by Fran Wilde
First published 2016
Princess Lin rules a prosperous kingdom where Jewels and their Lapidary servants command singing gemstones that can move mountains and bend rivers. These magical stones have protected the Valley for generations, maintaining peace through their incredible power. Lin depends on her Lapidary Sima, who channels the gemstones' abilities at great personal cost. Raiders descend from the mountains, shattering the kingdom's tranquility. The Jeweled Court falls to betrayal. Lapidary servants across the realm break under the strain of wielding their stones against the attackers. Lin faces the collapse of everything she has known. As the last princess of the Valley, Lin must find courage she never knew she possessed. Sima confronts the most perilous gemstone in the kingdom, risking destruction to save their world. Together, they stand against forces that threaten to destroy their ancient way of life. Their bond will determine whether the Valley's magical civilization survives or crumbles forever.
Genres: fantasy, magical-realism, epic-fantasy, fantasy-romance
Vibes: atmospheric, emotional, thought-provoking
Tropes: chosen-one, found-family
Setting: Valley
89 pages · Paperback · Tordotcom