TO STEAL A THRONE

A 17-year-old fights for her place in a world of magic and lies.

Remira Kyler has lived in the Republic of Virdei since her mother died when she was 10. Loyal to her half brother, Luc, the Praeceptor of Virdei, Mira helps him influence the Honorate, an advisory council, to steer decisions in favor of him—and, secretly, Ophera, the neighboring nation she’s from. Scorned by the citizens of Virdei, she’s determined to aid her homeland in the face of deep prejudice. As an aikkari, Mira is gifted with the ability to “alter a person’s perception of the truth—their memories.” Lies fuel her magic, and her power should lead to her military conscription—but she hides her identity while moonlighting as the Shadow Queen, a mysterious figure who blackmails Virdei’s elite. Mira is determined to secure Luc’s rule beyond what should be a single five-year term. That plan unravels when enigmatic newcomer Kaidren Vale sabotages a critical Honorate vote and challenges Luc for the title of Praeceptor. The rivals must face off in the brutal Tournament of Thrones. Although she’s determined to help Luc win, Mira becomes increasingly disillusioned with him and dangerously drawn to Kaidren even as politics, scandals, and lies push Virdei to the brink. Fast-paced and compulsively readable, Burton’s latest, set in a world populated by Black characters, expertly combines strong worldbuilding with political intrigue. Mira and Kaidren are unpredictable and compelling, richly layered leads driven by ambition and conflicting desires.

Atmospheric and sharply rendered.