by Gina Chen
First published 2023
Violet makes her living spinning clever lies as the court prophet. She tells the nobles what they want to hear, not what fate actually holds. Prince Cyrus sees through her deceptions and plans to banish her once he takes the crown this summer. When the king orders Violet to create a fake prophecy about Cyrus finding love at the upcoming ball, her fabrication triggers an ancient curse. Now the kingdom's survival depends on which bride the prince chooses. Violet could manipulate the curse to secure her position at court, but she finds herself drawn to Cyrus despite their mutual hostility. Her sharp tongue serves her well in palace intrigue, but it cannot rewrite destiny. As hatred transforms into something deeper, Violet must decide whether to save herself or sacrifice everything for the kingdom and the prince she never meant to love.
Genres: fiction, romance, fantasy, young-adult
Vibes: atmospheric, emotional, suspenseful
Tropes: chosen-one, enemies-to-lovers
Setting: Kingdom
368 pages · Paperback · Ember