First published 2016
Kestrel sits trapped in a brutal work camp far to the north, struggling not to lose herself as the empire holds her prisoner. Meanwhile, Arin leads his people into war with the Eastern territories as his allies against the imperial forces. He believes he has pushed away all thoughts of Kestrel, convinced she chose the empire over innocent lives and over him. The conflict spreads across the continent as East battles West. Kestrel must find a way to break free before the camp destroys her completely. Arin discovers his role in the wider war brings unexpected challenges and revelations. Both face terrible truths about the world around them as the fighting intensifies. Separated by geography and misunderstanding, they navigate their new positions in a conflict that reshapes everything they know. The war forces each to confront who they really are and what they truly value as the fate of nations hangs in the balance.
Genres: romance, historical-fiction, fantasy, young-adult
Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: East, West
Period: Conflict
336 pages · ebook · Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
Content warnings: violence