Part of Graceling Realm
First published 2021
Four years have passed since Queen Bitterblue's last adventure. A new continent called Torla has emerged to the east, and its closest nation to Monsea is Winterkeep. This remarkable democracy runs on cooperation rather than conflict. Citizens communicate with telepathic sea creatures, keep telepathic foxes as companions, and travel in balloon-powered airships. When Bitterblue's diplomatic envoys die under questionable circumstances in Winterkeep's waters, she travels there with Giddon and her half sister Hava to investigate. The mission turns dangerous when Bitterblue vanishes. Giddon believes she has perished, leaving him and Hava to uncover Winterkeep's hidden corruption. Meanwhile, teenage Lovisa Cavenda navigates the political divide between her parents, who belong to opposing governing factions. Her father represents the Scholars while her mother champions the Industrialists. Lovisa burns with restless energy and ambition. She holds the solution to the mystery, but only if she can piece together the truth before others do and only if she can break free from who she has always been.
Genres: science-fiction, adventure, fantasy, political-thriller
Vibes: atmospheric, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, political-intrigue, secrets
Setting: Monsea, Torla, Winterkeep
Period: 4 years after previous events
528 pages · Hardcover · Dial Books For Young Readers