by Holly Black
First published 2024
Prince Oak sits trapped in the frozen northern territories, bound to serve a monstrous queen who holds his fate. His betrayal has cost him everything, including his freedom and the trust of those he loves most. High King Cardan and High Queen Jude will stop at nothing to bring their stolen heir home, but Oak faces an agonizing choice. He can try to win back Wren, the girl he has always loved, or he can stay true to Elfhame by delivering the weapon that could destroy her reign. The problem is that destroying her reign might mean destroying Wren herself. War approaches from multiple directions while treachery spreads through every alliance. Oak's clever words and quick thinking have saved him before, but now no amount of cunning can protect everyone he cares about. Someone will pay the ultimate price, and Oak must decide who lives and who dies.
Genres: fiction, romance, fantasy, young-adult
Vibes: atmospheric, emotional, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: Elfhame, Northern Territories
356 pages · Hardcover · Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Content warnings: violence