The corrupt King August lies dead, and she has risen from smuggler to royal advisor, her necromantic powers now serving the crown. Together they work to cleanse the rot from the sainted court and aid their people. But the nobles scheme against them, the Kyrithean Empire threatens their borders, and Lore's former allies turn away. Bastian himself transforms before her eyes. The hopeful, charming man she loves becomes reckless and cold, his warmth replaced by harsh command. A mysterious voice speaks to her in the darkness, revealing hidden truths about her abilities and suggesting buried secrets that could reshape everything. As Bastian's coronation approaches and enemies multiply on all sides, Lore must discover how to shield herself, her prince, and her kingdom before they collapse and the sinister force creeping through the catacombs breaks free.
Genres: fantasy, dark-fantasy, epic-fantasy, political-thriller
Vibes: intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: chosen-one, enemies-to-lovers, power-dynamics
Setting: Dellaire, Kyrithean Empire
Period: Coronation
464 pages · Hardcover · Orbit
Content warnings: death, violence