by Traci Chee
First published 2018
Sefia and Archer hide in the forest after their narrow escape from the Guard. Archer battles memories of the impressors who tortured him, nightmares that strike every time he sleeps. When they discover impressors holding captive boys in the wilderness, Archer sees his chance for revenge. He begins hunting these cruel men across the kingdom of Deliene, freeing their prisoners with Sefia's help. Meanwhile, Sefia studies the mysterious Book, searching for answers about its secrets. Each fight feeds Archer's growing hunger for violence. The gentle boy Sefia loves transforms into something darker, pulled toward a warrior's brutal fate. Sefia uncovers connections between Archer's destiny and her parents' ancient betrayal of the Guard. She realizes the Guard plans to ignite a war between kingdoms that will consume the world. Sefia and Archer must find a way to break free from the path laid out for them before they become pawns in a conflict that threatens everything they care about.
Genres: adventure, fantasy, action, young-adult
Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: Deliene, Guard
Period: ancient
512 pages · Paperback · Speak
Content warnings: violence