Following her sister’s suspicious death, a girl vows to uncover the truth and avenge her.
Indira Harrak is shocked to learn that her older sister, Rowenna, the crown princess, has died under mysterious circumstances while serving as a captive bride in the kingdom of Vanzador. Plagued by Marauders, the kingdom of Tashir was forced into a harsh treaty with Vanzador that included tributes of bagrava, the sacred plant that keeps Tashir fertile and can only be cultivated by master gardeners like Indira. The treaty also required a Tashiri princess as a bride. In return, the Vanzadorian king created a mountain range to keep invaders out of Tashir. To protect her people, Indira must now marry her sister’s widower—and possible murderer—Prince Alaric. When she arrives at Vanzador’s mountain Fortress, nothing matches the terrible descriptions in Ro’s letters. Indira is convinced that the differences are a clue to something her sister wanted her to know. She also uncovers the reason for the Vanzadorians’ endless demand for bagrava. As Indira navigates the Fortress, intriguing characters lead her toward the truth—and attraction sparks between her and Alaric. The deeper she ventures into Vanzador’s mysteries, the more Indira questions how well she knew Ro and what secrets her new home may be hiding. Thorley skillfully blends political intrigue, romance, magic, and mystery into a story filled with betrayals and shocking reveals that build toward a thrilling conclusion. All main characters are light-skinned.
A page-turner that’s filled with twists and turns.
(Fantasy. 14-18)