an unmissable debut from a major new voice in epic fantasy -- a stunning tale of magic, mystery, and revolution in which the former heir to the emperor will fight to reclaim her power and her place on the throne.

"One of the best debut fantasy novels of the year." -- BuzzFeed News
"An amazing start to a new trilogy." -- Culturess
"It grabs you by the heart and the throat from the first pages and doesn't let go." -- Sarah J. Maas

The emperor's reign has lasted for decades, his mastery of bone shard magic powering the animal-like constructs that maintain law and order. But now his rule is failing, and revolution is sweeping across the Empire's many islands.

Lin is the emperor's daughter and spends her days trapped in a palace of locked doors and dark secrets. When her father refuses to recognise her as heir to the throne, she vows to prove her worth by mastering the forbidden art of bone shard magic.

Yet such power carries a great cost, and when the revolution reaches the gates of the palace, Lin must decide how far she is willing to go to claim her birthright - and save her people.

"One of the best debut fantasy novels of the year." --BuzzFeed News

"An amazing start to a new trilogy." --Culturess

"It grabs you by the heart and the throat from the first pages and doesn't let go." --Sarah J. Maas

"Epic fantasy at its most human and heartfelt . . . inventive, adventurous and wonderfully written." --Alix E. Harrow

"Utterly absorbing. I adored it." --Emily Duncan

"A thoroughly fantastic read." --Kevin Hearne

"Stewart's debut is sharp and compelling. It will hook readers in and make them fiercely anticipate the rest of the series." --Booklist

"Groundbreaking epic fantasy for a new age." --Tasha Suri

"Begins with a spark of intrigue that ignites into a thrilling adventure." --Hafsah Faizal