';I love the magic Lucier weaves through this dark yet hopeful tale. I devoured it in one sitting!' --Kristin Cashore, author of the New York Times bestselling Graceling Realm books A beautifully crafted novel containing everything I love in an epic fantasy: complex characters and relationships, excellent world building, and a compelling story full of twists and turns. --Juliet Marillier, author of the Blackthorn & Grim and Warrior Bards seriesA rich and captivating YA standalone fantasy thats perfect for fans of Brigid Kemmerer, Rachel Hartman, and Naomi Novik,from the writer whose stories have been called ';brilliant' (Booklist), ';masterful' (Horn Book), and ';breathtaking' (School Library Journal), comes a captivating new standalone fantasy.In the aftermath of a devastating plague, a young lord is determined to discover the truth behind a mysterious attempt to assassinate the young queen.